EU and competition in Finland

Avance Attorneys Ltd

Avance Attorneys Ltd‘s competition and state aid practice has broad experience across merger control, antitrust and public procurement work and has been managing diverse regulatory proceedings and matters at the EU and domestic levels, interacting with the various EU and domestic institutions. The firm also frequently assists clients before the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA). With extensive experience in merger control, cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, Katja Jaakkola leads the practice and is well supported by senior associate Laura Kauppila, who has expertise in merger control and EU internal market law. Asko Lindqvist, who focuses on competition and public procurement matters, joined the team from Borenius in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Katja Jaakkola


Other key lawyers:

Asko Lindqvist; Laura Kauppila


Key clients

CVC Capital Partners


Mehiläinen Yhtiöt Oy


Alma Media Oyj


Procuritas Capital Investors


Tradeka-Yhtiöt Oy


CapMan Oyj


If P&C Insurance Ltd


Adelis Equity Partners


Sponsor Capital Oy


MB Funds


Standout Capital


Clearfield, Inc.


Altor Equity Partners


Mutares SE & Co. KGaA


Investcorp Securities Limited


Triton Equity Partners


Intera Partners


Keskisuomalainen Oyj


NCC Property Development


Work highlights


  • Advised Triton Equity Partners in relation to Crayfish BidCo’s voluntary public cash tender offer for all the shares in Caverion Corporation.
  • Advised Adelis Equity Partners Fund III in relation to a voluntary public cash tender offer for all shares and special rights in Avidly Plc recommended by the Board of Directors of Avidly Plc.
  • Advised Intera Partners on the establishment of Better Burger Society, a company targeting a leading position in the growing premium burger market in Europe, together with NoHo Partners.

Borenius

Specialising in cartel investigations, private enforcements, merger control work, state aid issues and public procurements, Borenius‘ EU and competition practice has recently been involved in major competition, antitrust and state aid cases and complex competition and public procurement matters. Leading the team is Ilkka Aalto-Setälä, who is praised by clients as ‘one of the most experienced competition law specialists’, comfortably handles antitrust and merger control investigations and advises companies and governmental agencies on competition issues at the domestic and EU levels. Henriikka Piekkala is an expert in state aid issues and regulated markets, including the telecoms and postal industries, and also handles competition neutrality issues.

Practice head(s):

Ilkka Aalto-Setälä


Other key lawyers:

Henriikka Piekkala; Henrik Koivuniemi


Testimonials

‘Borenius, led by Ilkka Aalto-Setälä, always provides hands-on, no-nonsense advice with the client’s ultimate goal in their eyes. Their experience of handling competition matters is profound and detailed.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä processes strategic considerations, and is still the curious and careful adviser that he always was.’

‘The Borenius team has excellent knowledge of competition law. They are also very customer-oriented and easy to reach.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä has excellent knowledge on competition law. Henrik Koivuniemi is very customer-oriented and keeps timelines very well.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä has strong experience, he can come up with innovative and creative solutions, an excellent and pragmatic lawyer. Henrik Koivuniemi is an analytic and pleasant person to work with, the right attitude to handle any kind of challenge.’

‘Borenius team has solid expertise in the areas of EU, competition, state aid, and public procurement laws. They are always a pleasure to work with. Very recommendable.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä is one of the most experienced competition law specialists in this country.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä acts in an exceptionally professional way. I can recommend him with good conscience.’

Key clients

Finnair Oyj


Finavia Oyj


City of Turku


The Social Insurance Institution of Finland – KELA


Morgan Stanley


Netflix, Inc


Viljava


Lifenation


Uponor Oyj Oy


L’Oréal Finland


The Finnish Real Estate Management Federation


Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District


Raisio Plc


Danfoss


Semikron


Stadler Rail AG


Lockheed Martin Corporation


Jackon


Disney Corporation


Sanomalehtien liitto ry


Huawei Technologies Oy


The Finnish Emergency Supply Agency


Nouryon


TietoEVRY


Toyota Finance Finland/Toyota Auto Finland


CapMan


Vaaka Partners


Intera Partners


Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd)


Work highlights


  • Representing the incumbents Uponor Suomi Oy and Uponor Infra Oy before the Finnish Market Court regarding an alleged cartel in the market of plastic infrared pipe products in 2009-2016.
  • Advising fully state-owned Suomen Viljava Oy vis-à-vis the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority and the European Commission on investigations stemming from a state aid complaint concerning the establishment and operations of Viljava’s subsidiary Oat Mill Finland Oy.
  • Secured €350m before the European Commission in support of Finavia’s activities.

