Taylor Wessing Bratislava has advised Martinus, s.r.o., the largest online book retailer and the second largest book retailer in Slovakia, on the acquisition of its competitor, the e-shop Gorila.sk, along with the Czech e-shop arara.cz, from Beyond Media, s.r.o. The Nozdrovicky, Suvert & Co. law firm advised the seller on the deal.
Martinus acquired both e-shops in mid-September. Gorila.sk continues to operate under the original brand, while arara.cz has been merged into Martinus' Czech martinus.cz e-shop.
According to Taylor Wessing, Martinus's "intention is to create a more effective and clearly laid-out model of online book retail and delivery, enabling a simpler and faster shopping experience for the customers." The firm reports that, by means of the deal, "Martinus made a big step towards improving the retail and the standards of the book industry in Slovakia and the Czech Republic."
Michal Mesko, the majority shareholder and managing director of Martinus, commented that "the acquisition of the e-shop Gorila.sk was a natural and interesting investment for us. It broadens our book portfolio and allows us to address a bigger group of readers in Slovakia, as well as abroad."
The Taylor Wessing team consisted of Partners Juraj Frindrich and Radovan Pala and Associate Andrea Vancelova.
The NSCo team was led by Peter Nozdrovicky.
Editor's Note: After this article was published Peter Nozdrovicky informed CEE Legal Matters that he had been supported on the deal by Nozdrovicky, Suvert & Co. Partner Peter Suvert and Associate Eva Woloszynova.
