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
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Corporate/M&A, Company Law, Capital Markets
Position
Partner Sverre Sandvik has extensive experience in advising on stock exchange listings, other capital market transactions, mergers and acquisitions, bond loans and general company and securities law. Sverre Sandvik's list of clients includes financial institutions, investment banks, listed companies, private equity companies and governmental bodies.
Career
Partner at Wiersholm since 2003 Joined Wiersholm, 1996
Education
Cand. jur., University of Oslo, 1995
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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.’
‘The team is very commercial in its approach and offers valuable commercial and tactical advice. They offer a very high service level in all aspects.’
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 Seatankers Geveran Trading Co. Ltd Arendal Fossekompani ASA Axcel IK Partners Arcus Infrastructure Partners
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%.