Wolf Theiss has advised on the reorganization of Oerlikon’s nitriding business in Slovakia via a spin-off of the business into a standalone legal and operational entity.

Centered around a high-profile public takeover attempt the Austrian market saw this summer, Wolf Theiss Partner Florian Kusznier shares his insights into the country's market landscape, the complexities of recent M&A activities, and the trends shaping Austria’s economic environment.

Wolf Theiss has advised Sekyra Group on the sale of a real estate project in Prague to Banka Creditas.

Wolf Theiss, working alongside Ropes & Gray, has advised Audax Private Equity on its acquisition of Avantor’s Clinical Services business.

Wolf Theiss, working alongside Clifford Chance, has advised Cellnex Telecom on the EUR 803 million sale of its Austrian telecommunications tower assets to a consortium comprising Vauban Infrastructure Partners, EDF Invest, and MEAG. Schoenherr, working with the Paris and London offices of Hogan Lovells, advised the buyers.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With managing firm clients being a critical aspect of firms’ operations, we asked: What are the three most important elements when onboarding a new client?

In export-import trade transactions across Europe, sellers commonly protect their assets by retaining the title of ownership until the buyer has paid the full purchase price. Retention of title allows sellers to reclaim the assets in case of non-payment or the buyer’s bankruptcy before full payment. However, in Hungary, such an arrangement can present unexpected challenges for sellers.

Wolf Theiss has advised Digi Tavkozlesi es Szolgaltato Kft. on acquiring Direct One from Canal+ Luxembourg S.ar.l. CMS advised the seller.

Wolf Theiss has advised the 4iG Group and its telecommunications portfolio manager Antenna Hungaria Plc. on their acquisition of a 100% stake in PR-Telecom Tavkozlesi Zrt.

New regulations governing agreements to complete a job (in Czech: dohoda o provedení práce) came into effect in the Czech Republic on 1 July 2024, with additional provisions set to be implemented on 1 January 2025. These amendments significantly modify the original provisions outlined in the Czech Consolidation Package (Act No. 349/2023 Coll.).

Wolf Theiss has advised the principal shareholder of Ara Cursus on the formation of a tri-partite joint venture with Suez and the Eiffel Investment Group. Bird & Bird reportedly advised Suez. BWW Law Firm reportedly advised the Eiffel Investment Group.

Investment funds in the Czech Republic are regulated by the Czech Investment Companies and Investment Funds Act (ZISIF) and by local implementing regulations (governmental decrees and decrees of the Czech National Bank – CNB).

On July 17, 2024, Wolf Theiss announced that Altor’s acquisition of an 80% stake in Kommunalkredit Austria (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on February 10, 2023) is closed.

Wolf Theiss, working with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, Gorrissen Federspiel, and Hengeler Mueller, has advised Software AG on the carve-out and sale of its Super Integration Platform as a Service business to IBM. Binder Groesswang, working with Cravath, Swaine & Moore, advised IBM.

Wolf Theiss, working with Ropes & Gray, has advised American Industrial Partners on its investment in Austin Powder. Jones Day reportedly advised Austin Powder.

RTPR has advised Vectr Holdings on the indirect acquisition of the company that owns The Landmark office building in Bucharest from funds managed by Revetas Capital and affiliates of Cerberus Capital Management. Wolf Theiss advised Revetas Capital and Cerberus.

Last week was full of exciting news in relation to AI in Romania. First, the long-awaited AI Act was published in the EU’s Official Journal on 12 July, becoming Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. The AI Act is an essential part of the EU’s extensive digital strategy, alongside the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. The EU digital strategy aims to establish a thorough regulatory framework that tackles the diverse challenges and opportunities of the digital economy. Secondly, the Romanian Government approved the National Strategy regarding Artificial Intelligence (“AI Strategy”) on 11 July. The AI Strategy aims to contribute to Romania’s adoption of digital technologies in the economy and society, while respecting human rights and promoting excellence and trust in AI.