Our new partners Topi Lusenius and Marius af Schultén help our clients navigate through major transformations

Topi Lusenius: Technology acquisitions are a touchstone for businesses

‘The technological transformation fundamentally changes the ways to do business. Many customer interfaces are already digital, and the transformation pace keeps accelerating. It has been forecasted that the money spent on digital transformation will double from the current two trillion to four trillion dollars by 2027,’ describes Topi Lusenius, Partner of our Data & Technology service.

In the coming years, businesses will face system upgrades and acquisitions. Topi encourages businesses to approach these projects cautiously, plan them well and investigate the risks carefully.

‘Digital projects should be treated as business transformation projects. Major reforms tend to be vulnerable to delays and other deviations. The budget may have to be increased, and the end product may not meet expectations. It is advisable to prepare for any deviations by carefully drafting the contract and by reserving sufficient financial and human resources for the project,’ Topi advises.

A well-drafted project contract allows for enough freedom but is concrete at the same time. The contract should clearly define project responsibilities, timetables and budget. A high-quality contract helps the project organisation to lead the project and to address any shortcomings if necessary.

‘At best, the contract enables the project organisation to focus on what matters most, in other words leading the project and engaging users at different phases of development,’ Topi summarises.

Topi Lusenius has a long and varied experience in technology and contract law. He advises domestic and international companies on cross-border projects such as digital transformation, outsourcing, product development, technology-driven M&A transactions, venture capital and litigation.

Marius af Schultén: The opportunities of the green transition should be leveraged in full

During the past two years, the green transition has raced forward in Europe. Key questions for the coming years are renewable energy, storage of electricity and increasing the production of green hydrogen.

‘Investors are currently interested in the possibilities of renewable energy, and Finland is among the most attractive investment targets. This opportunity should now be leveraged in full as the demand for renewable energy will significantly increase in the coming years,’ explains Marius af Schultén, Partner of our Environment, Energy & Green Transition service.

The demand for renewable energy will be increased by the EU’s ambitious climate objectives as well as by the goal-oriented expansion of green hydrogen production capacity. ‘The EU has been determined about driving green hydrogen production forward, and the regulatory environment is constantly evolving. However, large-scale production requires significant investments and achieving satisfactory investment security requires a large and sufficiently steady output of green electricity. While there is interest towards Finland, the opportunity should now be seized to remain one of the forerunners in the development of clean energies.’

Green transition regulation is constantly evolving, and to succeed in the competitive market, energy companies need to continuously analyse the operating environment and monitor changes in legislation.

‘A strategic partner knows the operating environment thoroughly and can therefore help predict changes and plan projects. The special characteristics of the project’s or investment’s target country always have an impact on how the project progresses, which means that local knowledge is particularly valuable. As a full-service office, we can help companies at every stage of green transition projects,’ Marius summarises.

Marius af Schultén is an experienced expert in environmental law. He has a long and extensive experience as a strategic advisor to domestic and international energy and infrastructure project developers, investors, funds and financial institutions, in particular on renewable energy projects and their development.