Banking, Finance (Band 2)
CHSH Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati wins praise from peers for its “excellent CEE coverage and cross-border strength.” Clients report: “We are very confident in its ability to handle a significant workload. CHSH understands our needs fully, and it is responsive, precise and solution-oriented.” The firm is commended for its handling of Commerzbank’s heavily regulated purchase of Dresdner Bank. The transaction involved aspects of Austrian, Bulgarian and Hungarian law. The practice group also represented OMV on financing a gas-fired power plant in Romania. Regulatory expert Peter Knobl is considered “very knowledgeable. He knows each statute by heart and is a great team player.” Thomas Zivny is another notable player in the department. He is described as “an expert and a scholar; he is an incredibly quick, talented and reliable lawyer.” He is known for his strong presence in finance. Clients recommend Volker Glas as a “good, solid banking and corporate finance lawyer; he is very diligent and experienced.” He is active in banking, capital markets and tax law.

Lawyers: Peter Knobl (Band 2), Volker Glas (Band 3), Thomas Zivny (Band 4)

Capital Markets (Band 1)
This "serious player" has an outstanding track record in capital markets, commentators say. The team consists of 19 dedicated lawyers who handle some of the largest mandates around, demonstrating a "unique understanding" of the practice area, say clients. It advised brick manufacturer Wienerberger on a EUR500 million EMTN programme, having acted as sole legal adviser on its discounted capital increase. Edith Hlawati is a towering figure in the market and the driving force behind the team. She is especially recommended for large equity deals, where she has an "impeccable track record." Peter Knobl specialises in debt capital markets with an emphasis on bank bonds. He is known to be “technically excellent and popular with international clients.” Thomas Zivny offers “broad expertise and up-to-date knowledge of the markets.” He is active on the debt side, and focuses on corporate bonds. The "extremely pragmatic" Volker Glas is active in both debt and equity capital markets, offering "great technical strength and a decisive approach.”

Lawyers: Edith Hlawati (Star Individual), Peter Knobl (Band 2), Volker Glas (Band 3), Thomas Zivny (Band 3)

Competition/European Law (Band 3)
The team at CHSH handles a steady flow of merger control, state aid and abuse of dominance work, demonstrating a "willingness to listen to its clients and deliver tailor-made solutions," interviewees report. Working closely with its offices in CEE, the firm is also able to tackle multi-jurisdictional merger filings and cross-border antitrust litigation. The group recently advised construction company STRABAG in merger control proceedings arising from the creation of Lafarge Cement CE Holding, a joint venture with cement maker Lafarge. Bernhard Kofler-Senoner took the lead on the deal. Clients like "his structured and determined approach."

Lawyers: Bernhard Kofler-Senoner (Band 4)

Corporate/M&A (Band 1)
This much-praised team is considered a force in corporate and M&A law, especially on transactions with a capital markets element. Making full use of its CEE network, the firm has handled an increased amount of cross-border work for international and domestic clients. It advised OMV on the EUR1.4 billion sale of a 21% stake in MOL to Russian oil and gas company Surgutneftegas. In addition to energy expertise, the firm has strong knowledge of the real estate, airline, food, automotive and telecoms industries.
Sources say: “A very solution-oriented firm. The team is always extremely timely and efficient.” “Very strong in corporate M&A – a great department. They win massive mandates.”
Edith Hlawati is heralded as “the star of the show." She does an outstanding job, say peers, and "sees a lot of high-quality work coming her way.” She is best known for advising clients on the intersection between capital markets and M&A. Albert Birkner is active on transactions with a CEE focus and "has great understanding of takeover law.” Clemens Hasenauer is admired for his “tremendous career and impressive client list" as well as his pragmatic and hands-on style. He specialises in public M&A, and peers confirm he "is doing sophisticated work in the takeover field.” Thomas Trettnak is regarded as “a practitioner on the rise" in Austria’s active mid-cap M&A market. He is mainly seen on private equity and venture capital matters, and is commended for his organised and analytical approach. Benedikt Spiegelfeld completes the team as Austria's leading franchising specialist.

