EU and competition in Sweden

BOKWALL RISLUND

At BOKWALL RISLUND, the competition practice acts for major Swedish and international clients on merger notifications and investigations by the Swedish Competition Authority. The practice’s work on transactions includes handling complex cases requiring remedy packages, and it is frequently instructed by private equity clients to handle acquisitions as well as transactions involving portfolio companies. On the contentious side, the team counsels clients on responding to dawn raids, cartel investigations and abuse of dominance allegations. Olle Rislund leads the team, with Emil Fahlén Godö and Amir Mohseni also key partners. Omar El Khatib is another name to note and has experience of handling merger notifications at the European level.

Practice head(s):

Olle Rislund

Other key lawyers:

Emil Fahlén Godö; Amir Mohseni; Omar El Khatib

Testimonials

‘Simply the best and most specialised competition law firm in Sweden. Their experience is second to none. Additionally they are very pleasant to work with.’

‘Amir Mohseni is the star of the Swedish competition law scene and recognised as such between clients and peers both nationally and internationally.’

‘Bokwall Rislund is a small but very competent firm, where the partners and associates shows a genuine interest in your matter and deal with it swiftly and with updated and relevant knowledge, always delivered with professionalism and service-mindedness. They are also generous with their time and effort.’

‘Advokat Emil Fahlén Godö is my main contact. His answers are quick, thorough and precise. Emil has an unusual width and breadth within the field of Antitrust Law, with experience from both the governmental/regulatory side of Antitrust law and from the business/commercial side. In addition to dealing with our subject matter, Emil has often added additional value by improving our internal steering documents, training material and compliance processes. I am very pleased with his services and effort.’

‘Emil Fahlén Godö, excellent lawyer! Great ability to merge his legal expertise and commercial mindset to create value for us and support us to create solutions for our challenges. Additionally, he’s great at challenging our point and view and contribute with new solutions that we ourselves have not thought of. He’s highly regarded by both in-house lawyers and commercial folks.’

‘Olle Rislund is in my view the best competition lawyer in Sweden. Accurate and very pragmatic approach towards complicated questions. He will always share light on the pro’s and con’s of a problem/strategy and make a firm proposal towards a balanced recommendation.’

‘Bokwall Rislund’s competition team consists of some of the most experienced and talented competition lawyers in Sweden. Their analytical hands-on approach to solve complicated cases are matched by no other law firm in Sweden. As a result, they have had remarkable outcomes in competition cases.’

‘Emil Fahlén Godö is the trusted adviser that you look for within this practice area. He continuously provides qualitative, prompt and commercially viable advice and assumes responsibility for processes making the client’s everyday life easier.’

Key clients

Arla Foods

Procter & Gamble

Gasum

Investor

KF/Coop

Ahlsell

If Skadeförsäkring

Apoteket AB

Verdane Capital

EasyPark

Robert Bosch/Bosch Rexroth

Jacobs Douwe Egberts

Work highlights

  • Represented Lyreco before the Swedish Competition Authority in relation to the merger control notification of the acquisition of Staples Solutions’ international business units.
  • Representing Arla Foods against the Swedish Competition Authority in an ongoing case in the Patent  and Market Court in the first ever court case regarding a denied leniency application.
  • Represented If Skadeförsäkring in the dawn raid and subsequent investigation regarding alleged anti-competitive behaviour between Swedish insurance companies.

Advokatfirman Cederquist KB

Advokatfirman Cederquist KB continues to expand its practice in contentious competition law, acting for clients facing allegations of abuse of dominance, horizontal coordination, and other anti-competitive practices. The team is also adept at handling cases at the European level, including litigation related to state aid and consumer protection regulations, and also counsels clients on compliance with environmental directives. Beyond disputes, the team is frequently instructed on the competition aspects of corporate and commercial transactions. The team is co-headed by procurement specialist Annika Blomqvist and Fredrik Lindblom, who has experience across M&A transactions and investigations. Elsa Arbrandt is another key figure in the practice and specialises in litigation, having previously worked in-house at the Swedish competition authority.

