CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
Greenberg Traurig has advised Cyfrowy Polsat on the issuance of sustainability-linked series E bonds with an aggregate nominal value of PLN 820 million. Baker McKenzie advised the Trigon Brokerage House, Bank Pekao, and Santander Bank Polska on managing the issuance.
On 12 September 2023, the President of Ukraine signed Law No. 5431 "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine to Improve the Activities of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine" ("Law"), which launches a reform of Ukrainian competition law. The Law will enter into force on 1 January 2024.
Tomas Skoumal has been elected as the new Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie’s Prague office, taking over from Martin Hrodek.
On 16 September 2023 the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Procedure for Payment of Fees for Actions Related to the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" ("Resolution") will enter into force. The Resolution introduces new fees, provides additional reductions and clarifies existing ones.
Schoenherr has advised Aldiana Management on its purchase of the Aldiana Club Ampflwang resort in Upper Austria. Baker McKenzie reportedly advised the sellers.
Gide has advised the Enterprise Investors Fund IX on its minority investment in Polish precision radar and anti-drone systems company Advanced Protection Systems Inc. Baker McKenzie advised APS and its shareholders.
Baker McKenzie has advised Innova Capital on the facilities agreement with mBank and BNP Paribas Bank Polska to support the fund’s investment in R-GOL. CMS reportedly advised the banks.
Boyanov & Co, working with the Stockholm and Washington offices of Baker McKenzie, has advised Finland's Tietoevry on the acquisition of US-based digital engineering company MentorMate. Ballard Spahr advised the Taylor Corporation on the sale.
Hengeler Mueller has advised Muhr und Bender on the acquisition of RUAG International Holding’s aerostructures activities in Oberpfaffenhofen and Eger. Baker McKenzie, and reportedly Pestalozzi, advised RUAG International Holding. Reportedly, Lakatos, Koves & Partners and Novalex advised Muhr und Bender as well.
The Court of Justice’s strike on protectionism in favor of ‘strategic companies’ in the Member States.
Former Counsels Oleksiy Stolyarenko and Andrii Moskalyk have been appointed as Partners with Baker McKenzie in Kyiv on July 1, 2023.
On June 30, 2023, Schoenherr announced that OMV’s sale of OMV Slovenija to MOL (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on June 17, 2021) had closed.
Notwithstanding the ongoing war, the Ukrainian banking and financial services industry continues to operate without interruptions and shows great resilience and stability. Ukrainian legislation continues to develop at the same time, bringing the standards of banking and financial services closer to the EU requirements.
On 22 June 2023, the Law of Ukraine on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Optimizing the Operations of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, Increasing the Effectiveness of State Property Management and Improving the Effectiveness of Sanctions Policy ("Law") became effective.
With effect from 16 May 2023, Ukrainian borrowers are allowed to make payments from Ukraine abroad to repay and service certain
cross-border loans from foreign lenders. This applies to the loans that are:
The laws of Ukraine define force majeure as an extraordinary and unpreventable event, man-made or act of God, which objectively makes impossible the performance of contractual obligation(s) by one or both parties to a contract. Force majeure exempts a non-performing party from liability (penalties) for breach of contractual duty if caused by force majeure rather than from the performance of contractual obligations.
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?
At the end of March, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (the "AMC") published its Annual Report for 2022 (the "Report").
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.