Avance Attorneys Ltd is recognised by clients for its ‘knowledge and expertise‘, with a focus on real estate transactions, projects and financings involving international clients. The firm has received mandates from owners of care and educational properties, offices, and industrial locations and infrastructure. Christoffer Charpentier advises clients on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and works on large-scale energy, infrastructure and natural resources projects, and Mathias Lindqvist acts on domestic and complex cross-border transactions; the pair lead the department. Henrikki Tahkokallio is a name to watch for his work on joint ventures, development projects, mergers and acquisitions and private equity investments in the real estate space.
Real estate and construction in Finland
Avance Attorneys Ltd
Practice head(s):
Christoffer Charpentier; Mathias Lindqvist
Other key lawyers:
Björn Söderblom; Henrikki Tahkokallio; Eeva Riivari; Lotta Nahkala
Testimonials
‘Expertise in and knowledge of industry, co-operation skills, availability and support whenever needed, approachability, youthfulness.’
‘Very experienced team with a capability to solve problems in challenging environment.’
‘Mathias Lindqvist is a senior lawyer who has a calm way to approach a challenging situation. He also has the capability to recognise matters which are relevant and irrelevant for the client. This will make situations smoother in the negotiations.
‘I have seen Lotta Nahkala growing in experience over the years. She is able to give guidance and advice to client independently and firmly. She is also easily approachable.’
‘I would especially like to thank Eeva Riivari for her excellent work. Her professional competence and expertise, coopreation skills and approachability are top-notch. It is always a pleasure to work with her.’
‘Very senior team providing hands on attention and premium quality with short response time.’
‘Partners Christopher Charpentier and Henrikki Tahkokallio have constructive negotiation tactics with a focus on finding amicable solutions, but sticking to their guns if needed. Solid legal knowledge and an instinct for the prevailing market practice. Christopher is a leading figure in the market and Henrikki is up-and-coming partner. Both are very nice to work with.’
Key clients
Sirius Capital Partners
eQ
Nordic Real Estate Partners (NREP)
Hemsö
Regenero
Sagax
NCC Property Development
Brunswick Real Estate
Ålandsbanken
Cobbleyard Real Estate
Antilooppi
Genesta
YIT Finland
LCN
HGR Property Partners
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Nordisk Renting
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.
Partners Group
Ylva
Helsingin Lyyra Ky
Work highlights
- Advised NYSE listed Medical Properties Trust, Inc. on the acquisition of a property portfolio of four general acute hospitals in Helsinki, Oulu, Turku and Kuopio for approx. €178m.
- Advised Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company, YIT and HGR Property Partners on the establishment of a joint venture called Keilaniemen kiinteistökehitys Strike Ky for the development of significant real estate projects in Keilaniemi, Espoo.
- Advised Sirius Capital Partners and its fund in relation to the acquisition and development of a very large build-to-rent residential portfolio from several different construction companies.
Borenius
The ‘efficient and solution-oriented team’ at Borenius provides a range of advice in the real estate space including acting for sellers, purchasers and financing banks. The firm also advises domestic and international real estate investors and developers and works clients on new projects, including real estate developments. Team co-head Christian Fogelholm is a key contact for international clients, and co-head Ari Kaarakainen works with leading real estate and infrastructure investors. Managing partner Casper Herler also contributes to the practice, particularly on planning and environmental work.
Practice head(s):
Ari Kaarakainen; Christian Fogelholm
Other key lawyers:
Casper Herler
Testimonials
‘Very effective and solution oriented team, always provides on point advice.’
‘Wide team with knowledge of both transactions and development projects. Also good commercial understanding.’
Key clients
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing
Partner’s Group AG
Citycon Finland Ltd.
Varma Mutual Pension Company
Aberdeen Property Investor
S-Bank Plc
Cromwell EREIT Management Pte. Ltd.
A. Ahlström Kiinteistöt Oy
Sponda Plc
Fennia Mutual Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Advised Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing and its Finnish JV partner Premico on the sale of a residential property portfolio to Orange Capital Partners and its investor partner.
- Advised the Partners Group on the acquisition of a logistics portfolio comprising of 19 assets from Mandatum Asset Management.
- Advised a fund managed by Abrdn on the acquisition of an office project from NCC. The value of the transaction is approximately €75m.
