CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
BPV Huegel has advised RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria Aktiengesellschaft on the sale of its stake in Austria Junice to Agrana Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft. Schoenherr advised Agrana.
On 17 March 2025, a new Regulation of the Moldovan Competition Council (the "MCC") on Economic Concentrations (the "New EC Regulation") entered into force in Moldova (as secondary legislation). It introduces several key changes aimed at enhancing the enforcement of competition legislation and increasing transparency. The New EC Regulation transposes several European Union regulations, including the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/914 of 20 April 2023 and the Commission Notice on a simplified treatment for certain concentrations 2023/C 160/01.
Schoenherr has advised Perpetual Growth on its partnership with Prewave. Act Legal reportedly advised Prewave.
New amendments were implemented to the Hungarian Competition Act in 2024 and early 2025. Merger control proceedings increased by almost a third in 2024 compared to the previous year. The enforcement activity of the Hungarian Competition Authority (HCA) was also noteworthy, with the Hungarian watchdog imposing more fines for competition infringements than in the previous year, especially in cartel cases. In this article we explore recent legislative changes and enforcement trends, while highlighting what companies can expect for the rest of 2025.
According to a preliminary legislative notice issued by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic and published on 15 May 2025, the Ministry is preparing a draft law on pay transparency.
In recent years, Bulgaria has increasingly prioritized the development of energy storage infrastructure as part of its broader transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. With growing renewable energy capacity, particularly from solar and wind sources, the need for efficient storage solutions has become critical to balancing supply and demand.
Schoenherr has advised the shareholder of MyBestPharm on the sale to Laboratoires Urgo Healthcare. DLA Piper reportedly advised the buyers.
On 22 April 2025, Law No. 66/2025 on combating delayed performance of payment obligations in contracts between professionals or between professionals and public authorities was published ("Law No. 66").
Majernik & Mihalikova has advised Atlas Holdings on the acquisition of Rehau Automotive’s local entities in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Schoenherr reportedly advised Rehau Automotive.
Schoenherr has successfully advised Stadtwerke Klagenfurt on the environmental impact assessment declaration proceedings for the Alpen-Adria-Sportbad.
Schoenherr, working with Kirkland & Ellis, has advised Hellman & Friedman on its joint investment with CVC in Mehilainen.
BPV Huegel has advised RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria Handel und Vermoegensverwaltung eGen and its acquisition holding on the financing and completion of the purchase of approximately 47.53% of RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria AG shares from BayWa AG for EUR 176 million. Schoenherr advised RBI as the financing bank. FPS Fritze Wicke Seeling reportedly advised RWA eGen as well. Jones Day's Munich office reportedly advised BayWa AG.
In December 2024, Poland adopted new regulations on civil protection and civil defence. It is important to note that these regulations continue the European-wide trend of reviewing national security situations and preparing for defence (the regulation entered into force on 1 January 2025).
Schoenherr has advised the Hungarian subsidiary of Bonduelle on its lease agreement with GTC for their new office in Budapest.
Schoenherr, working with Macfarlanes, has advised the owners of Zoerkler on its sale to MiddleGround Capital.
Schoenherr has advised healthcare provider Mavie Next and its shareholder Mavie Holding, both part of the UNIQA Group, on Raiffeisen-Holding Niederosterreich-Wien’s planned investment of around EUR 100 million in Mavie Next. Dorda and BPV Huegel advised Raiffeisen-Holding NO-Wien. Heuking Kuehn Lueer Wojtek and Wardynski & Partners reportedly advised Raiffeisen-Holding NO-Wien as well.
Schoenherr has advised Alstom Transport as consortium lead in securing and finalizing a EUR 720 million tender for the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications to supply 35 interregional electric trains along with 15 years of maintenance services.
Schoenherr has advised Skechers on lease agreements for two retail locations in Warsaw.
Schoenherr is a leading full-service law firm providing local and international companies stellar advice that is straight to the point. With 15 offices and 4 country desks Schoenherr has a firm footprint in Central and Eastern Europe. Our lawyers are recognised leaders in their specialised areas and have a track record of getting deals done with a can-do, solution-oriented approach. Quality, flexibility, innovation and practical problem-solving in complex commercial mandates are at the core of our philosophy.
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