Firms To Watch: Banking and finance

HSP Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s practice, headed up by Peter Wagesreiter, has strong credentials in project finance, project development and construction financing matters. The group has also recently begun to provide audit services to Austrian mortgage banks and other commercial banks.

Banking and finance in Austria

Binder Grösswang

Binder Grösswang ‘has continued to grow in size and reputation‘, building on its strong track record of acting in complex, cross-border financing transactions. The team recently advised the European Investment Bank and Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen on the financing of a PPP project which considered the competing interests of the banks and the city of Vienna. International banks form a key part of the group’s client base, along with Austrian banks, infrastructure providers, and multinational corporate companies. The trio heading up the team is Stefan Tiefenthaler, Emanuel Welten, and Stephan Heckenthaler; Welten and Tiefenhaler are key names to note for acquisition finance and real estate finance work. Stefan Frank is a key name to note for regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Tiefenthaler; Emanuel Welten; Stephan Heckenthaler


Other key lawyers:

Stefan Frank; Mathias Drescher


Testimonials

‘Excellent firm that has continued to grow in size and reputation. The firm works together as a team very well, is technically excellent and gives result-oriented and practical advice. Documents are delivered promptly and deadlines are always met. It is always a pleasure to work with the team and handing a matter to them means it is well looked after.’

‘Stefan Tiefenthaler is an excellent lawyer who combines deep industry and legal expertise with an ability to provide to-the-point and hands-on practical advice. Together with his always calm manner, this makes him an excellent negotiator.’

‘The team has broad experience and is exceptionally well placed for complex matters. I appreciate the timely, pragmatic and solution-oriented advice.’

‘The passion and drive to help achieve the client’s goals is outstanding. Stephan Heckenthaler is amazing to work with. One receives timely, pragmatic and solution-oriented advice. Stefan Tiefenthaler is one of the best finance lawyers in Austria.’

‘High professional competence combined with solution orientation and partnership.’

Key clients

Erste Bank


European Investment Bank


Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien


BNP Paribas


Société Génerale


Austrian Anadi Bank


Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich


FAST LEAN SMART Group


AUTO1


Grover


KELAG


Work highlights


  • Advised the European Investment Bank and Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen on the financing of the PPP project ‘Bildungscampus Rappachgasse and Landgutgasse.’
  • Advising BNP Paribas on the restructuring of Stellantis’ European financing offering.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole on Austrian finance law aspects of an unprecedented securitisation transaction involving AUTO1 Group.

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)

Combining strong regulatory knowledge with a multi-jurisdictional transactional practice, the group at Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) has continued its expansion into the ESG space. Martin Ebner, who leads the team alongside Peter Feyl and Laurenz Schwitzer, is a ‘go-to adviser for large and complex domestic and cross-border financing transactions‘ and is also managing partner of the firm’s Linz office. Schwitzer, who is described as a ‘very experienced finance lawyer‘, focuses on real estate and asset finance work, as well as renewable energy financing transactions. The trio are well supported by Ursula Rath, who has a ‘broad knowledge of the industry‘, and a varied practice including capital markets transactions, M&A transactions, and regulatory advice.


Practice head(s):

Martin Ebner; Peter Feyl; Laurenz Schwitzer


Other key lawyers:

Ursula Rath; Michael Magerl; Christoph Moser


Testimonials

‘Great work setting up projects with a lot of legal and organisational challenges. They execute important matters in an effective and legally secure way within a limited timeline.’

‘Ursula Rath is by far the best lawyer I have worked with. She always has the necessary overview as well as a deep and broad knowledge of the industry, she always stays calm with a clear head in busy/stressful times and finds the best solutions for her clients.’

‘Martin Ebner is pragmatic, hands-on, responsive, fully in control of matters and very pleasant to work with. There was never any legal issue which couldn’t be solved in the interest of the client.’

‘Martin Ebner has outstanding abilities when it comes to managing a team and aligning complex legal matters in a big project team. Christoph Moser demonstrates an exceptional legal performance if confronted with legal challenges on a short time frame.’ 

‘Very experienced finance team, vast amount of experience, deliver very good drafting which reflects what you need and want. A pro-active, solution-oriented approach.’

‘Martin Ebner is a highly experienced finance lawyer. He sees problems and the answers to them, very good drafter. Constructive negotiator. Pro-active approach. Very approachable and helpful. Laurenz Schwitzer is a very experienced finance lawyer with an impressively good memory. He is a very good and quick drafter. Very constructive negotiator.’

