Mannheimer Swartling is a leading name for complex international tax mandates, and offers comprehensive expertise across both direct and indirect tax matters. The group is adept in contentious and non-contentious tax issues, and has a strong record in transfer pricing. Niklas Hagbard leads the team, and is particularly active on behalf of private equity clients; he has considerable experience in the sustainability sector, and works with numerous innovative enterprises. Highly experienced practitioner Anders Erasmie contributes strength in restructurings, spin-offs, and asset transfers, in addition to representing taxpayers in disputes. Joachim Agrell is an expert in indirect tax matters, advising domestic and international clients on a range of VAT matters.
Tax in Sweden
Mannheimer Swartling
Practice head(s):
Niklas Hagbard
Other key lawyers:
Anders Erasmie; Joachim Agrell
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge, up-to-date and excellent commercial skills.’
‘Niklas Hagbard – to the point, extremely knowledgeable.’
‘The team is technically strong and has a vast experience in tax litigation.’
‘Anders Erasmie stands out as uniquely strong in understanding the Swedish tax system and legislation, and applying these qualities into practical solutions and advice, resulting in successful tax litigation and effective financial solutions for our business.’
‘MSA is one of the best and most trusted law firms in the Nordic region. They are very strong across practices, and can provide a cross-practice perspective and advice, taking a holistic view on a situation. Also, I always trust MSA to exert good business and commercial judgement when advising clients.’
‘MSA can explain very complicated concepts in an accessible manner without missing important points – and also adapt their communication to the audience. They are friendly, gentle and humble.’
Advokatfirman Vinge
Advokatfirman Vinge advises clients on tax issues relating to a broad range of transactions, including M&A, restructurings, and IPOs, in addition to handling tax disputes at all levels. Mattias Schömer leads the team, and has significant private equity sector expertise, with a strong record in M&A and corporate reorganisations. Victor Ericsson specialises in corporate tax, and acts for both domestic and international clients. Other core team members include Maria Schultzberg, whose practice covers direct and indirect tax; Ulrika Bengtsson, who is a key name for tax litigation; and Emelie Svanberg.
Practice head(s):
Mattias Schömer
Other key lawyers:
Maria Schultzberg; Ulrika Bengtsson; Victor Ericsson; Emelie Svanberg; Morgan Ödman
Testimonials
‘The main thing that we appreciate about the Vinge team is their ability to be practical. They have a practical view as to how advice should be implemented and are not just providing a cold academic view. They have also used their own connections inside the Swedish market.’
‘We work predominately with Victor Ericsson and Emelie Svanberg. We have found them to be responsive, thoughtful and clear in their advice. We have found their working practices to be clear, with them taking a clear lead on the type of advice that might be helpful.’
‘Very professional, business oriented team.’
‘High service and very experienced and knowledgeable. Mattias Schömer and Morgan Ödman really stand out.’
Key clients
TeledyneFLIR
Hearst Corporation
Altor
Triton Partners
Work highlights
- Assisted with tax structuring, tax due diligence, and contract negotiation for Hearst Corporation in its acquisition of Avinode Group.
- Assisted with tax structuring in connection with Altor’s acquisition of a significant minority stake in Marshall Group AB.
- Acted for Triton Partners in tax litigation before the Administrative Court regarding the taxation of carried interest for investment advisers.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird‘s tax expertise extends to a broad range of matters, including commercial transactions, holding structures, and indirect tax. The group has strength in international mandates, assisting clients with tax planning across Europe, the US, and beyond. Carl-Magnus Uggla leads the team, and has particular expertise in real estate and private equity tax, covering transactions, tax planning issues, and disputes. Victor Stålblad is a key name for tax issues relating to incentive schemes, and has significant litigation experience.
Practice head(s):
Carl-Magnus Uggla
Other key lawyers:
Victor Stålblad
Testimonials
‘Carl-Magnus Uggla is a great adviser. He is calm, competent and commercial. He literally writes the book on anti-avoidance tax advice.’
‘The knowledge they sit on is one of a kind. Bird & Bird has for the last couple of years always delivered on and above expectations.’
‘Carl-Magnus Uggla has such knowledge, not only in the area of tax, but in business in general, so he really understands our point of view.’
‘Carl-Magnus Uggla, probably the best tax expert in the Nordics. Gets the problem and help us solve it or to make the right direction.’
‘Carl-Magnus Uggla is always quick to respond, nice to talk to, and knows our business and challenges well. It applies regardless if it’s a short/simple question or something that needs some investigation.’
‘The Swedish tax team provide in-depth expertise in taxation, and practical and solution-oriented advice.’
‘Carl-Magnus Uggla is very knowledgeable, provides practical advice and is also a very nice guy to work with.’
