Fossefall appoints Haavind as trusted legal adviser

The goal for Fossefall AI is to ensure that their projects are carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

“These are large-scale industrial projects that require structure, predictability and high quality at every stage,” says Eirik Wiik, Director of Real Estate at Fossefall. “Haavind combines legal precision with commercial understanding, and they deliver craftsmanship of the highest calibre.”

In recent years, Haavind has built one of Norway’s strongest legal teams within technology and energy-related infrastructure, combined with one of the strongest real estate teams, and works closely with CBRE, one of Fossefall’s key partners.

“This sector is a young but rapidly growing industry that needs clear legal and contractual frameworks to be able to realise large-scale investments” says Herman Roksund, Partner at Haavind. “Fossefall is taking a strong and strategic position and demonstrating that it is possible to build Norwegian technology infrastructure together with strategic international partners in a accurate professional and transparent way.  We are proud to act as the company’s legal adviser throughout this process.”

“We want to build an ecosystem of capable and responsible actors who think long term,” says Wiik. “This sector is growing rapidly, and it must be built on quality, order and respect for proper process. We know what it takes to succeed.” Wiik believes Norway must gain greater control over its own digital infrastructure.

“Much of Norway’s digital infrastructure is controlled by foreign companies. That creates an imbalance. Norway must take stronger ownership of its own data and resources – for reasons of both security and value creation,” he says.

He also takes into consideration the increasing focus on security by customers for the sector, and the fact that stricter public regulations are on the way. “New requirements coming into force in 2026, ensuring that more data is stored on Norwegian soil, is an important step. We want to contribute to developing the Norwegian and Nordic datacentre and AI industry.”

Øyvind L. Vesterdal, CEO of Fossefall, underlines that the collaboration with Haavind reflects the company’s core values.

“To succeed as a technology nation, Norway must build AI infrastructure that combines energy, competence and integrity, with a long-term perspective,” says Vesterdal.
 “That means following proper processes, building trust with local communities and partners, and never taking shortcuts. This is industrial development on a national scale, and it must be done the right way.”