Castrén & Snellman
Castrén & Snellman hosts one of the largest real estate and construction teams in Finland, and covers large real estate projects and notable real estate developments in Helsinki. The firm is also involved in advising major international and domestic clients on their investments into the Finnish real estate market, where it also assists investors, developers, funds and construction companies. Antti Kaakkola is the head of the real estate investments and transactions department and has a wide variety of expertise in real estate transactions along with Matias Wallgren, who is the head of the environment, infrastructure and natural resources team and also handles property development projects. Senior associate Elina Marttala stands out for her knowledge of land use mandates and environmental legislation. Fellow group head Uwe Uusitalo is the key contact for construction work, particularly infrastructure projects in the energy sector.
Practice head(s):
Antti Kaakkola; Matias Wallgren; Uwe Uusitalo
Other key lawyers:
Elina Marttala; Tuomas Lehtinen
Testimonials
‘Very good understanding of the sector as well the talent to support in negotiations far beyond the legal advice.’
‘Good knowledge, good service.’
‘Antti Kaakkola provides good service with attention to detail.’
‘C&S has handled many of the biggest real estate transactions in Finland during the past few years. The quality of the work is impeccable and they have a big group of highly skilled lawyers in the team. Antti and his team has a deep knowledge of the industry.’
‘Tuomas Lehtinen – superb skills in understanding how to negotiate with the opponent.’
‘Very nice people. Collaboration was easy. Due diligence was done very well and in time.’
‘Castrén & Snellman’s team has extensive and versatile expertise in real estate transactions. They know how to take their client’s side, but at the same time also find mediation solutions when they are needed.’
Key clients
Pohjola Insurance Ltd
Lumo Kodit Oy
Niam Nordic Core-Plus II
Sagax Finland Asset Management Oy
NREP Oy
DWS Real Estate GmbH
eQ Community Properties Fund
LocalTapiola Alternative Investment Funds
YIT Finland Oy
Tokmanni Oy
NSF IV Finland Advisory Oy
BEWI ASA
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Fortum Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Pohjola Insurance Ltd on the sale of a portfolio comprising four hospital properties and a share of a parking company to an international investor.
- Advised Lumo Kodit Oy, a subsidiary of Kojamo plc, on the acquisition of 942 apartments in Finnish growth centres from a fund managed by NREP.
- Advised Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company on an office building project where Varma creates office and commercial premises in Central Pasila’s new Tower Area.
Hannes Snellman (Finland)
Hannes Snellman (Finland)‘s real estate and construction department fields a team of experienced practitioners with expertise in advising on large real estate transactions, complex development projects and the construction of new industry and energy production sites. The firm also has a recognised environmental real estate practice and additional non-contentious construction law expertise. Tapio Teräkivi has extensive experience in complex real estate transactions, development projects and sale and leaseback agreements, while Maria Landtman heads up the firm’s projects and construction practice, and specialises in complex projects relating to energy and infrastructure properties. Katja Perätalo is a specialist in industrial construction and investment projects, and Klaus Metsä-Simola excels in wind power developments.
Practice head(s):
Tapio Teräkivi
Other key lawyers:
Maria Landtman; Juha Lindström; Klaus Metsä-Simola; Matti Lajunen; Katja Perätalo
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge, good service.’
‘Professional and on time delivery.’
‘Matti Lajunen is very much commercial – focused on solving outstanding issues, while making sure the atmosphere in the room remains amicable. This is very much appreciated.’
‘Team has also industry experience which often helps in understanding the business requirements and the client’s need for practical solutions.’
‘True professional with practical approach to clients’ needs.’
‘Broad knowledge of all relevant areas.’
‘Hannes Snellman have provided first class legal advice in a clear, concise and commercial basis on a consistent basis for the entire period of the project I have been working with them. The service Hannes Snellman has provided has been tailored to our complex needs and have been able to report within the short timescales required but able to keep the quality of reports and advice very high.’
Key clients
Patrizia
CapMan Real Estate
LähiTapiola
NREP
KanAm Grund Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
eQ
Microsoft Corporation
Orange Capital Partners
Areim
OP Financial Group
YIT Corporation
NIAM
Nyfosa
OX2 AB
Veolia
Keliber Oy
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Orange Capital Partners on the acquisition of a residential portfolio of 2,200 apartments located across 16 cities from Starwood Capital Group and Avara Oy.
