People

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki

Riikka is the managing partner of Hannes Snellman’s office in Helsinki. She regularly acts for both listed and non-listed companies on a wide range of private and public M&A transactions and advises clients on corporate, governance, securities market, and compliance matters.

Riikka has been a member of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office’s Audit Board since 2019. In 2015, Riikka chaired a working group set by the Finnish Securities Market Association for the purpose of reviewing and revising the Finnish Corporate Governance Code.

Riikka is always persistent and committed in pursuing her client's interests.

M&A | Client Choice, 2024


References

Parties:

Prime Minister’s Office, Finnair Plc

Transaction:

Hannes Snellman acted as counsel to the Prime Minister’s Office in the rights offering of Finnair Plc, the Finnish airline with the State of Finland being the majority owner. Hannes Snellman advised, among other, on the share subscription made by the State of Finland by way of offsetting, in part, a capital loan provided by the State of Finland to Finnair, and related state-aid law matters. The rights offering of EUR 570 million is one of the largest rights offerings in Finland in recent years.

Deal value:

Approximately EUR 570 million

Role:

Counsel to Prime Minister’s Office

Klaus Ilmonen

Klaus Ilmonen

Partner, Doctor of Laws | Helsinki
klaus.ilmonen@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Majamaa

Heikki Majamaa

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
heikki.majamaa@hannessnellman.com
Robert Gordin

Robert Gordin

Senior Associate | Helsinki
robert.gordin@hannessnellman.com
Päivi Tammilehto

Päivi Tammilehto

Counsel | Helsinki
paivi.tammilehto@hannessnellman.com
Jon Termonen

Jon Termonen

Managing Associate | Helsinki
jon.termonen@hannessnellman.com

Parties:

Sanoma Corporation, Nordea Bank Abp

Transaction: 

Counsel to Sanoma Corporation, a K12 learning service provider and cross-media company listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, in the issuance and listing of hybrid capital securities in the amount of EUR 150 million. Nordea Bank Abp acted as lead manager in the issue of the capital securities.

Value:

EUR 150 million

Role:

Counsel to Sanoma Corporation

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Anniina Järvinen

Anniina Järvinen

Partner | Helsinki
anniina.jarvinen@hannessnellman.com
Linnea Lehtonen

Linnea Lehtonen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
linnea.lehtonen@hannessnellman.com
Roope Sevón

Roope Sevón

Associate | Helsinki
roope.sevon@hannessnellman.com
Pauliina Sutinen

Pauliina Sutinen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
pauliina.sutinen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Paulig Group (seller), Valio (buyer), Gold&Green brand, intellectual property and R&D function (target)

Transaction

The divestment of Paulig’s Gold&Green brand, intellectual property and R&D function to Valio

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to Paulig Group

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Senior Associate | Helsinki
agda.vaha-piikkio@hannessnellman.com
Sofia Saarelainen

Sofia Saarelainen

Associate | Helsinki
sofia.saarelainen@hannessnellman.com
Panu Siitonen

Panu Siitonen

Partner | Helsinki
panu.siitonen@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Vesikansa

Heikki Vesikansa

Partner | Helsinki
heikki.vesikansa@hannessnellman.com
Isabella Kartila

Isabella Kartila

Senior Associate | Helsinki
isabella.kartila@hannessnellman.com

Parties 

Enersense International Oyj, Megatuuli Oy

Transaction 

Enersense International Oyj, a provider of zero-emission energy solutions, has signed an agreement on acquiring shares of the onshore wind farm developer Megatuuli Oy.

