Best Private Equity Lawyers in Finland

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Founded in 2011
73 people in their team
English
Asianajotoimisto DLA Piper Finland Oy operates as the Finnish arm of the global DLA Piper network, providing full service corporate and commercial legal advice to companies and public sector clients. The team handles corporate governance, cross-border transactions, commercial contracts and...

Founded in 2015
4 people in their team
English
Asianajotoimisto Kivikoski & Haavisto Oy is a Turku based law firm created in 2015 through the merger of Laurikainen & Haavisto and Kivikoski & Haavisto. The firm blends long standing Turku legal tradition with modern practice, delivering expert advice and strong negotiation skills. It is a member...

Founded in 1995
11 people in their team
English
Asianajotoimisto Teperi & Co Oy is a Helsinki based law firm specializing in corporate and commercial matters, employment and labor issues, insolvency and dispute resolution, as well as housing and real estate disputes. The firm operates as part of Finland's most extensive network of independent...

Founded in 1994
16 people in their team
English
Lakiasiaintoimisto Heikkilä & Co HCO Oy is a Finnish law firm with offices in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere that advises companies, housing associations, contractors and private clients across Finland. The firm traces its roots to 1994 and brings a team-based model to commercial and real estate...
Justeria Law Firm
Espoo, Finland

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Finnish
English
Swedish
JusteriaJusteria Oy is a legal affairs office specializing in business jurisprudence for small and medium-sized companies. We assist companies and their owners, e.g. in matters of contract law, questions related to company and tax law, and business arrangements. We also handle lawsuits and...

Founded in 2017
4 people in their team
English
Advokatbyrå Aawa Ab is a Finnish law firm with a clear focus on real estate and housing matters. The practice handles property transactions, housing association governance, and related disputes, providing clients with experienced guidance through due diligence, transaction structuring and dispute...
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2015
3 people in their team
English
Helsingin Lakiasiainpalvelu Oy is a Helsinki-based law firm providing legal services to private individuals and small and medium-sized companies throughout the Helsinki region. The firm offers multilingual client service in Finnish, Swedish and English and maintains an office near the Herttoniemi...
LKOS Law Office Oy
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2015
4 people in their team
English
LKOS Law Office is a boutique business law firm based in Helsinki, Finland. The firm advises companies, boards and international groups on corporate law, commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, transport and maritime law, logistics, dispute resolution and arbitration,...
Kuusivaara
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1998
10 people in their team
Finnish
English
OverviewWe are a law firm specializing in litigation. Our specialty is labor disputes. We also handle other aspects of helping citizens, such as family and inheritance law matters and criminal cases. Recently, disputes related to the compensation scope of various insurances, the right of recourse...
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About Private Equity Law in Finland

Private Equity (PE) in Finland refers to investments in private companies that are not listed on public stock exchanges. The practice includes various investment strategies, such as venture capital for startups, growth capital, and buyouts of established businesses. Finland has a developed Private Equity market, with both domestic and international funds actively investing in Finnish companies. The sector is regulated to ensure transparency, protection of investors, and fair competition. Private Equity law encompasses various legal disciplines, including corporate law, contract law, securities regulation, and tax.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Private Equity transactions in Finland are often complex and involve significant legal and financial risks. Common situations where legal advice is necessary include:

  • Structuring and negotiating investment deals
  • Conducting legal due diligence on target companies
  • Drafting and reviewing investment agreements
  • Ensuring compliance with Finnish and EU regulations
  • Advising on tax implications and optimizations
  • Handling disputes among investors, founders, or management
  • Assisting in exits, such as sales or initial public offerings (IPOs)
  • Safeguarding intellectual property and employment contracts

A lawyer experienced in Private Equity will help protect your interests, reduce legal risks, and streamline the transaction process.

Local Laws Overview

Finnish Private Equity transactions are governed primarily by national corporate law, as well as EU regulations on financial markets and competition. The key aspects of local laws relevant to Private Equity in Finland include:

  • Limited Liability Companies Act: Outlines company formation, governance, and shareholder rights
  • Securities Markets Act: Sets rules for disclosure, insider trading, and offering securities to the public
  • Competition Act: Regulates anti-competitive practices and merger control
  • Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA): Oversees fund managers, investors, and compliance with financial legislation
  • Taxation: Investment structures must comply with Finnish tax rules, including requirements for capital gains, withholding tax, and cross-border investments
  • Employment Law: Relevant for dealing with management equity plans or restructuring
  • Contract Law: Essential for drafting agreements and navigating disputes

Understanding these laws is crucial to ensure legal compliance and successful investment outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Private Equity?

Private Equity involves investing in private companies, helping them grow or restructure, and eventually selling those investments for profit. It often entails hands-on involvement in management and operations.

Who regulates Private Equity in Finland?

Private Equity activity is supervised by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) and subject to Finnish corporate and securities laws, as well as applicable EU directives.

Are there restrictions on foreign investors in Finnish Private Equity?

Finland generally welcomes foreign investment, but sector-specific restrictions may apply (e.g., in defense or critical infrastructure). All investors must comply with Finnish and EU regulations.

What is due diligence in a Private Equity transaction?

Due diligence refers to the comprehensive legal, financial, and operational review of a target company before investing. It helps identify risks and liabilities.

What legal structures are typically used for Private Equity funds in Finland?

Common structures include limited liability companies (Oy) and limited partnerships (Ky), tailored to suit tax optimization and investor requirements.

How are Private Equity deals structured in Finland?

Deals often involve equity investment, shareholder agreements, management incentives, and sometimes debt financing. The agreements specify rights, obligations, and conditions for all parties.

What are common exit strategies for Private Equity investments in Finland?

Exits typically include trade sales (selling to another company), secondary transactions (selling to another investor or fund), and public offerings (IPOs).

Which taxes are relevant to Private Equity investments?

Relevant taxes include capital gains tax, corporate tax, withholding tax on dividends, and transfer taxes. Taxation depends on the investment structure and residency of investors.

How are management incentive schemes handled?

Management incentive plans, such as stock options or performance shares, are common. They must comply with Finnish labor and tax regulations and be carefully documented.

What should I do if a dispute arises in a Private Equity transaction?

It is essential to consult a qualified lawyer to review agreements and pursue dispute resolution mechanisms, which may include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings in Finland.

Additional Resources

The following organizations and resources may help you understand Private Equity in Finland and find further legal assistance:

  • Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) - Regulates financial markets and fund managers
  • Finnish Venture Capital Association (FVCA) - Industry body representing Finnish Private Equity and venture capital firms
  • Business Finland - Governmental organization supporting innovation and investment in Finland
  • Enterprise Finland - Provides business-related advice and resources
  • Ministry of Justice, Finland - Offers information on legislative frameworks relevant to business and investments

Next Steps

If you are considering a Private Equity investment or are involved in a related transaction in Finland, consider the following steps:

  • Research your investment, potential partners, and the regulatory landscape
  • Engage a lawyer early to provide guidance and review documentation
  • Conduct a thorough due diligence process before committing funds
  • Work with experienced advisors to structure and negotiate agreements
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant laws and regulations
  • If disputes arise, consult legal counsel for resolution strategies tailored to Finnish law

Taking these proactive measures with professional legal support will help protect your interests and contribute to a successful Private Equity transaction in Finland.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Finland through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Equity, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.