The current geopolitical situation leads to concerns in Norway regarding property acquisitions by buyers with associations to foreign states in strategic sensitive areas.

The European Commission (the "Commission") has decided not to extend the EU legal framework which exempts specific liner shipping consortia from the EU antitrust rules (the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation or the "CBER"). The CBER has historically permitted shipping lines, under certain conditions, to enter into cooperation agreements to provide joint cargo services, also known as "consortia".

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation ("FSR") (Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market) aims to expand EU/EEA state aid control to financial contributions from third countries, in order to prevent "foreign subsidies" from distorting the internal market.

In the Norwegian Supreme Court's first judgment in a merger control case, it has sided with the merging parties against the competition authority. Why?

Foreign direct investment and national security

Competition Law

Partner

Preben is specialized within competition law, as well as within control on foreign direct investments under the Security Act,. He has extensive experience in handling large and complex competition cases within a wide range of industries, both as a lawyer and as a public servant.

Preben advises Norwegian and international clients on all aspects of competition law, with a particular focus on merger control. He has also been lead lawyer on some of the biggest infringement cases in Norway in the recent years.

Preben is ranked as "Next Generation Partner" in Legal 500 and "Up & Coming" in Chambers & Partners.

Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen "is able to see the case from different perspectives and find solutions. He shares his views and gives good advice. He is very dedicated, thorough and a pleasant lawyer to work with, in addition to cost efficient." (Chambers & Partners Europe Guide 2022).

Oslo

{"title":{"title":"Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen | Wikborg Rein"}}

Preben is specialized within competition law, and has extensive experience in handling large and complex competition cases within a wide range of industries, both as a lawyer and as a public servant.

Jump to main content

Articles on wr.no

Real estate transactions and national security

The European Commission has decided not to extend the antitrust block exemption for liner shipping consortia

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation now in force

The Norwegian Supreme Court permits merger between Schibsted and Nettbil