About Me

As a Finnish senior corporate partner and the firm's Partner Head of Business Development in the Nordic Region, I have in-depth experience of complex cross-border M&A transactions and corporate and commercial work. I am also a member of our Finnish Management Team and a Board Member of OXYGY, the management consulting firm offering a multi-disciplinary offering with Bird & Bird.

Specialising in M&A, I have over 20 years' experience of structuring and negotiating complex transactions, with a focus on private M&A deals and both inbound and outbound cross-border work. You'll find me ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 legal directories, in the fields of both Corporate and Commercial law.

In recent years, a large part of my work has revolved around mergers & acquisitions with a technology sector angle, as well as advisory in the fields of automotive and infrastructure. I have a background in technology licensing and intellectual property, with previous responsibilities including steering group work with Business Finland.

In addition to M&A, I have longstanding experience in strategic contracting, advising clients on matters including joint ventures and co-operation contracts. A special interest area of mine since my studies in London is Civil vs. Common law contracting, and how the small but intricate differences play out in practice.

I enjoy lecturing and writing and am a regular speak
Education

Studied

  • eMBA, Aalto University Executive Education 2017
  • LL.M., King's College London 2004
  • Master of Laws, University of Helsinki 2000

Admissions

  • Attorney-at-law, the Finnish Bar Association 2005
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Testimonials

'Maria Carlsson is always direct and hands-on.'

'Maria is very easy to talk to and very personable.'

'Maria Carlsson is our trusted adviser in M&A, with a high level of knowledge and experience, and excellent negotiation skills.'

'She provides good cooperation.'

'She stands out with her practical legal skills in combination with a commercial mindset. She is always highly solution-oriented and not just raising problems. She has a great flexibility to serve customers whenever there is any kind of legal need.'

Chambers Europe 2024 - Corporate/M&A

'Maria Carlsson and her team has very strong experience in corporate transactions and gave us as a client many useful tips during negations.'

'Maria Carlsson has a good understanding of customer preferences and needs.'

'Maria Carlsson, Partner – excellent knowledge of M&A, business driven and customer oriented.'

Legal 500 EMEA 2024 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A

Partner, Head of BD in the Nordics, Maria Carlsson, has been ranked in the elite "Hall of fame" category in Corporate and Commercial.

Legal 500 EMEA 2024 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A

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