With a large and experienced team described by clients as ‘one of the best in Norway’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS continues to act on a high volume of complex transactions, IPOs, and private placements. Acting for an impressive client roster that includes large domestic and international investment banks and corporates, the team has particular strength in equity capital market transactions. Practice co-head Christian Grüner Sagstad is a key name here, working alongside co-head Einar Grette, who takes point on debt capital markets matters. Other key ECM names include Hans Cappelen Arnesen, Anders Arnkværn and Solveig Fagerheim Bugge, while new partner Frida Stene-Slotte and the ’highly skilled‘ Halvor Mansåker are key contacts on the DCM front.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the clear leaders in Norwegian capital markets. Definitely a go-to firm in the Norwegian market. Maybe the best team available for Norwegian ECM/IPOs and they are strong in M&A as well. They have broad capabilities and high quality.’
‘We have worked with Anders Arnkværn on several IPOs. He has a hands-on approach and is quick to respond on important matters. Also pragmatic. We also have very good experience with the rest of the team associates and senior associates (and other partners).’
‘Our go-to firm for negotiations and regulatory discussions. Highly skilled at negotiations and contracts, with particular skills within financial regulations. Very good at resource allocation - always capacity.’
‘Anders Arnkværn - negotiator with exceptional commercial understanding. Hans Arnesen - highly skilled and extremely trustworthy confidant and strategic planner.’
‘Extremely qualified and knowledgeable. Very strong team - one of the best (if not the best) in Norway.’
‘Extremely competent team members from partners to junior resources.’
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Partner. Mr Anders Arnkværn has long experience within the areas of M&A and Capital Markets and advises on both large-scaled and small transactions. He is continuously ranked by recognised rating agencies among the leading Norwegian lawyers within both M&A and Capital Markets. Mr Arnkværn heads Thommessen's practice area for Private Equity.
Mr Einar Grette's practice focuses on financing and restructuring in the bank- and bond markets, including national and international loan agreements, syndicated facilities and bond issuances. He acts for banks, trustees, bondholders, investment banks and borrowers/issuers of financial products. Mr Grette is ranked among Norway’s leading lawyers within banking and finance and capital markets by international rating agencies.
Leading individuals
Mr Hans Cappelen Arnesen ("Hasse") works primarily with matters concerning M&A, offerings and IPO's, and acts for a various corporate clients, private equity firms and leading investment banks. He is consistently ranked as a leading lawyer in Norway within M&A and equity capital markets by international rating agencies.
Partner. Mrs Solveig Fagerheim Bugge has extensive experience with M&A and capital market transactions. She also advises clients on Norwegian corporate and securities law and regulations.
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christian Grüner Sagstad, Einar Grette