Finland > Capital markets > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

Borenius, noted for its 'strong equity capital markets (ECM) background', recently acted for the joint coordinators and bookrunners on the €876m IPO of Terveystalo and advised Oma Savings Bank on its €1.5bn covered bond programme. 'Dedicated and seasoned expert' Juha Koponen heads the 'very responsive and helpful' practice, which also fields 'knowledgeable' counsel Ari Syrjäläinen and counsel Mikko Heinonen, who recently arrived from Roschier and has significant experience in debt capital markets (DCM) work.

Roschier recently acted for the underwriters and bookrunners on the €150m IPO of Altia, handled Kojamo's IPO totalling €556m, and assisted Konecranes with a €250m senior unsecured note issuance. The practice advises clients on the full spectrum of capital markets work, with Antti Ihamuotila and Gunnar Westerlund handling ECM and DCM work respectively. Paula Linna is no longer practising law.

Petri Haussila leads the department at White & Case LLP, which handles ECM and DCM work; on the DCM side the team advised Nordea Bank on a $1.8bn note offering under its global medium term note programme, and a recent ECM highlight involved acting for the coordinators and bookrunners on Kojamo's IPO. Other clients include Solidium, BNP Paribas and Pohjolan Voima. Mikko Hulkko is also a noteworthy practitioner.

At Avance Attorneys Ltd, Robin Nordblad and Elisa Heinonen jointly lead the practice handling debt and equity work respectively. The team recently advised Ålandsbanken on the Finnish aspects of its SEK2.5bn covered bond issuance. Other key clients include Keilaniemen kiinteistökehitys and Terex; the group acted for latter on the sale of its stake in Konecranes through three separate accelerated bookbuild offerings.

Castrén & Snellman's 'responsive' team is 'easy to work with'; clients single out 'pragmatic and solution-oriented' practice co-head Merja Kivelä, who is 'one of those rare individuals with both professional expertise and business acumen'; 'experienced' co-head Janne Lauha, and senior associate Anna-Maarit Laurila, who is 'a young talent'. Recent highlights include advising Efecte on its listing on First North, raising €11.3m.

Hannes Snellman's practice is led by Klaus Ilmonen and primarily specialises in ECM work; it recently advised Altia and Terveystalo on their respective IPOs. The group also acted for YIT on two senior unsecured note issuances totalling €250m. Sonja Siggberg and managing partner Mikko Heinonen are also key names to note.

Recent highlights for the team at Krogerus include advising HKScan on a new senior unsecured bond issuance and the voluntary tender offer of a previous bond, and acting for Hartwall Capital on the IPO of Terveystalo. Tom Fagernäs heads up the practice, which is known for its 'excellent knowledge and solution-oriented advice'; Mårten Knuts is also recommended for his ECM-focused work.

Dittmar & Indrenius recently advised Kotkamills Group on the restructuring its €105m senior secured bond, including the amendment of securities packages and partial early repayment work. Juha-Pekka Mutanen and Hanna-Mari Manninen co-head the practice, which 'masters all relevant legal and regulatory issues affecting its clients'.

The department at DLA Piper is noted for its ‘good service and expertise’ and has particular experience in euro medium term note (EMTN) programme issuances. Mikko Ojala heads the practice, while senior counsel Salla Tuominen is recommended for her work on ECM matters.

Merilampi Attorneys Ltd's group has experience across debt and equity work; it recently acted for Mercada in its issuance of a €175m senior secured bond and also counts Suominen as a client. Ari Keinänen leads the department, and Tommi Elo is also recommended.

Tarja Wist heads the team at Waselius & Wist, which is recognised for its 'good expertise and industry knowledge'. The group recently advised First Quantum Minerals on two senior note offerings totalling $1.9bn. Associate Linda Nyman is noted for her 'outstanding ability to understand her clients needs'.