Greetings from Alumni: Mikael Lustig, Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority ─ Transactions from Different Sides of the Table

This time in Greetings from Alumni, we hear from Mikael Lustig, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority. During his time at Hannes Snellman between 2017 and 2024, Mikael used to work as a lawyer in our M&A Team.

Hi Mikael, how are you? 

Hi! I’m good, thank you for asking. Quite busy, but good.

What is topical for you right now?

I know I’m probably not the first alumnus in this series to say this, but for me spring is the best time of the year, because there is so much to come. At work, there is a fresh feel, as the new year has brought with it new projects and new relevant markets to delve into. It has been busy, as the number of mergers notified to the FCCA has been on the rise in recent years. Off work, I’m especially looking forward to the start of the domestic football season – one of the best ways to enjoy the sunny weather is in the stands!

Since your time at HS, you have moved on to the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority to work in merger control. What is included in your work as a senior specialist there?

At the FCCA’s merger control, our job is to assess mergers and acquisitions (which exceed the applicable turnover thresholds) as to whether they have anti-competitive effects. In brief, the purpose is to avoid harmful market concentration that leads to higher prices or lower quality. Most of the mergers notified to us are approved following a quick process. However, more complex cases require in-depth investigation, and if found to significantly impede effective competition, intervention such as imposing remedies and conditional clearance. Every day is different, but my daily work may for example include reviewing draft notifications, planning and executing various investigative measures, drafting decisions, and dialogue with colleagues, parties to the transaction, and other stakeholders.

During your time at HS, you worked as a lawyer in our M&A Team. How did that time shape your future career?

My time at HS was eventful and taught me a lot about business law, advancing projects, working with clients and counterparties, and performing under tight time schedules. The experience in M&A transactions is something I have been able to utilise in my current role, albeit approaching the projects from a different perspective.

Looking back, what are some of your favourite memories from HS?

I would have to say it’s the people. I had the opportunity to work with many talented and professional people with a good sense of humour. Of individual moments, a successful signing and closing of a M&A deal would always leave an impression.

The HS x Päätös Podcast cooperation continues this year, so what better way to end this interview than to ask — what is the most significant decision you have made that has shaped your professional life?

Am I allowed to pick two? Firstly, I have not regretted my decision to apply for traineeships in business law and pause my law studies for a while in order to move to Helsinki and work full-time. HS was the first law firm I worked for. Among more recent events, the most significant is obviously my move to the authority’s side of the table and focusing on competition law issues.