Castrén & Snellman

Castrén & Snellman advises on competition and compliance issues, merger control strategies and notifications, public procurement work, state aid matters and EU and other regulatory litigation, and has been involved in significant and complex competition cases in Finland and internationally. ‘Calm, practical and diligent’ practice head Jussi Nieminen has vast experience in all areas of competition law, acting for clients in public and private competition and regulatory proceedings and litigation before the Finnish courts. Anna Kuusniemi-Laine is recognised for her knowledge of public procurement, state aid and competition matters; she is also the firm's head of sustainability.

Practice head(s):

Jussi Nieminen


Other key lawyers:

Anna Kuusniemi-Laine; Maarit Taurula; Suzanne Simon-Bellamy; Kiti Karvinen


Testimonials

‘Large team with very good knowledge of competition law – I would trust them with any related issues.’

‘Jussi Nieminen is an excellent lawyer and very easy to work with. He provides precise advice.’

‘They provide pragmatic legal advice without taking any shortcuts, extremely knowledgeable within their legal fields, of the firms different practice areas, and about the Finnish and Nordic market.’

‘Suzanne Simon-Bellamy is highly qualified and truly a rising star. She is easy to work with, diligent and an excellent lawyer.’

‘Jussi Nieminen is responsive, easy to work with and understands the client’s needs and commercial dimension very well. Works to find practical solutions and efficient ways forward. Is able to explain complex matters in a straightforward and good way, including to non-lawyers.’

‘Kiti Karvinen is a true specialist who is thorough in her work and very knowledgeable within the competition law area.’

‘Jussi Nieminen is calm, practical and diligent. Helps to understand the big picture and keeps track of details that are easily forgotten by a busy in-house counsel.’

Key clients

Valio


S-Group


Wärtsilä Corporation


OP Financial Group


Gasum Oy


VR Group Ltd


YIT Oyj


Cargotec Corporation


Lantmännen


Sato


Work highlights


  • Advised Lantmännen on obtaining unconditional merger control clearance from the FCCA in Phase II for its acquisition of Finnish food company Myllyn Paras.
  • Advised BEW ASA on obtaining conditional merger control clearance from the FCCA in Phase II for its acquisition of Jackon Holding AS.
  • Represented one of the defendants against the FCCA’s penalty payment proposal for alleged cartel in the property management sector.

Dittmar & Indrenius

Dittmar & Indrenius' competition and public procurement practice stands out due to its ‘broad and at the same time deep experience in all aspects of Finnish competition law, ranging from antitrust infringements over merger control to private damage claims’; it also represents clients in significant competition infringement and antitrust damages cases. Ilkka Leppihalme leads the team and has been praised by clients for his ‘wealth of knowledge and experience’, especially related to antitrust matters, cartel investigations, merger control filings and the competition aspects of M&A transactions. While Toni Kalliokoski specialises in competition litigation with a particular focus on damages claims, Jussi Koivusalo is experienced in antitrust investigations and advisory work.

Practice head(s):

Ilkka Leppihalme


Other key lawyers:

Toni Kalliokoski; Aarne Puisto; Jussi Koivusalo; Riikka Kanerva


Testimonials

‘Ilkka Leppihalme and Toni Kalliokoski have shown an extreme professionality within competition law. One of their most important features is the capability of guiding their customers and making the customer feel very good and secure even in difficult situations.’

‘Aarne Puisto is a very talented, well focused, and super skilled lawyer. Despite his scientific interest, or perhaps because of that – he manages to express himself clearly and practically. I greatly appreciate his wide-ranging expertise and extremely pleasant demeanor.’

‘Ilkka Leppihalme is experienced, reliable, extremely clear and precise, and also fast. He has good situational awareness and an excellent service attitude. He’s a great guy.’

