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Czech Republic opens the door to Level 3 Autonomous Driving
The Czech Republic has entered a new phase of mobility, aligning itself with other EU Member States, most notably Germany and France. As of 1 January 2026, Czech law permits the operation of SAE Level 3 vehicles, introducing a relatively minimal, framework-based regulation while maintaining the requirement that a human driver must remain present and ready to take control at any time. Although this may resemble full autonomy at first glance, the legal reality remains more conservative. SAE Level 3 represents conditional automation. The vehicle can perform the dynamic driving task independently, typically in limited environments such as motorways, but the driver must remain in the vehicle and be capable of resuming control
Dual distribution in automotive: Competition law risks and national approaches
This newsletter is the final entry in our three-part series on the legal aspects of transitioning to the agency model (where dealers become “agents” making sales on behalf of manufacturers) within the EU automotive sales sector. The first part focused primarily on the basic parameters of agency models and on the issues surrounding the termination of existing contractual agreements. The second newsletter focused on agency models in relation to consumers, outlining the key obligations and risks for manufacturers and agents. In this entry, we examine the competition law risks associated with both the agency and dual distribution (selling vehicles both through independent authorized dealers and directly to end-consumers)
Kinstellar, together with Mayer Brown, advises Coveris on the sale of its BU Paper division to Kingswood Capital Management
Kinstellar is pleased to have advised Coveris, a global manufacturer of paper and plastic packaging products, on the sale of its Business Unit Paper (BU Paper) to Kingswood Capital Management. Following the transaction, BU Paper has been rebranded as Paragon Print and Packaging, restoring the unit’s original name and marking the beginning of a new chapter for the business. Paragon Print and Packaging, established in 1994, manufactures high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions for customers across the UK and Europe. Its speciality products include self-adhesive and linerless labels, lined board, cartons and trays made using eco-friendly materials. Many thanks to the entire Kinstellar team, especially
Kinstellar advises Habitex on the sale of the former textile factory in Baia Mare to Jumbo
Kinstellar has advised Habitex on the sale of the former textile factory site located in Baia Mare to Jumbo, one of the leading international retail chains in the region. The transaction is part of Jumbo’s ongoing expansion in Romania. The transaction was signed at the end of 2025. The redevelopment of the site is expected to contribute to the revitalisation of the area and enhance the local commercial infrastructure. Kinstellar provided legal assistance to Habitex throughout the transaction, including structuring, negotiation and signing of the transaction documents. Kinstellar’s team advising on the transaction was led by Iunia Nagy (Managing Associate), supported by Malina Andries (Associate).
Kinstellar advises shareholders of ROFA Industrial Automation on the sale of ROFA Group to SPIE
Kinstellar is advising the shareholders of ROFA Industrial Automation on the sale of the German ROFA Group to the listed French SPIE Group. ROFA Industrial Automation (ROFA), headquartered in Bavaria, is a leading provider of automation technology, intralogistics solutions, and special‑purpose machinery with operations in China, Austria, Hungary, Romania, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. ROFA’s portfolio covers the full project lifecycle, from consulting and software/hardware engineering to manufacturing, commissioning, and after-sales services. By acquiring ROFA, SPIE aims to strengthen its strategic position in the German industrial services market. The transaction remains subject to antitrust
Alternative distribution models in the automotive sector: Consumer protections and liabilities
Alternative distribution models based on direct sales to consumers can be carried out with the varied involvement of traditional dealers. This means, among other things, producers taking on a significant number of consumer law obligations previously borne by dealers. In any event, the actual liability of producers in relation to direct sales depends on the respective contractual terms between manufacturers and agents. For example, in Austria, the differing contractual terms between a producer and agent, and an agent and customer, can lead to the following scenarios: a) a commercial agent selling vehicles in the name of the manufacturer while the manufacturer as the seller remains fully liable in terms of contractual
