Avance Attorneys Ltd > Helsinki, Finland > Firm Profile
Avance Attorneys Ltd Offices
MANNERHEIMINTIE 20 A
00100 HELSINKI
Finland
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Avance Attorneys Ltd > The Legal 500 Rankings
Finland > Banking and finance Tier 1
Avance Attorneys Ltd is recognised for its expertise in high-end finance transactions, both domestically and throughout the Nordic region. The team engages in a variety of work, and group head Sari Wallgren acts for both banks and borrowers while also advising clients on complex transactions including acquisition, structured and real estate financing work and syndicated lending issues. Selinda Näse is a leading practitioner with experience in advising lenders, borrowers and sponsors on domestic and cross-border financing transactions. Robin Nordblad stands out for his focus on capital market transactions and investment fund mandates.Practice head(s):
Sari Wallgren
Other key lawyers:
Selinda Näse; Robin Nordblad; Salla Suominen; Tytti Laajanen
Testimonials
‘Avance has a practical approach and rather tries to solve the issue at hand rather than get stuck on technicalities.’
‘Sari Wallgren has incredible capacity to return to cases and remember the essentials even after some time despite her being really busy.’
‘Strong banking experience in the team.’
‘Tytti Laajanen: experienced professional with hands on attitude. Sari Wallgren: always great to work with.’
Key clients
Elenia Oy
Rettig Group Ltd
Fortaco Group Oy and CapMan Plc
Brunswick Real Estate
Altor
Tradeka
Mimir Invest AB
Adelis Equity Partners
Sirius Capital Partners
Ardian Infrastructure
Ahlström Capital Oy
OP Corporate Bank plc
Swedbank AB
HYY Kiinteistötalous (Ylva)
Loimua
Regenero
Alma Media
Intera Partners
Enreach
MB Funds
Purmo Group
Nyfosa
CapMan Infra
Helsingin Lyyra Ky
Restel
Keskisuomalainen
Alma Property Partners
Cobbleyard Real Estate
Freska Finland Oy
IQM Finland Oy
Mandatum Asset Management Oy / Mandatum AM Finland Properties II
Procuritas
Work highlights
- Advised Purmo Group on the merger financing arrangements comprised of €455m committed loan facilities and up to €125m uncommitted term loan facility, all originally for Purmo Group, which Nordea and SEB as coordinating bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers have arranged.
- Advised Nyfosa Finland in relation to real estate financing arrangements comprising term loan and revolving credit facilities made available by a Nordic lender group.
- Advised CapMan Infra on the financing arrangements relating to the acquisition of Koiviston Auto, a Finnish transport operator with the largest bus fleet in the country. The debt financing from UBS Asset Management Infrastructure Debt Platform amounted to circa €100m.
Finland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Avance Attorneys Ltd offers a ‘unique blend of legal and commercial excellence’ on high-end, complex M&A work in Finland and the Nordics. The team is focused on advising large and medium-sized companies and private equity groups and is experienced in a number of sectors including the gaming, healthcare, technology, industrial and energy industries. Erkki-Antti Sadinmaa advises clients on M&A, investments, restructurings, management incentive arrangements and corporate matters, while Ilkka Perheentupa represents funds and industrial clients. Ulf-Henrik Kull is a leading professional in corporate, M&A and cross-border transactions, and is regularly involved in complex transactions in the Nordic region. Anders Floman regularly advises clients on general commercial and contractual matters, and Henrik Aro, who is the key name at senior associate level, focuses on M&A in technology-focused industries while also regularly advising growth companies and venture capital funds on venture capital financing rounds. Firm chairman Carl-Henrik Wallin also contributes to the practice and excels in nuclear sector matters and corporate governance work.Practice head(s):
Erkki-Antti Sadinmaa; Ilkka Perheentupa; Ulf-Henrik Kull; Carl-Henrik Wallin; Anders Floman
Other key lawyers:
Henrik Aro;Mathias Lindqvist
Testimonials
‘They work efficiently and in small group with high knowledge – close to the business.’
‘We are working primarily with Mathias Lindqvist. He is fast, reliable and understands our business and our needs. We don’t have any in-house lawyers in Finland so to me it is extremely important that I can trust the lawyers we work with.’
