Next Generation Partners

EU and competition in Finland

Avance Attorneys Ltd

Avance Attorneys Ltd has built a strong competition team that is trusted by clients to handle complex mandates relating to merger control issues, abuse of dominance, state aid regulations and public procurement matters; the firm also regularly represents clients before the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA). Senior associate Laura Kauppila has previous experience at the FCCA and currently advises clients on matters relating to competition and merger control issues. Asko Lindqvist joined the team in mid-2023 and now leads the practice.

Practice head(s):

Katja Jaakkola; Asko Lindqvist


Other key lawyers:

Laura Kauppila


Testimonials

‘Expert, experienced, flexible, committed, versatile, comprehensive.’

Key clients

CVC Capital Partners


Mehiläinen Yhtiöt Oy


Alma Media Oyj


Procuritas Capital Investors


Tradeka-Yhtiöt Oy


Medialiitto ry (the Finnish Media Federation)


Synlab Finland Oy


Veikkaus Oy


CapMan Oyj


If P&C Insurance Ltd


Adelis Equity Partners


Summa Equity AB


Sponsor Capital Oy


Berner Oy


Hologic, Inc.


MB Funds


Standout Capital


Clearfield, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Mehiläinen on a share transaction where Fysios merged with Mehiläinen. The transaction was approved with conditions by the FCCA after a phase II investigation.
  • Advised CapMan Infra on the acquisition of Koiviston Auto, Finland’s leading bus operator. The transaction was subject to the FCCA’s merger control approval.
  • Advised Berner on the acquisition of Apetit’s grain trade business.

Borenius

Borenius is regularly involved in major competition, antitrust and state aid mandates, and plays a key role in cartel investigations and private enforcement issues; the group recently reperesented NCC in out-of court negotiations relating to damages settlements and has handled cartel related investigations before the FCCA and Finnish courts. Ilkka Aalto-Setälä has notable experience working on antitrust and merger control investigations and has advised clients on competition issues at a domestic and EU level, including matters involving abuse of dominant market position elements, cartels, state aid issues and public procurement projects. Counsel Henriikka Piekkala is an expert in state aid issues and assists clients across various regulated markets including the telecom and postal sectors, and is active in pricing matters.

Practice head(s):

Ilkka Aalto-Setälä; Kristiina Liljedahl


Other key lawyers:

Henrik Koivuniemi


Testimonials

‘The team has in-depth knowledge of competition and state aid matters and is regarded as one of the best Finnish teams in the practice area.’

‘Excellent know-how and service attitude. Real professional. High level industry knowledge.’

‘Borenius has good customer-oriented service and excellent knowledge on competition law issues.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä and Henrik Koivuniemi have excellent customer service and knowledge on competition law.’

‘Excellent response on time, flexibly service, excellent knowledge on issue, good and dynamic team, good value for money.’

‘Ilkka Aalto-Setälä: Strong experience, constructive, can came up with creative solutions, excellent and pragmatic lawyer.’

‘Henrik Koivuniemi: pleasant person to work with, the right attitude to handle any kind of challenge.’

‘Borenius is definitely one of the leading practices in the area of competition law, public procurement law, and state aid law in Finland. Their expertise is on the top level, and they regularly advise clients in high-profile cases in cases related to these areas of law.’

Key clients

Finnair Oyj


Finavia Oyj


Destia


The Social Insurance Institution of Finland – KELA


Morgan Stanley


Netflix, Inc


Mediconsult Oy


Hankkija Oy


Uponor Infra Oy


L’Oréal Finland


The Finnish Real Estate Management Federation


Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District


Raisio Plc


Jackon


Fox Networks Group/ Disney Corporation


Sanomalehtien liitto ry


Huawei Technologies Oy


The Finnish Emergency Supply Agency


Nouryon


TietoEVRY


Stryker


Toyota Finance Finland/Toyota Auto Finland


CapMan


Vaaka Partners


Intera Partners


Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd)


TLD Europe


Danfoss


Semikron


Prime Minister’s Office


Work highlights


  • Representing the Prime Minister’s Office in connection with the state aid considerations on the Finnish Energy Market due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Acting for HUS in the European Commission’s investigations of a state aid complaint concerning direct procurement of Covid-19-related procurements by HUS.
  • Representing the City of Helsinki in a state aid case concerning the decision of the European Commission on recovery matters and an appeal before the European Court of Justice and the Helsinki Administrative Court.

