Cooperation across the Kvarken region

The event was organised as part of the Ostrobothnian Business Transfers (OBT) project, a collaboration between the Ostrobothnian regional development companies VASEK, Dynamo Närpes, Business Kristinestad and Concordia in the Jakobstad region. The project promotes successful business transfers in the region by offering expert information and creating networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

This year’s cruise continued last year’s concept, but also introduced a new cooperation across the Kvarken region. During the year, the project has collaborated with the Swedish organisation Coompanion, which focuses on business advisory services and entrepreneurship in Sweden.

"The purpose of the cooperation has been to create new contacts and opportunities for companies on both sides of the Kvarken region", says Business Advisor Antti Alasaari.

Following the presentation of the OBT project, Päivi Kinnunen from Finnvera took the stage to discuss financing opportunities related to business transfers. The presentation highlighted, among other things, the importance of preparing financing well in advance and involving experts throughout the process. Participants also received concrete examples of how different business acquisitions can be financed in practice.

Christoffer Lundström from Bed Invest then shared his own experiences of generational transitions and gave participants a practical insight into what the process can look like in reality.

• Päivi Kinnunen’s presentation
• Christoffer Lundström´s presentation

Financing, taxation and valuation

The next theme of the day focused on taxation in business transfers. Tore Back from Rantalainen explained the differences between selling a company to an external buyer, carrying out a generational transition and closing down a business. The presentation covered topics such as gift tax, tax reliefs related to generational transitions and how taxation is affected by company structure and ownership period.

• Tore Back’s presentation

Kenneth Blomqvist from Fic Advisory continued with the topic of company valuation and transactions. He presented different valuation methods and also raised an important question for entrepreneurs considering selling their company: is there actually something that others want to buy? According to Blomqvist, business acquisitions are rarely just about buildings or machinery – cash flow remains the most important factor.

• Kenneth Blomqvist’s presentation

Legal matters and accounting

After a coffee break, the programme continued with legal matters and contracts together with Kjell Renlund from EY. The presentation covered topics such as non-disclosure agreements, due diligence processes and the risks that both buyers and sellers need to consider during a business acquisition.

• Kjell Renlund’s presentation

Kjell Ahläng from Convido highlighted the role of accountants in business transfers and emphasised the importance of preparation and well-organised financial records before a sales process begins. Clean bookkeeping, clear figures and proper documentation create both credibility and confidence for potential buyers. The presentation also discussed common mistakes entrepreneurs make when preparations are left until the last minute.

• Kjell Ahläng’s presentation

The final presentation of the day was held by Saul Mäenpää and Josua Fagerholm from Anchor Ventures and focused on successful business acquisitions and the factors that often play a decisive role in a successful transaction process.

• Saul Mäenpää and Josua Fagerholm’s presentation

Match making and networking

After the morning programme, discussions continued over lunch in the buffet restaurant before the afternoon one-on-one expert sessions and match making began. During the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to discuss their own questions directly with experts and network with potential buyers, sellers and partners.