Enterprises, Q4 2010

A total of 49 172 enterprises were registered in 2010; an increase of over 8 per cent compared with the previous year. This is the first time since 2006 there has been an increase in the number of new enterprises.

Major increase in new NUFs

Over 4 700 new Norwegian division of foreign enterprises (NUFs) were registered in 2010. In 2001 there were less than 200 new NUFs. This is therefore the organisational structure with the largest increase the last 10 years.

The number of new sole proprietorships has increased by about 25 per cent, while the number of new private limited companies has increased by 13 per cent during this 10-year period.

The largest share of the new enterprises was to be found within professional, scientific and technical activities. Over 14 per cent belonged to this economic activity in 2010.

One third registered in Oslo/Akershus

One out of three enterprises in 2010 were registered in the region of Oslo/Akershus, and nearly 6 out of 10 new enterprises (57.2 per cent) were registered in Eastern Norway in total¹.

1 Eastern Norway defined as the counties Akershus, Oslo, Østfold, Vestfold, Hedmark, Oppland, Telemark and Buskerud.

Tables:

• Table 1 New enterprises, by quarter and legal form. 2009 and 2010
• Table 2 New enterprises, by quarter and economic activity. 2009 and 2010
• Table 3 New enterprises, by quarter and county. 2009 and 2010