Riikka Rannikko
Riikka Rannikko
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. She is also active in Hannes Snellman’s ESG Group.
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
Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Transaction
Hannes Snellman acted as counsel to Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd in its public share offering of EUR 30.7 million and the preceding issuance of convertible capital loans in the total amount of EUR 3.2 million and a private placement of EUR 4.8 million. Faron Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatment of cancers via novel immunotherapies. Faron’s shares are listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland and as depositary interests, representing entitlements to shares, on AIM in the United Kingdom. The offering consisted of a public offering to private individuals and legal entities in Finland and an institutional offering to institutional investors internationally, and a separate open offer to qualifying holders of depositary interests in the United Kingdom and elsewhere and a retail offer to retail investors in the United Kingdom.
Deal Value
EUR 30.7 million
Role
Counsel to Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Riikka Rannikko
Anniina Järvinen
Tommi Kovero
Roope Sevón
Robert Gordin
Sofi Lehtinen
Aki Salmela
Linnea Lehtonen
Josefina Aalto
Elisa Viiri
Jenni Parviainen
Anni Nohteri
Melisa Göllü
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
Mikko Huimala
Riikka Rannikko
Mikko Heinonen
Heikki Majamaa
Robert Gordin
Päivi Tammilehto
Jon Termonen
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
Anniina Järvinen
Linnea Lehtonen
Roope Sevón
Pauliina Sutinen
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
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö
Sofia Saarelainen
Panu Siitonen
Heikki Vesikansa
Isabella Kartila
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
Riikka Rannikko
Katja Heikkinen
Robert Gordin
Anna Mäkinen
Emmi Nuutila
Julia Ranta
Vivi Jaatinen
Salla Mäki
Anni Ollus
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
Robert Gordin
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
Robert Gordin
Satu Kokko
Panu Siitonen
Mikko Huimala
Essi Ellman
Piia Ahonen
Marika Sorsa
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
Markus Bremer
Mikko Huimala
Klaus Ilmonen
Heikki Majamaa
Mikko Tavast
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
Jesper Nevalainen
Mikko Huimala
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö
Jenni Heurlin
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
Mikko Huimala
Jesper Nevalainen
Agda Vähä-Piikkiö
Jenni Heurlin
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
Johanna Haltia-Tapio
Jenni Heurlin
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
Riikka Rannikko
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
Mikko Huimala
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
Mikko Huimala
Johanna Haltia-Tapio
Antti Nyberg
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
Johanna Haltia-Tapio
Laura Tavakka
Riikka Kuha
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
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
Elina Toivakainen
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
Markus Bremer
Tuuli Pikkarainen
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
Tuuli Pikkarainen
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
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
Antti Kuha
Rankings
- Recommended by clients and peers, Who’s Who Legal: M&A and Governance, 2024
- Recognised as Highly Regarded and ranked among Women Leaders in Capital Markets: Equity, IFLR1000, 2024
- "Having worked with Riikka Rannikko of Hannes Snellman for a few years now, I am impressed. She is always available and delivers, and has the ability to discuss and contribute to a wide range of topics also outside of standard corporate and M&A stuff. From a General Counsel perspective, absolutely fantastic work all the time.", Commercial, corporate and M&A, Legal 500, 2024
- “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
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