Key clients
AF Gruppen
AG Mining (listed as Andean Ltd in Canada)
AIG
Ålandsbanken
Areim AB
Bain AB / Bain Inc
Beowulf Mining AB
Citi Group
Collegio
Combient AB / Combient Mix AB
Ferronordic AB
HSB Projektpartner AB
Lateral Management AB / Ltd
Majority Inc
Rebtel AB
Samsoe Samsoe
HSB ProjectPartner AB
Stiftelsen HSB Garantifond
TV4 Media AB / Telia AB
Qeros Inc
Work highlights
- Advised the US investor Wellington on the potential restructuring of its investment in Klarna AB.
- Assisted the founders of Sequal Games AB with tax structuring advice when establishing the company through a cross-border transaction.
CMS Wistrand
CMS Wistrand fields a large tax team which covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Audits, administrative appeals, and litigation are all areas of strength, as are tax structuring mandates, commercial transactions, and issues relating to employment tax. Peter Brandt co-leads the team alongside Peter Sandberg; Brandt advises both corporations and individuals, and is highly active in multijurisdictional tax matters, while Sandberg is particularly active in the real estate sector. Johan Linder Säverman contributes key strength in tax litigation.
Practice head(s):
Peter Sandberg; Peter Brandt
Other key lawyers:
Johan Linder Säverman
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic, accessible.’
‘Peter Sandberg is excellent, responsive, solution oriented.’
‘Always attentive and professional.’
‘The team has deep knowledge about tax, but locally and internationally with high level of flexibility and understanding for clients’ needs.’
‘They walk the extra mile, regardless of the transaction lifecycle. Peter Brandt is a good role model for the firm, in regard to performing beyond expectations.’
Key clients
Samhällsbyggnadsbolaget i Norden AB
Älvstranden Utveckling AB
DLA Piper Sweden
DLA Piper Sweden has sector specialisms in the real estate, life sciences, private equity, and venture capital spaces, but is active in numerous additional industries for both domestic and international clients. Jointly leading the team are Erik Björkeson and Karin Attorps. Björkeson advises on both contentious and non-contentious mandates, and has key expertise in exit taxation and the taxation of carried interest. Attorps has strength in the real estate and venture capital sectors, and covers tax issues relating to a broad range of corporate and capital markets matters. Adam Tideman contributes key expertise in tax disputes.
Practice head(s):
Erik Björkeson; Karin Attorps
Other key lawyers:
Adam Tideman; Andreas Lundqvist
Testimonials
‘Fast replies, good at explaining legal issues.’
‘The full team (Erik Björkeson, Adam Tideman and Andreas Lundqvist) has been very helpful in the case we work with them on.’
‘Global approach, excellent at combining North American and European tax rules to the benefit of the client.’
‘Erik Björkeson is excellent and is focusing on the client’s best interest.’
‘Excellent team strengths and key capabilities.’
Key clients
Synsam
Novare Pay Consultin
Nuveen Real Estate (TIAA)
Vertex Inc.
Avenue Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Nuveen Real Estate (TIAA) on its NOK3.79bn public offer/acquisition of Self Storage Group ASA and its Nordics business.
- Advised Svenska S Holding 2 and CVC on €16m tax disputes linked to the Swedish interest deduction regulation.
- Assisted the sellers with the sale of Novare Pay Consulting to Allshares OY.
Advokatfirman Schjødt
Advokatfirman Schjødt‘s tax department operates within a network which spans Scandinavia and the UK, advising on transactions and tax planning issues for clients active both internationally and domestically within Sweden. The group additionally covers tax disputes, representing clients in litigation and administrative procedures. Team lead Ebba Perman Borg specialises in tax issues relating to private equity, M&A, and capital markets, while Victor Elovsson is particularly active in tax structuring work and litigation. Maria Ström contributes further strength in tax structuring.
Practice head(s):
Ebba Perman Borg
Other key lawyers:
Victor Elovsson; Maria Ström
Testimonials
‘Ebba Perman Borg – knowledgeable and attentive.’
‘They have a great tax practice with a diverse team. They are very responsive and deliver top-quality advice in a timely manner.’
‘Responsiveness and delivering input in a concise manner that is easily digestible without overlooking important elements.’
‘The practice is small but highly manoeuvrable, and a go-to firm for top of the line advice for important transactions with a tight deadline. They make things possible.’
‘Ebba Perman Borg is our main contact and is definitely the one to call if we need help on the most complex matters. She is also extremely good under pressure, catering to our needs, which tend to come with a short deadline.’
‘They are a dynamic firm, and it’s one of the best up-and-coming teams for tax work in Sweden.’
‘Ebba Perman Borg’s attention to detail is incredible. She has a strong ability to think outside the box and see the bigger picture.’
Key clients
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA)
ASSA ABLOY AB
Triton Partners
FSN Capital
CBRE
Nuveen Real Estate
Truecaller AB
Webrock Ventures AB
Vårgrønn AS
Otovo AB
Norvestor
Mestergruppen
Ramboll Sverige AB
ALM Equity
Work highlights
- Advised ALM Equity on the tax aspects of its €530m merger with Svenska Nyttobostäder, including tax due diligence, structuring for co-investors, regulatory compliance, and post-merger planning.