- Counsel to LähiTapiola Yhteiskuntakiinteistöt Suomi Ky on the acquisition of Espoo Hospital for approximately €300m.
- Counsel to OX2 with respect to the construction contracts for the full grid and balance of a plant (including transmission lines, balance of plant works, substations, and transformers) regarding a 455MW wind farm in Lestijärvi, Finland.
HPP Attorneys
HPP Attorneys has been active in real estate development projects and transactional work and has recently handed large investments into the Garden Helsinki event arena. The group also leverages the knowledge of the environmental team, which is led by Kari Marttinen, who has substantial expertise in mandates involving the protection of the environment, environmental permits, environmental liabilities, planning and zoning issues and domestic and EU environmental law. Jari Tuomala overseas the practice, with experience in developments, construction projects, and the sale, purchase and shutdown of real estate. Leif Laitinen handles complex cross-border real estate transactions, as does senior advisor Antti Rikala.
Practice head(s):
Jari Tuomala; Kari Marttinen
Other key lawyers:
Leif Laitinen; Antti Rikala
Testimonials
‘HPP team has great communication. Cases move quickly and everything is solution oriented. Clients of HPP benefit from the experience of the team, they have faced and solved the majority of challenges in previous cases.’
‘Leif Laitinen understands how real estate business works. He has the ability to recognise relevant matters and focus on them. There’s minimal need for briefing thanks to his high level of understanding and good listening skills. He is highly driven and result oriented and that radiates to his team.’
‘Fast, uncomplicated and easy-going.’
‘Business oriented mindset when comparing to other practices. Ability to provide concrete recommendations for difficult negotiations. Really good understanding for customers business.’
‘Leif Laitinen and the team is highly motivated to resolve client cases. Good understanding of customers business and quick responses with high quality. Really good problem solvers with decent charges.’
Krogerus
Krogerus fields one of the largest real estate teams in the Finnish market and is instructed on large and challenging real estate matters including high-profile transactions, day-to-day management issues, real estate portfolio development matters and drafting, amending and negotiating lease agreements. The team also handles environmental law issues related to real estate projects. Marcus Möller acts for clients on cross-border real estate transactional assignments and also counts private equity and real estate investors on its client roster; he jointly leads the practice with fellow transactional expert Joakim Jansson. Counsel Teppo Vuorela has substantial experience in real estate, construction, zoning and planning work.
Practice head(s):
Marcus Möller; Joakim Jansson
Other key lawyers:
Teppo Vuorela; Pyry Somervuori; Kalle Hakkarainen; Ilari Mustonen; Joonas Parkkinen
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge, good service.’
‘Joakim Jansson and Ilari Mustonen are our preferred point of contacts and they provide good service.’
‘Pyry Somervuori is very responsive and pragmatically minded, focusing on the essentials and is able to adapt to individual client situations instead of offering generic cookie-cutter advice.’
‘Marcus Möller as partner has exceptional negotiation skills. Moreover, he understands the underlying business (real estate investing) very well and recognises relevant issues very quickly. Senior associate in Marcus Möller’s team Kalle Hakkarainen also serves clients very well.’
‘Pyry Somervuori and Joonas Parkkinen are super dedicated lawyers with good problem solving and business-minded approach.’
‘Pyry Somervuori has a deep knowledge of our industry. He understands clearly where our priorities are and is able to devise solutions/propose approaches matching our needs/interests.’
Key clients
Heimstaden
Mandatum
Nyfosa / Brunswick
Hyperco
SRV
Alma Property Partners
Cofinimmo SA
LocalTapiola
ICG
eQ Community Properties
Hemsö Fastighets AB
Sponda
IBM
Swiss Life
Work highlights
- Advised Heimstaden on its acquisition of 64 residential properties, comprising 2,009 apartments, from Sato.
- Advised Mandatum Asset Management on the divestment of a portfolio 19 light industrial properties with leasable area of c. 140,000sqm to Partners Group.
- Advised Nyfosa and Brunswick on the acquisition of a total of 43 properties valued at approximately €200m from Partners Group.
