MAQS Advokatbyrå‘s nationwide energy team, spread across offices in Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm and Sundsvall, focuses on transactional matters in the renewables space, particularly in relation to wind and solar energy matters. Gothenburg-based practice head Mikael Kowal has considerable experience in acquisitions, divestments and financings in renewable energy assets. Jessica Svantesson, also in Gothenburg, leverages her real estate expertise to advise on land lease agreements concerning solar and wind power development projects, among other issues. Cecilia Rossing has now left the firm.
‘A strong team with extensive knowledge in renewables.’
‘Jessica Svantesson is always available with a positive attitude. She is matter of fact and quickly comes up with good input on issues.’
‘Mikael Kowal has solid experience as a hands-on commercially-minded partner who understands the essentials.’
‘Mikael Kowal and Jessica Svantesson offer unique insights and experience in renewable energy/wind energy.’
‘Sara Malmström and Amanda Dyberg are highly recommended for M&A transactions in the field. Mikael Kowal has in-depth knowledge of all types of energy-related questions.’
‘A strong energy team that is solution-oriented, quick in responding and reasonably priced.’
’‘MAQS is well established in the field of renewable energy.’
Key clients
FlagshipONE AB
Rabbalshede Kraft AB
Dala Vind AB
Liquid Wind AB
EnBW Sverige AB
Renewable Sweden AB
Vencom Residential AB
Locus Energy AB
Work highlights
Advising Liquid Wind regarding a Series B financing in the amount of €15.2m.
Advising Locus Energy on its acquisition of ten old wind turbines from Windevo.
Assisting Rabbalshede Vind AB with drafting and negotiating a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft.
MAQS Advokatbyrå is well known for acting on high-value infrastructure and energy projects, often including cross-jurisdictional elements, and is widely recognised for its strength in contentious matters and arbitration proceedings. Practice head Anna Almroth specialises in construction contracts and real estate development work, and has a strong background in environmental law. The highly regarded practitioner Erik Kjaer brings extensive expertise in arbitration, which also forms a key pillar of Erik Palmgren‘s practice. Annakarin Skogsberg is a name to note.
‘The quality of Erik Kjaer’s advice is absolutely excellent, always quick, sharp, accurate and very, very professional. We highly value Mr Kjaer’s legal expertise but also his excellent understanding of our business, which together gives excellent value for money. Mr Kjaer is extremely quick to understand our questions/positions, and he always provides excellent support with fast and accurate answers. ’
‘MAQS has delivered professional help and is very competent in their field. ’
‘ The team at MAQS is excellent as it always puts the customer in focus, also their availability and expertise in the areas that we have used the team for have proven to be very good at a cost that feels good.’
‘We have used MAQS law firm to a great extent, mainly in construction law. Erik Palmgren, who is a partner at MAQS, has shown great experience and knowledge in this area and stands out above all in the regulatory framework in which construction companies operate.’
‘Quick turnaround on assignments, attentive to customer needs, diverse team, knowledgeable, humble.’
‘Approachable, structured, empathetic.’
‘Extremely dedicated and well-read in each issue. Holistic approach including both the legal part but also advisory in the commercial part of dispute issues. Always a well-balanced team.’
‘They are very knowledgeable in this industry, and it shows in their approach to all kind of various issues. I have to mention Erik Kjaer, who always composes perfect teams and has extraordinary knowledge and skill. Knows in what areas his team is strong and balances and give me perfect advice.’
Key clients
Erlandsson Holding AB
Serneke Group AB
Securitas Technology Sweden AB
Boskalis N.V
Assemblin Sverige AB
RO-Gruppen AB
Billström Riemer Andersson Bygg AB
Circle K Sweden AB
AstraZeneca AB
Oljibe AB
Blue Wall Construction AB
Wästbygg AB
BESAB AB
Skeppsviken Bygg & Fastigheter AB
Okidoki Arkitekter AB
Eksjöhus AB
Envac Scandinavia AB
Van Oord B.V
Work highlights
Advising Boskalis and Van Oord on participation in the tendering process for the expansion of the Port of Luleå in order to support the Swedish steel and iron ore industry.
Assisting Serneke Group AB with the ongoing Karlatornet project.
Representing RO-Gruppen in contract negotiations with SAGAX AB regarding Arvid Nordqvist’s new production plant.
With practitioners in Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm and Sundsvall, MAQS Advokatbyrå’s nationwide environmental department specialises in permitting matters, recently advising on the application process for a biogas plant construction project, as well as land contamination liability assessments. The team also handles disputes, recently acting in a species protection case before the Land and Environment Court. Environmental regulations expert Magdalena Persson leads the team alongside newly promoted partner Anna Almroth, who is particularly strong operating at the intersection of environmental and real estate law.