‘Very strong banking and finance practice. Deep team with great talent at all hierarchy levels, skilled project/transaction managers (especially in transactions that are document heavy and/or involve multiple jurisdictions) and good use of technology.’

‘Martin Ebner is our go-to adviser for large/complex domestic and cross-border financing transactions.’

Key clients

ABBAG Abbaumanagementgesellschaft des Bundes


Acer


Advent International


AGRANA Group Services GmbH


Amazon


Alipay


Art Invest


Aves One


B & C Holding Austria


Bank of America Merril Lynch


Barclays Bank


BENTELER International AG


Bitpanda


Blackrock


Conda Crowdinvesting Europe


ContourGlobal


COVID-19 Financing Agency of the Federal Government GmbH (COFAG)


Commerzbank


Credi2


Credit Suisse International


Work highlights


  • Advised Austrian pharmaceuticals wholesaler Herba Chemosan Apotheker-AG (Herba Chemosan) on the financing of the acquisition in the course of its recent management buy-out (MBO).
  • Advised Bitpanda on its latest financing rounds and a wide range of regulatory-driven matters, in particular in connection with the development of a digital assets brokerage service, the set-up/streamlining of Bitpanda’s customer identification process, and the expansion of Bitpanda’s product portfolio.
  • Advised UniCredit Bank Austria on the €327.5m acquisition financing of Grabenhof for Ärztekammer für Wien.

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG

With offices in Vienna, Warsaw, Bratislava and Bucharest, the team at Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG, which includes Nikolaus Paul, utilises its vast network to advise on cross-border transactions. Clients single out Marika Lomashvili, who ‘coordinates and advises very well on the cross-border work’, while Andrea Gritsch is praised as ‘a hardworking young partner‘. Team members have experience in real estate and general finance transactions and financial regulatory work. On the transactional side, the work has included distressed situations, subsequent non-performing loan transactions and financial restructurings. Markus Heidinger is recognised for his regulatory, funds and corporate finance expertise, and Andreas Schmid is the go-to name for project work.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Gritsch


Other key lawyers:

Andrea Gritsch; Marika Lomashvilli; Markus Heidinger; Andreas Schmid; Nikolaus Paul


Testimonials

‘Wolf Theiss has a broad international network to rely on. They cover all topics relating to the industry and provide very high quality results.’

Marika Lomashvilli coordinates and advises very well on the cross-border work relating to our international project finance transactions. Andreas Schmid is also an important manager/coordinator for our needs.’

‘Client oriented and understand client’s needs and requirements. Very experienced.’

‘Marika Lomashvili is experienced, has a calm manner, and is reachable by the client.’

‘Marika Lomashvili is extremely hardworking, solution oriented, and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Andrea Gritsch is a hardworking young partner.’

‘The team includes members who have good experience in real estate finance transactions.’

Key clients

JP Morgan Chase & Co.


Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield


Diamond (BC) B.V.


Erste Group Bank AG


Raiffeisen Bank International AG


LynxCap Group AG


Global Rockstar GmbH


Attestor Limited, Interritus Limited, Kommunalkredit Austria AG


Goldfinch Partners, Baupost Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising a banking consortium, consisting of JP Morgan Chase and 21 other leading banks, on providing secured asset-based financing totalling $7bn in the context of Platinum Equity’s acquisition of the world largest provider of technology solutions Ingram Micro.
  • Advising Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) on an up to €375.9m non-recourse mortgage loan which is an important milestone in the context of URW’s sale of a 45% stake in Shopping City Süd for a headline price of €1.07bn.
  • Advising Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) on the sale of Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) EAD for €1bn to KBC Bank NV.

Cerha Hempel

Work at the forefront of Cerha Hempel's broad practice spans financing transactions, bank regulatory work, and bank contract matters.  The multidisciplinary group, which regularly works on real estate and project finance transactions, is headed up by Peter Knobl, Volker Glas and Thomas Zivny; Knobl is described as a ‘profound expert in Austrian and international banking regulation law’. Another key team member is Christian Aichinger, who clients value for his ‘overall expertise of the legal side of financings services’.

