Czech Republic

Established in 2014, BADOKH is a boutique firm with 35 lawyers based in Prague that is active across the financial and corporate space. 

Highlights 

The firm has a particular strength in restructuring and insolvency transactions, achieving tier 1 status in this field. The firm is also highly active in banking and finance and M&A work. Deal highlights include the Sberbank Insolvency and the Baur Formschaumtechnik insolvency. 

Key clients 

Decci, Vitri, Arex Oman Offset Program, Wind Park Maletín, RSBC Consortio, RSBC Development Financing, Trikaya Asset Management, E.nest Energy, RSBC Group, DURA Automotive, IVIGEE Services, RCM, LAM-X, BOHEMIA ENERGY Entity, Správa pohledávek, Hamilton & Co., Deutsche Leasing and BATIST Medical. 

Testimonials 

“The team literally wrote the book on some of the bankruptcy concepts we've discussed.  They are creative problem solvers who know the black-letter law answers to thorny questions, but are quick to offer alternatives, including ones that have yet to be tested in court.” (Financial restructuring client) 

“BADOKH is the TOP tier law firm for restructuring & insolvency in the Czech Republic.” (Insolvency client) 

“Strategic thinking, legal perfectionism, relying on deadlines and results.” (M&A client) 

“Very positive approach, great service, good advice and speedy reactions.” (M&A client) 

“They made the expectations realistic and real.” (M&A client) 

“Complex services provided from BADOKH always cover all aspects of transaction from start to end. All is complemented with strong negotiation skills and customer oriented approach covering also risk mitigation from legal as well as business perspective.” (M&A client) 

“High quality of work delivered, cross-functional thinking (tax, legal) and long term knowledge of the business.” (Private equity client) 

“Very friendly approach and highly professional work.” (Restructuring client) 

“Always perfectly prepared for the project, grasping the goals and trying to achieve them as best as possible.” - Jakub Dostál, Banking and finance partner 

“Expertise and good communication.” - Katerina Grundmanova, Restructuring partner 

“Fantastic management of the other lawyers and advice.” - Petr Janu, M&A partner 

“Petr's personality, knowledge and experience integrate all elements needed for successful support of clients needs. His complex customer oriented approach, strong negotiation skills and knowledge always allows to reach the set goals. In addition the risk mitigation steps are always integral part of his advisement and support.” - Petr Janu, M&A partner 

“Flexible and with a great knowledge of the business, tax and its historical deals.” - Petr Janu, M&A partner 

“He is a top tier attorney for restructuring & insolvency on the Czech market.” - Petr Kuhn, Restructuring partner 

“He communicates crisp, commercial advice in a timely manner.” Vojtech Mlynar, Restructuring partner

Established in 1990 in BBH is a Czech/Slovak firm with offices in Prague and Bratislava that are heavily integrated. In the Czech office the firm has 23 lawyers, nine of them partners. 

Highlights 

The firm’s banking team is generally active on regulatory mandates and provides advise in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Deal highlights include RD Rýmařov Group bond issue, Sberbank insolvency, OKD insolvency, ČKD PRAHA DIZ insolvency and CVC group acquisition of Packeta. 

Key clients 

Citibank, Air Bank, KAPRAIN group, O2 Czech Republic, KAPRAIN Group, EMMA Capital, PPF Group, Rockaway Group, J&T Group, Česká Národní Banka, EPH Group, Home Credit Group, Progresus Group and Českomoravská Nemovitostní Group. 

