Mikko Heinonen
Mikko Heinonen
Mikko's practice focuses on various forms of corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, finance advisory, and securities regulation. He frequently provides advice regarding transactional matters, governance and financing issues to corporations, financial sponsors, and their boards. Mikko has also advised many industrial and technology companies in equity financing and restructuring situations and has considerable experience in public takeovers, mergers and cross-border transactions, including some of the largest transactions in the Nordic market.
Mikko is a frequent speaker at university lectures and seminars. Mikko is also entrusted with non-executive board memberships in various companies and charitable organisations. He currently serves as the chairman of the Turku University Foundation.
Mikko is also qualified to practice in the State of New York.
Mikko Heinonen is a very experienced partner with the ability to make decisions on tough questions and guide customers.
Corporate / M&A | Chambers Global, 2024
References
Parties
Sampo plc and Topdanmark A/S
Transaction
Sampo plc's recommended public exchange offer for the shares in Topdanmark A/S
Deal Value
DKK 33 billion
Role
Counsel to Sampo plc
Parties
Cargotec Corporation and Kalmar Corporation
Transaction
Cargotec’s partial demerger and separation of Kalmar
Deal Value
Approx. EUR 2.0 billion (illustrative carve-out sales)
Role
Counsel to Cargotec Corporation and Kalmar Corporation
Parties
YIT Oyj (Seller), Renta Oy (Buyer), YIT Kalusto Oy (Target)
Transaction
Sale of fleet and equipment business and related arrangements
Deal Value
EUR 37 million
Role
Counsel to YIT
Parties:
Kemppi Group Oy, Kempower Corporation
Transaction:
Counsel to Kemppi Group Oy, the majority owner of Kempower Corporation, in the placing of 3.4 million shares in Kempower Corporation
Deal value:
EUR 102 million
Role:
Counsel to Kemppi Group Oy
Parties:
Uponor Corporation (target), Georg Fischer Ltd (buyer)
Transaction:
Counsel to Uponor Corporation in the recommended public cash tender offer by Georg Fischer Ltd to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of Uponor Corporation.
Value:
EUR 2.1 billion
Role:
Counsel to Uponor Corporation
Hannes Snellman acted as counsel to YIT Oyj in relation to its EUR 140 million term loan facility agreement with OP Corporate Bank, SEB, and Swedbank.
Parties:
Otava Ltd, Alma Media Corporation
Transaction:
Otava Ltd's mandatory public tender offer for Alma Media Corporation
Deal value:
EUR 523.7 million
Role:
Counsel to Otava Ltd
Parties
Sampo plc
Transaction
Counsel to Sampo plc on its dual listing of its Class A shares on Nasdaq Stockholm in the form of Swedish Depository Receipts
Deal Value
Market capitalisation of approximately EUR 24.7 billion as of 31 October 2022
Role
Counsel to Sampo plc
Parties
A consortium consisting of Security Trading, Fennogens Investments, Corbis, and Bain Capital (buyer), Caverion Oyj (Target)
Transaction
Counsel to the offeror consortium consisting of Security Trading, Fennogens Investments, Corbis, and Bain Capital in the recommended public cash tender offer for all shares in Caverion Oyj.
Deal value
EUR 955 million
Role
Counsel to the offeror consortium consisting of Security Trading, Fennogens Investments, Corbis, and Bain Capital
Parties
SARC Architects Oy (seller), CapMan Buyout (buyer)
Deal
CapMan Buyout’s investment in award-winning Finnish architectural firm SARC Architects
Deal Value
Value not public
Role
Counsel to SARC Architects Oy
Parties
The German State (Buyer), Fortum Oyj (Seller), Uniper SE (Target)
Transaction
Fortum Oyj’s arrangements related to stabilisation of its German subsidiary Uniper SE. The package will ensure multi-billion funding for Uniper, sale of Fortum’s shareholding in Uniper to the German State for approximately EUR 0.5 billion as well as repayment of Fortum’s EUR 4 billion receivables from Uniper and release of EUR 4 billion parent company guarantees.
Deal value
Approx. EUR 4.5 billion
Role
Finnish counsel to Fortum Oyj
Parties
Citycon Oyj
Transaction
Citycon Oyj’s repurchase of a total amount of 9,500,000 own shares for a total purchase price of EUR 65.8 million as a result of a market based reverse accelerated bookbuild process
Deal Value
EUR 65.8 million
Role
Counsel to Citycon Oyj
Parties
PPG Industries, Inc. (Bidder), Tikkurila Oyj (Target)
Transaction
Recommended public cash tender offer for all of the shares in Tikkurila by PPG Industries, Inc.