Castrén & Snellman

Castrén & Snellman's market-leading EU, competition and public procurement practice is a key name for compliance work, competition proceedings and public and private competition litigation. The firm regularly handle international cases, and has been involved in a significant volume of private enforcement litigation in Finland. The team have successfully represented major clients in high-profile and complicated merger filings and multi-jurisdictional notification procedures. Jussi Nieminen is a leading expert in all aspects of competition law, and Anna Kuusniemi-Laine is a leader in public procurement, state aid and competition matters. Maarit Taurula is noted for her experience in merger control processes and cartel investigations.

Practice head(s):

Jussi Nieminen


Other key lawyers:

Anna Kuusniemi-Laine; Maarit Taurula; Kiti Karvinen


Testimonials

‘Excellent team and good business understanding.’

‘Jussi Nieminen is easy to approach, has very good business understanding and is willing to find solutions.’

‘One of the largest and comprehensive teams that can take care of all kinds of matters and inspections.’

‘Jussi Nieminen is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Also Kiti Karvinen has excellent skills and ability to provide clear advice in complex matters.’

‘Big team of competition lawyers – all truly enthusiastic about it. Business minded advice.’

‘Definitively one of the best law firms in Helsinki in terms of pragmatic, accessible and professional approach. From our perspective the firm has enough resources in situations limited by time. We appreciate the firm’s solution driven and effective way of working. Basis for our good and long relationship is the firm’s true desire to deeply understand our activities and the business we are engaged in.’

‘Anna Kuusniemi-Laine can be described as efficient, business-minded and pragmatic in her practice. Anna emphasises understanding of the business and activities of the client, which we find very valuable. She possesses strong knowledge and experience in competition law including state aid and procurement law cases. She has also developed a growing reputation in the area of sustainability and in sustainable practice of legal services.’

Key clients

Valio Oy


S Group


Wärtsilä Oyj Abp


OP Financial Group


Gasum Oy


VR Group Ltd


Veikkaus Oy, the Finnish gaming monopoly


YIT Oyj


Valmet Oyj


Cargotec Corporation


The Finnish Composer’s Copyright Society Teosto


Work highlights


  • Representing Gasum Ltd in an arbitration against Gazprom Export.
  • Acted as legal adviser to Cargotec, a leading Finnish provider of cargo and load handling solutions, in a contemplated merger with Konecranes, a Finnish world-leading group of lifting equipment and solutions.
  • Advised Lantmännen on its acquisition of Finnish food company Myllyn Paras from Sponsor Capital and minority owners.

Dittmar & Indrenius

Dittmar & Indrenius is a key name in the market for competition infringement and antitrust damages cases, with group head Ilkka Leppihalme and Aarne Puisto leveraging notable experience in cartel investigations, horizontal and vertical agreements and abuse of dominance mandates; the firm has also seen a notable increase in high-end transactional and merger control work. Toni Kalliokoski specialises in competition litigation acts in antitrust damages claims, while Jussi Koivusalo assists with domestic and EU level merger control filings and complex transactions.

Practice head(s):

Ilkka Leppihalme


Other key lawyers:

Aarne Puisto; Toni Kalliokoski; Jussi Koivusalu


Testimonials

‘The team has a really high level and wide competence in the area of competition law.’

‘The extremely high competence and a long experience within the business of key lawyers brings value to the customer. Especially Ilkka Leppihalme is recognised as one of the best within competence and experience.’

‘Business acumen and no-nonsense approach. Highly professional, flexible and quick to propose innovative solutions.’

‘Aarne Puisto has provided my company invaluable assistance in large public tenders. His vast understanding of the public tenders, ability to act as an interpreter between the suppliers and the customers needs and targets, and exceptional competence in inventing innovative solutions to complex problems is unique in the market.’

