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Kristóf Ferenczi is appointed Firm Managing Partner of Kinstellar
Kinstellar teams up with and integrates SOG Law Firm in Serbia

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Insights March 2024

CfD Scheme soon to be launched in Romania

On 14 March 2024, the Romanian Ministry of Energy launched for public consultations the draft Government decision on the approval of the general legal framework for the implementation and functioning of the Contracts for Difference support scheme for low carbon technologies ("CfD Scheme"). There is a short deadline for public consultations: 25 March 2024. In early March, Romania received the green light from the European Commission to launch a EUR 3 billion state aid programme to promote the deployment of wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to meet its energy transition goals. The support scheme foresees two auction rounds, in 2024, the first auction of 2 GW, consisting of 1 GW solar and 1 GW wind; and in 2025

News March 2024

Kinstellar announces launch of sister law firm in Southeast Asia

Kinstellar is delighted to announce that it has joined forces with Asia Counsel (www.asia-counsel.com), a prominent law firm in Vietnam. Our sister law firm in Vietnam will continue to operate under the existing “Asia Counsel” brand, now in association with Kinstellar Southeast Asia. Our strategy is to continue to develop a first-class group of law firms in jurisdictions where the major international law firms are not focussed, thereby positioning ourselves as the leading innovator and powerhouse in those jurisdictions. This strategic move marks a significant milestone and a launchpad for our group’s expansion plans in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia. By combining our strengths, resources and expertise

Insights March 2024

Coffee industry leaders face EUR 2 million fine and secure a conditional merger before Serbian Competition Authority

On 29 February 2024, the Serbian Competition Authority (the “SCA”) published two detailed decisions involving two largest undertakings on the Serbian coffee market. The first one relates to concerted practices that resulted in a joint fine of approximately EUR 2 million, while the other one relates to the conditional approval of the acquisition of Strauss Adriatic by Atlantic Group. As per data released by the SCA, these two enterprises collectively h approximately 70% to 80% of the coffee market in Serbia, boasting a portfolio that includes the most significant coffee brands in the region. In 2021, the SCA conducted a sectorial analysis encompassing various food markets, including a specific focus on the ground coffee

Insights March 2024

The AI Act is adopted, what to do now?

On March 13th the EU Parliament adopted the AI Act, marking a significant milestone in shaping the region's AI landscape. The Act will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and 20 days after publication, the AI Act will enter into force. Although it will take two full years until the grace period passes and almost all provisions will be applicable, AI providers should be aware of the detailed schedule of applicability. In addition, as the AI Act has extraterritorial scope, it does not only concern the 27 Member States of the European Union, but any AI provider worldwide whose AI systems are placed on the market or put into service in the EU. The first deadline expires in six months, as the rules

Deals March 2024

Kinstellar advised The Associated Press in the production of the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Days in Mariupol

Kinstellar is honoured to have provided intellectual property and privacy-related advice to The Associated Press (AP) during the production of 20 Days in Mariupol, a feature-length documentary about the brutal Russian invasion and devastation of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol in 2022. The documentary was recently honoured with an Academy Award for Best Documentary, adding to a growing list of accolades for 20 Days in Mariupol, including from Pulitzer, Sundance, BAFTA and the Directors Guild of America. The Oscar is a first for producer Mstyslav Chernov, a Ukrainian AP video journalist, the AP itself (as a 178-year-old news organization), and is also Ukraine’s first ever Oscar win! Ukrainian IP and privacy law advice

Insights March 2024

Dawn raids: Guidelines for businesses in light of Ukraine's new competition law

At present, even though the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMC) does not actively conduct inspections, conducting dawn raid inspections is still permissible during martial law. On 6 February 2024, the updated Dawn Raids Procedure was implemented in Ukraine in order to make the process more transparent and lucid. The document outlines the steps that the AMC must take in order to carry out a dawn raid, as well as the step-by-step protocols for each stage of the inspection, such as taking pictures, recording audio or video, seizing or restricting evidence, checking and sealing the premises and other possessions, and copying papers and data storage devices. There are three noteworthy changes to the updated process:

Deals March 2024

Kinstellar advises Genesis Capital on the acquisition of a big player in heating and cooling installations

Kinstellar’s Prague office has successfully advised Genesis Private Equity Fund IV (GPEF IV), from the established private equity group Genesis Capital, on the acquisition of Schulte Group, a key player in heating and cooling installations. Genesis Capital is buying a majority stake. Private equity investors believe that businesses will continue to focus on energy savings and emissions reductions. The fact that multinational corporations are demanding a greener approach from their suppliers in the Czech Republic contributes to this. We expect Schulte's sales to reach CZK 1 billion within three years.Tomáš Sýkora, Investment Director of Genesis The fund' s goal, he said, is to confirm Schulte's position

