5 May 2025 – It has come to our attention that some companies in Bulgaria have received unauthorised fraudulent emails falsely claiming to originate from Kinstellar's Sofia office. Th is appears to be part of an illegal scam (fraudulent impersonation) campaign. We assure you that these fraudulent emails did not come from our official Kinstellar domain and have nothing to do with our Firm. Our IT and Risk & Compliance teams are giving this matter their highest priority and are actively investigating the issue. We are bringing this matter to the relevant authorities. Importantly, this illegal scam campaign appears to have been sent from various email accounts. Please verify the sender's
The current economic situation is causing an increasing number of lessees to have concerns about the financial situation of their lessors and the stability of their lease rights. In this context, the question often arises as to what effect (i) the opening of insolvency proceedings against a lessor's assets, and/or (ii) the (compulsory) sale of the property on which the leased premises are located have on the lease agreement. 1. Opening of insolvency proceedings against the assets of a lessor In Austria, the opening of insolvency proceedings against the assets of a lessor has no effect on the existence and the content of a lease agreement. Pursuant to Section 24 of the Insolvency Act (Insolvenzordnung), the insolvency
Kinstellar has advised Mitiska European Real Estate Partners 3 ("MEREP 3") —an investment fund of Mitiska REIM—in connection with the entry of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("EBRD") into a joint venture with property developer OPC Group for the development and operation of five retail parks in Slovakia. The joint venture involves retail parks located in Liptovský Mikuláš, Skalica, Sládkovičovo, Žiar nad Hronom, and Veľké Kapušany. The EBRD entered the partnership through its investment vehicle MEREP 3 CEE CIV CommV to support the development of sustainable commercial real estate in the region. All projects are expected to target BREEAM "Very Good" or higher certification.
At Kinstellar, we understand that tax audits and disputes can pose significant challenges to businesses. To better serve our clients in this critical area, we have brought together our tax advisory and litigation teams into a dedicated Tax Disputes & Audit Task Force. This newly established task force combines the full strength of our tax and legal expertise to support companies facing the risk—or the reality—of a tax inspection or fiscal litigation. Our professionals work hand-in-hand to help you anticipate risks, prepare your teams, manage the audit process, and defend your case with confidence in all procedural phases. Whether you're seeking to avoid future exposure, handle an ongoing audit, or resolve
Kinstellar's Budapest office has successfully advised BYD, the leading Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer, on the acquisition of the IP West office building in Budapest from CA Immo. The transaction marks a significant step in BYD's European expansion, with the building set to serve as its European headquarters and is expected to employ over 2,000 people. Located in a prime Budapest office district, IP West comprises approximately 32,100 sqm of leasable office space and 800 parking spaces, making it one of the most attractive commercial real estate assets in the Hungarian capital. The acquisition underscores BYD's long-term commitment to the CEE region and supports the company's goal to
On 9 May 2025, the Bulgarian State Gazette published important amendments to the Bulgarian Whistleblowing Act, further aligning the national legal framework with Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of EU law. These amendments aim to strengthen the protection of individuals reporting breaches of both Bulgarian and EU law, while promoting greater transparency and accountability. The key amendments affecting companies include: 1. Restrictions on shared internal reporting channels within the private sector The amendments eliminate the existing possibility for private sector companies within the same economic group
The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic has submitted a proposal to amend the Act on Information Technologies in Public Administration. Its aim is to strengthen the management of the state's digital assets, increase cybersecurity resilience, and introduce clear rules for the use of artificial intelligence in public administration. From the state's perspective, this is an ambitious reform, but for IT solution suppliers, it introduces numerous negative consequences that fundamentally change the existing contractual practices and business environment. Below is a summary of the key changes and their practical impacts on businesses. 1. Special copyright regime for public
Kinstellar has successfully advised "Baiterek" National Managing Holding in connection with its debut issuance of senior unsecured Eurobonds in an amount of up to USD 500,000,000, under Regulation S / Rule 144A. The bonds are listed on the London Stock Exchange's International Securities Market (ISM), the Vienna MTF of Wiener Börse, and the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange. Baiterek is Kazakhstan's primary state-owned development institution, tasked with implementing government economic policy and supporting sustainable development through the financing of key sectors of the Kazakhstan economy. This landmark transaction represents a significant step in Baiterek's access to international capital markets, further
On 9 May 2025 the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) published new amendments to existing currency restrictions introduced in February 2022, following the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion. The revised regulatory provisions are aimed at creating a more favourable environment for attracting foreign capital, while maintaining effective controls over foreign currency flows. Click on one of the images below or use the following links to read our overview in English or in Ukrainian. Download in English: Download in Ukrainian:
Kinstellar acts as trusted legal counsel to leading investors across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Southeast Europe (SEE) and Central Asia. Our reputation for quality, excellence and integrity speaks for itself.
With offices in 12 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.
