Kinstellar to continue the operation of Noerr’s CEE practice
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Kristóf Ferenczi is appointed Firm Managing Partner of Kinstellar

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Deals April 2024

Kinstellar advises MAVIR and HUPX on joining Central and Southeast Europe’s largest electricity trading hub

Kinstellar has successfully advised the Hungarian Power Exchange (HUPX), together with the Hungarian Transmission System Operator, MAVIR, on the landmark Project Bluesky transaction: the Hungarian Power Exchange, HUPX’s joining Adex, a leading regional power exchange serving Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSEE). This transaction marks a significant milestone in strengthening and expanding the reach of the regional power exchange group within the region. Adex Group Ltd., which includes operators of power exchanges in Slovenia and Serbia, is recognized as the first regional energy exchange. With this transaction, HUPX becomes the third fully-owned subsidiary of Adex Group Ltd. Subject to regulatory approvals from

Insights April 2024

Amendments to the Bulgarian Labour Code

Strengthening the home-office regime and enhancing remote workplace safety As workplaces evolve and remote work remains prevalent, amendments to the Bulgarian Labour Code have been recently adopted to reshape the regulations governing home-office arrangements and remote workplace safety standards. The amendments further address the impact of digitalisation and new technologies on work and aim to improve the work-life balance of employees. Mandatory specification of remote workplace An important change is the explicit requirement to define the exact address of the remote workplace. This is already the case in practice, also in line with the authorities’ guidelines. Better clarity in the law will further help to ensure compliance

Insights April 2024

The International Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is launched

The application process for the International Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (the "Register") has been launched. The launch of the Register marks the next phase of the proposed International Compensation Mechanism, which is intended to be expanded and enhanced. Click on one of the images below or click on the following links to read the alert in English or in Ukrainian. Download in English: Download in Ukrainian:

Deals April 2024

Kinstellar advises UEG on the acquisition of a solar project in Bulgaria with a forecasted capacity of 250 MW

April 2023 – Kinstellar has supported United Energy Group (UEG)’s internal legal team, Leslie Zhang, Yu Zheng, Yao Liu and other UEG in-house counsels, on the acquisition of Green Profit EOOD, a developer of a photovoltaic (PV) project under construction. The Simeonovgrad-Polyanovo PV project, located in southern Bulgaria, has a forecasted capacity of 250 MW. Kinstellar led and negotiated the entire transaction, including the share purchase agreement and other transaction documents. UEG is a Hong Kong-based producer of traditional and renewable energy that has recently expanded its presence in the European energy market. The multi-disciplinary team that advised UEG was led by Nina Tsifudina (Partner) and Atanas Mihaylov (Counsel)

News April 2024

Kinstellar to continue the operation of Noerr’s CEE practice in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania & Slovakia

Noerr and Kinstellar are very pleased to announce that Noerr’s practices in Budapest, Bratislava, Bucharest and Prague are to be transferred to Kinstellar. Noerr and Kinstellar have agreed to transfer these practices after the details of the integration are fully worked out. Several important operational and technical aspects, including investments in IT systems, leasehold premises are being worked out and the deal will complete after all necessary regulatory consents and internal approvals have been obtained.  Noerr delivers the highest level of service to its clients. For many years, the law firm has successfully pursued a strategy of qualitative growth. Noerr has operated offices in CEE since 1990 and is very proud of the accomplishments

Deals March 2024

Kinstellar facilitates Araltuz's expansion in Kazakhstan: A landmark English Law transaction 

Kinstellar is thrilled to announce our firm's leading role in facilitating a significant transaction whereby the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has made an investment in Araltuz, a leading Kazakhstan-based producer of table and low-grade technical salt in Central Asia. Led by our outstanding team, including Joel Benjamin, Managing Partner for Central Asia, Kuanysh Shekerbekov, Counsel in Kazakhstan, and Bianka Kovács, Associate in our Budapest office, we provided expert counsel on this ground-breaking transaction governed by English law. Our collaborative effort, supported by Almas Zhaiylgan, Counsel in Kazakhstan, and other colleagues, demonstrated our firm's cross-border capabilities and deep