Practice head(s):

Fredrik Lindblom; Annika Blomqvist

Other key lawyers:

Elsa Arbrandt; Angelo Skog

Testimonials

‘Fredrik Lindblom is a through and through professional within the competition law field, exceptionally pragmatic with a focus on the business objectives rather than the legal hurdles.’

‘Innovative and extremely customer friendly approach. Great knowledge and easy to work with.’

‘Angelo Skog is very competent and has great cooperation skills. He thinks outside the box and always has a solution to any problem at hand.’

Key clients

Folksam

Orkla

Stockholm Skavsta Airport/ VINCI Airports

AirHelp Limited

Haypp Group/ Snusbolaget

Cloetta

United Camping/ First Camp

Samhall

BillerudKorsnäs

Footway

NCC AB

Work highlights

  • Defended Folksam in the Swedish Competition Authority’s abuse of dominance investigation where Folksam, following an intense 1.5 year investigation, was acquitted on all counts.
  • Advised Orkla Health, the largest provider of food supplements in the Nordic countries in traditional retail channels when it acquired NutraQ, the largest provider of food supplements in the D2C channel.
  • Acting as counsel for Stockholm Skavsta Airport in a state aid complaint to the European Commission concerning Sweden’s support to publicly owned airport operators.

Mannheimer Swartling

Mannheimer Swartling provides comprehensive advice to a client base of household name companies, across a varied range of sectors, on competition law. The firm’s presence in Brussels enables it to handle merger notifications to the European Commission, with Brussels-based partner Andreas Johansson working alongside Swedish partners on these cases. The team’s expertise in European law extends to state aid work, where it has recently handled cases related to airline bailouts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Johan Carle leads the team and has a broad practice covering transactions as well as investigations. Other names to note in the team include Stefan Perván Lindeborg, who works across the Brussels and Stockholm offices, and Fredrik Sjövall, whose practice encompasses merger control, cartel and abuse of dominance cases.

Practice head(s):

Johan Carle

Other key lawyers:

Stefan Perván Lindeborg; Fredrik Sjövall; Andreas Johansson

Testimonials

‘A very reliable law firm with great knowledge about the client and its industry and with an interest in building a long term business relation. Responsive and with a focus on the clients’ needs in terms of i.a. speed and form of the legal support.’

‘Johan Carle is a very dedicated partner with exceptional legal skills within the area. His knowledge about the industry in which we operate and genuine interest in our business activities adds significant value to provided support. His availability and short lead times also stand out.’

‘Well versed, well spoken, one hundred percent comfortable with making risk analysis and helping us choose paths.’

‘The EU and competition practice, as well as the entire firm, repeatedly shows an excellent understanding of the business aspects when providing legal support. They take a pragmatic approach providing to-the-point advice of the highest quality.’

‘Johan Carle is a highly experienced and highly skilled EU and competition lawyer with sound judgment. He is always aiming to provide solution-oriented advice without being afraid to “tell it like it is”.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Assa Abloy on the merger control and filing to the European Commission in relation to its purchase of agta record, leading to a complex conditional Phase 1 clearance and related remedies divestment work.
  • Advising Facebook in relation to the SCA’s sector inquiry into digital platforms.
  • Representing Lantmännen during the investigation by the European Commission into suspected anti-competitive behaviour relating to ethanol pricing, as well as related proceedings before the European Courts on disclosure of settlement negotiation documents.

Advokatfirman Vinge

Advokatfirman Vinge handles complex matters across the EU and competition law space, with a deep bench of partners focusing on this area of law. The firm is one of the few in the Swedish market to have an office in Brussels, where Martin Johansson works alongside Sweden-based partners to handle high-profile state aid cases as well as antitrust matters at the EU level. Elsewhere, the practice represents clients facing investigations by Swedish regulators, and provides advice on ensuring commercial agreements comply with competition law. The team also has notable merger control knowledge and is frequently instructed by private equity clients on high-value deals; Anna Palmérus, Marcus Glader and Pär Remnelid are names to note in this space. Johan Karlsson has a broad practice in competition law, handling both merger control matters and investigations, and Björn Nicolai leads on competition matters in the firm's Gothenburg office.

