avhendingsenheten

Avhendingsenheten, or the Divestment Unit, is a term used in Nordic public administration to denote a unit responsible for the divestment of government-owned or publicly held assets. The exact structure and authority vary by country and level of government, but the unit is typically embedded in a ministry, a state ownership body, or a municipal administration. Its mandate is to manage the sale, transfer, or liquidation of non-core or non-strategic assets in a manner that seeks to maximize value, ensure transparency, and safeguard public interests.

Typical duties include portfolio review and asset identification, financial valuation and risk assessment, and the evaluation of divestment options such as sale, spin-off, merger, or transfer to another public entity. The unit develops sale strategies, prepares procurement or sale documents, and conducts competitive bidding or negotiations. It coordinates due diligence, ensures regulatory and legal compliance, and maintains an auditable decision trail. It also manages communications with stakeholders and markets, and oversees post-sale transition obligations and contract novation where applicable.

Organizational placement varies, but the unit usually reports to a higher public-ownership authority or a ministry and may require approval by a legislative body for large disposals. Its work intersects with broader asset management, corporate governance, and privatization policies. Notable related terms include asset disposal, privatization, portfolio optimization, and sale process governance.