Foreign direct investment and national security
Foreign direct investment and national security law reviews play an increasingly important part of M&A. Our team of experts help clients navigate these laws both domestically as well as in an ever more complex international landscape.
Over 100 countries now have foreign investment or national security laws, with new laws coming into force constantly. In Norway, changes to the Security Act during 2023 mean more transactions than ever are likely to be subject to review for their impact on national security. Against this backdrop, our team can assist in formulating and implementing coordinated strategies to give your deal the best chance of moving towards a successful completion.
We offer
- Screening M&A activity for filing requirements;
- Representing clients before the Norwegian authorities;
- Project management and the coordination of filings across several jurisdictions;
- Coordination with other regulatory workstreams, including merger filings;
- Advice on potential sanctions for infringements of the relevant legal frameworks.
We also work with the best lawyers internationally to ensure that all regulatory workstreams are handled efficiently, with Wikborg Rein acting as your single point of contact. Combined with our market leading competition/antitrust practice, we are well placed to offer clients a seamless way through what is now a challenging regulatory landscape.
Other relevant expertise areas
Read our articles on Foreign direct investment and national security
Real estate transactions and national security
The current geopolitical situation leads to concerns in Norway regarding property acquisitions by buyers with associations to foreign states in strategic sensitive areas.
Changes to Norway's foreign investment control regime proposed
This week, the Investment Control Commission – appointed by the Norwegian government in 2022 – delivered its report concerning Norway's foreign direct investment laws. The report proposes significant changes to the current system, ostensibly in order to protect national security interests, and would bring Norway's rules on FDI more in line with some of its European neighbours.
Proposed amendments to the Norwegian Security Act – expansion of the FDI rules
On Friday 31 March, the Government submitted a bill proposing amendments to the Norwegian Security Act. The proposed changes may mean that far more transactions will be subject to FDI screening, and changes in the procedural rules may have a major impact on deals, not least with respect to deal timetable.