Testimonials 

“Diligent and creative.” (Bank lending client) 

“The team is one of the best when it comes to combining experience, knowledge, commercial awareness and ability to come up with new (out of the box) solutions.” (Banking client) 

“BBH is unique at combining experience and understanding for our business with legal in-depth knowledge. they are also great negotiators.” (Banking client) 

“BBH provides the best package in one service for clients - they have a great and experienced team, the services provided are top class, extremely client friendly, they make sure that they understand our business model and on the back of that understanding they are often able to address issues which are not easily seen and put forward options or solutions which would otherwise fall in between the cracks. They are best at combining clients' business and legal work together.” (Capital markets client) 

“Dedication, detailed work. Excellent knowledge based regarding the topic.” (Financial services regulatory client) 

“Experience of the lawyers from previous engagements with supervisory authorities (such as the Czech National Bank, etc.). Experience from mandates of a variety clients in the field of financial markets regulation.” (Financial services regulatory client) 

“Excellent legal knowledge, extremely commercial and very contactable.” (M&A client) 

“I think they are the best law firm on the market - very clever, able to find solutions in case that the negotiation of the deal is stuck up, pro-business approach, hardworking when necessary.” (M&A client) 

“BBH really delivers more than other law firms - every little detail is carefully analyzed, planned out and executed. They constantly prove that they have an edge over the counterparty.” (Restructuring and insolvency client) 

“Clear advice. Excellent technical knowledge. Great negotiator.” - Andrea Adamcova, Banking partner 

“Extremely good in drafting and negotiating complex transaction documents, very focused on details, a "must-be" person for dealing with closing complexities.” - Andrea Adamcova, Banking partner 

“All matters related to regulation are excellent, finds innovative solutions, dedication to the goal. Bringing additional value on the top - business ideas. Ability and willingness to dive into the detail also during project testing and evaluate the execution of UX in terms of legal and regulatory acceptance.” - Zdeněk Husták, Regulation partner 

“Very fast, strategic, excellent litigator.” - Robert Klenka, Restructuring and insolvency partner 

“He is a brilliant lawyer, very skilled negotiator, having pro-business approach, able to find solutions when needed to move the deal forward, useful to help with business negotiation as well.” - Petr Přecechtěl, Banking partner 

“He understands business and uses law creatively, always managing risks for the clients, extremely good at explaining concepts.” - Tomáš Sedláček, Banking partner 

“Over 20 years of experience, best in finding new functioning solutions to problems where others said that it cannot be done, unique ability to combine in-depth knowledge with commercial awareness, one of the best negotiators.” - Tomáš Sedláček, Banking partner 

“Great understanding for our business, in-depth legal knowledge, extremely good at combining these, outstanding negotiator, the guy how focuses on delivering the deal.” - Tomáš Sedláček, Banking partner 

“Tomáš is best at combining understanding for/of our business with legal regulation all that with a view to find taylor made solutions to our problems. This ability is absolutely unique on the market.” - Tomáš Sedláček, Banking partner 

“For several years he has been one of the leading banking and finance lawyers on the market.” - Tomáš Sedláček, Banking partner 

CERHA HEMPEL Kališ & Partners is the Czech branch of a large Austrian firm. Based in Prague, the firm was formed in January 2013 when the wider Cerha Hempel merged with independent Czech law firm Kališ & Partners, a 2009 spin-off from DLA Piper. The firm’s international network also includes offices in Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and the Slovak Republic. 

Highlights 

The firm has a particular focus on restructuring and insolvency work achieving tier 2 status in this area. The firm is also very active on banking and finance and M&A transactions. Deal highlights include Sberbank insolvency, VEKRA restructuring, Czech Airlines insolvency, MAMMOTH insolvency and the Jindřichohradecké místní dráhy restructuring. 

Key clients 

ČEPS, Národní rozvojová banka, Tipsport.net, České aerolinie, Jindřichohradecké místní dráhy, Scatec Solar, ŽĎAS, JIP východočeská, Tennant Company, Erste Group Bank, CFH investiční fond SICAV, Národní rozvojová banka, AS SEB Pank, České Dráhy and FCC Czech group companies. 

