Labor shortages have emerged as a pressing issue across CEE, prompting diverse responses from governments, businesses, and the public as they navigate the challenges of workforce gaps and economic sustainability.
Czech Parliament Discusses Measures to Cut Renewable Energy Subsidies, Focusing on Solar Power Plants
A set of two measures aimed at reducing state subsidies for renewable energy sources has been approved by the lower house of Parliament in the Czech Republic on 11 December 2024. These changes, proposed through amendments to the Act on Promoted Sources (the “RES Act”) and the Energy Act, specifically target solar power plants with a capacity of more than 30 kW that were connected in 2009 and 2010.
Wolf Theiss and Dolezal & Partners Advise on Strabag Group's Acquisition of B2 Assets in Czech Republic
Wolf Theiss has advised Strabag Property and Facility Services on its acquisition of B2 Assets from Dusan Bocek. Dolezal & Partners advised the seller.
Wolf Theiss Advises Posella and Pale Fire Capital on Acquisition of Fly.pl
Wolf Theiss has advised Posella Limited and Pale Fire Capital on their acquisition of Fly.pl from Grzegorz Bosowski.
Wolf Theiss and Tuca, Zbarcea & Associates Advise on BCR's EUR 29.5 Million Financing for Unirii View Office Building
Wolf Theiss has advised Banca Comerciala Romana on a EUR 29.5 million credit facility granted to Unirii View. Tuca, Zbarcea & Associates advised Unirii View.
Romanian Company Law Updates: Online Participation and E-Voting in Shareholder Meetings
The Romanian Company Law no. 31/1990 has been amended through the recent Law no. 299/2024 to better align with technological developments and the evolving needs of the business landscape. Notably, a key update is enabling remote (online) attendance and electronic voting in general shareholder meetings, among other relevant revisions.
Closing: UEG's Acquisition of 250-Megawatt Simeonovgrad-Polyanovo PV Project Now Closed
On December 6, 2024, Kinstellar announced that UEG's acquisition of the 250-megawatt Simeonovgrad-Polyanovo PV project (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on April 10, 2024) has now closed.
Factoring in Hungary: A Liquidity Solution and Regulatory Challenge
Factoring has emerged as an essential financial solution for businesses in Hungary, offering a fast and flexible way to maintain cash flow and bridge liquidity gaps, especially for those with extended payment terms in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and logistics. However, navigating Hungary’s complex regulatory landscape can pose challenges for companies seeking to use factoring to its fullest potential. With options like silent factoring available to help preserve client relationships and a need for thorough understanding of local laws, businesses can benefit significantly from a strategic approach. This article explores the advantages of factoring in Hungary, along with key regulatory considerations to ensure compliance and stability in companies’ financial operations.
Wolf Theiss Advises Raiffeisen Bank International on EUR 650 Million Additional Tier 1 Notes Issuance and Tender Offer
Wolf Theiss has advised Raiffeisen Bank International on the issuance of EUR 650 million fixed to reset rate additional tier 1 notes and on its tender offer for the repurchase of EUR 650 million fixed to reset rate additional tier 1 notes issued in 2017. Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer reportedly advised the banks.
FDI Screening in CEE: A CEE Legal Matters Round Table
On November 7, 2024, M&A experts from Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine participated in a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the FDI screening regimes in their country and key developments in the area on the horizon.
Kondracki Celej Advises FibriTech on Investment from EIC
Kondracki Celej has advised FibriTech on an investment from the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency fund. Wolf Theiss reportedly advised EIC.
Wolf Theiss and DLA Piper Advise on UBM Development's Exchange Offer and Issuance of EUR 93 Million Green Bond
Wolf Theiss has advised joint lead managers and bookrunners Raiffeisen Bank International and M.M.Warburg & Co on the exchange offer of bonds issued by UBM Development in 2019 and 2021 and on the subsequent cash subscription offer of the EUR 93 million 7% green bond 2024-2029. DLA Piper advised UBM Development.
Wolf Theiss Advises Veroniki Holding on Sale of Propangas
Wolf Theiss has advised Veroniki Holding on the sale of Propangas to Doppler Beteiligungs.
Brandl Talos Advises DirectSens on Sale of LactoSens Biosensor Technology to Kerry Group
Brandl Talos has advised DirectSens on the sale of its LactoSens biosensor technology to Kerry Group. Wolf Theiss reportedly advised Kerry Group.
Wolf Theiss Advises on Federal State of Lower Austria's EUR 500 Million Bonds Issuance
Wolf Theiss has advised joint lead managers Deutsche Bank, Hypo Noe Landesbank fur Niederoesterreich and Wien, and Raiffeisen Bank International on the Federal State of Lower Austria's issuance of EUR 500 million sustainable 3.125% bearer bonds 2024-2036. Fellner Wratzfeld & Partner reportedly advised the Federal State of Lower Austria.
New Croatian Lobbying Act: Key Takeaways for Companies
The Croatian Lobbying Act (Official Gazette 36/2024, the “Act”) entered into force on 1 October 2024, marking Croatia’s first comprehensive regulation of lobbying activities. The Act establishes significant new rules for lobbyists and companies alike, requiring compliance when interacting with public officials to advocate for business or organisational interests. This regulatory development represents a transformative shift in how entities engage with policymakers and will necessitate careful attention to adherence with these newly established standards.
Life Sciences Bulletin: Parallel Import of Medicines into Ukraine as of 2025
Starting on 1 January 2025, the parallel import of medicines into Ukraine will come into force, allowing dealers that are authorised by manufacturers of medicinal products to import medicines in parallel with said manufacturers. The expected outcomes of this new regime are higher competition and lower prices for relevant medicines.
Wolf Theiss and Lazarevic & Prsic Advise on GreyLion Partners' Investment in Birdseye Security Solutions
Wolf Theiss has advised GreyLion Partners on its equity investment in Birdseye Security Solutions. Lazarevic & Prsic advised Birdseye Security Solutions.