Corporate/M&A: Poland

THE FIRM This leading team is singled out for its highly knowledgeable lawyers, client-friendly approach and flexibility. As well as handling general corporate and M&A matters, the team is renowned for its additional expertise in financial services, competition, energy, TMT and labour law. Recent highlights include acting for Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen on the proposed sale of its stake in Polkomtel.

Sources say: "Exceptional dedication, integrity and 24/7 availability."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Agnieszka Janicka is lauded as "an excellent adviser with impressive business sense." She assisted LOTOS Petrobaltic with the acquisition of the outstanding 59.41% of the equity in AB Geonafta.

Nicholas Fletcher is valued for his CEE expertise. Until recently he was based in Ukraine, developing the firm's practice there. Clients and peers alike confirm that he is "a solid practitioner with broad expertise." He advised Royal Unibrew on the transfer of its Polish assets to Van Pur for USD38.3 million.

THE FIRM On May 15th 2012 the entire team from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in Warsaw joined Greenberg Traurig, and commenced operations under the name Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak. The Warsaw outpost of Greenberg Traurig is its first in Eastern Europe. All clients and work highlights mentioned in our editorial took place whilst the firm was operating as Dewey & LeBoeuf.

This outstanding group continues to be one of the most active in the market. The eight-partner team is a favourite among clients such as Advent International, AIG, CyfrowyPolsat, EQT Partners and Innova Capital. Recently it was instructed by Raiffeisen Bank International on the EUR490 million acquisition of a 70% share in Polbank EFG. In addition, it advised BNP Paribas on the intended acquisition of Bank Zachodni WBK from Allied Irish Banks.

Sources say: "Extremely effective and highly reputable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Jarosław Grzesiak is widely perceived as "a highly skilled and results-driven practitioner." He acted for EDF on the contemplated acquisition of 51% of shares in ENEA.

Piotr Szelenbaum is well known for his advice on corporate and M&A transactions, as well as in capital markets.

"On a strategic level I was most impressed by Lejb Fogelman," a client confirmed. Fogelman is an experienced hand in the market, and continues to lead major deals despite his senior position.

Paweł Bajno "meets strict deadlines and provides excellent quality advice," commented interviewees. He is noted for his expertise in M&A, private equity and capital markets.

THE FIRM This international firm's corporate practice continues to be recognised as a first-class operation. It is predominantly active in the top segment of the market, and receives instructions from an enviable list of clients. In a recent example, it assisted Bank Zachodni WBK with the PLN11.666 billion sale of a majority stake in it. 

Sources say: "It has access to the biggest deals in the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paweł Rymarz is praised as "one of the leading lawyers in the Polish legal arena." He recently acted for the Polish Ministry of State Treasury on the contemplated sale of a majority stake in ENEA.

Pawel Zdort is now acting for clients at the top of the market and is lauded as "a brilliant lawyer with an unbelievable sense for business."

THE FIRM Commentators praise this firm for its steady flow of instructions in the corporate and M&A field. Interviewees confirm that Allen & Overy's Warsaw office upholds its magic circle standards of quality. Key mandates include advising Montagu Private Equity on the acquisition of Emitel.

Sources say: "We value the business angle of their advice, the responsiveness and the client-focused approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jaroslaw Iwanicki is "an excellent negotiator and team leader," interviewees agree. He acted for Innova on the acquisition of 70% shares in Marmite International. 

Jacek Michalski is well known as "a highly capable and practical attorney."

THE FIRM Commentators say that this group distinguishes itself by its strong network across CEE, and the firm's portfolio of high-level, regional work confirms this. Recent highlights include assisting Atrium European Real Estate with the EUR169.5 million acquisition of CH Promenada. It also acted for JT Vehicle CY on an investment of Abris Capital Partners in Primo Collect Group.

Sources say: "The team shows consistent growth." "Substantial customer base, accessibility and high-quality output."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marcin Gmaj is valued for his "extensive experience and prompt advice." "I don't make a move in Poland without him," one client commented.

Tomasz Krzyzowski is "a highly competent and gifted negotiator," say sources. He is well regarded among private equity investors, and notably assisted Fresenius Medical Care with its acquisition of Euromedic's dialysis service business.

Pawel Swirski is renowned for his specialisation in company and insurance law.

THE FIRM This highly skilled corporate department has an excellent profile in the energy sector. Clients also benefit from the firm's expansive regional footprint and expertise in handling large, regional transactions. Recently it was instructed by AEI on the sale of the ENS cogeneration plant in Poland to a large private investor.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head Dariusz Greszta is widely perceived as a strong and experienced performer. He advised EFG Eurobank Ergasias on the sale of a 70% stake in Polbank EFG to Raiffeisen Bank International.