Deal Value 

EUR 18.5 million

Role

Counsel to Enersense International

Tapio Teräkivi

Tapio Teräkivi

Partner | Helsinki
tapio.terakivi@hannessnellman.com
Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Katja Heikkinen

Katja Heikkinen

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
katja.heikkinen@hannessnellman.com
Robert Gordin

Robert Gordin

Senior Associate | Helsinki
robert.gordin@hannessnellman.com
Anna Mäkinen

Anna Mäkinen

Associate | Helsinki
anna.makinen@hannessnellman.com
Emmi Nuutila

Emmi Nuutila

Senior Associate | Helsinki
emmi.nuutila@hannessnellman.com
Risto Ojakoski

Risto Ojakoski

Associate | Helsinki
risto.ojakoski@hannessnellman.com
Julia Ranta

Julia Ranta

Associate | Helsinki
julia.ranta@hannessnellman.com
Vivi Jaatinen

Vivi Jaatinen

Legal Assistant | Helsinki
vivi.jaatinen@hannessnellman.com
Salla Mäki

Salla Mäki

Senior Legal Assistant | Helsinki
salla.maki@hannessnellman.com
Anni Ollus

Anni Ollus

Senior Legal Assistant | Helsinki
anni.ollus@hannessnellman.com

Parties 

Enersense International Oyj

Transaction 

Counsel to Enersense International Oyj in its equity investment in and primary partnership arrangement with P2X Solutions Oy

Deal Value 

Value not public 

Role

Counsel to Enersense International

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Robert Gordin

Robert Gordin

Senior Associate | Helsinki
robert.gordin@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Anora Group Plc (Altia Plc, Arcus ASA) and Galatea AB

Transaction

Required pre-closing divestment of Altia’s brands Skåne Akvavit, Hallands Fläder, and Brøndums and cognac brand Grönstedts (along with Arcus’s aquavit brand Akevitt Spesial and spirits brands S.P.R.T. and Dworek) to Galatea AB. The divestment to a suitable buyer was required by the Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish competition authorities as a condition to their approval of the merger between Altia and Arcus to form Anora Group.

Deal value

Not public

Role

Lead counsel to Altia Plc (Anora Group Plc)

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Robert Gordin

Robert Gordin

Senior Associate | Helsinki
robert.gordin@hannessnellman.com
Satu Kokko

Satu Kokko

Senior Associate | Helsinki
satu.kokko@hannessnellman.com
Panu Siitonen

Panu Siitonen

Partner | Helsinki
panu.siitonen@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
Essi Ellman

Essi Ellman

Associate | Helsinki
essi.ellman@hannessnellman.com
Piia Ahonen

Piia Ahonen

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
piia.ahonen@hannessnellman.com
Marika Sorsa

Marika Sorsa

Counsel | Helsinki
marika.sorsa@hannessnellman.com

Parties 

The State of Finland, Finnair Plc

Transaction 

Counsel to the State of Finland in the hybrid loan arrangement with Finnair Plc

Deal Value 

Up to EUR 400 million

Role 

Counsel to the State of Finland (Prime Minister’s Office)

 

 

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Markus Bremer

Markus Bremer

Partner | Helsinki
markus.bremer@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
Klaus Ilmonen

Klaus Ilmonen

Partner, Doctor of Laws | Helsinki
klaus.ilmonen@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Majamaa

Heikki Majamaa

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
heikki.majamaa@hannessnellman.com
Mikko  Tavast

Mikko Tavast

Counsel | Helsinki
mikko.tavast@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Sanoma Media Finland Oy (Seller), Schibsted (buyer), Oikotie Ltd (target)

Transaction

The sale of Sanoma’s online classifieds business Oikotie to Schibsted

Deal value

EUR 185 million

Role

Counsel to Sanoma Group

Core team

Riikka Rannikko, Jesper Nevalainen, Mikko Huimala, Agda Vähä-Piikkö, Jenni Heurlin, Anton Pirinen

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Jesper Nevalainen

Jesper Nevalainen

Partner | Helsinki
jesper.nevalainen@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Senior Associate | Helsinki
agda.vaha-piikkio@hannessnellman.com
Jenni Heurlin

Jenni Heurlin

Managing Associate | Helsinki
jenni.heurlin@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Sanoma Group (Buyer), Alma Media Corporation (Seller), Alma Media Kustannus Oy and Alma Manu Oy (Targets)

