Enterprises, 2008

The figures are taken from the Central Register of Establishments and Enterprises at Statistics Norway and include all enterprises except general government.

Most enterprises were private limited companies or sole proprietorships

Four out of ten enterprises were private limited companies. They had 74 per cent of the total turnover and 74 per cent of all persons employed. Half of all enterprises were sole proprietorships, but they generated a mere 3 per cent of the total turnover and had 12 per cent of all persons employed.

Highest turnover within wholesale and retail trade

Enterprises within wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles had the largest share of turnover (26 per cent) and number of persons employed (21 per cent), and constituted 13 per cent of all enterprises. The largest share of enterprises was found within agriculture, forestry and fishing (16 per cent).

Most enterprises were small

A total of 86 per cent of the enterprises had less than 5 persons employed. Only 1 per cent of all enterprises had 50 or more persons employed, but these enterprises were responsible for 55 per cent of the total turnover and 47 per cent of all persons employed.

Tables:

• Table 1 Enterprises, by economic activity and size groups. 2008. NACE Rev. 2
• Table 2 Total number of enterprises, persons employed and turnover, by economic activity. 2008. NACE Rev. 2
• Table 3 Total number of enterprises, persons employed and turnover, by legal form. 2008