Practice head(s):

Peter Knobl; Volker Glas; Thomas Zivny


Other key lawyers:

Christian Aichinger; Clemens Hasenauer


Testimonials

‘They have vast experience and deep knowledge in handling administrative law cases in areas relevant for a bank, therefore very useful guidance is offered in these proceedings. Any drafts are always delivered on time.’

‘Very broad knowledge of banking supervision law.’

‘Sophisticated and broad knowledge in banking and finance regulatory work. Excellent solutions for complex topics and excellent network within Cerha Hempel, high commitment and availability to our firm (especially by ad hoc topics).’

‘We have worked with Cerha Hempel for more than 10 years. Their pragmatic, solution-oriented approach is outstanding. They have learned how we think and that makes the difference.’

‘Thomas Zivny as partner has huge capabilities in the field of banking and finance. As a long-term business partner, he truly understands our needs. Based on his huge knowledge, his solution oriented pragmatic approach is refreshing when it comes to tougher negotiations. He is quick in his response and is able to focus on key issues without being over-complicated.’

‘Christian Aichinger has overall expertise of the legal side of financings services. A really supportive. outstanding cooperation.’

‘We experienced Cerha’s banking and finance team as a very reliable partner, even in the wake of a developing crisis.’

‘We got to know Peter Knobl as a profound expert in Austrian and international banking regulation law.’

Key clients

AIK Banka a.d., Gorenjska Banka d.d. and Agri Europe Cyprus Limited


Commerzbank AG, Austrian branch


Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt head office


Deutsche Vermögensberatung Bank AG


ekspert SA


Energy Exchange Austria (Austrian Electric Power Spot Exchange, EXAA)


Erste Group Bank AG (EGB)


RHI Magnesita


RiverRock European Capital Partners LLP


Verbund Energy4Business GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised EXAA (Energy Exchange Austria (Austrian Electric Power Spot Exchange)) on its cooperation with CCP.
  • Advised RiverRock on five securitisation transactions with an aggregate value of €195m with a true sale legal opinion on underlying receivables governed by Austrian law and the corresponding security documents.
  • Advised AIK Banka a.d., Gorenjska Banka d.d. and Agri Europe Cyprus Limited on the purchase of Sberbank Europe AG’s CEE/SEE subsidiary banks in five jurisdictions on a set of guarantees to ensure the full collectability of the active loan portfolio.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s banking and finance team, led by Martin Zuffer and Günther Hanslik, deals with large financing transactions domestically and internationally. Zuffer regularly assists banks and financial institutions with transactional and regulatory issues and Hanslik is a financing expert. The group’s main expertise lies in acquisition finance, corporate lending, real estate and project finance, banking regulation, and distressed debt trading matters, and it is increasingly active in fintech mandates. The group also handles multiple cross-jurisdictional projects, an area in which Marcell Clark is notably active.

Practice head(s):

Günther Hanslik; Martin Zuffer


Other key lawyers:

Stefan Paulmayer; Marcell Clark


Testimonials

‘Very competent banking/finance team with a lot of experience and a very solution-oriented approach in drafting and negotiating. Very pro-active in proposing solutions. Very good to work with.’

‘Günther Hanslik has years of experience in finance and is very good to work with in difficult situations or with an aggressive counsel on the other side as he always manages to relieve any tensions. Stefan Paulmayer has a very good combination of finance, work-out and regulatory experience. Very quick in coming back with proposals and workable, practically minded advice. Very good negotiator and drafter.’

‘Flexible team which supports the client. Very balanced team.’

‘Stefan Paulmayer acted as a perfect banking lawyer when negotiating and supporting us in one of our largest real estate finance deals in Vienna.’

‘Very creative, focused on solutions, fast acting and always available.’

Key clients

Zumtobel Group AG


N26


GREEN SOURCE Holding GmbH


UniCredit Bank Austria AG


Erste Group Bank AG


Raiffeisen Bank International AG


Commerzbank


Deutsche Bank (London Branch)


VTB Bank (Europe) SE


HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien AG


Deutsche Hypothekenbank


Wiener Städtische Versicherung AG


PK Windpark Management GmbH (PÜSPÖK Group)


Work highlights


  • Advised RBI as Bookrunner and Arranger of a €360m financing to 6B47 group for the development of the prime real estate project Althan Quartier in the heart of Vienna.
  • Advised Zumtobel Group AG on the early refinancing of its long-term syndicated loan.
  • Advising a consortium of Austrian banks in connection with the syndicated financing of the development of one of Europe’s largest logistic and e-commerce centres.

DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH

DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH offers ‘practical and targeted‘ advice to funds, banks and corporate companies on transactional matters as well as banking and supervisory board law and other regulatory issues. Andreas Zahradnik leads the team alongside Tibor Varga, who ‘is very experienced in international finance transactions‘ and restructurings. Zahradnik counts large financial institutions as key clients and recently advised major international credit institutions on cross-border matters. On top of a strong foundation of banking and finance expertise, the group often works with the firm’s IP and IT team, particularly on outsourcing projects.

Practice head(s):

Tibor Varga; Andreas Zahradnik


Testimonials

‘Pragmatic approach and user-friendly.’

‘Tibor Varga is very experienced in international finance transactions and provides practical advice focusing on the interests of the client.’

‘Highly recommendable, practical and targeted advice. Good client service, strong team.’

Key clients

Ad hoc committee of lender of Schur Flexibles


Schur Flexibles GmbH


DIF Capital Partners


DIF Infrastructure IV (DIF IV)


Work highlights


  • Acted as Austrian counsel to the coordinating committee of lenders of Schur Flexibles in a proposed financial restructuring of Schur Flexibles, following accounting irregularities and compliance breaches.
  • Advised DIF Capital Partners in relation to its divestment of shares/interests held in an Austrian PPP project with two hospitals in Vienna.

E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH

E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH works on large financing transactions both in the Austrian and international market, particularly since the recruitment of Laurenz Liedermann in 2021, who is known for his ‘pragmatic approach, responsiveness and reliability’ and focuses on acquisition and real estate financing transactions. Practice head Marcus Benes concentrates on international financings, complex restructurings, and structured products, and fellow practice head Peter Winkler is a key name to note for banking and finance matters with M&A elements. More widely, the group has recently become particularly active in green energy matters domestically.

Practice head(s):

Peter Winkler; Marcus Benes


Other key lawyers:

Laurenz Liedermann; Philipp Schrader


Testimonials

‘Highly regarded firm that offers substantial expertise in banking & finance, including restructuring projects.’

‘Marcus Benes is a brilliant legal mind, very creative, tailors his advice to what is needed for the situation.’

‘They are reliable, friendly and deliver excellent work within the agreed time frames.’

‘My go-to person is Laurenz Liedermann. I value him for his pragmatic approach, responsiveness and reliability. He knows the market and he knows how to advise Germany on Austrian law. I can rely on him quickly telling me what the issue is and what his recommendation is based on the particularities of the individual transaction.’

Key clients

Erste Group Bank AG


Burgenland Energie


Zr pharma& GmbH


Riemergasse 7 Entwicklungs und Verwertungs GmbH / Brisen Group


Coveris S.A.


Kreisel Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Burgenland Energie on an ongoing basis in relation to the group’s financing arrangements with national and international banks.
  • Advised the Brisen Group regarding the financing of the Vienna landmark building Riemergasse 7.
  • Advised Coveris S.A in connection with an ESG linked financing.

Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners

The ‘highly professional and well experienced’ banking and finance team at Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners has seen large growth in its provision of compliance advice for the banking and financial services sector, which includes handling regulatory work for banks and payment service providers, including changes to authorisation regimes. The trio leading the team is Markus Fellner, Gregor Schett, and Florian Kranebitter, and the group counts major Austrian banks such as UniCredit Bank Austria and Commerzbank as key clients. Stefan Adametz was made partner in July 2022, and adds to the group’s bench strength for multi-disciplinary mandates.

Practice head(s):

Markus Fellner; Gregor Schett; Florian Kranebitter


Other key lawyers:

Stefan Adametz


Testimonials

‘The services are always provided on time and are of high quality. The solution approach is usually pragmatic, as the team knows exactly what matters in banking business.’  

‘Highly professional and well experienced team especially in banking law. Excellent track record over many years.’

‘Very speedy answers and practical advice. Thinking outside the box. Very useful for in-house-lawyers.’

‘Markus Fellner is an exceptional lawyer who understands business and has outstanding expertise. He also has great negotiating skills.’

‘We consider Markus Fellner and Florian Kranebitter the best lawyers in Austria to represent our banks’ interests.’

Key clients

BAWAG P.S.K.


