Soya Group Acquires Forest Assets from Stora Enso
Deal News | May 23, 2025 | Setterwalls
Soya Group has strategically acquired approximately 175,000 hectares of forest land from Nordic forestry giant, Stora Enso. This acquisition, valued at approximately EUR 900 million, is part of a deal executed with a consortium led by Germany's MEAG, and encompasses 12.4 percent of Stora Enso's forest assets in Sweden. Post-acquisition, Soya Group will own a 40.6 percent stake in the new company, with Stora Enso retaining 15 percent. The acquisition aligns with Soya Group's strategy of investing in sustainable solutions that promise stable returns. The Swedish law firm Setterwalls played a crucial role, providing comprehensive legal consultancy in various areas such as real estate, corporate, environmental, and competition law throughout the transaction process.
Sectors
- Forestry and Land Management
- Legal Services
- Private Equity and Investments
- Environmental and Sustainable Investments
Geography
- Sweden – The forest assets are located in Sweden, and a significant portion of the transaction pertains to Swedish land holdings.
- Germany – MEAG, the consortium leader involved in the transaction, is based in Germany, indicating cross-border investment activity.
Industry
- Forestry and Land Management – The acquisition involves a substantial amount of forest land, making Forestry and Land Management a central component of the transaction.
- Legal Services – Setterwalls provided comprehensive legal advice, indicating the involvement of the legal services sector in this transaction.
- Private Equity and Investments – The involvement of a consortium led by MEAG indicates a strategic investment transaction typical of the private equity sector.
- Environmental and Sustainable Investments – The transaction is part of Soya Group’s strategy to invest in sustainable solutions, highlighting the focus on environmental investments.
Financials
- EUR 900 million – The total value of the transaction for acquiring approximately 175,000 hectares of forest land.
- 40.6% – The stake Soya Group will hold in the newly formed company post-acquisition.
- 15% – The stake Stora Enso will retain in the newly formed company after the transaction.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soya Group | Buyer | Company | A company focused on sustainable investment and growth, acquiring forest assets as part of its long-term strategy. |
| Stora Enso | Seller | Company | A Nordic forestry company selling a portion of its Swedish forest holdings. |
| MEAG | Consortium Leader | Company | A German-based company leading the consortium in acquiring forest assets alongside Soya Group. |
| Setterwalls | Legal Advisor | Company | A law firm providing comprehensive legal advice on real estate, corporate, environmental, and competition law for the transaction. |