This article examines the possibility of challenging Zonal Urban Plans (PUZ) in administrative litigation in light of Decision No. 12/2021 of the Romanian High Court of Cassation and Justice, which classified PUZs as normative administrative acts. It analyses the legal implications of the legislative amendment introduced by Law No. 151/2019, which expressly established a five-year statute of limitations for challenging PUZs.

The Hungarian Competition Authority (HCA) has recently adopted a decision in a repeated competition supervision proceeding concerning coordinated practices in public procurement procedures for diagnostic medical imaging devices in 2015. The proceeding was originally initiated in 2016. In its new decision, the HCA concluded that the undertakings involved coordinated their market behaviour infringing the prohibition on unfair market practices. The objective of their restrictive agreements was to pre-arrange the allocation of tenders in the affected procurements.

Wolf Theiss has advised Visma on its acquisition of Digital Keez.

Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners and Havel & Partners have advised Czech industrial group MTX Group on its acquisition of Croatian company Omial Novi from Swiss-based Aluflexpack Group. Wolf Theiss, working with Willkie Farr & Gallagher, advised Aluflexpack.

Wolf Theiss, working with Kirkland & Ellis, has advised Advent International on its acquisition of a 70% stake in Reckitt’s Essential Home portfolio, valuing the business at up to USD 4.8 billion. Slaughter and May reportedly advised Reckitt.

Schoenherr has advised Palfinger on the successful placement of 2,826,516 treasury shares, raising gross proceeds of over EUR 100 million through an accelerated private placement with institutional investors. Wolf Theiss, working with Clifford Chance, advised joint bookrunners BofA Securities Europe SA and UniCredit Bank.

Clifford Chance has advised Ceskoslovenska Obchodni Banka, alongside Raiffeisenbank, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, and the Prague branch of Vseobecna Uverova Banka, on the club financing of Ceska Posta's existing indebtedness and ongoing business needs. Havel & Partners and Wolf Theiss reportedly advised on the financing as well.

Wolf Theiss has advised the founder of Genesis College on an investment from Mozaik Investments. Filip & Company advised Mozaik Investments.

Wolf Theiss has advised Raiffeisen Bank International on a non-recourse project financing facility to support the development of three photovoltaic power plants in Bulgaria.

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 keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, regulatory expectations are becoming increasingly complex. While transitional periods may offer a degree of flexibility, the pace of regulatory change demands continuous attention from market players and dedicated resources to maintain compliance and achieve long-term operational resilience.

With the adoption of the Amendment and Supplement to the Investment Promotion Act (the “FDI Act”) in March 2024, along with the publication in the State Gazette of the long-awaited secondary legislation – the Amendment and Supplement to the Rules on the Implementation of the Investment Promotion Act (the “Rules”) –on 22 July 2025, the FDI screening regime became applicable in Bulgaria. Transactions by foreign investors in the areas outlined in the law, above the set thresholds, would need to obtain FDI approval before closing.

Wolf Theiss has advised Chatlyn on its EUR 8 million series A financing round led by London-based private equity firm Smedvig Ventures. Brandl Talos advised Smedvig Ventures.

Wolf Theiss has advised INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund on its acquisition and financing of a majority stake in Pehart Group from Abris Capital Partners. Andronic and Partners advised the management of Pehart Group. RTPR advised Abris Capital Partners.

Wolf Theiss has advised Metso on its acquisition of a production facility in Oradea, Romania, from EMSIL Techtrans. Maxim Associates advised the sellers.

Wolf Theiss has advised Sibelco Group on its acquisition of Envy Recycling, SPL Recycling, SPL Servis, and CEEK.

Fieldfisher has advised Lyten on its acquisition of Northvolt Dwa ESS. Wolf Theiss advised Northvolt.

Wolf Theiss, working with Arendt, has advised Studenac on securing a EUR 300 million loan facility from a consortium of banks led by Bank Pekao and including Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen, OTP Banka, Zagrebacka Banka, and OTP Bank Plc Hungary. DTB and Clifford Chance advised the financial institutions.