Commerzbank AG


GREENoneTEC Solarindustrie GmbH


Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien AG


Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich


SORAVIA Group


State of Lower Austria


UniCredit Bank Austria AG


Vorarlberger Landes- und Hypothekenbank


Aktiengesellschaft


Work highlights


  • Advising UniCredit Bank Austria in connection with the enforcement of its minority rights as a shareholder of 3Banks Group.
  • Successfully advised BAWAG Group on the acquisition of the leading online broker Hello bank! Austria from the French financial group BNP Paribas.
  • Advising SORAVIA Group on the cooperation between SORAVIA and Volksbank IMMO-CONTRACT Group.

Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG

Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG, which provides ‘succinct, pro-active and highly precise advice’, often assists high-profile international clients in the financial services and technology industries. Practice head Georg Diwok is described as ‘a doyen of Austrian capital and banking law’ and, alongside his advisory work, handles financial disputes. Counsel Robert Wippel works on project financings including notable green and sustainable finance transactions.

Practice head(s):

Georg Diwok


Other key lawyers:

Robert Wippel


Testimonials

‘We have employed Baker McKenzie in several highly complex transaction requiring expertise on special areas of securities law and insolvency law in several jurisdictions in the CEE area. Baker McKenzie provided succinct, pro-active and highly precise advice.’

‘We had especially excellent experiences with Georg Diwok, who is a doyen of Austrian capital and banking law. His expertise in legal and also operational matters is truly impressive.’

Key clients

Raiffeisen Bank International AG


Volksbank Wien AG


Segafredo Zanetti Austria GmbH


Platinum Equity Advisors LLC


Sunstar Suisse S.A.


NH Hotel Group S.A.


PREMIUM Real Estate Group


Accenture GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Volksbank Wien AG on a substantial real estate financing matter.
  • Advised Raiffeisen Bank International AG on various, complex RR-related mitigation techniques.
  • Advising Accenture GmbH on a large outsourcing project in Austria involving 28 banks.

DSC Doralt Seist Csoklich Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Praised by clients as ‘the go-to firm for banking law and banking litigation in Austria’, DSC Doralt Seist Csoklich Rechtsanwälte GmbH regularly advises clients on matters before the high courts, as well as more generally advising on market entry issues, product developments, and first of their kind projects in Austria and beyond. Heading up the team is Markus Kellner, alongside experienced banking and finance lawyer Christoph Diregger. Kellner has recently utilised his knowledge of state-backed loan guarantees and statutory moratoriums for credit payments to guide clients through ongoing issues in this area due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Practice head(s):

Markus Kellner; Christoph Diregger


Testimonials

‘Senior team with an impressive depth and breadth of expertise. Dedicated and committed. Very reliable.’

‘Markus Kellner is very knowledgeable, has great experience, and has strong analysis skills. He has a hands-on approach, comes up with practical solutions that work, is very pragmatic and is very creative at the same time. He delivers great quality.’

Very specific knowledge of the banking industry. Hands on approach.’

‘DSC’s team is highly skilled and qualified, very responsive, and has a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to even challenging and complex tasks.’

‘DSC is the go-to firm for banking law and banking litigation in Austria. The team’s breadth and depth of expertise are unmatched in the market. They are structured, strongly outcome-oriented and their case management quality is top. Most impressive is their responsiveness, service orientation and stamina.’

‘The team has a broad and deep knowledge in the banking/financial sector and has advised various clients in the industry, as well as undertaking litigation. Their litigation knowledge is very valuable as it allows DSC to advise with excellent legal background which also offers practical solutions for its clients.’

‘Markus Kellner and his team supports us very competently on all banking law issues. He comments on and analyses the latest supreme court decisions for the Austrian bank archive. For this reason, he is always up to date with the latest jurisprudence and literature.’

Key clients

Bank für Tirol und Vorarlberg AG


BAWAG Group AG


ERSTE Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkasse AG


Österreichische Ärzte- und Apothekerbank AG


Raiffeisen Bank International AG


Raiffeisen Centro Bank AG


UniCredit Bank Austria AG


Volksbank Wien AG


Wiener Privatbank SE


Work highlights


  • Representing several Austrian banking groups in litigation regarding foreign currency loans following the ECJ decision C-260/18 Dziubak, winning several landmark cases before the Austrian Supreme Court.
  • Representing approx. 400 banks in a constitutional complaint following a Supreme Court decision ruling that borrowers have to pay no interest during the Austrian pandemic relief moratorium.
  • Representing several Austrian banking groups in litigation regarding breakage fees following the ECJ decision C-383/18 Lexitor before the Austrian Supreme Court.

Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwalte GmbH

Cryptocurrency and regulatory mandates have been among areas of recent growth for the team at Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwalte GmbH, which also stands out for its niche experience in the healthcare and public sectors, among others. Christoph Wildmoser is praised as a ‘go-to person for issues around credit risk mitigation in Austria‘, and leads the team alongside Christoph Herbst, who regularly works on a variety of financing transactions.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Wildmoser; Christoph Herbst


Other key lawyers:

Wolfgang Schwackhoefer


Testimonials

‘Christoph Wildmoser is our go-to person for issues around credit risk mitigation in Austria. The team is providing exactly the advice we require and takes a very pragmatic approach.’

‘The team is professional.’

‘We work mainly with Wolfgang Schwackhoefer. He’s always calm, even when things get hectic, responsive and on point with content. Our clients love his work.’

Key clients

Deutsche Bank AG, UniCredit Bank Austria AG and Goldman Sachs


ESIM Chemicals


AG Capital


Findos Investor


DZ Bank


Finance Copter


Blue Danube Loan Funding


BlackRock Inc


Westbahn Management GmbH


3i Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Pemberton and Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich Wien-AG as lenders in connection with the provision of an incremental facility to BE-terna.
  • Advised Invision AG as borrower on the financing of the acquisition of eduPRO Group.
  • Advises UniCredit Bank Austria AG on the issuance of legal opinions with respect to the qualification of non-mortgage loans secured by the Buyer Credit Guarantees issued by European Credit Agencies as cover assets under the Austrian Mortgage Bank Act and the new Austrian Covered Bond Act.

PHH Rechtsanwälte GmbH

The group at PHH Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH has ‘sufficient resources to deal with complex matters‘, and has recently worked on mandates involving trade, real estate and infrastructure financings and energy projects. Annika Wolf, who demonstrates ‘strong technical knowledge‘, leads the team with regulatory expert Lukas Röper and Wolfram Huber, who has particular expertise in UK-related cross-border mandates. The trio are well supported at partner level by Dominik Kurzmann who focuses on renewable energy work.

Practice head(s):

Annika Wolf; Wolfram Huber; Lukas Röper


Other key lawyers:

Dominik Kurzmann


Testimonials

‘The team is highly experienced and knowledgeable and very responsive. Working with them is great pleasure.’

‘Lukas Röper is an excellent banking lawyer with a broad practice and client base. He is very cooperative and a great colleague.’

‘The team is made up of highly specialised professionals in the field of banking and finance law. They provide a wide range of assistance, both at local and international level. The team has shown attention to the clients in the tailored management of each case. The team has a business-oriented mindset, high availability, and always uses a lot of empathy.’

Key clients

FAME Investments AG


FENICE HOLDING SA


HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien AG


Kommunalkredit Austria AG


Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG


Österreichische Beteiligungs AG


Pegasus Capital Partners GmbH


SOVA Capital Limited


Trodat Group


ING Bank N.V and Bank of Communications Co. Ltd.


Vivid Money GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised SOVA as buy-side counsel on a range of issues, from the conception of an initial market entry in Austria, to the selection of a target financial institution, to a full due diligence and negotiations of the share purchase agreement, outsourcing and transition services agreements, bringing about the closing conditions.
  • Advised Mayr-Melnhof on a €65m syndicated loan provided by IKB Deutsche Industriebank, NRW Bank and Oberbank for the modernisation of a cartonboard production machine at the client’s site in Neuss (Germany).
  • Advising Vivid Money GmbH on the expansion of its cryptocurrency business to Austria.

bpv Hügel

Commended for its ‘incredible industry expertise and in-depth regulatory knowledge’, bpv Hügel‘s banking and finance group has further strengthened its expertise with the arrival of practice head Ingo Braun in April 2021, who is ‘strong on complex transaction structures‘ and regulatory work. Fellow practice head Christoph Nauer is particularly active in banking and financial market regulation work. The real estate, energy, hospitality and technology industries are among the key sectors for the group.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Nauer; Ingo Braun


Other key lawyers:

Stefan Gaug; Daniel Reiter; Elke Napokoj


Testimonials

‘Incredible industry expertise and in-depth regulatory knowledge. The team does everything it can to get the project over the line. Gives you the certainty of being in the best hands.’

