About us
An independent Norwegian
corporate finance advisory firm
OCF is an independent Norwegian corporate finance advisory firm serving shareholders, boards and management teams on acquisitions and divestments, capital raising and strategic ownership decisions.
We combine extensive transaction experience, financial analysis and commercial judgement, with particular insight into technology, industry and specialised supply chains.
OCF Partners AS is an investment firm authorised by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway.
Our team
Partner-led advisory team
OCF is a partner-led advisory firm. Our partners remain closely involved throughout each engagement, supported by dedicated analytical resources.
Espen S. Johansen
Managing Partner
Espen has extensive experience in corporate finance, investment banking and international business development, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors.
He previously served as Director, Investment Banking at Fearnley Securities and held senior commercial positions at Weatherford, Nor-Ocean Offshore and HTX Partners, among others. He also has board and operational management experience.
Espen combines financial and transaction expertise with hands-on experience in business development and international markets.
He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Jan Wessel Bratterud
Partner
Jan has more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance, M&A and investments, with a particular focus on owner-managed businesses and technology companies.
He was a partner at Jarlsberg Partners from 2005 to 2020 and has extensive experience in acquisitions and divestments, capital raising and strategic ownership advisory.
Jan also has investment and business development experience through MTI Vekst and has held several board positions in technology and growth companies.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles in sales, marketing and international business development, including at Unisys and Birdstep Technology.
He combines transaction expertise with practical experience in investments, business development and operational management.
Sebastian Gaunt Sande
Senior Analyst
Sebastian has experience in corporate finance, financial analysis and financial management, with particular expertise in financial modelling and strategic decision support.
He has worked on M&A and capital raising processes, including financial analysis, forecasting, market research, investor presentations and transaction execution support.
Sebastian also has hands-on experience in financial controlling and management, including at Skala, where he worked with liquidity management, working capital, reporting and decision support for management and the board.
He holds an MSc in Accounting & Finance from the London School of Economics and a Master of Arts in Business Management from the University of Edinburgh, including exchange studies at Bocconi University.
Our role
Supporting sound decisions on ownership, capital and transactions
Our role is to support sound decisions on ownership, capital and transactions.
For some clients, this means assessing whether the time is right to sell all or part of a business. For others, it involves completing an acquisition, raising capital or considering alternative ownership strategies.
We advise both after a decision to pursue a transaction has been made and at an earlier stage, before shareholders decide whether to initiate a process.
We emphasise independent judgement, thorough preparation, clear positioning and active process management.
Establish a sound basis for decisions by shareholders, boards and management
Structure and lead the process from strategic assessment to closing
Create competitive tension among buyers or investors where appropriate
Manage the process towards the best possible transaction outcome
Industries and sectors
Technology, industry and specialised supply chains
OCF has particular experience in technology-focused and industrial businesses, especially companies that develop, manufacture, integrate and supply specialised products, technologies and services to other businesses.
Energy and industrial services
Suppliers and service providers across oil and gas, offshore, subsea and industrial value chains.
Industrial manufacturing and systems integration
Manufacturers, component suppliers, technical subcontractors and companies assembling or integrating industrial products.
Electronics, sensors and technology systems
Companies developing and supplying electronics, sensors, measurement technology, control systems and related software.
IT, software and technical solutions
IT and software companies, systems integrators, technical agencies and distributors of specialised technology products.
Many of these companies operate in specialised supply chains, serving larger customers in energy, maritime, defence and other technology-intensive markets.
A common characteristic is that their competitive advantages are built on technical expertise, specialised products, established customer relationships and strong positions in their value chains.
How we work
Close client relationships and hands-on partner involvement
OCF prioritises close client relationships and hands-on involvement from the partners responsible for each engagement.
We work on a limited number of engagements at any one time to ensure focus, continuity and quality throughout the process.
Each engagement is tailored to the client’s circumstances, objectives and needs, combining strategic and commercial judgement with financial analysis and structured execution.
A successful advisory engagement does not necessarily result in a transaction. Above all, it should enable the client to make a sound, well-founded decision.
Collaboration and networks
Specialised expertise through collaboration
OCF works with external specialists who bring complementary industrial and commercial expertise.
These collaborations provide additional industry insight and networks in construction and infrastructure, technical agencies, sports and media, and food and beverage.
They complement our in-house expertise, while OCF retains responsibility for its own advisory engagements.