People

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki

Johan Aalto specialises in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and capital markets, with an emphasis on public takeovers. During the last few years, Johan has been involved in some of the largest and most complex transactions in Finland. He also focuses on corporate governance issues and acts as the chairman of general meetings of several listed companies in Finland.

Johan has been awarded the honorary title Lagman by the President of the Republic of Finland.

One of the best-known M&A attorneys in Finland.

Chambers Global 2021


References

Parties:

Sega Europe Limited and SEGA Corporation (Buyers) Rovio Entertainment Corporation (Target)

Transaction:

Counsel to Sega Europe Limited and SEGA Corporation in the recommended public cash tender offer for all shares and options in Rovio Entertainment Corporation.

Deal value: 

Approximately EUR 706 million

Role:

Counsel to Sega Europe Limited and SEGA Corporation

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Sonja Siggberg

Sonja Siggberg

Partner | Helsinki
sonja.siggberg@hannessnellman.com
Jon Termonen

Jon Termonen

Managing Associate | Helsinki
jon.termonen@hannessnellman.com
Marcus Lehtinen

Marcus Lehtinen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
marcus.lehtinen@hannessnellman.com
Sofi Lehtinen

Sofi Lehtinen

Associate | Helsinki
sofi.lehtinen@hannessnellman.com
Claes Backström

Claes Backström

Associate | Helsinki
claes.backstrom@hannessnellman.com
Samuel Åkerlund

Samuel Åkerlund

Associate | Helsinki
samuel.akerlund@hannessnellman.com
Satu Kokko

Satu Kokko

Associate | Helsinki
satu.kokko@hannessnellman.com
Oliver Vesterlund

Oliver Vesterlund

Associate | Helsinki
oliver.vesterlund@hannessnellman.com
Viola Karjalainen

Viola Karjalainen

Associate | Helsinki
viola.karjalainen@hannessnellman.com
Heidi Haanpää

Heidi Haanpää

Partner | Helsinki
heidi.haanpaa@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Huimala

Mikko Huimala

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.huimala@hannessnellman.com
 Annika  Grönholm

Annika Grönholm

Associate | Helsinki
annika.gronholm@hannessnellman.com
Panu Siitonen

Panu Siitonen

Partner | Helsinki
panu.siitonen@hannessnellman.com
Hilma Mäkitalo-Saarinen

Hilma Mäkitalo-Saarinen

Associate | Helsinki
hilma.makitalo-saarinen@hannessnellman.com
Wilhelm Sanmark

Wilhelm Sanmark

Associate | Helsinki
wilhelm.sanmark@hannessnellman.com
Ingrid Remmelgas

Ingrid Remmelgas

Counsel | Helsinki
ingrid.remmelgas@hannessnellman.com
Karoliina Kaartinen

Karoliina Kaartinen

Legal Assistant | Helsinki
karoliina.kaartinen@hannessnellman.com
Monika Parkkinen

Monika Parkkinen

Legal Assistant | Helsinki
monika.parkkinen@hannessnellman.com
Hanna-Mari Mudi

Hanna-Mari Mudi

Legal Assistant | Helsinki
hanna-mari.mudi@hannessnellman.com

Parties: 

Methode Electronics, Inc., Nordic Lights Group Corporation

Transaction:

Methode Electronics, Inc.'s recommended public cash tender offer for all shares in Nordic Lights Group Corporation

Deal Value:

EUR 132 million

Role:

Counsel to Methode Electronics, Inc.

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Anniina Järvinen

Anniina Järvinen

Partner | Helsinki
anniina.jarvinen@hannessnellman.com
Marcus Lehtinen

Marcus Lehtinen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
marcus.lehtinen@hannessnellman.com
Robert Gordin

Robert Gordin

Associate | Helsinki
robert.gordin@hannessnellman.com
Joonas Vartia

Joonas Vartia

Associate | Helsinki
joonas.vartia@hannessnellman.com
Riikka Kuha

Riikka Kuha

Senior Associate | Helsinki
riikka.kuha@hannessnellman.com
Heidi Haanpää

Heidi Haanpää

Partner | Helsinki
heidi.haanpaa@hannessnellman.com
Essi Ellman

Essi Ellman

Associate | Helsinki
essi.ellman@hannessnellman.com
Päivi Tammilehto

Päivi Tammilehto

Counsel | Helsinki
paivi.tammilehto@hannessnellman.com
Anna Mäkinen

Anna Mäkinen

Associate | Helsinki
anna.makinen@hannessnellman.com
Hilma Mäkitalo-Saarinen

Hilma Mäkitalo-Saarinen

Associate | Helsinki
hilma.makitalo-saarinen@hannessnellman.com
Simon Mittler

Simon Mittler

Associate | Helsinki
simon.mittler@hannessnellman.com
Ingrid Remmelgas

Ingrid Remmelgas

Counsel | Helsinki
ingrid.remmelgas@hannessnellman.com
Ville Säteri

Ville Säteri

Associate | Helsinki
ville.sateri@hannessnellman.com
Kerttu Pahta

Kerttu Pahta

Associate | Helsinki
kerttu.pahta@hannessnellman.com
Rebecca Osola

Rebecca Osola

Senior Legal Assistant | Helsinki
rebecca.osola@hannessnellman.com
Monika Parkkinen