‘Ilkka Leppihalme is an outstanding practitioner and is our go-to contact whenever it comes to competition law in Finland.’

‘Dittmar & Indrenus is a leading Finnish firm with broad and at the same time deep experience in all aspects of Finnish competition law ranging from antitrust infringements over merger control to private damage claims. They stand out as they are always on top of new developments and trends.’

‘Ilkka Leppihalme is a wonderful antitrust lawyer and one of my main go-to people for anything related to Finland.’

‘Clear, concise and exhaustive advice from the associate all the way to the partner level. Jussi Koivusalo stands out as exceptionally responsive and knowledgeable, while Riikka Kanerva has proven a ‘name to watch’.’

‘Ilkka Leppihalme stands out for his approachability, his wealth of knowledge and experience and his ability to put that knowledge and experience to use to quickly and accurately advise on complex matters.’

Key clients

Ahlsell


Atria


Baxter


Blackstone Group


Bouygues Group


CapMan


City of Espoo


General Electric


GlaxoSmithKline


Kingspan Group


KLAR Partners


MB Funds


NielsenIQ


Nobina


Olympus


OP Financial Group


Partners Group


Providence Equity


Veho


Viaplay Group


Work highlights


  • Representing Ahlsell in competition infringement proceedings in the Market Court.
  • Represented Nobina in the Court of Justice of the European Union in a large state aid recovery case over unlawful aid granted to Nobina’s competitor.
  • Advising Svenska Handelsbanken on all competition law aspects relating to the sale of most of its Finnish operations.

Hannes Snellman (Finland)

Hannes Snellman (Finland) excels in public procurement matters, competition law and state aid work and recently advised the State of Finland and the Finnish Defence Forces on the procurement of fighter jets. The team works closely with the firm's Stockholm-based team on cross-border mandates. Team head Mikko Huimala is a ‘great communicator’ and advises major Finnish and international corporations on merger control, state aid and behavioural issues. Anna-Maria Tamminen is a leading name for international arbitration proceedings with in-depth experience in competition litigation and regulatory mandates, while Outi Jousi has ‘top-notch expertise‘ in public procurement issues.

Practice head(s):

Mikko Huimala


Other key lawyers:

Anna-Maria Tamminen; Helena Lamminen; Päivi Tammilehto; Outi Jousi


Testimonials

‘Hannes Snellaman’s EU and competition practice team has been our trusted partner due to their comprehensive and solid competence in all our business focus areas, flexible way of working, and very customer-oriented approach combined with their business integrity. I can highly recommend their team for any competition law related assignments. Very good experience especially with compliance audits on competition law.’

‘Mikko Huimala and his team are the best, deep knowledge, straightforward approach, no unnecessary “whisking”, ability to provide the risk assessment in very understandable form.’

‘Outi Jousi is exceptional in her customer service and service attitude. Her reaction speed and accuracy are unparalleled. Her expertise is top-notch, and I consider her one of the most talented public procurement specialists currently. And best of all – her impeccable sense of style and humour. Outi takes one opportunity after another with great ease and makes others shine as well.’

‘Päivi Tammilehto is an easily approachable person and always a pleasure to be in contact with. Päivi is skilled in giving practical advice in competition law which, by its nature, is often considered as a rather theoretical area of law.’

‘Expertise and friendliness.’

‘Exceptional knowledge and experience of the very special business area of the client.’

‘Mikko Huimala is very pragmatic and solution-driven lawyer who provides pragmatic advice instead of concentrating on disclaimers in the final products. We especially appreciate him being able to make complex competition law concepts more approachable to our non-lawyer colleagues.’

‘The team covers a good mix of M&A focused individuals with people capable of helping with your day to day competition law issues. Have been working with them for years and they always deliver.’

Key clients

Kesko Corporation


Metso Corporation


Sanoma Corporation


Nordea Bank Abp


Finnish State / Prime Minister’s Office


Anora Group Plc


Oy Matkahuolto Ab


Marimekko Corporation


Konecranes Plc


UPM-Kymmene Corporation


Sega Europe Limited and SEGA Corporation


Uponor Corporation


Microsoft Corporation (incl. Microsoft Oy and other group companies)


Takeda Oy


Work highlights


  • Advised the State of Finland and the Finnish Defence Forces in the €10bn project to procure 64 F-35 fighter jets.
  • Advised SEGA on its approximately €706m public tender offer for Rovio Entertainment Corporation.
  • Advised Uponor Corporation on its €2.1bn recommended public cash tender offer for all shares in Uponor by Georg Fischer Ltd.

