Since the introduction of the institution of legal entities’ exemption from criminal liability in 2016, there has been discussion on the distribution of the burden of proof in proving the conditions for its application in criminal proceedings. Meanwhile, the prosecution’s view has been gradually changing.

Kinstellar has advised a syndicate of Raiffeisenbank, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Komercni Banka Raiffeisen on financing it provided to Raiffeisen Leasing for that company's acquisition of the Proton Therapy Center Czech from Immorent. Kinstellar also Raiffeisen Leasing on the underlying deal. Dentons advised Immorent. Hoffmannova Koranda reportedly also advised Immorent and Strnad Joch Lokajicek Advokati reportedly advised the Proton Therapy Center Czech.

Havel & Partners has advised British investment firm CapVest on Czech legal aspects of its sale of Valeo Foods to Bain Capital Private Equity. Weil, Gotshal & Manges reportedly advised the buyer.

PRK Partners has advised Societe Generale on an unspecified investment in and increase in its stake in Czech online insurance start-up Mutumutu.

Allen & Overy has advised CZG - Ceska Zbrojovka Group SE on its acquisition of US firearms maker Colt. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison advised Colt on US law matters while Baker McKenzie advised the company on Czech law.

BPV Braun Partners has advised online wine retailer 8Wines Czech Republic s.r.o. on its acquisition of a 10% stake in Purcari Wineries Plc. Peterka & Partners advised the seller.

DLA Piper has advised digital retail finance and payments company Zip Co Ltd on the conditional acquisition of the remaining 78% of the Spotii and 90% of the Twisto buy-now, pay-later payment platforms. Schoenherr advised Twisto on the deal.

The global pandemic has impacted all markets, with subsequent ramifications for M&A. Investors are now seeking greater protection against general lock-downs and supply-chain disruptions, while governments aim to protect critical supplies and services by imposing new regulations on foreign investment in crucial or strategic industries. ​

Due to Germany’s economic importance and its strategic position at the heart of Europe, it certainly rings true to many Czech motor carriers that (almost) “all roads lead to Germany.” The dependence on the vagaries of German toll policy, however, have forced Czech motor carriers to swallow two bitter pills in the past four years. First, back in July 2018, the German government extended tolls to all federal roads, which led to some 40,000 kilometres of roads now being part of the toll system.

The COVID-19 crisis continues to plague much of Europe. To get an overview of its effects across CEE – both on investment in the region and on the legal industry itself – we reached out to the members of Pontes the CEE Lawyers legal alliance, a Regional Sponsor at the upcoming Dealer’s Choice International Law Firm Summit.

A new amendment to the Czech Corporations Act (Amendment), which came to force as of 1 January 2021, requires companies to implement important changes in their founding documents and file new information in the Commercial Register. We highlight the most important changes below.

Dentons Partner Marketa Tvrda has been appointed Co-Head of the firm's Real Estate practice in Prague. She focuses on real estate, corporate M&A, and commercial law.

Dentons has helped Crestyl secure a EUR 130 million loan from German banks PBB Deutsche Pfandbriefbank and Helaba for refinancing the Dock in Office Park in Prague. Giese & Partner reportedly advised the banks.

Dentons has advised a syndicate of four banks headquartered in Prague – Komercni Banka, Ceska Sporitelna, Ceskoslovenska Obchodni Banka, and UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia – on the financing of DEK’s acquisition of Best, including the refinancing of the Best group. Financial details were not disclosed.

Kocian Solc Balastik has advised US software company Jamf on its USD 400 million acquisition of software developer Wandera. 

JSK has advised the shareholders of the North Moravian investment company Cresco&Finance on the sale of its Silnice Morava subsidiary to Imos Brno.

The following Q&A is an extract of the May 2021 edition of the Private Equity Trends Monitor, which provides you with an up-to-date overview of the latest and anticipated trends across the European private equity sector. This extract covers private equity deal activity in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Prague office of Clifford Chance has advised sole lead manager J&T Banka and arranger J&T IB Capital Markets on Czech legal aspects of Energo-Pro Green Finance’s increase of its CZK 530 million bonds issue to CZK 1.06 billion.