As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect and look ahead. As always, the New Year brings with it a wealth of opportunities, inspiring hope and enthusiasm. Yet, we must also acknowledge the severe uncertainties and risks that lie ahead. Now, more than ever, we in Finland and in Europe need a long-term vision for the future.
23.12.2024
Growth ahead
Sakari Lukinmaa
Our enduring strengths – our skills, creativity, our strong work ethic, and our belief in shaping our own destiny – remain intact. However, these qualities often go unspoken, overshadowed by polarisation and individual interests.
There are still many reasons for optimism. The green transition, the digital transformation and AI offer growth opportunities for Europe, but we must seize them instead of waiting for them to be handed to us. Europe must find a way to come together, be competitive and have a strong voice on global stage.
The recent Slush event, a start-up festival held in the dark and chilly days of November in Helsinki, showcased a remarkable gathering of investors and promising growth companies from all over the world. The willingness to take risks and work hard was palpable. If this doesn’t inspire confidence in the future, what will?
Looking ahead, we are seeing some promising signs of economic growth and the interest rates are expected to continue to decline. This environment should encourage more companies to take risks and invest. We need new success stories to cherish. At Castrén & Snellman, we are committed to rolling up our sleeves and helping our clients grow and succeed in 2025.
Wishing our clients, business partners, and staff a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2025 filled with courage and success.
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Latest references
United Bankers – Sale of three care properties
We advised United Bankers on the sale of three care properties to Kinland AS. The buildings were completed between 2021 and 2022 and meet high technical and environmental standards. All three properties are fully leased. The portfolio has a weighted average unexpired lease term of 13 years.
Case published 1.6.2026
Hiab – Financing for USD 1,035 million acquisition of Labrie Environmental Group
We are advising Hiab Corporation in the financing for its USD 1,035 million acquisition of Labrie Environmental Group, a leading North American refuse collection vehicle (“RCV”) manufacturer, from Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. Hiab Corporation (Nasdaq Helsinki: HIAB) is a leading provider of smart and sustainable on-road load handling solutions, with 2025 sales of approximately EUR 1.6 billion and approximately 4,000 employees, operating through a global network spanning over 100 countries. Labrie Group is a leading North American provider of RCVs, employing approximately 1,200 people.
Case published 1.6.2026
Lenders to ICEYE – EUR 300 million revolving credit facility for ICEYE
We advised an international bank syndicate in a EUR 300 million revolving credit facility (RCF) for ICEYE, the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. The bank-syndicate comprised Nordic and global banks, with Citi and Danske Bank acting as Joint Global Coordinators and Mandated Lead Arrangers. The RCF will support the issuance of guarantees for customer contracts, enable continued business growth, and serve as a liquidity backstop.
Case published 21.5.2026
Terrieri Kiinteistöt, A. Ahlström Kiinteistöt and S-Bank Building Plot non-UCITS Fund – Sale of a production and logistics property
We are advising Terrieri Kiinteistöt Ky and A. Ahlström Kiinteistöt Oy in the sale of a modern production and logistics building complex to Swedish property investment company Catena AB. We are also assisting S-Bank Building Plot non-UCITS Fund which in connection with the transaction, has agreed to sell the land area where the building complex is located to Catena AB. The building complex located in the immediate vicinity of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport was completed in 2021 and comprises approximately 23,260 square metres of leasable area, fully leased to Cramo Finland Oy. The approximately 140,000-square-metre plot offers additional long-term development potential in the form of approximately 45,000 square metres of additional building rights.
Case published 21.5.2026