Practice head(s):

Johan Karlsson; Björn Nicolai; Pär Remnelid; Martin Johansson

Other key lawyers:

Marcus Glader; Anna Palmérus

Testimonials

‘Marcus Glader and his team are excellent. They listen to their clients, are practical and goal-oriented.’

‘Marcus Glader is business-minded, understands the business and gives hands on advice that leads to results. He is a resilient and good negotiator.’

Key clients

EQT

SJ

Tele2

Stockholm Exergi

Volvo

Altor

Schibsted

Optigroup AB

Hultafors Group AB

Stirling Square Capital

Work highlights

  • Serving as the global merger control counsel for international private equity house EQT.
  • Representing HMD Global and Opera, respectively, in proceedings before the General Court in Luxembourg, regarding the European Commission’s infringement decision against Google Android.
  • Acted as adviser to the Government of Sweden in connection with the recapitalization of SAS AB.

Advokatfirman Delphi

Advokatfirman Delphi is highly active in the merger control space, where it handles multi-jurisdictional transactions in sensitive sectors including the defence and pharmaceuticals industries. The practice handles both Phase I and Phase II clearances in this space. The team is also instructed on competition litigation and investigations. Practice head Elisabeth Eklund is praised as ‘outstanding’ for her work in this area, while Karin Roberts is also praised by clients and frequently acts alongside the team’s M&A practice to handle merger notifications.

Practice head(s):

Elisabeth Eklund

Other key lawyers:

Karin Roberts

Testimonials

‘Strong professional competencies and network of peers. Understanding of and contribution to latest legal and regulatory developments. Exceptional client focus.’

‘Elizabeth Eklund is outstanding in competition issues and supports her clients through the changing legal landscape. Karin Roberts has a strong knowledge of competition and regulatory issues facing businesses, especially in the transport and energy sectors. She is diligent and professional with a personable approach.’

‘Elizabeth Eklund has provided reliable and timely advice, showing deep understanding of the market and its specifics.’

Key clients

Huawei Technologies Sweden AB

EasyPark AB

Viatris AB

DLF Service AB

GS1 Sweden AB

NIBE Industrier AB

Lumibird SA

Södra Skogsägarna ekonomisk förening

Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS)

Google LLC

WSP Global Inc.

Neuraxpharm

Nordic Transport Group A/S

Work highlights

  • Representing Huawei Sweden AB in administrative court proceedings against the Swedish Post and Telecom relating to the total ban for Huawei’s 5G network equipment and services in Sweden.
  • Assisted EasyPark in a multi-jurisdictional merger filing, without commitments, in the Netherlands, Germany and Austria, together with local counsel following an acquisition of the parking app PARK NOW from BMW and Daimler.
  • Represented Södra Skogsägarna in relation to a Phase I clearance without commitments.

Hammarskiöld

Hammarskiöld stands out in the Swedish market for its work in competition-related investigations, defending clients facing abuse of dominance and cartel allegations. In addition to acting in matters involving the Swedish Competition Agency, the practice also handles cases brought by the European Commission, as well as carrying out internal investigations. Beyond this work, the team is also instructed by clients to handle merger notifications and to provide ongoing advice on compliance. Claes Langenius leads the team and is noted for his expertise in cartel matters; elsewhere, Malin Albert specialises in the life sciences sector and senior associate Sofia Falkner is well-regarded by her clients.

Practice head(s):

Claes Langenius

Other key lawyers:

Malin Albert; Sofia Falkner

Testimonials

‘It is a highly effective, sophisticated and friendly team – great to work with!’

‘Sofia Falkner is a blast – she is on top of things and still seamlessly chimes into the chorus of international cross-border projects – a great talent!’

‘We contacted this firm by recommendation and they had very good knowledge in the area we were looking for. What we learned was that this firm had a team that were highly competent and quick to get acquainted with our case.’

‘In our experience they had a very high competence and understanding of our business. They could easily penetrate our business and the problems we were searching for advice on.’

‘They had not only excellent knowledge of competition law but also good understanding of business needs and the ability to give practical solutions.’

