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.

The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) introduced a new guideline No. NBH's 9/2024, also known as the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Guideline. This initiative aims to help financial institutions incorporate sustainability considerations into their risk management processes. The Guideline seeks to standardise the collection and assessment of ESG information, thereby enhancing predictability in legal compliance and reducing administrative burdens for businesses applying for credit.

Dorda, working with Kirkland & Ellis, has advised Verdane on its partnership with Austrian sports platform Eversports. Schoenherr advised Eversports.

Schoenherr has advised IndieBI on raising equity capital through two investment rounds which included undisclosed industry investors.

Schoenherr, working with sole practitioner Mihaela Aliman, has advised Renovatio on the sale of renewable energy production assets with a capacity of approximately 18 megawatts to OMV Petrom. 

AI is increasingly revolutionizing the way businesses handle recruitment, hiring, management and employee monitoring etc. AI solutions are already adept at personalizing employee experiences, such as benefits and training, streamlining HR processes throughout the employment lifecycle, boosting efficiency and significantly reducing administrative burdens. Additionally, AI provides critical workforce insights, facilitating data-driven decision-making and management. However, these advancements also bring potential risks related to discrimination, protection of privacy, and other fundamental rights that employers must carefully manage.

The Czech Class Actions Act[1] became effective on 1 July 2024. Previous articles have provided an overview of key aspects of the new legislation and subjects of these proceedings. This part will focus on the challenges related to the publicity of class actions and explore ways in which companies, as defendants, can protect themselves from negative impacts.

Taylor Wessing has advised US-based Vintech Industries on its acquisition of parts of Rehau Automotive’s operations including its site in Jevicko, Moravia. Schoenherr and Gleiss Lutz reportedly advised Rehau Automotive.

Schoenherr has advised Uniqa on the sale of a 75% share in the Russian life insurance company Raiffeisen Life to Russian insurer Renaissance Life.

Schoenherr has advised GA Adriatic, formerly Renault Nissan Slovenija, on the settlement negotiations with the Slovenian Competition Protection Agency. Zidar Klemencic reportedly advised GA Adriatic in auxiliary proceedings. Cad, and reportedly Fatur Menard, advised Avtohisa Malgaj; Podjed, Kahne & Partners advised Avtohisa Real; Fasun, Melihen, Milac, Strojan reportedly advised Plesko Cars; and Tadej Kalan reportedly advised Avtoservis Kalan, all of which were involved in the proceedings as well.

Schoenherr has advised Fynk on its recent approximately EUR 3.1 million seed financing round led by 3VC with the participation of 10x Founders. CMS advised 3VC.