Norway - Using an Agent to Sell US Products and Services Norway - Using an Agent
Although around 300 U.S. companies have a presence or subsidiaries in Norway, most U.S. firms rely on agents or distributors to represent their business in Norway.
It is worth noting that many agents and distributors in Norway will prefer exclusivity given the size of the market and since they will typically invest effort and financial resources into building brand awareness and developing a market position for the U.S. product or service. It is advisable to carefully think through the issue of exclusivity versus non-exclusivity before entering into negotiations with potential partners. Clearly stated terms, including performance measures and termination clauses, should be built into any agreement granting exclusivity (see further information below).
Most agents, major importers and distributors are headquartered in the Oslo region; some have sub-agents or sales offices in other major Norwegian cities, such as Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, Kristiansand, and Tromsø. Around 3/4 of Norway's 5.3 million people reside in the southern half of Norway