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.

On February 29, 2024, energy experts from Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Turkiye, and Ukraine sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the key developments in the field of oil & gas over the past few years.

With the introduction of a recent omnibus legislative proposition presented to the Grand National Assembly on January 29, 2024, a significant legislative shift will occur in Turkiye’s renewable energy production sector.

Norton Roes Fulbright's Turkish affiliate law firm Pekin Bayar Mizrahi has dvises NIBE Industrier and its Italian subsidiary Rhoss on the full acquisition of the remaining shares in Untes VRF Klima Sistemleri and Untes Rhoss Sogutma Sistemleri. Murat Law Office reportedly advised the sellers, including Mehmet Hakki Sanal, Koray Gungor Sanal, Ahmet Sanal, Yasar Behic Okan, and Yalim Atalay.

Aksan has advised portfolio manager Maxis on the establishment of the Turkiye Green Finance Project Venture Capital Investment Fund.

Gen Temizer Erdogan Girgin Attorney Partnership has advised Bestseller Spain on its acquisition of a minority stake in Turkiye's Bestseller Tekstil.

Paksoy has advised the joint bookrunners on Vestel Elektronik's USD 450 million issuance of fixed-rate senior guaranteed notes due 2029. White & Case and local affiliate GKC Partners advised Vestel Elektronik.

The Gen Temizer Erdogan Girgin Attorney Partnership has advised Eleven Ventures on its investment in Estonian start-up Cognitiwe.

Paksoy, working with Herbert Smith Freehills, has advised the joint lead managers of QNB Finansbank's USD 500 million issuance of 2029 bonds. Mayer Brown reportedly advised the issuer.

Paksoy, working with Mayer Brown, has advised Turk Ekonomi Bank on its EUR 100 million issuance of tier 2 notes due 2034, invested by the International Finance Corporation. Gedik & Eraksoy, working with Allen & Overy Shearman, reportedly advised the IFC.

Norton Rose Fulbright affiliate law firm Pekin Bayar Mizrahi has advised the shareholders of Sincanli Tractor on the sale of shares to TVH Parts. Baker McKenzie's affiliate law firm of Esin Attorney Partnership advised TVH.

Former Managing Associate Dila Topuz has been promoted to a Partner position with Istanbul's Gen Temizer Erdogan Girgin Avukatlik Ortakligi – with the firm itself recently announcing the name change from the previously used Gen Temizer Ozer.

Paksoy has advised Koton founding shareholders Yilmaz Yilmaz and Gulden Yilmaz on the company's IPO. Baker McKenzie Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership worked on the transaction as well.

Former Ciftci Attorney Partnership Counsel Deniz Gocuk has been promoted to a Partner position within the Istanbul-based Clifford Chance affiliate law firm.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. Given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the legal profession, we asked: What is the one critical skill that you’re investing time and energy in to develop within your team, and why?

Ever since Booking.com’s activities had been suspended in Turkey by a court decision upon “unfair competition” claims raised by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), new regulations were anticipated in the short-term lease sector dominated by Airbnb, as unregistered and untaxed rental income obtained from short-term rentals has been a matter of discussion for a long time.

Paksoy has advised Iyzico on the acquisition of Paynet from Arena Bilgisayar. Baker McKenzie Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised the sellers.

Turunc's Yasemin Erden – a Partner at the firm for the past two years – has moved to an Of Counsel position within the Istanbul-based outfit.