The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) has completed its investigation into Stora Enso Oyj’s acquisition of Jun­nikkala Oy, focusing on the implications for competition in wood procurement. The FCCA determined that the acquisition would not negatively impact competition and granted unconditional approval on April 14, 2025.

Stora Enso announced its intention to acquire Junnikkala in October 2024. Junnikkala operates three sawmills located in Kalajoki, Oulu, and Oulainen, while Stora Enso has a sawmill in Veitsiluoto and a cartonboard mill in Oulu. The FCCA's assessment specifically examined the effects of the acquisition on the log procurement markets relevant to both companies.

The FCCA found that the combined market share of Stora Enso and Junnikkala would remain moderate post-acquisition, ensuring that multiple competing wood buyers would still operate in the area. The authority noted that the market power of the parties is further mitigated by the ability of competing buyers to expand their procurement areas if log prices were to fall. Additionally, the differing raw material needs and wood procurement strategies of Stora Enso and Junnikkala contribute to maintaining competition.

The FCCA's decision includes business secrets from the involved parties, and the full decision will be published once these secrets have been redacted.