In our Looking In series, we talk to Partners from outside CEE who are keeping an eye on the region (and often pop up in our deal lists) to learn how they perceive CEE markets and their evolution. For this issue, we sat down with Reed Smith Partner Kevin-Paul Deveau.

The Slovak Republic’s amendment to the Whistleblowers Protection Act widens the scope of protection, shortens deadlines, and increases fines for non-compliance. Most provisions took effect on July 1, 2023, with some coming in on September 1, 2023.

In January 2023, a new directive on measures to ensure a high common level of cybersecurity in the Union (the "NIS 2 Directive") entered into force, and is to be transposed by 17 October 2024.

The new law (Act No. 309/2023 Coll.) introduces a new comprehensive regulation of national and cross-border transformations of commercial companies and cooperatives in a special law. Most of the provisions will enter into force on 1 March 2024.

Kinstellar has advised Siemens Mobility on its acquisition of Slovak railway security solutions company HMH. Havel & Partners reportedly advised the seller.

Greenwashing is an umbrella term for misleading environmental claims. A claim is any promotional communication that can be communicated in advertisements, marketing materials, product manuals, prospectuses for investors, recruitments ads, annual reports, on packaging or brands themselves.

Kinstellar, working with Veil Jourde, has advised Jacquet Metals on its acquisition of several distribution companies from the Swiss Steel Group. Niederer Kraft Frey and Roedl & Partner reportedly advised the Swiss Steel Group.

Former HKV Partner Lukas Michalik has opened up a new law firm in Slovakia: Ments. Joining Michalik at Ments is Partner Peter Makys, another former HKV lawyer.

MCL has advised Reinoo and V6 on the sale of NordCity Postova building in Zilina, Slovakia to Erste Asset Management.

CMS has advised Naftogaz Slovakia – the local subsidiary of the national gas company of Ukraine – on securing a natural gas trading license in Bulgaria.

WKB Lawyers, working alongside Norway-based Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm, has advised Orkla on the sale of a 40% stake in Orkla Food Ingredients to Rhone. Norway's Thommessen reportedly advised Rhone.

Kinstellar, working with Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, has advised Ingersoll Rand on the full acquisition of Slovakia's Oxywise. GHS Legal advised the sellers.

Majernik & Mihalikova has advised Blockmate on its EUR 1.5 million seed round led by Erste's Seed Starter with the participation of various Slovak and foreign VC funds. Havel & Partners reportedly advised Seed Starter.

Schoenherr has advised the BHM Group on the share-deal acquisition of the Trencin Industrial Park in Slovakia and related financing. Kinstellar advised the Nova Real Estate investment fund on the sale.

JSK and Majernik & Mihalikova have advised the Genesis Private Equity Fund IV on its investment in the PFX visual effects, advertising, animation, and post-production studio based in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Peyton Legal reportedly advised PFX.

The relationship between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is forged on a shared history and close economic ties. As the two countries maintain strong trade relations and extensive cross-border business activities, legal firms have recognized the need to establish a presence in both jurisdictions. Havel & Partners Managing Partner Jaroslav Havel, BPV Braun Partners Managing Partner Arthur Braun, and Eversheds Sutherland Managing Partner Bernhard Hager talk about the ties that bind the two legal landscapes.

Despite concerns over automotive suppliers relocating due to geopolitical tensions, the automotive sector in Slovakia has remained resilient. The sector continues to be the backbone of the economy, with tax revenues and employment surpassing other industries, although challenges do exist. Ruzicka & Partners Managing Partner Jaroslav Ruzicka, Wolf Theiss Counsel and Head of Corporate/M&A Bruno Stefanik, and Cechova & Partners Head of Automotive Practice Michal Simunic take a closer look at the status of the sector.

An in-depth look at Lucia Raimanova of Allen & Overy covering her career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about her as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.