Corporate/M&A

Recent EU-level Case Law Related to National-level Foreign Direct Investment Screening

Since the end of the 2010s foreign direct investment (“FDI”) considerations have been on the forefront of transaction planning and management. Although a unified EU-level screening mechanism is not in place, recently the European Commission (“EC”) closed a landmark case, while another one is currently ongoing before the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) where the interplay of EU law and more specifically, EU merger law and national FDI rules were/are assessed. Dicta in these cases may have considerable implications in national FDI practice. This summary therefore provides a quick glance-through of the key notables taken from these cases.

SPC Legal and Wint Join Forces Forming Noor

Lithuania's SPC Legal and Wint have joined forces to form a new law firm: Noor.

Greenberg Traurig and Clifford Chance Advise on Polsat Plus Real Estate Joint Venture with HB Reavis

Greenberg Traurig has advised the Polsat Plus Group on the joint venture agreement between its affiliates and HB Reavis and the EUR 24.3 million sale of 50% stakes in Port Praski City II and Port Praski Medical Center to HB Reavis. Clifford Chance advised HB Reavis.

Dentons Advises on Sale of Affidea to Groupe Bruxelles Lambert

Dentons has advised private investment firm B-Flexion and the Affidea Group on the sale of Affidea to Groupe Bruxelles Lambert. Kirkland & Ellis reportedly advised the buyer.

Bernitsas Law Advises Hoist Finance on Acquisition of EUR 400 Million NPL Portfolio from Alpha Bank

Bernitsas Law has advised Hoist Finance on the acquisition of a portfolio of unsecured non-performing loans with a total outstanding balance of approximately EUR 400 million from Alpha Bank.

Bird & Bird and White & Case Advise on OTP's Acquisition of Alpha Bank in Albania

Bird & Bird has advised Hungary’s OTP Bank Group on its acquisition of the Albanian subsidiary of Greek Alpha Bank for EUR 55 million. White & Case advised Alpha Services and Holdings. Boga & Associates reportedly advised OTP as well. Kalo & Associates reportedly also advised Alpha.

Schoenherr Advises Red Bull on Joint Venture with Marcel Hirscher and Dominic Tritscher and Acquisition of Augment Ski

Schoenherr has advised Red Bull on the establishment of a joint venture with Van Deer-Red Bull Sports Equipment founding shareholders Marcel Hirscher and Dominic Tritscher and the subsequent acquisition of Augment Ski by Van Deer-Red Bull Sports Equipment.