‘The team is highly professional, structured and communicative.’
‘Magdalena Persson has a very high competence within the environmental field and she is very service minded and efficient. She also understood my problem and delivered a legal statement in time with solution oriented conclusions that helped me a lot.’
‘The law firm’s environment practice is service minded, supportive, effective and have a very good knowledge of the subject.’
Key clients
Ale kommun
Räddningstjänsten i Storgöteborg
Sundfrakt AB/Delta Terminal AB/Åkerigrus I Sundsvall AB (Sundfrakt group of companies)
Östersund Municipality
Krokom Municipality
PHS Hasselbacken AB
Vik Strand Holding AB
din-X Energy AB
Work highlights
Represented PHS Hasselbacken AB in a matter regarding a demolition permit for a pavilion, which it was claimed represented cultural/natural heritage values to Djurgården in Stockholm.
Assisting Östersund Municipality with the application process for an environmental permit to build and run a biogas plant, together with seven other municipalities in Jämtland County.
Representing Vik Strand Holding AB in a matter regarding species protection in a supervisory case which was tried by the Land and Environment Court in Växjö and finally decided by the Land and Environmental Court of Appeal.
With offices in Sundsvall, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, MAQS Advokatbyrå’s M&A team has a strong nationwide presence, advising major domestic companies in a range of sectors. Practice head Anton Olsson has key experience in cross-border acquisitions and private equity transactions. Sara Malmström, active in the IT, tech, retail, and media sectors, is the lead partner in Stockholm.
MAQS Advokatbyrå’s Gothenburg-based EU and competition law team regularly handles matters for leading domestic clients, including in the construction, pharma, automotive, and healthcare sectors. Practice head Mikael Åström has over 20 years of experience advising clients on the competition aspects of M&A transactions, regulatory compliance, and leniency applications in relation to anti-competitive practices. Cecilia Rossing has now left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Mikael Åström
Testimonials
‘Mikael Åström is an excellent lawyer with a great commercial understanding and approach. He is always available and gets right to the point in his advice.’
‘Mikael Åström is a truly brilliant lawyer who is also very nice to work with. He is very experienced and is one of the leading competition lawyers in Sweden.’
‘A great team with a lot of skillful lawyers available 24-7.’
‘The team stands out for their collaboration and availability. Moreover, they are very competent and can offer support in different areas and fields.’
Key clients
Infrastructure Logistics (ILAB)
Fonus
Zenuity
SCA Forest
Essity Hygiene and Health
Sia Glass
ESAB / Colfax Corporation
Santa Maria
Perrigo Company Plc
Latour
Nudie Jeans
Liquid Wind
SSG AB
Work highlights
Advising Fonus on competition issues relating to commercial market strategy regarding pricing, online platforms and sales, selective networks, and cooperation agreements with competitors/suppliers/distributors.
Advising Standard Solutions Group AB on various competition law issues, including pricing and vertical relations.
Advising Infrastructure Logistics on an ongoing basis concerning all legal matters, including merger filings.
At MAQS Advokatbyrå, legal director Alexander Källström heads up the practice, which includes lawyers houses in the firm's Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm and Sundsvall offices. As such, the team is well placed to assist clients with IP matters on a nationwide basis, and is equally adept at advising international clients on contentious and non-contentious IP matters. The group fields expertise in assisting prominent multinational entities with the management of IP portfolios. Christina Berggren, based in Gothenburg, leads the firm’s retail industry group.
‘They work as a true team; if one is not available, there is always someone else to provide support. It makes it easy to receive support when the deadlines are tight. ’
‘Professional with a good understanding of what matters for our company. Cost cautious without my having to ask for it, and quick in replies and support. ’
‘Always allocate a team with diverse competence, which gives a good customer experience.’
‘Christina Berggren and Alexander Källström are both top picks. Very professional and with excellent capabilities in their area of expertise. Communicate effectively and with clarity.’
‘Very skilled individuals with high attention to details. Always available and with high responsiveness.’
Key clients
Volvo Trademark Holding AB
The Coca-Cola Company
AB Lindex
Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Stampen Lokala Medier AB
ASKO Appliances AB
FootballAddicts AB
Cyan TM AB
Salming Trademarks AB
Ridestore AB
Zenseact AB
Electro Elco AB
PPY Production AB
MbedIT Solutions AB
Himla AB
National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS)
Hagmans Nordic AB
Reitan Convenience Sverige AB
Mäklarhuset Real Estate Sweden AB
Proviva AB
Closely AB
Danone
Work highlights
Assisted Lindex with launching its new business area, FemTech, as well as new brand Female Engineering
Advising Cyan on its trade mark, design, and copyright strategy and protecting trade marks in all its markets.