Monika Parkkinen

Legal Assistant | Helsinki
monika.parkkinen@hannessnellman.com
Karoliina Kaartinen

Karoliina Kaartinen

Legal Assistant | Helsinki
karoliina.kaartinen@hannessnellman.com

Parties:

Ahlström Capital BV and Nidoco AB (buyers), Ahlstrom-Munksjö (seller), Decor Solutions business area (target)

Transaction:

The buying consortium comprising Ahlström Capital BV and Nidoco AB, in the investment in the majority share of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Decor Solutions business area.

Deal Value:

Value not public

Role:

Counsel to the buying consortium (Ahlström Capital BV and Nidoco AB)

 

Johanna Wärnberg

Johanna Wärnberg

Partner | Stockholm
johanna.warnberg@hannessnellman.com
Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Mikael Lustig

Mikael Lustig

Senior Associate | Helsinki
mikael.lustig@hannessnellman.com
Antti Nyberg (Alanko)

Antti Nyberg (Alanko)

Partner | Helsinki
antti.nyberg@hannessnellman.com
Pauliina Sutinen

Pauliina Sutinen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
pauliina.sutinen@hannessnellman.com
Matias Moberg

Matias Moberg

Managing Associate | Helsinki
matias.moberg@hannessnellman.com
Panu Siitonen

Panu Siitonen

Partner | Helsinki
panu.siitonen@hannessnellman.com
Anniina Somppi

Anniina Somppi

Associate | Helsinki
anniina.somppi@hannessnellman.com
Peter Forsberg

Peter Forsberg

Partner | Stockholm
peter.forsberg@hannessnellman.com
Lars Lundgren

Lars Lundgren

Associate | Stockholm
lars.lundgren@hannessnellman.com
Essi Ellman

Essi Ellman

Associate | Helsinki
essi.ellman@hannessnellman.com
Sofia Saarelainen

Sofia Saarelainen

Associate | Helsinki
sofia.saarelainen@hannessnellman.com
Anna Nordin Pettersson

Anna Nordin Pettersson

Associate | Stockholm
anna.nordin-pettersson@hannessnellman.com
Alexander Lindqvist

Alexander Lindqvist

Associate | Stockholm
alexander.lindqvist@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Valmet Corporation, Alfa Laval AB, Neles Corporation

Transaction

Counsel to Valmet Corporation in the EUR 1.73 bn public tender offer dated 13 July 2020 by Alfa Laval AB for all shares in Neles Corporation and the subsequent increase by Valmet of its shareholding in Neles to 29.5 %. Alfa Laval decided not to complete its offer on 3 November 2020.

Deal Value

EUR 1.73 billion

Role

Counsel to Valmet Corporation

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Antti Kuha

Antti Kuha

Partner | Helsinki
antti.kuha@hannessnellman.com
Antti Nyberg (Alanko)

Antti Nyberg (Alanko)

Partner | Helsinki
antti.nyberg@hannessnellman.com
Helena Lamminen

Helena Lamminen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
helena.lamminen@hannessnellman.com
Jenni Heurlin

Jenni Heurlin

Managing Associate | Helsinki
jenni.heurlin@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Valmet Oyj (Buyer), Solidium Oyj (Seller)

Transaction

Counsel to Valmet Oyj in the acquisition of future Neles Corporation from Solidium Oy, representing 14.88% of all Neles’ shares and votes. 

Deal Value

EUR 179 million

Role

Counsel to Valmet Oyj

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Enersense International Oyj, Empower Group, Empower Oyj

Transaction

Enersense International’s acquisition of the entire share capital of Empower, the Finnish energy and construction services supplier.

Deal Value 

Value not public

Role 

Counsel to Empower Oyj and the sellers

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Ramirent Plc, Loxam S.A.S.

Transaction

Recommended public cash tender offer for Ramirent Plc by Loxam S.A.S.