Krogerus

Krogerus‘team of highly skilled attorneys possesses a remarkable combination of expertise, dedication, and a client-centric approach that sets it apart in the legal field’, frequently assisting with horizontal and vertical competition law arrangements, merger control procedures, procurement work and regulatory matters, as well as dominance issues and state aid assessments. The department is jointly led by the ‘stand out’ Katri Joenpolvi and ‘top-notch professional’ Leena Lindberg; Joenpolvi has extensive knowledge of competition law and proceedings pertaining to cartels and vertical restraints, while Lindberg advises clients on merger control issues and antitrust, state aid and public procurement cases. Simo Autio‘s practice also covers internal market rules and general EU law; he is praised for his ‘excellent and extensive knowledge and insight in his field’.

Practice head(s):

Katri Joenpolvi; Leena Lindberg


Other key lawyers:

Simo Autio


Testimonials

‘They are highly competent and have very extensive knowledge of competition law. They are very diligent, analytical and genuinely interested in our business and our best interests.’

‘Simo Autio has excellent and extensive knowledge and insight in his field. It is a pleasure to work with him.

‘Leena Lindberg is a top-notch professional. She is highly capable as well as extremely empathetic and personable – qualities that rarely come together in one person. Leena is undoubtedly one of the best competition lawyers in the Nordic countries – I have recommended her and will continue to recommend her whenever I can.’

‘Krogerus’s competition law team has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of competition law in Finland. Their team of highly skilled attorneys possesses a remarkable combination of expertise, dedication, and a client-centric approach that sets it apart in the legal field.’

‘Katri Joenpolvi stand outs with her passion to serve customers with the best possible understanding and knowledge.’

‘Simo Autio is an exceptionally talented and hard-working individual with excellent expertise.’

‘Leena Lindberg is a highly qualified and very effective professional.’

Key clients

Viking Line Abp


Lindström Oy


OSM Maritime Group


Medialiitto – Finnish Media Federation


Delivery Hero/foodora


Abloy Oy (part of AssaAbloy)


HKScan Oyj


Finnish Federation for Communications and Teleinformatics FiCom ry


Attendo Oy


LähiTapiola Mutual Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Acting for Retta Group in court proceedings in a matter where the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority has proposed an infringement fine for alleged prohibited price co-operation in the real estate management market.
  • Acting for Dahl Suomi Oy in Market Court proceedings concerning a case where the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority has proposed a fine for alleged prohibited cooperation between companies in the Finnish market for plastic HVAC infrastructure pipeline products.
  • Acting for Isojoen Konehalli Oy in court proceedings following a proposal by the FCCA to impose a fine for alleged illegal resale price maintenance and an order to stop imposing a fixed price on its retailers in the company’s online store.

Roschier

Roschier’s EU and competition team provides full-service cross-border advice on merger control, antitrust, public procurement, state aid and dominance issues. The team broadened its practice with the arrival of Mikko Alkio and Lasse Nordström from Avance Attorneys Ltd, with vast experience in public competition law and regulatory issues. Ami Paanajärvi heads up the department and advises clients on all types of competition law issues, particularly cartel investigations and merger control and antitrust proceedings before the European Commission, Finnish competition authority and other Finnish and European Courts. Christian Wik is now at Lukander & Ruohola.

Practice head(s):

Ami Paanajärvi


Other key lawyers:

Mikko Alkio; Lasse Nordström


Testimonials

‘The team’s strengths are strong expertise in the applicable regulation regime, and a very well-established network both nationally and cross-border that supports the team’s competences as well as understanding the process both at the Finnish courts and EU instances.’

‘Mikko Alkio is an easily approachable person and very pragmatic. Mikko has wide experience of EU and competition law and regulatory matters. We highly appreciate his knowledge and advice in energy and infrastructure regulatory matters.’