Roschier
The ‘efficient and highly knowledgeable team‘ at Roschier handles large real estate matters, leveraging a cross-practice offering. The firm acts for a broad range of clients including corporate real estate transactions and real estate asset transactions as well as project development agreements. Antti-Jussi Partanen is head of the real estate practice and specialises in large-scale real estate transactions and energy related acquisitions and divestments. Toni Siimes is head of the energy and infrastructure practice, with expertise in M&A and corporate advisory work, and as strong emphasis on cross-border and private equity transactions, and area where Mikko Saarve is also particularly active.
Practice head(s):
Antti-Jussi Partanen
Other key lawyers:
Toni Siimes; Mikka Konttinen; Mikko Saarve; Tuure Leponiemi
Testimonials
‘Efficient and highly knowledgeable when providing great input about the Finnish real estate market in general.’
‘Keeps timeline, good reactivity, excellent knowledge.’
‘The team at Roschier took the time to understand their client’s priorities and worked rigorously and pragmatically. The result was an unusually smooth transaction where Roschier delivered what was needed on time and to a very high standard leaving parties on both sides of the table pleased. A true credit to the firm and my favourite legal team to work with on the dozen or so deals I have been involved in over the past couple of years.’
‘Antti-Jussi Partanen is truly top-tier. Not only a great legal mind but a strong leader who has nurtured a thoroughly diligent team of lawyers, all of whom were readily available for a call and who responded quickly to emails. Antti-Jussi is also a very amenable gentleman who keeps his ego in check.’
‘For the transaction in Finland that Roschier supported, my company had a number of very stringent requirements and a complex transaction. Roschier was very collaborative and creative in helping my company find solutions that advanced the transaction and, at the same time, addressed my company’s requirements.’
‘Each of the team members provided a first-rate service. They quickly adapted to my company’s requirements and positions on matters, even though off-market, they provided excellent drafting and negotiating and fast turnaround times.’
‘Antti-Jussi Partanen is a true professional in this sector. Clear presentations and advice. Practical approach on cases. Good communication towards the client.’
‘Roschier’s real estate team has provided excellent advice on our complex real estate transactions. The team is always available and provides requested advice quickly.’
Key clients
Altaal
AXA Real Estate Investment Managers
Blackstone
Carnegie
Deka Immobilien GmbH
eQ Finnish Real Estate
HIH Invest Real Estate GmbH
KanAm Grund
M7 Real Estate
Mileway
MSD
Nokia
NREP
Pareto Securities AB
Royal Areena Oy
Stockmann
Trevian Asset Management Oy
Wasagroup
Work highlights
- Advised Stockmann plc on the €400m sale and leaseback of its flagship department store property in Helsinki CBD.
- Providing counsel to Nokia Corporation on the ongoing project to build a new R&D campus on the Linnanmaa-Ritaharju plot in Oulu.
- Advised Blackstone as the Finnish and Swedish counsel on the €21bn recapitalisation of Mileway.
Aleksandra Attorneys Ltd
Aleksandra Attorneys Ltd is a boutique firm noted for its in-depth experience in providing advice to international real estate funds as well as domestic property investors. Samuli Palin is a leading real estate lawyer, advising several domestic and real estate and construction companies on high-end transactions; Palin’s clients include major international and domestic real estate funds and institutional investors. Rami Laatsalo has advised a number of Nordic and international real estate funds as well as major construction companies, while Michelle Merlich is noted for her experience in real estate transactions and property development projects.
Practice head(s):
Samuli Palin
Other key lawyers:
Rami Laatsalo; Michelle Merlich
Testimonials
‘A boutique law firm. Great service over the years.’
‘Especially credit Samuli Palin who has long term experience in real estate transactions.’
‘Very business-minded, no-nonsense, straight to the point. Know their things and are professional’.
Key clients
Commerz Real
Union Investment Real Estate GmbH
Genesta
Cibus Nordic Real Estate AB
CapMan Real Estate
CapMan Hotels
S-Bank
UB Nordic Property Fund
Exilion Capital
Antilooppi
UB Finland Property Fund
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Advised a major German real estate investor Union Investment, acting on behalf of real estate fund UniImmo: Global, on the €100m acquisition of a residential development project “Atlas” in Helsinki.
- Advised GNRE Fund II, a Luxembourgian fund managed by Genesta, on its divestment of the prime office property “Fab 9” located in Helsinki CBD.
