CEE Legal Matters

Category: News

  • New White & Case Local Partners in Prague and Warsaw

    White & Case has announced a new Local Partner hire in Prague as well as four new Local Partners in Prague and Warsaw as part of its latest promotion round.

    In August 2024, Jana Chwaszcz joined the mergers & acquisitions practice in the firm’s Prague office as a Local Partner. Before the move, Chwaszcz was a Senior Associate with A&O Shearman which she first joined in 2015 as a Trainee. In 2017, she became an Associate and was promoted to Senior Associate in 2021. Earlier, she was a Junior Associate with Hartmann, Jelinek, Frana, and Partners between 2013 and 2015.

    Warsaw-based former Associate Karolina Brzeska has been named a Local Partner in the international arbitration practice. She has been with the firm since 2018, when she joined as an Associate. 

    Prague-based former Associate Tadeas Matys has been promoted to Local Partner in the debt finance practice. He has been with the firm since 2016. He was first a Legal Intern between 2016 and 2017 and an Associate since.

    Former Counsel Magda Olysarova has been promoted to Local Partner in the firm’s antitrust practice in Prague. She has been with the firm since 2006 when she joined as an Associate. Earlier, she worked in-house as a Lawyer with CSOB between 2003 and 2006.

    Finally, former Associate Jan Vacula, based in Prague as well, has been promoted to Local Partner in the capital markets practice. He has been with White & Case since 2017, when he joined as an Intern. He was promoted to Associate after four months.

    The promotions are effective January 1, 2025.

    Editorial Note: After its publication, this article was updated to replace the shorthand “Partner” title to the formal job titles of “Local Partner” for all five in the heading and first paragraph as well.

  • Greenberg Traurig and Filip & Company Advise on Qemetica’s PLN 1.2 Billion Acquisition of PPG’s Precipitated Silica Business

    Greenberg Traurig and Filip & Company have advised Polish chemical group Qemetica on its acquisition of PPG’s precipitated silica business for approximately PLN 1.2 billion (USD 310 million). Hogan Lovells advised PPG.

    Qemetica operates in seven business areas including the production of soda ash, evaporated salt, agricultural solutions, polyurethane foams, silicates, and glass, as well as rail transport services. It has nine production plants in Poland and Germany and distribution companies in the crop protection business across several European countries.

    PPG is a coatings, specialty materials, and glass products company.

    According to Greenberg Traurig, through the acquisition, Qemetica has obtained two manufacturing facilities in the United States and the Netherlands, as well as leases for manufacturing and R&D facilities in two additional U.S. locations. Precipitated silica is a crucial raw material used in the production of “green” tires, batteries, and fillers – sectors characterized by stable growth and a positive outlook.

    The Greenberg Traurig team included Poland-based Partners Andrzej Wysokinski and Robert Gago, Local Partner Maciej Pietrzak, and Senior Associates Filip Drgas and Grzegorz Socha as well as further lawyers in the U.S. and the Netherlands.

    The Filip & Company team included Senior Associate Roxana Rosca and Associate Sergiu Paun.

    The Hogan Lovells team included lawyers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and the U.S.

  • Rymarz Zdort Maruta, CMS, and Ellex Advise on EWE’s Sale of EWE Polska to Eesti Gaas

    Rymarz Zdort Maruta has advised EWE on the sale of EWE Polska and its group companies EWE Przesyl and EWE Energia to Eesti Gaas for a total value of EUR 120 million. CMS and Ellex advised Eesti Gaas.

    The transaction remains contingent on regulatory approval.

    EWE Polska is the second largest privately-owned natural gas network operator in Poland.

    Eesti Gaas is the largest privately owned energy company in the Baltic region and Finland. It offers its customers natural gas in various forms, biomethane, and green energy from photovoltaic plants. Operating under the Elenger brand, Eesti Gaas serves over 400,000 customers across the Baltic States, Finland, and Poland.

    “Our ambition is to expand beyond the Baltic-Finnish region into Central and Western Europe, implementing our proven model and experience as a gas supplier and network operator in Poland, thereby delivering the best service to consumers,” said Eesti Gaas Chairman of the Council Ain Hanschmidt. The acquisition of an energy company in Poland provides us with the necessary momentum in this large and important growing gas market, while also ensuring an additional steady cash flow for the company’s shareholders.”

    The Rymarz Zdort Maruta team included Partners Aleksandra Dobrzynska-Grezel and Marek Durski, Senior Associates Diana Sofu, Adrian Augustyniak, and Tomasz Kordala, and Associates Justyna Niezgoda and Alicja Szymanska.

