Did You Know that the ten firms that have worked on the most client matters reported by CEE Legal Matters through Q3 of 2023 are equally divided between international and regional powerhouses? According to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, Magic Circle-member Clifford Chance, which has worked on a remarkable 66 deals reported by CEE Legal Matters in the first nine months of 2023, leads the pack, but Vienna-based Schoenherr is close behind with 64.
Schoenherr and Wolf Theiss Advise on Wienerberger EUR 350 Million Issuance of Sustainability-Linked Bonds
Schoenherr has advised Wienerberger on its EUR 350 million issuance of 4.875% sustainability-linked 2023-2028 bonds. Wolf Theiss advised joint lead managers and bookrunners Commerzbank, Danske Bank, Erste Group Bank, and UniCredit Bank.
Still In High Gear: Slovakia’s Automotive Sector
Despite concerns over automotive suppliers relocating due to geopolitical tensions, the automotive sector in Slovakia has remained resilient. The sector continues to be the backbone of the economy, with tax revenues and employment surpassing other industries, although challenges do exist. Ruzicka & Partners Managing Partner Jaroslav Ruzicka, Wolf Theiss Counsel and Head of Corporate/M&A Bruno Stefanik, and Cechova & Partners Head of Automotive Practice Michal Simunic take a closer look at the status of the sector.
WKB and Wolf Theiss Advise on PGE Energia Odnawialna Acquisition of Zalesie Wind Farm
WKB Lawyers has advised PGE Energia Odnawialna on its acquisition of the 24.85-megawatt Zalesie wind farm. Wolf Theiss advised the LongWing Energy Group on the sale.
Wolf Theiss Advises Korean IS Dongseo on BTS Technology Acquisition in Slovakia
Wolf Theiss, working with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, has advised South Korean waste management company IS Dongseo on its acquisition of Slovakia's BTS Technology.
Wolf Theiss Advises AustralianSuper on EUR 1.5 Billion Minority Stake Acquisition in Vantage Data Centers EMEA
Wolf Theiss, working with Herbert Smith Freehills, has advised AustralianSuper on its EUR 1.5 billion investment to acquire a significant minority stake in Vantage Data Centers Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Wolf Theiss and Ozog Tomczykowski Advise on Sale of 70% Stake in Metal-Plast to INVL and Eco Baltia
Wolf Theiss has advised Latvian private equity fund INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund and its portfolio company Eco Baltia on the acquisition of a 70% stake in Polish PVC recycler Metal-Plast. Ozog Tomczykowski advised the target's shareholders on the sale. Sorainen reportedly advised INVL and Eco Baltia as well.
Austria: Can Victims of Competition Law Infringements Get Access to Leniency Statements and Settlement Submissions in Austria?
Where behavior is investigated in parallel by the Austrian competition authorities and the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO), the latter usually requests the competition authorities to provide it with copies of their files, including leniency statements and settlement submissions that have been filed with the Federal Competition Authority (FCA), and adds (parts of) these documents to its own file. Victims of competition law infringements can thus indirectly get access to leniency statements and settlement submissions through an inspection of the PPO’s file. This practice risks weakening the effectiveness of the Austrian leniency program and settlement procedure as it may deter undertakings from cooperating with the FCA.
Stolen Time – He Who Gains Time, Gains Everything
The Government Decree on the winter administrative break is out. Here’s what to expect.
Wolf Theiss Advises Lenders and Hedge Counterparties on EUR 113 Million Financing for RML Infrastruktur
Wolf Theiss has advised UniCredit Bank Austria, CaixaBank, La Banque Postale, and Bondholders SL on a EUR 113 million syndicated financing for RML Infrastruktur for the roll-out, operation, and maintenance of an open-access fiber-to-the-home network in Austria's Liezen district. PHH reportedly advised Meridiam.
Wolf Theiss Advises JP Hospitality Investors Club on Madonna di Campiglio Hotel Lease Agreement
Wolf Theiss has advised the JP Hospitality Investors Club on a hotel lease agreement with Treasurests Hospitality. Suppan Spiegl Zeller reportedly advised Treasurests Hospitality.
ESMA’s Public Statement on ESG in Prospectuses
On 11 July 2023, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published a public statement (“ESMA Statement”) regarding sustainability-related disclosure requirements in prospectuses for both equity and non-equity securities.
Schoenherr and Wolf Theiss Advise on Neveon's Sale of Greiner Perfoam to Treves
Schoenherr has advised Greiner Group member Neveon Holding on the sale of its automotive division consisting of Greiner Perfoam and its subsidiaries to Treves. Wolf Theiss advised Treves.
Czech Republic: The Whistleblowing Act Finally in Effect
Although the deadline for transposing Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (the Whistleblowing Directive) into national law passed on 17 December 2021, the Czech Republic has been among those Member States struggling to adopt a corresponding act into local legislation. Nonetheless, after turbulent discussions and legislative proposals, the bill has finally been passed and came into force on 1 August 2023.
Binder Groesswang and Wolf Theiss Advise on Wendel Sale of Constantia Flexibles to One Rock Capital
Binder Groesswang, working with Willkie Farr & Gallagher, has advised French investment company Wendel and other shareholders on their sale of Constantia Flexibles to One Rock Capital Partners. Wolf Theiss, working with Latham & Watkins, advised One Rock. Hamburg's Klawitter Neben Plath Zintler reportedly advised Wendel as well.
The Legislative Race Before Elections in Slovakia: A Buzz Interview with Katarina Matulnikova of Wolf Theiss
The upcoming parliamentary elections at the end of September are the talk of the town in Slovakia, with a slew of interesting legislative changes – including those covering whistleblowing, corporate restructurings, and construction – coming in before the buzzer, according to Wolf Theiss Managing Partner Katarina Matulnikova.
Wolf Theiss Advises Convera on Acquisition of Parts of Western Union Business
Wolf Theiss has advised Convera on the acquisition of parts of the Austrian business of Western Union.
The transposition of the Collective Redress Directive in Austria: What to Expect
By 25 June 2023, the transitional provisions of the Collective Redress Directive should have been applicable throughout the EU. Austria – like several other EU Member States – did not meet this deadline. The following article deals with potential transposition options, for the Collective Redress Directive, by the Austrian legislator.