Ilkka
Perheentupa
Managing Partner
Ilkka is the Managing Partner of Avance. He represents fund and industrial clients in mergers and acquisitions, investment and capital markets transactions, as well as shareholder, contractual and corporate matters. He has spent a significant part of his career in a corporate, capital markets and private equity practice in New York and London. Industries that Ilkka has recently served include private equity and venture capital, energy and infrastructure, gaming, media and entertainment, and technology. In addition to a Finnish law degree, Ilkka is also admitted to the New York State Bar.
CV
Career
- Avance Attorneys Ltd, Managing Partner 2022–
- Avance Attorneys Ltd, Partner (2011–2021)
- Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merchant Banking – Principal Investment Area, New York (2010–2011)
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, Senior Associate, Transactions – Private Equity (2006–2010)
- Hannes Snellman, Helsinki, Associate (1998–1999), Senior Associate, Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets (2002–2006)
- Latham & Watkins LLP, London, Capital Markets Associate (2000–2002)
Education
- LL.M. (Corporate), NYU Law School and Georgetown University, Fulbright Scholarship, 2000
- Master of Laws, University of Helsinki, 1999
- MBA studies at NYU Stern and Helsinki Business Schools
Rankings
2025
Ilkka Perheentupa is ranked as “Thought Leader” in M&A.
Lexology Index 2025, Ilkka Perheentupa
2025
Ilkka Perheentupa is recognised as a “Leading partner” in Commercial, corporate and M&A.
“Probably the sharpest M&A mind on the playing field.”
“Very approachable and hands-on throughout the engagement. Exceptionally strong negotiator. Finally, a very nice person to work with as well. Best law firm partner I have worked with.”
“Ilkka Perheentupa is your premium contact for international growth company deals. A nice person to work with.”
“Ilkka Perheentupa is forward-leaning and solution-oriented.”
The Legal 500 2025
2025
Ilkka is ranked in Band 1 in both Europe and Global guides (Corporate/M&A – Finland).
“He is a sympathetic person who also he gets the idea of what the client is about very fast.”
“Ilkka Perheentupa is very experienced. He is one of the best lawyers in Finland. You can always trust him when he leads.”
“His commercial vision is very strong. He is a fantastic lawyer.”
“He is excellent throughout. He is sophisticated and very easy to work with. He gets things done.”
Chambers Europe & Global 2025
2024
Ilkka Perheentupa is ranked as “Highly regarded”.
IFLR1000 2024/25
2024
Ilkka Perheentupa is ranked as “Recommended” in M&A.
Lexology Index 2024 (formerly Who’s Who Legal)