Assisting Zenseact with rebranding matters and IP strategies, as well as its trade mark portfolio and prosecution issues.
MAQS Advokatbyrå‘s real estate team operates from the firm’s offices in Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm, and Sundsvall. The group advises clients on transactional matters, forward funding, public procurement, and tenancy agreements. The practice is jointly led by the triumvirate of property management expert Katrin Troedsson, transactions specialist Jessica Svantesson, and Magnus Bengtsson, who is very experienced in handling major development projects.
Practice head(s):
Katrin Troedsson; Jessica Svantesson; Magnus Bengtsson
Testimonials
‘Great diversity and knowledge in many areas.’
‘An understanding for the client’s situation and always available.’
‘Very ambitious and easy to co-operate with. Many different skills within the team which make it more comfortable for us as customer.’
‘I was quite impressed by their performance, especially the professional way in which they handled the task. I have met other large legal offices which were definitely not as professional.’
‘They worked very efficiently and took care of my questions immediately.’
‘They care about and listen to their customers, and they are professional.’
‘Those we have worked with have broad and deep knowledge.’
Key clients
Logicor
Fastighets Aktiebolaget Trianon
Executive Property Europe AB
Coop Väst ekonomisk förening
Mio AB
PFA Bostad KB
Balder Projektutveckling AB
EnBW Sverige AB
Cormac Förvaltnings AB
Sjöson AB
Länshem Skåne AB
Mälardalens Omsorgsfastigheter Holding AB
HUB Park AB
Work highlights
Represented Logicor with the acquisition of its first prime logistics site in Gothenburg.
Represented Mio AB in a transaction involving the acquisition of a real estate company.
Assisted Westerport Holding with the sale of a commercial property in southern Sweden.
MAQS Advokatbyrå‘s Gothenburg-based dispute resolution team is especially active in the construction sector. With experience acting for clients in disputes against governmental entities, Björn Goldman leads the team. Construction litigation specialist Erik Kjaer and arbitration expert Fredrik Iverström also play key roles in the team.
‘The entire team is committed, very knowledgeable and well-read. They always do an outstanding job.’
‘The quality of Erik Kjaer’s advice is absolutely excellent: always quick, sharp, accurate and very, very professional. He has legal expertise as well as excellent commercial understanding.’
‘The team listens well and offers clear advice.’
‘Their lawyers always answer quickly and are very nice and helpful.’
‘A very experienced and intelligent team that is very good in court. They are also skilled, accurate and complement each other well.’
Key clients
Aarsleff Rail A/S
H&B Optimum AB (ERA)
HansenGroup A/S
Länsförsäkringar
Art Clinic AB
Saps Service Management AB
Sjöson AB
Fifth Island Music AB
Bokadirekt AB
RO-Gruppen AB
Billström Riemer Andersson Group AB
Boskalis B.V
Skeppsviken AB
Van Oord B.V.
Oljibe AB
Assemblin Sweden AB
Securitas Technology Sverige AB
Work highlights
Successfully acted for Hemverket AB in Swedish Supreme Court proceedings against OBOS Mark AB.
Advising Art Clinic on questions regarding what rights a person may have after having had an operation involving faulty breast implants.
Successfully represented the construction company RO-Gruppen in three disputes concerning housing projects in Stockholm.
With notable experience advising on IPOs, rights issuances, directed share issues, and venue listing changes, Gothenburg-based Eric Ehrencrona leads MAQS Advokatbyrå’s capital markets offering, which has experience in regulated and alternative markets.
Karin Schurmann, who specialises in the financial regulatory aspects of data protection law, and Anna Eidvall, who focuses on cross-border matters involving new technologies, jointly lead MAQS Advokatbyrå's data privacy and protection practice.
MAQS Advokatbyrå >
Firm Profile
MAQS Advokatbyrå is one of Sweden’s largest business law firms and a clear leader in the market. With roots that trace back to the 19th century, the modern version of MAQS was established in 2002, seamlessly blending tradition and contemporary innovation and dynamism.
MAQS’ offices, where its 180 experts work, are strategically located in Göteborg, Malmö, Stockholm and Sundsvall, reinforcing the firm´s strong presence across key regions in Sweden.
MAQS is a full-service law firm with extensive experience in advising on the full spectrum of domestic and international law. With a highly effective multidisciplinary approach, the firm adeptly addresses the complex and multifaceted needs of clients across different industries, including global corporations, federal governments, municipalities, private equity ventures, and mid-sized Swedish owner-managed businesses.
