HELSINKI -- In its ruling issued this week, the Helsinki District Court dismissed Metsähallitus' claim for damages against Stora Enso Oyj, Metsäliitto Cooperative and UPM-Kymmene Oyj. The claim was based on the competition infringement found by the Finnish Market Court in its decision on 3 December 2009.

According to Metsähallitus' claim, the companies had caused damage to Metsähallitus through the competition infringement found by the Market Court in its decision on 3 December 2009. According to Metsähallitus, the companies had purchased roundwood from Metsähallitus below market prices during 1997-2005.

Originally in 2011, Metsähallitus was claiming compensation for damage in a capital amount of Euro 282.5 million. The claim was reduced during the legal proceedings to Euro 159.4 million, of which approximately Euro 87.2 million were based on roundwood transactions between Metsähallitus and Stora Enso.

Stora Enso considers the ruling by the District Court to be correct, and denies that Metsähallitus suffered any damages.

UPM said it agrees with the District Court ruling. UPM maintains that it has not caused the alleged damage to Metsähallitus. Metsähallitus may appeal the District Court judgment to the Court of Appeal.