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Kinstellar advises BHM Group on the acquisition of Prague Port Group
Kinstellar provided legal advice to BHM Group on the acquisition of a majority stake in Prague Port Group. The transaction, which included the purchase of a stake from the second shareholder, strengthened BHM Group's position in the market and facilitated the consolidation of the ownership structure of this key company operating aparthotels and hotels in central Prague. Kinstellar’s team provided comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction, including assistance with legal due diligence, negotiation of transaction documentation, and advice on financing secured through J&T Bank. The Kinstellar team was led by Jan Juroška (Managing Partner) and Matěj Večeřa (Managing Associate), with the support
Updates to gambling regulations in Ukraine
The Ukrainian parliament recently adopted Law of Ukraine No. 4116-IX[1] to combat gambling addiction (ludomania) and to improve the state regulation of activities related to the organisation and conduct of gambling and lotteries. Most of the amendments will come into force on 1 April 2025. The main changes, inter alia, include: 1. The abolition of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and the establishment of a new authorized body. 2. A significant expansion and detailing of applicable rules concerning the advertising of gambling, including: a prohibition on using patriotic themes and topics related to the war with Russia, and on using volunteers and military personnel
Kinstellar announces the promotion of Martin Baraniak to Managing Associate in Bratislava
Kinstellar is delighted to announce the promotion of Martin Baraniak from our Bratislava office to Managing Associate effective 1 January 2025. Martin has more than 13 years of legal experience, specialising in IP&T, digital business, corporate, and commercial law. Since joining Kinstellar, Martin has co-led the local TMT department alongside Lukáš Mrázik. He has extensive experience leading legal cross-border teams and projects, with a focus on the automotive sector. Martin also provides day-to-day corporate business advice, advice on anti-money laundering, data protection, and public procurement/PPP. Martin’s promotion is a proof that hard work, determination, and the ability to exceed expectations do
Kinstellar successfully closes the landmark Project Bluesky transaction
Kinstellar Budapest, acting as the lead counsel for Hungary, has successfully closed the landmark Project Bluesky transaction, advising the Hungarian Power Exchange (HUPX) and the Hungarian Transmission System Operator, MAVIR. As part of the particularly complex Project Bluesky transaction, EMS (Serbian Transmission System Operator), ELES (Slovenian Transmission System Operator) and EPEX SPOT (European Power Exchange SE) agreed to the cross-border transformation of the Slovenian ADEX Skrupina holding company, into a Hungarian company, ADEX Szervezett Villamosenergia-piac Holding (ADEX HU). Kinstellar advised on the Hungarian law aspects and implementation of the cross-border transformation, while ODI Law Firm acted as
Kinstellar advises Mitiska REIM on the acquisition of land in Bratislava for the construction of a retail park
Kinstellar has successfully advised First Retail International 2 (“FRI 2”), a closed-end real estate value-added fund managed by Mitiska REIM, on the acquisition of land in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, for the construction of the “Podunajská brána” retail park, through a joint venture between Mitiska Group and Asset Services, a Czech provider of development, property and facility management services. Work at the site has already begun. Managed by Mitiska REIM, a leading specialist investment management company in European convenience real estate, FRI 2 invests exclusively in retail parks, both clustered standalone units and integrated retail properties. The fund has already deployed more than EUR 200 million
Kinstellar strengthens its Corporate and M&A team in Hungary, with a senior hire
Kinstellar is delighted to announce the return of László Palócz, a leading M&A lawyer, to our Budapest office, as Counsel, effective 20 January 2025. László spent over six years at Kinstellar earlier in his career, during which his outstanding work on complex corporate M&A transactions and real estate matters earned him a promotion to Senior Associate. László brings in-depth expertise in multiple industries, having represented global investors, asset managers, and multinational corporations in landmark projects, including acquisitions, disposals, and lease negotiations. He has played key roles as part of various high-profile M&A transactions advising on complex legal matters and also has significant