‘Lasse Nordström has great knowledge and wide experience in competition, public procurement and energy and infrastructure related regulatory matters. His knowledge of our business sector is very much appreciated. Lasse is diligent, result-oriented, and approachable.’

‘A highly committed and motivated team, flexible and comprehensive service.’

‘Extensive and high-level expertise in both law, economics and politics (Mikko Alkio). Intelligent, systematic, careful, reliable (Lasse Nordström).’

Key clients

Finnlines


Stora Enso Oyj


Uber


TietoEvry Oyj


Fortum Oyj


Wolt


Telia Company (including TV4 Media AB and MTV Oy)


Finnair Plc


Neles Corporation (since 1 April 2022 merged into Valmet)


IK Partners


Basware Corporation


Picosun


CVC


GoTo Technologies


InfraVia Capital Partners


Outokumpu


Nordic Lights Group Corporation


Rovio Entertainment


Finnish Media Federation


Elenia Verkko Oyj


Work highlights


  • Advised i.a. Veikkaus Oy, a state-owned company currently holding the exclusive right to provide gambling services on the Finnish market, on preparing for the potential revision of the monopoly and market access models in the future.
  • Advised Rovio Entertainment Corporation on the €700m all cash takeover of all shares in Rovio by Sega Europe.

Frontia Attorneys at Law Ltd

Specialising in competition law, boutique firm Frontia Attorneys at Law Ltd advises on the full range of competition and procurement matters, including cartel investigations, merger control proceedings, horizontal and vertical self-assessments and public procurement disputes. The team is jointly led by Niko Hukkinen, who advises on competition law and energy and communications market regulations, and Mikael Wahlbeck, who has vast experience in contentious and non-contentious mandates. Hanna Sarkio, who specialises in EU and Finnish competition law, was promoted to partner in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Niko Hukkinen; Mikael Wahlbeck


Other key lawyers:

Hanna Sarkio


Testimonials

‘They provide pragmatic advice on complex matters and are easy to work with. The quality of their work is high-class.’

‘Mikael Wahlbeck is easy to approach, has a vast knowledge and experience in the field and provides clear and solution-oriented advice.’

‘Niko Hukkinen and his team provide sound understandable support and advice on complex competition law matters, e.g. merger control approval/filing.’

Key clients

Kesko / Onninen


Triton


Reim


Fortum


Digita


YIT


Arla


Wolt


Vinci Energies


Sponsor Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising Onninen on a substantial competition case pending before Finnish courts, where the FCCA has proposed total fines amounting to approx. €44m.
  • Acting for Triton regarding its acquisition of Caverion plc.
  • Representing REIM in the Supreme Administrative Court in the property management cartel case.

HPP Attorneys

Well known for its experience in antitrust matters, including cartel litigation and administrative proceedings before the National Competition Authority, the Finnish Market Court and the Finnish Supreme Administrative Court, HPP Attorneys’ EU and competition practice regularly advises clients on high-profile competition-related EU regulatory processes. The team is led by Tuomas Saraste, Anna Roubier and Jouni Alanen; Saraste acts as counsel on merger control, abuse of dominant market position and cartel processes, while Roubier is an expert in antitrust issues and product regulatory laws, and Alanen’s practice covers public procurement mandates.

Practice head(s):

Tuomas Saraste; Anna Roubier; Jouni Alanen


Testimonials

‘Excellent know-how, flexible and client-oriented way of working. Also good collaboration between other practices.’

‘Tuomas Saraste is a top-class professional in this field with excellent expertise and an approach that helps the client to reach the best possible outcome.’

‘Anna Roubier is a client focused and easy to approach professional with a high attention to quality work and details.’

‘Good substance and professional competencies.’

‘Tuomas Saraste is brilliant leader in the team. Great understanding of business logic driving the issues.’

