GP Bullhound advises Korona Invest and the shareholders of Innoflame on the sale of a majority stake to Sponsor Capital

GP Bullhound has acted as exclusive financial adviser to Korona Invest, the founders and management of Innoflame on the sale of a majority stake in the company to Sponsor Capital, a Finnish private equity firm focused on small and medium-sized companies in the Nordic region.

Innoflame is Finland’s leading product media company, helping organisations strengthen their brands through strategic product media, digital solutions and sustainable supply chain services. Powered by its proprietary GoSystem technology, the company combines data-driven procurement, technology and brand expertise, and serves a broad base of leading Nordic organisations.

Korona Invest first partnered with Innoflame in 2021 and supported the company through a period of sustained organic growth and several strategically significant acquisitions that established its market leadership in Finland. Under Sponsor Capital’s ownership, Innoflame will pursue its next phase of growth, including international expansion, continued investment in digital customer solutions, the application of artificial intelligence across key business processes, and the development of sustainable supply chains.

Sven Raeymaekers, Partner, and Felix Bratell, Managing Director, at GP Bullhound commented: “Building on what founders Sami and Ronny started, Kaisa and her team have grown Innoflame into the leading Nordic platform for corporate branded products, gifts, and workwear, powered by its proprietary GoSystem technology. We’re delighted to have advised Korona Invest and the wider shareholder group on this process, and to have found an ideal partner in Sponsor Capital to back the company’s next phase of growth, including further internationalisation.”

Jaakko Isotalo, Investment Director, Korona Invest said: “When we partnered with Innoflame in 2021, we set out to build the Finnish leader in corporate branded products and gifting, and the team delivered through both organic growth and acquisition while setting the standard for a digital-first model. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and confident that Sponsor Capital is the right partner to take Innoflame into its next chapter. GP Bullhound ran a well-managed process and were a reliable partner to us throughout.”

Kaisa Ala-Laurila, CEO of Innoflame, added: “This is an important milestone for Innoflame. We have built a very strong position in Finland, and our next ambition is to create a significant European product media company with the capability to expand rapidly into new markets. Sponsor Capital brings valuable experience in supporting international growth and developing companies together with management.”

Vesa Uotila, Partner at Sponsor Capital, said: “Innoflame has built an exceptionally strong position within the Finnish product media market. We see significant growth opportunities ahead, both through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. We look forward to supporting the company’s next phase of growth together with its management team.”

The transaction builds on GP Bullhound’s track record of advising leaders in procurement services and gifting, including the acquisition of CAPS by Fidelio Capital and the investment into GoWish by CapitalD.

About Innoflame
Innoflame is Finland’s leading product media company, helping organisations strengthen their brands through strategic product media, digital solutions, and sustainable supply chain services. The company serves a broad range of leading Nordic organisations and combines data-driven procurement, technology, and brand expertise to create measurable business impact. For more information, please visit innoflame.fi/en. 

About Korona Invest
Korona Invest is a Finnish private equity firm specialized in investments to domestic small and midsized businesses. We are active partner for our portfolio companies targeting for sustainable growth. 

About Sponsor Capital
Sponsor Capital is a Finnish private equity firm focused on supporting the growth and development of small and medium-sized companies in the Nordic region. The firm partners closely with management teams to accelerate growth, drive operational excellence, and create long-term value.

About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory firm, providing transaction advice to the world’s best entrepreneurs. Founded in 1999, the firm has 10 offices across Europe, the US, and Asia. Learn more at gpbullhound.com.

Enquiries
Sven Raeymaekers, Partner at GP Bullhound, sven.raeymaekers@gpbullhound.com
Felix Bratell, Managing Director at GP Bullhound, felix.bratell@gpbullhound.com