Transaction

Sanoma Group’s acquisition of Alma Media’s regional news media business

Deal Value

EUR 115 million (announced enterprise value)

Role

Counsel to Sanoma Group

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
Jesper Nevalainen

Jesper Nevalainen

Partner | Helsinki
jesper.nevalainen@hannessnellman.com
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Senior Associate | Helsinki
agda.vaha-piikkio@hannessnellman.com
Jenni Heurlin

Jenni Heurlin

Managing Associate | Helsinki
jenni.heurlin@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Fazer Food Services, Compass Group PLC

Transaction

Fazer Group in its divestment of Fazer Food Services to Compass Group PLC

Deal Value

EUR 475 million

Role

Counsel to Fazer Group

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
johanna.haltia-tapio@hannessnellman.com
Jenni Heurlin

Jenni Heurlin

Managing Associate | Helsinki
jenni.heurlin@hannessnellman.com

Parties

BVB Substrates B.V. and its owners, Vapo Oy and Kekkilä Oy

Transaction

Joint venture by combining BVB Substrates B.V. and Kekkilä Oy to form Kekkilä-BVB Oy, a leading horticultural substrate company in Europe in the market for professional growers and home gardeners

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to BVB Substrates B.V. and its owners

Heidi Haanpää

Heidi Haanpää

Partner | Helsinki
heidi.haanpaa@hannessnellman.com
Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com

Parties

AtoB@C Shipping AB (Target), Aspo Plc (Bidder) Anders Nilsson (Private Investor)(Seller)

Transaction

Aspo Plc has agreed to acquire AtoB@C Shipping AB from Anders Nilsson (Private investor).

Deal Value

EUR 30 million

Role

Counsel to Aspo Plc

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Orion Corporation (Seller), Axcel Management A/S (Buyer), Orion Diagnostica Oy (Target)

Transaction

Orion Corporation's divestment of the diagnostics business unit Orion Diagnostica Oy to a private equity fund managed by Axcel Management A/S

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to Orion Corporation

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
johanna.haltia-tapio@hannessnellman.com
Antti Nyberg

Antti Nyberg

Partner | Helsinki
antti.nyberg@hannessnellman.com

Parties

OP Financial Group (Seller), Vienna Insurance Group (Buyer), Seesam Insurance AS (Target)

Transaction

OP Financial Group's sale of the non-life insurance company Seesam Insurance AS (Seesam), including its Latvian and Lithuanian branches, to Vienna Insurance Group (VIG)

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to OP Financial Group

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
johanna.haltia-tapio@hannessnellman.com
Laura Tavakka

Laura Tavakka

Talent Development Coordinator | Helsinki
laura.tavakka@hannessnellman.com
Riikka Kuha

Riikka Kuha

Senior Associate | Helsinki
riikka.kuha@hannessnellman.com

Parties

WSP Finland Oy (Buyer), ISS Palvelut Oy (Seller), ISS Proko Oy and its subsidiary ISS Suunnittelupalvelut Oy (Targets)

Transaction

ISS Palvelut Oy's sale of ISS Proko Oy and its subsidiary ISS Suunnittelupalvelut Oy to WSP Finland Oy

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to ISS Palvelut Oy

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Norvestia Oyj, CapMan Plc

Transaction

The public exchange offer for the shares and other securities in Norvestia by CapMan Plc

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to Norvestia Oyj

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Elina Toivakainen

Elina Toivakainen

Counsel | Helsinki
elina.toivakainen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

The Carlsberg Group (Seller), Viking Malt Oy (Buyer), Danish Malting Group A/S (Target)

Transaction

The Carlsberg Group sold the Danish Malting Group comprising three breweries located in Denmark and Poland to Viking Malt Oy

Deal Value

Value no public

Role

Counsel to Viking Malt Oy

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Markus Bremer

Markus Bremer

Partner | Helsinki
markus.bremer@hannessnellman.com
Tuuli Pikkarainen

Tuuli Pikkarainen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
tuuli.pikkarainen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Atine Group Oy (Seller), Sector Alarm (Buyer), Turvatiimi (Target)

