Rising Stars

Real estate and construction in Finland

Avance Attorneys Ltd

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.

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