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Romania strengthens screening of EU investments
Further to the December 2023 amendments to the Romanian regime for screening inbound direct investments (that we previously covered here), which formally included EU investors within the scope of screening, the Romanian Parliament has adopted a new law (the “New Law”) to further strengthen the approach towards EU investors. The New Law explicitly extends to EU investors the sanctions regime previously applicable to non-EU investors. Gun jumping will be treated in the same manner regardless of the investor’s nationality, with potential sanctions of up to 10% of worldwide turnover applicable to EU and non-EU investors alike. This was not an oversight in the December 2023 amendments, but rather the government’s preferred
Kinstellar advises Agrotex majority shareholders on the sale of a significant stake to Promat Comimpex
Kinstellar is proud to have advised the majority shareholders of Agrotex (one of the most important suppliers of cereals and agricultural inputs on the local market) on the sale of a significant stake to Promat Comimpex, a renowned agriculture player now controlled by the Ameropa Group. The deal will complete after the necessary consents and approvals have been obtained. Our assistance on this mandate was coordinated by Zsuzsa Csiki (Partner, Head of Corporate M&A in Romania) together with Mădălina Perte (Managing Associate) and involved a very talented and resilient team: Claudia Popescu (Special Counsel) and Ioana Popescu (Associate). Kinstellar Romania has emerged as a premier legal advisor in
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: An Overview of Banking as a Service
In an era defined by digital transformation and the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, the concept of banking as a service (“BaaS”) has emerged as a key force reshaping the industry. By enabling non-bank entities to offer financial services through partnerships with licensed banks or financial institutions, BaaS has opened up a new realm of possibilities, facilitating innovation, enhancing customer experience and promoting financial inclusion. However, realising these opportunities is closely linked to navigating the complex regulatory framework that governs BaaS operations. BaaS can take various forms, allowing non-licensed entities to provide financial products such as banking, payment, e-money
Update on the ESG reporting obligations in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia
CSRD implementation uneven a month before deadline June 2024 – With less than a month to go before the 6 July 2024 deadline for transposing the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (the "CSRD", the “Directive”), countries in Central and Eastern Europe (“CEE”) are still at different stages of implementation. While Romania and Slovakia have completed their legislative processes, Bulgaria and Croatia are still in the legislative pipeline. The Czech Republic and Hungary have completed, at least partially, their transposition, with additional legislation still to be implemented, albeit within uncertain timeframes. For a more comprehensive overview of each stage of the progress on CSRD transposition
Kinstellar advises Canadian Nuclear Partners on the framework agreement with Nuclearelectrica for the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant
Kinstellar has advised Canadian Nuclear Partners (a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, one of the world’s largest power generators, and a corporation wholly owned by the Government of Ontario) on the framework agreement for the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, operated by the state-owned nuclear energy producer, Nuclearelectrica. The framework agreement has an approximate value of EUR 240 million and represents a critical milestone in completing the refurbishment of Unit 1. Canadian Nuclear Partners will support Nuclearelectrica with the delivery of project management services, technical assistance, consultancy services and professional training specific for the refurbishment of
Kinstellar advises ING Bank on a new EUR 150 million senior facility granted to Romanian telecommunications service provider DIGI Romania
Kinstellar, together with Linklaters LLP, has successfully advised ING Bank N.V. on a EUR 150 million senior facility agreement granted to DIGI Romania, the leading Romania-based paid television and telecommunications provider (and part of Dutch-registered Digi Communications N.V.). The term loan has a maturity of three years and will be used for the refinancing of the EUR 450 million senior guaranteed bonds issued by DIGI Romania, which are due in 2025. ING Bank N.V. acted as arranger and original lender, with ING Bank N.V. London Branch acting as facility agent. Kinstellar’s office in Romania has advised on various iterations of this transaction since 2016 and has thus been thoroughly involved in preparing
Kinstellar advises Globalworth on the sale of logistics portfolio in Romania to CTP
Kinstellar is delighted to announced that it has advised Globalworth, a leading office investor in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), on the sale of a part of its logistics portfolio to CTP, the largest owner and developer of logistic and industrial spaces by gross leasable area in CEE. The transaction was signed in March 2024 with closing having occurred in May 2024. This transaction is the largest real estate deal in Romania in 2024 so far. The portfolio comprises almost fully-let logistics and light-industrial facilities in Chitila and Afumati (near Bucharest), Oarja (near Pitesti), Giarmata (near Timisioara), Oradea and Arad. Kinstellar advised on all transactional matters, including drafting, negotiation and execution
Kinstellar, together with Rymarz Zdort Maruta, advises SMYK Group on the amendment and extension of its financing
Kinstellar has successfully advised SMYK Group and its Romanian subsidiary, SMYK All For Kids, on all Romanian law aspects concerning the amendment and extension of its group financing. The financing transaction involved an extremely tight timeline and required seamless alignment, as it was conducted simultaneously with Bridgepoint’s sale of shares in Smyk Group to Accession Capital Partners (ACP). Kinstellar was previously selected by SMYK Group as its local advisor on various iterations of this financing, and also advised Bridgepoint on the local law aspects of Smyk’s acquisition in 2016. Smyk, established in 1952, is an iconic brand and Poland’s largest chain of stores selling toys, clothing for children
Kinstellar advises BIG Mega Renewable Energy on a EUR 92 million financing with EBRD and OTP Bank for the construction and operation of the Urleasca wind farm in Romania
Kinstellar has successfully advised leading developer BIG Mega Renewable Energy on a EUR 92 million financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and OTP Bank to build and operate the 102 MW Urleasca wind farm in Brăila county, Romania. The milestone project marks BIG Mega Renewable Energy’s first renewable investment in Romania, with the signing of the financing agreement highlighted as a crucial milestone for the company’s expansion strategy in Romania and the Balkans. The Urleasca wind farm is expected to make a significant contribution to Romania’s renewable energy goals, with generation capacity of 292 GWh per year. The financial closing is expected mid-2024. Kinstellar’s
Update on the ESG reporting obligations in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia
CSRD implementation: regional progress uneven as deadline draws near As the 6 July 2024 deadline for implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (the "CSRD") approaches, a new landscape of reporting standards is beginning to take shape across Central and Eastern Europe ("CEE"). Three of the six countries in CEE (the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania) adopted legislative acts in the beginning of 2024 that, at least partially, implement the CSRD into national legislation. The progress in Slovakia, Bulgaria and Croatia however has been slower. Our third status update on the CSRD implementation in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia is available here. For
Kinstellar advises the hospitality division of the House of Julius Meinl group on the purchase of the historic Hotel Ambasador in central Bucharest
Kinstellar is delighted to announce it has advised the hospitality division of the House of Julius Meinl on the completion of the purchase of the Hotel Ambasador, one of the most famous hotels in Bucharest. Operating continuously since 1937, it is an iconic landmark in the city. The transaction structure was complicated, as it involved different, numerous sets of owners and involving both share and asset transaction aspects. It took several months to negotiate and close. Julius Meinl intends to invest tens of millions of EUR to refurbish the hotel and bring it to the standards of its “The Julius” brand operating elsewhere. Kinstellar advised on all aspects of the matter, including real estate due diligence
Kinstellar to continue the operation of Noerr’s CEE practice in the Czech Republic, Romania & Slovakia
Noerr and Kinstellar are very pleased to announce that Noerr’s practices in 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