Key clients

Metsä Group


Finavia


Beretta Holding


Wihuri


Stellex Capital Management


The Simply Blue Group


NCC


CGI


Caverion


Stark Suomi


Oy M-Filter Ab


Pohjan Voima Oy


Euromaster (part of Michelin Group)


Eltel Group/Eltel Networks


Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird‘s EU and competition team advises on all aspects of EU and national competition law including merger control work, cartels and anti-trust investigations, public procurement and state aid matters and competitive neutrality. The ‘highly skilled’ Katia Duncker leads the practice and excels in national and international competition and public procurement cases. Other key team members include the ‘skillful’ Petteri Metsä-Tokila and Jori Taipale, who is a ‘go-to partner in tougher negotiations’.

Practice head(s):

Katia Duncker


Other key lawyers:

Petteri Metsä-Tokila; Jori Taipale


Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge of substance and good practical advice based on that.’

‘Katia Duncker is a highly skilled lawyer with practical, precise and to-the-point advice. Lovely to work with. High integrity.’

‘Petteri Metsä-Tokila has excellent knowledge of competition law, customer oriented.’

‘Jori Taipale is intelligent and practical. Our go-to partner in tougher negotiations. Nice to work with.’ 

‘Practical attitude coupled with strong experience. High overall skills with regards to the subject matter. Enough resources to execute efficiently.’

‘Petteri Metsä-Tokila is skillful lawyer who is very nice to work with. He is good in working with different type of client organisations.’

Key clients

S-Pankki Oyj / S-Bank Plc


MTV Oy


Lähitaksi Oy


Vantaan Kiinnike ja Rak Oy


Eficode Oy


Work highlights


  • Advised S-pankki / S-Bank Plc on the acquisition of the Finnish private customer, asset management and investment management services operations of Svenska Handelsbanken AB.
  • Advising Finnish media group MTV Oy on competition law related aspects.
  • Advising Lähitaksi Oy on competition law related matters.

DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd

DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd‘s competition and regulatory team covers the full spectrum of both EU and Finnish competition law and has recently been involved in a major competition neutrality case as well as large cartel cases, and complex public procurement and state aid work. Mika Oinonen leads the practice and has vast experience in the field of competition and regulatory law, while Tuija Kaijalainen focuses on public procurement matters. Satu-Anneli Kauranen, who is an expert in competition, compliance and regulatory matters, joined from Merilampi Attorneys Ltd in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Mika Oinonen


Other key lawyers:

Tuija Kaijalainen; Satu-Anneli Kauranen


Testimonials

‘They are easy to approach and very competent in this field of law. They are also very analytical. In addition, they are very approachable and down-to-earth experts who know our business quite well.’

‘The most competent and versatile team is always assembled and handles the matter with good cooperation.’

‘Good understanding of business, friendly and expert service.’

‘DLA Piper act quickly and very professionally.’

‘High performance for various situations. Good presence and quick response. Special expertise that gives you confidence in handling difficult issues.’

‘Strong background work and a large team of specialists. Honest and caring unit.’

‘Tuija Kaijalainen was a key success factor. She gave a lot of valuable insight, instructions and guidance during the process.’

Key clients

HKScan Oyj


Pamark Oy


Digital 9 Infrastructure plc (D9)


Taksi Helsinki Oy


Valopilkku Oy


Nokas CMS Oy


Rockwool Finland Oy


KELA, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland


Work highlights


  • Advised HKScan Oyj on a major cross-border transaction, where the client entered into an agreement to sell the shares of its Baltic subsidiaries to Estonia-based AS Maag Grupp.
  • Advising Pamark Oy on a major merger process.
  • Advised Digital 9 Infrastructure plc on the strategic acquisition of two data centre companies.

Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)

Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)'s competition and public procurement team handles a range of mandates including antitrust matters, major cartel investigations and the related court proceedings, state aid work and public procurement issues. Olli Hyvönen heads up the team and ‘has a deep knowledge of public procurement and competition issues’ as well as state aid work. Specialist counsel Anne Björklund is a name to note for competition and public procurement mandates.

Practice head(s):

Olli Hyvönen


Other key lawyers:

Niina Roselund; Anne Björklund


Testimonials

‘The team at Eversheds together with their network of external experts is capable of providing high-quality advice on complex legal matters. Their team is easy to work with and responsive.’

‘Olli Hyvönen was exceptionally easy to work with and remained committed throughout the complex merger notification process. He excelled in particular on keeping all stakeholders engaged.’

‘Olli Hyvönen has a deep knowledge of public procurement and competition issues.’

