Business first,
Integrity always,
Creating value together

Virala Corporation is a Finnish industrial family company and an active owner that develops listed companies and private investments with a long-term perspective. The group operates internationally and focuses on strategic, value-creating ownership over generations.

Active ownership. Sustainable growth.

Social responsibility

Creating lasting value across generations

For over 25 years, the Virala Group has built a diversified, family-owned industrial group with a focus on strategic ownership. Long-term commitment, active ownership, and strong values have shaped a foundation that not only endures but continues to grow and evolve across generations. The result is a strong track record of returns and continuous development.

At the heart of our operations is a desire to build long-term partnerships and generate real value for our companies and society at large.

We believe that responsible, value-driven ownership is key to sustainable growth.

Virala is more than an investor. It is a trusted partner with a long-term vision for the future.

Responsibility and Values

Virala is an active and long-term owner that influences the development of its companies through board participation and strategic decision-making.

The aim is to support businesses in achieving clear and meaningful sustainability goals that are reflected both in their operations and beyond.

Virala’s own operations are also rooted in responsibility, demonstrated through openness, transparency, and a commitment to long-term accountability.

Virala’s actions are guided by values that have endured across generations.

Reliability and honesty, commitment and respect, along with the ability to adapt and act agilely in a rapidly changing world, form the core of these values.

These are not just words but a concrete foundation on which we build decisions, partnerships, and ownership in every situation.

Virala supports all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From these commitments, Virala has identified four goals where it believes it can make the greatest impact through its investment activities.

Virala promotes job creation and economic growth based on fairness and respect for human dignity. We believe sustainable economies lay the foundation for well-being and vibrant societies.

By investing in innovative and sustainable industrial solutions, Virala supports technological advancement and robust infrastructure that enable future growth and competitiveness.

Virala focuses on investments that foster sustainable cities and communities, providing safe, healthy, and inclusive environments for current and future residents.

Tackling climate change is a top priority. Virala supports actions that reduce carbon footprints and promote responsible resource use across all its holdings.

Impact

Virala continues to systematically measure and improve the impact of its investments. Results show that its strategic holdings generate strong value not only financially but also socially.

15 %

The net impact ratio of Virala’s strategic investments is +18% compared to -22% for the companies on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The net impact ratio: 23%

Ways of Working

We are active industrial owners focused on our companies and enjoy collaborating with like-minded families. We develop our businesses long-term and drive acquisitions that deliver exceptional results over time.

We take responsibility for growing our companies and create conditions for attractive returns for all shareholders.

Virala is guided by its heritage and commitment to future generations. We promote sustainable business models and operate with the highest moral and ethical standards.

Holdings

(30.6.2025)

Significant Holdings

Fiskars Oyj Abp

Fiskars Group is the global home of design-driven brands for indoor and outdoor living. Since 1649, we have designed products of timeless, purposeful, and functional beauty, driving innovation and sustainable growth.

YIT Oyj

YIT is the largest Finnish and significant North European construction company.

Ahlstrom Oyj

Ahlstrom Oyj is a global leader in innovative and sustainable fiber-based solutions. Operations are conducted in Europe, North and South America as well as Asia.

Enersense International Oy

Enersense is involved in creating a zero-emission society. Their versatile services help bring success to Nordic and international companies in the industry, energy, telecommunications and construction sectors.

Betolar Oyj

Betolar is a Finnish materials technology company helping the construction industry reduce CO2 emissions and the usage of fossil resources through their sustainable alternative to cement, Geoprime.

TactoTek Oy

TactoTek technologies transform the global electronics industry by removing the boundaries between technology and human experiences.

Munksjö AB

Munksjö is a leading international manufacturer of decor paper solutions for the surface upgrading of wood-based panels. Operations are conducted in Europe, South America as well as Asia.

Memberships

Management

Alexander Ehrnrooth
CEO
Joined Virala1995
EducationM.Sc. (Econ) in Finance, Hanken School of Economics, Finland (1998); MBA, Wisconsin School of Business, USA; Kellogg Executive Scholar, Northwestern University, USA (2010)
Work experience

CEO of Virala Group since 1995. Extensive board experience, serving on several public company boards. Holds senior advisory roles with a focus on strategy, governance, and long-term value creation.

Anders Dahlblom
Chief Operating Officer
Joined Virala2024
EducationM.Sc.(Econ.), CEFA
Work experience

Glaston Oyj, CEO (2021-2023), OwensCorning Europe, CEO/MD (2018-2020), Paroc Group Oy, CFO (2006-2017), PwC Corporate Finance Oy, (2002-2004), several Board Membership positions. Experience from several global private equity ownership as CFO and CEOLong-term experience from building materials and construction sector.

Jan-Elof Cavander
Chief Operating Officer
Joined Virala2025
EducationM.Sc. (Tech) in Industrial Engineering and Management
Work experience

CFO at Purmo Group (2023–2025). CFO at Rapala VMC Corporation (2017–2023). Various leadership roles at Rapala VMC Corporation in Finland and Singapore (2010–2017). Areas of expertise include finance and funding, mergers & acquisitions, capital markets and investor relations, profit and capital efficiency improvement programs, value creation planning and execution, corporate governance and board work.

Teemu Suila
COO, Strategy and Operating Models
Senior Advisor
Joined Virala2025
EducationM.Sc. in Technical Physics, Helsinki University of Technology (1989–1997), major in International Business and Business Strategy, minor in Systems and Operations Research
Work experience

30 years in leadership roles across multiple industries. Currently COO at Virala Oy, steering growth of investee companies and focusing on SaaS businesses and strategy. Previous positions include Chief Development Officer of Kojamo Oyj, COO of Rovio Entertainment Ltd, CEO of  Responda 113 Oy and several senior leadership roles in Nokia Corporation.

Mia Alholm
CFO
Joined Virala2004
Education M.Sc. (Economics and Business Administration), Hanken School of Economics, Finland (1993)
Work experience

CFO in Virala Group since 2004. CFO Virala Acquisition Company Oyj, 2021, Interim CFO Turvatiimi Oyj, 2015, Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Helsinki and London, 1993–2000. Several board positions in listed and unlisted companies. Key competences in accounting and reporting, corporate compliance and regulation, finance and M&A.

Patrick Castrén
Chief Investment Officer
Joined Virala2018
EducationM.Sc. (Econ) from Hanken
Work experience

CIO of Virala Group since 2018. Former Senior Analyst at EY (2015–2018) and Associate at PwC (2014–2015). Holds several board and observer seats in unlisted companies, as well as advisory board positions in funds. Key competences in investment sourcing, due diligence, deal structuring, and financing solutions.

Board of Directors

Albert Ehrnrooth
Chairman of the Board
Alexander Ehrnrooth
Board member
Juhani Mäkinen
Board member
Riikka Rannikko
Board memeber
Arthur Ehrnrooth
Board member
Caroline Ehrnrooth
Board memeber

Board Observers

Nicole Ehrnrooth, board observer
Edwin Ehrnrooth, board observer
Isabelle Ehrnrooth, board observer

Personnel

Helena Torikka, Office Manager and Executive Assistant
Paulina Rytkönen, Group Controller
Juha Nurmi, Chief Accountant
Mirka Proctor, Financial Controller
Susanna Marschan, Controller
Ritva Aula-Sjölund, Accountant
Juha Sinikannel, Logistics