The first comprehensive Slovak foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regime entered into force on 1 March 2023. Now that the first year of this new FDI regime is behind us, below we summarise the key takeaways based on our practical experience with this law.

CMS, working with Harneys Cyprus, has advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on a EUR 22 million loan to the Cyprus-based Farmak Group and Ukraine's JSC Farmak for the acquisition of Poland's Symphar and the upgrade of JSC Farmak's IT systems.

Linklaters and Cobalt have advised Mirova on its investment in the Estonia-based Baltic Storage Platform energy storage project, a joint venture between Corsica Sole and Evecon established in 2023.

Ban, S. Szabo, Rausch & Partners has advised Talentis Group Zrt on its acquisition of a 100% interest in Brendon Holding Kft. Deloitte Legal reportedly advised the seller.

Wardynski & Partners has advised merchant acquiring services company Centrum Rozliczen Elektronicznych Polskie ePlatnosci on the spin-off and transfer of its full customer portfolio and all company processes to national payment institution Polskie ePlatnosci and supported the latter in obtaining bank financing for its ongoing settlements with merchants. Clifford Chance reportedly advised the lender.

Cytowski & Partners has advised Collabwriting on its USD 1.1 million seed financing with Smok Ventures, Credo Ventures, Fiedler Capital, Underline Ventures, Startup Wiseguys, and several CEE angel investors. Schoenherr reportedly advised Collabwriting as well. San Diego-based Komorowski PLLC reportedly advised lead investor Smok Ventures.