CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
White & Case’s Turkish affiliate GKC Partners has advised Zurich Insurance on its acquisition of NN Hayat ve Emeklilik. Baker McKenzie's Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised the sellers.
With its resolution numbered i-SPK.35.B.1 (dated 19 September 2024 and numbered 1484) (the “Resolution“), the Capital Markets Board (the “CMB“) clarified the legal status of non-fungible tokens (“NFTs“) and crypto assets used in virtual games.
White & Case and its Turkish affiliate GKC Partners have advised Pegasus Airlines on its USD 500 million Eurobond issuance with Citigroup Group Markets Limited and Morgan Stanley & Co International as the joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners and J.P. Morgan Securities, HSBC Bank, SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited, and BCP Securities as the joint bookrunners. Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised the joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners.
Baker McKenzie has advised Uniwater on its acquisition of 4 Pipes. Fries Rechtsanwaelte reportedly advised the sellers.
Eversheds Sutherland has advised Edwards Lifesciences on the USD 4.2 billion sale of its Critical Care product group to Becton, Dickinson, and Company. Baker McKenzie reportedly advised Becton, Dickinson, and Company.
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.
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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.