In today’s fast-evolving world, countries are continuously revising their labor laws to achieve the right balance between the needs of the workforce and the demands of the corporate sector. The Republic of Lithuania stands out in this regard, as its Labor Code seeks to provide flexibility in labor relations, all the while ensuring the rights of its employees are not undermined. A close examination of the Labor Code, local documentation practices, and the progressive legal shifts toward Western norms paints a comprehensive picture of the nation’s approach to employment dynamics.

Ellex Valiunas has advised the EBRD on its EUR 15 million loan to ECSO. Walless advised the borrower.

Ellex Valiunas has advised E Energija group company Kogeneracija on the sale of 100% of shares in Miesto Energija and Pramones Energija and a 4,34% stake in Klaipedos Energija to Vilniaus Silumos Tinklai. TGS Baltic reportedly advised the buyer.

TGS Baltic has advised the INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund on the agreement to fully acquire the Galinta Group. Lewben advised Galinta.

Kinstellar, working with Veil Jourde, has advised Jacquet Metals on its acquisition of several distribution companies from the Swiss Steel Group. Niederer Kraft Frey and Roedl & Partner reportedly advised the Swiss Steel Group.

TGS Baltic has advised the European Investment Bank on its EUR 25 million loan agreement with Klaipeda municipal water utility company Klaipedos Vanduo in Lithuania, to support its 2023-2026 investment program.

Walless has advised the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania on the renovation project of the Lithuanian Zoo in Kaunas.

Ellex Valiunas has advised Appsflyer on its acquisition of DevtoDev. TGS Baltic reportedly advised the sellers.

Ellex, working alongside Baker McKenzie, has advised Culligan International on its acquisition of Primo Water Corporation’s European business in an all-cash transaction valued at up to USD 575 million.

Lithuania becoming a buyer's market as well as new court decisions open the door for traditionally less used M&A deal structures according to CEE Attorneys Partner Oksana Kostogriz.

Walless has advised Arginta and Atzwanger on the Vilnius sewage treatment plant renovation project worth EUR 37.1 million.

On November 3, 2023, Cobalt announced that Ignitis Renewables' acquisition of a wind farm in Kelme, Lithuania, from E Energija (reported by CEE Legal Matters on July 4, 2023) had closed.

Many might be surprised these days, but when Lithuania joined the EU in 2004, it was an electricity exporter, producing more energy than it consumed. The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant was operational, and Lithuanian consumers were unaware of potential concerns over electricity prices.

The regulatory framework of the Lithuanian labor market underwent several important updates. Most of these developments are concerned with regulating labor migration.

Lithuania’s intellectual property (IP) market is active in the area of trademarks and copyright, with businesses and creators starting to understand the value of IP protection. This trend does not yet extend to patents, but trade secrets are a highly litigated area, and their protection is broader than ever.

Taylor Wessing has advised Lithuania's Vinted Go on its acquisition of Dutch logistics company Homerr.

TGS Baltic, working with Oppenhoff, has advised Hawesko on its partnership with the Dunker Group through the acquisition of 50% of Dunker Group's shares. Triniti advised Arkastro OU, the holding company of Dunker Group founder Arvo Kask, who sold his stake to Hawesko.

Wardynski & Partners, working with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, has advised the Bauer Media Group on the merger of its online comparison platform business with that of the Netrisk Group.