Deal Value

EUR 970 million

Role

Counsel to Ramirent Plc

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Heidi Haanpää

Heidi Haanpää

Partner | Helsinki
heidi.haanpaa@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Commonwealth Bank (Seller), Colonial First State Global Asset Management (Target), Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation (Buyer)

Transaction

Commonwealth Bank's sale of its global asset management business, Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM), to Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation

Deal Value

AUD 4.1 billion

Role

Counsel to Commonwealth Bank

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Jari Tukiainen

Jari Tukiainen

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
jari.tukiainen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Ahlstrom-Munksjö (Buyer), Expera Specialty Solutions (Target), KPS Capital Partners (Seller)

Transaction

Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s acquisition of Expera Specialty Solutions, a U.S.-based specialty paper producer

Deal Value

USD 615 million

Role

Counsel to Ahlstrom-Munksjö

Sonja Siggberg

Sonja Siggberg

Partner | Helsinki
sonja.siggberg@hannessnellman.com
Fredrik Olsson

Fredrik Olsson

Managing Partner | Stockholm
fredrik.olsson@hannessnellman.com
Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Antti Kuha

Antti Kuha

Partner | Helsinki
antti.kuha@hannessnellman.com
Anniina Järvinen

Anniina Järvinen

Partner | Helsinki
anniina.jarvinen@hannessnellman.com
Albert Danielsson

Albert Danielsson

Managing Associate | Stockholm
albert.danielsson@hannessnellman.com
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Agda Vähä-Piikkiö

Senior Associate | Helsinki
agda.vaha-piikkio@hannessnellman.com
Carolina H. Wahlby

Carolina H. Wahlby

Partner | Stockholm
carolina.wahlby@hannessnellman.com

Parties

NDX Intressenter (Buyer), Nordax Group AB (Target)

Transaction

NDX Intressenter’s mandatory bid for all shares in Nordax Group AB

Deal Value

Offer value SEK 6.657 million

Role

Counsel to NDX Intressenter

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Christoffer Saidac

Christoffer Saidac

Partner | Stockholm
christoffer.saidac@hannessnellman.com
Peter Forsberg

Peter Forsberg

Partner | Stockholm
peter.forsberg@hannessnellman.com

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

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Mikko Heinonen

Mikko Heinonen

Partner | Helsinki
mikko.heinonen@hannessnellman.com
Panu Siitonen

Panu Siitonen

Partner | Helsinki
panu.siitonen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Ahlström Capital (Buyer), Oy GW Sohlberg Ab (Seller), 39% of shares in Detection Technology and 18% of shares in Glaston (Targets)

Transaction

Ahlström Capital’s acquisition of shares in Detection Technology and Glaston from Oy GW Sohlberg Ab

Deal Value

Approx. EUR 110 million

Role

Counsel to Oy GW Sohlberg Ab

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Vesikansa

Heikki Vesikansa

Partner | Helsinki
heikki.vesikansa@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Ahlstrom Oyj, Munksjö Oyj

Transaction

The combination of Ahlstrom and Munksjö through a merger

Deal Value

Approx. EUR 1,2 billion

Role

Lead counsel to Ahlstrom

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Sonja Siggberg

Sonja Siggberg

Partner | Helsinki
sonja.siggberg@hannessnellman.com
Antti Kuha

Antti Kuha

Partner | Helsinki
antti.kuha@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Vesikansa

Heikki Vesikansa

Partner | Helsinki
heikki.vesikansa@hannessnellman.com
Janne Veneranta

Janne Veneranta

Managing Associate | Helsinki
janne.veneranta@hannessnellman.com
Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
johanna.haltia-tapio@hannessnellman.com
Annemari Rosi

Annemari Rosi

Senior Associate | Helsinki
annemari.rosi@hannessnellman.com
Stefan Stellato

Stefan Stellato

Managing Associate | Helsinki
stefan.stellato@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Sampo plc (Buyer), Topdanmark A/S (Target)

Transaction

Sampo plc’s mandatory public cash offer for all outstanding shares in Topdanmark A/S

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to Sampo plc

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Sonja Siggberg

Sonja Siggberg

Partner | Helsinki
sonja.siggberg@hannessnellman.com

Parties

National Silicon Industry Group (Offeror), Okmetic Oyj (Target)

Transaction

Voluntary recommended public tender offer by National Silicon Industry Group for all shares and option rights in Okmetic Oyj

Deal Value

Approximately EUR 170 million

Role

Counsel to Okmetic Oyj

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Heidi Haanpää

Heidi Haanpää

Partner | Helsinki
heidi.haanpaa@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Adven Group (Target), EQT (Seller), AMP Capital, Infracapital (Buyers)

Transaction

EQT Infrastructure Limited’s sale of Adven Group to a consortium comprising of AMP Capital Investors and Infracapital Partners II

Deal Value

Value not public

Role

Counsel to EQT

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Vesikansa

Heikki Vesikansa

Partner | Helsinki
heikki.vesikansa@hannessnellman.com
Marta Kauppinen

Marta Kauppinen

Senior Associate | Helsinki
marta.kauppinen@hannessnellman.com

Parties

Metso Oyj (Seller) and Valmet Oyj (Buyer)

