Mika Anttonen made a new million-dollar investment in Vierumäki, the billionaire has already invested more than 50 million euros in the sports college

Energy company Billionaire owner of St1 Mika Anttonen has once again invested a huge sum in the development of Finnish exercise and sports.

Keele Oy, owned by Anttonen, 59, has bought Kaskela, the historic main building located at the Vierumäki sports college, and plans to invest an estimated 17 million euros in its renovation.

“When talking about the Vierumäki sports college, this exercise will now cost my company 17 million euros more,” Anttonen says.

“However, it doesn’t matter. This is also an important project.”

In a recent real estate transaction, the seller was Suomen Urheiluopiston Kannatusosakeyhtiö (SUK).

“Repairing the iconic Kaskela is a significant cultural-historical act and the last major step in finally getting Vierumäki’s infrastructure to meet today’s demand,” Anttonen reasons.

Keele has been the main owner of Vierumäki companies since 2018. It largely owns the Finnish Sports Institute, Vierumäki Sports Oy and Vierumäki Infra.

Keele’s focus is on real estate development, business development of Vierumäki companies.

“The internal transaction was made so that all players in Vierumäki can maintain their own profiles. SUK can now better focus on the development of Finnish sports, since the Kaskela property is not burdening its balance sheet,” Anttonen says.

“Keele, on the other hand, is responsible for the management of Vierumäki’s properties and land areas. Through this, the company provides good conditions for the sports college’s operations.”

IS has previously said that Anttonen has invested as much as 35–40 million euros in Vierumäki over the years. With the now planned renovation, the billionaire’s total investment in Vierumäki is already 50–55 million euros.

“I don’t know the exact amount, I haven’t calculated it,” says Anttonen.

“In any case, it’s about 50 million euros. A big sum, but it goes to a good cause.”

In 1937 completed Kaskela represents functionalist architecture and is a central part of the built environment of the Finnish Sports Academy. The building, protected by the Building Protection Act, is considered one of the architectural cornerstones of the Vierumäki area.

After the renovation, Kaskela contains both university and hotel-level accommodation capacity. Restaurant operations are also planned for the building.

“We want to offer decent accommodation for students, camping children and young people, as well as other customers – and specifically at an affordable price,” Anttonen underlines.

“The renovated building also serves corporate and meeting customers.”

If the processing of the building permit proceeds as planned, the renovation of the weak building is scheduled to start in the summer.

The Finnish Sports Institute will celebrate its centenary next year.

“The goal is for the renovated building to be handed over for the summer season of 2028,” Anttonen states.

Energiapomo extensively supports Finnish sports. For example, St1, which he owns, has been one of the main sponsors of the Ski Association since 2001.