‘The team is extremely professional, competent and clearly strives to maintain their expertise on a very high level. They are actively working toward a best possible solution for the customer in a way that creates a trusting relationship.’

‘Olli Hyvönen has good expertise in our business and in EU and competition practice. The cooperation with him has been very effective.’

‘Niina Roselund and Olli Hyvönen are very pragmatic and distinguished experts. They have a very good track record and can very well predict what the authority would think about certain issues and how to handle a case.’

‘Niina Roselund is very competent and experienced. She gives very pragmatic advice.’

‘Olli Hyvönen is very competent and has a lot of knowledge of cases. He is very good at preparing a case.’

Key clients

Olvi Oyj


LeasePlan Finland Oy


Regional Council of South-West Finland


Helsingin Bussiliikenne Oy


Finnish Association of Speech Therapists


Koiviston Auto Group


Pipelife Finland Oy/Pipelife International GmbH


Edita Publishing Oy


Enersense International Oyj


RTV Yhtymä Oy


Stena Recycling Oy


VTT Oy


ISS Palvelut Oy


Work highlights


  • Representing Pipelife Finland Oy in antitrust/cartel proceedings in the Market Court.
  • Representing Stena Recycling Oy in merger control proceedings relating to Stena Recycling Oy acquiring the whole share capital in Encore Ympäristöpalvelut Oy.
  • Representing Helsingin Bussiliikenne Oy in state aid proceedings in the European Court of Justice.

Merilampi Attorneys Ltd

Merilampi Attorneys Ltd frequently assists international and domestic companies with a broad range of competition matters, including merger control, cartel and abuse of dominant position mandates, and public procurement work. Team head Erkko Ruohoniemi specialises in merger control notifications to the Finnish and EU Competition Authorities, cases of abuse of dominant position and cartels, as well as public procurement work; he also regularly represents major telecoms and energy companies in regulatory issues. Satu-Anneli Kauranen departed to DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Erkko Ruohoniemi


Testimonials

‘Merilampi Attorneys, namely Erkko Ruohoniemi and his team, has a very strong understanding on the quite complex operational environment of the Finnish distribution system operators and the regulatory model set by the National Regulatory Authority.’

‘Service attitude is great. Seeing the big picture is a strength they have.’

‘All the team members in the EU and competition practice are very service minded, persistent and definitely very professional. The team works seamlessly together, and the responsible partner is always on top of the things. One of the biggest strengths of the team is the fast response times and ability to take control of things quickly.’

‘The whole team is easily approachable and easy to work with. The team is able to think about the best interests of the client from different perspectives. The team also genuinely listens to the customer and they have excellent knowledge of competition law.’

Key clients

Pihlajalinna Corporation


Skanska Ltd


Posti Group Corporation


Elisa Corporation


Sweco AB/Sweco Finland Ltd


Finncont group


Transbox Ltd


Suominen Corporation


FinnHEMS Ltd


Savonlinja Group


Skoda Transtech


Isku Interior Ltd


Securitas Ltd


Procopé & Hornborg

Procopé & Hornborg's competition and procurement team advises clients on all aspects of competition law, including national and EU merger control work, assessments of dominant position and the related abuse issues. Public and private enforcements, state aid matters and all aspects of public procurement work also form part of the firm’s advisory offering. Group co-head and specialist in competition and EU law Lotta Uusitalo has vast experience in the energy, automotive and technology sectors, while fellow co-head Asta Siponen is a specialist in dispute resolution and public procurement work.

Practice head(s):

Lotta Uusitalo; Asta Siponen


Testimonials

‘Very capable of giving advise on a wide range of matters related to competition law across all sectors of industry, commerce and services.’

‘Lotta Uusitalo has a hands-on approach and is able to give practical advice and guidance on information exchange between competitors and other areas of competition law. Very pleasant to work with.’

‘Very strong and available competition law team. Pleasant to work with.’

Waselius & Wist

Waselius & Wist's EU and competition team assists with all aspects of EU and national competition law, including horizontal and vertical agreements, abuse of a dominant market position issues, and merger control, public procurement and state aid mandates. Leading the team is Lotta Pohjanpalo, who is praised by clients as ‘a star in her field’ and advises clients on EU and competition law, public procurement work and regulatory matters across a wide range of industries. Counsel Sami Hartikainen is a key name for state aid issues relating to the internal market.