‘Unique blend of legal and commercial excellence. The most important quality of an M&A/Capital Raise deal lawyer is to think in terms of solutions, not risk. Avance excels at providing strategic advice, allowing parties to move forward, instead of getting stuck in theoretical risks.’
‘Team very professional and engaged in the M&A project; great project management and output.’
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Adelis Equity Partners
Neova
Alma Media
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
KKR
Procuritas
Tradeka-Yhtiöt
Verso Capital
Bravida
CapMan Buyout
CapMan Infra
Rettig Group
Summa Equity
Intera Partners
Verdane
Mercell
Nordic Capital
MB Funds
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA)
Allianz Capital Partners
Altor Equity Partners
Reworks
Loimua
Uniper
Addtech
Ardian
Hologic, Inc.
GameRefinery
Elenia
Enreach
Mandatum Asset Management
DoorDash, Inc.
Fortaco Group
Standout Capital
Bridgepoint
Amer Sports
Work highlights
- Advised DoorDash, Inc. on the acquisition of Wolt Enterprises Oy via an all-stock transaction valued at approximately €7bn.
- Assisted Reworks Oy and its shareholders with the sale of the company to Playtika, an Israel-based game developer.
- Advised CapMan Infra on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Koiviston Auto (Metsäpietilä Oy), Finland’s leading bus operator.
Finland > EU and competition Tier 1
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:
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.
Finland > Real estate and construction Tier 1
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
Ã…landsbanken
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.
Finland > Capital markets Tier 2
Avance Attorneys Ltd excels in high-end, complex M&A and capital markets transactions in Finland and the Nordics, with an in-depth understanding of regulated markets in Finland including issues involving the energy and infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, emerging technologies, financial services, private equity, real estate and construction. The team has also engaged in some large company transactions and block trades in Finland, including the first IPO of a mobile gaming sector company in Finland. Robin Nordblad is focused on transactional work with an emphasis on finance and debt capital markets transactions, and Rasmus Sundström stands out for his work in public takeovers and capital markets transactions.Practice head(s):
Robin Nordblad
Other key lawyers:
Rasmus Sundström; Elisa Heinonen; Ikka Perheentupa; Ulf-Henrik Kull
Key clients
Mehiläinen Yhtiöt Ltd
Solidium Ltd
Rettig Group Oy Ab
CapMan Plc
Elenia Oy
Alfa Laval AB
Berner Oy
Danske Bank
LDA Capital Limited
Preato Capital AB
Danske Bank
Purmo Group
Hologic, Inc.
DoorDash, Inc
Work highlights
- Advised Purmo Group on its merger with Virala Acquisition Company and subsequent listing of Purmo Group on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki.
- Advised DoorDash, Inc. on its acquisition of Wolt Enterprises Oy in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately €7bn.
- Advised Rettig Group Ltd on the consent solicitation and tender offer of its €110m notes due 2022 and its €90m notes due 2023.
Finland > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Avance Attorneys Ltd covers the full spectrum of conflict management issues, assisting Finnish and foreign clients from various industry sectors with litigation and arbitration proceedings. The practice notably focuses on commercial and transaction-related litigation, construction disputes, finance and insolvency-related claims, as well as compliance related issues. Ulla Vuokila is experienced in corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration, including M&A disputes and shareholders’ agreement claims. Salla Suominen advises clients on complex disputes with a focus on insolvency-related matters and cases related to economic distress.Practice head(s):
Ulla Vuokila; Salla Suominen
Other key lawyers:
Minna Katajoki; Vilma Makkonen; Nelli Ritala
Testimonials
‘Hard working team which has practical approach.’
‘Ulla Vuokila has long term experience in the W&I claim resolution space. Nelli Ritala is a rising star in the dispute resolution.’
‘Very experienced, which provides credibility to everything they do.’
‘Salla Souminen is professional, experienced and easy to deal with.’
‘The Avance team is rock solid in all aspects: capable in leading complex negotiations, suggesting new approaches to tough disagreements and collaborating among various stakeholders (management, investors etc.).’
‘Exceptional experience and drive to manoeuvre through the complex deal and litigation.’
‘Avance Attorneys Ltd has competence to assist with many kinds of business disputes. Also cases which contain suspicion of crime against the client. People in Avance have good contact with professors and other specialists, when needed.’
