The Stockholm Stock Exchange traded mixed at midday following an initial uptick. Volvo Cars continues its strong performance after being granted a special permit in the U.S. for the continued import and sale of connected vehicles. Major shareholder Latour has divested shares in Assa Abloy and Securitas for a total of SEK 5 billion.

As of 12:47 PM, the OMXS30 index was up 0.17 percent at 3,167.67. Shares worth approximately SEK 11.6 billion had changed hands on the Stockholm bourse.

Real estate led the gains among major industrial sectors, rising 1.53 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, energy lagged, falling 3.94 percent.

Among blue-chip stocks in the OMXS30 index, SCA B rose 2.8 percent, while Volvo B gained 2.2 percent. The weakest performers were Ericsson B, down 2.5 percent, and Tele 2 B, which shed 1.8 percent.

In corporate news, investment firm Latour has sold shares in lock manufacturer Assa Abloy and security firm Securitas for SEK 2.5 billion each, totaling SEK 5.0 billion. The placement was executed at a discount to the previous day's closing price of 3.5 percent for Securitas and 1.6 percent for Assa. Latour remains the principal owner of both companies. Securitas fell 1.3 percent, while Assa Abloy rose 1 percent and Latour climbed 1.9 percent.

Automaker Volvo Cars has been granted a special permit in the U.S. to continue importing and selling connected cars under the ICTS Connected Vehicles Rule. The permit follows discussions with the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding corporate governance, technology, and data security. The U.S. is one of Volvo Cars' largest markets. The share price was also bolstered by positive European car sales data, sending the stock surging 7.8 percent.

Biotech firm Hansa Biopharma reported positive top-line results from the European PAES study for Idefirix in kidney transplantation. One-year graft survival reached 90 percent in highly sensitized patients, meeting the study's primary endpoint. The stock climbed 6.1 percent.

Media company Verve Group's first quarter came in below analyst expectations for both revenue and adjusted operating profit. The company reiterated its full-year guidance, forecasting revenue of EUR 680-730 million with an EBITDA of EUR 145-175 million. The stock fell 6.4 percent.

The Swedish Securities Council (Aktiemarknadsnämnden) stated on Wednesday that the consortium behind the bid for consumer research firm Cint is not compatible with the principle of equal treatment in Nasdaq Stockholm's takeover rules. The bid of SEK 5.60 per share was submitted by a consortium including Cint's CEO, a board member, principal owner Bolero, and Triton. The Council's criticism concerns the composition of the bidding group. Cint rose 0.5 percent.

Private equity firm EQT has divested its entire holding of 15.52 million shares in tech company Bimobject. The shares were sold at a price of SEK 4.35 per share. The buyers were board members David Johansson and Lars Jörnow, who each purchased shares for SEK 33.7 million. Bimobject surged 16.8 percent, while EQT rose 1.7 percent.

Among today's analyst recommendations, SB1 Markets initiated coverage on Norion Bank with a 'buy' rating and a target price of SEK 70. The stock rose 1 percent.

Handelsbanken downgraded HMS Networks to 'hold' from 'buy'. The stock fell 4.8 percent.

Danske Bank downgraded Rusta to 'hold' from 'buy'. Rusta declined 4.5 percent.