Finnish firms Merilampi and Veikko Palotie merge

The merger took effect on 1 September, creating a firm with more than 40 lawyers and a combined turnover of around €12m (£9.99m).

The merged firm will operate under the Merilampi brand and will move to new offices in Helsinki in mid-October. Six lawyers from Veikko Palotie & Co’s 19-strong practice did not join the new firm.

Merrilampi is a near full service firm, most known for its corporate and dispute resolution practices, while Veikko Palotie is traditionally strong in construction.

“The merger will strengthen the versatile legal services required by our client companies,” said Merilampi chairman Jukka Laitasalo. “Veikko Palotie & Co’s experienced team of lawyers will be a welcome addition to all our expert teams. At the same time, we’ll also establish a new construction and real estate law team.

“The synergy benefits for these firms, for example in the areas of real estate transactions and contract disputes, are notable and the added value from this merger will directly benefit all our clients.”

Veikko Palotie managing partner Mika Pakarinen said his firm was “very excited” about the merger.

“Merilampi’s known for its uncompromising and customer-oriented service, which has also been the foundation of our legal practice for nearly 60 years,” he said.

“We feel that our areas of strength complement one another, and we can now offer our clients more comprehensive services than before. The merger will also

help our firm to better serve our clients in broader assignments.”

According to a statement by the firm, Merilampi is set to become Finland’s seventh largest firm. In The Lawyer’s Euro100, four Finnish firms were ranked among the top 100 independent firms in Europe by turnover in 2009-10: Roschier (€48m), Hannes Snellman (€41m), Castren & Snellman (€28m) and Borenius & Kemppine (26.6m).

Hannes Snellman launched an office in Copenhagen on 1 September (1 September 2010).

Merilampi also has offices in Tampere.