- Advised Webrock Ventures AB on the tax structuring and regulatory compliance for its €38m listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market.
- Advised Société Générale SA on the tax structuring and due diligence for its joint venture with Alliance Bernstein across multiple jurisdictions.
Setterwalls
Setterwalls advises on the tax aspects of complex restructurings and transactions for a client base which includes numerous multinational and global businesses, with prominent names from the private equity, life sciences, and energy sectors. Niclas Hermansson, who is based between Malmö and Stockholm, co-leads the group alongside Christian Sjöqvist, whose time is split between Gothenburg and Stockholm. Both partners cover tax issues pertaining to M&A and real estate transactions, while Hermansson has a particular focus on cross-border and international matters. Highly experienced practitioner Sören Brekell is adept in restructurings and reorganisations. Also key are Andreas Ödman and Carl-Johan Lundgren.
Practice head(s):
Niclas Hermansson; Christian Sjöqvist
Other key lawyers:
Sören Brekell; Andreas Ödman; Carl-Johan Lundgren; Omar Khalil
Testimonials
‘Having worked with many different law firms around the world, I am impressed with Setterwalls’ precision, clarity, and professionalism.’
‘Carl-Johan Lundgren has been very helpful, with clear guidance and fast turnaround times. I am very impressed with his work and would certainly hire him again.’
‘From the outset, Omar Khalil demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the intricate tax regulations and provided clear, actionable advice that was tailored to our specific needs. His ability to navigate the complexities of VAT was truly remarkable.’
‘What sets Omar Khalil apart is his dedication to client service. He was always available to answer our questions, no matter how small, and took the time to explain the implications of various tax strategies in a way that was easy to understand.’
‘Skilled people understanding your business needs.’
‘Quick and to the point.’
Key clients
Seventh State Pension Fund (Sjunde AP-fonden)
Temasek Holdings AB
Rederiaktiebolaget Gotland
Viking Abp
Port of Gothenburg (Göteborgs hamn AB)
Standout Capital
EQL Pharma AB
Flerie AB
Work highlights
- Advised Seventh State Pension Fund in relation to the acquisition of up to 49.9% of a newly created real estate joint venture with the insurance company AMF.
- Advised Rederiaktiebolaget Gotland and Viking Line Abp in relation to a joint venture intended to operate a cruise line between Stockholm, Visby and Mariehamn (Åland).
- Advised on the listing of Flerie AB’s ordinary shares on the main stock exchange of Nasdaq Stockholm.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie‘s tax practice focuses on transactions, disputes, and matters relating to employee incentives. The department is headed up by Linnea Back, who is active for businesses and private clients on a broad range of tax matters, including transactions, restructurings, and litigation.
Practice head(s):
Linnea Back
Testimonials
‘Very proactive and timely advice, good follow up of our litigation procedure and advice on changes in law that impact our procedure.’
Key clients
Olink Holing AB
Oda Group Holding AS
Aros Bostadsutveckling AB
Work highlights
- Advised Olink Holding AB on its sale to Thermo Fisher Scientific in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3.1bn (including net cash).
- Acted as Swedish legal adviser to Norwegian Oda in connection with the merger with Swedish Mathem.
- Acted as legal adviser to Aros Bostadsutveckling AB on its public takeover offer of Besqab AB.
Advokatfirman Lindahl KB
Advokatfirman Lindahl KB fields a team with broad sector expertise, equipped to assist clients with a broad range of operations both within Sweden and internationally. Highly experienced practitioner Anna Romell Stenmark leads the department, and covers both contentious and non-contentious tax matters, including those with international elements. Åsa Fahlén advises on restructurings and incentive programs, while Anders Carls has a particular focus on the real estate sector.
Practice head(s):
Anna Romell Stenmark
Other key lawyers:
Filippa Wallin; Elin Myhr; Anders Carls; Åsa Fahlén
Testimonials
‘We have worked with our tax specialist, Anders Carls, for many many years and find him to be extremely competent and very accommodating to all of our needs and wishes concerning tax and other accounting issues.’
‘Whatever our needs, Advokatfirman Lindahl has so far been able to provide an expert in the field who knows how to listen to our needs as clients.’
‘Extremely professional, high degree of availability and last but not least receptive to our specific needs. In particular, the latter I find to be extremely important for any legal firm to generate true value and, in my view, makes Advokatfirman Lindahl stand out positively from its competitors.’
‘The team at Lindahl have provided high quality support related to various tax matters. They are competent and experienced and easy to work with.’
‘The specific individuals we have worked with are competent and experienced. They easily understand our requests and deliver on time as agreed.’
‘Broad and high competence. Many international connections. Many different areas covered in the same firm.’
‘Highly competent. Very good communication both with client and counterpart.’
Key clients
Magström AB
Pharmetheus AB
Voimapiha AB
Kommuninvest
Palette Life Sciences AB