Nearly half of companies see positive signs in the economy – a third are interested in company acquisitions
Finnish companies have not been deterred by the geopolitical events seen so far this year, but see potential for growth in mergers and acquisitions and in expansion into new international markets. According to OP's Corporate Pulse survey, one in four companies plan to grow outside the euro zone in the near future.
Forty-five per cent of large Finnish companies see positive signs of an economic turnaround in their operations. This is one of the results of OP's Corporate Pulse survey conducted in March–April. The survey received responses from 100 Finnish companies with a turnover exceeding 200 million euros.
The result is in line with other information indicating that financial data from the first part of the year has fuelled optimism and that companies' expectations of revenue and profitability development have strengthened.
One of the areas in which this positive development may be seen is company acquisitions, in which continued growth is expected this year. Of the businesses that responded to the Corporate Pulse survey, 35 per cent said they were actively looking for potential acquisitions.
"There are certainly good investment options for Finnish companies. Now is the time to take bold growth steps, as Finland has room for growth. Something to keep in mind is that when the situation really improves, the valuations of companies will rise, and everything will become more expensive," says Katja Keitaanniemi, CEO of OP Corporate Bank.
One in four is looking beyond the euro zone
Heightened geopolitical tension this year has increased uncertainty in large Finnish companies. Nevertheless, 23 per cent of the survey respondents plan to expand operations beyond the euro zone in the near future.
Finnish companies are confident about their competence: only four per cent of the respondents consider inadequate foreign trade competence to be an obstacle to the international growth of their business. Twenty-one per cent say their company is prepared for exchange rate fluctuations being stronger than before this year.
"The Finnish economy is strongly dependent on foreign trade. Export companies operate in an international environment that emphasises the need to understand corporate financing and cash flows. Looking for new markets is a healthy sign of companies preparing for a continued trade war," says Katja Keitaanniemi.
A total of 100 Finnish companies with a turnover of at least 200 million euros responded to the Corporate Pulse survey, which was commissioned by OP Financial Group and conducted by Taloustutkimus Oy. The survey was conducted by phone between 12 March and 8 April 2025.
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