‘Very solution-oriented and hands-on approach. Excellent lawyers.’

‘Stand-out partner is Ingo Braun. He has excellent market experience in virtually all types of financing. Christoph Nauer has incredibly deep expertise in the jungle of banking regulation.’

‘Ingo Braun is very talented, and strong on complex transaction structures. A broad legal knowledge, ideal sparring partner for transactions involving cross connections between different fields of law. Great colleague.’

‘Elke Napokoj is very pragmatic and has a solution-oriented approach.’

Key clients

CMC Markets


dogado GmbH


Enso hydro


IMMOFINANZ


Valenva


Unzer (former Heidelpay Group)


Raiffeisen-Holding


Raiffeisenlandesbank


E-Wien


Standard Chartered Bank, New York Branch


Valenva


Work highlights


  • Advising Immofinanz on a €500m bridge facility from Citibank in relation to the high-profile €1.14bn public takeover bid for S IMMO (ATX).
  • Advising dogado and its Austrian group companies in connection with a post and pre-acquisition facilities agreement with Triton, including security agreements and required corporate steps.
  • Advising Immofinanz on the cross-border merger of two Irish credit institutions into a leading Austrian credit institution listed in the ATX.

BRANDL TALOS Attorneys at law

Among the varied client base at BRANDL TALOS Attorneys at law are long-standing traditional clients, including large Austrian banks, as well as insurance companies, payment service providers, and international financial services providers. Adding to its ‘very specialised knowledge of banking and finance’, new areas of interest for the group span advising crypto service providers and assisting investment funds looking to enter the Austrian market. The latter is an area of expertise for Ernst Brandl, who leads the team alongside Raphael Toman.

Practice head(s):

Ernst Brandl; Raphael Toman


Testimonials

‘Very specialised knowledge in banking and finance.’

‘Very efficient and focused.’

Key clients

Victims of Commerzialbank Mattersburg im Burgenland AG


Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich


RIDDLE&CODE


UniCredit Bank Austria AG


UNIQA Capital Markets GmbH


Schoellerbank Aktiengesellschaft


Liechtensteinische Landesbank (Österreich) AG


Kärntner Sparkasse AG


BKS Bank AG


BNP Paribas SA; BNP Paribas Factor GmbH


OVB Allfinanzvermittlungs GmbH


Work highlights


  • Representing a substantial number of victims of Commerzialbank Mattersburg im Burgenland AG in relation to the criminal actions undertaken by the representatives of the bank.
  • Representing Autobank AG in administrative proceedings vis-à-vis the FMA, reviewing the FMA’s legal acts and preparing corresponding legal opinions.

DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Oskar Winkler leads the team at DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH, which offers clients ‘a solid understanding of airport PPP contracts in emerging markets‘. The group often assists international and local banks on their day-to-day operations and major cross-border transactions, including innovative energy and infrastructure financings. The firm’s large network of offices throughout the world enables the team to operate in a multi-jurisdictional manner. As a practitioner who is admitted in four jurisdictions, Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik is a standout team member for international mandates.

Practice head(s):

Oskar Winkler


Other key lawyers:

Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik; Alexander Schultmeyer


Testimonials

‘Solution-oriented hands-on advice. Very international, very thorough.’

‘Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik is always available and always has a great overview of all details of a project.’

‘The practice has a solid understanding of airport PPP contracts in emerging markets, having lived through more than a few transactions, which is uncommon.’

‘Responsive team which is good at cooperation between different DLA offices. Strong involvement at partner level.’

‘Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik is hands-on, solution oriented and pragmatic in her approach, without compromising on legal/contractual constraints.’

‘Due to its worldwide offices, it covers a large range of jurisdictions. There is a good cooperation between its offices and the client. It acts in a forward-looking manner and is very supportive.’

‘Alexander Schultmeyer is very responsive and understood our needs.’

Key clients

Consortium of banks


European Investment Bank, UniCredit Bulbank AD, DSK Bank AD, United Bulgarian Bank AD


Work highlights


  • Advised a German mezzanine capital investor on various real estate financing projects in Austria.
  • Advising a leading Austrian manufacturer of cables, wires and cable harnesses for the automotive industry on the structuring of a €160m LMA financing and preparing the related financing documentation.
  • Advising a number of lenders consisting of the commercial banks UniCredit Bulbank AD, DSK Bank AD, United Bulgarian Bank AD in Bulgaria and the European Investment Bank in connection with a syndicated financing of a Bulgarian lead industrial company in Bulgaria.

