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

With its banking and finance practice headed by partner Michaela Jurková, Cechová & Partners has a strong domestic presence on the market. This local firm is solid and has built itself a sound reputation on the market. "They're a respected local law firm," one peer says, adding: "They're certainly on the market and very respected". "[They're among the] firms that try to replicate international ways of deal making," says another partner, adding: "[A] decent firm, good quality but banks know they are different. They can handle complex cases."

Clients have described the firm as "good value for money" and Michaela Jurková is drawn out for praise. "Michaela belongs to the top," says one client, adding: "Michaela used to be a company lawyer and she knows well what we need".

The firm has been involved in some notable instructions and advised Barclays in regard to MCP documentation. Additionally, it is advising Credit Suisse with regard to the release of existing (and the establishment of new) security documents in relation to financing restructuring. This involves the replacement of a senior and mezzanine facilities and intercreditor agreements with one single facility agreement. Furthermore, Katarína Cechová advised FCE Bank with regard to a wholesale finance facility agreement.

This tough domestic brand is perceived as the market's cost efficient alternative. "[It's] a local firm that's definite on financing," says one competitor, adding: "Local firms compete against them on smaller financings."

Driven by senior partner Katarína Cechová, Cechová & Partner's M&A practice has had a vibrant year and consolidates its position in the second tier. The firm has also bolstered its practice of late with a spate of new recruits. This includes the hire of partner Peter Bollardt from his independent legal practice, Bollardt. It is without doubt one of the leading domestic firms on the market. "Cechová also has strength in M&A but less than the financing area," one partner says. "Cechová does some M&A work," another partner says.

Clients have had no complaints with the firm's quality of service. "They're very well experienced [and] respond well. They're quick to service and come up with quick effective solutions," one client says.

Mandate wise, the firm has had an interesting year and was even involved in one of the largest M&A transactions in the Slovak Republic in 2010. It advised Skanska SK on the acquisition of a 100% stake in SkyBau, one of the leading Slovak reinforced concrete construction companies. It was involved in all the stages of the transaction, from the due diligence of the target company to documentation and merger clearance with the Slovak Antimonopoly Office. Additionally, the firm rendered support to an Israeli private equity company in the acquisition of a 100 % stake in two major Slovak operators of cinemas from a European cinema operator. Again, the firm participated in all stages of the transaction.