Insights March 2024

Improved leniency policy: Overview for businesses in light of Ukraine's new competition law

A leniency procedure has been in place in Ukraine for many years. However, available data suggests it has been severely underutilised. A recent first stage of competition law reforms in Ukraine introduced, among other things, an improved leniency policy. The changes, implemented in February 2024, are aimed at aligning the respective local regulations more closely with EU laws. The most noteworthy changes include: in addition to full immunity for a first applicant, the programme offers a reduction in fines for other cartel participants applying for leniency; the possibility to conduct anonymous preliminary consultations with the regulator; a detailed procedure for obtaining a marker.

Deals March 2024

Kinstellar advises Nestlé on the sale of BOCI chocolate brand in Hungary

Kinstellar has successfully advised the world-leading food company Nestlé on the sale of the iconic Hungarian chocolate brand 'BOCI,' with a heritage spanning nearly a century, to Cerbona, a prominent Hungarian food manufacturing company.  Closing is scheduled to take place in May 2024. Kinstellar advised on transactional, commercial law, competition law as well as intellectual property matters. Notably, the transaction involved intricate intellectual property assets, adding complexity and challenge to the process.  Kinstellar team was led by Gábor Gelencsér, Partner, supported by Gergely Simon Lipták, Associate. The team also included Dániel Nagy, Managing Associate (IP law), Péter Vörös, Partner

Insights March 2024

Key milestone in corporate governance reform: Ukraine enacts long-awaited law on the further liberalisation of the SOE sector

The Law of Ukraine “Introducing Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Enhancement of Corporate Governance” (the “Law” or the “SOE Law”) entered into force on 8 March 2024. This Law is a significant step towards the alignment of the Ukrainian legal framework for state-owned enterprises (“SOEs”) with international best practices, particularly the OECD Guidelines for Corporate Governance of SOEs. The Kinstellar team was honoured to contribute to the drafting of the Law directly, within the framework of our cooperation with the EBRD. Reflecting this first-hand experience, Kinstellar highlights the role of the adopted Law for the SOE sector, the overall business environment and the broader post-war

About us

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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With expert local knowledge and a track record at the international level, our lawyers provide top-tier advice and client service in Emerging Europe and Central Asia.

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Thrilled to share that our Senior Associate, Aleksandra Stećuk, represented Kinstellar with distinction as a panellist on 'How to Buy and Sell Health and Pharma Businesses?' at the HealthPharm 2024 SEE Forum & Fair / Business, Legal, Tech & Life Science conference!

📢 🇭🇺 Honored to have successfully advised the #Hungarian Power Exchange (#HUPX), together with the Hungarian Transmission System Operator, #MAVIR, on the #landmark Project Bluesky transaction: the Hungarian Power Exchange, HUPX’s joining #Adex, a leading regional power exchange serving Central and South-Eastern Europe. ⚡ This transaction marks a significant milestone in strengthening and expanding the reach of the regional power exchange group within the region. Adex Group Ltd., which includes operators of power exchanges in Slovenia and Serbia, is recognized as the first regional energy exchange. With this transaction, HUPX becomes the third fully-owned subsidiary of Adex Group Ltd. 🤝 💼 👉 Subject to regulatory approvals from relevant authorities, the launch of the expanded group is anticipated in the second half of 2024. 💡 Kinstellar provided MAVIR, HUPX's parent company, with comprehensive transactional advice, including negotiation and contract preparation, while also addressing competition and energy law aspects in this multifaceted cross-border transaction. 🌟 The Kinstellar team was led by Partner Gábor Gelencsér, with the support of Péter Vörös, Partner (#competition law); Gullai Péter, Managing Associate (#energy); Aron Barta, Senior Associate (M&A) and Orsolya Staniszewski, Associate (competition law). 👏 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dsWDWhfq #donedeals #EnergyExchange #CrossBorderTransaction #LegalAdvisory #CentralEurope #SoutheasternEurope #PowerSector #EnergyMarket 

