Aatos Erkko

Aatos Juho Michel Erkko (16 September 1932^[1] – 5 May 2012^[2]) was a Finnish journalist and the main owner of Sanoma Corporation and the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper.^[3]

According to Helsingin Sanomat for years on end Aatos Erkko was the wealthiest man in Finland.^[4] He controlled directly or indirectly 23.29% of the Sanoma Corporation shares,^[5] amounting to more than 453 million euros at the current trading price (29 July 2009).^[6]

Family

Aatos and Jane Erkko married in 1959, but did not have any children.^[4]

Mr. Eljas Erkko

His father was the politician and journalist Eljas Erkko, and his mother was the English-born Eugenia Violet Sutcliffe.^[3] Erkko's grandfather Eero Erkko was also a journalist and politician, best remembered as the founder of Helsingin Sanomat.

Education

He had a Master of Science degree in Journalism from the Columbia College of Columbia University.^[3]

Sanoma

Sanoma made initial public offering (IPO) or stock market launch during Aatos Erkko time. The international journalism was also important. Sanoma has own education school and several own reporters abroad, e.g. Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Britain, Italy, France, USA, China and India.^[7]

Wealth

Aatos Erkko was the largest single owner of Finland's largest media concern, holding just over 23% of the Sanoma stock. As one of the key part of Sanoma, Helsingin Sanomat is the largest newspaper by circulation in the entire Nordic region. The value of his assets were in 2012 estimated as of €600 million. Ca €300 million is in international securities managed by an investment company registered in Switzerland.^[4]

Donations

Aatos Erkko gave once donation of EUR 2.9 million to the University of Helsinki for the establishment of a professorship.^[8]

Donations included an expensive equipment bought for the Helsinki University Central Hospital and large support for the Nature Center of the Nuuksio National Park.

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

Nuuksio National Park

The million euros funding from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation for the Nature Centre Haltia at Nuuksio will enable ecological features to be incorporated into the centre’s design. Innovative ways to exploit solar energy and thermal energy from the ground will make the centre 75% self-sufficient in terms of heating, and its cooling system will be 100% self-sufficient. The centre is due to be completed by January 2013. It will present the best of Finland’s natural features and biodiversity, and enable people living in or visiting the Helsinki area to get perspectives on the natural wonders of the whole country.^[9][10][11]

Medicine

Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation gave 415,000 € for child disase diagnostics in 2011.^[12]

References

1. ^ Kuka kukin on. Who’s Who in Finland, pp. 115. Otava, 2001, ISBN 951-1-17007-4.
2. ^ "Aatos Erkko on kuollut". YLE. http://yle.fi/uutiset/hs_aatos_erkko_on_kuollut/6084611. Retrieved 7 May 2012. 
3. ^ ^{a b c} Eduskunta.fi on Eljas Erkko
4. ^ ^{a b c} Division of Erkko's estate could bring a new ruler to Sanoma HS 8.5.2012
5. ^ "Largest Shareholders". Sanoma Corporation. http://www.sanoma.com/content.aspx?f=2475&l=3. Retrieved 29 July 2009. 
6. ^ "Share Facts". Sanoma Corporation. http://www.sanoma.com/content.aspx?f=2193&l=3. Retrieved 29 July 2009. 
7. ^ HS: Aatos Erkko on kuollut yle 7.5.2012
8. ^ Aatos Erkko remembered in Finland and abroad Sanoma 10.5.2012
9. ^ Additional funding – and a name – for the future Finnish Nature Centre at Nuuksio Metsähallitus 1.7. 2011
10. ^ Nuuksion luontokeskus sai miljoonalahjoituksen HS 28.6.2011
11. ^ The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia – featuring Finland’s natural treasures under the same roof Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services 6 March 2012
12. ^ Tehoa lasten mitokondriosairauksien diagnosointiin 27.5.2011 University of Helsinki

See also

• Bilderberg Group
• Trilateral Commission