Marek Sawicki is noted as "a solid M&A lawyer with broad competencies."

THE FIRM This high-quality practice offers clients significant experience and understanding of the local market. Notable highlights include assisting PLL LOT with the sale of a 100% stake in LOT Services. It also acted for Rishabh Instruments in the PLN270 million privatisation of Lubuskie Zakłady Aparatów Elektrycznych LUMEL. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Krzysztof Zakrzewski is "an extremely capable, pragmatic and sensible attorney," according to both clients and peers.

THE FIRM Clients speak highly of the efficiency, flexibility and prompt advice provided by this team. It often co-operates with the firm's exceptional London office, and is a natural choice for multi-jurisdictional transactions. Its roster of clients include such names as Santander Consumer Bank, Polish Ministry of Treasury, Ciech, PGNiG and PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna. Recently it advised Allied Irish Banks on the EUR3.088 billion sale of its 70.36% shareholding in Bank Zachodni WBK to Santander.

Sources say: "Great attention to detail, responsiveness and highly knowledgeable lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jolanta Tropaczyńska "understands clients' needs and is both business-minded and client-focused," market observes say. She leads the practice.

Cezary Wisniewski is the co-managing partner of the firm and is described as "an exceptionally experienced lawyer."

Up-and-coming Marta Bleszynska is "proactive, dedicated and perfect in whatever she does," clients confirmed.

THE FIRM This sizeable practice is acknowledged for its well-informed team and integrated regional network of offices. It also benefits from a top-notch real estate practice, which came to the fore when acting together with the corporate team for ING Real Estate Investment Management on the EUR150 million takeover of Wars Sawa Junior shopping centre. The group also acted for Tiltra Group on the EUR250 million merger with a Polish-listed railway construction company.

Sources say: "Prompt advice and valuable understanding of the local market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Tomasz Dąbrowski is recommended for his "high-quality advice and focus on the energy sector." 

Pirouzan Parvine leads the firm's French desk, and recently advised Group Accor on transactions in the hotel sector.

Paweł Grabowski is "a hard-working and practical lawyer," say sources. He enters the rankings this year on the strength of recommendations for his expertise in M&A.

THE FIRM This firm is a prominent player in the domestic market, thanks to two decades of experience in practice. Market observers recommend the sizeable team for its breadth of expertise.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Both clients and peers highlight Marcin Olechowski's "commercial acumen." 

Andrzej Szlezak is well regarded for his abilities in the corporate field as well as in international arbitration and banking and finance.

Andrzej Kawecki continues to receive recommendations for his extensive experience in corporate law. His advice on securities law adds extra depth to his corporate practice.

Stanislaw Soltysinski is senior counsel, and provides valuable advice on a strategic level.

THE FIRM This talented group is a major player in the Polish corporate world. It recently advised Telekomunikacja Polska on the EUR426 million sale of TP EmiTel. In addition, it acted for Sanofi on the EUR100 million public tender for 100% of the outstanding shares of Nepentes. The group is also noted for its close collaboration with the firm's Prague office.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Witold Danilowicz is highly regarded for his "excellent advice" and continues to lead high-profile deals at the firm.

Witold Jurcewicz receives praise for assisting clients at a strategic level. He recently advised Zlomrex on the disposal of shares totalling EUR83 million.

Commentators appreciate Marcin Studniarek's "vast knowledge of the market" and willingness to "go beyond the legal advice" to assist them. He advised Eton Park Capital Management on the EUR158 million public tender for all of the outstanding shares of Ruch.

THE FIRM This team is climbing in the rankings thanks to recommendations for its pragmatic and efficient service. Sources also note the benefits of the firm's extensive international network for cross-border mandates. It was instructed by PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna on the planned acquisition of Energa. It also advised Santander on the acquisition of Bank Zachodni WBK.

Sources say: "Good technical capability and in-depth understanding of corporate matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Krzysztof Wiater is the managing partner of the firm. "I pay great tribute to him for what the firm has achieved over the past twelve months," said one peer. 

Anna Wietrzyńska is known for her expertise in corporate and restructuring issues.

A newcomer to the rankings, Marta Frackowiak earns applause for being "very hard-working and always available." 

Michał Pawłowski is described as "a highly involved and co-operative lawyer." 

THE FIRM This group is widely known for its strong national presence. It acts for both domestic and international clients and offers a solid, full service to clients. Recently it assisted organisations such as Makro Cash & Carry, Bose and adidas with corporate and commercial issues. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paweł Ciećwierz is well regarded for his experience in advising many companies, most of which are publicly listed.