Key clients

Svenska Spel

Länsförsäkringar

Scania

Scania Bilar

Neste

Hannover Re

Swedavia

MasterCard

Universal Music

Work highlights

  • Continuing to assist Scania with all stages of the Trucks investigation by the European Commission.
  • Acting for Länsförsäkringar Mäklarservice in an investigation brought by the Swedish Competition Authority.
  • Represented Svenska Spel in the Swedish Competition Authority’s investigation of abuse of dominance.

Kastell Advokatbyrå AB

Kastell Advokatbyrå AB stands out in the Swedish market for the breadth of its practice, which encompasses merger control work, abuse of dominance investigations, and follow-on litigation. The practice has also recently been instructed on state aid matters, particularly in relation to support given to the aviation sector due to the impact of Covid-19. In addition to acting for clients facing investigations by the Swedish Competition Authority, the team also represents companies in making complaints to the regulator. Erik Söderlind and Pamela Hansson jointly lead the team and have broad experience in handling regulatory disputes at both the Swedish and European levels. Christina Mailund also has considerable expertise in this area.

Practice head(s):

Erik Söderlind; Pamela Hansson

Other key lawyers:

Christina Mailund; Malin Persson

Testimonials

‘My firm has worked with Pamela Hansson. Outstanding level of knowledge coupled with the ability to explain difficult legal matters to people with no legal background. High availability for urgent matters. Very efficient.’

‘Extremely competent in legal field with an ability to translate legal requirements into practical business advice.’

‘Small but very efficient firm that provides hands on, quick and relevant to our business advice. Key strengths are that they provide their legal advice directly to the client without referring or involving many other associates – therefore it saves us time and money without diluting the quality of the advice.’

‘Pamela Hansson is a very experienced, humble and easy to work with expert in competition law matters. She provides practical advice and also flags any interesting developments that are relevant to our business (between legal assignments). Erik Söderlind incorporates all of his knowledge and experience to the given situation, usually from a helicopter perspective. Both of them have very good knowledge of our business which is very important to us.’

‘Kastell has extensive experience for EU law and all legal aspects of working with EU finances.’

‘The individuals are experienced, committed and dedicated to their tasks.’

‘They have a very deep knowledge of competition law and are good and quick at making legal assessments.’

‘Christina Mailund is easy to work with and quick to respond.’

Key clients

Nordea Bank Abp

Wallenius-Wilhelmsen ASA

Axfood AB

Vattenfall

VERIGRAFT AB

Telia Company AB

Västerås Airport

ATG AB

Swedish Securities Markets Association

Swedish Bankers’ Association

Work highlights

  • Representing Axfood in the largest merger to date in the Swedish grocery retail and wholesale sector.
  • Representing Valueguard in a complaint (including interim measures) against a subsidiary of the Swedish association of estate agents.
  • Represented Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA in a damages case relating to the so-called RoRo cartel against Volvo Cars.

Roschier

At Roschier, the competition team has a proven track record in advising on complex transactions, aiding clients in receiving clearance from both the Swedish Competition Agency and the European Commission. The practice’s work includes handling merger notifications involving Phase II reviews and remedy negotiations, and the team is increasingly instructed by private equity funds to handle merger control issues for acquisitions, disposals, and bolt-on deals in the Swedish market. Kristian Hugmark leads the team, and in addition to his competition expertise also handles complaints related to state aid regulations.

Practice head(s):

Kristian Hugmark

Other key lawyers:

Nils Alvång; Måns Gottfries

Testimonials

‘Always on point and flexible.’

‘Kristian Hugmark always considers the commercial perspective if relevant, and advice given is specific and hands on.’

‘A team that thinks outside the box in relation to complex matters.’

‘Kristian Hugmark – responsive and analytic.’

‘Roschier’s team proved highly competent, diligent and cost efficient when providing legal support to us. We appreciated the deep knowledge and experience of Roschier’s team, covering legal advice in a domestic and European perspective.’

‘The individuals in Roschier’s EU & Competition team were highly proficient and had a deep knowledge of the internal work with the European Commission, which was of great support to our cause. The advice provided was tailored to our individual needs and of a truly pragmatic nature. The distribution of work between the partner and associate was seamless in respect of client communication which simplified our in-house management of the complex issue at hand.’

