Category: News

Law Firm TARK advised the Estonian-owned company Svensky Kaubanduse AS in a transaction to acquire the Põltsamaa food production business unit from Orkla Eesti AS. In addition to the sale of the factory and brands, the parties have agreed on a future strategic partnership – Orkla Eesti will remain a customer of the Põltsamaa plant, continuing to order various products in the future.

Sven Voites, CEO of Svensky Kaubanduse AS, commented on the transaction and future plans: “Põltsamaa is a strong and beloved Estonian brand with a long history and great potential. Our goal is to develop both the production and the brand long-term, relying on local expertise and the existing team.”

Svensky Kaubanduse AS is an Estonian-owned company with extensive experience, operating across the wholesale, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. The acquisition of the Põltsamaa business unit marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion and the strengthening of its market position.

TARK advised Svensky Kaubanduse AS in all stages of the transaction, including conducting the legal due diligence and drafting and negotiating the transaction documents.

The TARK team was led by Partner Marit Savi. The team also included Partners Tanel Tark and Tanel Küün, and Jurist Tarvi Salu.

We would like to thank our client for their trust and recognize the Orkla Eesti team for a constructive transaction process. We also thank the other advisors to Svensky Kaubanduse for the pleasant cooperation: Valeria Kiisk (Redgate Capital) and Kristjan Puu (BDO Eesti).

The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the Estonian Competition Authority.

Read more about the transaction on the ERR news portal (in Estonian).

Photo: orkla.ee

Law firm TARK advised the Estonian technology company Vespia in a transaction whereby the company was acquired by the leading digital identity verification provider Veriff.

The transaction brings together two companies that emerged from the Estonian technology ecosystem and share the ambition to reshape the trust services market. Founded in 2021, Vespia develops an AI-powered, all-in-one Know Your Business (KYB) platform that enables organisations to verify companies across more than 300 jurisdictions worldwide.

As a result of the transaction, the Vespia team will join Veriff, and the integration of Vespia’s technology into Veriff’s platform will commence.

TARK advised Vespia throughout the entire transaction process, including conducting the legal due diligence, structuring the transaction, drafting and negotiating the transaction documents. We also coordinated communication between the parties and advised on employment law and share option matters and other legal nuances related to the implementation of the transaction.

TARK’s advisory team was led by partner Hannes Küün. The team also included partners Tanel Küün and Marit Savi, and lawyer Tarvi Salu.

We thank our client for their trust and wish all parties success in their next stage of growth.

Read more:

https://www.estvca.ee/news/exit-icebreaker-vc-portfolio-company-vespia-has-been-acquired-by-veriff

https://vespia.io/blog/veriff-is-acquiring-vespia

https://www.veriff.com/pr-news/kyb-business-verification

Foto: veriff.com

Hannes Küün, Partner at TARK, participated in the official business delegation accompanying the State Visit of the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, to Portugal.

The visit to Lisbon highlighted the strengthening economic and innovation ties between Estonia and Portugal. Delegation members were received by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, and Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, underscoring a shared commitment to openness, cooperation, and future-oriented development.

During the programme, the delegation toured leading innovation centres, including Taguspark and Hub Criativo do Beato, and met with entrepreneurs and technology leaders. Discussions with representatives of Bolt and Portuguese businesses demonstrated strong alignment between the two countries in digital transformation, startup growth, and innovation-driven economies.

Hannes Küün noted that despite geographical distance, Estonia and Portugal share a similar ambition to advance technologically and foster dynamic business environments.

The delegation programme was organised by the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with key coordination by Merit Fimberg-Espuch, and supported by the Embassy of Estonia in Lisbon under the leadership of Ambassador Moonika Kase.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral economic cooperation, promote cross-border investment, and strengthen partnerships between Estonian and Portuguese companies.

Law firm TARK successfully represented a client in a court dispute with a water and sewerage company that lasted more than four years. In the spring of 2021, the company carried out excavation work for a water pipeline on the street where the client’s property is located, during which it damaged the cable supplying electricity to the property. When the client began using the property in the summer, serious electrical problems emerged: the power supply fluctuated, some electrical appliances did not function, and an electrician engaged by the client prohibited use of the electrical system due to safety concerns.

The client notified the water and sewerage company of the situation and commissioned repair work from a third party to remedy the fault. After the company refused to reimburse the repair invoice issued by the contractor, the client paid the costs and submitted a claim for damages.

The trial court found that the company had unlawfully caused damage to the property owner and was therefore liable. However, it reduced the awarded compensation by approximately 50%, concluding that the repair expenses were not fully necessary or reasonable and that the company had been willing to remedy the damage itself.

The client appealed the part of the decision reducing the damages award. On December 23, 2025, the Court of Appeal issued a favorable decision, agreeing with the client and finding that the trial court’s reasoning did not justify a reduction of the damages claim.

The Court of Appeal emphasized that access to electricity at one’s residence is an essential benefit in modern society and that a person cannot reasonably be expected to discontinue its use due to another party’s unlawful conduct. The court also held that where use of the electrical system was dangerous, the client was entitled to remedy the fault immediately and was under no obligation to grant the responsible party a deadline to make repairs or to coordinate repair costs.

The Court of Appeal upheld the client’s claims for damages and default interest in full and ordered the opposing party to bear all litigation costs.

The client was advised by Rahel Behrsin, Attorney-at-Law, of law firm TARK.

For more than fifteen years, the Lithuanian Bar Association has organised a basketball tournament bringing together bar associations from across the Baltic region and Europe. The Estonian Bar Association has taken part in every tournament to date. This year’s competition was held on 6 December in Vilnius, where the Estonian team achieved a commendable third-place finish.

