Few topics have sparked as much controversy in 2024 as the seizure and examination of mobile data carriers and the data found therein. Despite an urgent need to have the legal framework amended by the end of 2024, a new draft bill was published only on 20 November 2024. We take a look.

Schoenherr has advised Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego on a EUR 40 million financing agreement for the development and long-term investment of a Puro Hotel in Budapest. Szabo, Kelemen & Partners Andersen advised Puro.

As Schonherr Head of Intellectual Property and Dispute Resolution practices in Bulgaria Ventsislav Tomov explains, Bulgaria’s delicate political situation and unreliable judicial system are creating a challenging environment for both local and international businesses. Amid these uncertainties, internal corporate investigations are on the rise, driven by cultural clashes between Western investors and Bulgarian management as well as growing concerns over compliance and governance.

Schoenherr, working with Proskauer Rose and Paul Hastings, has advised Luminator Technology Group and Wingspire Capital on USD 40 million term and revolving loans granted to LTG.

Schoenherr has advised Seidel Hungaria Ingatlankezelo on its sale of an industrial asset located in Ajka, Hungary to Muszertechnika Holding. Molnar and Bereczky advised Muszertechnika Holding.

In recent weeks, the Slovak Parliament has approved two laws that could substantially increase labour costs for employers in Slovakia. One amendment to the Minimum Wage Act raises the automatic determination rate of the minimum wage, while another introduces a new contribution to cover sports activities for employees' children.

Schoenherr has advised Pan-Pek on securing a EUR 20 million long-term loan from Privredna Banka Zagreb, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Schoenherr has advised Electrum Concreo on up to PLN 400 million financing via bilateral multi-product lines and a refinancing facility from PKO Bank Polski, mBank, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Credit Agricole Bank Polska, and Santander Bank Polska. Clyde & Co advised the banks.

Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr has advised InPharm Co on its acquisition of Casa Spadijer Bioclinica.

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).

The Government of Hungary has overhauled the regulatory framework governing the district heating sector. The legislative changes are primarily aimed at supporting substantial new investments in district heating production by increasing the profit limits for new installations utilising renewable and geothermal energy.

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. 

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.

Schoenherr has advised Aventario Group founder and sole owner Markus Kern on the sale of a majority stake in the company to Waldegg Equity Partners. Schindler advised the buyer.

Schoenherr has advised ImWind on the sale of two wind farms and one solar park to Wien Energie. E+H advised Wien Energie.

Schoenherr advises Tupperware Oesterreich on its restructuring proceedings without self-administration.

Schoenherr, working with McDermott Will & Emery and Latham & Watkins, has advised Verdane on its partnership with Cropster. Sole practitioner Robert Benedikt reportedly advised Cropster.

Schoenherr has advised Sunrise Real Estate and Ares Management on a refinancing deal with Blackstone and Apollo Global Management for a European logistics portfolio valued at approximately EUR 1.5 billion. Eversheds Sutherland advised the lenders. A&O Shearman reportedly advised Sunrise Real Estate and Ares Management as well.