‘Aarne Puisto, their associate – is very exceptional and talented. His attitude, his knowledge is something I have never seen in younger professionals. I am pretty sure Aarne will be one of the top competition lawyers in the Nordic countries within a few years. He can already now see 1) what is important and 2) what is not – and justify his opinions in a way not many seniors can. He is exceptional in many ways.’

‘We do very much enjoy working with the Dittmar competition team. Ilkka Leppihalme is a strong professional and a great team leader.’

‘Ilkka Leppihalme is truly our go-to partner in the Finnish competition law market. He has excellent communication skills which he combines with top knowledge in the competition field.’

‘Dittmar’s team has probably the best know-how on EU competition legislation in Finland. They can offer solid support from the Finnish case law to the EU case law. Since complex competition cases that go all the way to different EU courts are rare, Dittmar has a unique competence and relevant network to find external help when needed.’

Key clients

Atria


Baxter


Blackstone Group


Bouygues Group


Brookfield Asset Management Inc.


CapMan


City of Espoo


GlaxoSmithKline


Kingspan Group


KLAR Partners


Lockheed Martin


MB Funds


NielsenIQ


Nobina


Nordic Entertainment Group


Partners Group


Providence Equity


Starwood Capital Group


Tampereen Aluetaksi


Veho


Work highlights


  • Advised the Bouygues Group on its acquisition of Destia from Ahlström Capital, obtaining (i) an unconditional merger control clearance from the European Commission and (ii) the Foreign Direct Investment approval from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
  • Represented Nobina in the Court of Justice of the European Union in Finland’s largest state aid recovery case over unlawful aid granted to Nobina’s competitor.
  • Advised Brookfield on the acquisition of 49% of Telia Company’s tower business in Finland and Norway.

Hannes Snellman (Finland)

Hannes Snellman (Finland) is noted by clients for its ability to provide ‘very hands-on, pragmatic advice to complex questions in a way so that non-experts in the field can understand’. The practice excels in public procurement matters and recently advised Finnish Customs on the public procurement of bitcoin brokerage services. The team works at a cross-border level and regularly acts alongside its Stockholm team. Team co-head Mikko Huimala is a leading competition lawyer and advises Finnish and international corporations on matters relating to merger control and behavioural issues as well as state aid work. Maria Wasastjerna also leads the practice and is praised as 'a very smart and pragmatic lawyer' who regularly acts for major Finnish and international companies. Anna-Maria Tamminen has in-depth experience in competition litigation and regulatory matters. Counsel Outi Jousi is a key contact for public procurement work.

Practice head(s):

Mikko Huimala; Maria Wasastjerna


Other key lawyers:

Anna-Maria Tamminen; Outi Jousi; Päivi Tammilehto


Testimonials

‘They provide very hands-on pragmatic advice to complex questions in a way so that non-experts in the field can understand. Very responsive and easy to work with.’

‘Maria Wasastjerna is a very smart and pragmatic lawyer to work with. Seems to be very knowledgeable in this field and is always prepared to provide advice and even just ideas in a flexible, quick and modern way.’

‘The quality of their work is superior. Quick analyses, quick conclusions that are accurate. You can really count on them. And they also work with a sparkle in their eyes. They are really enthusiastic of their work. Fun to work with them!’

‘It has been a true pleasure to work with Outi Jousi for some time now. She is something! Absolutely the best public procurement lawyer I have ever worked with. She is a true “Speedy Gonzales” – always answers before you expect anything. She follows what is going on (news etc) and she is looking at things from a very wide perspective. When I need a “mirror” on my own conclusions – she is the first and only one I call – since I can count on her opinions to be deeply well founded views! Super kind, fun to be around – and her mind is sharp as a knife! 5-star lawyer.’

‘Päivi Tammilehto is a very skilful professional with in-depth knowledge of competition law. She is truly interested in the assignments and client’s benefit so it is a pleasure to work with her. Her background from the Finnish competition authority gives her an advantageous insight and broad perspective. She has a pragmatic and clear way of communication so even complex matters feel comprehensive with her.’

