Carner Corporate Finance advises on strategic investment from Japan in Finnish biomaterials leader

Carner acted as exclusive financial advisor to Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG) on a strategic minority investment by Japan’s forest industry giant Oji Holdings. The partnership secures a 20% stake for Oji and establishes a long-term collaboration focused on industrial scale-up, accelerated technology adoption, and global market development.

The deal advances the international scaling of NBG’s patented AaltoCell® technology. Initial efforts will focus on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a fast-growing ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, while unlocking new ways to convert biomass into high-value, low-impact materials.

Finland remains the hub for AaltoCell® development and production. The forest industry, a cornerstone of the Finnish economy with €12 billion in exports in 2024, continues to drive innovation and value creation. NBG’s work demonstrates how Finnish forest-based technologies can climb the value chain, combining advanced research with industrial expertise.

The forest industry has long been a strong pillar of Finland’s economy and continues to represent the future of its competitiveness. NBG is a great example of a company actively building new business from innovation, and it’s exciting to be part of bringing this to life.

Through collaboration with Oji, NBG is set to bring sustainable, high-value cellulose materials to global markets – underscoring the ongoing importance of Finland’s forests for industrial growth and innovation.

👉 Explore how we support growth and strategic transactions across niche industrials and other sectors