CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
Kinstellar has advised Polon-Alfa on its recent financing from P Capital Partners. Clifford Chance advised P Capital Partners. Baker McKenzie reportedly advised Polon-Alfa as well.
Baker McKenzie has advised Georg Fischer on its acquisition of the VAG Group from Aurelius for approximately CHF 200 million. Latham & Watkins reportedly advised Aurelius.
Greenberg Traurig has advised Benefit Systems on its accelerated book building process for 280,000 Series H new-issue shares raising PLN 742 million (approximately EUR 173 million) with Jefferies, Santander Bank Polska – Santander Biuro Maklerskie, Banco Santander, and WOOD & Company Financial Services as the joint global coordinators. Baker McKenzie advised the joint global coordinators.
Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership have advised Sunset Hospitality Group on a financing round led by Goldman Sachs.
On 2 May 2025, the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Labor Code of Ukraine on Improving Legal Regulation of Certain Issues of Home-Based and Remote Work" dated 27 March 2025 No.4339-IX ("Law") entered into force.
In line with relevant European legislation, from 28 June 2025, new accessibility provisions will apply in Hungary to certain products and services, affecting a wide range of companies.
With the rise of digital platforms and the possibilities that the internet provides for businesses, more and more sellers are able to offer goods and services via these platforms and the internet. In this context, it has been difficult for the Ukrainian tax authorities to trace the flow of goods and services as well as to identify sellers to ensure that these goods and services are duly taxed.
Baker McKenzie has advised Kingspan Group on the pre‑construction phases of its EUR 280 million building technology manufacturing campus near Lviv, Ukraine.
White & Case Turkish affiliate law firm GKC Partners has advised Zorlu Enerji on the USD 100 million tap issuance of senior guaranteed sustainability-linked notes due 2030. Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliate law firm Esin Attorney Partnership reportedly advised on the transaction as well.
On 9 April 2025, Law of Ukraine No. 4292-IX On Amendments to the Civil Code of Ukraine on Enhancing the Protection of Bona Fide Owner's Rights (the "Law") came into force. The Law aims to enhance the protection of bona fide owners' rights by establishing a time limit for the reclamation of real estate of such bona fide owners and providing compensation to them for such reclamation.
Baker McKenzie has advised Argan Capital and Polon-Alfa on the financing required for a new continuation fund for Polon-Alfa managed by Argan Capital as well as on the full refinancing of Polon-Alfa’s existing debt secured through P Capital Partners. Clifford Chance reportedly advised on the matter as well.
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is a central component of the EU’s Digital Finance Package. The aim is to enhance information and communications technology (ICT) security and digital operational resilience in the financial sector. Financial institutions and ICT service providers have until January 17, 2025, to fully implement the requirements.
On 1 March 2025, the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Ensuring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Work" dated 15 January 2025 No. 4219-IX ("Law") came into force, aiming to create conditions for the exercise of the right to work for persons with disabilities.
Kyriakides Georgopoulos, working with Baker McKenzie, has advised Atlas Tapes on the acquisition of 100% of the paid-up share capital of PPM Industries Group from Auctus Capital Partners and the CEO of the PPM Industries group Matteo Pellegrini. Advant Nctm reportedly advised Auctus Capital Partners. PedersoliGattai reportedly advised PPM Industries and Matteo Pellegrini while Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati reportedly advised Matteo Pellegrini.
Baker McKenzie has advised Burgenland Energie Group on structuring and implementing a EUR 1.3 billion portfolio project financing for renewable energy expansion. Binder Groesswang, working with Hogan Lovells, advised the banks.
Freshfields has advised Midea Group subsidiary Midea Electrics Netherlands on its EUR 750 million acquisition of the climate division from Arbonia AG. BDK Advokati advised Midea on the local aspects of the acquisition of Serbian company Termovent, as part of the broader transaction. Baker McKenzie advised Arbonia.
Rymarz Zdort Maruta has advised BEST on its merger with Kredyt Inkaso. Baker McKenzie advised Kredyt Inkaso. Clifford Chance advised Kredyt Inkaso majority shareholder Waterland Private Equity.
Hungary was one of the quickest in the EU to begin implementing Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2) and one of those few EU member states that met the deadline for implementation. Nevertheless, the Hungarian NIS2 implementation is still incomplete, and the current implementing laws have caused some practical and interpretational issues for various companies.
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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.