Chambers Global 2008 the World´s Leading Lawyers for Business ranks Merilampi as one of the leading Finnish firms.
Corporate/M&ABand 1: Pekka Merilampi
Band 3: Ari Keinänen
The Firm: This “consistently high-quality group”provides M&A and company law services. Its strong position in the domestic market is recognised, as is its “top-class client base” of Finnish listed companies. In addition to its traditional domestic focus, the firm is adding to its portfolio of foreign clients and is increasingly active on cross-border transactions. Large deals in the energy and real estate sectors are a feature of recent work and financial structuring is also playing a more important role in the portfolio. Clients appreciate that the lawyers “really make the client feel cared for,” citing the personal involvement of the partners as the key to the firm’s success.
The Lawyers: Pekka Merilampi is described as “the number-one corporate law expert in Finland.” Clients appreciate his “amicable” style. Ari Keinänen is described as “quick and brilliant with a calm and level-headed approach.”
Dispute Resolution
Band 1: Ari Kantor
Band 2: Jukka Laitasalo
The Firm: This team operates “with great intensity and rapidity, and has a hunger for work.” Already highly respected in the domestic market, the firm’s reputation in increasingly commonplace market securities disputes is growing and it is regarded by some as the best in this field. Much of the group’s work involves disputes arising in regulated areas and it has gained an impressive market share in the energy sector. Its expertise in media and telecoms competition cases is also well recognised. The international extent of the practice has grown in recent years and this looks likely to continue. Peers identify the team’s relatively small size as a reason for its quick reaction times.
The Lawyers: Ari Kantor is deemed a “first-class lawyer” by peers and clients. Markets securities matters have recently dominated his caseload. Clients recommend Jukka Laitasalo as “an experienced and highly organised lawyer.” He acts in domestic litigation and international arbitrations.
Competition/Antitrust
Band 2: Arttu Mentula
Band 3: Erkko Ruohoniemi
The Firm: This popular ensemble handles a diverse range of competition assignments. Antitrust and cartel work is a major part of the practice and includes cartel investigations and leniency applications, abuse cases and compliance programme drafting. Additionally, the lawyers tackle a raft of cases before national competition authorities and domestic courts as well as the Commission. Merger control is another area of focus, with the group securing approvals for transactions before the FCA and the Commission, as well as handling multi-jurisdictional control procedures. The firm can be seen acting in public procurement, overseeing the structure of bids and their compliance with legislation and undertaking litigation before the Market Court and the Supreme Administrative Court. The energy and telecoms sectors are areas of special expertise.
The Lawyers: Arttu Mentula has “a great background in the area” as former chairman of the Finnish Competition Law Association. He heads the department and is highly experienced in merger control work, cartel and abuse of dominant position cases, public procurement litigation and compliance programmes. Feedback suggests that Erkko Ruohoniemi is a “terrifically skilled lawyer.” He is special counsel at the firm and handles work across the competition spectrum. His expertise also extends to advertising and marketing law.
All rankings base upon large-scale interviews of the field, clientele and other interest groups.News archive
Helsinki
Eteläesplanadi 22 A
FI-00130 Helsinki
Phone +358 9 686 481
Telefax +358 9 6864 8484
Tampere
Kauppakatu 6 A
FI-33210 Tampere
Phone +358 3 260 1600
Telefax +358 3 260 1650