Did You Know that, according to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, only eleven lawyers in CEE have worked on four or more reported Energy/Natural Resources deals in CEE since March 1, 2022?

Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised the European Innovation Council on leading a EUR 2.5 million investment round in Transmetrics. Dinova Rusev & Partners reportedly advised Transmetrics.

Gugushev & Partners has advised Alfastar Ventures on the registration of a Bulgarian EuVECA alternative investment funds manager.

On March 23, 2023, Tabakov, Tabakova and Partners announced that Delta Foods’ sale of the United Milk Company in Bulgaria to Tyrbul (reported by CEE Legal Matters on September 7, 2022) had closed.

Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised Bianor Holding on its acquisition of the Itido Technologies and Databreathe software companies in Bulgaria.

CMS Sofia has successfully represented Xylem in settling a dispute with a Bulgarian hydropower producer before the ICC International Court of Arbitration.

Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised lender DSK Bank on the EUR 4 million and BGN 3.5 million term facilities agreement with Terra Tour Service for the rebranding of some of its hotels to Hyatt brands.

Contributed by Schoenherr.

Former Senior Associates Martin Zahariev and Encho Simeonov have been promoted to Partner at Dimitrov Petrov & Co starting March 1, 2023.

Bulgaria has seen its Eurozone and Schengen admission dates pushed back by at least a year, while political instability and frequent elections remain the norm. Still, there is room to hope for better times, according to Hristov & Partners Partner Pavel Hristov, mostly thanks to the vibrant IT, transportation, and logistics sectors.

Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised SAT Health on its acquisition of the Home Medic – Home for Medical Center. Schoenherr reportedly advised seller Danail Danilov.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and stay up to date with the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas. 

In “The Corner Office” we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With a rough year drawing to a close, and market uncertainties running high, the question this time: If you had a million dollars, what would you invest it in today?

In recent years, online platforms have become crucial for individuals and small businesses, providing them with enhanced capabilities to interact, purchase and organize due to the data sharing among all market participants. However, many of these platforms have become quasi-monopolies and engage in anticompetitive conduct against their small-business counterparts, leading to calls for regulation from both theoreticians and EU institutions. The P2B Regulation aims to protect business users of online intermediation services by promoting fairness and transparency.

Molson Coors Beverage Company's former CEE Region Legal and Corporate Affairs Director Anton Karlov has been appointed Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer, EMEA APAC Division within the company.

The latest amendments to the Bulgarian Spatial Development Act introducing the simplified procedure for constructing photovoltaic systems on rooftops entered into force on 20 January 2023, easing the regime for the installation of small power plants.

On January 25, 2023, was promulgated an Act to Amend and Supplement the Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act (“AAS the LMLMA”), adopted by the 48th National Assembly on January 19, 2023. The changes concern the conditions for entry and residence of citizens of countries outside the European Union (“EU”) on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for the purposes of highly qualified employment, as well as the procedure for issuing a long-term residence and work permit of the “European Union Blue Card” type, which is regulated by the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (“FRBA”) and the regulations for its application.

Wolf Theiss has advised the IFC on its acquisition of a minority stake in Vienna Insurance Group-owned pension assurance company Doverie.