Helsinki Parish Union Awards €2.03 Million Investment Management Contract
10 Aug 2026
The Helsinki Parish Union (Helsingin seurakuntayhtymä) has awarded a €2.03 million investment management contract to Evli Oyj and Nordea Asset Management. The contract covers the management of approximately €258 million in assets across three portfolios, with the selected managers responsible for about €129 million in outsourced investments. Introduction Managing significant financial assets requires professional expertise and careful oversight. The Helsinki Parish Union, which oversees the assets of Helsinki's parishes, has conducted a competitive procurement to select investment managers for its portfolio. The procurement covered approximately €258 million in assets across three portfolios: the parish union's liquid assets (€226 million), the cemetery maintenance fund (€24 million), and testamentary and donation funds (€8 million). Two investment managers have been selected—Evli Oyj and Nordea Asset Management—to manage approximately €129 million in outsourced investments. The contract, valued at €2.03 million, reflects a 80:20 quality-to-price weighting, prioritising investment expertise and service quality over cost. Why This Contract Matters Responsible asset management is essential for ensuring that the Helsinki Parish Union can fulfil its mission of supporting parishes, maintaining cemeteries, and honouring bequests. Professional investment management helps preserve and grow these assets over the long term. This contract matters because it: Manages significant assets: €258 million in total assets, with €129 million outsourced Supports parish activities: Returns from investments help fund parish operations Honours bequests: Testamentary and donation funds are professionally managed Maintains cemeteries: Cemetery maintenance fund ensures care of burial grounds Quality focus: 80% quality weighting prioritises investment expertise Competitive process: 10 bids received Contract Timeline Contract award notice published: 10 August 2026 (OJ S 152/2026) Previous notice referenced: 094140ab-b834-493e-af61-5d4198396784-01 Winner chosen: 23 April 2026 Contract concluded: 10 June 2026 Coverage start date: 1 June 2026 Coverage end date: Open-ended (unlimited duration) Contract Overview The Helsinki Parish Union conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The contract covers investment management services for the parish union's assets, with two managers selected to handle equity and fixed-income investments. Key features include: Two managers: Evli Oyj and Nordea Asset Management Total assets: Approximately €258 million (of which ~€129 million outsourced) Three portfolios: Liquid assets (€226M), Cemetery maintenance fund (€24M), Testamentary/donation funds (€8M) Allocation: Equities 59%, Fixed income 41% Value: €2,030,000 (total awarded) Evaluation: Quality (80%) and Price (20%) Duration: Open-ended (unlimited) Key Contract Details Detail Information Contracting authority Helsingin seurakuntayhtymä (Helsinki Parish Union) Winning bidders Evli Oyj, Nordea Asset Management Contract subject Investment management services (CPV 66140000) Procedure type Open procedure Legal basis EU Directive 2014/24/EU Total awarded value (EUR) €2,030,000.00 Evli Oyj value €1,000,000.00 Nordea Asset Management value €1,030,000.00 Total assets under management ~€258,000,000 (€129M outsourced) Contract duration Open-ended (unlimited) Bids received 10 EU funding None Covered by GPA Yes Evaluation criteria Quality (80%), Price (20%) Asset allocation Equities 59%, Fixed income 41% Project Scope The contract covers the management of the Helsinki Parish Union's investment assets across three portfolios: Portfolio 1: Liquid Assets (€226 million) Description: Helsinki Parish Union's cash and liquid assets Purpose: General parish operations and activities Portfolio 2: Cemetery Maintenance Fund (€24 million) Description: Fund for cemetery maintenance (hautainhoitorahasto) Purpose: Ensuring long-term care and maintenance of cemeteries Portfolio 3: Testamentary and Donation Funds (€8 million) Description: Testamentary and donation funds Purpose: Honouring bequests and donations Asset Allocation Equities: 59% of the managed portfolio Fixed income: 41% of the managed portfolio Outsourced Assets Total outsourced: Approximately €129 million Managers: Two managers selected (Evli Oyj and Nordea Asset Management) Allocation: Split between the two selected managers About the Contracting Authority Helsingin seurakuntayhtymä (Helsinki Parish Union) is a public law body responsible for the administration of Lutheran parishes in Helsinki, Finland. The parish union manages significant financial assets, including liquid assets, cemetery maintenance funds, and testamentary/donation funds. The organisation uses these assets to support parish activities, maintain cemeteries, and honour bequests. About the Winning Companies Evli Oyj Evli Oyj is a Finnish asset management company headquartered in Helsinki. Evli is one of Finland's leading investment management firms, offering a wide range of asset management services to institutional and private clients. The company has extensive experience in managing public sector and institutional assets. Evli's winning bid of €1,000,000 covers a portion of the outsourced assets. Nordea Asset Management Nordea Asset Management is the asset management arm of Nordea, the largest financial services group in the Nordic region. Nordea Asset Management is a major player in the Nordic investment management market, with significant assets under management. The company's winning bid of €1,030,000 covers a portion of the outsourced assets. Procurement Analysis Procedure: An open procedure was used, allowing any interested economic operator to submit a tender. Competition: Ten bids were received, representing strong competition in the Finnish investment management market. Evaluation criteria: Quality (80%) and Price (20%). The heavy weighting on quality reflects the importance of investment expertise, risk management, and service quality. Asset allocation: The 59:41 equity-to-fixed-income allocation reflects a balanced investment approach. Two managers: Selecting two managers provides diversification and reduces dependency on a single provider. Open-ended duration: The unlimited duration provides long-term continuity for asset management. Geographic scope: Services can be delivered anywhere (the buyer is located in Finland). Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No EU funds were used for this procurement. The procurement was not accelerated. No dynamic purchasing system was used. No framework agreement was used—this is a direct service contract. Ten bids were received. All bids were submitted electronically. No subcontracting was declared by either winner. Disputes or review requests fall to the Markkinaoikeus (Market Court) in Finland. Both winners are Finnish or Nordic-based companies. Market & Industry Perspective The Finnish asset management market is competitive, with a mix of domestic players (like Evli) and international/Nordic groups (like Nordea). This procurement attracted ten bids, indicating strong interest from asset managers. Key trends in this market include: Quality focus: Institutional investors increasingly prioritise quality and expertise over price ESG integration: Environmental, social, and governance factors are increasingly important Private sector participation: Both domestic and international players compete for public sector mandates Diversification: Institutional investors often select multiple managers to diversify risk The 80% quality weighting reflects the Helsinki Parish Union's focus on investment expertise, risk management, and long-term performance over cost. Economic Significance At €2.03 million in management fees, this contract represents a significant revenue stream for the selected asset managers. More importantly, the contract oversees €258 million in assets (with €129 million outsourced), which generates returns that support parish activities, cemetery maintenance, and honouring bequests. For the Helsinki Parish Union, professional asset management ensures that its financial resources are preserved and grown over the long term, supporting the organisation's mission. Future Procurement Opportunities With the contract now in place, future opportunities include: Additional mandates: The parish union may add additional assets to the mandate Value-added services: The parish union may procure additional investment-related services Re-tender: The contract may be re-tendered if the open-ended agreement is terminated Other parish unions: Similar asset management tenders from other Finnish parish unions Opportunities for Suppliers While this contract is awarded, future opportunities exist for asset managers: Other parish unions: Similar asset management tenders from other Finnish parish unions Public sector institutional investors: Other public sector bodies with significant assets ESG and impact investing: Growing demand for sustainable investment solutions Re-tender: The contract may be re-tendered in the future What Businesses Should Watch Similar asset management tenders from other Finnish parish unions and public sector bodies Growing demand for ESG and impact investing Changes to Finnish and EU public procurement regulations Market trends in asset management (passive vs active, ESG, etc.) FinlandTender Procurement Intelligence This investment management contract is a significant procurement for the Helsinki Parish Union. Several features stand out: Quality focus: The 80% quality weighting reflects the buyer's prioritisation of investment expertise, risk management, and service quality over cost Two-manager model: Selecting two managers provides diversification and reduces dependency risk Asset allocation: The 59:41 equity-to-fixed-income allocation reflects a balanced investment approach Open-ended duration: The unlimited duration provides long-term stability for both the buyer and the managers Competitive process: Ten bids indicate strong market interest The selection of Evli and Nordea—two of Finland's leading asset managers—reflects the parish union's desire for professional, high-quality investment management. Both firms have strong track records in managing institutional assets. For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Investment expertise: Demonstrating strong investment capabilities and track record Service quality: Showing high-quality client service and reporting Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 20% of evaluation ESG credentials: Increasing importance of sustainable investment Supplier Takeaways Demonstrate strong investment expertise and track record—quality accounts for 80% of evaluation Show high-quality client service and reporting capabilities Offer competitive pricing—price accounts for 20% Develop ESG and sustainable investment credentials Monitor other Finnish parish unions and public sector bodies for similar opportunities Build relationships with institutional investors in the Nordic region Key Takeaways Helsinki Parish Union awarded a €2.03 million investment management contract Winners: Evli Oyj (€1M) and Nordea Asset Management (€1.03M) Total