- Advised UB Nordic Property, a special investment fund managed by UB Fund Management Company Ltd, on the €60m acquisition of the 24,000m2 Ideapark shopping centre located in Oulu, Finland.
DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd
DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd is praised for its knowledge of real estate transactions, advising international and Finnish real estate investors on acquisitions, real estate financings and development projects. Mikko Larvala heads up the real estate practice and advises investors and developers on all aspects of real estate law. Timo Valkama also has experience in real estate transactions, real estate developments and fund formations, and Tuukka Toropainen is noted for his work advising clients on zoning, land use and development issues.
Practice head(s):
Mikko Larvala
Other key lawyers:
Timo Valkama; Tuukka Toropainen; Petteri Larnimaa
Testimonials
‘The DLA Piper real estate team in Helsinki combines legal work excellence with deep transaction experience. They really focus on providing practical solutions to investors.’
‘Mikko Larvala – as a former banker, he really combines the corporate finance and investment world with the legal and contracts’ universe.’
Key clients
Morgan Stanley
Real I.S
LaSalle Investment Managers
Round Hill Capital
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Corum Asset Management
Trevian Finland Properties I
Senate Properties
Develo Oy
Helaba
Premico Group
Collector Bank AB
Heimstaden AB
Stendörren AB
Sato Oyj
Equitix Investment Managers
Asuntoyhtymä Oy
Pohjola Rakennus Oy
Work highlights
- Assisted Sato Oyj with its strategically important sale of a residential portfolio consisting of 2009 apartments.
- Assisted Corum Eurion with its acquisition of Metso Outotec HQ located in Espoo from UniImmo Deutschland.
- Assisted Stendörren with its first Finnish acquisitions.
Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) is recognised for its experience in demanding transactional and construction matters as well as cross-border transactions, where the team works alongside the firm's global network of offices. The group has a strong focus on renewable energy projects, including solar power and battery storage matters, and residential portfolio arrangements. Sirkka Terho jointly leads the team with Pekka Kokko, Saara Raitala and Juha Kallioinen. Terho’s expertise includes handling construction, environment, commercial and residential leases, and renewable energy projects, while Markus Rämö has advised clients on large real estate and M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Pekka Kokko; Saara Raitala; Sirkka Terho; Juha Kallioinen
Other key lawyers:
Markus Rämö; Henrik Sandholm
Testimonials
‘Good quality services and co-operation with real estate team (Saara Raitala, Sirkka Terho).’
‘Saara Raitala and Sirkka Terho have deep know-how of real estate transactions. Sirkka Terho is a specialist for real estate related dispute resolution.’
‘Exceptionally strong commitment to the tight project schedule, strong expertise in all required measures and comprehensive consideration of the customer’s needs. Compared to the law firms we have used before, the entire team’s communication with the client was clearer and more straightforward. Our questions were answered promptly, and problem situations were resolved quickly and professionally.’
‘The whole team was easily reachable, communicated clearly and made professional suggestions also on numerous things that we hadn’t thought of ourselves. Markus Rämö led the project to the finish with flexibility and motivation. I was particularly impressed by his commitment to the last busy days of the project. Of course, this also applies to all other members of the team.’
Key clients
Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Microsoft
Mutual Pension Insurance Company Ilmarinen
Ficolo Oy
Quadoro Doric Real Estate GmbH
Otava Oy
KEVA
Glennmont Clean Energy Fund III B.V.
Nuorisosäätiö
Talvivaara Sotkamo Oy, bankruptcy estate
AVAIN Asumisoikeus Oy
Aquila European Renewables Income Fund
Children’s Day Foundation
Avara Ltd
Vantaan Valo Ky (owned by Varma and Elo) (i.e. Jumbo shopping centre)
Real estate funds managed by eQ
Work highlights
- Instructed a global technology company in relation to its new Finnish real estate strategy.
- Acted for Greencoat Capital on the €60m acquisition of Kestilän Kokkonevan Tuulivoima Oy – wind farm company.
- Advised an international industrial company on a €100m built-to-rent arrangement.
Merilampi Attorneys Ltd
Merilampi Attorneys Ltd is prominent in real estate transactions within Finland, with a steady flow of construction mandates including EPCM deals and complex industrial projects. Clients that regularly instruct the group include real estate funds, construction and real estate development companies, and insurers. Tommi Elo focuses on numerous domestic and cross-border real estate transactions.
