IFLR 1000
The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

Vogt & Wiig joins the rankings for the first time due to its experience in the equity markets.

In one significant deal that show this experience, oil and shipping expert Christian Ditlev-Simonsen and Erlend Lous advised Saga Tankers on its listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange in June 2010. As part of the IPO the firm advised its client on a private placement and listing.

Anders Monrad is the primary banking and finance face of Vogt & Wiig, while partner Christine Rødsæther is well known by peers for her shipping finance expertise while Erik Solheim also lead on some good mandates. Peers comment that private equity and shipping are two areas in which the firm is strong.

Monrad leads on most of the firm's big financings often with senior associate Siri Bjørn in support. In standout instructions, he advised DnB NOR Bank and Innovation Norway (owned by the Norwegian state) in connection with a rescue operation involving a re-financing and restructuring of the Norwegian based international paper company Peterson Group.

Monrad also acted for DnB NOR Bank in relation to two other large deals: the real estate development project "Jåttavågen - Hinna Park", where Aker Solutions is building a new office block (which includes a sale and leaseback partly financed by private equity investors); and the acquisition of the Danish real estate company Nordania Ejendom, again partly financed by a private equity syndicate arranged by Fearnley Finans.

Rødsæther advised Nordea Bank Norge (as leader or a syndicate of banks) on a €188 million multi-currency term loan facility to Solstad Rederi and, with Singapre based senior associate Thomas Dale, Nordea Bank Finland Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken and Fokus Bank on a $233 million syndicated senior secured refinancing of Singco Gas and Somargas II's fleet of ten gas carriers.

Bergen partner Solheim and Dale assisted Nordea Bank Norge, Danmarks Skibskredit, Swedbank and Eksportfinans on a €127 million syndicated senior secured refinancing of four vessels and financing of one new building for DOF Rederi.

Vogt & Wiig is "heavier on litigation and more maritime related issues," says one client, but is "responsive, has good legal expertise and a valuable network". The firm has strong corporate real estate and shipping practices under Christian Ditlev-Simonsen (oil and shipping), Bjarte Bogstad and Arthur Duus.

Ditlev-Simonsen recently acted for the South African state oil company Sasol Petroleum International on the acquisition of a part of the Norwegian Carbon Capture Plant at Kårstø for €13 million, while Bogstad assisted Lillestrømbanken Eiendom and ØIE in matters relating to a €254 million real estate project. The latter deal involved the acquisition and merger of eight real estate companies and construction of a new shopping mall, offices complex and apartment block in greater Oslo.

Arthur Duus advised aquacultuire company Alsaker Fjordbruk on its acquisition of 100% of the shares in AL Nordsjø.