Baker McKenzie has advised AGIC Capital on its acquisition of a majority stake in Grafotronic and its subsidiaries. Setterwalls advised Grafotronic's shareholders.

Baker McKenzie has advised Palfinger on establishing its European Works Council. Babic & Partners, Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen, and Jadek & Pensa advised Palfinger on Croatian, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Slovenian law-related matters, respectively. Bech-Bruun, Arntzen de Besche, and PBBR reportedly advised on Danish, Norwegian, and Portuguese law-related matters.

Schoenherr has advised the sellers on the sale of ARZ Allgemeines Rechenzentrum to Accenture. Baker McKenzie advised the buyer. 

Malecki Legal has advised Brand New Galaxy on its sale to Stagwell. Baker McKenzie advised Stagwell on the acquisition. Reportedly, Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak, Loyens & Loeff, Benvalor, Al Tamimi & Company, and Baker Hostetler advised Brand New Galaxy as well.

In recent years, innovative Hungarian companies are increasingly attracting foreign professional and financial investors who seek their state-of-the-art products and services.

CMS has advised Medicover on its acquisition of McFit Polska from RSG Group. Baker McKenzie advised the seller.

Baker McKenzie and Integrites have contributed to the completion of the European Commission questionnaire regarding Ukraine's application for European Union membership. Baker McKenzie contributed to the completion of Parts I and II of the questionnaire. ​​Integrites worked pro bono to contribute to the submission of the Ukrainian Government’s response. 

Former Rymarz Zdort Partner Marcin Chylinski has joined the Baker McKenzie Warsaw office as a Partner and Head of the firm's Equity Capital Markets practice as of April 1, 2022.

Former Rymarz Zdort Partner Marcin Iwaniszyn has joined Baker McKenzie’s Warsaw office as a Partner and Head of its Banking & Finance practice.

According to the CEE Legal Matters CEE By The Numbers report, between 2019 and 2021, Ukraine saw a large decrease in the number of ranked law firms and lawyers at ranked firms. While in 2019 the number of Ukrainian law firms ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 was 95, in 2021 the same number decreased to 69. Similarly, the number of ranked-firm lawyers decreased from 1,579 in 2019 to 1,338 in 2021. The decreasing trend is particularly visible in comparison to other CEE countries.

Baker McKenzie has advised Datwyler on its acquisition of the QSR Group from Q Holding and 3i. Kirkland & Ellis reportedly advised the sellers.

Baker McKenzie and DLA Piper have joined the plethora of firms announcing their exit from the Russian market.

Back in 2007, the foundation for sustainable financing was set through the issuance of a green Climate Awareness Bond by the European Investment Bank. This was in part due to the increased awareness of climate change. By June 2022, Austria wants to issue its first Green Bond. Possible investments for the Green Bond are public transport and renewable energy. Aside from bonds, sustainable financing can be concluded in several other product forms, such as guarantee lines, as well as classic bank loans. The volume of sustainable syndicated bank loans reached EUR 200 billion for the first time, last year.

The currency fluctuations in Turkey have resulted in challenges but have also created opportunities for investment in the country, according to Esin Attorney Partnership Partner Caner Elmas.

On October 7, six leading labor lawyers in Hungary sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea. The conversation focused on the current state of affairs of labor regulations in Hungary and their evolution over the pandemic-marked last few months.

On June 15, 2021, Hungary passed legislation that bans the dissemination of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change. Dubbed by many as simply the “Anti-LGBTQ+ Law,” it has wide-ranging implications – even leaving social issues / social impact aside. CEE Legal Matters spoke with several Hungarian lawyers to discuss the law’s business implications and the impact it had on law firms’ work.

Recently published case law from Hungary’s National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition – the Hungarian acronym is OGYEI – deals with various aspects of pharmaceutical promotional activities and interactions with health care providers. The OGYEI investigated the commercial practices of Aramis Pharma Kft., Lilly Hungaria Kft., and Sager Pharma Kft., and imposed fines following the discovery of infringements.

Reflecting the Hungarian tax administration’s nature as a pioneer in innovative tax administration measures, 2021 brings significant eVAT developments in Hungary.