Regarded by clients for its ‘strong legal expertise with a solid commercial understanding’, Wiersholm is an active adviser for cross-border transactions, public M&A, private equity buyouts, and joint ventures. The department is under the leadership of a capable trio, Anne Lise E. Gryte, Sverre Sandvik, and Harald Hellebust. Hellebust is engaged by private equity funds on transactions, Sandvik has demonstrable experience in public and private M&A transactions, and Gryte combines capital market experience with expertise in public M&A. The team also includes Gunhild Dugstad, a go-to for cross-border transactions, Ingjerd Røynås, an expert in the technology, retail and industry sectors, and Hannah Advocaat Lund, who has acted for a variety of clients on their transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is highly effective in supporting complex M&A processes. They combine strong technical expertise with a pragmatic approach that fits seamlessly into fast-moving deal environments. We value their responsiveness and ability to cut through legal complexity with clear, actionable advice that aligns with transaction timelines.’
- ‘Kristian Ottesen is outstanding. He not only brings sharp technical skills and commercial insight but also a unique charm and wit that immediately puts clients at ease. In demanding M&A processes, that combination of professionalism and personality helps diffuse tension and build trust around the table.’
- ‘What sets this practice apart is its deep industry knowledge combined with a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. The team demonstrates exceptional legal expertise across a broad range of disciplines, and they consistently deliver high-quality advice that is both commercially sound and strategically relevant.’
- ‘The individuals I’ve worked with stand out through a rare combination of deep legal expertise, strong commercial understanding, and a genuinely collaborative mindset. They are not only highly skilled professionals, but also pleasant, solution-oriented, and efficient — which makes working with them both productive and enjoyable.’
- ‘Wiersholm's team combines strong legal expertise with a solid commercial understanding. They are pragmatic, efficient, and highly responsive, making them a trusted advisor in complex transactions. The team works seamlessly across disciplines and is solution-oriented, with a clear focus on delivering value for the client. Compared to other firms, they stand out for their professionalism, deal experience, and ability to balance legal precision with practical business advice.’
- ‘Svein-Helge Hanken is a very commercial and solutions-oriented attorney, delivering the highest quality to a broad set of our portfolio companies. In different and challenging situations and transactions.’
Key clients
- Altor Equity Partners
- DNB
- Goldman Sachs Asset Management
- Orkla ASA
- Bridgepoint
- Schibsted ASA
- Visma AS
- Mowi ASA
- Nordic Capital
- Verdane
- EQT
- Wilh. Wilhelmsen Group ASA
Work highlights
Advised Mowi ASA on its acquisition of Vigner Olaisen's 52% shareholding in Nova Sea AS for approx. USD 1,460 million, bringing Mowi's shareholding in Nova Sea to approximately 95%.
Advised the Thales Group on establishing a joint venture with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, combining their respective defense communication businesses to create a leading European provider of critical communication solutions.
Advised Visma on the sale of 100% of Admincontrol’s shares to Euronext for approximately USD 437 million.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hannah Advocaat Lund
Practice head
Anne Lise E. Gryte; Sverre Sandvik; Harald Hellebust
Other key lawyers
Gunhild Dugstad; Ingjerd Røynås; Hannah Advocaat Lund; Kristian Ottesen; Svein-Helge Hanken