Transaction

Sale of Turvatiimi to Sector Alarm by Atine Group Oy

Deal Value

EUR 7,610,330

Role

Counsel to Atine Group Oy

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Tuuli Pikkarainen

Tuuli Pikkarainen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
tuuli.pikkarainen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Tabulon Oy (Buyer), Responda 113 Oy (Target), Turvatiimi Oyj (Seller)

Transaction

Acquisition by Tabulon Oy of shares in Responda 113 Oy from Turvatiimi Oyj

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to Tabulon Oy

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Atine Group Oy (Buyer), Turvatiimi Oyj (Target)

Transaction

Public tender offer by Atine Group Oy concerning all shares in Turvatiimi Oyj

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to Atine Group Oy

Riikka Rannikko

Riikka Rannikko

Managing Partner | Helsinki
riikka.rannikko@hannessnellman.com
Antti Kuha

Antti Kuha

Partner | Helsinki
antti.kuha@hannessnellman.com

Rankings

  • “Riikka Rannikko is extremely experienced and knows the M&A side of things extremely well.” Chambers Europe, 2024
  • “She also knows most of the other things that in-house lawyers need help with.” Chambers Global, 2024
  • Ranked as exclusive winner of the 2024 Client Choice M&A category in Finland. Clients have described Riikka as follows: 'Riikka Rannikko provides a pragmatic approach and always is available and responsive.', 'Riikka is always persistent and committed in pursuing her client's interests.', 'Riikka has in-depth knowledge of M&A and is very professional.', 'Riikka Rannikko provided us with great and constructive advice and was very focused on securing the best outcome for us.'
  • "Ability to provide strategic advice based on her legal expertise and vast experience. In addition to the big picture, she is amazingly well aware of every detail of the matter. She is highly competent, accountable and highly solution-orientated. Despite having the demanding position of managing partner, Riikka is able to spend just the right amount of time on our business. She can be depended on to give you a straight answer in a timely manner. Riikka knows our business from years ago and takes the effort to keep current with our affairs. Very solid and structured approach to solving issues. Riikka Rannikko is a well-known corporate law and M&A expert in Finland. She is very knowledgeable, responsive, precise and pleasant to work with. She can handle contentious situations in a structured, calm and controlled manner.", IFLR1000, 2023
  • "Riikka Rannikko’s ability to handle matters relating to various practice areas is excellent. This really makes a difference. Riikka Rannikko is excellent. Knowledgeable, easy to work with, hands on. Could not expect more from her.", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2023
  • Ranked as exclusive winner of the 2022 Client Choice M&A category in Finland
  • "Riikka Rannikko is able to find solutions while structuring M&A deals", "Riikka is an M&A star!", "Riikka is fantastically responsive and consistently helpful", "any time I need Riikka, she is always available to help quickly and with highest level of professionalism", M&A, Client Choice, 2022
  • "Very good, thorough and able to bring up legal risks and challenges in a very constructive manner. She is accountable, pragmatic and solution-oriented.", IFLR1000, 2022
  • "Riikka Rannikko is a highly appreciated practitioner who is very reliable and solution-oriented.", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2022
  • "Riikka Rannikko stands out clearly. She has exceptionally wide knowledge of different practice areas and can give advice on a general level without gathering eg 5 partners to the same meeting. Her availability and engagement is on very high level and she can be approached usually within a couple of hours. Her approach is pragmatic so any next steps to be identified is very easy.", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2022
  • 'Clients describe her as "pragmatic, very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with."', Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2022
  • Ranked as 2021 exclusive winner of Client Choice’s M&A category in Finland
  • "Riikka is a solution oriented, pragmatic, and no-nonsense collaborator who listens carefully and quickly understands the commercial context of any issue to be solved.", M&A, Client Choice, 2021
  • "Riikka never lets a client down and you can trust that she gets things done in time and as agreed. She gets deserved respect from both principals and counterparties as her advice is fair and balanced in the most complex of situations.", M&A, Client Choice, 2021
