Kiwa – Acquisition of Sertio

Kiwa – Acquisition of Sertio

Corporate transactions and structuring arrangements often involve complex tax questions. Designing and implementing a structure that is feasible from a tax perspective requires expertise and comprehensive knowledge of tax law.

Our experienced and versatile team of tax lawyers provides you strategic advice on a wide range of domestic and cross-border transactions. Our experts identify the risks and opportunities relating to transactions and ensure that the outcome is feasible as a whole. We regularly advise our clients in tax matters relating, for example, to corporate and real estate transactions, transfer of assets, mergers, demergers and changes in capital structures and group structures.

Our tax experts help you in mapping and planning different options to follow and advise you in preparing and implementing the chosen route. Our experts from other fields of business law are also available to you. Together we ensure that all aspects of any arrangements have been taken into account. In cross-border transactions, we work with recognised international advisors.

Latest references

We advised Kiwa in its acquisition of Sertio Oy, a Finnish notified body designated by the authority in accordance with the EU Regulation on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR). Sertio provides conformity assessment services in accordance with IVDR. Kiwa is one of the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification companies, operating in over 35 countries. 
Case published 7.5.2026
We advised Aurevia Oy, a portfolio company of French private equity sponsor Mérieux Equity Partners, in a strategic reorganisation that involved splitting Aurevia and its parent companies into two independent groups of companies and reorganisation of its existing debt-financing arrangements. Following the reorganisation, the newly formed Aurevia continues as a leading provider of Contract Research Organization (CRO) and Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (QARA) services, while the newly formed Labquality focuses on delivering External Quality Assessment (EQA) services. Aurevia serves operators in the medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and pharmaceutical sectors. Labquality’s customers include clinical laboratories and social and healthcare organisations. The reorganisation positions Aurevia and Labquality to allocate investments more effectively, accelerate growth within their respective customer segments, and respond to evolving market and client needs. The transaction was implemented through multiple parallel demergers and required comprehensive legal and tax structuring across several jurisdictions. Our team supported Aurevia throughout the planning and implementation phases, covering corporate, tax, employment law, and regulatory matters, as well as the optimisation of each group’s financing structure.
Case published 7.4.2026
We advised Oy Finnsusp Ab in the sale of its eyeglass lens business to IXI Optics Oy, subsidiary of a Finnish technology company IXI Eyewear. Finnsusp has been the only Finnish company manufacturing eyeglass lenses for over 35 years. Following the sale of its business, the company will focus on its international core business, specifically on the development and manufacturing of dry eye products and contact lens care solutions. Oy Finnsusp Ab (Piiloset) is a Finnish family-owned medical device manufacturer founded in 1978. In addition to Finland, the company’s products are sold in more than 35 countries in Europe, South and North America, the Middle East, and Africa. IXI Eyewear Oy is a Finnish technology startup that develops dynamic smart glasses based on liquid crystal technology. 
Case published 7.8.2025
We acted as Finnish legal adviser to KKR in connection with its acquisition of the entire share capital of Karo Healthcare from EQT. The transaction follows Karo’s significant strategic transformation from a Nordic specialty pharma business into a leading pan-European consumer healthcare platform, with an attractive product portfolio spanning core categories such as Skin Health, Foot Health, and Intimate Health, as well as Digestive Health and Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements. KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds.  Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the coming months.
Case published 17.4.2025