Deal Value
EUR 1.5 billion
Role
Counsel to Tikkurila Oyj
Parties:
Cargotec Corporation, Konecranes Plc
Transaction:
The announced, but subsequently abandoned, merger of Cargotec and Konecranes in 2021-2022
Deal value:
Approx. EUR 2.7 billion
Role:
Counsel to Konecranes Plc
Parties
FSN Capital, eCraft, Orango, Fellowmind
Transaction
Fellowmind, eCraft and Orango merge to create European Microsoft Business Applications platform
Deal Value
Value not public
Role
Counsel to eCraft and its owners
Counsel to Pankaboard Oyj in the outsourcing of steam production to Adven Oy
Parties
Outotec Oyj, Metso Corporation
Transaction
The combination of Outotec and Metso Minerals through a demerger
Deal Value
EUR 3.9 billion (illustrative combined sales)
Role
Counsel to Outotec Oyj
Parties
Peab AB (Buyer), YIT Corporation (Seller), YIT’s Nordic paving and mineral aggregates businesses (Targets)
Transaction
YIT’s sale of its Nordic paving and mineral aggregates businesses in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark to Peab
Deal Value
EUR 280 million
Role
Counsel to YIT Corporation
Parties
Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Kesko Corporation, Kesko Pension Fund, Kruunuvuoren Satama Oy
Transaction
A series of transactions, whereby Ilmarinen, Kesko, and Kesko Pension Fund, among other things, dissolve their joint ownership of Kruunuvuoren Satama and Ilmarinen acquires all 3,438,885 Kesko A shares held by Kruunuvuoren Satama.
Deal Value
EUR 164 million
Role
Counsel to Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Kesko Corporation, Kesko Pension Fund, and Kruunuvuoren Satama Oy
Parties
Glaston Corporation (Buyer), Conzzeta AG (Seller), Bystronic Maschinen AG, Bystronic Lenhardt GmbH and their subsidiaries (Targets)
Transaction
Glaston Corporation’s acquisition of Bystronic Glass and refinancing of Glaston
Deal Value
EUR 68 million
Role
Counsel to Glaston Corporation
Parties
Biovian Oy (Target), Keensight Capital (Bidder)
Transaction
Keensight Capital’s acquisition of a majority stake in Biovian, a leading European player in contract manufacturing and development of biopharmaceuticals
Deal Value
Value not public
Role
Counsel to Biovian Oy and founding shareholders
Parties
Nordic Packaging and Container Holdings (Seller), Mondi Group (Buyer), Powerflute Group Holdings Oy (Target)
Transaction
Nordic Packaging and Container Holdings' sale of Powerflute Group Holdings Oy to a division of Mondi Group
Deal Value
Enterprise value of EUR 365 million
Role
Counsel to Nordic Packaging and Container Holdings (NPAC Holdings)
Parties
Sampo plc (Buyer), 19.9% of the shares in Saxo Bank Group (Target)
Transaction
Sampo plc’s Acquisition of 19.9% of Shares in Saxo Bank Group
Deal Value
EUR 265 million
Role
Counsel to Sampo plc
Parties
Lemminkäinen Corporation and YIT Corporation
Transaction
The combination of Lemminkäinen Corporation and YIT Corporation through a statutory merger
Deal Value
EUR 771 million
Role
Counsel to Lemminkäinen
Parties
Oriola Oyj and Kesko Oyj
Transaction
A 50/50 percent joint venture to establish a chain of health, beauty and wellbeing stores across Finland, with the plan to expand the business to include pharmaceuticals if the legislation is amended
Deal Value
Value not public
Role
Counsel to Oriola
Parties
Powerflute Oyj (Target), Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC (Bidder)
Transaction
Recommended cash offer for Powerflute Oyj by Nordic Packaging and Container (Finland) Holdings Oy an affiliate of Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC
Deal Value
GBP 268 million
Role
Counsel to Powerflute Oyj
Parties
Uponor and Belkin International
Transaction
A joint venture to pioneer in the development of intelligent water sensing and conservation technology for buildings in the U.S. and Europe.
Deal Value
USD 50 million
Role
Counsel to Uponor
Parties
Acorda Therapeutics (Bidder), Biotie Therapies (Target)
Transaction
Acorda Therapeutics' public tender offer of the shares and other securities in Biotie Therapies
Deal Value
USD 363 million
Role
Counsel to Biotie Therapies Corp.
Parties
Biotie Therapies Corp.
Transaction
Public offering and listing of Biotie Therapies Corp.’s shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market New York
Deal Value
Approx. EUR 83 million
Role
Counsel to Biotie Therapies Corp.