Testimonials 

“Their professionality, input, passion about and pro-active approach.” (Insolvency client) 

“The team is always hands on, comprehensively and proactively solving given agenda, always being available.” (Insolvency client) 

“Excellent awareness based on experience with similar projects. Professional approach and organisation of complex tasks in parallel.” (M&A client) 

“Work was focused on key problems. Reaction was always matter-on-fact, always quick.” (M&A client) 

“They always make best efforts to find a suitable business solution for us. Their M&A team provides creative and diligent services. The are loyal and trustworthy lawyers.” (M&A client) 

“Quick, friendly, professional work.” (Private equity client) 

“Expertise in contract writing, negotiating and consultancy in business.” (Restructuring client) 

“Very clear client communication and availability to answer any questions. Explanation of effects of various scenarios to be taken.” - Michal Horký, Restructuring and insolvency Senior Associate 

“Explanation of the effects of the various scenarios to be taken is on an excellent level.” - Petr Kališ, Managing partner 

“He has a remarkable experience and his negotiation skills helped us many times.” - Petr Kališ, Managing partner 

“Expert in his field, communicate strategy, decisive and to the point solutions.” - Martin Kartner, Banking partner 

“He was always cooperative, and ready to fulfill all my demands.” - Jiří Prouza, M&A Senior Associate 

“Jiří is a contact person for our company. He advises us in relation to the M&A projects and also on other matter (banking & finance, regulatory etc.).” - Jiří Prouza, M&A Senior Associate 

“Marek is very valued by the firm for his ability of meeting deadline and providing legal advice on a very short notice.” - Marek Smula, Restructuring and insolvency Senior Associate 

“She is always hands on, very familiar with all agenda, proactively coming up with effective solutions, managing well the team.” - Martina Soukupova, Restructuring and insolvency Associate

Established in 1994, Glatzova & Co has offices in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The firm has 32 lawyers, eight of whom are partners.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has experience across banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, project development and restructuring and insolvency. It is best known for M&A and real estate sector work.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include UniCredit Bank AG, Deutsche Bank AG Filiale Deutschlandgeschäft, Erste Group Bank AG, COMMERZBANK AG and DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Revolving and Guarantee Facilities, Einrichtungssysteme or ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Landesbank Baden Württemberg, Oldenburgische Landesbank Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens Bank, Komerční banka, Československá obchodní banka, Raiffeisenbank and the Czech branch of Všeobecná úverová banka, Hypoteční banka, Czech branch of Western Union International Bank, SMART Capital group, Natland Group, NortonLifeLock, Bundesverband Öffentlicher Banken Deutschlands, PPF, MND/KKCG, Pale Fire Capital, Reflex Capital, Tchibo, Centropol Energy, Kovošrot Group, Prague Prime Homes and Pražská energetika, Verdion.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period the firm was active in banking and finance, debt capital markets, M&A, projects and restructuring and insolvency.

In banking the firm was active in both borrower and lender side transactions working for clients connected with financial services.

In debt capital markets the firm advised on bond issues for issuers in real estate and financial services.

In M&A the firm worked on a mix of acquisitions and investments for clients connected with investment management and technology.

In project development the firm worked on project deals mainly for developers connected with energy and construction.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm represented a mix of creditors and debtors in real estate, investment management and banking in both insolvency and restructuring proceedings.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

City of Brno residential project

DEK Group acquisition of STACHEMA

Fränkische Group €55 million financing

Travelex Group £50 million financing

Yog $15 million insolvency

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Insolvency

“100% professionals.”

“Even when all hopes seem lost, Glatzova & Co can always find a viable solution. Very innovative, reliable and complex in its services.”

M&A

“Comprehensive approach, high commitment, expertise, flexibility.”

They are proactive, have substantial legal knowledge and know our needs.”

“Highly professional, very reliable, communicative.”

“Professionalism, responsibility, reliability.”

Private equity

“Accuracy, flexibility, experience, new approach.”

Project development

"The are responsive, well-orientated in development business and law, motivated and with a significant business approach.”

