What were the hottest legal topics of the past decade? What gave our clients pause for thought? We listed five things to provide plenty to talk about not just over the holidays, but far into the new decade, as well.
16.12.2019
What Were the Major Commercial Law Trends of the 2010s? Five Conversation Starters for the Holidays
1. Data Protection
Data protection regulations lay down the ground rules for the processing of personal data. The amount of data being processed has exploded, and organisations have begun leading and developing their operations with data. It has become more important than ever to ensure that processing is done legally.
The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation entered into force in May 2018. This new legislation has forced companies to learn a risk-based approach to the planning and implementation of personal data processing. High-profile case law has emphasised transparency, the providing of information and the compliance of processing with the law. The data protection revolution is ongoing and can be expected to take on new forms in the future.
2. Digitalisation and AI
Digitalisation and technological innovations have begun shaping businesses. Machine learning and blockchain have given rise new opportunities in a number of fields, including the legal services industry. Examples include document automation, online dispute resolution and AI document analysis. The use of AI also comes with risks, however: if the machine learning process is flawed, the decisions made by AI could be discriminatory. AI still needs a person (perhaps even a lawyer) to back it up.
3. Sustainability
Sustainability has become a driver of successful business. In addition to profit, an increasing number of companies are also seeking to minimise environmental impacts, take good care of their personnel and handle corporate governance well. Sustainable practices exceed the minimum level required by law. Sustainability requirements are being extended down the supply chain, and interest group impacts are being identified. To lead with data, you have to use the data responsibly.
A significant number of companies are already seeking to achieve social impact through their operations—a fact that cannot help but be reflected in the legal services industry. This development can be seen in sustainable investment assignments, new forms of financing, compliance work, public-sector procurement and numerous energy-industry assignments.
4. Brexit
The UK’s departure from the EU has been a mainstay in news headlines since 2017 when the country formally announced its withdrawal. Given the fresh election results, Brexit looks set to take place on 31 January 2020, but the shape of the UK’s and EU’s relationship following the transition period remains unclear.
The schedule is extremely tight, and if no agreement is reached, the UK will become a third country to the EU at the end of next year. In the legal field, a hard Brexit would particularly impact trader’s permits, the trade of goods and IPR issues. In many industries, companies are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. There is plenty here to keep lawyers busy for years to come.
5. Climate Change
Everyone has heard of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who despite her young age has taken a strong stance on climate policy. Climate change has dominated public debate and impacted personal choices. The Paris climate accord will be applied starting in 2020, and the EU has just approved a green deal. The battle to stave off climate change continues, and is showing up in the legal field, for example, in the form of emissions-free energy projects.
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Latest references
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
We advised NoHo Partners Plc on the issuance of EUR 50 million senior secured floating rate notes. The notes have a tenor of four years and mature on 10 September 2030. The notes bear interest at a rate of three-month EURIBOR plus a margin of 4.375 per cent. per annum. The notes were allocated to a mix of domestic and international investors. We also advised NoHo Partners on the negotiation of its new senior facilities agreement. The facilities agreement comprises a EUR 60,000,000 term loan facility, a EUR 10,000,000 capex facility and a EUR 27,000,000 revolving credit facility. “We are delighted by the interest investors have shown in the company’s Notes, which reflects confidence in our strategy. The successful issuance of the Notes, together with the new loan agreement, extends the maturity profile of our financing and enables the company to continue executing its growth strategy going forward. I would like to thank all investors for their participation, as well as our partner bank for the excellent execution of the Notes issuance”, says Jarno Suominen, CEO of NoHo Partners. OP Corporate Bank plc acted as the sole lead manager and bookrunner for the issue of the notes. NoHo Partners Plc is a Finnish group established in 1996, and it specialises in restaurant services being the creative innovator of the Northern European restaurant market. The company was listed in Nasdaq Helsinki in 2013 becoming the first Finnish listed restaurant company, and it has continued to grow strongly throughout its history. NoHo Partners’ vision is to be the leading restaurant operator in Northern Europe.
Case published 4.9.2026
Topfoods – Acquisition of Delice Plus
We advised Topfoods Oy, a Triton-backed Geia Group company, on its acquisition of Oy Delice Plus Ab, a Finnish supplier of cakes and pastries. Through the acquisition, Topfoods strengthens its retail business and further reinforces its position in the cakes and pastries segment. Founded in 2008, Topfoods supplies selected food products to professional kitchens, the retail sector, and the food industry.
Case published 4.9.2026