‘Compared to other firms, the practice is well resourced and by consequence can handle large assignments efficiently. It is also well linked with all the other teams at Hannes Snellman meaning that I can be confident that any potential competition law issues will be flagged to us even if they were not the initial issue.’

‘I want to commend Päivi Tammilehto. She is responsive, to-the-point and business-oriented. She asks the right questions industry-wise and I know she is tailoring her analysis according to the specifics of our business, not just stating the legalese. Overall, very nice to work with and is my go-to person for competition law advice.’

‘HS’ team is both talented and experienced. We especially appreciate their capability to streamline and simplify complex competition law issues in a manner that also clients (including people working directly in relation to commercial issues) without prior experience on competition law issues can understand the relevant points.’

Key clients

Kesko Corporation


Metso Outotec Corporation


Sanoma Corporation


Nordea Bank Abp


Finnish State / Prime Minister’s Office


Anora Plc


Valmet Corporation


Marimekko Corporation


Konecranes Plc


UPM-Kymmene Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Konecranes on its €7bn merger with Cargotec.
  • Advised Valmet on its €4.3bn merger with Neles.
  • Advised Altia on its €640m cross-border merger with Arcus.

Krogerus

Krogerus has notable expertise in horizontal and vertical agreements and frequently advises high-profile clients on investigations by the FCCA. The group also handles merger control issues (including procedures before the FCCA and the European Commission), compliance work, state aid matters, public procurements, abuse of a dominant position issues and mandates in regulated markets. Katri Joenpolvi jointly leads the competition and regulatory practice and is well versed in contentious proceedings dealing with cartels and vertical restraints, while fellow co-head Leena Lindberg advises clients on complex merger control issues as well as demanding antitrust, state aid and public procurement cases. Terhi Kauti stands out for leading the public procurement practice and advises on a wide range of issues such as covering state aid work and internal market rules. Recently promoted partner Simo Autio is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Katri Joenpolvi; Leena Lindberg


Other key lawyers:

Terhi Kauti; Simo Autio


Testimonials

‘They are hardworking, very customer oriented – economic and super experienced. Their work is absolutely “five star”. Enjoy working with each one of them. They keep you well informed about all changes in legislation. They are modern, quick and also willing to get feedback – what could be done better. Wonderful team – just true pleasure to work with them.’

‘Leena Lindberg is a lawyer with her “feet on the ground”. She is very clear, service-minded and good-natured, I haven’t ever seen her in a bad mood! Amazing woman! Her attitude is positive and constructive – and her willingness and capacity to “sell” a compromise when it is necessary is super valuable for a customer. Her understanding of competition law on a wide scale is a treasure – and her thinking and conclusions are of a very high quality. The argumentation is clear, convincing and the work is impeccable. Leena is one of the top names in Finland.’

‘High recommendation for Katri Joenpolvi. Kind, super professional, clear, wonderful service attitude, in a way modest – customer is the most important. Katri is also fun to be around. With Katri everything goes smoothly. She is a true treasure and pro when it comes to competition!’

‘The team is very approachable, quick to deliver and no-nonsense.’

‘Partner Leena Lindberg is definitely my go-to person for advice on highly demanding competition law matters. Lindberg knows the field inside and out and manages to give pragmatic advice on very complex topics. She is hands-on, quick to deliver and, on top of that, fun to work with.’

‘The team responds quickly to requests for help and understands the business perspective.’

‘Simo Autio has provided us clear and practical advice. He works effectively and genuinely understands the customer’s needs.’

