IFLR 1000
The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

Weinhold Legal is strong on the debt side, but can also function in equity deals. Clients add that the firm is capable when it comes to international work, and speak highly of name partner Daniel Weinhold.

Weinhold Legal's strength in real estate and corporate work leads to significant banking and finance work. "They are very flexible, they understand what we are asking for and they are very serious. Their work is meticulous – they tend to all the details," says one client.

The firm counts several banks as clients – Komercní banka being one of the most prominent.

One mandate saw the firm counsel Anglo Irish Bank regarding over €40 million of financing for a series of acquisitions by a real-estate investor. Another current assignment has seen them counsel CSOB on legal aspects relating to real-estate acquisitions.

The firm continues to advise BRE Bank/mBank on legal matters for operating in the Czech and Slovak Republics, including Mifid compliance.

Weinhold Legal "is very flexible", understands clients' requirements and "tends to all the details," says a client.

One notable deal saw the firm advise Jan Becher, the makers of herb liquor Becherovka, on multiple aspects of the sale of the company's real estate in Karlovy Vary.

The firm represented NedRailways on its acquisition of a public transport company, undertaking due diligence on four companies, negotiations and closing the deal.

Peers note that Weinhold Legal should receive a considerable amount of work from its relationship with Komercní banka. The firm also advised India's Minda Group in the restructuring and acquisition of Schenk Plastic Solutions, a German company with a Czech subsidiary undergoing insolvency. Another case saw Weinhold counsel XXXLutz on the group's restructuring in the Czech Republic. The work involved transfers of ownership, change of legal form and demerger with three participating companies.

Weinhold Legal's Bratislava office is better known for its M&A work, but commentators still believe it warrants a place in the rankings despite being a little less visible in recent years. The firm has advised banks on acquisition finance provided by some foreign banks such as Allied Irish Banks in to the Slovak market.

"I think Rastislav Kuklis is a star in the team. He is very professional with wide range of knowledge, flexible and oriented on the client's needs," says one client.

Weinhold Legal is increasingly building its profile in the Slovak Republic. This is reflected by Slovak Telecom mandating the firm to work on the €95 million disposal of its radio communication facilities.

"I have only good experience with them, they provide very professional and high-quality work" says one client.

Other deals have seen the firm work for American companies Opta Minerals and Textron on their acquisitions in Slovakia during 2008.