Baker McKenzie’s Prague Office Leads Complex Legal Transactions and Whistleblower Compliance in Czech Republic

Baker McKenzie’s Prague office plays a pivotal role in advising clients on some of the most complex and high-value transactions across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the broader Central European region. Notably, the firm represented Czech energy holding company Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH) in its acquisition of a 49% stake in Slovak gas utility SPP for CZK 66.5 billion (approximately US$2.8 billion). The office also advised Czech beverage company Kofola Group on its corporate restructuring, public offering, and dual listings on the Prague and Warsaw Stock Exchanges, which collectively raised CZK 765 million (around US$31 million).

As a leading international law firm in the Czech market, Baker McKenzie collaborates closely with its global network to deliver top-tier legal counsel to both domestic and multinational corporations, as well as financial institutions. The firm’s excellence is recognized by prestigious legal directories, with its Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, and Tax practices all ranked Tier 1 by Legal 500 EMEA.

Complementing transactional expertise, Baker McKenzie’s Prague office is also a market leader in Intellectual Property and Technology, Media & Telecommunications law, both of which hold Tier 1 rankings from Chambers Europe. The firm’s Czech lawyers bring extensive experience advising clients on rapidly evolving legal issues, leveraging their deep local market knowledge alongside a global perspective to help clients achieve strategic business objectives.

Over two decades, Baker McKenzie has developed a profound understanding of the Czech legal and business environment, enabling it to efficiently navigate deal complexities and regulatory requirements. This expertise positions the firm as a trusted advisor for leading multinational companies and financial institutions investing in the Czech Republic.

The firm advises major global banking and finance institutions on their Czech market investments and cross-border financial transactions. Its counsel extends to corporate borrowers on a wide range of lending arrangements, including bilateral and syndicated credit facilities, spanning from short-term unsecured loans to complex global financing structures.

Baker McKenzie’s Dispute Resolution team represents clients in complex, multijurisdictional litigation and arbitration. The practice provides detailed dispute analyses, outcome assessments, and cost evaluations to guide clients in selecting optimal dispute resolution strategies. The team also develops compliance programs and conducts risk assessments. Collaborating with the Banking & Finance group, the Dispute Resolution practice advises major banks, insolvency administrators, and industry leaders on corporate restructurings and insolvency proceedings.

The firm’s M&A practice offers comprehensive support throughout transaction lifecycles, from deal structuring informed by sector expertise to negotiating acquisition and financing agreements, and securing regulatory approvals and merger clearances.

Recognizing the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, Baker McKenzie’s Intellectual Property lawyers assist clients with registering and enforcing trademarks, copyrights, designs, and patents. The IT & Communications team pioneers innovative deal structures for technology vendors and purchasers, particularly in emerging sectors such as IPTV, internet banking, and mobile phone entertainment.

In addition to transactional and advisory work, the Prague office actively engages with the local legal community by participating in job fairs organized by major Czech law faculties. This initiative provides law students with opportunities to meet firm lawyers and explore career prospects at Baker McKenzie. The firm is committed to supporting the personal and professional development of its lawyers by providing necessary resources and platforms.

In compliance with Czech whistleblower protection laws, Baker McKenzie has established clear internal and external reporting channels. Whistleblowers may submit notifications of potential violations through an internal system by contacting designated persons either verbally, in writing, or via personal meetings. Specifically, whistleblowers can reach the Managing Partner or HR Manager at +420 236 045 001 or via email at Oznameni@bakermckenzie.com. Requests for face-to-face meetings must be sent by email or telephone, with meetings arranged within 14 days.

External whistleblower notifications, excluding those related to obligations under Act no. 253/2008 Coll., can be submitted through the Ministry of Justice’s external system via an online form, email (oznamovatel@msp.justice.cz), telephone (+420 221 997 840), or by requesting a personal meeting.

Notifications concerning breaches under Act no. 253/2008 Coll. may be submitted through the Czech Bar Association’s notification system.

Baker McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář, excludes receiving notifications from individuals not performing work or similar activities for the obliged entity as defined by Article 2(3)(a), (b), (h), or (i) of Act no. 171/2023 Coll. However, notifications from individuals working for the firm outside basic employment relationships are not excluded under Section 21(6)(b) of Act no. 253/2008 Coll.

For further information, Pavel Brouček, Marketing and Business Development Manager in Prague, can be contacted at +420 236 045 001 or via email.