In June 2023, Boyanov & Co announced that the sale of BNP Paribas Personal Finance Bulgaria to Eurobank (reported by CEE Legal Matters on February  14, 2023) had closed.

Following two (2) years of uncertainty, at the behest of the Romanian Government, the Ministry for Finance published the draft Government Decision for the approval of procedures for the authorisation and/or registration of providers engaged in exchange services between virtual currencies and fiat currencies, as well as custodian wallet providers, on 12 May 2023. The Decision also included procedures for granting and withdrawing technical endorsements (the "Draft Decision").

Wolf Theiss has advised Banca Comerciala Romana on its EUR 700 million issuance of fixed to floating senior non-preferred green eurobonds due 2027, under a multi-issuer EMTN program.

Did You Know that a total of 11 law firm partners have worked on client matters reported by CEE Legal Matters in Bosnia & Herzegovina this year – though none has, as yet, worked on more than one?

Wolf Theiss has advised Germany-based logistics specialist Rhenus Group on its acquisition of Croatian logistics provider Trans Integral.

Wolf Theiss has advised DTEK Renewables International on the staggered share deal acquisition of a 49.38-megawatt photovoltaic power plant from Finas Invest.

Wolf Theiss has advised Erste Group Bank on WG Projektiranje’s sale of the Velenjka shopping center in Velenje, Slovenia, to Velenjka doo. The Ptuj-based Mayr law firm reportedly advised the buyer.

EPS (Elektroprivreda Srbije) seeks a strategic partner to design, build, fund, operate and maintain at least 5 new solar power plants.

Wolf Theiss, working with Milbank, has advised the initial purchasers and lenders on Salzburg-based Benteler Group’s capital market debut issuance and loans amounting to over EUR 2 billion.

Wolf Theiss has advised hospitality sector software provider Hospitality Software Solutions on its acquisition of SiTec. 

Wolf Theiss has advised financial technology start-up BehaviorQuant Behavioral Finance Technologies and its US and French investors on a seed funding round.

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 stay up to date with the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas. 

A December 2022 decision by the Austrian Constitutional Court to annul the media privilege in the Austrian Data Protection Act has raised questions on how the country’s approach to the legal landscape regulating the media will change. Wolf Theiss Partner Kurt Retter and DLA Piper Counsel Stefan Panic analyze the ruling’s implications.

The SOG Law Firm, working with DLA Piper’s office in France, has advised the Renault Group on the divestment program for its import and distribution subsidiaries in six jurisdictions. Wolf Theiss reportedly advised the Emil Frey Group on acquiring the operations. Sabev & Partners reportedly advised the Renault Group as well.

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 stay up to date with the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas. 

On April 27, 2023, Wardynski & Partners announced that OT Logistics’ debt restructuring (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on June 26, 2019) had closed.

Regulation (EU) 2022/1925, The Digital Markets Act, is set to apply from 2 May 2023

Addressing digital developments and concerns regarding contestability and fairness in the digital economy, the Digital Markets Act – an ex-ante regulatory system – entered into force on 1 November 2022 and will apply from 2 May 2023. Designed to complement competition law, the Digital Markets Act lays down prohibitions and obligations for designated gatekeepers that provide a range of “core platform services” and gives the European Commission broad investigative and enforcement powers. Generally speaking, the Digital Markets Act aims to prevent unfair practices by gatekeepers.

Wolf Theiss has advised ZBI Zentral Boden Immobilien Group on its acquisition of the Karntner Strasse 1 tower from the KS Group. Kaan Cronenberg & Partner reportedly advised the seller.