Linklaters loses Stockholm lawyer to Roschier

Linklaters counsel Björn Winström, who is currently on paternity leave, is expected to join the firm at the end of May. He will join the M&A and private equity practice as a partner and, according to the firm, will also play a pivotal role in developing Roschier’s Nordic projects practice.

Jens Bengtsson, head of Roschier’s private equity and M&A practice in Stockholm, said: “Recruiting Winström is a further step in materialising Roschier’s growth plans in Sweden.

“Our Stockholm office has been performing very well in a challenging market environment, and we’re seeing signs of the M&A market picking up again. We need to add additional capacity especially to our very successful private equity practice […] Winström’s profile is a perfect fit for us.”

Two partners have left Linklaters’ Swedish practice this year. Between March and April corporate lawyers Martin Börresen and Peter Högström left for Ashurst and Lindahl respectively (1 April 2010). Since entering the market through a merger with Lagerlof & Leman in 2000, Linklaters’ Stockholm office has shrunk from 35 to nine partners.

Roschier has also made up four partners in its Helsinki office - the largest group appointment in the firm’s history.

The new partners, who will join the partnership on 1 June, are Mikko Manner, Mika Ohtonen, Jouni Salmi and Mikael Segercrantz.

Manner specialises in IT and technology, while Ohtonen is a tax structuring and corporate advisor. Salmi and Segercrantz act for clients in M&A deals, and IP and marketing and consumer law respectively.

Managing partner Ulf-Henrik Kull said: “In Finland, Roschier is currently putting special emphasis on its technology and tax structuring practices in order to meet client demands. The promotions are also a natural step in the generation shift gradually taking place.”

Last year the firm made up two in its partner promotions.