Nedelka Kubac Advokati has successfully represented Zasilkovna in filing objections with the Czech Competition Authority against Ceska Posta's intended acquisition of the postal item delivery business of PNS.
Czech Republic: Upcoming New Administrative Obligations for Payment Service Providers
The Czech government is introducing new requirements and obligations for payment service providers based on the latest EU legislation. The new rules are expected to take effect from January 2024 and the legislative process is underway.
Glatzova & Co Advises KBC Bank on Acquisition of 50% Stake in Digital & Legal
Glatzova & Co has advised the KBC Bank on its acquisition of a 50% stake in ESG scoring and reporting start-up Digital & Legal.
Allen & Overy Advises Zetor Tractors on Indian Joint Venture
Allen & Overy, working with Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, has advised Zetor Tractors and its HTC Investments parent company on their agreement with Indian tractor and power tiller producer VST Tillers Tractors Limited for the establishment of a joint venture in India.
Do You Think the Green Deal and Cartel Agreements Have Nothing in Common? Have a Second Guess
The Green Deal for Europe aims to boost the efficient use of resources, helps to keep sustainable environment policy and transforms particular economies of the EU countries by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, by rebuilding immovables in order to reach higher level of energy sustainability, by introducing products with longer sustainability time, by developing products that may be easily recycled, by combating global deforestation, and much more.
Allen & Overy and White & Case Advise on UniCredit Bank's EUR 500 Million Green Bond Issuance in Czech Republic
Allen & Overy has advised the UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia on its EUR 500 million issuance of green mortgage-covered bonds. White & Case advised global coordinator UniCredit Bank AG as well as the joint lead managers.
Is the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act Relevant for Czech Businesses?
The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz; "LkSG") is effective from 1 January 2023 for companies and branches based in Germany with more than 3,000 employees, with further extension to companies with more than 1,000 employees from 1 January 2024.
Glatzova & Co Helps INU.COM Secure Investment Intermediary License
Glatzova & Co has successfully represented INU.COM in licensing proceedings before the Czech National Bank, with the company being granted an investment intermediary license effective June 17, 2023.
Reals and JSK Advise on Stora Enso Lease Agreement with Contera
Reals has advised Stora Enso on a lease agreement for premises in the Organica office building in Ostrava, the Czech Republic, from Contera. JSK advised the landlord.
Czech Competition Authority Blocks a Merger: Exception or Start of New Trend?
Last week, the Czech Competition Authority ("CCA") blocked an acquisition of part of První novinová společnost a.s. ("PNS") by Česká pošta, s.p. ("Czech Post"). While it is impossible to foresee the exact future of merger control enforcement in the Czech Republic, what is clear is that the CCA with this decision, whether intentionally or not, has sent a message to the market that it is ready to take the hardest line on a merger if it raises competition concerns. We summarize main details of the case and additional thoughts on its impact below.
Whistleblowing – New Czech Law From 1 August 2023
Summary of new Czech whistleblowing legislation
PRK Partners Advises Electrostar Group on Entering Czech Republic
PRK Partners has advised the Electrostar Group on setting up its operations in the Czech Republic – including the acquisition of an industrial site in the Pilsen Region.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Another Piece in the EU's Green Legislative Mosaic
The EU is taking another legislative step in the fight against climate change. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to become a complement to emissions trading and later replace it entirely, according to a new regulation.
Dentons Advises Farmak on Acquisitions in Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine
Dentons has advised Farmak on a series of acquisitions from a portfolio company of private equity house Novator.
KSB Advises Vaclav Havel Library on Legal Form Change
Kocian Solc Balastik has advised the Vaclav Havel Library on changing its legal form from a public benefit corporation to a foundation.
Czech Republic: Revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive – More Practical EPCs?
On February 9, 2023, the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy voted in favor of a revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which is a part of the EU’s new extensive climate and energy legislation known as “Fit for 55”. The main objective of the revised EPBD is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the overall energy consumption of buildings by 2030 with the eventual goal of reaching climate-neutral buildings in the EU by 2050.
Renewables in Czech Republic
Contributed by Kocian Solc Balastik
Wolf Theiss Advises Sekyra Group on Forward Sale of Affordable Housing Project in Prague
Wolf Theiss has advised the Sekyra Group on its forward sale of the Opatov II residential project to Dostupne Bydleni Ceske Sporitelny and the Vienna Insurance Group's Kooperativa Pojistovna.