Practice head(s):

Lotta Pohjanpalo


Other key lawyers:

Sami Hartikainen


Testimonials

‘The team headed by Lotta Pohjanpalo offers excellent in-depth expertise of competition law for merger control/transactions as well as for commercial contracts.’

‘Lotta Pohjanpalo is a star in her field.’

‘The team is very easy to reach and they always offer us the best knowledge in a very wide area of legal issues.’

‘I always get the feeling that my opinions are valuable. And they never try to steer the decision-making too much. They always make it clear what the options are and are very clear with the ups and downs.’

‘Waselius & Wist are a firm that provides timely, practical and insightful advice, are consistent in their deliveries and a trusted and long-term partner to our business in Finland.’

‘Lotta Pohjanpalo is a very strong legal professional that gives excellent advice and is firm in negotiations. She has very extensive experience in her field and is a trusted adviser to our company. I would highly recommend her.’

Key clients

Loomis AB


Equitix


Pernod Ricard


Essity


CityBike (Inurba)


Ascensia Diabetes Care Finland


Royal Canin (part of the Mars companies)


Loomis Automatia


Olympus Finland


Coloplast


Steripolar


Zimmer Biomet


Hedin Mobility Group


Opes Corporation


Municipal Guarantee Board


Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland


Work highlights


  • Represented Hedin Mobility before the European Commission in securing unconditional Phase 1 merger control approval for its acquisition of Delta Auto.
  • Advised the Municipal Guarantee Board on a €5bn state aid approval process with the European Commission securing the lawfulness of the state aid.
  • Represented the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a state aid approval process with the European Commission.

Merkurius Attorneys

Boutique firm Merkurius Attorneys is specialised in competition and public procurement work and has recently advised on cartel mandates, public procurement cases before the Market Court, state aid issues and competition matters relating to acquisitions. Department head Kirsi-Marja Salokangas focuses on competition law, public procurement matters and dispute resolution and has been singled out as ‘an expert, who has not only extensive knowledge and experience in her own field but is able to consider a broader perspective’.

Practice head(s):

Kirsi-Marja Salokangas


Testimonials

‘Kirsi-Marja Salokangas is an expert, who has not only extensive knowledge and experience in her own field but is able to consider a broader perspective – with her systematic analytical skills she can see challenges quickly and can provide possible solutions and alternatives. She is very responsive and understands controversies quickly.’

‘Merkurius Attorneys has exceptional skills and knowledge of the public procurement regulations and processes especially in energy business. The communication was very clear and understandable, even to non-lawyers of our team. I could completely trust the issues in their hands and expertise, knowing they will lead us through the process with high standards and yet in an efficient way.’

‘Kirsi-Marja Salokangas is a true and devoted professional and has supported us in several cases. We highly appreciate her devoted attitude and her exceptional skills both in substance matters and also for communication. Thus, she is such a lovely person. It has been great pleasure to work with her!’

Key clients

Fimlab Laboratoriot Oy


Fingrid Oyj


Lojer Oy


NordLab


Länsilinjat Oy


Tampereen Sähkölaitos (including Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy, Tampereen Sähköverkko Oy and Tampereen Vera Oy)


Peab Oy


Pfeifer Group


UPM Energy


Monetra Group


Pirkanmaan Voimia Oy


Eesti Rahvusvaheliste Autovedajate Assotsiatsioon (ERAA, Estonia)


Wetteri Auto Oy


Auroora yhtiöt Oyj


Tampereen kaupunkiseudun elinkeino- ja kehitysyhtiö Business Tampere Oy


Savon Voima Oyj


Savon Voima Verkko Oy


Medimattress Oy


Work highlights


  • Advised Wetteri Auto Oy on competition law matters regarding its acquisitions of E. Hartikainen Oy and Auto Palin.
  • Advised Fimlab Laboratoriot Oy and NordLab on the large-scale public procurement of ICT services.
  • Advised Tampereen Sähkölaitos group on the large-scale public procurement of ICT services.