*2024 rankings in core practice areas in international legal directories (Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR1000)
With expert local knowledge and a track record at the international level, our lawyers provide top-tier advice and client service in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Southeast Europe (SEE) and Central Asia.
Our Team🌟 We're proud to celebrate the recognition of our talented Intellectual Property professionals in the IP STARS 2025 rankings – highlighting their exceptional contributions to the field of IP across the region. 🏆🇺🇦 Natalia Kirichenko, Partner, Co-Head of the Firm-wide Intellectual Property & Technology service line and Head of the local Intellectual Property & Technology service line in Ukraine, has been awarded the prestigious Transactions Star 2025 for her outstanding work in #IP. 🔜 We are looking forward to the release of the firm rankings in #Ukraine throughout June and July, for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion. 🏆🇧🇬 Our Sofia office has been ranked in the Trade Mark 2025 category – a recognition of the team’s consistent delivery of high-quality legal advice in trademark law. 🏆🇧🇬 Special congratulations also to Georgi Kanev, Managing Associate, Co-Head of the Firm-wide Intellectual Property & Technology service line and Head of the local Intellectual Property & Technology and Data Privacy practice in Bulgaria, who has been ranked as a Notable Practitioner – reflecting his dedication and leadership in the IP space. 💼 IP STARS (Managing IP's rankings publication) rankings are among the most respected in the industry, drawing on independent research across 151 jurisdictions and evaluating more than 7,100 practitioners. 🎉 Huge appreciation to our clients for their continued trust, and kudos to our IP teams for pushing boundaries and setting new standards across the region! #ExceptionalTogether #IPStars2025 #KinstellarExcellence #TransactionsStar #TradeMarkLaw #Recognition #StellarJourney #IntellectualProperty
🚨🇪🇺 Landmark EU Commission decision: A double first for antitrust enforcement The European Commission has fined Delivery Hero and Glovo a combined EUR 329 million for their participation in a cartel within the online food delivery sector. This ground-breaking decision marks two significant "firsts" in EU competition law: 📌 Anti-competitive minority shareholding: This is the first time the Commission has sanctioned the anti-competitive use of a minority stake in a competing business. It underscores that even non-controlling investments can facilitate illegal coordination. 📌 Labour market cartel (no-poach agreements): This is the first EU Commission decision finding a cartel in the labour market, specifically relating to companies agreeing not to poach each other's employees. This sends a clear message that such agreements, which stifle employee opportunities, are a serious antitrust violation. Key takeaways: 💡 Non-controlling stakes do not exempt companies from antitrust scrutiny when they lead to anti-competitive coordination between competitors. 💡 No-poach agreements are indeed sanctionable as cartels, emphasizing the importance of competition for talent. 📩 If you need advice in competition law, reach out to our experts, Tomas Cihula (Partner in Prague and Co-Head of the Firm-wide Competition & State Aid service line) and Matěj Korduliak (Associate, Prague). #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #Antitrust #CompetitionLaw #EUCommission #Cartel #LabourMarket #NoPoach #MergersAndAcquisitions #Compliance #FoodDelivery
AUT 📢 Protecting lease rights in #Austria: Consequences of insolvency and (compulsory) sale of premises 📑 In light of the current economic climate, lessees are increasingly concerned about the financial stability of their lessors—and with good reason, as Sandra Seldte, Counsel in our Vienna office, explores in her latest article. When a lessor faces insolvency or a (compulsory) property sale, the security of the lessee’s rights may be at risk. The article analyses two key scenarios that can directly or indirectly impact lease agreements under Austrian law: (i) the initiation of insolvency proceedings against the lessor’s assets, and (ii) the (compulsory) sale of the leased property. 🔍 Key takeaways for tenants, investors, and legal advisors: ✔️ Insolvency proceedings against the lessor’s assets alone do not affect the validity or content of a lease, nor do they create a special termination right ✔️ A (compulsory) sale, however, can impact the lease—depending on: – whether the lease falls under the (full or partial) scope of application of the Austrian Tenancy Act (#MRG) or only the Civil Code (#ABGB) – whether and how the lease is registered in the land register ✔️ Small differences in legal structure can make a major difference in lease protection ⚖️ The article provides detailed legal analysis, helping stakeholders understand how to safeguard lease rights even in uncertain times. 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/deTEzCZn #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #Insolvency #LeaseAgreements #RealEstateLaw #LeaseProtection #Vienna
