CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
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.
Acar & Ergonen has advised Tims Group, Tims Production, and Timur Savci on the acquisition of Yargici from GB Retail Investments Holding. Baker McKenzie's affiliate law firm Esin Attorney Partnership advised the sellers.
Baker McKenzie has advised Dertour Group on its acquisition of the Hotelplan Group, with the exception of Interhome, which is being acquired by the HomeToGo Group. Bar & Karrer reportedly advised the seller – Migros.
Digital transformation has become a priority for all major companies. This is being driven only further by the spread of artificial intelligence's commercial use cases and ever-tightening data protection and cybersecurity regulations. However, procuring enterprise software (concerning both the development of custom-made software and "off-the-shelf" software developed for mass use) may give rise to various legal issues. Promptly identifying and addressing these issues can help prevent considerable legal and operational expenses, as well as other inconveniences.
Schoenherr, working with Argo, has advised Group Vandamme on the sale of its Hungarian activities to ADM. Baker McKenzie advised the buyer.
Greenberg Traurig has advised Diagnostyka on its initial public offering and admission to trading on the regulated market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. White & Case advised the underwriters. Baker McKenzie advised Diagnostyka's majority shareholder Mid Europa.
The Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products ("ACAA") is an intermediary step for Ukraine to benefit from the mutual recognition of product quality between the EU and Ukraine until our country becomes a full EU Member State.
The AI Act introduces a comprehensive legal framework for companies dealing with AI systems in the EU. From 2 February 2025, companies subject to the regulation must take steps to ensure AI literacy and ensure that no prohibited AI practices are used. Non-compliance could lead to substantial fines.
Baker McKenzie brings insight and foresight to clients across more than 70 global offices. Our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 lawyers, works alongside our clients to drive growth that is both sustainable – and inclusive. The global business community is more interconnected than ever before. Opportunities and risks spill across different markets, sectors and areas of law, so a connected perspective is essential in delivering business objectives while mitigating risk. Our integrated client solutions provide seamless advice, underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge.
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.