Key clients

Delivery Hero / foodora


DB Schenker


AGCO Corporation


HKScan Oyj


Elisa Oyj


Finnish Forest Industries Federation


Abloy Oy (part of AssaAbloy)


Viking Line Abp


Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation


Neste Oyj


Work highlights


  • Acting for Retta Group in the Market Court 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.
  • Represented Viking Line Abp, a major Finnish shipping company, in a series of Market Court disputes where a competitor appealed public service obligations for maritime transport tendered by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency that were awarded to Viking Line and others.
  • 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 is well regarded for its cross-border competition practice and excels in complex competition matters spanning merger control work, antitrust issues, public procurements, state aid matters and abuse of a dominant position claims. Ami Paanajärvi is the head of the practice and has extensive experience in handling merger control and antitrust proceedings before the European Commission, while Christian Wik acts in cartel investigations, abuse of dominance matters and multi-jurisdictional merger filings, both at a national and EU level. Juhani Matinlassi stands out for his public procurement work, with extensive experience in competitive procedures and public projects as well as procurement litigation. Mikko Alkio joined the team in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Ami Paanajärvi


Other key lawyers:

Christian Wik; Juhani Martinlassi; Harri Puskala; Mikko Alkio


Testimonials

‘Our main contact was Christian Wik. Christian is very professional.’

‘They are always accessible and provide high-class and solution-oriented advice on complex matters.’

‘Partner Ami Paanajärvi is not only a pleasant and joyful person to work with, but also a highly skilled competition lawyer who is ready to help with the most complex matters in the field even around the clock.’

‘Senior Associate Harri Puskala is certainly a rising star in the field. He has a pragmatic and flexible attitude and he is ready to go the extra mile to fulfil clients’ needs.’

‘Roschier is our go to firm for all legal matters in Finland. They are responsive, pragmatic, really understand our business and are able to provide unique recommendations based on our specific business needs/goals. We highly enjoy working with the Roschier team.’

‘The partners and leading associates really stands out in their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to provide tailored advice for our unique business needs. They are also great at providing just the right level of advice.’

Key clients

Orkla


Arcus


Mobidiag


Finnlines


Stora Enso Oyj


Uber


TietoEvry Oyj


Fortum Oyj


Wolt


Eltel Networks and Eltel Group


Telia Company (including TV4 Media AB and MTV Oy)


Walki Group


Konecranes Corporation


Finnair Plc


Neles Corporation


IK Partners


Fiskars Corporation


Basware


Veridos GmbH


Picosun


CVC


GoTo Technologies


InfraVia Capital Partners


Outokumpu


Work highlights


  • Advising Wolt in approx. €7bn sale of the company to NYSE-listed DoorDash in an all-stock transaction.
  • Advising Neles Corporation on the merger with Valmet Oyj.
  • Advising Outokumpu on the divestment of the majority of its Long Products business operations to Marcegaglia Steel Group.

Frontia Attorneys at Law Ltd

Frontia Attorneys at Law Ltd specialises in the full range of competition mandates including cartel investigations and large-scale tender processes. Mikael Wahlbeck advises major clients on contentious and non-contentious competition matters, and Niko Hukkinen advises clients on foreign direct investment processes and has extensive experience in international merger control work, dominance matters and horizontal and vertical cooperation agreements.

Practice head(s):

Niko Hukkinen; Mikael Wahlbeck


Testimonials

‘They are fast at getting the broad picture and excel in grasping the details that make the case.’

‘Mikael Wahlbeck, with his extensive experience, really delivers value for money, with clear views and straightforward realistic advice.’

Key clients

Neova


Lassila & Tikanoja


Empower / Enersense


YIT


Alma Media


Fortum


Arla


Wolt


HKScan


Digita


Nokas


Sponsor Capital


Sponda


Andritz


Work highlights


  • Successfully acted as lead competition counsel to both parties, i.e., Neova and Lassila & Tikanoja, when they combined their energy wood businesses into a joint venture.
  • Advised private equity house Sponsor Capital on several of its M&A projects. In particular, helped to secure Phase I merger control clearance for the add-on acquisition of Finncont Oy in the waste sector and the unconditional Phase II clearance for the divestment of Myllyn Paras Oy to Lantmännen in the bakery sector.
  • Defended Empower (currently part of the Enersense group) in a significant competition case that was decided by the Finnish Supreme Administrative Court.

HPP Attorneys

HPP Attorneys is recognised for its knowledge of cartel litigation and administrative proceedings, and the team is also regularly involved in competition proceedings before the European Commission relating to anti-trust and merger control issues. Team co-head Tuomas Saraste has substantial experience in handling complex competition matters and has advised major, multinational corporations on investigations by the European Commission. Jouni Alanen is head of the public procurement group, and excels in state aid and state monopoly mandates. Fellow co-head Anna Roubier is also a key member of the team and has notable experience in the chemicals sector.