📢 Proud to have advised Mitiska REIM (via MEREP 3) on the entry of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (#EBRD) into a joint venture with property developer OPC Group to develop and operate five retail parks across #Slovakia. 🌍 All projects are targeting #BREEAM "Very Good" or higher certification, supporting sustainable commercial real estate in the region. Congratulations to our team in Bratislava, Managing Associate Dáša Labašová and Associate Martin Dančo, for advising on the full legal aspects of the transaction. 📌 https://lnkd.in/dtcnFHbP #ExceptionalTogether #DoneDeals #InvestmentFund #RealEstateLaw #MergersandAcquisitions #RetailPark #Sustainability
Meet us at Money20/20 Europe 2025 🌍 Illya Muchnyk, Partner & Head of Banking and Finance in Ukraine and Firm-wide Head of FinTech, will be attending the Money 20/20 Europe 2025 conference on 3-5 June in #Amsterdam. As the world’s premier fintech event, Money20/20 brings together over 7,500 attendees and 200 industry-leading speakers from banking, payments, crypto, and beyond to discuss the latest trends and the future of the industry. 📈 🎯 This year’s agenda explores four key themes: Embedded Intelligence – What happens when money thinks for itself? Digital DNA – Will identity become the ultimate currency? Governance 2.0 – How do we regulate a future not yet written? Beyond Fintech – What is the future of money? Illya will be on-site throughout the event and is eager to engage with fellow professionals and explore the next wave of digital finance innovation and regulatory developments in the sector. This event is where transformative ideas in #fintech come to life, and we're delighted to be part of the conversation with those at the forefront of fintech. 💬 Interested in a conversation? Connect with Illya at the event or reach out to him at illya.muchnyk@kinstellar. #ExceptionalTogether #Money20202025 #Meetus #Innovation #Banking #Finance #Ukraine #DigitalFinance #FutureOfFinance
✨ Delighted to have co-hosted the “Navigating Change: Employment & Tax Updates” Business Breakfast together with our partners from Romania Canada Business Association (CBEX), with the event taking place in our new headquarters at Globalworth Tower, #Bucharest. It was a pleasure to welcome professionals from the Canadian-Romanian business community for a focused and dynamic session covering key employment law updates, tax developments and business impact, and strategies for leading companies through change. 👏 Congratulations to our speakers, Theodor Artenie, Head of Tax, and Andrada Popescu, Managing Associate, Employment, for delivering sharp, practical insights. 🌟 A heartfelt thank you to our guest of honour, Mihai ZANT, Executive Coach & Partner at Career Shift / HUMANISTIC, for the inspiration and thought leadership he brought to the table. 🤝 We’re truly grateful to the CBEX team, especially Simona Constantinescu for co-organising, and to everyone who joined us—it was a pleasure to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the road ahead together! 🎥 Check out our video for a short glimpse into what the morning was all about. #ExceptionalTogether #CBEX #BusinessBreakfast #EmploymentLaw #TaxUpdates #OrganizationalChange #Leadership #HR #LegalUpdate #RomaniaBusiness #Networking #BucharestBusiness
✨ We are honoured and proud to share that our colleague Klara Stepankova, Partner and Co-Head of the Firm-wide Real Estate practice, has been named one of the 50 most influential people in the Czech and Slovak real estate markets by Property Forum Events & News. 🏆 Klára's work doesn’t just shape deals, it sets standards. From landmark transactions to forward-looking strategies, she embodies the depth, clarity and impact that define true expertise. At Kinstellar, we’re proud to have not only top-tier professionals, but leading women experts who are shaping the future of real estate law in the region. 📊 This prestigious list celebrates individuals shaping the future of the real estate sector in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, based on factors such as market share, deal activity, industry rankings, and overall impact — congratulations to all the professionals included! 👉 Read the publication here: https://lnkd.in/dbKprHZj #ExceptionalTogether #Top50 #WomenInLaw #RealEstateLaw #LegalLeadership #CEE #ThoughtLeadership #PropertyForum #LegalExcellence #Inspiration #CzechRepublic #Slovakia
We are proud to share that our Managing Associate and Head of the Dispute Resolution Service Line in Belgrade, Katarina Živković, took the stage as a speaker at the XXXIII Annual Conference of Legal Professionals in Business, held from 25 to 28 May 2025 on Zlatibor mountain in #Serbia.
📢 Meet us at the 6th Annual European Forum on Global FDI Reviews at The Westin Grand Berlin, on 3–4 June Cătălin Graure, Counsel in our Bucharest office specialising in FDI and competition, is representing our team at the event which brings together the European Commission, national screening authorities, legal experts, and corporate counsel to explore the future of national security, FDI policy and cross-border investment regulation. Topics on the agenda include: 👉 Harmonisation of the EU FDI screening regime 👉 Cross-border investment strategies and regulatory risk 👉 FDI trends across Europe 👉 Sector-specific reviews in areas like AI, renewables, EVs, and critical infrastructure If you would like to set up a meeting with Cătălin during the forum, feel free to contact him at . 🔗 Read more about the event: https://lnkd.in/djiG2Gfg #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #FDI #CompetitionLaw #ForeignInvestment #FDIScreening #MergerControl #GlobalFDIForum #MeetUs #Berlin2025