At WIDEN, the team has a solid track record in advising on the regulatory compliance aspects of M&A transactions, as well as handling due diligence, share purchase agreements and contractual matters. Kristi Sild and Ants Karu co-head the practice; Karu is well-known for assisting with the tax aspects of M&A deals. The client roster includes prominent Estonian companies in the financial services, insurance, and fintech sectors. Martin Nikolajev is a name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Ants Karu genuinely stands apart in the Estonian market. His combination of corporate and tax expertise gives him an edge that many competitors simply don’t have. In practice, this means he doesn’t just solve problems as they appear — he anticipates them, and often finds creative, tax-efficient ways to structure deals that make life easier for the client long after the transaction is complete. Beyond the technical ability, I’ve valued his calm, pragmatic style. He is approachable, easy to speak with, and has an extraordinary ability to explain complex matters clearly. That kind of clarity is rare and incredibly reassuring when decisions are high-stakes. Working alongside him, Martin Nikolajev brings an energy and sharpness that complements Ants perfectly. In high-pressure situations, he is reliable, detail-focused, and remarkably quick to respond. Together, they bring a combination of deep experience and fresh perspective. They make complex corporate and M&A work not only manageable but truly client-friendly.'
- 'Ants Karu stands out as a very accurate, precise and talented lawyer and negotiator.'
- 'WIDEN’s team combines real technical mastery with a down-to-earth, client-first approach. Working with them, you immediately notice how seamlessly deep legal knowledge translates into practical, business-driven solutions. Ants Karu is at the heart of this – his decades of experience mean he sees not just the legal issues but the bigger commercial picture. He has that rare ability to explain complex matters with clarity, making clients feel confident and in control. What also stands out is the dynamic support from Martin Nikolajev. He brings energy, precision, and a remarkable ability to keep large, high-pressure transactions moving smoothly. Together, they create a team that feels both highly capable and approachable - you always know they are available, attentive, and deeply invested in getting the best outcome.'
- 'The M&A team represents absolute top-tier quality in the Estonian market. Whenever a professional matter requires clarification in the context of Estonian law, or when a client needs legal support in Estonia, WIDEN is my first and only choice. I know with full confidence that both the standard of legal expertise and the client experience they deliver will meet and often exceed expectations.'
- 'Ants Karu and Martin Nikolajev have an outstanding grasp of the market.'
- 'A dynamic and passionate team with a fresh, modern approach.'
Key clients
- Arco Vara
- Alfasan Holding B.V.
- ESRO AS
- Jacquet Metals
- TBB Pank AS
- Delfi Meedia AS
- Modena Group
- Rail Baltica
- Musti Group Nordic Oy
Work highlights
Advised Arco Vara AS on the acquisition of the Luther Quarter in central Tallinn.
Advised Alfasan Holding B.V. on the acquisition of majority shareholdings in Estonian pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, the establishment of a joint venture for veterinary pharmaceuticals, and related corporate, financing, and tax matters.
Advised Musti Group Nordic Oy on its €18 million cross-border acquisition of Pet City operations in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Practice head
Kristi Sild; Ants Karu
Other key lawyers
Martin Nikolajev