The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) has just been launched, and this brings big changes for crypto-asset markets in the European Union. MiCAR applies to both crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and crypto-asset issuers, but it focuses mainly on CASPs due to the higher risks involved with their activities. Each EU member state has the option to set its own transition periods for implementing the CASP regulations.

Walless, working with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, has advised Triumph Financial on the acquisition of Greenscreens.ai via a transaction valued at USD 160 million.

Walless, working with Gernandt & Danielsson, has advised ICA Gruppen on the sale of Rimi Baltic Group to Salling Group for EUR 1.3 billion. Sorainen reportedly advised Salling Group on the deal.

Addleshaw Goddard’s infrastructure and energy practice has been active across Central and Eastern Europe, with projects spanning battery storage, energy investments and motorways in Poland, disputes in Romania, and offshore wind development in Lithuania, according to Partner Marton Eorsi who highlights the growing necessity of private sector involvement in CEE, particularly in transport, energy transition, and urban mobility.

Walless has advised Scandi Standard on its EUR 18 million acquisition of six chicken farms in Lithuania.

Walless has successfully represented CarVertical before the Vilnius District Court in a case that resulted in the confirmation that database makers cannot block the reuse of non-substantial publicly accessible data.

Lithuania has updated its national legislation, with the revised Cybersecurity Law aligning with Directive (EU) 2022/2555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148 (NIS2 Directive). The new Cybersecurity Law took effect on October 18, 2024. The implementing legislation was adopted on November 6, 2024.

Walless has advised ScaleWolf on its EUR 2 million investment in Pulsetto.

Fort Legal has advised EfTEN Capital and its managed fund, Kinnisvarafond II AS, on the EUR 18.2 million sale of Kaunas Terminal to the PREF IV fund. Cobalt advised PREF IV.

TGS Baltic has advised the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid, and the state-owned energy storage system operator Energy Cells on the synchronization of the Baltic States’ electricity grids with continental Europe.

Dentons has advised the Republic of Lithuania on the issuance of two EUR-denominated benchmark bonds under its Euro Medium Term Note Program. TGS Baltic reportedly advised the Republic of Lithuania as well. Freshfields and Sorainen reportedly advised the underwriters.

Cobalt has advised German defense company Rheinmetall on a joint project with Lithuania’s EPSO-G Invest and Giraites Ginkluotes Gamykla to establish a 155-millimeter artillery ammunition manufacturing plant in Baisogala, Lithuania. TGS Baltic reportedly advised EPSO-G Invest. Sorainen reportedly advised Giraites Ginkluotes Gamykla.

Triniti Jurex has advised Nordic Minds on the sale of a majority stake in Tolimojo Keleivinio Transporto Kompanija to C Company. Motieka advised C Company on the matter.

TGS Baltic has advised Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings on the sale of its Europe-North out-of-home advertising segment to Bauer Radio Limited. Squire Patton Boggs, AG Law Limited, Cirio Law Firm, Kromann Reumert, Wikborg Rein, Castren & Snellman, Perez-Llorca, Reichlin Hess, Reed Smith, Deloitte and Herbert Smith Freehills, CMS, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Paczewski Tropaczynski reportedly advised the sellers as well.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. This time around we turn our attention to setting up new practices and ask: When launching a new practice, what is your go-to strategy – do you look at internal team members to spearhead it, or are you more likely to turn to lateral hires? Why?

Over the summer, numerous major employers in Lithuania had either terminated or tightened their hybrid work policies, mandating employees to be present in the office for at least three days per week. This shift is in line with global trends, particularly among technology companies, which have largely abandoned remote work arrangements. Since the pandemic ended, many companies have gradually moved their workforce back to the office, citing decreased productivity and employee engagement as primary reasons for this shift.

Walless has advised Rontgen Aviation Fund on its establishment in Lithuania and on obtaining approval from the Bank of Lithuania.

Walless, working with Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, has advised Ebury on the acquisition of Lithuania-based ArcaPay. TGS Baltic advised ArcaPay.