Public procurement
Public procurement represents the single largest marketplace in both Norway and Europe. It is shaped by political priorities and governed by an intricate and highly regulated legal framework. In Norway alone, the public sector purchases goods, services and construction works worth approximately NOK 750 billion annually. For businesses, this presents substantial commercial opportunities. At the same time, public authorities are bound by stringent legal obligations, and any misstep in the procurement process may lead to sanctions, including liability for damages.
At Arntzen, our specialist lawyers possess extensive experience across every stage of the procurement lifecycle. We are also actively engaged in shaping the legal landscape, having contributed to key national bodies such as the Procurement Law Review Committee, the Simplification Committee, and the Norwegian Complaints Board for Public Procurement.
Leveraging insights from both legal practice and regulatory development, we assist suppliers and contracting authorities alike—from strategic planning and tender submissions to complex dispute resolution. Our expertise spans related fields including administrative law, state aid, and competition law. Combined with our multidisciplinary approach, this ensures that we provide comprehensive and commercially focused advice that supports our clients’ strategic goals.
The team is very approachable and with good knowledge of how to handle the authorities and the current status of the law.
Chambers Europe, 2025
We assist leading players in complex procurement disputes and strategic processes concerning public contracts, including:
- Itinera S.p.A. in a dispute against the Norwegian Public Roads Administration concerning the scope of the procurement rules on the exclusion of suppliers in a major construction contract (approximate value: NOK 5 billion).
- Mantena AS in a dispute with Vygruppen AS regarding the legality of the award decision in a tender competition for maintenance services (approximate value: NOK 5 billion).
- The County Authorities of Vestfold and Telemark throughout all stages of the competitive tendering process for operator contracts, involving an estimated route production exceeding 160 million route kilometres.
- The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, in connection with a legal assessment of the regulatory discretion under EEA law to impose quality requirements in the procurement of vessels.