Other key lawyers:
Tommi Elo
Testimonials
‘The leading office concerning construction matters, both small and big ones.’
‘Very good knowledge of construction and legal issues.’
Key clients
YIT Construction Ltd
Skanska
Hartela
Keva
Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Union Investment Real Estate GMBH
Nyfosa Finland Oy
Schroder Nordic Real Estate Fund
Citycon
Aberdeen Standard Investment
Niam
Sweco Group
Ylva
Avara
Pirkanmaa Hospital District
City of Vantaa, VTK Kiinteistöt Ltd
OP Real Estate Asset Management Ltd
Are Ltd
Senate Properties
Defence Properties Finland
Aberdeen Standard Investment
Helsinki Region Environmental Services HSY
Work highlights
- Advised Keva in its €400m acquisition of Stockmann’s department store property in the very centre of CBD Helsinki from Stockmann plc.
- Represented City of Espoo in a sale and lease back transaction with LähiTapiola Yhteiskuntakiinteistöt Suomi Ky regarding the Espoo Hospital.
- Counselled the Pirkanmaa Hospital District on procurement law and construction contracts concerning its large modernisation programme of the Tampere University Hospital.
Properta Attorneys Ltd
Properta Attorneys Ltd is led by Ilkka Koivisto and Ilmo Korpelainen, who both have extensive experience in real estate transactions, commercial lease agreements and construction mandates. The firm fields several individuals who excel in a wide variety of areas throughout the real estate and construction space, with Ville Laine focused on construction mandates and construction agreement disputes. Heidi Savia is knowledgeable in real estate development projects, real estate transactions, planning issues and land use work.
Practice head(s):
Ilkka Koivisto; Ilmo Korpelainen
Other key lawyers:
Ville Laine; Heidi Savia; Katja Firtser; Henry Firtser
Testimonials
‘Properta’s team is efficient, professional, practical minded and cost effective.’
‘Ilkka Koivisto and Ville Laine both are leading real estate and construction law professionals. Their practical minded approach is both impressive and cost effective, and has also delivered great results.’
Key clients
NV Property Fund I Ky
VVT Property Fund I Ky
eQ Real Estate Funds
Julius Tallberg -Kiinteistöt Oyj
EAB Group Real Estate Funds
Destia Oy
Lujatalo Oy
Aktia Commercial Real Estate Fund
Uudenmaan Mestari-Rakentajat Oy
Apteekkien Eläkekassa (Finnish Pharmacy Pension Fund)
Lidl Suomi Ky
Work highlights
- Advised Julius Tallberg-Kiinteistöt Oyj on the legal aspects of a deal, whereby Julius Tallberg-Kiinteistöt Oyj purchased the shares of Kiinteistö Oy Opus 1 from Artemis Holdco Oy (Cromwell European REIT’s indirect and wholly-owned subsidiary).
- Advised NV Property Fund I Ky on the legal aspects of a deal whereby a commercial property in Tammisto, Vantaa was sold to Evolv (member of Swedish Slättö Förvaltning).
- Acting as Uudenmaan Mestari-Rakentajat Oy’s legal counsel in several contracting matters and disputes.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird‘s real estate and infrastructure group has expertise in real estate transactions, construction issues and development projects. The group is also active in advising real estate funds and handling investment issues, real estate finance mandates, landlord and tenant matters, environmental and sustainability issues and real estate insolvencies. Jaakko Hietala leads the group in Helsinki and takes a strategic approach to complex real estate and infrastructure projects, corporate transactions and dispute resolution matters. Laura Huomo works with energy companies, municipalities, municipality owned companies and governments with notable expertise in energy mandates.
Practice head(s):
Jaakko Hietala; Laura Huomo
Other key lawyers:
Tuukka Korhonen
Key clients
NREP
City of Oulu
City of Jyväskylä
Slättö Förvaltning AB
Real estate funds managed by Elite Alfred Berg
Trevian Asset Management
Pelican Self Storage
St1 Nordic Oy
Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy
Enersense International Oyj
Hycamite TDC Technologies Oy
Work highlights
- Advised City of Oulu on the sale of a major public-use healthcare portfolio to eQ Community Properties Fund.
- Advised City of Jyväskylä on the sale of a major public-use educational and rescue portfolio to eQ Community Properties Fund.