    The CMS team included Partners Mateusz Stepien and Lukasz Szatkowski, Counsels Olga Czyzycka-Szczygiel and Adam Kedziora, Senior Associate Joanna Bialoskorska, and Associates Tomasz Piotrowski and Alicja Smyklinska.

    The Ellex team included Partner Martin Kaerdi.

  • Schoenherr Announces 12 New Partners in Latest Promotion Round

    Schoenherr has promoted Vienna-based Stefanie Aichhorn-Woess, Alfred Amann, Johannes Frank, Ayla Ilicali, Christoph Jirak, Sara Khalil, Sebastian Lukic, Johannes Stalzer, and Stefanie Stegbauer, Zagreb-based Kresimira Kruslin, Warsaw-based Daniel Radwanski, and Bucharest-based Nora Olah to Partner (already announced in August this year).

    As part of the promotion round, six lawyers were elevated to Counsel, across the CEE. The firm also appointed Andrei Salajan as its new Director of Legal Tech & Innovation.

    Former Counsel Aichhorn-Woess focuses on corporate and M&A. She joined Schoenherr in 2011 as an Associate and was promoted to Attorney at Law in 2014 before becoming a Counsel in 2019. Earlier, she was an Associate with BPV Huegel between 2010 and 2011.

    Former Attorney at Law Amann focuses on corporate and M&A. He joined Schoenherr in 2016 as an Associate and became an Attorney in 2021.

    Former Counsel Frank focuses on competition and EU and foreign trade. He has been with the firm since 2019 when he joined as an Associate. He became an Attorney at Law in 2020 and a Counsel in 2024. Earlier, he was an Associate with Cerha Hempel between 2015 and 2019.

    Former Counsel Ilicali focuses on real estate and construction. She has been with Schoenherr since 2009.

    Former Attorney at Law Jirak focuses on regulatory matters, primarily in the areas of environmental law and renewable energy. He joined Schoenherr in 2017 as an Associate and became an Attorney at Law in 2021.

    Former Counsel Khalil focuses on dispute resolution. She has been with the firm since 2016 when she joined as an Associate. She became an Attorney at Law in 2019 and a Counsel in 2022. Earlier, she was an Associate with Binder Groesswang between 2015 and 2016.

    Former Attorney at Law Lukic focuses on dispute resolution as well. He has been with Schoenherr since 2016 when he joined as an Associate. He became an Attorney at Law in 2021.

    Former Counsel Stalzer is a regulatory expert. He re-joined Schoenherr in 2013 as Counsel after having already spent time with the firm as a Junior Partner between 2008 and 2010. He was a Senior Associate with Cerha Hempel between 2004 and 2007, a Partner with Nemetschke Huber Koloseus between 2010 and 2011, as well as a Partner with Weber & Co between 2011 and 2013.

    Former Counsel Stegbauer focuses primarily on competition and EU and foreign trade. She has been with Schoenherr since 2008 when she joined as an Associate. She became an Attorney at Law in 2011 and a Counsel in 2014. Earlier, she was an Associate with BPV Huegel between 2002 and 2008.

    Former Attorney at Law Kruslin’s primary area of focus is corporate and M&A. Before joining Schoenherr in 2019, she was an Associate between 2013 and 2017 and a Senior Associate between 2017 and 2019 at Savoric & Partners. 

    Former Counsel Radwanski primarily focuses on banking, finance, and capital markets. He has been with Schoenherr since 2018. Earlier, he was a Counsel with Dentons in 2018 and a Senior Associate with Baker McKenzie between 2006 and 2017.

    Olah’s promotion was reported on by CEE Legal Matters on August 16, 2024.

    “These promotions underscore our dedication to nurturing exceptional talent within our firm, while also reinforcing our broad service portfolio across diverse practice areas and jurisdictions,” commented Managing Partner Alexander Popp.

  • Cobalt and Ellex Advise on Printify’s Merger with Printful

    Cobalt, working with Cooley, has advised Printify on its merger with Printful. Ellex, working with Latham & Watkins, advised Printful.

    Printify and Printful are both technology platforms that enable customers to build eCommerce businesses.

    According to Cobalt, “the merger will open new prospects for accelerated growth for both companies and offer millions of customers broader opportunities to develop their online businesses on a global scale. Both platforms will continue to operate as separate brands, strengthening Riga’s position as an innovation center and a strategic target for tech investment.”

