Otava Oy acquired 700,000 Alma Media shares today for EUR 10.2 million, nudging its ownership past a critical threshold and solidifying its position as the Finnish media company’s largest shareholder.

The move follows regulatory approval from Finland’s Competition and Consumer Authority, clearing the way for Otava to move from a strong minority position to effective control. After the transaction, Otava holds just over 40 percent of Alma Media’s shares and voting rights, Alma Media’s bourse notice shows today.

The shift is notable when set against Otava’s position only weeks earlier. At the end of March, the company held 39.22 percent of Alma Media, equivalent to roughly 32.3 million shares. 

Otava’s Chief Executive, Alexander Lindholm, struck a careful tone in outlining the company’s intentions. In February, he described Alma Media as “well managed” and emphasized continuity, adding that Otava aims “to remain a long-term, significant shareholder.”

He also underlined that the goal is “to keep Alma Media independent” and “to preserve its status as a listed company,” pointing to the stability public markets provide for future growth.

Alma Media is a digital media and marketplace company operating in 10 European countries, with brands including Kauppalehti, Talouselämä, Iltalehti, Etuovi.com, and Nettiauto. In 2025, it generated €327 million in revenue, 86 percent from digital business, and is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

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Business

Otava strengthens its hold on Alma Media with a €10M+ share purchase

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1 min read

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Market Signals

Otava Oy acquired 700,000 Alma Media shares today for EUR 10.2 million, nudging its ownership past a critical threshold and solidifying its position as the Finnish media company’s largest shareholder.

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The move follows regulatory approval from Finland’s Competition and Consumer Authority, clearing the way for Otava to move from a strong minority position to effective control. After the transaction, Otava holds just over 40 percent of Alma Media’s shares and voting rights, Alma Media’s bourse notice shows today.

The shift is notable when set against Otava’s position only weeks earlier. At the end of March, the company held 39.22 percent of Alma Media, equivalent to roughly 32.3 million shares. 

Otava’s Chief Executive, Alexander Lindholm, struck a careful tone in outlining the company’s intentions. In February, he described Alma Media as “well managed” and emphasized continuity, adding that Otava aims “to remain a long-term, significant shareholder.”

He also underlined that the goal is “to keep Alma Media independent” and “to preserve its status as a listed company,” pointing to the stability public markets provide for future growth.

Alma Media is a digital media and marketplace company operating in 10 European countries, with brands including Kauppalehti, Talouselämä, Iltalehti, Etuovi.com, and Nettiauto. In 2025, it generated €327 million in revenue, 86 percent from digital business, and is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

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Authors

Journalist

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Journalist

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Authors

Journalist

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

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