Founded in 1911, Borenius is one of the oldest Finnish law firms. Today the firm specializes in corporate law and has offices in four jurisdictions, including representative offices in London and New York. Since its New York and London expansions Borenius operates on a truly global level.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s banking and finance practice has traditionally been strong in the financial services sector, construction, real estate, and investment management. The firm regularly receives mandates from leading Nordic and international investment banks.
Borenius’ large capital markets team
onstructio in providing advice on US law to Finish customers. More specifically the firm has experience in public tender offers, rights issues and equity and debt assignments.
In terms of M&A work, the firm has adopted a strategy of moving away from private equity and focusing more on industrial clients. In their work for industrial clients, the team at Borenius have shown skill in advising on acquisitions with a view to expanding product lines.
Technology and financial regulation are also fields where Borenius is looking to expand.
Key clients
Fortum Plc, Netflix Inc,
Finnair Plc, SRV Plc, Nordea Bank, Danske Bank, Finland Branch, Swedbank, Aktia Alexander Corporate Finance, Carnegie Investment Bank, Oma Savings Bank, Endomines Finland, Aspo, Nightingale Health, Gofore, PHM Group Holding, Nanoform Finland
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During this research period Borenius’ banking practice has been active in the fields of acquisition finance, construction and real estate finance as well as investment management, often acting on behalf of lenders.
In the field of capital markets, the firm received mandates from banks as well as companies in the entertainment and technology business, real estate business, and the shipping, transport, and food industries. The firm has revived a lot of mandates to act on behalf of issuers.
In terms of M&A work, the firm
received mandates from companies in the technologies and telecommunications sector, mining sector, industrials and manufacturing sector and the consumer goods sector.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
€2.35 billion bridge financing of Fortum
Danske Mortgage Bank’s €10 billion covered bond programme
Oma Savings Bank’s €3 billion covered bond programme
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking and finance
"Borenius is responsive for reasonable feedback."
"Client-centric. Efficient. Professional."
"Good reputation, knows the banks very well, reliable adviser."
Capital markets
"Borenius is very strong substantively, but also super-responsive and helpful and always looking for solutions. In addition, they are very plugged into the market and, generally, great partners to work with."
"The team led by Juha Koponen, executes deals efficiently, understands the requirements of the London and US based banks and is good to work with."
"Think Borenius is quick to react, commercially minded and seeking solutions."
"Great knowledge of market practice and efficient execution."
"They have extensive experience in this area."
Insolvency
"Good expertise and communication skills."
M&A
"Excellent work ethic, knowledgeable and pragmatic advice. Senior partner individually engaged and involved throughout the whole deal. Understands international arena and also different cultures. Technological prowess."
"Client-orientated approach and seeing the bigger picture that led to the ability to adapt the M&A process to the specifics of our case, with the seller being a founder-entrepreneur. Being able to engage local counsel and involve specific relevant subject-matter specialists (eg tax)."
"Very professional advice and legal support in a timely manner."
"The entire team at Borenius was both extremely knowledgeable about local deal mechanics and extremely responsive to our needs relating to the tight timeline of a deal of this nature."
Riikka Eronen
"Very knowledgeable, solid experience working for banks in various roles."
Juha Koponen
"Juha is the best. Always available. Always one step ahead. Can't say enough good about Juha!"
"Commercial, good to work with and always available."
"Juha is easy to deal with and always ready to assist. Quick-minded with a commercial mindset. Excellent knowledge in the capital markets space and ability to think outside the box."
"Very responsive, good international connections and easy to interact with."
"Always available for customers."
"Juha helped us through a complex transaction with a sometimes difficult counterparty."
Tero Kovanen
"Tero is very professional and experienced to provide support and legal advice in dispute cases."
Mia Mokkila
"Extremely professional and takes care of all the details. Mrs Mokkila really made my life easy during the transaction."
Niina Nuottimäki
"Niina is very good with clients and is a people person."
"Experienced, effective and pragmatic."
"Knows the area very well, quick in responding, pragmatic approach."
Robert Peldán
"Good communication skills, easily accessible."
Johannes Piha
"Very competent and experienced, e.g. with M&A activities. Keeps promises and timelines very well. Has a good network."
Johan Roman
"Johan excels in analysing and dissecting legal and business issues into clear and coherent steps that are actionable. He starts with the big picture and maintains clarity about the goals with the ability to focus on the ever-present pain points. Johan also very well managed to balance the depth and experience of the deal team throughout – what struck me as very modern was the fact that mid-deal the male senior associate took his paternity leave with no disruption or added billing visible to the client. Johan is also connected within Borenius and could on a short notice take on subject-matter experts to address specific issues."
Jyrki Tähtinen
"Understands business. Pragmatic approach based on long experience. International/multi-jurisdictional deal experience. Sharp legal mind."
"One of the most experienced insolvency lawyers in Finland with stellar knowledge in the sector."
