
Wikborg Rein top ranked in Chambers Europe
We are delighted to announce that we have once again achieved top rankings in Chambers Europe in a total of 19 categories, which is more than any other Norwegian law firm.

Wikborg Rein top ranked in Chambers Global 2024
It is with great pleasure that we can announce that once again we have been top-ranked in the annual Chambers Global ranking, strengthening our position as Norway's most international law firm.

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.

We have assisted DIF Capital Partners and EDF Invest with their acquisition of Fjord1
We have assisted DIF Capital Partners (via its DIF Infrastructure VII Fund) and EDF Invest (the investment arm of the EDF Group in real assets) with entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Fjord1, the largest owner and operator of ferries in Norway. Subject to closing of the transaction, Fjord1 will be acquired from Vision Ridge Partners and Havila Holding. Vision Ridge and Havila Holding have been investors in Fjord1 since 2019 and 2011, respectively.

Amendments to the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) on 1 June 2023
On June 1, 2023, certain amendments are being made to the Market Abuse Regulation ("MAR") as implemented in Norway. The amendments are caused by the enactment of the EU SME Growth Market Regulation (2019/2115).

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.

Wikborg Rein top ranked in Chambers Global 2023
It is with great pleasure we can announce that we have again been top ranked in the annual guide Chambers Global 2023.

Upcoming amendments to the shareholding disclosure obligations in Norway
On 8 April 2022, the Ministry of Finance proposed a long overdue draft bill (Prop. 83 LS) with several amendments to the rules regarding disclosure of large shareholdings (Nw.: flaggeplikt) in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act (STA) and Securities Trading Regulation (STR) to the Norwegian Parliament. The amended rules enter into force on 1 September 2022.

Debt Capital Financing of offshore wind projects
Offshore wind projects will play an important role in meeting the world’s need and demand for sustainable energy going forward. Offshore wind projects make an attractive investment, due to, among other factors, their stable and heavily regulated nature, as well as their green profile and the possibility of long term cash flows.

What you need to know about the new UK sanctions regime post-Brexit
As the Brexit transition period has recently come to an end, we highlight below some key differences brought about by the UK's new sanctions regime and what you need to know about the new regime.

Shipping project finance – new regulatory intricacies
Project financing has historically been a popular investment scheme and source of capital in Norway for shipping projects. The Norwegian regulatory authorities have however recently published guidelines regarding the application of the alternative investment fund regime on project finance entities and it is important that issuers, advisors, arrangers and investors are aware of the pitfalls of being captured by the wide definition of an alternative investment fund, and what steps they can take in order to adapt to the regulations.