Antitrust and Competition

Wiersholm’s competition lawyers are recognised as some of Norway’s leading experts in competition law. We have been involved in several high-profile competition law cases in Norway and possess significant experience in managing and securing approval for complex, cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, we assist in cases involving illegal cooperation and abuse of dominant positions.

Our lawyers have achieved excellent results in disputes with competition authorities and in actions for damages. Our comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of competition law, combined with our participation and success in groundbreaking cases, enables us to navigate risks and provide strategic and practical advice effectively.

Our Services

Competition law assistance in mergers and acquisitions, including risk assessments, notification requirements, and handling of merger processes with competition authorities in Norway and the EU/EEA

Support in cases of potential illegal cooperation or abuse of a dominant position before competition authorities in Norway and the EU

Advice on various forms of cooperation and information exchange

Evaluations related to dominant companies’ strategic options

Assessments of the relationship between competition rules and sectoral legislation

Design of compliance programs and compliance training

Assistance in board and complaint processes, as well as in disputes/arbitration

Assistance with claims for damages in competition cases before the courts

Wiersholm Competition Forum

The Wiersholm Competition Forum is an annual conference aimed at exchanging experiences and discussing current competition law topics that are particularly relevant for businesses and professionals working in competition law and economics.

Read more about the conference

Competition law discretion and risk are central to many decision-making processes. Competition authorities in Norway and internationally are increasingly employing new tools and instruments to assess mergers and acquisitions, cooperation, and abuse of dominant positions. In certain instances, competition authorities may impose measures in markets even without a breach of the rules. The increasing regulatory complexity and expansive approach from competition authorities necessitate a deep understanding of competition rules, authorities’ priorities, and enforcement practices.

Our competition lawyers are ranked as leaders in Norway by ranking agencies such as Chambers and Legal500. We regularly handle complex transaction processes across jurisdictions and have extensive experience in securing clearance in complicated cases where authorities have initially notified intervention. Our lawyers were also successful in the first merger case to be heard by the Supreme Court. We have worked on significant cases concerning cooperation and abuse of dominant positions before the Norwegian Competition Authority, as well as cases before the ESA and the European Commission.

Our team assists in all phases of the regulatory process, from securing evidence to reviewing decisions, and provides accurate and practical advice to navigate room for maneuver in all markets. We also represent clients in competition cases before the courts and have handled most of the principal cases in competition law.

Our specialised expertise and experience from landmark cases in Norway and the EU enable us to contribute to effective risk management and advice that aligns with our clients’ needs and commercial goals.

The Wiersholm competition team is a top competition outfit in Norway. Their strength lies in a deep understanding of the law, including relevant EU case law. Their lawyers are critical thinkers and always take the ‘devil’s advocate’ in effect shifting the discussion to what the competition authority will think or do or how they will react to our arguments.’
Legal 500