CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
With a potential WeWork restructuring on the horizon, this article explores some issues landlords may face under their WeWork leases, with a focus on how courts in Poland might address them.
Baker McKenzie has successfully represented Operator Gazociagow Przesylowych Gaz-System before the General Court of the European Union in a dispute concerning a decision of the Board of Appeal of the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators.
Greenberg Traurig has advised Cyfrowy Polsat on the issuance of sustainability-linked series E bonds with an aggregate nominal value of PLN 820 million. Baker McKenzie advised the Trigon Brokerage House, Bank Pekao, and Santander Bank Polska on managing the issuance.
Baker McKenzie’s Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership has advised Denizbank on its USD 109 million loan from the EBRD. Reportedly, Clifford Chance and its Turkish affiliate Ciftci Attorney Partnership advised the EBRD.
On 12 September 2023, the President of Ukraine signed Law No. 5431 "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine to Improve the Activities of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine" ("Law"), which launches a reform of Ukrainian competition law. The Law will enter into force on 1 January 2024.
Tomas Skoumal has been elected as the new Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie’s Prague office, taking over from Martin Hrodek.
On 16 September 2023 the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Procedure for Payment of Fees for Actions Related to the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" ("Resolution") will enter into force. The Resolution introduces new fees, provides additional reductions and clarifies existing ones.
On 21 October 2022, the Banking Regulatory and Supervisory Authority (“BRSA”) published BRSA Decision No. 10389 (“Tightening Decision”) to tighten the restrictions set forth under the BRSA Decision No. 10250 dated 24 June 2022 (“Restriction Decision”), which introduced Turkish lira borrowing restrictions for non-financial institutions that are subject to independent audit and BRSA Decision No. 10265 dated 7 July 2022 (“Decision No. 10265” and together with Tightening Decision and Restriction Decision, “Decisions”), which in turn aims to clarify and ensure the effective application of the Restriction Decision.
Baker McKenzie Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership, working with Hogan Lovells, has advised the US International Development Finance Corporation on a USD 100 million term loan facility for Sekerbank.
Schoenherr has advised Aldiana Management on its purchase of the Aldiana Club Ampflwang resort in Upper Austria. Baker McKenzie reportedly advised the sellers.
Clifford Chance and its Turkish affiliate Ciftci Attorney Partnership have advised Citibank on arranging two facilities totaling approximately USD 611 million – covered by international export credit agencies – to Turkiye Petrolleri in relation to Phase 1 of the Sakarya Offshore Gas Field Development Project.
Gide has advised the Enterprise Investors Fund IX on its minority investment in Polish precision radar and anti-drone systems company Advanced Protection Systems Inc. Baker McKenzie advised APS and its shareholders.
Baker McKenzie has advised Innova Capital on the facilities agreement with mBank and BNP Paribas Bank Polska to support the fund’s investment in R-GOL. CMS reportedly advised the banks.
White & Case Turkish affiliate GKC Partners has advised TotalEnergies Renewables on its acquisition of a 50% stake in hydroelectric power company Ronesans Enerji. Baker McKenzie Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised Ronesans Holding's Ronesans Yenilenebilir Enerji on the sale.
Former Senior Associate Nigar Gokmen has been promoted to a Partner position with the Esin Attorney Partnership, the Turkish affiliate of Baker McKenzie. Gokmen has also become the firm’s new Head of Energy, Mining & Infrastructure, and Real Estate practices.
Baker McKenzie Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership has advised TeamSystem on its acquisition of a 53% stake in the Mikro Group from Dash Software, Izzet Murat Sakarya, Alpaslan Tomus, Kadir Keskin, Xiang Yu, and Andac Turkmen through a bid process. Verdi advised the sellers.
Boyanov & Co, working with the Stockholm and Washington offices of Baker McKenzie, has advised Finland's Tietoevry on the acquisition of US-based digital engineering company MentorMate. Ballard Spahr advised the Taylor Corporation on the sale.
Paksoy has advised the Stellantis Group on the full sale of its Stellantis Otomotiv Pazarlama automobile distributor subsidiary to Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi. Baker McKenzie Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised Tofas.
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.