Rankings
- Hall of Fame, Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2024
- Ranked in Corporate/M&A in Chambers Europe, 2024
- “Mikko Heinonen is a very experienced partner with the ability to make decisions on tough questions and guide customers.” Chambers Global, 2024
- "Very good legal knowledge, seniority, strong negotiation skills, strong project management, strong communication. Extremely broad knowledge. On my speed dial and my go-to external lawyer. He is a brilliant attorney that every company should have onboard during a public tender offer. Precise and accurate advice on matters with a very strategic and tactical approach.", IFLR1000, 2022
- 'One client describes him as "a solid and experienced legal adviser."', Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2022
- Hall of Fame, Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2022
- Clients say: "Excellent. Deep knowledge and excellent collaboration skills.", "Professional, shows good judgement. Easy to work with. Always available.", IFLR1000, Financial and corporate, 2021
- Ranked in Band 1 in Corporate/M&A in the 2021 edition of Chambers Global and Chambers Europe
- "Mikko Heinonen is not only a great lawyer but also has excellent business acumen and can look at a transaction both in detail but more importantly also from a helicopter view w/o always including subject matter experts.", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2020
- "Mikko Heinonen – excellent overall commercial and governance advice.", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2020
- 'Clients hail Mikko Heinonen as "one of the best lawyers in Helsinki," and endorse him for being "extremely knowledgeable." He receives further praise for being "very pragmatic, a good thinker and getting things done efficiently."', Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2020
- Ranked in Band 1 in Corporate/M&A in the 2019 & 2020 editions of Chambers Global and Chambers Europe
- Mikko is ranked as a Market leader in Capital Markets and M&A in the 2019-2021 editions of IFLR1000
- "Clients enthuse that 'he is very analytical.' Another source adds that 'he is well connected and aware of developments in the local market.'", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2018 and Chambers Europe 2018
- "Managing Partner Mikko Heinonen 'is absolutely splendid; his approach to people and problems is impressive,' according to clients, who also describe him as 'client and solution-oriented.'", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2017 and Chambers Europe 2017
- Leading individual, Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2015-2021
- "Mikko Heinonen is 'a top-notch, pragmatic but firm lawyer who is very nice to work with,' " Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2016 and Chambers Europe 2016
- 'Clients describe managing partner Mikko Heinonen as "an excellent partner. He always keeps focused on our priorities." Other interviewees report: "We are so impressed with him. He is strategic and gives us real business advice. He is very helpful."', Capital Markets, Chambers Europe 2015
- "... 'He is splendid – a top choice for leading transactions,' say clients. He has notable experience of public M&A mandates", Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2015 and Chambers Europe 2015
- Ranked as "Lawyer of the Year" in Venture Capital Law (Helsinki, 2015) by Best Lawyers®
- "...Mikko Heinonen is an esteemed presence in the field, noted for his 'solution-oriented' approach to major transactions. A member of the New York Bar, he is a particularly popular choice on international matters.", Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2014
- Ranked among the best lawyers in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions (Helsinki: Capital Markets, Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital) of Best Lawyers®
- 'Mikko Heinonen is highly reputed amongst interviewees who describe him as hardworking and experienced', Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2013 and Chambers Europe 2013
- "...‘good advice as well as the ability to manage a team while keeping to deadlines’.", Corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2013
- 'Peers describe him as "an excellent lawyer, with a very good approach to clients and work."', Capital Markets, Chambers Europe 2012
- '...peers recommend Mikko Heinonen as "very knowledgeable in a large range of corporate matters."', Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2012
- ’Mikko Heinonen is praised for his innovative and service-minded approach and reputed for having broad knowledge in public M&A and capital markets.’, Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A, Chambers Europe 2011
- Ranked as a Highly regarded lawyer in Capital Markets and Corporate and M&A in the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions of IFLR1000
- 'Mikko Heinonen is also praised by clients for his communication skills. "Mikko Heinonen is one lawyer that really stands out; I like him a lot, he is very client-orientated," says one.', IFLR1000, 2011
- "I work with Mikko Heinonen and several other partners," says one client, "and it's always above all expectations." The client adds: "They focus on the client needs rather than just responding to questions...", '"Heinonen is easy to approach and very client-focused," says one client.', Banking, Mergers and acquisitions, IFLR 1000, 2010
- 'Mikko Heinonen is “a highly visible and respected lawyer”...and is also described by peers as “an efficient lawyer for all corporate matters.”', Chambers Europe 2009
- 'Mikko Heinonen is an “absolute star” regarded by one source as “one of the brightest people in the legal profession.” He “works incredibly hard for his clients” and is “highly reliable,” and clients say they “never have to worry about anything” when instructing him.', Chambers Europe 2008
- ‘The “intelligent and reliable” Mikko Heinonen is active in a range of transactions and counts financing as a specialism.’, Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2008
Memberships and Positions of Trust
- Member of the Finnish Bar Association
- Member of the New York Bar Association
- Member of the International Bar Association
Education and Professional Background
- Partner, Hannes Snellman, 2003–
- Senior Partner, Hannes Snellman, 2020–2023
- Managing Partner Helsinki, Hannes Snellman, 2011–2019
- Head of M&A or Capital Markets, Hannes Snellman, 2005–2019, 2024–
- Associate, Hannes Snellman, 1997–2003
- LL.M. Harvard Law School, 2002, New York Bar Exam, 2002
- Master of Laws, University of Turku, 1997