  • "Riikka, approaches new cases diligently first wanting to get the facts right by asking insightful questions. She does not limit her fact finding to the obvious, easy questions but covers also aspects related to right timing, involved persons, strategic goals, possible controversial drivers etc.", M&A, Client Choice, 2021
  • "Riikka does not only have a bright mind and a well-rounded character, but she is a true team player who not only praises her team members but makes miracles happen with the help of her team.", M&A, Client Choice, 2021
  • Clients hail Riikka Rannikko as being "very structured and in control, with a pleasant way of presenting controversial matters where emotions are involved.", Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe, 2021
  • 'Sources hail her as a "great project leader," adding: "She is responsive, very responsible and gets the things done, while keeping a strategic partner role in the mandate."', Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2020
  • "Excellent legal knowledge, high negotiation skills. Well structured and always on top of things. Well trusted.", IFLR1000, 2020
  • Ranked as 2019 exclusive winner of Client Choice’s M&A category in Finland
  • “She combines experience, hard work, and a no-nonsense attitude in a way which truly creates added value”, M&A, Client Choice, 2019
  • “Riikka can bring the focus back to the issue at hand when negotiations around her are getting lost in emotions or irrelevant issues”, M&A, Client Choice, 2019
  • “She drives projects with a clear focus and has the client’s best interests in mind”, M&A, Client Choice, 2019
  • “Riikka Rannikko represents a balanced combination of excellent legal expertise, strong commercial abilities, and compelling social skills”, M&A Client Choice, 2019
  • According to Clients, Riikka has 'excellent expertise and a very proactive approach.' One client states she is constructive and has the "ability to listen and act independently within the agreed limits." Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2019
  • "Riikka Rannikko has ‘strong knowledge’ in corporate governance", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2018
  • "Riikka Rannikko...is noted as 'a true expert in the field of disclosure requirements.' Clients appreciate her dedication: 'She is very pragmatic, she works extremely hard and provides excellent advice.'", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2018 and Chambers Europe 2018
  • "Clients profess that Riikka Rannikko is 'extremely talented, very responsive and always down to earth with her advice.'", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2017 and Chambers Europe 2017
  • Ranked among the Highly regarded lawyers in Capital Markets, IFLR1000, 2017-2021
  • Ranked in Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2015-2022
  • Ranked in Capital Markets, Chambers Europe 2015 and in Corporate/M&A Chambers Europe 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018
  • Ranked among the best lawyers in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions (Helsinki: Capital Markets, Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice, Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions Law) of Best Lawyers®
  • 'Riikka Rannikko moves up the rankings thanks to glowing praise from sources and a strong caseload. Clients particularly appreciate her strong negotiation skills.', Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2013 and Chambers Europe 2013
  • Key individual in Capital Markets, 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
  • '..."She's really precise, gets straight to the point, and always looks after the interests of her client." Another says: "If she has read the documents you don't need to scrutinise them yourself."', Capital Markets, Chambers Europe 2012
  • Ranked in Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A, Chambers Europe 2011
  • Up-and-coming laywer in Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2010
  • According to the Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2008 Editions '‘Riikka Rannikko is recognised as a “talented” young lawyer by both peers and clients. She is rated for her “thorough and uncomplicated approach.”'

Memberships and Positions of Trust

  • Member of the Audit Board, 2019-
  • Member of the Finnish Bar Association
  • Chairman of the working group revising the Finnish Corporate Governance Code, 2015

Education and Professional Background

  • Managing Partner Helsinki, Hannes Snellman, 2019–
  • Partner, Hannes Snellman, 2006
  • Senior Associate, Hannes Snellman, 2002
  • LL.M., University of Cambridge (UK), 2002
  • Visiting lawyer, Allen & Overy London, 2000
  • Associate Lawyer, Hannes Snellman, 1998
  • Master of Laws, University of Turku, 1998