Bird & Bird advises Patria on the acquisition of ILIAS Solutions

The transaction strengthens Patria’s position as a frontrunner in the digitalisation of defence systems across Europe. By integrating ILIAS’s software platform into Patria’s OPTIME service concept, the company will offer its customers enhanced fleet visibility, smarter maintenance solutions, and data flows that support faster decision-making.

Pekka Ruutu, member of Patria’s Executive Committee, commented: “This acquisition marks a strategic milestone for Patria and is a significant step toward our goal of becoming a leader in defence system digitalisation. Bird & Bird’s deep industry expertise and seamless handling of complex cross-border transactions played a crucial role in the successful completion of the deal.”

Bird & Bird’s international team provided legal support throughout the transaction process, which involved multiple jurisdictions and regulatory approvals.

Mikko Ahonen, Partner at Bird & Bird, added: “This was a demanding, multi-jurisdictional transaction that required careful consideration of both defence sector specifics and regulatory frameworks across countries. We are proud to have contributed to a deal that advances the digitalisation of European defence.”

Bird & Bird’s core team included Mikko Ahonen, Ville Alahuhta, Riikka Aarikka, Matti Kuokkanen, and Rondy Stenman from Finland; Paul Hermant, Anne Federle, Diego Lambrecht, Robert Mooijekind, Pierre-Raphaël Verbays, Claire De Neve, Kevin Munungu Lungungu, Inès Vermeiren, Anke Istace, Mathias Morissens, and Álvaro López de Ochoa García from Belgium; Brian Mulier, Goran Danilovic, Dick Ignacio, Jephta Zantinge, and Julia Barańska from the Netherlands; Magnus Pedersen and Stefan Brkic from Denmark; and Jai Clark from Australia.