‘Partner Ulla Vuokila is an expert in Dispute Resolution, and she always does her best to find the most suitable resolution to the conflict. She has the ability to look at a question from different aspects and anticipate the next steps. In our business the best solution is seldom a trial if we can find a satisfactory solution on a pre-trial phase. Partner Ulla Vuokila is an excellent negotiator both pre-trial and during the litigation, and she is very discreet and elegant attorney to co-operate with. Her colleague Salla Suominen in Avance can be characterized in the same way and they work in close collaboration with each other.’
Finland > Intellectual property Tier 3
Avance Attorneys Ltd‘s IP and technology team has expertise in handling complex IP matters from strategic and regulatory issues to IP transactions and contentious IP assignments, including assisting clients with obtaining external funding for innovation developments. Sonja Heiskala is noted for her experience in technology transactions, licensing matters and IP disputes’ the pair jointly lead the department.Practice head(s):
Sonja Heiskala
Other key lawyers:
Henrik Aro
Key clients
Paptic Oy
Alma Media Oyj
Sitra
Doordash, Inc.
Hologic, Inc.
Qualvista Oy
Aurora Studios
Freska Finland Oy
Traplight Oy
Seriously Digital Entertainment
Reworks Oy
Orla DTx Oy
Kainos
Futureplay
IQM Finland Oy
Amer Sports
Work highlights
- Advised DoorDash, Inc. on the acquisition of the food delivery platform company Wolt Enterprises Oy.
- Advised Paptic Oy, a Finnish technology company developing bio-based, recyclable and reusable packaging materials, on R&D collaborations, domestic and multi-jurisdictional IP licensing arrangements and other commercial agreements.
- Advised gaming company Reworks Oy and its shareholders on the sale of the company to Playtika, an Israel-based game developer.
Finland > TMT Tier 3
The ‘pragmatic and experienced team’ at Avance Attorneys Ltd handles a wide variety of work within the TMT space, including venture capital investments into technology companies and the creation of new media platform joint ventures for established media companies. The group handles a number of matters in the media and entertainment sector, with recent projects including joint ventures and restructurings. Sonja Heiskala stands out for her experience in technology transactions and regulatory matters, including issues relating to the EU General Data Protection Regulation and protection of privacy in employment.Practice head(s):
Ilkka Perheentupa; Anders Floman; Minna Katajoki; Sonja Heiskala
Other key lawyers:
Illkka Perheentupa
Testimonials
‘The most pragmatic and experienced tech team in Finland. Ilkka Perheentupa is or go-to guy in Helsinki, and he has always delivered.’
‘Ilkka Perheentupa is always available and ready to solve problems with a pragmatic approach.’
‘They know how to take things quickly and start working on the assignment, taking into account the client’s schedule and other important issues. Their reporting and communication is in an understandable form and efficient. There always have the right person in the team to join the assignment.’
‘Team has excellent pedigree and long-standing experience in technology start-up law and they are very good in M&A. They also have great industry knowledge from (mobile) gaming.’
‘Ilkka Perheentupa has excellent industry knowledge in mobile gaming, and is an exceptional counsel for legal matters and legal advice and has a good understanding of the business issues as well.’
Key clients
DoorDash, Inc.
Streamr Network AG
Paptic Oy
Freska Finland Oy
Alma Media Oyj
Keskisuomalainen Oyj
Canatu Oy
Traplight Oy
Seriously Digital Entertainment
Realstocks Oy
Verdane Capital
European Mobile Operator Oy
Reworks
IQM Finland Oy
Hologic, Inc.
Tencent Holdings Limited
GameRefinery Oy
Snowprint Studios
Verso Fund II Ky
Galena Pharma Oy
Adelis Equity Partners
Procuritas
Orla DTx Oy
Rejlers Finland Oy
BitOdd
Qualvista Oy
Aurora Studios
Kainos
Futureplay
Amer Sports
Work highlights
- Advised DoorDash, Inc. on the acquisition of the food delivery platform company Wolt Enterprises Oy.
- Advised Alma Media, a leading media and marketplace platform provider, on general IP and technology and competition related matters.
- Advised Zervant Oy and its shareholders on the sale of the company to Ageras Group, a Danish financial management service provider backed by Investcorp.
Avance Attorneys Ltd > Firm Profile
The firm: Avance is a business law firm managed by a team of experienced attorneys that share an enthusiasm for providing legal services of the highest quality. The firm handles some of the most demanding transactions, large projects and disputes involving its market, with a focus on matters that call for the skills and sophistication of the Avance team.