assets: ~€258 million (€129M outsourced) Three portfolios: Liquid assets (€226M), Cemetery fund (€24M), Testamentary funds (€8M) Asset allocation: Equities 59%, Fixed income 41% Evaluation: Quality (80%), Price (20%) 10 bids received, all electronically Contract duration: open-ended (unlimited) No subcontracting by either winner Conclusion This investment management contract represents a significant procurement for the Helsinki Parish Union, ensuring that its €258 million in assets are professionally managed by two of Finland's leading asset managers—Evli Oyj and Nordea Asset Management. The 80% quality weighting reflects the parish union's focus on investment expertise, risk management, and service quality over cost. The two-manager model provides diversification and reduces dependency risk, while the 59:41 equity-to-fixed-income allocation reflects a balanced investment approach. As the contract runs with an open-ended duration, the Helsinki Parish Union can rely on professional asset management to preserve and grow its financial resources, supporting parish activities, cemetery maintenance, and honouring bequests for years to come. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the Helsinki Parish Union? Ans: Helsingin seurakuntayhtymä, a public law body responsible for the administration of Lutheran parishes in Helsinki, Finland. Q: What is the value of the contract? Ans: €2,030,000 total (Evli €1,000,000, Nordea €1,030,000). Q: Who are the winners? Ans: Evli Oyj and Nordea Asset Management. Q: How much assets are under management? Ans: Approximately €258 million total, with €129 million outsourced. Q: What are the three portfolios? Ans: Liquid assets (€226M), Cemetery maintenance fund (€24M), and Testamentary/donation funds (€8M). Q: What is the asset allocation? Ans: Equities 59%, Fixed income 41%. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Quality (80%) and Price (20%). Q: How many bids were received? Ans: Ten bids were received. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 551242-2026, OJ S 152/2026, published 10 August 2026. body { font-family: sans-serif; margin: 20px; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } ul { padding-left: 20px; } h2 { margin-top: 30px; } h3 { margin-top: 20px; }
View Details
Oulu Awards €12 Million Telecommunications Services Contract to DNA and Elisa
07 Aug 2026
The City of Oulu has awarded a €12 million telecommunications services framework to DNA Oyj (Lot 1) and Elisa Oyj (Lot 2). The contracts cover regional network and internet connectivity (DNA) and LAN, WLAN, and telecommunications core services (Elisa) for the City of Oulu and its affiliated entities across the Oulu region. Introduction Modern cities depend on robust and reliable telecommunications infrastructure to deliver public services, support education, and enable economic activity. The City of Oulu, one of Finland's largest cities, has taken a strategic approach to securing its telecommunications services through a competitive procurement. The contract, divided into two lots, has been awarded to two of Finland's leading telecommunications providers: DNA Oyj (Lot 1) and Elisa Oyj (Lot 2). With a total value of €12 million, the framework covers regional network and internet connectivity, as well as LAN, WLAN, and telecommunications core services for the City of Oulu and its affiliated public entities. This procurement ensures that Oulu's public services—from schools to cultural institutions to municipal enterprises—have access to reliable, modern telecommunications infrastructure. Why This Contract Matters Telecommunications are the backbone of modern public administration, education, and community services. The City of Oulu's procurement ensures that its network infrastructure meets the needs of a growing, digitally connected city. This contract matters because it: Supports public services: Provides reliable connectivity for schools, cultural institutions, and municipal enterprises Ensures digital transformation: Modern telecommunications infrastructure enables digital public services Covers multiple entities: Benefits 10 affiliated organisations including the City of Oulu, Oulun Tuotantokeittiö, Oulun Kulttuurisäätiö, and others Competitive process: 4 bids for Lot 1 and 6 bids for Lot 2 demonstrate healthy competition Long-term stability: 4-year framework with option for indefinite extension Balanced evaluation: Price (60%) and Quality (40%) Contract Timeline Contract award notice published: 7 August 2026 (OJ S 151/2026) Previous notice referenced: d3f2eb84-46b9-4f77-aaac-2ce18f0cda42-01 Contract concluded (Lot 1): 25 May 2026 Contract concluded (Lot 2): 18 June 2026 Coverage start date: Upon signature (4-year framework, option for indefinite extension) Contract Overview The City of Oulu's Digital and ICT unit conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The contract is divided into two lots, each awarded separately to a different supplier. Key features include: Two lots: Lot 1 (Regional network and internet connectivity) and Lot 2 (LAN, WLAN, and telecommunications core) Duration: 4 years with option for indefinite extension (toistaiseksi voimassa oleva) Total value: €12,030,000 Evaluation: Price (60%) and Quality (40%) Number of entities: 10 participating public entities Geographic scope: Oulu region (Pohjois-Pohjanmaa) Key Contract Details Detail Information Contracting authority (coordinator) Oulun kaupunki (City of Oulu) Participating buyers 10 entities (City of Oulu, Oulun Tuotantokeittiö, Oulun Kulttuurisäätiö, Svenska Privatskolan i Uleåborg, Oulun Pysäköinti, Kiertokaari, Potential Toimitilat, Oulun