We are living in exceptional times in Finland. Our economy is struggling, and we desperately need to find ways to create growth. In addition, our relations with Russia have severely changed and the border between Finland and Russia is closed. We are facing challenges we were not expecting and have come to realise that Finland may no longer be the safe haven it used to be. When the world changes with tectonic force, as a small country we are not always the ones in control. Instead, we must react to global events in a right and timely manner and make the best possible decisions for our country.
22.12.2023
Towards the new
Sakari Lukinmaa
Our resolution and ability to stay cool under pressure are put to the test once again. Now is the time to decide how to shape Finnish society and economy so that we may leave them to future generations in a better condition. We must be able to renew and invest in the future, not least because it is good security policy.
While we cannot be overly optimistic about the coming year, it would be a mistake to succumb to pessimism. Inflation is slowing down, and economists predict that the general interest rates will start to decline. This will hopefully unlock and encourage investments. Furthermore, decreasing costs and increasing profitability and appetite for investments will boost the major energy transition.
December marks the end to Castrén & Snellman’s 135th anniversary, which has been a welcome respite amid the world’s turbulence. We, too, at C&S are tasked with finding ways to increase efficiency and to provide smarter and more sustainable solutions to our clients. AI and its many applications are important tools in achieving this.
Finland has a long history of overcoming challenges, and I have no doubt it can do so once again. Creating growth and productivity is down to all of us. We at Castrén & Snellman wish to be involved in shaping our society and to do our part by helping our clients succeed in the changing world.
I’d like to thank our clients, stakeholders and employees for the past year and wish you courage and success for 2024!
Latest insights
Article published 1.10.2026 – Financial Regulation
New EU-driven banking M&A rules entered into force in Finland on 1 October 2026
Article published 24.9.2026 – Environment, Energy & Green Transition
Electricity Market Act: Proposed priority procedure to significantly change new electricity network connections in situations of scarce capacity
Article published 11.9.2026
Finland proposes a new data centre register – draft legislation open for comments
Article published 1.9.2026 – Intellectual Property
New marketing and consumer protection requirements call for action
Hannu Huotilainen
Marius af Schultén, Kanerva Sunila, Samuli Tarkiainen, Jonas Holm & Noora Ahonen
Marius af Schultén, Antti Kaakkola, Samuli Tarkiainen, Mikko Alakare, Janne Juusela & Jerker Pitkänen
Hilma-Karoliina Rozell
Latest references
Efima – Sale of AI business
We advised Efima Oyj on the sale of its AI business to Better Care Technologies Oy. The transaction included Efima’s Moiva AI platform developed for the care sector, the related technology and brand, customer contracts, and the experts working in the business. Efima is a Finnish digital company that supports the sustainable growth of large and mid-sized companies by streamlining their business processes and by creating competitive advantage through the innovative use of artificial intelligence and data. The company has nearly 200 experts based in Helsinki and Tampere.
Case published 21.9.2026
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