5.1.2023

Applus+ – Divestment of K1 Katsastajat

Related services

We advised Applus+ in the divestment of K1 Katsastajat Oy and its vehicle inspection operations in Finland to A-Katsastus Group.

The main service of K1 Katsastajat Oy is light and heavy vehicle inspections through its network of 84 stations and 137 employees. K1 Katsastajat Oy also provides technical vehicle inspections, vehicle certificates and registration services and condition checks for commercial customers. Its revenue in 2021 was 14 million euros.

This divestment is in line with the active portfolio management announced in the Applus+ Strategic Plan to focus on portfolio mix quality-improvement.

Applus+ Group is a worldwide leader in the testing, inspection and certification sector for its technical capabilities, innovative approach, and its workforce of over 25,000 employees in more than 70 countries. It is a trusted partner, enhancing the quality and safety of its clients’ assets and infrastructures while safeguarding their operations.

Our team

Latest references

Fortum – Sale of recycling and waste business

We are acting as the lead counsel to Fortum in a cross-border transaction in which Fortum is selling its recycling and waste business. The business is sold to thematic impact investing firm Summa Equity through its portfolio company NG Group. The debt-free purchase price is approximately EUR 800 million. The transaction is subject to authority approval and customary closing conditions. Fortum’s recycling and waste business to be sold comprises municipal and industrial waste management and end-to-end plastics, metals, ash, slag and hazardous waste treatment and recycling services. These businesses are located in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway and currently employ approximately 900 employees.

Andritz – Acquisition of Procemex

We advised Andritz Oy, a part of ANDRITZ group, with their acquisition of all the shares in Procemex Oy. The acquisition further strengthens ANDRITZ’s automation and digitalisation portfolio. Procemex is a global leader in integrated web monitoring and web inspection solutions for the pulp and paper industry. It has a team of more than 100 vision systems experts and has subsidiaries in Germany, Japan and the US. ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.

Citycon – Outsourcing of finance activities related to Nordic Accounting and Lease Administration to Staria

We successfully acted as the lead external counsel for Citycon Plc in an arrangement whereby Citycon outsourced its Nordic Accounting and Lease Administration operations and related workforce in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Estonia to Staria Plc. The outsourcing is expected to take place as of 1 August 2024. With this outsourcing arrangement, Citycon aims to align the size and capabilities of the company’s finance organisation with its future development, ensuring it can adapt to meet the company’s needs at any given time. During the assignment, we assisted Citycon in drafting the necessary contract documentation and planning the contract negotiations and timetable. We led the outsourcing agreement negotiations and advised Citycon on employee transfer and data privacy related matters. We also coordinated legal advice for other in-scope countries. Citycon is the leading owner and developer of urban hubs in the Nordics and Baltics. Citycon’s 33 mixed-use, necessity-based centres are located in the major cities in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Estonia. Citycon transforms unique locations into sustainable communities and cities full of life, serving 140 million people each year and delivering long-term share value. Citycon brings value to communities by developing urban hubs for living, working, socialising and shopping. Citycon has extensive experience as an urban developer and uses its expertise in creating mixed-use centres that include retail, offices, hotels, housing, food & beverage as well as healthcare, culture and leisure services.

Zendesk – Acquisition of Ultimate Enterprises

We acted as Zendesk, Inc.’s Finnish legal counsel in its acquisition of Ultimate Enterprises Oy, an industry leading provider of service automation using AI technology. The cross-border acquisition was completed in cooperation with the transaction’s lead counsel Allen & Overy. Zendesk is a leading global technology company that provides software-as-a-service and customer experience (CX) products based in the US. The acquisition of Ultimate expands Zendesk’s AI-powered CX offerings.

Search from the site.