Wolf Theiss, working with Gleiss Lutz, has advised Bausparkasse Schwaebisch Hall, Wuestenrot & Wuerttembergische, and Bausparkasse Wuestenrot on their sale of a 76.35% participation in Fundamenta-Lakaskassza to MBH Bank. DLA Piper advised MBH Bank.

DLA Piper appointed Partner Marcell Nemeth as the firm's new Head of the Finance Practice.

Hungary’s real estate market has undergone a notable transformation in response to recent economic shocks – war, soaring energy prices, sharp interest rate hikes, and high inflation rates. Initially taking a cautious wait-and-see approach, market players have now shifted toward a more proactive approach, navigating the complex economic environment through innovative strategies. Among these strategies, mixed-use developments have gained traction. They’re seen as resilient to market turbulence but also provide innovative development opportunities and new ways for urban transformation.

DWF has advised German energy company SachsenEnergie on the acquisition of three photovoltaic farms with a total installed capacity of 23.1 megawatts from Onde. DLA Piper advised Onde.

On September 23, 2023, the Act on Preventive Restructuring came into force in the Czech Republic. It transposes EU Directive 2019/2023 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132.

DLA Piper and Rizoiu & Poenaru have advised Affidea Romania on its acquisition of the local network of three Explora clinics in Suceava.

DLA Piper advised diagnostic imaging and oncological treatment network Affidea on its acquisition of the Medisport Medical Center in Lublin. Gessel advised MediSport majority shareholder Adam Lewczyk on the sale.

DLA Piper has advised Greek flag carrier Aegean Airlines on the sale of charter operator Animawings to Christian Tour Holding.

DLA Piper has advised Porr AG on its EUR 135 million hybrid bond issuance.

Did you know that, according to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, a total of twenty law firms and seventeen individual lawyers worked on five or more reported Romanian client matters in 2023? 

Continuing our review of 2023, did you know that a total of twelve lawyers worked on seven or more reported client matters in Poland in 2023 – a step up from the ten lawyers who worked on that many in 2022? The 2023 partner leaderboard was led by Tomasz Rogalski of Norton Rose Fulbright, who worked on a market-leading 15. Clifford Chance’s Andrzej Stosio, whose 11 reported deals in 2022 led the market, repeated that number in 2023, tying him for second place with White & Case’s Marcin Studniarek.

Since the beginning of the year, the Government has modified the previous legal environment concerning the development of wind power plants in several areas to increase wind power capacity. According to the Ministry of Energy's communication so far, wind power capacity is expected to increase to around 1,000 MW by 2030.

DLA Piper, working with Slaughter and May, has advised Corsair Capital on the acquisition of MJM Holdings and the related financing. Marszalek & Partnerzy, working with sole practitioner Szymon Skiendzielewski, advised the MJM Holdings shareholders.

Crido has advised Duna Aszfalt on its acquisition of Mota Engil Central Europe. DLA Piper advised the sellers. Cerha Hempel reportedly advised Duna Aszfalt as well.

DLA Piper has advised OX2 on the construction of the Juniewicze, Grajewo, and Sulmierzyce wind farms with a total capacity of over 100 megawatts. 

DLA Piper has advised Generali CEE Holding on its full acquisition of 4Life Direct Poland from 4Life Direct International. CMS reportedly advised 4Life Direct International.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With 2023 marching to an end, we looked ahead and asked about strategies for next year: As the budgeting period is around the corner, compared to 2023, what are the main budgeting lines you expect to increase for 2024 and why?

Wolf Theiss has advised the shareholders of Romania's DRIM Daniel FMCG on the sale of their majority stake in the company to Polish retail company Zabka, part of CVC Capital Partners. DLA Piper advised buyer Zabka Polska.