teatteri, Nallikari Seaside) Winning bidders DNA Oyj (Lot 1), Elisa Oyj (Lot 2) Contract subject Telecommunications services (CPV 72700000) Procedure type Open procedure Legal basis EU Directive 2014/24/EU Total awarded value (EUR) €12,030,000.00 Lot 1 - DNA Oyj value €12,030,000.00 Lot 2 - Elisa Oyj value €12,030,000.00 Framework duration 4 years + option for indefinite extension Bids received (Lot 1) 4 Bids received (Lot 2) 6 EU funding None Covered by GPA Yes Evaluation criteria Price (60%), Quality (40%) Subcontracting Yes (both winners), value/percentage not specified Project Scope The contract covers telecommunications services for the City of Oulu and its affiliated public entities across two lots: Lot 1: Regional Network and Internet Connectivity (DNA Oyj) Service areas: Regional network (Alueverkko) Internet connectivity (Yhteys Internetiin) Awarded to: DNA Oyj Value: €12,030,000 Bids received: 4 Lot 2: LAN, WLAN, and Telecommunications Core (Elisa Oyj) Service areas: LAN (Local Area Network) WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Telecommunications core (Tietoliikenneydin) Awarded to: Elisa Oyj Value: €12,030,000 Bids received: 6 About the Contracting Authority Oulun kaupunki (City of Oulu) is a local authority in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) region of Finland. It is one of Finland's largest cities, known for its technology sector and high-quality public services. The city's Digital and ICT unit coordinates telecommunications and IT procurement for the city and its affiliated public entities. Ten participating public entities are covered by the framework: Oulun kaupunki – City of Oulu Oulun Tuotantokeittiö Oy – Oulu Production Kitchen (public undertaking) Oulun Kulttuurisäätiö sr – Oulu Culture Foundation (public undertaking) Svenska Privatskolan i Uleåborg – Swedish Private School in Oulu Oulun Pysäköinti Oy – Oulu Parking (public undertaking) Kiertokaari Oy – Circular Economy company (public undertaking) Potential Toimitilat Oy – Potential Premises (public undertaking) Oulun teatteri Oy – Oulu Theatre (public undertaking) Nallikari Seaside Oy – Nallikari Seaside (public undertaking) About the Winning Companies DNA Oyj (Lot 1 – Regional Network and Internet Connectivity) DNA Oyj is one of Finland's leading telecommunications companies, providing mobile, broadband, and enterprise network services. Headquartered in Kuopio, DNA is a major player in the Finnish telecommunications market. The company has extensive experience in providing network and internet services to public sector clients. DNA's winning bid for Lot 1 covers regional network and internet connectivity for the City of Oulu and its affiliated entities. Elisa Oyj (Lot 2 – LAN, WLAN, and Telecommunications Core) Elisa Oyj is Finland's largest telecommunications company, offering mobile, broadband, and enterprise ICT solutions. Based in Helsinki, Elisa is a market leader in the Finnish telecommunications sector with a strong track record in public sector contracts. Elisa's winning bid for Lot 2 covers LAN, WLAN, and telecommunications core services for the City of Oulu and its affiliated entities. Procurement Analysis Procedure: An open procedure was used, allowing any interested economic operator to submit a tender. Competition: Strong competition was observed, with 4 bids for Lot 1 (regional network) and 6 bids for Lot 2 (LAN/WLAN/core). Evaluation criteria: Price (60%) and Quality (40%). This balanced approach values both cost and service quality. Split awards: The two lots were awarded to different suppliers (DNA and Elisa), ensuring specialisation and avoiding single-supplier dependency. Subcontracting: Both winners indicated the use of subcontracting, though the value and percentage are not specified. Framework duration: 4-year framework with an option for indefinite extension, providing long-term stability. Geographic scope: Oulu region (Pohjois-Pohjanmaa). Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No EU funds were used for this procurement. The procurement was not accelerated. No dynamic purchasing system was used. No framework agreement was used—this is a direct contract. Both winners indicated the use of subcontracting. 4 bids for Lot 1, 6 bids for Lot 2. Both winners are large Finnish companies (DNA Oyj and Elisa Oyj). Disputes or review requests fall to the Markkinaoikeus (Market Court) in Finland. The contract includes an option for indefinite extension after the initial 4-year period. Market & Industry Perspective The Finnish telecommunications market is dominated by three major players: Elisa, Telia, and DNA. This procurement reflects that market structure, with DNA winning Lot 1 and Elisa winning Lot 2. The participation of 4-6 bidders per lot indicates healthy competition. Key trends in the Finnish telecommunications market include: Consolidation: The market is dominated by a few major players, but niche providers also compete 5G rollout: Next-generation networks are transforming public sector connectivity Digital transformation: Public sector demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity is growing Security: Cybersecurity and network resilience are key priorities for public buyers The split award to two suppliers (DNA and Elisa) reflects a strategic decision to avoid single-supplier dependency and ensure redundancy. Economic Significance At €12 million, this contract represents a significant investment in telecommunications infrastructure for the City of Oulu and its affiliated entities. The contract ensures that public services—from schools and theatres to municipal enterprises—have access to reliable, modern