Sweden > Legal market overview
The Swedish transactional market continued in a state of flux in 2012. A hoped-for third-quarter increase in deal volume failed to materialise and ministers downgraded official growth forecasts from 2.7% to 1.1% for 2013. Busier areas included the debt markets, outsourcing, insolvency and restructuring.
The legal market remained relatively stable, with MAQS Law Firm’s merger with Danish firms Bang + Regnarsen and NORSKER being the only deal of note. Firms focused on organic development and some lateral hires, although there were fewer major defections than during 2011. Many firms forecast static or declining revenues, and clients report a widespread willingness to adopt flexible billing.
The two largest firms, Mannheimer Swartling and Advokatfirman Vinge, maintain their hold at the top of the market.
Advokatfirman Lindahl KB, the third largest firm, had a steady year, and national firms Wistrand and Setterwalls appeared to gain ground.
Westerberg Jarund Advokatbyrå (in the area of employment and insolvency) and Wimert Lundgren Advokatbyrå AB (construction) continued the trend for breakaway boutiques, although niche tax practice Andréasson & Co disbanded.
Linklaters LLP distinguishes itself from other international firms by its focus on large, cross-border transactions. After a steady 2011 and despite the firm’s stated commitment to Stockholm, further departures from the firm restoked speculation as to whether or not it will remain there. White & Case Advokat AB is well established and highly regarded for transactional work. Ashurst saw the sudden departure of key banking partners.
Finnish firms Hannes Snellman Advokatbyrå AB and Roschier continue to progress in the market.