‘A very knowledgeable and experienced team, with deep expertise.’

‘Kristian Hugmark is pragmatic and always gives hands-on advice, based on extensive experience and deep expertise.’

Key clients

Ahlsell

AkzoNobel

Altor

Anders Hedin Invest AB

Blackstone

Bonnier, including Bonnier News/ Mariebergs Tidnings AB, SF, Bonnier Growth, Bonnier Books (including BookBeat, Bonnierförlagen, and Adlibris) and other Bonnier owned companies

CVC Capital Partners

EQT

Fortum

IK Investment Partners

Investcorp

Investor/Patricia

KKR

Mercedes-Benz Återförsäljarförening

Metso Oyj

PayPal/Tradera

Rights & Brands

Samsung

Stora Enso

Sumitomo

Triton

Trygg-Hansa/RSA Group

TV4/C More

Unilever

Adsecure

Arcus

Beijer Byggmaterial

Brunswick Real Estate

Castellum

Coca-Cola European Partners

Finnair

Hector Rail

Hemnet

Ingka Group

Middelground

Nokia

Nordea

Solör

Stena Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Arcus on a merger with Altia to create a leader in the alcoholic beverage sector in the Nordics, requiring divestments in three countries.
  • Securing Phase I EU approval of CVC’s acquisition of Beijer, overlapping with portfolio company Ahlsell.
  • Advised Bonnier Books on its restructuring of its position in the Norwegian publishing market, including a phase II review.

Cirio Advokatbyrå AB

Cirio Advokatbyrå AB provides ongoing advice to clients on competition law and also assists with merger filings and cartel investigations. The team is also noted for its experience in state aid, advising clients on complying with laws in this area as well as on responding to regulatory actions. Ulrica Salomon leads the team and frequently works alongside partners from the firm’s other practices.

Practice head(s):

Ulrica Salomon

Key clients

Randstad Sweden Group AB

Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. (Swedish branch)

Nalka Invest AB

Kalmar Öland Airport AB

Intervacc AB

Bankgirocentralen BGC AB

Bankomat AB

Hannes Snellman

The competition practice at Hannes Snellman stands out for its work on merger notifications for large, complex transactions. The team is frequently instructed on cross-jurisdictional transactions, and works with the firm’s Helsinki office to handle transactions across the Nordics. The practice also advises on matters involving complicating aspects such as Phase II proceedings and remedy packages. The team is jointly led by Peter Forsberg and procurement specialist Joakim Lavér. In addition to his transactional work, Forsberg also represents clients in complaints to the Swedish Competition Authority.

Practice head(s):

Peter Forsberg; Joakim Lavér

Other key lawyers:

David Olander

Testimonials

‘Extremely capable of understanding the client’s business and needs.’

‘Peter Forsberg and his team provide high-class solution oriented advice with no fuss.’

‘Peter Forsberg is a high-quality merger clearance lawyer.’

‘I have had the pleasure to work with Peter Forsberg, an incredibly pragmatic, well-skilled and knowledgeable lawyer for more then 10 years. He has been with Hannes Snellman all the time and has helped me out with valuable advice.’

‘They are very service oriented. Always accessible and fast in their feedback. Responsive and knowledgeable in their area which in my case are procurement and contract issues but also advice in marketing etc.’

‘The team were highly knowledgeable with the right level of expertise for the legal questions we asked. They understand well the client needs and the field/industry the client operates in. They were very quick to respond, and provided very thoroughly researched documents. They provided answers in non-technical language to make sure the client understood well the options and legal position. The team proved to be excellent value for money.’

‘Our main contacts were senior associate David Olander & Peter Forsberg. Both of these gentleman were very approachable, and made themselves available via telephone or video call, sometimes even at short notice. They responded quickly to our questions and delivered agreed outputs on time and in full. They were both extremely knowledgeable of our industry and in the area of our legal matter. Super service.’

‘The team at Hannes Snellman is amazing and has the right balance of expertise, experience, diversity and up-and-coming talents. They all work in an inclusive and collaborative manner, in a way that makes them stand out from other law firms.’