connectivity. For DNA and Elisa, the contracts provide stable, predictable revenue streams over the four-year period, with the potential for indefinite extension. Both companies are well-positioned to deliver the required services given their market leadership and experience with public sector clients. Future Procurement Opportunities With the contract now in place, future opportunities include: Contract extensions: The contract can be extended indefinitely after the initial 4-year period Technology upgrades: Potential for additional services as technology evolves (e.g., 5G, IoT) Re-tender: The contract will be re-tendered if the indefinite extension is not exercised Other Finnish cities: Similar telecommunications tenders are conducted by other Finnish municipalities Opportunities for Suppliers While this contract is awarded, future opportunities exist for telecommunications providers: Subcontracting: Suppliers not on the contract may find subcontracting opportunities with DNA or Elisa Other Finnish cities: Similar telecommunications tenders are conducted by other municipalities Technology upgrades: Emerging technologies (5G, IoT, AI) may create new opportunities Security services: Cybersecurity and network security are growing areas Re-tender: The contract will be re-tendered in the future—early preparation is key What Businesses Should Watch Re-tendering of this contract when the indefinite extension is not exercised Similar telecommunications tenders from other Finnish municipalities Technology trends (5G, IoT, AI) in the public sector Cybersecurity and network security requirements Oulu's future ICT procurement notices FinlandTender Procurement Intelligence This telecommunications contract is a well-structured example of public procurement for network services. Several features stand out: Split awards: Two lots awarded to different suppliers (DNA and Elisa) ensure specialisation and avoid dependency on a single supplier Balanced evaluation: Price (60%) and Quality (40%) reflect a mature approach that values both cost and service quality Competitive process: 4-6 bidders per lot demonstrate healthy market competition Long-term stability: 4-year framework with indefinite extension provides continuity Broad coverage: 10 participating public entities benefit from the framework The selection of DNA for regional network/internet and Elisa for LAN/WLAN/core suggests that each supplier demonstrated particular strengths in their respective service areas. For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 60% of evaluation Service quality: Quality accounts for 40% of evaluation Specialisation: Bidding for specific service areas where strengths lie Regional focus: Understanding the Oulu region's needs Supplier Takeaways Offer competitive pricing—price accounts for 60% of evaluation Demonstrate service quality—40% of evaluation is quality-based Consider bidding for specific service areas where you have strengths Establish relationships with Finnish municipalities for similar opportunities Monitor Oulu's future ICT procurement notices Be prepared for technology upgrades (5G, IoT, AI) in future tenders Key Takeaways City of Oulu awarded a €12 million telecommunications contract to DNA and Elisa Lot 1 (Regional network/internet) won by DNA Oyj Lot 2 (LAN/WLAN/core) won by Elisa Oyj 10 participating public entities covered by the framework Evaluation: Price (60%), Quality (40%) 4 bids for Lot 1, 6 bids for Lot 2 Framework duration: 4 years + indefinite extension option Both winners use subcontracting (value/percentage not specified) All winners are large Finnish telecommunications companies Conclusion This telecommunications contract represents a significant investment in the City of Oulu's digital infrastructure. By awarding the two lots to different suppliers—DNA Oyj and Elisa Oyj—the city has secured specialist services for both regional network/internet connectivity and LAN/WLAN/core services, while avoiding single-supplier dependency. The balanced evaluation criteria (price and quality) ensure that the city receives both competitive pricing and high-quality services. The participation of 10 public entities under the framework demonstrates the value of collaborative procurement in achieving economies of scale. As the framework runs for an initial four years with the option for indefinite extension, the City of Oulu and its affiliated entities will benefit from reliable, modern telecommunications infrastructure—supporting digital public services, education, and community activities across the region. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the value of the contract? Ans: €12,030,000. Q: Who are the winners? Ans: DNA Oyj (Lot 1) and Elisa Oyj (Lot 2). Q: What does Lot 1 cover? Ans: Regional network (Alueverkko) and internet connectivity (Yhteys Internetiin). Q: What does Lot 2 cover? Ans: LAN, WLAN, and telecommunications core (Tietoliikenneydin). Q: How many entities are covered? Ans: 10 public entities, including the City of Oulu and its affiliated organisations. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Price (60%) and Quality (40%). Q: How many bids were received? Ans: 4 bids for Lot 1 and 6 bids for Lot 2. Q: How long is the contract? Ans: 4 years with an option for indefinite extension. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Q: Do the winners use subcontracting? Ans: Yes, both DNA and Elisa indicated the use of subcontracting. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 549652-2026, OJ S 151/2026, published 7 August 2026. body { font-family: sans-serif; margin: 20px; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } ul { padding-left: 20px; } h2 { margin-top: 30px; } h3 { margin-top: 20px; }