Practice head(s):

Tuomas Saraste; Anna Roubier; Jouni Alanen


Testimonials

‘Broad team with expertise in all areas.’

‘Quick to react when needed. Good expertise in key areas.’

‘Very solution-oriented mindset. Good co-operation between practices in substance matters.’

‘Partner Tuomas Saraste is definitely among the top competition professionals in the country.’

‘Tuomas Saraste is client oriented and has an amazing ability to present difficult law terms so that everyone understands, serious matters spiced with a good sense of humour.’

‘Agile team with great leadership on top.’

‘Commitment to the delivery. Clear communication on results, challenges and opportunities.’

Merilampi Attorneys Ltd

Merilampi Attorneys Ltd’s competition and EU practice group is well known for its work in merger control, cartel and abuse of dominant position mandates and follow-on damages claims as well as public procurement processes. The team represents a diverse client roster including international and domestic companies. Erkko Ruohoniemi leads the department and has significant experience in merger control, abuse of dominant position and cartel mandates.

Practice head(s):

Erkko Ruohoniemi


Other key lawyers:

Tetti Kunnas


Testimonials

‘Merilampi was an excellent partner for our M&A process. Merilampi personnel are very professional and cooperation during the process was fluent and flexible. We also reached all targets for the process.’

‘All the team members in the EU and competition practice are very service minded, persistent and definitely very professional. The team is working 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 time and ability to take control of things quickly.’

‘Merilampi is able to combine their capabilities in competition practice and deep understanding of the contracts between us and our stakeholder network.’

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


Work highlights


  • Represented Pihlajalinna Terveys Ltd, part of Pihlajalinna Group, when it acquired the entire share capital of Pohjola Hospital Ltd from Pohjola Insurance Ltd. The FCCA unconditionally approved the transaction in Phase II after a thorough investigation.
  • Represented the shareholders of Finncont Group Ltd in a merger control process before the FCCA in the sale of Finncont’s majority shareholding to Sponsor Capital.
  • Represented 71 Finnish electricity distribution system operators in a joint appeal against the Finnish Energy Authority’s decision to revise the regulatory framework in the middle of a regulatory period.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird fields a strong practice in competition law, which advises on all aspects of EU and national competition law including merger control issues, cartels and anti-trust investigations, public procurement matters, competitive neutrality issues and state aid work. Katia Duncker is the head of the competition and EU practice group and assists a broad range of international and domestic clients. Jori Taipale is active in cross-border mandates and the competition elements of transactional work.

Practice head(s):

Katia Duncker


Other key lawyers:

Jori Taipale


Testimonials

‘I think that the team offers a good combination of legal expertise and knowledge with easy-to-approach attitude and mentality.’

‘Having a down-to-earth attitude while conveying impeccable legal expertise.’

‘High level expertise and dedication.’

Key clients

MTV Oy


Lähitaksi Oy


Work highlights


  • 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 is well regarded for its antitrust and competition advice, and utilises the firm’s global network of offices to assist with and support on international matters. Mika Oinonen is head of the competition and regulatory practice and has a vast amount of experience throughout the public and private sectors; he also contributed to the preparatory work for the Finnish Competition Act. Tuija Kaijalainen regularly advises both contracting authorities and tendering suppliers on various stages of public procurement processes. Satu-Anneli Kauranen joined the practice from Merilampi Attorneys Ltd in 2023.

Practice head(s):

Mika Oinonen


Other key lawyers:

Tuija Kaijalainen; Satu-Anneli Kauranen


Key clients

Taksi Helsinki Oy


Valopilkku Oy


Nokas CMS Oy


Digital 9 Infrastructure plc


Work highlights


  • Advising Digital 9 Infrastructure plc on the competition law aspects of the strategic acquisition of two data centre businesses.