🇧🇬 📃 Recent amendments to the #Bulgarian #Labour Code have reshaped the regulations governing home-office arrangements and remote workplace safety standards. To ensure compliance and the well-being of remote workers, employers should adapt their practices and documentation to the evolving legal landscape. 💻 Nina Tsifudina, Partner in #Sofia and firm-wide co-head of the #Employment service line, and Anita Borisova, PhD, CIPP/E Attorney-at-law, Managing Associate in Sofia, have summarised the amendments to the Bulgarian Labour Code.   Read below 👇   #intheknow #legalupdate #employment #remotework

📝 🇺🇦 The International Register of Damage Caused by the Russian Aggression Against #Ukraine is now operating. 🌍 On 2 April 2024, the application process officially began, offering a platform for documenting claims for compensation due to the Russian aggression. 💼 Our overview below tackles 👇: What are the eligibility criteria? 📋 Who can apply today and how? 🤔 What are the next components of the International Compensation Mechanism? 🔄 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d4EbiKQq Feel free to contact the authors, Olexander Martinenko, Partner, and Danylo Volkovetskyi, Managing Associate, for more information. 📞 #intheknow #LegalInsight #CompensationMechanism #InternationalRelations #Ukraine #RussianAggression #LegalAlert #LegalNews

📢 🇸🇰 Delighted and proud to announce a new series of promotions in our Bratislava office.   🌟 Our congratulations go to new Managing Associates Dáša Labašová and Michal Hrušovský and new Senior Associates Livia Miklenčičová and Erik Neupaver. Furthermore, Barbora Bláhová has been promoted to the Associate level.   The firm acknowledges their #legal knowledge, teamwork and commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients.   Congratulations and best of luck! 🍀  #exceptionaltogether

Excited to share our outstanding results in the #2024 The Legal 500 #EMEA edition. A huge thank you to our clients for their kind words and support. "Kinstellar really have an edge for #exceptional client experience – one of the best firms I have worked with anywhere for #skill level of lawyers, #insights into industry and #commitment to solving problems."

📢 🇧🇬 Kinstellar has supported United Energy Group (#UEG)’s internal legal team, Leslie Zhang, Yu Zheng, Yao Liu and other UEG in-house counsels, on the #acquisition of Green Profit EOOD, a developer of a #photovoltaic project under construction. ☀️ The Simeonovgrad-Polyanovo PV project, located in southern #Bulgaria, has a forecasted capacity of 250 MW. Kinstellar led and negotiated the entire transaction, including the share purchase agreement and other transaction documents. UEG is a Hong Kong-based producer of traditional and #renewable energy that has recently expanded its presence in the European energy market. 🌟 The multi-disciplinary team that advised UEG was led by Nina Tsifudina (Partner) and Atanas Mihaylov (Counsel), and included Antonia Mavrova (Partner), Sava Savov (Partner), Mladen Minev (Counsel), Simeon Vachev (Senior Associate), and Nikolay Gergov (Senior Associate). #donedeals #renewablenergy #leadinglawyers

🐰 🥚 🌸 Wishing you a Happy Easter! May this special time bring you joy and cherished time spent with loved ones. 🙏 #HappyEaster #EasterSunday #Springtime #JoyfulCelebration

🇧🇬 Kinstellar #Sofia acted as counsel for Dorado 1 EOOD, a subsidiary of Globe Trade Center S.A. (GTC), in relation to the EUR 55 million #financing provided by OTP Bank Plc and DSK Bank AD. 🏬 Dorado 1 EOOD is the owner of Mall of Sofia, one of the first modern #shopping malls in #Bulgaria, and Sofia Tower 1 and Sofia Tower 2 office buildings. 🌟 The team, comprising Svilen Issaev (Counsel) and Denitsa Kuzeva (Senior Associate), advised Dorado 1 EOOD throughout the whole cycle of the #deal – from the negotiations of the financing documents through signing and utilisation of the loan.   #donedeals #financing #realestate #realestatefinancing