A better and fairer future has always been close to our heart at Castrén & Snellman. During our long history, we have provided advice in socially important, ground-breaking cases and created opportunities for growth for promising young influencers.
31.5.2024
The success stories of the future are written by the new generation – scholarship recipients are now chosen
In the spring of 2023, we awarded scholarships to distinguished students to celebrate our 135th anniversary. The scholarships were awarded to students who had used their voice and given their all for a better future. Those who prioritise community over self and who not only dream but also take action. We wish to continue supporting those who will build our future and will award two students in higher education with a scholarship of EUR 1,000.
We are happy to announce that the scholarships were awarded to these distinguished students:
Jotham Berhanu, law studies, University of Lapland
Thomas Joutsikoski, economics and business administration, sustainable business management, University of Tampere
Our warmest congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! You really deserve this recognition.
The scholarship recipients were chosen by a scholarship panel including Castrén & Snellman’s Managing Partner Sakari Lukinmaa, HR Director Outi Ruohola and influencer Kaarina Harkonmäki, who acts as a UNESCO youth delegate during the period 2024–2025. The panel processed all applications anonymously.
‘I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the students who applied for the Scholarship for the Future. We also want to thank all the referees. The applications were meticulously and carefully prepared and showed the applicants’ will and determination to change the world for the better. Many applicants had a strong track record of making a difference in something close to their heart from a young age as well as convincing plans and goals for the future. It’s wonderful that we get to award the people behind the success stories of the future with scholarships. Even though we can’t reward every applicant with a scholarship, every single contribution for a better future deserves encouragement and thanks,’ says HR Director Outi Ruohola.
The scholarship applications made a great impression on the panel, and it considered various aspects in making its decisions. The applicants have made a difference in student organisations and politics as well as in other areas of life. Important themes included the wellbeing of students, children and young people, animal rights and nature conservation, combatting climate change, equality, justice, security, financial skills of young people and economic inequality among young people. A common characteristic of the applicants was giving their all for a better future.
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Latest references
Neoen – Sale of data centre
We advised Neoen Renewables Finland Oy, part of the French Neoen Group, in its sale of a data centre project to a consortium consisting of international data centre developers and operators. This marked Neoen’s first data centre development project in Finland. Founded in 2008, Neoen is one of the world’s leading independent renewable energy producers. The company operates in 15 countries. It develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates solar power plants, wind farms, and battery storage systems. Neoen Group is owned by global alternative asset manager Brookfield Corporation.
Case published 17.9.2026
Jolt Capital and Tesi – Investment in VEV
We advised Jolt Capital and Tesi in connection with their investment in VEV, a leading provider of commercial fleet electrification solutions. The investment, led by Jolt Capital with Tesi as co-investor, will support VEV’s next phase of growth and expansion across Europe. As part of the transaction, VEV became an independent company following the acquisition of Vitol’s stake in the business. Founded by Vitol, VEV provides integrated fleet electrification solutions combining fleet strategy, charging infrastructure, energy supply and operational services. Through its VEV IQ platform, the company supports more than 6,000 commercial electric vehicles across Europe and has been deployed across more than 600 sites spanning the transport, logistics and waste sectors. Jolt Capital is a private equity firm focused on growth investments in European deeptech companies. Tesi is a Finnish state-owned investment company that promotes Finnish business and economic growth through investments. We advised Jolt Capital and Tesi on the equity financing and structuring aspects of the transaction. International law firm Goodwin advised the investors on the acquisition of VEV.
Case published 10.9.2026
VR Group – Intellectual property matters
VR-Group Plc is a transport and logistics group owned by the Finnish State, operating passenger and freight rail transport in Finland with activities also in the Swedish market. VR Group provides passenger, logistics and maintenance services with over 160 years’ experience in developing responsible transport of the future. We advise VR Group in intellectual property matters as part of the company’s wider brand protection efforts. Our assignments have included advice on copyright, design rights and trademarks, focusing on the protection of the company’s visual identity – including its distinctive green colour – in connection with transport services as part of a comprehensive IP protection strategy. VR Group’s consistent brand building has also received recognition, including the Finland Chamber of Commerce’s Brand of the Year award in 2026. In the competition, brands were viewed comprehensively from various perspectives, including their story, strategic role, brand renewal ability and intellectual property protection. The jury found that VR had understood the importance of the protection of its brand as part of a comprehensive business strategy.
Case published 9.9.2026
NoHo Partners – EUR 50 million secured notes and EUR 97 million senior secured facilities agreement
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Case published 4.9.2026