Impact Investing - Castrén & Snellman

Impact Investing

Impact investing is a growing global phenomenon. Interest in new forms of financing is also growing in Finland, where the public sector is struggling with cost pressures.

We are here to help our clients succeed in this new field, which is just taking shape. Our finance, public sector project and corporate form experts design legally insightful operating models that are tailored to the Finnish regulatory environment and harmonised with state aid and public procurement rules.

We speak the same language as the diverse operators in this field which enables us to bring them together. We also actively promote the development of the operating environment through domestic and international organisations, such as the European Social Enterprice Law Association (ESELA).

Latest references

FIM – Establishment of Fund to Promote Child and Youth Welfare

We advised FIM in the establishment of the SIB fund focused on promoting child and youth welfare, including drafting documentation and addressing taxation questions. Social impact bonds (SIBs) are a good example of a new form of investment, which seeks to achieve social goals in addition to financial profit. The SIB fund established in this project is managed by FIM together with the Finnish Central Union for Child Welfare, the participating Finnish municipalities and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. The activities of the fund are guided by representatives of the municipalities, the Central Union for Child Welfare and partner organisations providing child and youth services. The assets of the fund are used to finance projects promoting child and youth welfare. The fund’s profit is tied to the achievement of joint welfare goals, and the cost savings achieved are distributed between the municipalities and the fund’s investors. The fund is intended for professional investors.

Fingrid – Ilmarinen’s sale of shares to the Finnish State and OP Pohjola Kantaverkko

We advise Fingrid Oyj in a transaction in which Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company is selling its holding of approximately 20 per cent of the shares in Fingrid to the Finnish State and OP Pohjola Kantaverkko Holding Ky. Fingrid owns Finland’s main electricity transmission grid and all significant cross-border transmission connections. The main grid is the backbone of the electricity transmission network, to which major power plants, industrial plants and regional electricity distribution networks are connected.

Metsäkonepalvelu – Acquisition of PJP Metsäexpertit

We advised Metsäkonepalvelu Oy in its acquisition of the entire share capital of PJP Metsäexpertit Oy. PJP Metsäexpertit is a Pirkanmaa-based company specialising in forest management and logging. The acquisition will strengthen Metsäkonepalvelu’s operations, particularly in the Pirkanmaa region, and expand its operations. Metsäkonepalvelu is a portfolio company of A. Ahlström Oy, a Finnish family-owned industrial owner. Metsäkonepalvelu provides mechanical timber harvesting services to forest companies, large private forest owners, and the public sector in Finland and Sweden. Metsäkonepalvelu Group employs nearly two hundred forestry professionals.

EcoUp – Directed share issue

We acted as legal adviser to EcoUp Oyj in a directed share issue, through which EcoUp raised a total of approximately EUR 3 million in gross proceeds to strengthen the company’s capital structure and finance its growth. The share issue was directed to a limited group of domestic investors, deviating from the shareholders’ pre-emptive subscription right. EcoUp’s shares are traded on the First North Growth Market Finland marketplace maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. EcoUp promotes the green transition of the construction industry by producing carbon-neutral, energy-efficient and circular economy-based materials, services and technologies that help construction industry players reduce their environmental impact. The company has over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering circular economy solutions to customers.

Latest insights

21.10.2019 – Impact Investing What is ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ investment? EU might have the answer 6.2.2026 – Tax & Structuring Electricity sector Profit Tax Act in conflict with EU law – SAC denied leave to appeal

Janne Juusela

Mikko Alakare

Janne Juusela & Mikko Alakare

14.1.2026 – Tax & Structuring VAT deductions for private equity investors under the microscope

Mikko Alakare

Lotta Manu

Mikko Alakare & Lotta Manu

16.12.2025 – Environment, Energy & Green Transition Parliament approves substantial increases in tax on mined minerals

Tarja Pirinen

Mikko Alakare

Noora Ahonen

Tarja Pirinen, Mikko Alakare & Noora Ahonen

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