Key clients

Konecranes

Metso Outotec

Altia

AURELIUS Equity Opportunities

Savaria Corporation

Vida

Conaxess Trade Sweden

Kindred Group

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

GlaxoSmithKline AB

NEP Group Inc

Adapteo

Mekonomen

Ramirent

Fazer

Oriola Corp.

Mellanskog

Work highlights

  • Acting as merger control counsel to Konecranes in its merger with Cargotec.
  • Assisted Outotec in obtaining global merger clearances for its combination with Metso Minerals in a major consolidation in the mineral processing equipment industry.
  • Representing Altia on its merger with Arcus, two leading Nordic spirits and wine companies, in a lengthy Phase II matter before the competition authorities in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

Hamilton Advokatbyrå

The competition team at Advokatfirman Schjødt has a broad practice covering merger notifications as well as investigations by Swedish and EU regulators into alleged anti-competitive practices. The Stockholm team, led by Mats Johnsson, works alongside the firm’s Oslo office to handle transactions involving both jurisdictions. In addition to advising clients facing investigations, the team also provides assistance to companies in challenging the anti-competitive practices of competitors.

Practice head(s):

Mats Johnsson

Testimonials

‘The team is well coordinated and offers support in a wide range of matters. Very responsive.’

‘Mats Johnsson has offered excellent and prompt support whenever we have needed it, assuming the queries related to his area of expertise and pointing to the relevant lawyers in other areas.’

‘A very knowledgeable and experienced team with local presence. Kept everyone else within the project group constantly up to date on the merger filing process, provided solid advice and ensured that the process was smooth and efficient with minimum impact on the target company’s management.’

‘Very knowledgeable and experienced. Made a very good impression on the entire project team and ensured a smooth and efficient process as well as a deep understanding of the filing process. Provided solid advice throughout the entire process.’

‘The reason we obtain the services of Schjødt in this field of practice is that we want to work with partner Mats Johnsson.’

‘We have worked with Mats Johnsson for many years. He has a unique competence in national and EU-based competition legislation. Always available and has deep knowledge of our field of business.’

‘When it comes to cross-border transactions between Norway and Sweden, the firm has an an obvious advantage in relation to other Nordic firms.’

‘The individuals are extremely alert and quick.’

Setterwalls

Setterwalls is highly active in the merger control space, where it advises clients on complex transactions in highly regulated sectors such as the pharmaceuticals industry. In the contentious space, the team handles investigations and follow-on claims. Erik Gadman joined the firm from Gernandt & Danielsson Advokatbyrå in 2022 and now leads the team following the departure of Ulf Djurberg. The practice provides strategic competition law advice to clients, reviewing their operations and commercial agreements to ensure compliance with regulations; Bo Berndtsson focuses on this area. Martin Levinsohn is also noted for his work on merger control issues, while senior associate Angelica Ström is praised by clients, and Rolf Larsson, who joined from Gernandt & Danielsson Advokatbyrå in 2022 along with Gadman, also heads up the group.

Practice head(s):

Erik Gadman; Rolf Larsson

Other key lawyers:

Martin Levinsohn; Bo Berndtsson; Angelica Ström; Mattias Wiklund

Testimonials

‘Great knowledge about the automotive industry, high availability and efficient.’

‘Mattias Wiklund, our key contact, was great to work with and he had great undertanding of our business as well as the key questions at hand.’

‘Setterwalls has a great EU and competition team that has broad experience and drive legal development in the field.’

‘Professional, service-minded, accessible.’

‘Rolf Larsson provides spot on and practical advice.’

‘Hands-on. Doesn’t commit a big team to every small project. Proactive and solution-oriented.’

Key clients

Knowit AB

Alfa Laval Corporate AB

The Cotton Group AB

Orifarm Generics

Ford Motor Company AB

KLS Ugglarps

Walleniusrederierna (Wallenius Lines)

Work highlights

  • Assisted Knowit with its acquisition of Cybercom Intressenter AB.
  • Represented Orifarm Generics in a complex merger which significantly increased its market share.
  • Acted as legal adviser to Cotton Group throughout the entire sales process of some of its portfolio brands to Hultafors Group AB.