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

Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) has been consistently involved in Finnish and European Union antitrust and state aid proceedings; the team is also known for its in-depth knowledge of public procurement matters. Olli Hyvönen is head of the practice and specialises in various major antitrust matters and cartel investigations, while Jukka-Pekka Joensuu has advised the Finnish Government and various municipalities on large-scale investments and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Olli Hyvönen


Other key lawyers:

Jukka-Pekka Joensuu; Niina Roselund


Testimonials

‘We are working with Niina Roselund and Olli Hyvonen. Both have huge experience, a great network and excellent knowledge of the law, take a very pragmatic approach and do help us a lot in Finnish competition law issues.’

Key clients

Stena Recycling Oy


Enersense International Oyj


Fixcel Group Oy


LeasePlan Finland Oy


Koiviston Auto Group


Helsingin Bussiliikenne Oy


ISS Palvelut Oy


VTT Oy


Regional Council of South-West Finland


Edita Publishing Oy


Finnish Association of Speech Therapists


Work highlights


  • Representing Helsingin Bussiliikenne Oy in state aid proceedings in the European Court of Justice.
  • Acting for Helsingin Bussiliikenne Oy in state aid proceedings in the Helsinki Administrative Court.
  • Representing Stena Recycling Oy in a merger control notification matter regarding the acquisition where Stena Recycling Oy acquired the whole share capital in Encore Ympäristöpalvelut Oy.

Procopé & Hornborg

Procopé & Hornborg’s competition team consists of experts skilled in matters related to the automotive, energy, retail, media and infrastructure sectors. The firm advises companies and public entities on all aspects of competition law spanning national and EU merger control issues, cartel investigations, dominant position assessments, information exchanges, joint ventures, antitrust audits, damages actions and compliance programs. Lotta Uusitalo specialises in assisting clients with merger control work and cartel investigations, while Asta Siponen regularly handles state aid matters and public procurement processes; the pair jointly lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Lotta Uusitalo; Asta Siponen


Testimonials

‘Strong expertise, professionalism, customer focused mindset.’

‘Whereas many firms have profound expertise, Procopé’s team is particularly approachable and hands-on, and very pragmatic. The team is among the bigger ones by Finnish standards. The team members always seem to like to work with each other and collaborate seamlessly.’

‘The individuals I work with are highly pragmatic, very approachable and responsive. Lotta Uusitalo is in particular someone I would commend, and I would be the first to approach her any time again when Finland is involved.’

‘Very good and efficient cooperation. The team were fast to respond and everything went smoothly.’

Waselius & Wist

Waselius & Wist is led by Lotta Pohjanpalo and assists clients with all aspects of EU and national competition law, including horizontal and vertical agreements, abuse of dominance mandates, merger control work, public procurement processes and state aid matters. The firm has seen an increase in public procurement proceedings and litigation before the Market Court and the Supreme Administrative Court. Pohjanpalo advises clients on domestic and cross-border matters and acts as counsel in proceedings before the FCCA, the Market Court and Supreme Administrative Court, while Sami Hartikainen stands out for his knowledge of state aid and legal issues relating to the internal market.

Practice head(s):

Lotta Pohjanpalo


Other key lawyers:

Sami Hartikainen


Testimonials

‘A competent and high-level team.’

‘Sami Hartikainen is very knowledgeable, dedicated. He does not bring himself to the fore, but focuses on the issue and brings added value to the customer.’

‘Substantial know-how and high professionalism make Lotta Pohjanpalo’s practice unique and valued. I think potential clients want to know that Lotta Pohjanpalo’s strength is lengthy experience and a high probability of success in the Market Court (also other court cases).’

‘Waselius & Wist has a strong and reputable EU and competition team which can tackle any competition law related challenges.’

‘Lotta Pohjanpalo is highly responsive, solution-oriented and a very experienced lawyer with an excellent international network.’

‘Ability to very quickly produce accurate text of a high professional standard.’

‘Good expertise on the EU legal framework. Effective contacts with the relevant Finnish authorities. Ability to produce innovative solutions within the EU legal framework and write them in English.’