    The Cobalt team included Partners Guntars Zile, Sandija Novicka, Ugis Zeltins, and Indrikis Liepa, Specialist Counsels Liga Fjodorova and Kristine Patmalniece, Senior Associates Janis Sarans-Reneslacis, Elina Locmele, Gabriela Santare, Kristine Ravina, Ivo Maskalans, Arturs Valdersteins, and Sabine Zaula, Associates Vadims Zvicevics and Krista Helmute, and Junior Associates Roberts Gusts and Gustavs Aleksandrs Klucis.

    The Ellex team included Latvia-based Senior Partner Filips Klavins, Associate Partner Zane Veidemane-Berzina, Senior Counsels Iveta Ceple and Eduards Dzintars, Senior Associates Kaspars Oisevskis, Anna Misneva, Beata Plocina, Ints Skaldis, and Mikijs Zimecs, and Associates Ineta Kanepe and Anna Marta Riekstina and Estonia-based Partner Sven Papp and Counsel Gerda Liik.

  • White & Case and GKC Partners Advise Ronesans Holding on EUR 456 Million PPP Healthcare Project in Kazakhstan

    White & Case and its Turkish affiliate GKC Partners have advised Ronesans Holding’s subsidiary Renell Kokshetau on the financing of a EUR 456 million public-private partnership healthcare project for the construction and operation of a hospital in Kazakhstan. Clifford Chance reportedly advised the financing institutions.

    According to White & Case, Ronesans Holding will build and maintain a 110,000-square-meter multi-specialty hospital to serve over one million people across the city of Kokshetau and the wider Akmola region. The project is funded by six international financial institutions, including the EBRD, AIIB, ICD, DEG, Proparco, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.

    The White & Case team included Istanbul-based Partner Sebastian Buss and further team members in Astana and London.

    The GKC Partners team included Association Partner Guniz Gokce and Associates Emrehan Mermer, Segenay Kerimoglu, and Baran Abur.

    Editor’s Note: After this article was published, Kinstellar announced that it advised the consortium of lenders that included the EBRD, AIIB, Proparco, ICD, DEG, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. The firm’s team included Partner Joel Benjamin, Of Counsel Maksim Grekov, and Senior Associate Aigerim Raikhanova.

  • Schoenherr and Madirazza & Partners Advise RP Global on Mirova’s EUR 480 Million Investment

    Schoenherr and Madirazza & Partners have advised RP Global on Mirova’s agreement to invest up to EUR 480 million in RP Global Energy. Clifford Chance reportedly advised RP Global as well. White & Case’s Paris office reportedly advised Mirova. Spain-based Uria Menendez, Portugal-based Abreu Advogados, France-based LPA-CGR Avocats, Germany-based Chatham Partners, and the Italian office of DWF reportedly advised RP Global on the matter as well. 

    RP Global is a developer of large-scale renewable energy projects. The company focuses on solar PV, wind, hydro, and storage projects and is currently developing a pipeline of 16 gigawatts. 

    Paris-based Mirova is a global asset management company.

    According to Schoenherr, “Mirova will become a minority investor through a combination of equity and mezzanine bonds. The cooperation between RP Global and Mirova aims at the joint development, construction, operation, and marketing (including sale) of projects and investments in renewable energy projects. This includes wind power, photovoltaics, established electricity storage technologies, green hydrogen, geothermal energy, hydropower, hybrid projects, and the provision of related services.” 

    With Mirova’s investment, RP Global plans to build and commission more than 2,500 megawatts of solar, wind, and storage assets over the next five years.

    The Schoenherr team included Partners Robert Bachner and Franz Urlesberger, Counsels Stephan Roedler and Evelin Hlina, Attorneys at Law Daniel Wadl and Gabriel Ebner, and Associates Roland Misic and Constantin Maras.

    The Madirazza & Partners team included Partner Marinka Kovacic, Associate Ester Despot, and Junior Associate Iva Ramljak.

  • Closing: E&’s Acquisition of PPF Telecom Bulgarian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Slovakian Assets Now Closed

    On October 25, 2024, White & Case has announced that E&’s acquisition of PPF Telecom Bulgarian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Slovakian assets (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on August 9, 2023) has now closed.

    According to White & Case, “the transaction represents a significant strategic partnership in the Central and Eastern European telecommunications sector, enhancing E& Group’s market presence in the region while allowing PPF Group to refine its portfolio in line with its long-term strategy.”