- Advised Slättö Förvaltning AB on purchasing a large retail and warehouse building property.
Dittmar & Indrenius
Dittmar & Indrenius focuses on large-scale real estate transactions, lease arrangements and construction mandates, and the group often engages with cross-border elements of mandates. Antti Aaltonen is the head of the practice, and advises on all types of lease arrangements and general real estate issues. Jonatan Hallvar is a transactional practitioner within the real estate and forestry arenas and has significant experience in energy and infrastructure projects, while Tuomas Tiensuu has extensive experience in cross-border real estate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Antti Aaltonen
Other key lawyers:
Tuomas Tiensuu; Jonatan Hallvar
Testimonials
‘We know the team. They are good.’
Key clients
HANSAINVEST Hanseatische Investment-GmbH
Mirabel Partners Oy
Ingka Centres Finland Oy
Food Folk Suomi Oy (former McDonald’s Finland Oy)
Specsavers Finland Oy
Silvestica Green Forest Finland Oy
Pfizer Oy
Work highlights
- Advised HANSAINVEST on acquiring a modern logistics and warehouse property located in Turku, Finland.
- Advised Mirabel Partners on acquiring industrial properties located in the Greater Helsinki area on a continuous basis.
- Advised Ingka Centres on divesting a retail and development property located in Tampere, Finland.
Lexia Attorneys Ltd
Lexia Attorneys Ltd has experience in advising clients on contentious and non-contentious construction and housing law mandates, and is regularly engaged on real estate transactions and development projects as well as contentious issues. Arto Kaikkonen has substantial experience in construction, real estate and housing law, and Janne Röytiö, who is head of the practice, has broad experience in dispute resolution mandates across the construction, housing and contract spaces. Counsel Annika Luhtanen is a key name for housing and property management issues.
Practice head(s):
Arto Kaikkonen; Janne Röytiö; Annika Luhtanen
Other key lawyers:
Lauri Oja; Reima Raappana; Ville Välimaa; Frans Bergman
Testimonials
‘Co-operation is more like we’re working in the same company or are like old friends, than just usual advisory role, communication is straight, open and fair.’
‘Practical approach and practice’s key partners give us a feeling that we are in good hands in relation to juridical issues.The team in our business segment is large and experienced.’
‘Partner Reima Raappana has worked with us and demonstrated excellent knowledge and skill in his work with construction matters. He has also proved to be proactive which is highly appreciated.’
Key clients
Vesivek Ltd
Helsingin kaupungin asunnot Ltd (Helsinki City Housing Company)
Tapiolan Lämpö Oy
Finnish Beach Volley Ltd
Kittilän kunta
Hailuodon kunta
Sikla Oy
Genesta Property Nordic Finland Ltd
Asuntosäätiö
Sweco Structures Ltd
Work highlights
- Assisted Vesivek with all legal matters related to the safety of roofing work.
- Managing all possible disputes arising from the large apartment portfolio of Helsingin kaupungin asunnot Oy.
- Assisting Finnish Beach Volley with many assignments related to its activities.
Lieke Attorneys Ltd.
Lieke Attorneys Ltd. specialises in public and commercial construction and energy projects, including environmental and real estate matters, and acts for a client roster of project owners, private and institutional real estate owners, managers and investors. Juho Lönnblad co-heads the firm’s construction team, and advises national energy companies and utilities on waste-to-energy and energy storage projects, while fellow co-head Aimo Halonen advises energy companies and utilities on onshore and offshore wind power, bio and eco-power plant, geothermal energy and PPA projects.
Practice head(s):
Juho Lönnblad; Aimo Halonen
Testimonials
‘The team has diverse competence. Collaboration is personal and the person with the best knowledge is always available.’
‘I have worked with partner Juho Lönnblad. His knowledge of architectural and construction business is excellent. He is available in the earliest convenience and co-operation is always personal, committed and specific. Juho’s network is outstanding and advice is wise.’
‘Lieke’s team is always concentrated, on point and they are very easy to communicate with. I’d say they differ from other attorneys by way of providing you the most practical advice efficiently and on time.’
