Real Estate: Sweden

THE FIRM This firm is involved in some of the largest transactions in Sweden, and is a market leader in real estate finance. Its main area of expertise is real estate M&A and financing, although it also offers advice on general property law. The team recently advised Bostadsaktiebolaget Dombron on its acquisition of residential care apartments and regular residential apartments from Uppsalahem, valued at SEK3 billion. The firm's impressive client list also includes Ikano, Eurocommercial Properties and AREIM.

Sources say: "One of the top law firms in the Swedish real estate market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stefan de Hevesy "gives uncomplicated and pragmatic advice. He is to the point and we really appreciate that," said one client. Peers are unanimous in their approval of Patrick Forslund's excellent work in real estate finance. Market commentators highlight Niclas Winnberg for his transactional prowess.

THE FIRM This top-tier firm's real estate practice is involved in a broad range of mandates, from property management and development projects to lease agreements, planning and M&A. Its impressive client roster includes the likes of Volvo Group Real Estate, Orion Capital Managers and Kungsleden. The team recently advised Norrporten on its acquisition of an office property from Skanska, valued at SEK1.1 billion.

Sources say: "A very strong team with a stable reputation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Klas Wennström as "a fantastic, strong individual" who is "a pleasure to work with." Jesper Prytz recently advised NCC Property Development on a mixed property development project, which involved several complex legal issues.

THE FIRM This practice is highly regarded for its strength in real estate finance. The nine-strong team caters for the investment sphere, and regularly oversees large transactions. It deals with a broad range of mandates, including the buying and selling of real estate portfolios, leases, asset and property management arrangements, investment structuring, restructuring and real estate financing. It also advises on development and construction projects. 

Sources say: "If only all legal advisers were as good as this team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Erika Åslund is highly regarded for her transactional skills. One peer comments: "She's been doing a lot of good deals in a really good way."

THE FIRM This firm's reputation continues to grow as it establishes itself within the Swedish real estate market. It specialises in real estate finance and has a team of more than 40 lawyers dealing with some of Sweden's most sizeable transactions. The group is active on cross-border mandates, recently overseeing Pandox's SEK10 billion acquisition of Norgani Hotels, which owns hotels in all of the Nordic countries.

Sources say: "They have broad experience and have been very successful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market commentators praise Jörgen Sandquist for his business-minded approach and rapid understanding of clients' needs. Staffan Brandt is based at the firm's Malmö office, and is well respected in the real estate market. Clients highlight Johan Lindberg for his good market contacts and his strength in negotiations.

THE FIRM Linklaters' well-reputed real estate team has a largely transactional focus. It acts for an impressive range of both domestic and international clients, including AXA, Aviva Investors, Unibail-Rodamco and Invesco Real Estate. Recent highlights include advising Commerz Real on its SEK4.35 billion divestment of Klara Zenit, an office, shopping and residential property in central Stockholm.

Sources say: "Has a good network and a lot of experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Magnus Lidman for his dexterity in negotiations, adding: "We are always sure that we will get the best advice. His people skills are second to none." 

THE FIRM This firm is highly appreciated for its substantial real estate practice, which benefits from decades of experience.

Sources say: "A really good firm for real estate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers admire Jan Litborn for his expertise and his experience working for several high-profile clients. Pontus Kågerman is a much-respected authority in the Swedish real estate market.

THE FIRM This real estate boutique has a good standing in the current market. It has a particular focus on real estate projects, and peers note that it has handled some large transactions. Clients include one of Sweden's largest pension funds.

Sources say: "A very competent and specialised law firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers highly regard Klas Falkenborn for his expertise in this field.

THE FIRM This solid ensemble offers advice on a wide range of real estate matters, including financing, construction, leases, tax, development and planning. Clients highlight the team's ability to counsel on the general management of real estate portfolios as well as more complex legal matters.

Sources say: "We've been working with them a lot and I'm really pleased with their work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Johan Gustavsson is particularly active in real estate transactions. Fredrik Ahlqvist is admired for "his consistency in always delivering on time and often being one step ahead."

THE FIRM With a strong focus on transactions, MAQS is involved in an array of noteworthy assignments in the Swedish real estate market. Its eight-strong team has been highly active in cross-border mandates, and has close ties with fellow branches in Denmark and the Baltic States. As well as the purchase and sale of properties, the group also advises real estate clients on tax and construction law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market commentators respect Patric Olofsson for his pragmatism in dealings. 

THE FIRM This robust real estate team has a particular focus on transactions, and maintains a well-reputed practice. It advises on fund structuring, finance, real estate acquisitions and property development, focusing on domestic matters. Its impressive client roster includes Niam and Saab Automobile. 

Sources say: "This firm fares very well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "A big name in real estate," Marcus Hedén is widely endorsed by peers.

THE FIRM This global firm continues to offer a wide variety of services within the real estate sector. Its high-profile client list includes domestic and international names such as Citycon, The Body Shop and the Royal Swedish Opera. Recent highlights for the team include advising Råsta Projektutveckling on the structuring of a SEK2 billion real estate transaction. 

Sources say: "It's a good team and offers good transaction advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anders Fast is the main contact for real estate matters.

THE FIRM This international giant's Swedish real estate practice is made up of individuals who are able to advise on all property-related matters. It counsels its impressive range of domestic and international clients on mandates ranging from construction, development and real estate litigation to private equity and commercial agreements. The team also handles a large volume of real estate transactions, such as TMW Pramerica Real Estate Investors' acquisition of the shares of a company owning a large shopping centre, valued at SEK340 million. 

Sources say: "A very service-minded team that produces work of the highest quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients admire Anders Malmström's "business-minded approach and ability to translate business needs into legal language."

THE FIRM This firm continues to grow, and has a particular focus on real estate transactions. Its sizeable team includes individuals who specialise in other areas, such as construction and environmental law. The group often acts on cross-border mandates, and its impressive client roster includes Boultbee, Pandox and Medicon Village.

Sources say: "It offers us all the legal advice that we need within real estate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers and clients alike enthuse about Assur Badur, saying he is "definitely one to watch for the future."

THE FIRM Split between the firm's offices in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, this team is strong in real estate transactions, and has expertise covering projects, disputes, financing, developments and commercial lease law. It advises an impressive range of domestic and international clients, including Nordic Choice Hotels, Dagon Group and Home Properties.

Sources say: "There is a lot of continuity at Wistrand, which means that we always deal with the same individuals and save a lot of time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Kullgren stands out for his recent work on Catella Real Estate Kapitalanlagegesellshaft/Bouwfonds' acquisition of a real estate portfolio. Lennart Ernstson dealt with the divestment of Nordic Land's entire Swedish portfolio, valued at approximately SEK670 million. Clients are quick to praise Tommy Grönberg, with one commenting: "He shows us a lot of respect and he understands our business and business model." Peers applaud Jan Alexanderson's significant experience in real estate matters.