Online conference “Changes to legislation in the Czech Republic in 2025” (Změny v legislativě 2025)
On 15 January, Kinstellar’s Prague office hosted an engaging online conference titled "Changes to Legislation in the Czech Republic in 2025". This event was specifically tailored for senior management, partners, and representatives of regional organizations. Highlights of the Conference The conference aimed to equip our clients and partners with an in-depth understanding of the latest laws, regulations, and directives that impact their daily operations. Our legal experts delved into the key changes to Czech and European law effective in 2025, offering practical insights on their implications for businesses. In addition, we examined significant recent rulings by the Czech Constitutional Court, highlighting
Changes to the definition of ultimate beneficial owner in Slovakia
With effect from 15 January 2025, Slovak Act No. 297/2008 Coll. on the Protection against Legalisation of Proceeds from Crime and on the Protection against Financing of Terrorism (the AML Act) has been amended to expand the definition of ultimate beneficial owner (the UBO). While the original criteria for identifying UBO remain in force, some other natural persons will be now newly identified as UBOs under the AML Act. 1 Who qualifies as a UBO under the amended criteria? 1.1 General partnership and limited partnership For a general partnership (in Slovak: verejná obchodná spoločnosť) and a limited partnership (in Slovak: komanditná spoločnosť), a UBO is a natural person who: (a)
Kinstellar and KST Law assist Quexco Incorporated on successful completion of Mutlu Akü acquisition
Kinstellar and KST Law are proud to have successfully advised Quexco Incorporated, a US-based private holding company, on completing the acquisition of 100% of Mutlu Akü, a leading auto battery manufacturer in Türkiye with a waste battery recycling facility. This complex cross-border transaction involved financial structuring, including refinancing Mutlu Akü's debt and securing a capex loan facility, syndicated by Garanti Bank. The closing process was led by Partners Emre Özer and Mert Elçin, supported by Senior Associate Şeyma Olğun, and Associates Sıla Şaylı, Helin Akbulut and Nihal Dilan Cantürk. Kinstellar operates in Turkey in cooperation with KST Law, a full-service corporate law firm based
Kinstellar and KST Law assist Balderton Capital in leading the USD 30M Series A financing round for Grand Games
Kinstellar and KST Law are excited to have assisted Balderton Capital in leading the USD 30M Series A financing round for Grand Games, a visionary mobile gaming company focused on delivering genre-defining experiences. This significant milestone underscores Balderton's continued commitment to supporting innovative companies that push the boundaries of mobile entertainment. A special thanks to the KST Law team—our partner Emre Özer and associates Helin Akbulut and Nihal Dilan Cantürk—for their crucial support and expertise in completing this transaction successfully. Kinstellar operates in Turkey in cooperation with KST Law, a full-service corporate law firm based in Istanbul.
Kinstellar advises Genesis Growth on strategic stake in LLP Group
Kinstellar has successfully advised Genesis Growth Equity Fund I on the acquisition of a majority stake in LLP Group, a prominent business software consultancy specialising in financial and enterprise asset management solutions. Kinstellar provided legal counsel to Genesis Growth in this transaction, ensuring comprehensive guidance throughout the acquisition process. The deal marks a strategic investment aimed at accelerating LLP Group’s growth and expanding its offerings globally. LLP’s founders and shareholders will retain a minority stake, with a leadership transition appointing Tim Smulders as CEO. The advisory team was led by Kinstellar’s experts, supported by Brouxel & Rabia, with Grant Thornton
Ransomware attack on Slovakia’s Real Estate Register causes nationwide outage of all services and databases containing information on immovable property rights
On 5 January 2025, the Real Estate Register in the Slovak Republic (the “Register”) was subject to a ransomware cyberattack. The Register is the sole register containing information on ownership, third-party rights (easements, pledges, etc.) and other material information on immovable properties in Slovakia. As a result of the cyberattack, all the Register’s services are unavailable, and all Real Estate Register Offices are closed until further notice. In practice, the following services, among others, are unavailable: it is not possible to obtain title deeds, either in electronic or in hard-copy form; and all ongoing proceedings concerning immovable properties (sale, pledge, etc.)