Lawyers: Albert Birkner (Band 2), Clemens Hasenauer (Band 2), Edith Hlawati (Band 2), Thomas Trettnak (Up and Coming)

Dispute Resolution (Band 2)
Active in both litigation and arbitration, this team is held in high regard for high-level construction disputes. It recently acted for ASFINAG in litigation relating to the reconstruction of the L40 bridge. The practice also includes IP and unfair competition, alternative dispute resolution, commercial disputes and white-collar crime litigation. Celebrated litigator Irene Welser "has profound legal knowledge and a great reputation with the courts.” She heads the firm’s contentious practice and is also active in arbitrations. The much-praised Benedikt Spiegelfeld often features in large, international proceedings as arbitrator or chairman. Commentators describe him as a “highly sought-after, outstanding practitioner." Peter Vcelouch is praised as “a wunderkind with strength in many areas, including disputes.” He heads the real estate and construction team and handles both litigation and arbitration. Julian Feichtinger "is doing an excellent job” as a litigator in commercial disputes. His practice also includes employment law.

Lawyers: Irene Welser (Band 1), Benedikt Spiegelfeld (Band 1), Julian Feichtinger (Band 4), Peter Vcelouch (Band 4)

Employment (Band 2)
Clients value CHSH's professional, friendly and timely service and familiarity with the CEE region. One of the largest on the Austrian market, the firm has outstanding transactional capacity, and the lawyers often advise on the employment aspects of acquisitions and restructurings. The team also handles its fair share of standalone work, such as litigation and advice on benefits, collective bargaining and ongoing employment issues. Lately, the group has acted for clients such as McDonald’s, Hewlett-Packard and Austrian road operator ASFINAG. Julian Feichtinger leads the department. Clients praise his tactical skill, saying he shows "a calm and measured attitude in negotiations." Clients are also impressed with his insight into the judiciary: "He is able to anticipate quite accurately how the court will respond." Senior attorney Barbara Klinger advised the French directory Pages Jaunes on its acquisition of Austrian subsidiary 123People and the implementation of a stock option programme for top executives. "She is quicker than anyone I know," says a client. "You can talk to her like a business partner. She thinks in HR terms and always looks at the practical side of things."

Lawyers: Julian Feichtinger (Band 2), Barbara Klinger (Up and Coming)

Environment (Band 3)
The environmental practice at this sizeable firm is increasingly active on the market. Notable clients include the Austrian Association of Biomass Operators, ASFINAG and Vienna International Airport. The team regularly represents clients in court proceedings and gives legal opinions on environment legislation. Hans Kristoferitsch is the lawyer handling environmental matters at this firm.

Public Procurement (Band 3)
The public procurement department of this firm mostly acts for contracting authorities and has an impressive client base, including ASFINAG. It recently advised the Chamber of Pharmacists on the extent to which social goods and services are subject to procurement law. Additionally, the firm initiated infringement proceedings on behalf of the multinational consortium SLOVAKPASS before the EC. Irene Welser is the lawyer to contact for procurement advice.

Restructuring & Insolvency (Band 3)
This team advises on distressed M&A transactions and reorganisations, and acts for creditors in bankruptcy procedures. "The lawyers provide feasible, practical solutions at good value for money,” clients say. The group has also handled a number of litigious cases arising out of insolvencies of late. The "proactive and practical" Georg Konrad led a team that advised Barclays Capital on the EUR500 million insolvency and restructuring of Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds. Irene Welser heads the contentious business department and is a key figure in the group. She is "very frank and approachable, and always puts her clients first."

Lawyers: Irene Welser (Band 2), Georg Konrad (Band 3)

General Business Law Expertise - South Eastern Europe (Band 2)

This prestigious firm focuses on the main SEE economies, with a presence in Serbia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. It enjoys good ties with local firms in other jurisdictions, enabling it to cover the entire regional market. The Vienna team's prowess in capital markets and corporate M&A helps attracts clients venturing into the region, such as Telekom Austria, STRABAG and Alpiq. The lawyers recently advised US telecoms provider Clearwire on the sale of its Romanian subsidiaries, a deal carried out by the Vienna and Bucharest teams. Peter Hoffmann is praised for his successful efforts in building up the firm's operations in SEE. Albert Birkner impresses with his tough negotiating style and strong motivation to get the deal done.

Lawyers: Albert Birkner (Band 2), Peter Hoffmann (Band 2)

Real Estate (Band 3)
This "long-standing and reputable firm" covers a broad range of real estate issues, enabling it to provide clients with a well-rounded service. The team's instructions include advising Lidl Austria on real estate-related contractual matters and assisting Kempinski with leasing issues concerning new hotel premises in the Palais Hansen in Vienna. It has also been advising OMV on new office premises. Manfred Ton commands an excellent reputation and has been working on the Kempinski hotel project. "Intelligent and trustworthy" Peter Vcelouch is particularly well known for his litigation work in the field. He also lectures on construction law at the Chamber of Architects.