NIS2 and the New Serbian Law on Information Security
The Republic of Serbia has adopted a new Law on Information Security (Zakon o informacionoj bezbednosti) (“Serbian NIS2”), marking a significant reform of the national cybersecurity framework and alignment with the EU NIS2 Directive. The Serbian NIS2 broadens the range of regulated entities, strengthens institutional coordination, and introduces clearer obligations for organisations operating ICT systems of special importance. Secondary legislation is expected in 2025–2026, and the previous law remains partially applicable until the end of 2025 to secure continuity during the transition period. This article provides an overview of the key novelties introduced by the Serbian NIS2, together with an outline of the
Kinstellar advises CEMEX on the acquisition of two mining areas in the Czech Republic
Kinstellar has successfully advised CEMEX, a global building materials company, on the acquisition of two mining areas in the Czech Republic. Our team provided full-scope legal advice, including transactional structuring, and regulatory support related to the transfer of mining rights. The transaction further demonstrates our experience in advising on complex acquisitions in the natural resources sector in Central and Eastern Europe. Kinstellar’s team was led by Petr Hrnčíř (Partner) and Luděk Chvosta (Partner), with key support from Michal Janíček (Counsel), Matěj Bolek (Managing Associate) and Matěj Korduliak (Associate).
Kinstellar advises Max Aicher Group on the sale of its property in the former CUG industrial estate in Cluj-Napoca to Hexagon Group
Kinstellar has advised Max Aicher Group, a leading German industrial group, on the sale of its property in the former industrial estate “Combinatul de Utilaj Greu” (“CUG”) in Cluj-Napoca, Romania—one of the largest sites of its kind in Romania—to Hexagon Group, a local real estate developer. The transaction involves the sale of approximately 23 hectares of industrial land. The property had been owned by a special purpose vehicle of Max Aicher Group. The acquisition marks one of the most significant land transactions in Cluj-Napoca in recent years and supports Hexagon’s urban regeneration strategy focused on redeveloping former industrial areas. The developer plans to transform the site into a modern
Dieselgate settlements – BGH declares shareholders’ resolution void
The German Supreme Court (“BGH”) has annulled the resolution of the general meeting of Volkswagen AG (“VW AG”) in the so-called “Dieselgate” scandal, where settlements concluded with former members of the management board (liability settlements) as well as with the involved D&O insurers (coverage settlements) were approved. The court found that the general meeting had been convened improperly and that the accompanying documents provided insufficient information. With this judgment, the BGH strengthens shareholders’ rights to information and disclosure. Given the substantially identical provisions under Austrian stock corporation law, this judgment is also relevant for Austrian stock corporations (Aktiengesellschaften).
Alternative distribution models in the automotive sector: Contractual law issues
The European automotive industry is in the midst of a profound transformation. Traditional dealership networks are being redefined, with manufacturers increasingly weighing direct-to-consumer, agency, or hybrid sales models. While such innovations can enhance brand control and customer engagement on the part of manufacturers, they also raise complex contractual law issues related to commercial and legal sustainability. At the centre of these challenges is the reality that altering hitherto existing distribution models requires substantial changes to existing contractual relationships. After all, most dealership agreements contain detailed provisions on exclusivity, termination rights, and non-compete obligations. Failure
Kinstellar advises ADM Global on strategic joint venture with Sojitz Corporation in Uzbekistan’s automotive industry
Kinstellar has recently advised ADM Global on its landmark strategic partnership with Japan’s Sojitz Corporation in Uzbekistan’s automotive industry. Under the transaction, Sojitz acquired a stake in ADM’s automotive distribution business and committed USD 100 million in additional investment. The partnership will enhance ADM Global’s operational capacity and contribute to the modernization of Uzbekistan’s automotive sector, bringing in advanced expertise, new technologies and expanded international cooperation. Kinstellar provided full legal support for the establishment of the joint venture – including preparing and negotiating the share purchase agreement, shareholders agreement, charter and founding