CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
Did You Know that, according to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, Paksoy Partner Elvan Aziz and Turunc Partner Kerem Turunc have both worked on 36 reported deals in Turkey since 2013, putting them in a two-way tie atop the leaderboard in the country in that time?
Schoenherr, working with Pinsent Masons and Wenger Vieli, has advised Kontron on selling parts of Kontron Group’s IT services business to Vinci Energies during a competitive auction process, for approximately EUR 400 million. Reportedly, Baker McKenzie’s German office advised Vinci Energies. Loloci & Associates advised Kontron on Albanian matters.
Sustainability has been defined by the United Nations as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" and, in a corporate context, it refers to a company's overall approach to managing a wide range of environmental, social, and governance risks and issues. Sustainability and ESG are increasingly becoming part of companies' board agenda, understood by companies through a regulatory, compliance, and risk management lens, and seen as inextricably linked with a green light to operate. Companies engage in ESG not only to “do good,” but also due to a growing recognition that taking a robust approach to managing these issues can mitigate risk and provide benefits such as enhanced consumer trust and loyalty, ability to attract talent, ability to meet stakeholder expectations and improve the company’s resilience, and profitability over the long term.
Gide Loyrette Nouel’s Warsaw office has advised subsidiaries of KGHM International on the sale of their shares in Sociedad Contractual Minera Franke – which owns the Franke mine in Chile – to Minera Las Cenizas. Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uria reportedly advised the buyer.
Esin Attorney Partnership and Baker McKenzie have advised the board, principal shareholders, and equity investor Invus on the sale of Airties to Providence Equity Partners. Gedik & Eraksoy and Allen & Overy advised the buyer. YC Law and DLA Piper reportedly also advised the seller.
On July 4, DLA Piper announced that Echo Investment’s EUR 56 million sale of three office buildings within its mixed-use Fuzja revitalization project in Lodz to German investment manager KGAL Group (reported by CEE Legal Matters on January 28, 2022) had closed.
Greenberg Traurig and Baker McKenzie have advised Echo Investment on the sale of the MidPoint 71 office building in Wroclaw to the Trigea Real Estate Fund.
With Baker McKenzie’s Budapest office celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, we spoke with Partners Zoltan Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Akos Fehervary to learn more about the firm’s track record in the country as well as what we can expect with the former passing on the Managing Partner role to the latter this July.
On June 30, 2022, CEE Legal Matters hosted the fifth edition of the CEELM Budapest Law Firm Bowling Challenge: A competition of four-person teams from leading law firms in Hungary, with all proceeds going to the previous winner’s charity of choice. A total of 13 law firms competed for the trophy – and the bragging rights that go along with it.
Baker McKenzie has advised Argo-Hytos Group owners Christian Kienzle and FSP Capcellence on selling a 79.5% stake in Argo-Hytos to the Voith Group.
ODI Law has advised NeoGames on the acquisition of Aspire Global through a recommended public offer. Reportedly, Latham & Watkins, Herzog Fox & Neeman, Hannes Snellman, Allen & Overy, and Camilleri Preziosi advised NeoGames as well. Baker McKenzie reportedly advised Aspire Global.
DLA Piper has advised the Avallon MBO Fund II and the Genesis Private Equity Fund III on their sale of Stangl Technik Holding to Spie Central Europe. Baker McKenzie advised the buyer.
An important case before the ECJ that could have major legislative implications for Austria, a draft law regulating whistleblowing, and a major data center acquisition – the hottest topics in Austria right now, according to Baker McKenzie Partner Lukas Feiler.
Baker McKenzie has advised AGIC Capital on its acquisition of a majority stake in Grafotronic and its subsidiaries. Setterwalls advised Grafotronic's shareholders.
Baker McKenzie has advised Palfinger on establishing its European Works Council. Babic & Partners, Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen, and Jadek & Pensa advised Palfinger on Croatian, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Slovenian law-related matters, respectively. Bech-Bruun, Arntzen de Besche, and PBBR reportedly advised on Danish, Norwegian, and Portuguese law-related matters.
Schoenherr has advised the sellers on the sale of ARZ Allgemeines Rechenzentrum to Accenture. Baker McKenzie advised the buyer.
Malecki Legal has advised Brand New Galaxy on its sale to Stagwell. Baker McKenzie advised Stagwell on the acquisition. Reportedly, Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak, Loyens & Loeff, Benvalor, Al Tamimi & Company, and Baker Hostetler advised Brand New Galaxy as well.
In recent years, innovative Hungarian companies are increasingly attracting foreign professional and financial investors who seek their state-of-the-art products and services.
Baker McKenzie brings insight and foresight to clients across more than 70 global offices. Our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 lawyers, works alongside our clients to drive growth that is both sustainable – and inclusive. The global business community is more interconnected than ever before. Opportunities and risks spill across different markets, sectors and areas of law, so a connected perspective is essential in delivering business objectives while mitigating risk. Our integrated client solutions provide seamless advice, underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge.
In the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, Baker McKenzie's expansion remains steadfast, with a thriving team of over legal professionals. Our footprint extends across six offices in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Türkiye, and Ukraine. As part of our global network, coupled with well-established partnerships throughout the entire CEE landscape, we proudly stand as one of the foremost international law firms in this dynamic territory. Our reputation as a premier business law firm in CEE is a testament to our extensive experience in advising on a multitude of prestigious projects and nurturing enduring client relationships.