Svein-Helge Hanken leads the aquaculture and fisheries practice at Wiersholm, which maintains a strong track record in advising on high-value transactions in the industry. The interdisciplinary team also has notable experience handling operational issues, as well as framework conditions and tax matters. Also in the core group is Harald Hellebust, who clients single out for his ‘invaluable’ expertise. Erik Staurset Andresen and Sigrid Ratvik Østvik joined the practice from Advokatfirmaet Schjødt in 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Deep knowledge of the aquaculture-sector, which is a complex industry, particularly Svein-Helge Hanken.’

  • 'They have an overall competence that is impressive.'

  • 'We have worked together with Harald Hellebust for many years. For us, with his competence and demeanour, he has been absolutely invaluable to us. Without his advice, we would not have come close to achieving the goals we have set ourselves.'

Key clients

  • Mowi ASA
  • Norway Royal Salmon ASA
  • Kverva AS
  • Scale Aquaculture AS
  • Insula AS
  • Salmar ASA
  • Milarex AS
  • Benchmark Holdings plc
  • Summa Equity AB
  • Reyktal
  • Samherji hf
  • Kistefos AS
  • Lumarine AS
  • Rimfrost AS
  • Alltech Norway AS
  • Artic Fish ehf
  • Norcod AS
  • Gigante Salmon AS
  • Statt Torsk AS
  • Proximar Seafood AS

Work highlights

  • Advised the minority shareholders of Sinkaberg-Hansen on the sale of their joint stake of 44.4% of the shares in Sinkaberg-Hansen AS to BEWI Invest AS for an consideration of NOK2.2bn.
  • Advised Benchmark Holdings plc on its listing of its shares on Euronext Growth, Oslo.
  • Advised Scale Aquaculture AS on its acquisition of Skala Maskon AS.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Svein-Helge Hanken

Other key lawyers

Harald Hellebust, Erik Staurset Andresen, Sigrid Ratvik Østvik