5.7.2024

Control or growth?

A subtle wind of change is blowing in the Finnish economy that has continued to underperform this year. The market is waking up, and positive signs are growing stronger. Interest rates seem to be falling, which we expect to stimulate the market and hopefully kick-start the economy. There is a lot of work to do which has been left undone. 

Despite these positive signals, Europe, including Finland, risks falling behind in the global race. The significant shifts of our time, such as the green transition and the rapid progress in artificial intelligence, present golden opportunities for business and growth. However, we must ask ourselves: Is our progress hindered by an overemphasis on an increasing amount of regulation, security and a tendency towards state-centred thinking?

In the United States AI solutions and green innovations are racing forward. The US is even expected to take the lead in commercialising the green transition. Meanwhile, Europe is busy crafting and refining regulations when we should be financing change and solutions.

Of course, we need regulation to ensure fair competition, sustainable development, and consumer protection. But regulation shouldn’t be an end in itself or become an insurmountable barrier to growth and development. A shift in this mindset would boost our competitiveness and create better conditions for turning the challenges of our time into sustainable business opportunities.

As the market finally begins to bounce back, we must seize the opportunity to drive growth. Change won’t happen on its own; it will require a united effort and policies that enable growth while ensuring sustainability without creating unnecessary obstacles. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and work with our clients to foster growth and create sustainable success stories.

I wish our clients and business partners a delightful summer! 

Latest references

We are assisting the Municipality of Tuusula in the sale of land to funds managed by Blackstone, a global asset management company, for a data centre project. Currently, a preliminary agreement has been signed for the sale of the approximately 16.7 hectare site in Jokela, Tuusula. In October 2025, the Municipal Council of Tuusula approved zoning amendments that enable the construction of a data centre campus in the Vallunlenkki zoning area. The preliminary agreement on the sale of the land and the approval of the zoning are the first steps in a process that would upon its implementation constitute a significant investment that supports employment and economic growth in Tuusula and its surroundings. The next phase, the environmental impact assessment, is planned to commence in early 2026. Blackstone owns QTS, one of the worlds’s fastest growing data centre platforms with more than 82 data centres in operation or under development across Europe and the United States.
Case published 4.12.2025
We are assisting OP-Public Services Real Estate Fund in the sale of seven preschool properties to Kinland AS. The transaction value is approximately EUR 24 million, and the majority of the properties are located in the Greater Helsinki area. The portfolio comprises high-quality assets with EPC ratings of A or B, with most properties achieving the highest rating of A. The properties are leased to one of the sector’s leading private operators under lease agreements with a weighted average unexpired lease term of approximately 10 years. The transaction is expected to close on 18 December 2025.
Case published 2.12.2025
We are assisting CapMan Growth in making a significant investment in Factory, a Finnish restaurant chain known for its high-quality homemade meals and excellent value for money. The investment supports Factory’s ambitious growth strategy to expand nationwide and strengthen its presence also in shopping centres. Industry veteran Aku Vikström also joins as a co-investor and member of the board to support the company. Factory is a restaurant chain that specialises in high-quality homemade meals. In addition to buffet offerings, Factory provides catering services for meetings and events. All dishes are prepared in Factory’s own restaurant kitchens by the restaurants’ own chefs, and the menu focuses on diverse, high-quality home cooking. The company currently operates 22 restaurants in Southern Finland and employs around 200 people. CapMan Growth is a leading Finnish growth investor that makes significant investments in entrepreneur-led growth companies with turnover of €10–200 million. CapMan Growth is part of CapMan, which is a leading Nordic private equity investor engaged in active value creation work. CapMan has been listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange since 2001.
Case published 2.12.2025
We advised Neste Corporation on the refinancing of its EUR 500 million term facility by way of two EUR 250 million bilateral term facilities provided by OP Corporate Bank plc and Danske Bank A/S, Finland Branch.  Each term facility has a maturity of three years with extension options.
Case published 25.11.2025