Did You Know that 12 firms in Central and Eastern Europe worked on more than 16 client matters reported by CEE Legal Matters in the first half of the year? According to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, two firms worked on more than 40 client matters reported by CEE Legal Matters in the first six months of 2023: Schoenherr, which worked on 42, and Clifford Chance, which worked on 41.

Former Burai-Kovacs, Perlaki, Stanka, Szikla & Partners Managing Partner Gergely Stanka has joined Dentons in Hungary, along with a team of seven lawyers, as a Partner in the firm's Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and Arbitration practice on July 1, 2023.

Dentons and its Turkish affiliate Balcioglu Selcuk Ardiyok Keki have advised Papara on its acquisition of Rebellion from Beka Finance. Spain's Araoz & Rueda reportedly advised Beka Finance.

DLA Piper has advised ONDE on its sale of two photovoltaic power plants in Gizycko with a total capacity of 18 megawatts to Engie Zielona Energia in a share deal for all shares in Cyranka. Dentons advised Engie on the acquisition.

Clifford Chance has advised the underwriters of Hidroelectrica's RON 9.3 billion initial public offering. Filip & Company advised Fondul Proprietatea on the sale of its entire shareholding during the IPO. Dentons advised Hidroelectrica on the issuance and listing on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

RTPR has advised private equity fund Sarmis Capital on its acquisition of a majority stake in the BMF Grup facility management company. Dentons advised BMF Grup.

Below is a round-up of selected updates on developments in Europe of ESG regulations and policies. Please note that this list is not comprehensive and may not include all such developments that may be relevant to your business.

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) gradually continues to lift martial law limitations for cross-border borrowings.

Did You Know that a total of 11 law firms have worked on four or more reported Energy/Natural Resources deals in CEE so far this year? According to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, the leaderboard is led by Norton Rose Fulbright, which has worked on ten Energy/Natural Resources deals reported since January 1, 2023.

Dentons has advised the Republic of Lithuania on the issuance of EUR 1.25 billion 3.875% Notes due 2033, pursuant to the Republic of Lithuania's Euro Medium Term Note Program. Reportedly, TGS Baltic advised the Republic of Lithuania as well while Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Sorainen advised the underwriters.

Dentons has advised Lithuanian-headquartered energy company Ignitis Grupe on financing from MUFG Bank. Reportedly, TGS Baltic advised Ignitis Grupe as well.

Dentons advised Lithuanian-headquartered energy company Ignitis Grupe on financing from Citibank. Reportedly, TGS Baltic advised Ignitis Grupe as well.

Dentons has advised Farmak on a series of acquisitions from a portfolio company of private equity house Novator. 

Dentons and its Turkish affiliate Balcioglu Selcuk Ardiyok Keki Attorney Partnership have advised the lenders on a USD 201.5 million and EUR 353.4 million dual-currency loan to Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi.

CEELM: First, congratulations on winning the DOTY! Tell us a bit about the deal and your firm’s role in getting it across the finish line.

Hungary has traditionally been the go-to hub for filming in Continental Europe. DLA Piper Partner Monika Horvath and Dentons Partner Timea Bana talk about the evolution of Hungary’s film industry over the past decade and whether the country has maintained its position as the primary European filming destination.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. Keeping in mind last year’s complexities and the uncertainties ahead, this time we asked: Has your team shrunk or increased in the last 12 months and what are your expectations for 2023?

Dentons has advised HB Reavis on obtaining additional funds for the Forest office campus in Warsaw. The syndicate of lenders – Santander Bank Polska, BNP Paribas Bank Polska, Bank Pekao, and PKO Bank Polski – increased the existing loan from EUR 162 million to EUR 205 million. DLA Piper reportedly advised the banks.