As Lexpo – The Legal Innovation Event returns in 2023 after a three-year hiatus, showcasing the latest trends in legal innovation in Continental Europe, CEELM spoke with Dentons Europe Director of Innovation and Member of Lexpo's Advisory Board Andrea Miskolczi to gain an insight into the current state of technology and innovation in CEE, and what the event's attendees have to look forward to.

Former Allen & Overy Counsel Katarina Matulnikova has been appointed as the new Managing Partner and Head of the Employment team at Wolf Theiss in Bratislava. She takes over from Jitka Logesova, who had held the position since 2019.

Noerr has advised Saint-Gobain on its acquisition of plasters, paints, and coatings producer Revco Hungary. CEE Attorneys advised the sellers.

When the Russian military launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) responded immediately by amending their legal framework to provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees. These neighboring nations not only provided immediate humanitarian help, but also changed their immigration law to allow Ukrainian refugees to work and live in their country.

On 1 March 2023, the Act on Screening of Foreign Investments entered into force. It introduces a comprehensive screening mechanism for foreign investments in the Slovak Republic.

Prague-based Attorneys Tomas Bures and Jan Varecha and Bratislava-based Attorney Eva Hromadkova have been appointed as Associate Partners at PRK Partners.

Amidst a wave of reorganizations and restructurings in the country, new businesses are looking to enter Slovakia – but have to face its new FDI screening mechanism. Despite the slight economic downturn, there is yet reason to hope for better days, according to DLA Piper Country Managing Partner Michaela Stessl, especially given the prospects of the automotive sector.

Former Aldertree Legal Partner Vladimir Ivanco has joined the White & Case Prague office as a Counsel and Head of the Slovak Desk on March 1, 2023.

We guide you through the current overview of energy subsidy applications.

Dentons has advised HB Reavis on obtaining a EUR 475 million financing from Santander Bank Polska, Bank Pekao, Helaba, and Berlin Hyp for the development of the Varso Place building complex in Warsaw. DLA Piper reportedly advised the lenders.

Dentons has advised DRFG on its acquisition of the Ister II project company from the Galata Group. Nosko & Partners reportedly advised the seller.

Kocian Solc Balastik and PwC Slovakia have advised Sandberg Capital on its acquisition of a 70% stake in Phase.

Political uncertainty in Slovakia, with early elections likely to take place in September, has led to an overall slowdown of legislative work at the unfavorable time of a raging energy crisis, according to CMS Partner Sona Hankova.

Former Aldertree Legal Managing Partner Juraj Fuska has joined CMS’s Bratislava office as a Partner.

Baker McKenzie, Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka, and Marek Partners have advised the Migros Group and its start-up incubator Sparrow Ventures on their investment in Revendo. Baer & Karrer advised Revendo's founders.

Kocian Solc Balastik has advised J&T Agriculture and Ecology on its acquisition of 11 companies within Spearhead Czech and Spearhead Slovakia and the related acquisition financing by a banking group led by Komercni Banka. Clifford Chance advised the lenders.

Former Osborne Clarke CEO Simon Beswick has joined Kinstellar’s Board of Directors as a non-executive member.

Partner Stepan Starha has been elevated to an Equity Partner with Havel & Partners, while Lawyer Jiri Kunasek has been promoted to Partner.