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Merlin Biosciences to expand into Finland with Helsinki office

UK life sciences venture firm, Merlin Biosciences, is expanding its European practice into Finland by establishing an office in Helsinki. A dedicated team, headed by Niilo Santasalo, will be responsible for identifying and evaluating Finnish investment opportunities.

Santasalo joins Merlin from PCA Corporate Finance where he served as a senior investment banker.

Merlin has played an increasingly active role in the Finnish biotech sector over the last few years, but aims to consolidate its expansion into the region through its new Helsinki office.

‘The Finnish, industry, although young, is rapidly emerging and will benefit from the presence of an international VC such as Merlin to help build and sustain solid biotech businesses,' said Mark Clement, general partner at Merlin.

‘We are excited to note the emergence of several sustainable and globally competitive companies and feel this is the right time to come forward and help the industry to the critical commercial exploitation stage.' he added.

‘Merlin is uniquely placed to assist Finnish biotech companies,' Santasalo added. ‘Their operational experience and credibility with mature pharmaceutical companies will be pivotal to getting Finnish biotech internationally accepted. The partnership of Merlin's strength through Europe and the US, together with local financial backers will also help to attract international investors and experienced managers.'

Merlin has invested in 26 European biotechnology companies since 1997. The firm is currently raising its third fund and manages E400m of equity capital.

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