CMS wins four gongs at the 2019 CEE Legal Matters Deal of the Year Awards

CMS has been recognised as the winner in four categories at the 2019 CEE Legal Matters Deal of the Year Awards. CMS was involved in 12 of the nominated deals and the firm has won for its work on leading transactions in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Montenegro and North Macedonia – showcasing the firm’s strength across the CEE region. 

CMS has been recognised for its work on the following deals in 2019:

United Group’s Acquisition of Vivacom Bulgaria (awarded Bulgaria Deal of the Year)

This transaction involved United Group, a leading independent telecoms and media provider across South Eastern Europe, acquiring all shares in Vivacom, the largest telecoms operator in Bulgaria. CMS advised Vivacom in relation to the sale which took several months to negotiate and was valued at approximately €1.2 billion, making it one of the largest transactions for the region in recent years. 

Advent International and Zentiva’s Acquisition of Alvogen’s CEE Business – awarded Czech Republic Deal of the Year

This transaction brought together two leading branded generics and over-the-counter businesses in the CEE region and involved the cooperation of more than 80 lawyers based across the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Russia, UK, Netherlands and the Balkans. 

Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka’s Acquisition of Majority Stake in Societe Generale Banka Montenegro (awarded Montenegro Deal of the Year)

This transaction involved the merger of Montenegro’s largest bank with its fourth largest bank, significantly changing the position and competitive situation in the domestic market. CMS advised Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka on all aspects of the acquisition. 

Steiermarkische Bank und Sparkassen’s Acquisition of Ohridska Banka AD Skopje (awarded North Macedonia Deal of the Year)

This transaction involved Austria's Steiermarkische Bank und Sparkassen acquiring a majority stake in North Macedonia-based lender Ohridska Banka, significantly strengthening Steiermärkische Sparkasse’s existing market position in Northern Macedonia. CMS advised Steiermärkische Sparkasse und Bank AG on the legal structuring of the acquisition. 

Now in their third year, these awards highlight the most important transactions undertaken across Central and Eastern Europe. Helen Rodwell, CEE Head of Corporate at CMS, comments: “We are pleased that CMS has being recognised for its work on these significant and complex transactions. As a firm, we have a reputation as market-leaders across CEE, and our work on deals such as these bring into focus our specialist knowledge and the agility of our international teams.”