View Details
University of Turku Awards €1.6 Million Printing Services Framework
06 Aug 2026
The University of Turku has awarded a €1.6 million framework agreement for printing services to three Finnish printing companies: Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, and Paino-Kaarina Oy. The four-year framework covers a wide range of printed materials including marketing materials, publications, brochures, and softcover books for the university's 25,000+ students and staff. Introduction As one of Finland's leading universities with over 25,000 students and staff, the University of Turku requires a wide range of printed materials to support its academic, research, and marketing activities. From flyers and brochures to academic publications and softcover books, the university's printing needs are diverse and substantial. To manage these requirements efficiently, the university has established a framework agreement with three Finnish printing service providers: Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, and Paino-Kaarina Oy. The framework, valued at up to €1.6 million over four years, covers marketing materials, event materials, publications, guides, and other printed products—excluding hardcover books, dissertations (which are covered by a separate framework), and large exhibition materials. This procurement ensures that the university's various departments and coordinated projects have access to high-quality printing services at competitive prices, with a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. Why This Contract Matters The University of Turku is one of Finland's largest and most prestigious academic institutions. Efficient procurement of printing services is essential for supporting the university's research, teaching, and communication activities. This contract matters because it: Supports academic activities: Provides printed materials for research publications, teaching materials, and academic books Enables effective communication: Covers marketing, event, and promotional materials for the university's units Ensures quality: Combines price (60%) with quality criteria (customer satisfaction 20%, sample work 20%) Promotes sustainability: Includes strategic procurement for circular economy, biodiversity, and fair working conditions Provides choice: Three suppliers ensure competition and flexibility for individual units Contract Timeline Contract award notice published: 6 August 2026 (OJ S 150/2026) Previous notice referenced: 90a66e44-cedf-4450-86e4-dd363e0f962e-01 Winner chosen: 26 June 2026 Contract concluded (Grano/Punamusta): 3 August 2026 Contract concluded (Paino-Kaarina): 5 August 2026 Coverage start date: Not specified (48-month duration from conclusion) Coverage end date: Approximately August 2030 Contract Overview The University of Turku conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The framework agreement is established with three suppliers (Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, and Paino-Kaarina Oy), with a mix of without and with reopening of competition. Key features include: Three suppliers: A framework with three pre-qualified printing service providers Business card supplier: Selected separately based on the lowest total price for business card batches Duration: 48 months (4 years), open-ended for business card supplier Evaluation: Price (60%), Customer satisfaction survey (20%), Sample print work (20%) Strategic procurement: Circular economy, biodiversity, human rights due diligence, fair working conditions Value: Up to €1,600,000 (excluding VAT) Key Contract Details Detail Information Contracting authority Turun yliopisto (University of Turku) Winning bidders Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, Paino-Kaarina Oy Contract subject Printing services (CPV 79800000) Procedure type Open procedure Legal basis EU Directive 2014/24/EU Total estimated value (ex-VAT) €1,600,000.00 Framework duration 48 Months (4 years) Bids received 7 EU funding None Covered by GPA Yes Winner chosen 26 June 2026 Evaluation criteria Price (60%), Customer Satisfaction (20%), Sample Work (20%) Strategic procurement Circular economy, biodiversity, human rights, fair working conditions Project Scope The framework covers a wide range of printed materials for the University of Turku's units and coordinated projects: Included Products Marketing, communication, and event materials (flyers, brochures, invitations, posters) Business cards Magazines and periodicals Softcover books (pehmeäkantiset kirjat) Academic publications and guides Research and teaching materials Excluded Products Hardcover books (kovakantiset, sidotut kirjat) Dissertations (väitöskirjat) – covered by a separate framework Large exhibition materials (messuseinät, standit, kangasvuodat, roll-upit) Copies and prints – done on the university's own multifunction printers Procurement Structure Framework: Three suppliers for general printing services Business cards: Separate selection based on lowest total price for business card batches Project-based procurement: Individual units procure printing services independently Competition: Suppliers are competed either as projects, order-by-order, or with fixed-term agreements Project competitions: Conducted via written email inquiries About the Contracting Authority Turun yliopisto (University of Turku) is one of Finland's leading universities, established in 1920. With over 25,000 students and staff, the university is a major academic institution in Finland. It operates across multiple campuses