We advised the European Investment Bank (EIB) in the financial arrangements for the bioproduct mill to be constructed by Metsä Fibre in Äänekoski, Finland. Valued in total at EUR 1.2 billion, the investment project is the largest ever carried out by the forest industry in Finland. In addition to the EIB, six commercial banks, Finnvera plc, the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) and the Swedish Export Credit Corporation are also participating in the financial arrangements.
3.7.2015
European Investment Bank – EIB has Signed Financing Agreements with Metsä Fibre and Metsäliitto Cooperative for the Äänekoski Bioproduct Mill Project
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S-Bank – Bond transactions totalling EUR 1.45 billion for acquisition of Svenska Handelsbanken’s operations
We have advised S-Bank Plc in four bond transactions totalling EUR 1.45 billion that provided financing for S-Bank’s acquisition of Svenska Handelsbanken AB’s Finnish private customer, asset management and investment services operations. In 2023, we advised S-Bank in supplementing their earlier bond programme and in the issuance of two new bonds. S-Bank’s first covered bond, valued at EUR 500 million, was issued in September 2023. In addition to general corporate purposes, the purpose of the issue was to finance the acquisition of Svenska Handelsbanken AB’s Finnish private customer, asset management and investment services operations. Further, a EUR 150 million senior preferred MREL eligible bond was issued in November 2023 and the purpose of the issue was to meet the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) and to finance the bank’s activities. In 2024, we have advised S-Bank Plc in the update of a EUR 3 billion bond programme. Under the programme, S-Bank may issue senior preferred MREL eligible notes, covered bonds and additional tier 1 capital notes. In February of 2024, we advised S-Bank in its issuance of a EUR 300 million senior preferred MREL eligible bond and on the tender offer of its EUR 220 million senior preferred MREL eligible bond maturing in 2025. The tender offer required the prior permission of the Finnish Financial Stability Authority based on Commission Delegated Regulation 2023/827 on technical standards for the reduction of own funds and eligible liabilities prior authorisation. The Stability Authority granted S-Bank a permission for repurchases of the notes. Based on the permission, S-Bank replaced the notes with own funds or eligible liabilities instruments of equal or higher quality at terms that are sustainable for the income capacity of S-Bank. The final tender offer results were announced in February 2024. In April 2024, we further advised S-Bank in supplementing their base prospectus and issue of their second covered bond of EUR 500 million. The covered bond’s maturity date is 16 April 2030.
Case published 30.7.2024
Fortum – Sale of recycling and waste business
We are acting as the lead counsel to Fortum in a cross-border transaction in which Fortum is selling its recycling and waste business. The business is sold to thematic impact investing firm Summa Equity through its portfolio company NG Group. The debt-free purchase price is approximately EUR 800 million. The transaction is subject to authority approval and customary closing conditions. Fortum’s recycling and waste business to be sold comprises municipal and industrial waste management and end-to-end plastics, metals, ash, slag and hazardous waste treatment and recycling services. These businesses are located in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway and currently employ approximately 900 employees.
Case published 18.7.2024
Finnish Climate Fund – Junior financing to Meriaura for the expansion of low-carbon technologies in shipping
We assisted Finnish Climate Fund in junior financing to the shipping company Meriaura for their fleet renewal programme to support the adoption of low-carbon shipping solutions. Meriaura has commissioned two bio-oil-powered hybrid cargo ships with a tonnage of 6,750 from the Royal Bodewes Shipyard in the Netherlands. The ships can achieve emissions reductions of up to 98 % compared to traditional cargo ships powered by fossil fuels. In the emission-intensive freight industry, more efficient vessels powered by renewable fuels have the potential to lead the way to emissions reductions across the sector. Meriaura is a Turku-based maritime shipping company that specialises in the sea transportation of industrial products, raw materials as well as demanding special cargo. The company’s cargo ships operate in Europe, mainly in the Baltic and North Sea. The Finnish Climate Fund is a Finnish state-owned special-assignment company. Its operations focus on combating climate change, boosting low-carbon industry and promoting digitalisation. By the end of December 2023, the Climate Fund has made 24 investment decisions totalling 178.9 million euros.
Case published 26.6.2024
Gasum – Long-term financing including an extended green loan and sustainability targets
We advised Gasum Oy in a long-term financing arrangement of a total of EUR 565 million with its current lenders. The arrangement includes term loans and revolving credit facilities. It introduced certain sustainability targets, as the margin of the sustainability-linked revolving loan facility is tied to Gasum’s own sustainability goals, which are related to volumes of renewable gas, production of sustainable biogas, and safety. In addition, a part of the term loans is utilised as a green loan to finance Gasum’s strategic investments into increased biogas production both by expanding its production at the existing plants and by constructing new large-scale plants. Nordea acted as coordinator, OP Corporate Bank as sustainability coordinator, and SEB as co-coordinator and agent of the financing arrangement.
Case published 18.6.2024