“They know well the subject area, communicate clearly and are quite efficient.”

Restructuring

“True professionals in every respect.”

“True professionals”

Juraj Juhás

“Great expert.”

“Great lawyer.”

“He is innovative, quick-responding and reliable, too. Glatzová & Co should be glad to have Juraj in their team.”

Jindřich Král

“Professional and reliable way of acting.”

“Communicative, professional, has the ability to find solutions.”

Erik Kolan

“Very clear communication, good knowledge of the matter.”

“Erik is an excellent lawyer, with deep knowledge of the development and energy law sector, great negotiator and adviser.”

Lucie Martinková

“Lucie has been helping us with our day-to-day business. She always responds quickly and we can rely on her knowledge. For example, Lucie helped us with the purchase of trademarks.”

Veronika Pázmányová

“Skilled, proactive, understanding of the client's needs.”

Jan Perinka

“Professionalism, flexibility, quick feedback.”

Jiří Sixta

“Excellent lawyer.”

“Multisector experience, conflict-solving.”

“100% professional.”

Jan Vesely

“Experience, communication, flexibility, accuracy.”

“Deep knowledge of the law, delivers on time, very reliable.”

A boutique law firm founded in 2017, Mavericks has a focus on technology and start-ups and venture capital. It is based out of Prague.   

Highlights 

The firm is focused on M&A and debt capital markets. The firm is particularly focused on investments work for clients linked with the private equity and investment funds sector. 

Key clients  

Presto Ventures, Soulmates Ventures, Czech Founders, Spaceknow, Apify, 4Trans Factoring and MIWA Technologies. 

Testimonials 

“MAVERICKS have been a great partner to us for more than 8 years now. They are flexible and always ready to help quickly, even in complicated matters.” (Investment funds client) 

“They are focused on startups in venture capital and they have deep expertise there which is important as it is rather niche area and most lawyers cannot help as efficiently as them.” (Investment funds client) 

“Complex services covering all legal areas plus extensive consulting.” (M&A client) 

“They have exhaustive experience in the VC industry across Europe. They follow the recent trends and have strong business acumen. At the same time, they are extremely honest and highly professional. We also appreciate their efficiency and flexibility.” (M&A client) 

“Professional, best expertise in startup transactions and VC capital in the market.” (M&A client) 

“Great communication and met deadlines.” (M&A client) 

“Tomas is the partner and founder of the firm, and probably their most experienced lawyer. His depth of knowledge is great, and he's always ready to help.” - Tomáš Ditrych, Managing partner 

“Tomáš even though a partner is always available to discuss what is needed and will appropriately delegate. He has got really good knowledge of VC investments legal aspects.” - Tomáš Ditrych, Managing partner 

“He understands us, already knows are ways of working and is able to deliver the output we need quickly and in a desired quality.” - Jaroslav Menčík, Head of Technology Team 

“Excellent lawyer, hardworking, very responsive.” - Jaroslav Menčík, Head of Technology Team 

“Jaroslav has an extensive knowledge of the VC industry. He is able to deliver impressive results in highly demanding international transactions involving a wide range of investors. In addition, he has comprehensive business acumen and the ability to come up with innovative solutions.” - Jaroslav Menčík, Head of Technology Team

Founded in 2014, Langmeier & Co has a restructuring and insolvency focus and is headquartered in Prague.

Focusses / specialisms

Restructuring and insolvency is a primary focus of the firm, it represents creditors and debtors in insolvency, as well as acting as insolvency administrator.

Key clients

Clients of the firm include Arca Investments, Triload Capital, Bonet Industries and Cerepa.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

Insolvency

“Outstanding knowledge and friendly environment."

"Professional, timely, proactive."

Restructuring and insolvency

“High standard of professional knowledge; focus on an easiest and cheapest solution; well structured and understandable communication."

