Satu’s primary research interest relates to the dynamics of strategic change that she has explored particularly through the example of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Private Equity Buyouts. Her focus is on the change, human and cultural dynamics therein. She is also intrigued by the qualitative methods involved in the study of such complex change initiatives. Her research has focused on the Nordic multinationals' acquisition experience and European private equity players's governance practices. Beyond M&As, Satu's secondary research interest relates to employee engagement in today's work contexts.

Satu is co-editor of the Handbook on M&A with Oxford University Press (2012); a first to combine financial, strategic and sociocultural perspectives to M&A. Satu's research on the management of M&As features e.g. in the Journal of Management (2012), British Journal of Management (2006), Human Resource Management (2011), Scandinavian Journal of Management (2012) and Management International Review (2014). Satu chairs a track on M&As at the European Academy of Management and European Group of Organization Studies annual conferences.