Foreign subsidiaries in Norway, 2000-2004

The foreign-controlled enterprises’ value added was NOK 260 billion in 2004. This accounts for slightly more than 26 per cent of the total value added in all enterprises in Norway. Foreign-controlled enterprises within oil and gas exploration accounted for more than 35 per cent of the value added in this industry. The value added per employee was around NOK 1 150 000 in the foreign-controlled enterprises, compared to slightly less than NOK 800 000 in the business economy as a whole.

Large enterprises dominate

In 2004, one in five employees worked in a foreign-controlled enterprise. The largest share was found within oil and gas exploration. In this industry, 36 per cent were employed by a foreign-controlled enterprise. In real estate, renting and business activities the share was 24 per cent, and in manufacturing the share was 21 per cent. The importance of foreign ownership becomes even more evident if we look at enterprises with 250 or more employees. Such enterprises accounted for 38 per cent of the employment and 37 per cent of the value added for enterprises of this size. The medium-sized foreign-controlled enterprises (50-90 employees) dominate with regard to value added, accounting for 46 per cent, while they account for 18 per cent of the employment in this size group.

Average wage costs per employee are higher for foreign-controlled enterprises. In 2004, average wages for employees in these enterprises were NOK 444 000, compared to NOK 341 000 in the whole business economy.

Sweden and the USA main ownership countries

Sweden is the largest ownership country measured by the number of enterprises and employees, accounting for 33 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. Measured by value added, the USA is the largest ownership country with a share of 34 per cent, followed by France with 14 per cent and Sweden with 13 per cent.

Tables:

• Table 1 Enterprises under foreign control compared with all enterprises within the whole business economy, 2000-2004
• Table 2 Enterprises under foreign control compared to the whole business economy, by industry section . 2004
• Table 3 Enterprises under foreign controll compared to the whole business economy, by number of persons employed. 2004
• Table 4 Enterprises under foreign controll , by country of ultimate owner.2004