CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
On 16 August 2024, new rules for the registration of geographical indications in Ukraine came into force ("Rules"). In accordance with Order of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine No. 16370 dated 09.07.2024, the Rules establish requirements for the registration of geographical indications for agricultural goods, food and alcoholic beverages.
On 16 August 2024, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as of 9 August 2024 No. 925 ("Amending Resolution") became effective and introduced amendments to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as of 18 March 2022 No. 314 "On Certain Issues of Ensuring of Carrying Out Commercial Activities During Martial Law" ("Resolution on Simplified Licensing Procedure").
Baker McKenzie has successfully defended Kosovo Telecom in a Swiss Rules Arbitration against a Kosovar company reselling its mobile credit as well as in the subsequent challenge of the award at the Swiss Supreme Court.
Baker McKenzie’s Turkish affiliate law firm Esin Attorney Partnership, working with Covington & Burling, has advised ACWA Power on the debt and ownership restructuring of its Turkish affiliate ACWA Guc. Paksoy and Milbank reportedly advised the lenders.
DWF has advised Roomies Studentliving Poland on its acquisition of a student housing portfolio from 6B47 Real Estate Investors. Baker McKenzie reportedly advised 6B47.
Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliated firm Esin Attorney Partnership have advised Eregli Demir ve Celik T.A.S. (Erdemir) on its issuance of USD 950 million 8.375% senior notes due 2029. White & Case and its Turkish affiliated firm GKC Partners advised the managers.
In line with the recent developments across the world, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2024-2025 Action Plan (“Action Plan“) was published, prepared in cooperation with the Presidential Digital Transformation Office of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and in line with the opinions of various public and private actors and nongovernmental organizations (“NGOs“), to advance Türkiye’s framework on artificial intelligence practices and strengthen its global position in terms of artificial intelligence.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has advised Assa Abloy on the acquisition of Skidata from the Kudelski Group. Baker McKenzie, working with Hogan Lovells, Holding Redlich, and Lenz & Staehelin, advised the Kudelski Group.
White & Case and its Turkish affiliate law firm GKC Partners have advised Ulker Biskuvi on its USD 550 million Eurobond issuance. Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliate law firm Esin Attorney Partnership advised the bookrunners including J.P. Morgan Securities, Merrill Lynch International, Emirates NBD Bank, HSBC Bank, and Rabo Securities.
Binder Groesswang has advised NKMS Holding on the acquisition of Austrian and Czech subsidiaries of the German-based Gienanth Group. Baker McKenzie advised Gienanth Group.
E+H, working with McDermott Will & Emery, has advised Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated on its acquisition of Apeiron Biologics. Baker McKenzie advised Apeiron's shareholders. Dorda reportedly advised Apeiron.
Contributed by Baker McKenzie.
Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership have advised Akbank on the issuance of USD 500 million senior unsecured sustainability notes due in 2030. A&O Shearman and its Turkish affiliate Gedik & Eraksoy advised the joint bookrunners.
Former Counsels Robert Wippel, Desiree Prantl, and Claudia Fochtmann-Tischler and former Senior Associate Daniel Orosz were promoted to Partners at Baker McKenzie as part of the firm's 2024 promotions round.
Cakmak has advised the EBRD on its EUR 25 million financing to Sabanici Holding subsidiary Cimsa. Baker McKenzie's Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised Cimsa.
On 18 June 2024, by Order of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations ("UANIPIO") No. 93/2024, the personnel of the Appeals Chamber of the UANIPIO ("Appeals Chamber") was approved. Notwithstanding the challenges associated with the war, the Appeals Chamber has resumed work.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine issued Resolution No. 650 on "Some Issues with Reservation of Persons Liable for Military Service during Martial Law", dated 5 June 2024 ("Resolution"), which came into force on 8 June 2024.
Baker McKenzie has advised Worthington Enterprises on the USD 10 million sale of 49% of Worthington’s Sustainability Energy Solutions business segment to Hexagon Composites forming a joint venture with Hexagon Composites. Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partner reportedly advised Hexagon.
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.