Established in 1993, PRK Partners is a Czech full-service firm, with regional offices in Prague and Ostrava and offices in the Slovak Republic. Its Prague and Ostrava offices employ more than 60 lawyers, including 15 partners. The firm is also a part of the Lex Mundi legal network.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has a particular focus on banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency deals. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in the energy, automotive, food and drug, media, banking/financial/insurance sector, IT and telecommunication sectors.

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Raiffeisenbank, Société Générale Group, Erste Group, UniCredit Group, J & T Banka, SAB Finance, BlackRock, Continental, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Universal Music Group.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period the firm was active in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, project development and restructuring & insolvency.

In banking and finance the firm’s work focused on many lender side financings for clients in private equity or financial services.

In capital markets the firm was active in both debt and equity capital markets and their work focused on assisting issuers and arrangers in financial services on transactions.

In M&A the firm worked on acquisitions and investments for clients connected with the energy, manufacturing and technology sectors.

In project development the firm’s work focused on assisting clients in the energy, real estate and mamufacturing sectors on various projects.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm worked on a mix of restructurings and insolvencies for mainly creditors linked to the mining, energy, transport and manufacturing sectors.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Arca Investments insolvency

EPH $144 million bond issue

TIP Trailer Group €1.39 billion financing

Western City $177 million project

Yokohama Rubber $2 billion acquisition of Trelleborg

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Capital markets

“Well-orientated, reliable, knowledgeable.”

“Experienced legal adviser, responsible, reliable.”

Leveraged finance

“They are very knowledgeable in their markets and were very responsive and clear and appropriately thorough in their input.”

Project development

“A flexible, quality company.”

“Professional attitude, friendly, knowledgeable.”

“Attention to detail, direct and personal interaction.”

“Jakub Lichnovsky and his team have long-term experience with legal advisory to foreign investors in the industry, with in-depth understanding of the automotive sector. PRK has been providing us with comprehensive legal guidance in a variety of our projects and legal matters, and the advice of PRK helped us to avoid risks, delays and related additional costs. The involvement of PRK has been beneficial in setting up strategy, planning, negotiation and establishing a system in all aspects of work. Jakub’s complexity and attitude is unique as well as his experience in project management, real estate and construction and the commercial aspects of the project development and implementation. PRK's services are always prompt, well structured, and supported with relevant facts and legal research. Management of risks from financial, legal and technical perspectives is key and PRK Partners is able to cooperate closely with other departments in our firm.”

“Precise, quick and very erudite and business-orientated.”

“PRK Partners are not only excellent lawyers, but they also have technical and organisational skills.”

Project finance

“As the residential project in which PRK Partners assisted us is quite innovative, we greatly appreciated the width of legal practice areas that PRK Partners is able to cover. In addition to the banking team we could also cooperate with experts from PRK Partners specialising in other legal areas and consult them on other legal aspects of the project. When it comes to purely banking work, I must highlight that PRK Partners' lawyers perfectly combined their in-depth knowledge of the issues related to the loan and security documentation with their understanding of the main concerns of the bank and needs of the project. They were able to briefly and clearly explain an issue to us and distinguish key points from non-essential ones, which helped a lot to focus on the important aspects and, as a result, make the work more effective.”

Jan Ditrych

“Well experienced.”

“Experienced, responsible and reliable.”

Kristýna Faltýnková

“She effectively accommodates the client’s needs in changing circumstances and handles professionally any unexpected situation, if needed. Kristýna deals with any matter thoroughly while staying focused on the big picture. She perfectly combines her litigation expertise with her knowledge of real estate law which brings a significant added value.”

Jan Kohout

“Jan Kohout, a partner at PRK Partners, led the banking team that worked on the project. I found Jan to be an expert in the area of banking and a skilful manager of his legal team. I appreciated especially his business-orientated approach and focus on the key issues and finding of their solutions. He had excellent understanding of the needs of the project and also the concerns of the bank, which together with his excellent communication skills helped to move things forward. He was able to organise his team to always deliver its outputs timely and to a professional quality.”