in Turku, with its main campus located on Yliopistonmäki (University Hill). The university's procurement services (Hankintapalvelut) coordinate procurement for the university's various units and projects, ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations and achieving value for money. About the Winning Companies Grano Oy Grano Oy is a Finnish printing and communication services company based in Vantaa. As an SME (micro, small, or medium enterprise), Grano offers a wide range of printing services, including marketing materials, publications, and business cards. The company serves both public and private sector clients across Finland. Punamusta Oy Punamusta Oy is a Finnish printing company based in Joensuu. The company is an SME specializing in printing services for various sectors, including education, public administration, and business. Punamusta has expertise in producing high-quality printed materials, including publications, brochures, and marketing materials. Paino-Kaarina Oy Paino-Kaarina Oy is a Finnish printing company based in Kaarina, near Turku. As an SME, the company provides printing services to clients in the Turku region and across Finland. Being located close to the University of Turku, Paino-Kaarina offers convenient local service and fast turnaround times. Procurement Analysis Procedure: An open procedure was used, allowing any interested economic operator to submit a tender. Competition: Seven bids were received, indicating healthy competition in the Finnish printing services market. All bidders were SMEs. Evaluation criteria: Price (60%), Customer satisfaction survey (20%), and Sample print work (20%). This balanced approach values both cost and quality. Quality evaluation: Customer satisfaction survey (Liite 2 and 2.1): Assessing the supplier's service quality Sample print work (Liite 3 and 3.1): Assessing the quality of the printed product Framework structure: Partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition. Strategic procurement: Includes circular economy, biodiversity, human rights due diligence, and fair working conditions. Business card supplier: Separately selected based on lowest total price for business card batches. All bids: The range of tenders was €600,000 (lowest and highest admissible tender). Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No EU funds were used for this procurement. The procurement was not accelerated. No dynamic purchasing system was used. Framework agreement partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition. Seven bids were received, all from SMEs. All three winners are Finnish SMEs. No subcontracting has been declared by any winner (not yet known). Disputes or review requests fall to the Markkinaoikeus (Market Court) in Finland. Business card supplier was selected separately (not specified which winner). Market & Industry Perspective The Finnish printing services market is served by a mix of large printing groups and smaller regional printers. The market has seen consolidation in recent years, but SMEs continue to play an important role, particularly for local and regional clients. This procurement attracted seven bids, all from SMEs, indicating that the market is competitive and accessible to smaller players. The inclusion of both Grano (from Vantaa) and Paino-Kaarina (from near Turku) suggests that the university values both national capabilities and local service. Key trends in the printing services market include: Digital transformation: Increasing demand for digital printing and shorter print runs Sustainability: Growing focus on environmentally friendly materials and circular economy Consolidation: Larger groups acquiring smaller players Regional proximity: Clients increasingly value local suppliers for faster turnaround and lower logistics costs Economic Significance At up to €1.6 million over four years, this framework represents a significant procurement for the University of Turku. The framework ensures that the university's units and projects can access high-quality printing services at competitive prices. For the winning suppliers—Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, and Paino-Kaarina Oy—the framework provides stable, predictable revenue streams over the four-year period. Being selected for this framework also serves as a quality reference, potentially helping these SMEs win other public sector contracts. For the local economy, the selection of Paino-Kaarina Oy (based near Turku) supports regional employment and economic activity. Future Procurement Opportunities With the framework now in place, future opportunities include: Contract extensions: The framework may be extended beyond the initial 48 months Project competitions: Individual units will compete the three suppliers for specific projects Renewal: The framework will be re-tendered for the 2030-2034 period Other universities: Similar printing frameworks are conducted by other Finnish universities Opportunities for Suppliers While this framework is now awarded, future opportunities exist for printing companies: Subcontracting: Suppliers not on the framework may find subcontracting opportunities with the three winners Other Finnish universities: Similar frameworks are conducted by other universities—watch for procurement notices Sustainability focus: Suppliers with strong environmental credentials will be well-positioned for future tenders Digital printing: Investment in digital printing capabilities may offer competitive advantages Local presence: Regional suppliers may be preferred for their proximity and faster service What Businesses Should Watch Re-tendering of this