Corporate and business law

With the right choices, to the core of the ownership strategy

Limited liability companies, cooperatives, foundations, associations, private equity funds in the form of limited partnerships, and investment funds represent the diversity of organizational structures and the related planning opportunities. Corporate law solutions are essential for implementing ownership strategies.

Our lawyers handle corporate law assignments daily in Finland and internationally, leveraging our global network, expertise, and project management skills. Industry-specific considerations are seamlessly integrated already when forming the assignment team, in sectors like banking, insurance, finance, public administration, construction, real estate, and nonprofit activities.

Examples of our corporate law assignments:

• Mergers, demergers, business transfers, share exchanges, and other restructurings, including cross-border and multinational transactions
• Drafting shareholder agreements and articles of association
• Addressing corporate liability issues and dispute resolution
• Founding companies or branches and preparing governance-related documents
• Financing solutions and interim financing arrangements
• Planning and executing capital returns and other forms of fund distribution
• Customized trainings

These comprehensive services can also be complemented by KPMG’s taxation, management consulting, data protection, and other professional services to meet your specific needs.

Top-tier contract expertise – locally and globally

Contracts are the backbone of business. Whether it's sales, procurement, or strategic partnerships, well-drafted agreements are essential for success. Yet many companies lack the time or in-house expertise to manage contractual risks effectively.

That’s where we come in.

At the core of our service is a deep understanding of business needs and legal precision. We ensure your contracts are not only legally sound but also fully aligned with your operational goals.

We offer comprehensive, business-focused legal support tailored to your needs – whether you're navigating local markets or expanding globally. Examples of our services:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts
• Support with tenders and competitive bidding processes (incl. public procurement)
• Risk assessment and management, including legal opinions, liability and risk analyses
• Contract support during transitions (e.g., outsourcing and restructuring)
• Contract automation and lifecycle management
• Dispute resolution, from settlement negotiations to litigation
• Customized training services

We deliver comprehensive contract services that go beyond legal advice – combining deep expertise in taxation, management consulting, data protection and other specialized legal expertise for optimal contract solutions.

The financial industry is constantly evolving, requiring the institutions to recognize the impacts and adapt to new regulations and compliance demands.

Efficient and high-quality support for navigating financial regulations

Our team specializes in managing complex regulatory changes and tightened compliance requirements and provides legal support across all financial sector-related questions.

We support the effective and high-quality implementation of regulation, regulatory compliance assessment, compliance incidents management, as well as licensing advice and regulatory application issues. We are familiar with the official practices of the industry and, if necessary, can also take care of dealing with the authorities on your behalf.

We serve, among others, banks, insurance companies, asset management and investment service companies, and fintech operators in a wide range of legal assignments.

Examples of our services:

• Business licensing and registration processes. We assist domestic and international financial institutions in licensing and registration processes, as well as in notification processes and other issues related to the provision of cross-border services.
• Compliance services. We offer a team of experts specializing in various regulatory frameworks to support our client's compliance function or act as an outsourced compliance officer. We support both in continuous compliance tasks and on a project basis, for example, in the implementation of new regulations. Cooperation with our Nordic and other European colleagues enables the utilization of best practices and effective regulatory monitoring.
• Setting up funds. We assist our clients in legal issues related to the establishment of funds, such as the drafting of marketing materials, disclosures and fund agreements or rules, as well as correspondence with the related authorities. Our team works in close cooperation with our risk management, financial advisory, sustainability and tax experts.
• Efficient corporate structures. We assist in the planning and implementation of tax-efficient corporate structures that consider regulatory requirements, for example, in connection with internationalization or when a company aims for more efficient own funds management.
• Data and Technology Law. The financial sector's data intensity, including personal data, and role as a provider of critical societal infrastructure highlight the importance of data protection and operational resilience. We specialize in data protection and technology law issues related to the financial sector, such as digital operational resilience requirements, questions related to the use of AI, and the legal assessment of cloud services.
• M&A in the financial sector. In addition to the above, our experienced advisors also assist in all M&A transactions of financial sector operators.
• Other legal issues in the financial sector and financial law. With the help of our international and experienced team of experts, we can provide our clients with efficient and high-quality support in all legal matters related to the financial sector.

Identifying and mitigating product liability risks as part of risk management procedure

As part of effective risk management, particularly in the manufacturing industry (inc. physical products and software), it is paramount to consider relevant product liability risks in relation to injured parties, contractual partners and authorities. This includes, among other things, personal injuries and/or material damages caused by a defective product or the possibility of such damages.

From a Finnish perspective, liabilities or other consequences arising from the realization of product liability risks may sometimes be unexpected – in addition to potentially very large damages, the safety defect may result in, for example, a ban on the use of the product or a recall. Manufacturing of a product that complies with the applicable safety requirements is a prerequisite for placing a product on the market, but this or insurance alone is not sufficient as an effective means of managing product liability risks.

It is essential to identify the risks and the means to manage them. We support businesses in managing product liability risks proactively, helping them identify and mitigate liabilities before problems arise.

Our services include:

• Identifying relevant product liability risks through audits
• Providing recommendations for action
• Setting up internal processes and guidelines
• Assisting with product liability-related contract negotiations, litigation, and regulatory processes
• Evaluating insurance coverage relative to legal risks
• Conducting training related to product liability issues and internal processes and guidelines

In today’s business environment, responsible leadership has a clear obligation to ensure and document that the organization complies with applicable laws and regulations.

Ultimately, a company’s board of directors is held accountable for errors and damage resulting from legal breaches unless they can demonstrate that appropriate measures were taken to prevent harm. It is no longer sufficient to simply have the right culture and practices in place – these must also be thoroughly documented and preserved for years to come.

The importance of compliance expertise is further emphasized by the fact that the consequences of violations are severe, punitive in nature, and often directed at individuals personally. Breaches can occur in areas such as competition law, data protection, environmental protection, anti-corruption and bribery measures, money laundering and terrorist financing prevention, and violations of trade sanctions.

Legislation requires organizations to proactively identify regulatory risks and effectively manage significant risks to maintain compliance.

How KPMG can help

KPMG provides compliance expertise, solutions, and assurance services to help optimize the costs of ensuring regulatory adherence.

Our services cover the entire lifecycle of a cost-effective compliance function:

• Risk and needs assessment, risk evaluation, and effective management: Identifying which regulations are relevant to your organization and determining how to ensure compliance in a cost-efficient manner.
• System consultation and implementation: Automation is a powerful tool, but does it effectively align with your compliance goals?
• Training and documentation, case management, operations, and auditing: Personnel cannot be expected to apply regulations without proper guidance. How can awareness of essential norms be integrated in everyday activities?
• Appropriate resource allocation: The only thing more costly than unnecessary controls is the necessary control which is missing. 

Solution-focused support for restructuring, bankruptcies, and other challenging business situations

Throughout a business’s lifecycle, legal support may be needed for financial negotiations or insolvency-related processes. Our insolvency lawyers are experienced in insolvency proceedings, such as restructuring and bankruptcy, as well as finance and collateral law.

Our typical assignments include, for example assisting with debt collection, voluntary and statutory restructuring, as well as drafting applications and statements related to bankruptcies. Our services include also support with revitalization strategies.

We bring together multidisciplinary expertise to find a cost-effective and best solution

• Labor law lawyers who assist in adjustment measures related to employees
• Finance and financial management advisors who assist in the preparation of financial forecasts and cash flow calculations
• M&A advisors specialized in restructuring and acquisitions

Restructuring operations often also requires updating the strategy and renewing business plans. Developing new business models for long-term sustainability can also be included to the scope of our assignment.