Key clients

Loomis AB


Equitix


Pernod Ricard


Essity


CityBike


Ascensia Diabetes Care Finland


Hanken & SSE Executive Education


Royal Canin (part of the Mars companies)


Automatia Pankkiautomaatit


Olympus Finland


Coloplast


Steripolar


Zimmer Biomet


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented Ascensia Diabetes Care Finland Oy in public procurement litigation before the Supreme Administrative Court against Roche Diagnostics Oy and the Federation of Municipalities of the Eastern Savonia Hospital District in a legal precedent case.
  • Represented Automatia Pankkiautomaatit Oy in proceedings before the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority regarding the removal of the commitments imposed on Automatia in 2017 with respect to the market for real-time payments.
  • Represented Hanken & SSE Executive Education in public procurement litigation before the Finnish Market Court in relation to a €7m procurement of executive education services by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.

Lieke Attorneys Ltd.

Lieke Attorneys Ltd. focuses on public procurement and competition law, and specialises in assisting contracting authorities with large-scale public procurement projects including work relating to power plants and healthcare services. The team has a broad client roster encompassing Finnish governmental bodies, state-owned companies and large energy companies. Team head Aimo Halonen has substantial experience in advising Finnish and international clients on energy, real estate, construction and development projects.

Practice head(s):

Aimo Halonen


Other key lawyers:

Markus Pulkkinen


Testimonials

‘Easy to contact, take care of everything.’

‘Versatile competence and smooth interaction.’

‘Professional organisation, quick declaration of issues.’

‘The cooperation with the lawyers of Lieke has been very smooth and, as a client, we have received expert service from them and all Lieke lawyers we have used as part of our team and not just “external experts”. This has been a very pleasant way to work together.’

‘The people with whom we have cooperated during the long project have been very approachable, knowledgeable, professionals in their field who take the customer’s needs into account and actively seek solutions. It has been easy to trust them and their advice/instructions have been followed with a clear conscience. Thank you already at this stage to Aimo Halonen.’

Key clients

Lounavoima Oy


Ministry of Finance


DigiFinland Oy


Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy


Keravan Energia Oy


Kymenlaakso Social and Health Services (Kymsote)


Päijät-Häme Social Health Care Group (PHHYKY)


Keiturin Sote Oy


Work highlights


  • Advising Lounavoima Oy on its €112m waste-to-energy power plant construction.
  • Acting for the Ministry of Finance of Finland on a variety of legal issues under a frame agreement.
  • Advising Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy on, among other things, several public procurement processes included in the new €160m Naistenlahti 3 power plant construction project.

Merkurius Attorneys

Merkurius Attorneys is a boutique law firm specialising in competition and public procurement matters including cartel issues and proceedings involving the Finnish Market Court and Supreme Administrative Court. Team head Kirsi-Marja Salokangas is experienced in competition law and public procurement work and has handled issues relating to state aid work and abuse of dominant market position matters. Ida Koskinen stands out for her work acting for domestic and international clients in public proceedings before various courts.

Practice head(s):

Kirsi-Marja Salokangas


Other key lawyers:

Ida Koskinen


Testimonials

‘Merkurius has helped us with public procurement, company law related matters and GDPR requirements. We have found their expertise and commitment excellent.’

Key clients

Certia Oy


Yleisradio Oy


Kuntien Hankintapalvelut KuHa Oy


Fimlab Laboratoriot Oy


Lojer Oy


Länsilinjat Oy


Medimattress Oy


Oulan Group Oy


Pirkanmaan Voimia Oy


Tampereen aikuiskoulutussäätiö sr


Tampereen kaupunkiseudun elinkeino- ja kehitysyhtiö Business Tampere Oy ja Visit Tampere Oy


Tampereen Sähkölaitos Group


Peab Oy


Martela Oyj


Validia Oy


Work highlights


  • Representing Nordic construction company Peab Oy in the public procurement appeal before the Market Court against the city of Nokia.
  • Represented Länsilinjat Oy before the FCCA, the Market Court and the Supreme Administrative Court.
  • Acted as a legal adviser to Pirkanmaan Voimia Oy in a large-scale construction project and other acquisition questions relating to public procurement and contract law.