Strengthening our industrial owner strategy

“2025 was a year of change for Oras Invest as we executed a major succession process. Our long-standing Chair of the Board, Jari Paasikivi, retired after a successful and influential career. Annika Paasikivi stepped up from the role of President and CEO to become the Executive Chair of the Board, and I joined Oras Invest as the President and CEO. In June 2025, we celebrated our 20 years of long-term industrial ownership with two special occasions. We published a book, “The Owner”, on our journey thus far. We also celebrated the anniversary with a seminar and gala together with our colleagues and our network of fellow owners and partners. Despite the turmoil in the operating environment, we stayed on course with our strategy and invested EUR 200 million to grow our portfolio,” says President & CEO Markus Melkko.

Oras Invest is the largest industrial owner of the listed companies Kemira, Valmet, Georg Fischer and Lindab, the second largest owner of Konecranes, and the 100% owner of Oras Group. Oras Invest is also the cornerstone investor in the first fund of venture capital company Kvanted, investing in industrial technology startups in Northern Europe.  

Oras Invest’s ownerships performed well in 2025 despite the volatile global trade politics and the persistent headwind in the European construction sector. The net asset value of Oras Invest’s portfolio increased by 11% to EUR 1.9 billion. The combined net sales of the owned companies totaled EUR 17.9 billion and the average number of employees was 62,948. Oras Invest’s dividend income was EUR 63 million.

“Timo Ihamuotila has informed our nomination committee that he will step down from the Oras Invest Board. We would like to sincerely thank Timo for his insights, leadership, and unwavering support in Oras Invest long-term value creation. We are also extremely happy to welcome Ilkka Hara as a new member of the Board. Ilkka’s wide industrial leadership experience will be highly appreciated in the next steps of our journey,” continues Markus Melkko.

“Moving into 2026, the underlying global and European GDP growth prospects were relatively optimistic. However, geopolitical volatility has induced continued uncertainty for the economy and businesses. Beyond this short-term volatility, the outlook for our companies is positive. All of them have strong market positions and are in good financial health. They are ready to focus on growth,” concludes Markus Melkko.

Further information:

Markus Melkko, President & CEO, Oras Invest, tel. +358 10 28 68 100, markus.melkko@orasinvest.fi

Oras Invest’s Annual Review 2025 is available at www.orasinvest.fi