framework (expected in 2030) Similar printing frameworks from other Finnish universities and public sector buyers Increasing sustainability requirements in public procurement (circular economy, biodiversity) Digital transformation in the printing industry Changes to Finnish and EU public procurement regulations FinlandTender Procurement Intelligence This framework agreement is a well-structured example of public procurement for printing services. Several features stand out: Balanced evaluation: The 60:20:20 split between price, customer satisfaction, and sample work demonstrates a mature approach that values both cost and quality. Quality assessment: The use of a customer satisfaction survey and a sample print work as quality criteria ensures that suppliers are evaluated on both service quality and product quality. Strategic procurement: The inclusion of circular economy, biodiversity, human rights due diligence, and fair working conditions reflects the university's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Framework structure: The mix of without and with reopening of competition provides flexibility for different types of printing needs. Local focus: The selection of Paino-Kaarina Oy (based near Turku) alongside Grano and Punamusta suggests that the university values local service and regional economic impact. The range of tenders (€600,000 for both lowest and highest) suggests that all bids were very close in pricing, making the quality criteria (customer satisfaction and sample work) the key differentiators. For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Competitive pricing: Price is 60% of the evaluation Service quality: Customer satisfaction is 20% of the evaluation Product quality: Sample print work is 20% of the evaluation Sustainability credentials: Strategic procurement requirements are increasingly important Supplier Takeaways Offer competitive pricing—price accounts for 60% of evaluation Demonstrate service quality through customer satisfaction surveys and references Produce high-quality sample work—20% of evaluation depends on this Invest in sustainability (circular economy, biodiversity, fair working conditions) Consider local presence to offer faster turnaround and service Monitor other Finnish universities for similar printing frameworks Build relationships with public sector buyers to understand their needs Key Takeaways University of Turku awarded a €1.6 million printing framework to Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, and Paino-Kaarina Oy Evaluation: Price (60%), Customer Satisfaction (20%), Sample Work (20%) Framework duration: 48 months (through approximately 2030) Seven bids received, all from SMEs Strategic procurement includes circular economy, biodiversity, human rights, and fair working conditions Business card supplier selected separately based on lowest total price Covers marketing materials, publications, softcover books, and other printed products Excludes hardcover books, dissertations, and large exhibition materials Conclusion This printing services framework represents a significant procurement for the University of Turku, ensuring that its units and projects have access to high-quality printing services over the next four years. By selecting three Finnish SMEs—Grano Oy, Punamusta Oy, and Paino-Kaarina Oy—the university supports both national capabilities and local economic activity. The balanced evaluation criteria (price, customer satisfaction, and sample work) ensure that the university receives both competitive pricing and high-quality services. The strategic procurement requirements (circular economy, biodiversity, human rights due diligence, fair working conditions) reflect the university's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. For the winning suppliers, the framework provides stable revenue streams and serves as a quality reference for future public sector contracts. As the framework runs through approximately 2030, the university and its suppliers will continue to collaborate on meeting the diverse printing needs of Finland's academic community. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the value of the framework? Ans: Up to €1,600,000 (excluding VAT) over four years. Q: Who are the winning suppliers? Ans: Grano Oy (Vantaa), Punamusta Oy (Joensuu), and Paino-Kaarina Oy (Kaarina). Q: What does the framework cover? Ans: Marketing materials, event materials, publications, softcover books, business cards, and other printed products. Q: What is excluded? Ans: Hardcover books, dissertations, large exhibition materials (messuseinät, standit, roll-upit), and copies/prints done on the university's own printers. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Price (60%), Customer satisfaction survey (20%), and Sample print work (20%). Q: How many bids were received? Ans: Seven bids, all from SMEs. Q: How long is the framework? Ans: 48 months (4 years), with an open-ended agreement for the business card supplier. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Q: What strategic procurement requirements are included? Ans: Circular economy, protection of biodiversity, human rights due diligence, and fair working conditions. Q: Who is the business card supplier? Ans: Selected separately based on the lowest total price for business card batches (not specified in the notice). Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 544198-2026, OJ S 150/2026, published 6 August 2026. body { font-family: sans-serif; margin: 20px; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } ul { padding-left: 20px; } h2 { margin-top: 30px; } h3 { margin-top: 20px; }
View Details