Rudolf Kožušník

“Very high erudition."

Jakub Lichnovsky

“Looks for solutions and gets things done.”

“Jakub is an exceptional lawyer with amazing knowledge and abilities to find solutions.”

“Jakub’s strength is in the combination of his complex approach and unique experience with which he is able to evaluate the risks of a project, set up a strategy accordingly and generally assist the client throughout all phases of the project. Jakub is able to focus not only on the legal side of the project, but takes into account all other aspects (including business and commercial considerations) of a project in its complexity, which is of great value, as such approach ensures that all legal and commercial issues are covered. Jakub's advice is well structured and coordinated. All deliverables were of a high professional standard. Jakub is excellent in communicating our issues with state authorities and our business partners, thus achieving desired results.”

“Very good erudition, highly business-orientated.”

Roman Pečenka

“Roman Pečenka understands the client´s needs very well because he is very specialised in real estate matters. He also understands very well the specifics of infrastructure projects and most notably their operation – this has a very important positive effect on his recommendations and negotiations with developers. We appreciate his ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently while always having a business-minded approach, outside-the-box thinking and an open mind.”

"He is meticulous, has great knowledge.”

Jana Pekařová

“High erudition.”

Jan Varecha

“Jan is very responsive, thorough and clear, and was always available when required to discussed Czech-related points or documents.”

Skils was, prior to 2018, part of the international firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges. It is based in Prague, where it employs over 40 lawyers, including 14 partners. The firm remains active across the financial and corporate space.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in all areas of corporate law, with a particular focus on M&A in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Mezzanine and syndicated loans, other complex financings are some of its banking services. It provides advice to Czech and foreign banks and financial institutions. It assists both lenders and borrowers in financings.

The firm is active in capital markets work, advising clients in complex transactions in the Czech market and European markets. It provides innovative regulatory advice and has participated on market leading transactions.

M&A advice is strong in its experience guiding banking and financial service entities and energy clients. The team advises clients in cross-border transactions and assists both buyers and sellers.

In terms of projects work, the firm assists clients in real estate, transportation, infrastructure and energy sectors.

Restructuring and insolvency work for the firm includes representation of creditors in insolvency proceedings.

Key clients

The firm advised Czech retail bank, MONETA Money Bank and Czech energy conglomerate CEZ, Equa Bank, Unipetrol and GE Capital.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

Banking

"Very professional, reliable, clearly describing benefits and risks of the situation and direction."

M&A

They provide the legal support well above the standard, having also the commercial understanding and flexibility to accommodate various directions of development of divestment processes. They are always steps ahead of the future development and guide us through the process with both excellent knowledge and understanding of some special requirements of the power sector. They are a very reliable partner to have."

White & Case is an international law firm established in 1901. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices across 5 continents. The firm opened its Paris office in 1926, being their oldest office in Europe. The deal team in Paris is led by executive partner Guillaume Vallat and supported by notable lawyers with diverse skills and expertise in advising clients on both local and international transactions. The firm has a well-rounded practice in France.

Highlights

The firm notably advised Teleperformance on its €3 billion combined public tender offer, in cash and securities, over the share capital and voting rights of Majorel.

The firm also advised the lenders of TA Associates, a leading global Private Equtiy firm, in connection with the senior unitranche financing for the acquisition of Valoria Capital.

A notable example of the firm's debt capital market practice is advising SNCF on the €300 million issuance of its first Green Bond.

Key clients

Air France-KLM, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

Founded in 2005, ZCH is a business focused firm based in Prague. It is a member of the TAGLaw alliance of independent law firms.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is experienced in advising refinancing, real estate acquisitions and general corporate advice. It often leads deals it is involved in. 

Key clients

Notable clients for the firm include ZDR Investments SICAV, TREI, FI Development and Traxial.