    As previously reported Schoenherr, working with Sullivan & Cromwell, has advised the Emirates Telecommunications Group Company – operating as E& – on its acquisition of a 50%-plus-one-share stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. White & Case, Karanovic & Partners, and DGKV have advised the PPF Group on the up to EUR 2.5 billion sale and the setup of a joint venture with E&.

    According to Karanovic & Partners, the target assets comprise Yettel Bulgaria, Yettel Hungary, Yettel Serbia, and the O2 Slovakia service operations and the CETIN and O2 Networks infrastructure businesses in these countries that are fully carved out and managed independently of the service companies.

    As announced by E&, the upfront consideration for the acquisition is EUR 2.15 billion, while the transaction also includes earn-out and clawback payments depending on the achievement of certain financial targets. According to PPF, its existing assets in the Czech Republic will be transferred outside the PPF Telecom Group and not be part of the transaction.

    The Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (doing business as Etisalat by E&) is an Emirati-based multinational telecommunications services provider currently operating in 16 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

    The PPF Group is a privately held international financial and investment group founded in 1991 in Czechoslovakia and residing in the Netherlands. The PPF Group invests in multiple market segments such as financial services, telecommunications, biotechnology, real estate, and mechanical engineering.

    “By combining PPF Telecom’s expertise with our own innovative capabilities, we are poised to establish a major telecommunications presence in Central and Eastern Europe,” E& CEO Hatem Dowidar commented. “We aim to realize synergies, optimize procurement efficiencies, and enhance customer offerings, establishing our position as a leading global tech group.”

    The Schoenherr team was led by Partners Alexandra Doytchinova and Luka Lopicic and included Partners Christoph Haid, Kinga Hetenyi, and Sona Hekelova, Counsel Michal Lucivjansky, and Attorneys at Law Katerina Kaloyanova-Toshkova, Adrian Menczelesz, and Pavle Eric.

    The White & Case team was led by Partners Jan Andrusko and Caroline Sherrell and included Prague-based Partners Jan Stejskal, Jan Jakoubek, Jonathan Weinberg, and Petr Hudec and Associates Iva Cechrakova, Lukas Pavlik, and Tadeas Matys, with further lawyers in London and Sydney.

    The Karanovic & Partners team included Partners Milos Jakovljevic and Bojan Vuckovic and Senior Associate Sava Draca.

    The DGKV team included Partners Violetta Kunze, Nikolai Gouginski, and Valentin Bojilov and Senior Associate Milka Ivanova.

    The White & Case team was led by Partners Jan Andrusko and Caroline Sherrell and included Prague-based Partners Jan Stejskal, Jan Jakoubek, Jonathan Weinberg, Tomas Jine, Petr Hudec, and Ivo Janda, Local Partner Radek Kraus, Counsel Magda Olysarova, and Associates Iva Cechrakova, Lukas Pavlik, Jan Vacula, Anna Starkova, and Tadeas Matys, with further lawyers in London and Sydney.

  • KSB and ODI Law Advise on Energo-Pro Group’s Sale of Litostroj Group to Wikov Industry

    Kocian Solc Balastik, working with ODI Law, has advised Energo-Pro Group on the sale of Litostroj Group to Wikov Industry.

    Litostroj designs and manufactures turbines for hydroelectric power plants. According to KSB, “in addition to the Czech Republic, the transaction includes Slovenia, where Litostroj manufactures turbines and pumps, as well as Canada and the United States, which are key markets for Litostroj, where Litostroj Hydro and Litostroj US operate.”

    The KSB team included Partner Martin Krejci, Senior Associate Jakub Porod, and Junior Associate Jakub Mehl.

    The ODI Law team included Partners Primoz Mikolic and Tine Misic and Associate Milan Stankovic.

    KSB did not respond to our inquiry on the matter.

  • Stankovic & Partners Advises SuperPadel Alliance on Partnership with Croatian Padel Federation and Diagonal Padel Pro Academy

    Stankovic & Partners has advised SuperPadel Alliance on a partnership agreement with the Croatian Padel Federation and the Diagonal Padel Pro Academy in Madrid. 

    According to Stankovic & Partners, “this partnership marks a crucial step forward in promoting the game of padel in Croatia, and across the entire Adriatic region, facilitating collaboration between the Croatian Federation and one of the world’s leading padel academies, which is known for training some of the leading international players.”

    The Stankovic & Partners team included Associate Luka Marosiuk.

    Stankovic & Partners did not respond to our inquiry on the matter.