THE FIRM This highly recommended practice earns particular praise for its dynamic approach and broad understanding of corporate matters. It recently advised Mediatel on the divestment of one of its business telecoms entities. 

Sources say: "Always available, client-focused and flexible." "They provide alternative solutions and have great attention to detail."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head Andrzej Wierciński "adds great value to any transaction," said one of many admiring clients.

THE FIRM This compact team predominantly advises on domestic cases, and recently acted for SECO/WARWICK on the acquisition of a 50% stake in Retech Systems.

Sources say: "Highly knowledgeable and skilled."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market observes highlight Ludomir Biedecki as "a trustworthy practitioner with broad expertise." 

Radosław Biedecki is noted for his expertise in corporate as well as capital markets issues.

THE FIRM This practice is valued for its quality advice in the fields of pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, environmental and water infrastructure as well as chemicals and car manufacturing. The firm enjoys a long-standing presence in the CEE region and boasts extensive international coverage. Recent mandates include acting for Neapco Holdings on the acquisition of Tedrive Poland.

Sources say: "They always find a solution."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Włodzimierz Radzikowski is group head and managing partner of the firm. He was instructed by Nafta Polska on the privatisation of three companies.

THE FIRM This able team is well known for its negotiation skills and experience in corporate and commercial law. Key mandates include acting for Mango on the takeover of a business unit in Poland.

Sources say: "The lawyers have good commercial understanding and are very hard-working."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ewelina Stobiecka "takes personal care of your business interests," a client commented. 

Katarzyna Woroszylska leads the team and is noted for her "customer-oriented approach."

THE FIRM This mid-sized team is recommended for always following strict deadlines and providing excellent quality advice. It was recently instructed by Polkomtel on the planned sale of up to 100% of its shares. 

Sources say: "Significant partner involvement." "Practical approach and dedication."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tadeusz Komosa is "an extensively experienced negotiator with a solution-driven approach," say clients. 

Michał Mieciński is noted for his "pragmatic and prompt advice." 

Young and talented Edyta Jusiel is well known for her "diligent and efficient approach."

THE FIRM This solid group is renowned for its advice on small to mid-market transactions. It assists clients from a wide range of industries including telecoms and pharmaceuticals.

Sources say: "The team focuses on getting the deal done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Beata Gessel-Kalinowska vel Kalisz is noted for her pragmatic approach. In addition to her corporate work, she is highly regarded for her extensive experience advising private equity investors.

THE FIRM This three-partner team is highly regarded for its commitment and business-oriented approach. Sources remark on this French firm's natural affinity for advising major French corporations investing in Poland, as well as other international clients. In a recent example, it was instructed by Bonduelle Polska on its acquisition of Inter-Champ Company from Interabra Trading. 

Sources say: "I value their international experience combined with awareness of the particularities of the local market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Jedrzejczyk is well known for his experience of M&A in the energy sector, as well as environmental law and privatisations. He recently assisted Biosyntec with the privatisation of the Polish Ministry of Treasury tobacco company, Zaklady Tytoniowe w Lublinie.

THE FIRM This skilled local firm is recommended for its expertise in the telecommunications sector. In a recent transaction it assisted a client with the sale of a media company.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tomasz Maliński leads the department and is the key contact for clients in this practice area.

THE FIRM This compact team covers a wide range of corporate issues. Recently it acted for BRE Bank on the acquisition of Polfactor and Transfinance. It also advised BZ WBK AIB Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych on the sale of shares in two Polish companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marek Wroniak leads the practice and is the main point of contact here.

THE FIRM This noteworthy group comes recommended for its solution-driven approach and added value when handling international cases. It was instructed by Element Power on the acquisition of wind farms in Poland. 

Sources say: "Timely and creative advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Władek Rzycki is described as "a problem solver." He acted for the Central European Trust as well as for Amedes in M&A matters. 

THE FIRM This practice is valued for its advice in the field of real estate, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals. Recently it was instructed by China National Electric Equipment on the public tender proceedings regarding two power plant projects. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrzej Tokaj is the managing partner of the firm. He recently advised Octava NFI on corporate matters.

THE FIRM This international firm is a newcomer to the rankings. It has made its mark with a handful of noteworthy mandates, which include acting for Nestlé on the tender proceedings and due diligence of Wedel, as well as on the merger with Alima Gerber. 

Sources say: "Experienced, solid and reliable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Piotr Strawa leads the practice. He assisted Itaipava with the multi-jurisdictional acquisition of numerous companies previously owned by Tyco International.