Deals March 2024

Kinstellar advises IMMOFINANZ on the sale of Grand Center Zagreb

Kinstellar has successfully advised IMMOFINANZ on the sale of the Grand Center Zagreb office building to a Croatian real estate investment company. Kinstellar advised IMMOFINANZ throughout the process including on structuring of the sale process, structuring of the transaction, due diligence, and transaction negotiations. Located in the heart of the Croatian capital, Grand Center Zagreb stands as a modern, high-quality office building with a distinctive architectural design. With approximately 16,000 sqm of exclusive office space, the property also provides tenants with access to local amenities, including a variety of bars and restaurants. Kinstellar’s team was led by Andrijana Kaštelan, Counsel, and

Insights March 2024

Slovakia – Choice of jurisdiction in purely national relationships resolved

In its decision of 8 February 2024 (C 566/22), the Court of Justice of the European Union (the ECJ) has finally resolved the long-term practical question (and debate among legal practitioners) whether, in the case of a purely national relationship without the presence of a foreign element or link to several legal orders, contracting parties may choose the jurisdiction of the judicial authorities of any EU Member State. The response is YES. This landmark decision is a clear affirmation of the parties’ autonomy to determine the jurisdiction of the judicial authorities. Simply put, if two Slovak entities enter into an agreement under Slovak law without a link to another Member State or non-Member State, the parties are not

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Kinstellar acts as trusted legal counsel to leading investors across Emerging Europe and Central Asia. Our reputation for quality, excellence and integrity speaks for itself.

With offices in eleven jurisdictions and over 300 local and international lawyers, we deliver consistent, joined-up legal advice and assistance across diverse regional markets – together with the know-how and experience to champion your interests while minimising exposure to risk.

Our clients include leading international and regional corporations, banks and other financial institutions, state bodies, multi-lateral institutions, and international law firms with clients that require top-quality legal counsel in our jurisdictions. We handle the most important and complex assignments for clients across diverse industries and business sectors.

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📢 🌟 Thrilled to announce that Asia Counsel, a prominent law firm in #Vietnam, has become Kinstellar’s sister law firm. The firm will continue to operate under the existing “Asia Counsel” brand, now in association with Kinstellar Southeast Asia. 🌟 🗺️ This strategic move marks a significant #milestone and a #launchpad for our group's expansion plans in the #emerging markets of Southeast Asia. By combining our strengths, resources and expertise with those of Asia Counsel, we will be positioned to deliver comprehensive high-quality legal solutions that meet the needs of our clients, just as we do in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 🔗 Our new Vietnam and Southeast Asian platform will offer clients significant synergies with the existing Kinstellar full service firm operations in #Bulgaria#Croatia#Czech Republic, #Hungary#Kazakhstan#Romania#Serbia#Slovakia#Ukraine#Turkey and #Uzbekistan. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dvvbAVHC Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities! 🎉 #Kinstellar #AsiaCounsel #LegalInnovation #GlobalGrowth #emergingmarkets #southeastasia #NewBeginnings #exceptionaltogether  

✨ Proud of our results in the 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners #Europe where we have been ranked for 43 practices across all our European jurisdictions, and had 39 lawyers recognized as leading practitioners in their areas.   ⭐ We are especially thrilled about our top-tier results in #Croatia (#Dispute Resolution), #Hungary (#Banking & #Finance, #Projects & #Energy) and #Slovakia (#Corporate M&A).   🙏🏻 We extend our gratitude to our Clients for entrusting us with their projects and for providing invaluable feedback, and congratulations to our Teams - your dedication and hard work made this achievement and everything possible! 🙌   #exceptionaltogether #ChambersEurope #LegalExcellence #legaldirectories #recognitionawards

📣 🇷🇴 On 14 March 2024, the #Romanian Ministry of Energy launched for public consultations the draft Government decision on the approval of the general legal framework for the implementation and functioning of the Contracts for Difference support scheme for low carbon technologies ("#CfD Scheme").   ⏳ The deadline for public consultations is short: 25 March 2024.   💡 In early March, Romania received the green light from the European Commission to launch a EUR 3 billion state aid programme to promote the deployment of #wind and solar #photovoltaic (PV) capacity to meet its #energy transition goals.   👉🏻 The support scheme foresees two auction rounds, in 2024, the first auction of 2 GW, consisting of 1 GW solar and 1 GW wind; and in 2025, the second auction for the remaining 3 GW, consisting of 1.5 GW wind and 1.5 GW solar. Project eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on permitting status and eligibility criteria under the CfD Scheme.   📩 For more details on the topic, you may contact Iustinian Captariu (Partner) or Ioana-Mihaela Criste (Associate) in #Bucharest.   https://lnkd.in/dfFBpp9z   #intheknow #energytransition #renewables #legalupdates  