Transaction

Valmet Oyj’s acquisition of the process automation systems business from Metso Oyj

Deal Value

EUR 340 million

Role

Counsel to Valmet Oyj

Johan Aalto

Johan Aalto

Partner | Helsinki
johan.aalto@hannessnellman.com
Sten Olsson

Sten Olsson

Partner | Helsinki
sten.olsson@hannessnellman.com
Heidi Haanpää

Heidi Haanpää

Partner | Helsinki
heidi.haanpaa@hannessnellman.com
Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Johanna Haltia-Tapio

Specialist Partner | Helsinki
johanna.haltia-tapio@hannessnellman.com
Heikki Vesikansa

Heikki Vesikansa

Partner | Helsinki
heikki.vesikansa@hannessnellman.com

Rankings

  • "One of the best-known M&A attorneys in Finland." Johan Aalto is complimented by clients for his "very good practical understanding of the situation.", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2021
  • Ranked as a Leading individual in Commercial, Corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2015-2022
  • 'Johan Aalto is described by a client as "a steady hand when you are going through difficult situations."', Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2020
  • Ranked in Band 1 in Corporate/M&A in the 2019 edition of Chambers Global and Chambers Europe
  • One client says Johan Aalto is "the number one M&A lawyer in Finland. He stands out in the team as he is old enough and experienced enough to provide the best advice" and another client describes him as "Highly competent! Excellent performance." IFLR1000, 2019
  • Ranked as Market leader in Capital Markets and M&A in the 2019-2021 editions of IFLR1000
  • "Johan Aalto and Sten Olsson are ‘probably the best M&A lawyers in Finland’ according to one client", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2018
  • "Clients appreciate that he is 'very experienced, solution-driven and easy to deal with.'", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2018 and Chambers Europe 2018
  • "Johan Aalto is described by clients as 'a good negotiator with nerves of steel.'", Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2017 and Chambers Europe 2017
  • "...Very knowledgeable, easy to deal with and fast." Corporate and M&A, Chambers Global 2016 and Chambers Europe 2016
  • Ranked as a Highly regarded lawyer in Capital Markets and Corporate and M&A in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions of IFLR1000
  • Ranked as "Lawyer of the Year" in Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Helsinki, 2016) by Best Lawyers®
  • "Commentators agree that Johan Aalto 'is one of the best M&A lawyers in Finland. He is smart, excellent in negotiations and offers great depth of legal expertise' ", Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2015 and Chambers Europe 2015
  • Ranked as "Lawyer of the Year" in Corporate Law (Helsinki, 2015) by Best Lawyers®
  • "Sources deem him a 'very talented' lawyer who exercises 'superb judgement' in major cases.", Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2014
  • Leading practitioner, Who’s Who Legal, Corporate Governance, 2014
  • Ranked among the best lawyers in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions (Helsinki: Corporate Governance & Compliance, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity) of Best Lawyers®
  • 'Senior partner Johan Aalto is one of Finland’s leading transactional lawyers...', Legal 500, 2013
  • 'Johan Aalto is a noted force in major Finnish transactions...', Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global 2013 and Chambers Europe 2013
  • Winner of the Mergers & Acquisitions category for Finland in the Client Choice Awards - International 2013
  • Ranked as "Lawyer of the Year" in Private Equity (Helsinki, 2013) by Best Lawyers®
  • Leading lawyer, Corporate/M&A, Chambers Europe 2011
  • Ranked as "Lawyer of the Year" in Corporate (Helsinki, 2010) by Best Lawyers®
  • Leading lawyer, Capital Markets and M&A, IFLR1000, 2015 edition
  • Leading lawyer, Corporate/M&A, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2010
  • Leading practitioner, The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, Banking, 2010
  • Leading practitioner, The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, Capital Markets, 2010
  • Leading lawyer in Banking and finance, Corporate and M&A as well as in EU and Competition in the Guide to European Legal Experts 2010
  • Endorsed in Corporate/M&A, Directors duties and liabilities, Private Equity/venture capital, Finland, PLC Which Lawyer? 2010

Memberships and Positions of Trust

  • Member of the committee preparing the first Finnish guidelines on takeovers (the Helsinki Takeover Code), 2007
  • Board memberships in several companies
  • Member of the Finnish Bar Association, 1991

Education and Professional Background

  • Partner, Hannes Snellman, 1994–2009 and 2020–
  • Senior Partner, Hannes Snellman, 2009–2020
  • Managing Partner, Hannes Snellman, 2005–2009
  • Master of Laws, University of Helsinki, 1987