Lawyers: Peter Vcelouch (Band 2), Manfred Ton (Band 4)

Tax (Band 3)
The team at CHSH has a strong record in international reorganisations, private equity taxation, international tax structures and inbound restructuring work. The lawyers recently advised Swiss energy company ALPIQ on the tax implications of a cross-border merger of its Austrian subsidiary with a Czech company. Other clients include Credit Suisse, JAXX AG and Zürcher Kantonalbank. Johannes Prinz heads the tax group and is considered a “key figure at the firm." He is active in corporate tax, international tax, group taxation and corporate reorganisations. Clemens Hasenauer is an expert in M&A-related taxation and has broad experience of international tax matters, sources say.

Lawyers: Clemens Hasenauer (Band 2), Johannes Prinz (Band 3)

TMT: Telecommunications (Band 3)
The telecommunications and IT practice at this large firm benefit from being part of a network that stretches across CEE. It has been especially sought after recently for advice on IT procurement, data protection, data retention and related whistle-blowing issues. The group acts as legal counsel for Hewlett-Packard, recently advising it on procurement relating to an IT system for the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other clients include French-listed company PagesJaunes and Commerzbank. Sources highlight the practice's "considerable expertise, high-quality client service and competitive rates." Elisabeth Gruber heads the telecommunications team and Julian Feichtinger heads the IT team.

Bulgaria

Corporate/M&A (Band 4)
Gaining recognition for its "responsiveness and understanding of clients' needs," this outfit has advised Knauf Insulation Holding on the establishment of a representative office for a foreign legal entity. Boyko Guerginov is "competent and customer-oriented," say sources. He acts for Hewlett-Packard in relation to ongoing corporate organisation matters. Ralitsa Gavrilova is praised as "detailed and organised." She was part of the team working with Knightsbridge Associates on the incorporation of its local subsidiary and in ongoing corporate organisational matters.

Lawyers: Boyko Guerginov (Band 4), Ralitsa Gavrilova (Up and Coming)

Hungary

Real Estate (Band 2)
Well known as a strong firm in this field, CHSH advises many large European companies on real estate matters, including Allianz, STRABAG and IVG. The team has strong links with businesses in the German and Austrian markets as well as in Hungary. It worked on various aspects of the HOCHTIEF Budapest airport development including projects and property advice, and is regularly seen managing large office portfolios for corporate clients.

Practice head Szabolcs Perlaki is an "impressive, focused and highly active real estate lawyer," according to interviewees. Attila Dezsö is praised for his excellent work in public procurement and is recognised as an experienced figure in real estate matters. Peers name Katalin Veszely as a significant contributor to the team.

Lawyers: Attila Dezsö (Band 2), Szabolcs Perlaki (Band 3), Katalin Veszely (Band 4)

Projects & Energy (Band  4)
This outfit offers an experienced project finance team and regularly assists clients with mandates within both the Hungarian and the German markets. Joining forces with its network of key partners, it also takes on licensing and energy law matters.

Lead partner Attila Dezso "has comprehensive knowledge and cross references between Hungarian and German issues," say clients.

Slovakia

Corporate/M&A (Band 3)
Practitioners at this corporate firm carry out due diligence, M&A and restructuring work for mainly international clients. The team continues to advise MID Group and Autostrade per l'Italia on their ongoing projects. It has also counselled clients on transactions in the automotive industry. Name partner Karol Siska heads up the Bratislava office and is lauded for his "professional attitude, vast experience and high level of customer service."

Lawyers: Karol Siska (Band 3)

Employment (Band 3)
This renowned regional firm earns praise for its commitment to customer service. "They really take care of clients; they're really kind and helpful," an interviewee said. The lawyers advised Knauf Insulation on various aspects of the Slovak labour code. The team also handled labour law issues arising from the reorganisation of Sun Pharma's chain of pharmacies. Other clients include Procter & Gamble and Honeywell. Karol Siska heads the department and is also active in corporate/M&A and banking.

Lawyers: Karol Siska (Band 3)

Real Estate (Band 4)
The Bratislava office of this prominent CEE player has built useful working relationships in the local market, and benefits from its strong ties with Austrian banks. The team recently advised MID Holding on the EUR150 million development of 12 retail warehouse parks in Slovakia. Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank also instructed the firm on the EUR36.4 million financing of five warehouse retail parks. Karol Šiška is the local managing partner and a key contact.

Source: Chambers & Partners, Chambers Europe - Europe's Leading Lawyers for Business, 2011 Edition