🚨 🇪🇺 On March 13th, the #EU Parliament adopted the #AIAct, marking a significant milestone in shaping the region's AI landscape.   📜 #AI Act will affect businesses and providers alike. With just a short window between adoption and enforcement, now is the time to prepare. 🚀 Legal assessments and compliance measures must be underway to avoid any last-minute rushes.   📈 AI adoption is on the rise, with studies showing its integration into the majority of businesses' operations: on average more than eight out of ten businesses have adopted AI in some way in their operations, and a similar percentage of companies consider AI a top priority in their business strategies.   👉 Act now to ensure your business is ready for the changes ahead.   Read here a short overview by Daniel Nagy, co-head of the firm-wide Data & Cybersecurity service line. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dg9EgU3Z   #intheknow #AIAwareness #artificialintelligence #artificialintelligenceforbusiness #EURegulation #BusinessPreparedness  

📢 🇷🇸 🚀 Breaking News: #Serbian #Competition Authority imposes a EUR 2 million fine on major coffee industry players for coordinated practices. This comes alongside a conditional approval for Atlantic Group's acquisition of Strauss Adriatic, a significant move in the Serbian coffee market. 💡 The Antitrust Decision reveals prolonged coordination between the industry leaders, emphasizing the SCA's focus on fair competition. 👇🏻 For more details, click on the link below. https://lnkd.in/emsUtnBd #CompetitionLaw #Antitrust #mergersandacquisitions #BusinessNews #donedeals #exceptionaltogether #leadinglawyers

📢 Be prepared for when a dawn raid occurs 🌅 🌐 Our #Competition service line in #Ukraine, reflecting the country's newly enacted competition law, has published its first guidelines on dawn raids. 🕵️♂️ Find practical advice on how to prepare for and act during and after dawn raids. 🏛️ Learn the scope of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine's enhanced powers. 🤝 Don't miss out on valuable insights that could make a difference to your approach! 💬 Dive into the overview below 👇, authored by our Competition team – Partner Olexander Martinenko, Counsel Yulia Eismont and Associate Olena Tsygulska. 📩 Contact us for detailed guidelines on dawn raids, or for special training in this respect.   🔗 https://lnkd.in/dx_YGMu6 #intheknow #dawnraids #competitionlaw #ukraine

📢 🇺🇦 Our #Ukraine office is honoured to have advised The Associated Press (AP) on #intellectual property and #privacy-related matters during the production of the #Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol., a feature-length documentary about the brutal Russian #invasion and devastation of the #Ukrainian city of #Mariupol in 2022 🏆 🎥 The documentary was recently honoured with an Academy Award for Best Documentary, adding to a growing list of accolades for 20 Days in Mariupol, including from Pulitzer, Sundance, BAFTA and the Directors Guild of America. The Oscar is a first for producer Mstyslav Chernov, a Ukrainian AP video journalist, the AP itself (as a 178-year-old news organization), and is also Ukraine’s first ever Oscar win! 💡 Ukrainian #IP and #privacy law advice for the film was provided by Natalia Kirichenko, Kyiv office Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property & Technology practice, and Olena Stanishevska, Associate. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dYMkpjBy #donedeals #IPadvice #Kinstellar #Ukraine #oscars2024 #AssociatedPress #Russiancrimes #Mariupol 

📣 Join us on 21 March for a #RealEstate event in #Prague! KinstellarLinklaters Warsaw, and ULI Poland/Czech Republic are organizing a breakfast briefing: "Real estate business in Poland and the Czech Republic – investment outlook and financing strategies". 🌟 Delve into a morning discussion across two panels, where industry experts will share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of the Polish and Czech real estate markets. ➡ In the investment perspectives panel: Tomáš Jandík, CFA, MRICS of REICO IS ČS, Adrian Karczewicz of Skanska, Jaroslav Kysela of INVESTIKA, Omar Sattar of Colliers and Christopher Zeuner of 7R SA will compare Czech and Polish real estate #investment markets and talk about key drivers behind Czech #investor appetite for investment Poland. Adriana Andrzejewska will moderate the discussion. ➡ In the financing perspectives panel: Łukasz Białecki of Bank Pekao S.A., Jan Černý of BHM group, Marta Domino of Linklaters, Václav Kment of Kinstellar, Martin Kyhos of ARC Capital Markets and Ryan Wray MRICS of Avison Young | Czech Republic will talk about the lending market, structuring, current challenges and opportunities. Radek Kucera will moderate the discussion. More information: https://lnkd.in/dTXv34dt 👉🏻 If you are interested in joining, please contact Luděk Wojnar at trk=public_post_embed-text . We look forward to welcoming you! #RealEstate #RealEstateInvestment #Investment #Financing #PragueEvent

🔎 🇧🇬 Looking back at last year’s amendments to the insolvency and restructuring regime in #Bulgaria, Svilen Issaev, Counsel in #Sofia and firm-wide co-head of #Restructuring & #Insolvency, explains some of the main changes that were introduced. ▶️ The new regime is slated to become more effective thanks to a new definition of “over-indebtedness” as a ground for the opening of insolvency proceedings, changes in the procedural steps for insolvency, and refined options available to entities seeking to avoid insolvency, among others.   Read the publication in CEE Legal Matters available here: 👇🏻https://lnkd.in/dXMxNtY9   #intheknow #legalupdates #CEELegalMatters #magazine #CEE #leadinglawyers