Advokatfirma DLA Piper Sweden KB

Advokatfirma DLA Piper Sweden KB substantially bolstered its competition practice with the addition of Erik Brändt Öfverholm and Philip Thorell to the team from Baker McKenzie. Öfverholm now leads the practice, which provides strategic advice to clients on competition law, handles merger notifications, and represents companies facing investigations by the Swedish Competition Authority. The team’s client base includes investment funds as well as companies in the real estate, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors.

Practice head(s):

Erik Brändt Öfverholm

Other key lawyers:

Philip Thorell

Testimonials

‘A responsive team in the field of competition law.’

‘Erik Brändt Öfverholm and Philip Thorell have been very responsive and competent.’

‘Erik Brändt Öfverholm is a very service minded, humble and engaged lawyer, and he seems to enjoy his work which makes it fun to work together with him. He puts in an effort to go an extra mile in term’s of keeping the business informed on developments in the anti-trust area.’

‘The team at DLA Sweden is very knowledgeable in a wide range of competition law areas and the team is very responsive. In particular practice head Erik Brändt Öfverholm is recommended. He is very pragmatic and quickly understands the business side of things and advice is always precise and to the point.’

‘Erik Brändt Öfverholm is my regular go to counsel for any competition law related question. He also has a very talented associate Philip Thorell who I regularly speak with. What stands out is that they have a commercial approach and really make an effort to understand client and the business and the advice is clear-cut. Another aspect of the DLA team is the availability and being very responsive at all times.’

‘Erik Brändt Öfverholm provides excellent advice. His advice is pragmatic, business oriented and crisp and clear which is not always the case with academic and “heavy” topics as EU and competition law. He is a true star in his area of expertise, both from a legal perspective but also in communicating.’

‘Erik Brändt Öfverholm is highly skilled within the relevant legal field, yet pragmatic with a necessary commercial understanding. Communicative.’

‘Erik Brändt Öfverholm is extremely knowledgeable and understands business.’

Key clients

Amazon Web Services

Storskogen

Stillfront

Bil Sweden

St1 Sverige AB

Vitamin Well

Ekman Group

Riksbyggen

Hedda Car

Work highlights

  • Advising St1 Sverige on a variety of Swedish and EU competition law matters, including strategic issues regarding agreements and market behaviour and other matters for the petrol station industry.
  • Advising Amazon Web Services on a variety of Swedish and EU competition law matters.
  • Advised Stillfront on the competition law aspects of several acquisitions.

MAQS Advokatbyrå

The competition practice at MAQS Advokatbyrå provides ongoing advice to clients in a range of sectors, including the consumer goods, transportation, forestry, and pharmaceuticals industries. This work encompasses providing advice on pricing strategies, as well as helping to ensure that commercial contracts do not violate competition regulations. The practice is also engaged in contentious matters, responding to investigations by the Swedish Competition Authority into alleged anti-competitive practices. Mikael Åström leads the team and is praised by clients as an ‘outstanding competition lawyer’.

Practice head(s):

Mikael Åström

Other key lawyers:

Cecilia Rossing

Testimonials

‘Very professional, knowledgeable but also enjoyable to work with.’

‘Mikael Åström is a true professional with vast experience. He has been around for a long time on a top level. He possesses valuable practical insight in many respects due to his experience. He is an absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘It’s a team of very skilful lawyers with which it is, at the same time, fun to work with.’

‘Mikael Åström is an outstanding competition lawyer.’

Key clients

Markslöjd

Zenuity

KGH Customs Services

SCA Forest

Essity Hygiene and Health

Sia Glass

ESAB / Colfax Corporation

Santa Maria

Perrigo Company Plc

Latour

Nudie Jeans

Work highlights

  • Advising Markslöjd AB on competition matters regarding commercial market strategy in relation to pricing, online platforms and sales, selective networks, and cooperation agreements with competitors/suppliers/distributors.
  • Advising Essity on a continuous basis on all legal matters, including substantial and complex competition law advice related to mergers, dominance issues, pricing, and commercial market strategy.
  • Continuing to act for Zenuity on a ground-breaking and pioneering joint venture between some of the largest global automotive companies.