The firm’s high partner-associate ratio reflects the core strategy of providing a senior-oriented service that ensures concrete value-add to clients and distinguishes the firm from its key competition. Avance combines high-end advisory work with a unique breadth of international experience, focusing on regulated industries that are relevant for Finland, such as energy and infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, media and telecommunications, and real estate and construction. Evidencing the success of its strategy, the firm can showcase a broad selection of transactional advisory in key industrial arrangements in Finland. The work has in most cases also included advice on complex regulatory, competition law and financing issues.
Please visit www.avance.com for further details.
Areas of practice:Â Avance covers a broad range of legal services, such as corporate/M&A, capital markets, finance, real estate, energy and infrastructure, dispute resolution, IP, competition, tax and public sector advisory.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Capital Markets | Robin Nordblad | robin.nordblad@avance.com | +358 50 323 3722 |
Capital Markets | Rasmus Sundström | rasmus.sundstrom@avance.com | +358 40 704 1520 |
Competition and State Aid | Katja Jaakkola | katja.jaakkola@avance.com | +358 50 306 6882 |
Competition and State Aid | Asko Lindqvist | asko.lindqvist@avance.com | +358 40 551 8969 |
Compliance and Investigations | Ulla Vuokila | ulla.vuokila@avance.com | +358 40 841 8433 |
Data Protection and Cybersecurity | Salla Suominen | salla.suominen@avance.com | +358 40 706 0734 |
Data Protection and Cybersecurity | Minna Katajoki | minna.katajoki@avance.com | +358 40 181 0424 |
Data Protection and Cybersecurity | Sonja Heiskala | sonja.heiskala@avance.com | +358 40 966 3532 |
Dispute Resolution | Ulla Vuokila | ulla.vuokila@avance.com | +358 40 841 8433 |
Dispute Resolution | Salla Suominen | salla.suominen@avance.com | +358 40 706 0734 |
Dispute Resolution | Minna Katajoki | minna.katajoki@avance.com | +358 40 181 0424 |
Employment and Incentives | Erkki-Antti Sadinmaa | erkki-antti.sadinmaa@avance.com | +358 40 847 4223 |
Environment | Christoffer Charpentier | christoffer.charpentier@avance.com | +358 40 556 7815 |
Environment | Sampsa Suominen | sampsa.suominen@avance.com | +358 40 843 4086 |
Finance | Sari Wallgren | sari.wallgren@avance.com | +358 40 556 6831 |
Finance | Selinda Näse | selinda.nase@avance.com | +358 40 730 3016 |
Finance | Tytti Laajanen | tytti.laajanen@avance.com | +358 50 304 2559 |
Governance | Carl-Henrik Wallin | carl-henrik.wallin@avance.com | +358 40 522 3902 |
Governance | Ulf-Henrik Kull | ulf-henrik.kull@avance.com | +358 40 769 8229 |
Governance | Rasmus Sundström | rasmus.sundstrom@avance.com | +358 40 704 1520 |
Intellectual Property | Sonja Heiskala | sonja.heiskala@avance.com | +358 40 966 3532 |
Mergers and Acquisitions | Erkki-Antti Sadinmaa | erkki-antti.sadinmaa@avance.com | +358 40 847 4223 |
Mergers and Acquisitions | Ilkka Perheentupa | ilkka.perheentupa@avance.com | +358 40 559 9912 |
Mergers and Acquisitions | Ulf-Henrik Kull | ulf-henrik.kull@avance.com | +358 40 769 8229 |
Real Estate and Construction | Mathias Lindqvist | mathias.lindqvist@avance.com | +358 400 677 875 |
Real Estate and Construction | Christoffer Charpentier | christoffer.charpentier@avance.com | +358 40 556 7815 |
Restructuring and Insolvency | Salla Suominen | salla.suominen@avance.com | +358 40 706 0734 |
Tax and Structuring | Sebastian Kellas | sebastian.kellas@avance.com | +358 40 752 0047 |
Tax and Structuring | Antti Leppänen | antti.leppanen@avance.com | +358 40 587 9799 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 70Languages
English Finnish French German SwedishMemberships
International Bar Association- Banking and finance
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- EU and competition
- Real estate and construction
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Capital markets
- Dispute resolution