MAQS’s strength comes from three key factors: its deep legal knowledge, a real understanding of clients’ businesses, and a global network that allows access to leading law firms worldwide. This combination enables the firm to deliver exceptional legal assistance to its clients.
MAQS was appointed Law Firm of the Year in 2024 by REGI, in the category of firms with a turnover exceeding 200 million SEK. The award is bestowed upon firms that demonstrate the highest client satisfaction within their respective categories. Client satisfaction is assessed based on 13 different criteria, with MAQS ranking first in eight of them.
Other offices : Malmö
Other offices : Stockholm
Other offices : Sundsvall
Focus On
Sweden’s Renewable Energy Revolution
Four trends within the Swedish energy sector
As we stand on the brink of a sustainable energy revolution, Sweden emerges as a shining exemplar of the potential and proficiency in renewable energy. Sweden was Europe’s largest net exporter of electricity[1] and offers competitive electricity prices (especially in the northern parts of Sweden). Due to this Sweden has a leading position in renewable technology, Sweden is paving the way for a fossil fuel-free future. In 2022, an impressive 69 percent of Sweden’s electricity production[2] came from renewable sources, a testament to the nation’s dedication to a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.
In many ways, Sweden’s renewable energy landscape is flourishing. The nation boasts abundant hydroelectric power, favourable wind conditions, good solar opportunities (in contrast to what many people may think) and advanced technological expertise. Additionally, a well-educated workforce, robust infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment all make Sweden an ideal location for expanding renewable energy.
In the northern parts of Sweden, we will see significant investments the coming years of more than SEK 1,000 billion[3], largely focusing on producing fossil-free steel and electrofuels, manufacturing batteries, infrastructure, and securing sustainable forestry industry. For that, new green energy is required.
Key trends within the Swedish energy sector
MAQS’s specialist group Renewables has a leading position within the industry, serving as a full-service legal business partner to its clients. Collaborating with key clients such as SCA, Rabbalshede Kraft, EnBW and Liquid Wind, MAQS has been involved in large investments, key transactions, and regulatory approvals within the realm of renewable energy.
Through our collaborations and projects, we have identified four key trends within the Swedish renewables market:
Onshore wind faces headwinds
Recent times have brought significant challenges to onshore wind in Sweden. Municipal vetoes persist, and the proposal that municipalities should be unable to change their decisions during the project has yet to pass. This means that the expansion of onshore wind power is not keeping pace with the expected increase in electricity consumption resulting from industrial investments in the north.
Solar power is booming In stark contrast to the headwinds facing onshore wind, Sweden’s solar power sector is experiencing rapid growth and attracting diverse participants. Sweden’s energy production from solar is still at low levels since solar farms are just starting to be built out on a large scale. Currently Sweden’s solar energy is on the verge of a major transformation. Both Swedish firms with experience in wind energy and foreign investors with extensive solar expertise are venturing into this domain. The southern regions of Sweden, blessed with abundant sunlight, are becoming hubs for solar energy. However, long waiting times for grid connections and intense competition for non-agricultural land have turned the solar industry into a veritable gold rush.
Offshore wind’s resilience
Despite the Swedish government’s decision to remove subsidies for offshore wind grid connections, interest in offshore wind investments remains strong. Over the past two years, several foreign entities have entered the Swedish offshore wind market. Joint ventures have become the norm due to the substantial development and construction expenses associated with offshore projects. Furthermore, the government has started granting permits for offshore installations. Nevertheless, the sector faces challenges, including rising wind turbine costs and increasing interest rates. It will take several years before these offshore projects in Sweden reach full development and construction.
Repowering for a sustainable future
Repowering of existing onshore wind turbines is emerging as a significant trend in Sweden’s renewable energy landscape. Many of the existing wind turbines in the country are approaching the 20-25-year mark. While the replacement of older turbines with newer, more efficient models remains relatively uncommon in Sweden, an increasing number of stakeholders are considering such investments. The European Union is also advocating for streamlined approval processes to accelerate the transition, reducing the nations’ dependence on external energy sources, particularly Russia.
In summary, these four trends define the current landscape of renewables in Sweden, reflecting both challenges and opportunities. As the country navigates the complexities of onshore wind power, the rise of solar energy, offshore wind’s resilience, and the growing interest in repowering, it is evident that Sweden’s renewable energy future is dynamic and filled with potential. The remaining question is how your company will contribute to and benefit from these evolving trends in Sweden’s renewable energy sector?
Author:
Mikael Kowal
Partner and Head of Renewables, MAQS Advokatbyrå