Hannes Küün and Tanel Küün, partners at law firm TARK, together with Janar Urres, Raiko Lipstok, Ramon Rask, Kristjan Mäger, Tiit-Gregor Mets, Indrek Kangur, and Toomas Mälberg, made important contributions to this strong result.

Congratulations to all participants!

Barrus AS, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of glued laminated pine components, has signed a transaction with private equity fund Livonia Partners to acquire a majority stake in Glassense, the Baltics’ leading glass manufacturer. The deal was advised by Law Firm TARK.

Tanel Tark, managing partner, and Marit Savi, partner at Law Firm TARK, advised Barrus throughout the entire acquisition process, ensuring smooth execution and legal clarity at every stage.

“The rationale behind the deal is simple and straightforward: the previous majority shareholder wanted to sell, and we saw an opportunity we decided to pursue. We believe in the strength of Estonian industry, as well as in our own experience and capabilities,” said Martti Kork, CEO of Barrus.

Kork emphasized that the transaction is a strategic financial investment, and both companies will continue to operate independently. Existing brand names, employee contracts, and business partnerships will remain in place. Barrus’s goal is to drive continued product development, maintain employee well-being, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Kaido Veske, partner at Livonia Partners, added that Glassense joining the Barrus group was a natural progression. “Barrus has been active in glass manufacturing for some time, and their expertise in both the timber and glass sectors provides a solid foundation for further growth,” he said.

Glassense traces its roots back to 1997. The company has operated under its current name since 2022, following the merger of Klaasimeister and Baltiklaas. Today, Glassense offers a wide range of glass products—from insulated glass units to façade and interior glass solutions—and is a market leader in the Baltics, with a strong presence in the Nordics.

Founded in 1993, Barrus AS is an Estonian company specializing in the production of glued laminated pine components. The majority of its products are exported to Scandinavian markets, with recent expansion into the United States. Barrus is committed to sustainable manufacturing and has been awarded Gold Level status in the Responsible Business Index.

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Photo: Barrus

Law Firm TARK has advised leading global venture capital firm Insight Partners on a USD 54 million investment in Pactum, an Estonian-founded artificial intelligence company that is transforming the field of contract negotiations.

TARK acted as local legal counsel in cooperation with international law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, guiding Insight Partners through all aspects of this significant transaction.

This investment marks a major milestone for Pactum and serves as a strong testament to the vitality and global appeal of the Estonian tech ecosystem. TARK is proud to have played a role in enabling such landmark deals.

The TARK team was led by Partner Hannes Küün and included Tanel Küün, Marit Savi, and Tarvi Salu.

For further information: https://arileht.delfi.ee/artikkel/120384727/54-miljonit-dollarit-kaasanud-kaspar-korjus-meid-ootab-ees-tohutu-rikkuse-ajastu

Photo: pactum.com

At the invitation of Toomas Kivimägi, First Vice-President of the Riigikogu, lawyers from the law firm TARK, along with their children and family members, had the opportunity to visit the Estonian Parliament on Flag Day for an engaging introduction to its work and traditions.

The visit offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the legislative heart of Estonia. Guests were warmly welcomed at the historic Toompea Castle and guided through its storied halls. One of the highlights was the ascent of Pikk Hermann Tower—a cherished national symbol where the Estonian flag is ceremonially raised each morning to the national anthem.

Inside the Parliament building, the group explored the Riigikogu’s main session hall, the setting for legislative debates and decision-making. Toomas Kivimägi delivered an insightful presentation on the everyday operations of Parliament and the responsibilities of its members. His engaging stories about how laws are shaped, how debates unfold, and what a typical workday entails provided guests with a vivid and relatable understanding of Estonian democracy in action.

Beyond being informative, the event was filled with warmth and national pride. The sunny weather added to the uplifting spirit of the day. For many children, it was their first visit to such an important institution—an inspiring and memorable introduction to Estonia’s democratic foundations.

The visit concluded with heartfelt impressions, newfound knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the vital role the Riigikogu plays in Estonian society—a truly meaningful way to honor Flag Day.

The law firm TARK successfully represented the Municipality of Haljala in a legal dispute against the State Shared Services Centre (RTK). On 25 January 2022, RTK issued a financial correction decision, declaring 25% (€170,700) of the grant funding allocated to the Municipality for the development of the Võsu beach recreational infrastructure project as ineligible.

According to the decision, Haljala Municipality had allegedly breached public procurement regulations during the execution of the project, and RTK asserted that these breaches had resulted in financial loss. The central legal issue concerned whether the Municipality had modified the terms of the procurement contract during project implementation within the limits permitted under the Public Procurement Act.

Both the administrative and circuit courts concluded that Haljala Municipality had not violated the Public Procurement Act when it amended certain terms of the procurement contract. The courts found that the changes made were in line with the legally permissible conditions for contract modifications and were, therefore, lawful.

In their judgments, both instances provided meaningful legal guidance on evaluating the permissibility of procurement contract amendments, offering interpretative clarity likely to reduce the risk of similar disputes in the future.

Haljala Mayor Anti Puusepp underscored the significance of the circuit court’s ruling: “This dispute resulted in the Municipality losing a substantial amount of grant funding three years ago, which we were required to cover using our own resources. The final court decision brings some relief to the Municipality’s strained budget,” he stated, adding that the decision to pursue judicial clarification was both necessary and justified.

The client was advised by partner Tanel Küün and senior associate Rahel Behrsin.

Photo: Haljala Municipality