Key clients
DEAS Asset Management, Finland Oy
Winda Energy Oy
Kymenlaakso Social and Health Care District (Kymsote), Carea Sairaalat Oy
Vantaan Energia Oy
Päijät-Häme Welfare Association
Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy
Senate Properties
SF Power Company
Puhuri Oy
Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy
Aalto-yliopistokiinteistöt Oy (ACRE)
Rauno Saari Oy
The City of Helsinki
Jätkäsaaren Pysäköinti Oy (owned by the City of Helsinki)
Work highlights
- Advising Vantaan Energia Oy on four separate major investment projects, all in connection with the client’s strategy to be a fossil free energy producer by the year 2026.
- Assisted Puhuri Oy with the development of its wind farm projects Kesonmäki (7 wind turbine generators) and Kaukanen (8 wind turbine generators).
- Provided legal support to the two largest institutional real estate owners in the Otaniemi area since 2010.
Asianajotoimisto White & Case Oy
Asianajotoimisto White & Case Oy offers an integrated full-service real estate practice in Finland and represents a wide range of clients including real estate investment funds, real estate companies and financial institutions lending money to finance the purchase of real estate assets; it also advises clients on complex financing transactions. Tanja Törnkvist is noted for her transactional work and advised on the first full-scale consent solicitation process related to Finnish-governed bonds. Timo Airisto is well known for his knowledge of cross-border real estate deals, including leveraged financings of complex real estate acquisitions. The pair jointly lead the group.
Practice head(s):
Tanja Törnkvist; Timo Airisto
Other key lawyers:
Oona Lilja; Krista Rekola
Key clients
Antilooppi Ky
Avara
Bayerische Landesbank
Byggfakta Group Nordic HoldCo
Carnegie Investment Bank
Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Hemsö Fastighets AB
M&G Investment
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited
Nordea Bank Abp
OP Corporate Bank plc
Sato Oyj
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Sponda Real Estate Oy
Starwood Capital
The Blackstone Group
Work highlights
- Advised Starwood Capital Group on the sale of a residential portfolio in Finland to Orange Capital Partners.
- Advised Morgan Stanley on its financing of Hyperco Oy’s €35m acquisition of a mixed-use data centre and warehouse in Helsinki, Finland.
- Advised Hemsö Fastighets AB, a Swedish owner, manager and developer of public use properties, on the annual update of its €4bn medium term note program.
KPMG Law in Finland
KPMG Law in Finland provides advice to companies operating in the construction, real estate, investment and funds spaces on a broad range of services including the sale of real estate, real estate portfolios, restructurings, project financings, land use issues and planning work. Kai Soini specialises in group reorganisations, mergers and acquisitions and real estate development projects, while Juha Koivula has key experience in advising clients on acquisitions and transactions. Jaska Ikäheimonen is also a key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Kai Soini; Jaska Ikäheimonen
Other key lawyers:
Juha Koivula
Key clients
Hiedanrannan Kehitys Oy
Novart Oy
City of Uusikaupunki
Tuusulan Kunta
Maakuntien Tilakeskus Oy
Hartela Länsi-Suomi Oy
Bluet Oy Ltd
Peab Oy
Hiedanrannan Kehitys Oy
Novart Oy
Pohjola Rakennus Group PRG Oy
EKE-Finance Oy
VTK Kiinteistöt Oy
EKE-Rakennus Oy
Lujatalo Oy
A1 Asunnot TL Oy
Oy NIT Naval Interior Ltd
Kojamo Oyj
Work highlights
- Acted as HRK’s comprehensive adviser on the Hiedanranta project, one of the most significant area development projects in Finland.
- Advised Peab on the planning and establishment of a joint venture fund structure.
- Advised Maakuntien Tilakeskus Ltd. on forming a working party with the association of Finnish local and regional Authorities (Kuntaliitto).
Magnusson
Magnusson has expertise in advising on real estate, construction and infrastructure matters and assists clients with investments, developments, real estate M&A and the asset management of properties. The firm’s clients include developers, real estate investors, investment funds, tenants, banks and property managers. Lauri Toivio is head of the real estate and construction team and advises clients on construction, housing and real estate matters. Ville Salonen has experience handling complex cross-border commercial transactions in the mining, real estate, technology, life sciences, media and sports sectors.
Practice head(s):
Lauri Toivio
Other key lawyers:
Jukka Blomberg; Ville Salonen
Key clients
SSA Rakennus Oy
Forus Oy
St1 Oy