helping Japanese companies establish operations in Norway
I assist Japanese companies looking to establish a business in Norway with business setup, market insight, company valuation and the acquisition of suitable companies, as well as practical support that takes applicable laws and regulations into account.
Discuss your plans for Norway
I help small and medium-sized Japanese companies identify opportunities in Norway, assess their potential and move from plans to execution in manageable stages. I combine more than 20 years of experience across leadership, strategy, finance and business development, including M&A, with knowledge of the Norwegian market, industry connections and cooperation with trusted legal and administrative specialists.
You work directly with me throughout the engagement. I personally lead the analysis, discussions and implementation. Your engagement is not handed over to junior staff. Where specialist expertise is needed, I bring in specialists and coordinate their contributions.
I assess demand, competition and how your products and services fit the Norwegian market. Together, we consider potential customers and partners, and whether establishing a business, making an acquisition or forming a partnership is the most suitable route.
Explore market insight and entry strategyI help identify and assess Norwegian companies and partners, carry out valuations and move the process forward. Support can cover acquisitions, strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
Explore acquisitions and strategic partnershipsI help with customer engagement, business planning and the practical steps of establishing a business in Norway. This also includes cooperation between Norwegian and Japanese management and helping expatriate employees and their families settle in.
Explore business development and establishment supportAs Managing Director, I led the transformation of VestfoldLAB and held overall responsibility for the sale to SGS.
Read about VestfoldLAB“Bent turned the business around and increased sales by approximately 70%, while also carrying out extensive modernisation.”
Torhild Bering Wiik
Chair of the Board, VestfoldLAB, March 2021–January 2025
I led a market assessment linking demand for subsea vessels with the shipyards’ capacity and capabilities. The analysis provided a basis for deciding which vessel segments the group should prioritise.
Read about the shipyard projectA successful start also depends on the people who will run the business. I assist with practical start-up tasks and help Japanese managers understand Norwegian business culture and working life. I also assist with the practical aspects of establishing a presence in Norway and adjusting to Norwegian working life. For employees relocating to Norway and their families, this may include housing, schooling and local services.
Explore practical establishment and cross-cultural cooperationFor Japanese companies looking to develop their business in Europe, Norway offers opportunities that can complement their strategy.
Low political risk, transparent regulation and a high level of social trust make Norway a predictable environment for business.
Norway is at the forefront of renewable energy, subsea technology and the circular economy, offering opportunities for Japanese innovation and cooperation.
With widespread digital adoption and openness to new technology, Norway offers a strong setting for testing concepts, products and services before wider European expansion.
Build your Norwegian business on a clear understanding of customers, competitors and commercial potential. I identify where your products and strengths fit the market, develop business plans and help you connect with prospective customers and partners.
Drawing on experience in Norwegian business leadership and business development, I also support the practical work needed to get operations underway.
Explore establishment supportAn acquisition can accelerate market entry by providing an established customer base, experienced people and the capabilities needed to operate.
I support target selection, assessment of strategic fit and company value, and the acquisition process. I worked on acquisitions and valuations at Subsea 7 and Humana and took full responsibility for the sale of VestfoldLAB to SGS.
Explore acquisition supportUnderstanding a market means knowing how companies operate, what customers expect and whom to speak to. My experience and networks cover offshore and subsea, testing and analysis, health and care services, and textile recycling.
I combine this insight with targeted research to identify opportunities, connect with relevant businesses and assess what success will require.
Independent adviser · AFA
I have carried out valuations for KPMG clients and at Subsea 7 and Humana. As a leader of Norwegian businesses, I have also led restructuring, modernisation, growth and a company sale. This combination helps me assess both the financial case and the practical challenges of establishing or acquiring a business.
Learn more about my backgroundWhether you have a specific acquisition target or are considering Norway for the first time, successful market entry requires a well-researched approach with a clear path forward.
The Norway Entry Assessment builds a basis for decision-making in three stages.
Assess how your products and strengths match Norwegian demand, competition and regulatory requirements.
Compare organic growth, partnerships and acquisitions to assess the most effective and profitable route.
Set out recommendations with clear next steps, resource requirements and measures to reduce risk.
The process provides concrete information and a clear basis for investment decisions before you commit substantial resources.