Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on Foreign Subsidies (the "FSR") aims to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies in the single market. In this part of our FSR Insight Series, we explain the fundamental notion of what constitutes a "foreign subsidy" within the meaning of the FSR. You will find a basic definition in Article 3 FSR, with some further considerations in recitals 11 to 16 of the Regulation.

CEELM: First, congratulations on winning the Deal of the Year award in Austria!

The Austrian real estate market has been characterized by steady growth over the last decade, driven by a strong economy, low-interest rates, and increasing demand from both local and foreign buyers. 

Alexey Amvrosov, Lead Counsel for IBM Consulting in CEE, based in Vienna, highlights the soft skills that will differentiate successful legal leaders from those less so.

Herbst Kinsky has advised Lifetree Asset Management – Froots – on its second financing round which saw Gregor Schlierenzauer and Ronald Holzmann join existing investors Georg Kapsch, Andreas Treichl, Gina Goess, and Reinhold Baudisch, with the company raising over one million euros. 

On May 22, 2023, CEE Legal Matters reported that Wolf Theiss, working with Milbank, had advised the initial purchasers and lenders on Salzburg-based Benteler Group’s capital market debut issuance and loans amounting to over EUR 2 billion. CEELM reached out to Wolf Theiss Partner Matthias Schimka to learn more about the matter.

E+H has advised EcoWind on the sale of the Steinberger Alpe wind farm and the Soboth wind turbine to Kelag in an international bidding process.

Taylor Wessing has advised wind energy technology company SkySpecs on the acquisition of i4SEE.

Cerha Hempel has advised OMV on the sale of its Avanti-branded service stations in Germany to PKN Orlen Group's Orlen Deutschland.

Former PwC Legal Attorney at Law Simon Baier has launched the eponymous SHB Law Office Simon Harald Baier.

Rautner Rechtsanwaelte has advised Gugelsolar GesmbH and Erste Bank on their construction and financing of the Sonnenfeld Pellendorf agri-photovoltaic system as an addition to the existing Gugelberg wind farm.

Binder Groesswang, working with Willkie Farr & Gallagher, has advised PAI Partners on its acquisition of NovaTaste – formerly the Savory Solutions Group – from International Flavors & Fragrances. Cerha Hempel, working with Cleary Gottlieb, advised the seller.

Contributed by Act Legal WMWP Rechtsanwalte.

Fieldfisher opened an office in Vienna on June 1 with former SCWP Schindhelm Partners and by integrating Meissner & Passin.

Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market (the "FSR") will become applicable this year on 12 July and 12 October (for M&A notifications) respectively.

Wolf Theiss has advised Erste Group Bank on WG Projektiranje’s sale of the Velenjka shopping center in Velenje, Slovenia, to Velenjka doo. The Ptuj-based Mayr law firm reportedly advised the buyer.

EPS (Elektroprivreda Srbije) seeks a strategic partner to design, build, fund, operate and maintain at least 5 new solar power plants.

Former Partner Dominik Zimm has been elevated to an Equity Partner position at DSC Doralt Seist Csoklich.