Last summer, we reported how the beginning of the year got off to a lively start on the M&A front. We also listed four key deal trends (14 July 2016: M&A World Is Waking up to Smell the Potential in Finland). As we have entered the final quarter of the year, the same fast transaction pace has continued after the summer as well. Private equity investors and venture capitalists have been involved in a significant portion of deals.
20.10.2016
Brisk M&A Pace Continues in the Autumn – Private Equity Investors on the Move
Carola Lindholm, Jan Örndahl & Jarno Tanhuanpää
For example, last week Thomson Reuters and Mergermarket, two companies compiling statistics of the number of transactions, published their latest tables for the first three quarters of the year.
Thomson Reuters’ statistics1 included a total of 108 transactions, and we advised our clients in 34 of them. In terms of the number of transactions, we are the only Finnish firm to reach top 3 at the Nordic level. On the Finnish scale, we are in joint first position in Mergermarket’s table2 during the first three quarters.
Private equity investors and venture capitalists have been involved in many of this year’s transactions—and these investors are increasingly from abroad. The number of newly raised private equity funds and funds that are currently being raised is exceptionally high in Finland and in the Nordic countries in general. Representing Intermediate Capital Group in the acquisition of Esperi Care Group, acquiring Luvata’s Special Products division from Nordic Capital and selling Touhula Varhaiskasvatus to EQT are good examples of private equity transactions in which we have advised our clients this year.
For further information, please contact:
Jarno Tanhuanpää
Jan Örndahl
Carola Lindholm
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PwC – Public tender in Kela’s Eepos procurement process
We are proud to have provided legal assistance to PwC in the successful public tendering process for the comprehensive renewal of Kela’s benefits processing systems. Kela is the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, and this project is a significant cornerstone in modernising Finland’s social security infrastructure. PwC was selected as Kela’s strategic partner to implement a comprehensive overhaul of the benefits processing systems, digital services, customer relationship management, and information exchange platforms. The project aims to meet the demands of the future digital environment and enhance customer experience through the adoption of Salesforce technology. The new systems are expected to simplify benefit processes, enhance user experience for both customers, employees and other stakeholders, and ensure adaptability to future legislative changes. Castrén & Snellman provided strategic legal support to PwC throughout its successful bidding process, which was carried out through a competitive negotiated procedure. We extend our warmest congratulations to PwC for their successful bid and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project on Finland’s social security system.
Case published 24.4.2025
Milexia Group – Acquisition of business of Alpha Positron
We advised Milexia Group, a portfolio company of the French PE sponsor Crédit Mutuel Equity, on its acquisition of the activities of Alpha Positron Oy, a Finnish distributor specializing in GPS/GNSS, time and frequency solutions for the electronics industry, process automation, corporate IT, defense, and other demanding markets. Milexia Group is one of the world’s leading European suppliers for high-quality electronic components, systems and scientific instruments technology. It has offices, warehouses and technical centres in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Nordics and Hong Kong. The acquisition aligns with Milexia’s strategy to expand its presence in the Nordic region and enhance its portfolio of communication solutions.
Case published 24.4.2025
Piippo – Sale of bale netwrap and baler twine machines and certain trademarks
We are acting as legal advisor to Piippo Plc in the sale of their bale netwrap and baler twine machines, related assets, and trademarks used in Piippo’s business to Portuguese Cotesi S.A. The sale of assets will be carried out in two phases and the final completion of the transaction is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2026. Piippo Oyj’s core business is baling nets and twine and it is one of the leading suppliers in the industry globally. The company’s global distribution network covers more than 40 countries. The company’s shares are listed on the First North Growth Market Finland operated by Nasdaq Helsinki Oy. Founded in 1967, Cotesi is one of the world’s leading producers of synthetic and natural twines, nets and ropes, with operations in Europe, North America and South America and its main production plant in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Case published 17.4.2025
KKR – Acquisition of Karo Healthcare
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