Banking & Finance: Czech Republic

Department head Václav Valvoda has extensive experience in banking, structured finance, and capital markets. He is praised for his ability to "see the big picture without losing sight of the details." Recently he acted for Komercní banka and Česká spořitelna on the CZK982 million financing of a buyout of the remaining shares in HOPI.

"A standout lawyer," Robert David is recognised for his cross-border expertise in the area of syndicated loans as well as acquisition, export and project financings.

Clients value Robert Pavlu's in-depth understanding of the sector, and describe him as "pleasant to work with, technically strong, and a knowledgeable adviser." He is noted for his specialisation in capital markets and derivatives in particular.

Commended by sources for his "diligence and responsiveness," Petr Vybiral is well known for his work on capital markets, regulatory and derivatives matters.

One source describes department head Libor Basl as "one of the most innovative lawyers I have worked with." He is picked out for his experience in financings and capital markets. For instance, he assisted DURA Automotive Systems with its EUR20 million corporate financing.

Group head Tomáš Otruba is well versed in capital markets, banking, finance and insurance law. He is a member of the appeals committee of the board of directors of the Czech National Bank.

Tomáš Sedláček's practice covers securities, financial and commodity derivatives, as well as aircraft financings. In a recent example, he acted for Crédit Agricole on the purchase of an Airbus A319 by Czech Airlines.

Praised as a "highly knowledgeable and reliable figure," managing partner Vlad Petrus continues to be sought for his ability to structure complex deals. He is also valued for his capital markets expertise, and recently acted for Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking, Barclays Capital and Česká spořitelna on the EUR300 million Eurobond issue by České dráhy, the Czech state railway company.

Miloš Felgr joins the rankings this year after receiving high praise for his "client commitment and creativity." He was part of the team advising Atrium European Real Estate on the financing of the EUR191 million acquisition of the retail and office space Palac Flora in Prague.

Martin Glajch is described as "an approachable, hard-working lawyer and talented negotiator." He is well known for his work on derivatives, capital markets and regulatory issues. 

Paul Stallebrass leads the firm's CEE banking team and has more than 15 years of experience acting on finance and regulatory issues. "He is a great adviser," an impressed client confirmed, and is qualified to practise in both the UK and the Czech Republic.

English-qualified Ana Radnev is valued for her significant experience in regional cross-border financings. She was part of the team representing Advent International in the financing for the EUR188 million acquisition of PPF.

Formerly with UniCredit in London, Mark Segall is noted for his in-depth understanding of the banking sector. He is "excellent in negotiations and client-friendly," confirmed clients.

Department head Pavla Křečková is described as a "pragmatic lawyer." She is mainly focused on acquisition finance and property finance transactions.  

Group co-head Jiří Stržínek focuses on real estate financing and is praised by sources for his "flexible and extremely hard-working approach."

Daniel Hurych moves up the rankings this year on the back of strong client and peer recommendations. He is noted as "a significantly experienced adviser who goes straight to the point." He recently assisted Česká spořitelna with a EUR134 million restructuring in relation to the acquisition of a part of the PPF portfolio of properties by Czech Property Investments.

Olga Humlová leads the banking and finance departments at the firm’s Prague and Bratislava offices. She is singled out for her expertise in the real estate sector, and is also well known for her dispute resolution work.

Dana Schweigelová leads the department and is well known for her regulatory expertise as well as her broad banking and finance practice.

Martin Dančišin receives much praise from clients for his "flexible and innovative approach." He also advises on restructuring and insolvency matters.

Clients value Jan Topinka's market insight and practical approach. Previously with the Czech Securities Commission, he advised Ceská sporitelna on a EUR58 million refinancing related to the acquisition of D5 Logistics Park by the Panattoni group.

Department head Ondřej Petr is described as "a proactive, experienced and solution-oriented practitioner."

Department head Martina Březinová is "a client-friendly attorney with industry experience," confirmed a client. She advised Citibank on a EUR280 million club loan refinancing provided to five borrowers from Škoda Transportation.

Pavel Kvíčala is the main point of contact for clients in this practice area.

Martin Aschenbrenner is "a proactive and practical problem solver. You can always rely on him," said an impressed client. Highly regarded for his expertise in banking and finance as well as capital markets, he is a member of the appellate panel of the Czech National Bank and the listing committee of the Prague stock. 

Founding partner Marek Procházka offers a broad expertise in banking and finance. He is fluent in English, German, Czech and French, and is admitted to practice in the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

Robert Němec is recommended for his work in banking and M&A.

US-qualified attorney Vladimira Papirnik leads the department and is renowned for her broad banking and finance expertise.

Talented Karel Drevinek acts as chairman of the appellate senate of the Czech National Bank, and also lectures on banking law at Charles University School of Law. He is singled out for his excellence in M&A and restructuring.

Petr Hanzal is qualified at both the New York and Czech Bars, and focuses on corporate and finance work. He was part of the team acting for Deutsche Bank's New York branch on a term loan facility for Hayes Lemmerz.

Pavel Jendrulek enjoys a strong reputation as "a technically brilliant and experienced negotiator," and is noted for his "proactive and client-friendly attitude." He was part of the team advising UniCredit on project financing provided to a Czech company active in the energy sector.

Department head David Plch is highly active on cross-border mandates and is lauded for being "an extremely client-oriented, thoughtful and technically strong practitioner." He led the team advising UniCredit Bank Austria and UniCredit Bank Czech Republic on the project financing of the refurbishment, upgrading and operation of the main railway station in Prague.

Head of M&A and capital markets for CEE, Michal Dlouhý is qualified at the New York and Czech Bars, and is equally renowned for his work in banking and finance and capital markets. An impressed interviewee said: "He is one of the top lawyers in Prague."

Květoslav Krejčí is "a knowledgeable, goal-oriented adviser with exceptional negotiation skills," say sources. He is significantly experienced in Czech and English law-governed debt and equity capital markets deals, and leads the firm's CEE capital markets practice. He is also fluent in English, German, Japanese, and Russian.

Market observers highlight Eva Svobodová's "dedication and attention to detail." She is admitted to practice at both the New York and Czech Bars.

CEE/CIS banking and finance head Jonathan Weinberg enjoys a strong reputation for his asset finance expertise. Sources praise his "commercial acumen, availability and excellent managerial skills."

A newcomer to the rankings, Jakub Dostál is "a very well-prepared lawyer who understood our business needs," a client said. 

Ivo Bárta leads the CEE energy and utilities practice group at the firm, and is particularly noted for his Slovak expertise. His banking advice prowess extends to export and acquistion finance loans and real estate financings. His client following includes Eximbanka Slovakia, WestLB and Citibank.

Tomáš Rychlý heads the department and is the key point of contact for clients in this practice area.