Private Equity

Wiersholm has a strong position within private equity transactions and has assisted leading international and Norwegian private equity funds in their transactions. Our private equity group is recognised as one of Norway’s leading teams, consistently ranked in Tier 1 and top 3 in Private Equity in Prospera. We combine deep sector knowledge with commercial understanding to deliver effective solutions throughout the investment lifecycle, from acquisition to successful exit.

Our Services

Sales and purchase transactions

Acquisition of listed companies (take-private transactions)

Cross-border/international private equity transactions

Platform acquisitions, add-ons and buy-and-build strategy execution

Capital raising and equity funding in portfolio companies

Leveraged buyouts and financing

Management buy-outs

Co-investments and joint ventures

Continuation / CV transactions / GP-led secondary transactions (continuation vehicles)

Assistance to portfolio companies

Investment portfolio restructurings and reorganisations

Management and employee incentive programs and co-investments

Exit preparation and execution through IPOs or sales

Regulatory matters, including competition law, FDI and FSR

Transactions

Our experts possess some of the industry’s most extensive and diverse experience in handling high-profile and complex transactions within both the Norwegian and Nordic markets. A substantial portion of these transactions involves international clients.

Recent transactions

Our approach integrates extensive transactional experience with targeted sector knowledge. Our private equity practice covers the entire spectrum of private equity transactions, from initial platform investments to add-on acquisitions and exits. We understand the commercial aspects of private equity and provide pragmatic, solution-oriented advice that addresses both legal and commercial aspects of transactions. We excel in sophisticated exit strategies, auction processes, co-investments and managing public takeover scenarios.

Leveraging cross-practice synergies, we provide holistic support involving M&A, financing, tax, employment, anti-trust and other regulatory matters. Our international experience and network enables us to effectively manage complex multi-jurisdictional transactions and deliver optimal solutions for our clients.

With a focus on swift and precise advice, our team is dedicated to driving value and ensuring deal certainty and compliance. By aligning our expertise with your strategic goals, Wiersholm’s Private Equity group is your partner in navigating the complexities of private equity investments and maximising returns.

Cross-Practice Collaborations

Our capabilities are enhanced by close cooperation with other specialized practices and groups within the firm, providing our clients with a holistic approach to private equity transactions:

Asset Management and fund formation: Provides holistic advice and support to fund investors, managers and funds on investing in funds, establishing management teams, designing strategy, fund establishment and operations, improving fundraising and investment cycles.
Venture Capital and Growth Practice: Adds depth to our transaction strategies, especially in growth-oriented sectors.
M&A Practice: Ensures seamless integration in merger and acquisition aspects of transactions.
Capital Markets Practice: Facilitates strategic market entries and exits, crucial for successful IPOs and placements.

Legal knowledge and flexibility are at the foundation, but what stands out is the ability to put themselves in our situation and understand the actual problem we face. This commercial understanding is the most important for us and what separates Wiersholm.
IFLR1000

Key Contacts

Harald Hellebust

Partner

Gunhild Dugstad

Partner

Svein-Helge Hanken

Partner

Nordic Buy Out Forum

Every year, Wiersholm hosts the Nordic Buy Out Forum, the largest annual M&A conference in the Nordic region. This conference is a renowned platform for networking and knowledge sharing among the venture capital and private equity industry, as well as other stakeholders in the transaction market in Norway and the Nordic region.