Formed in 2011, Avance is a leading Finnish firm based in Helsinki.
Focusses / specialisms
In banking and finance the team specialises in a range of transaction types, including syndicated and bilateral loans, acquisition, real estate, structured and project financing arrangements, as well as securitisations and restructurings.
In the capital markets sphere the firm advises both issuer and lender side clients on a range of equity and debt transactions.
The firm is among the leaders in Finnish M&A, with particular experience in energy, financial services, and technology sectors. Known for some of the largest and most complex transactional work on the Finnish market, it has experience working on both international and domestic deals.
In project development area the firm is strong in both energy and infrastructure, working in close cooperation with the firm’s M&A, real estate and financing teams. Its advice extends from transactional and structural advisory on projects to regulatory and policy work.
Key clients
Key clients include MehiläinenYhtiöt, Solidium, Konstsamfundet, Kusinkapital, Elenia, Alfa Laval, Berner, Adelis Equity Partners, Vapo, Alma Media, KKR, Procuritas, Tradeka-Yhtiöt, Verso Capital, Bravida, CapMan Infra, Rettig Group, Areim, OP Corporate Bankand Loimua.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
The firm’s banking team was active in advising on acquisition, real estate and corporate financings during the research period.
The M&A team advised on large public acquisition transactions in the Finnish market, both domestic and cross-border.
In projects work the firm has held a lead counsel role on large energy and infrastructure projects. The firm’s clientele during the period included a combination of infrastructure, technology and investment management companies.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
DoorDash €7 billion acquisition of Wolt Enterprises
Mandatum AM Finland Properties II
€194 million financing
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking and finance
"Proactive and responsive approach towards clients, market leading expertise in real estate and finance"
"Avance were always available to discuss the issues related to the documentation and did also appear professional in dialogue with us as well as the borrower. They also had good knowledge insight into the items discussed."
"Always available and fast, they take the time to know the customer very well and therefore are able to provide extremely well informed advice."
Capital markets
"Timely delivery, high quality of work (minimal amount of errors), deep knowledge of complex area of law."
M&A
"Prompt and professional."
Private equity
"Good advice, work ethic and outcome oriented approach."
Project finance
"Avance is flexible, efficient and oriented to find best reasonable solution."
Anders Floman
"Professional and good person to work with."
Selinda Näse
"Attention to detail, commitment to deadlines, very comprehensive understanding of finance law"
Rasmus Sundström
"Very knowledgeable, able to grasp new concepts extremely quickly, an allround amicable person to work with."
Sari Wallgren
"Always available and creative in order to find solutions."
"Always available and will find solutions, or find someone else within the company to get relevant knowledge at hand."
"Sari really understands the client needs and has an ability to see the bigger picture which is then applied to the detail."
Carl-Henrik Wallin
"Among the most experienced M&A lawyers in Helsinki/Finland. Excellent communication skills and transparent. Oriented towards the outcome of the deal."