Jank Weiler Operenyi

At Jank Weiler Operenyi, the group often works on cross-border mandates, and ‘because of its cooperation with Deloitte it has a great international network of foreign lawyers‘. Practice head Andreas Jank specialises in project finance and financial restructuring, Gabriele Etzl is the name to note for real estate finance and refinance, counsel Bernhard Köck is the key practitioner in banking disputes and restructuring-related matters, and counsel Maurizia Anderle-Hauke focuses on regulatory work.


Practice head(s):

Andreas Jank; Gabriele Etzl; Bernhard Köck; Maurizia Anderle-Hauke


Testimonials

‘Hands-on mentality. Easily accessible.’

‘Andreas Jank is experienced, client-focused, and very solution-oriented.’

‘Gabriele Etzl gives us swift responses and is client oriented.’

‘Because of their cooperation with Deloitte they have a great international network of foreign lawyers.’

‘Andreas Jank is an excellent banking and finance lawyer in Austria. He also worked for some years in an Austrian bank and therefore knows numerous insides and practical processes in banks.’

Key clients

Allianz Investmentbank Aktiengesellschaft


Waldviertler Sparkasse Bank AG


Bank consortium (Raiffeisenbank International, UniCredit Bank Austria, BAWAG, Bank für Tirol und Vorarlberg)


Austrian Airlines AG


Deutsche Pfandbriefbank


Universal Investment / Bayrische Versorgungskammer


Metric Capital Partners LLP


Betha Zwerenz & Krause GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Allianz Investmentbank Aktiengesellschaft on the restructuring and liquidation of the entire company, with a subsequent merger into Allianz Invest Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH.
  • Advising several lenders (banks and factoring companies) with respect to the financial restructuring of Aqipa group, an Austrian based group of companies operating globally in the field of trade of retail consumer electronics.

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm)

Acting for borrowers and lenders alike, Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm) benefits from its ‘remarkable size and reputation within Austria‘ and advises clients on a range of financing mandates. Managing partner Immanuel Gerstner has a strong track record in real estate financing mandates and ‘banking law expertClemens Harsch often receives instructions from key Austrian banks including Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark. Franz Mittendorfer is a significant figure in the team in relation to public sector finance work.

Practice head(s):

Immanuel Gerstner


Other key lawyers:

Clemens Harsch; Thomas Ruhm; Franz Mittendorfer; Lukas Leitner


Testimonials

‘We have a very positive view of the whole team. One of their biggest advantages is their remarkable size and reputation within Austria as well as their superb client care. Personal contact with their clients has always been important to them and this is a fact that one cannot take for granted in law firms of this size.’

‘Besides the whole team being very good to work with, Clemens Harsch clearly stands-out as a partner. His answers are always to the point. In particular, his out-of-the-box thinking has provided us with valuable services in various matters. Last but not least, his special customer service should be highlighted, as he is always available to us in the shortest possible time and finds solutions even when things have to be done very quickly.’

‘The group has excellent technical experts who are also well networked. The law firm gives excellent advice. The employees are available at all times.’

‘Clemens Harsch is available at any time. He advises us competently and is solution-oriented.’

‘Thomas Ruhm is an excellent problem solver. Clemens Harsch is a banking law expert.’

Key clients

Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark AG


IFA Invest GmbH


IFA Institut für Anlageberatung AG (Institute for Investment Advice)


LIGMA Lead Invest Management GmbH


Reintrieb GmbH


WBBS Management GmbH


WBBS International GmbH


Primevest Capital Partners


DFBG 1-3 Projektentwicklungs GmbH & Co KG


Work highlights


  • Advised Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark on all aspects of completion of a highly significant merger.
  • Assisting IFA Invest with the operation of an online portal for corporate bonds and real estate related investments for retail investors.
  • Assisting early-stage Austrian technology company Reintreib with several equity and mezzanine financing rounds with institutional investors.

GRAF ISOLA

Alongside general banking transactional and regulatory expertise, and insolvency and restructuring knowledge, GRAF ISOLA has recently expanded its work in the fields of real estate financing and start-up financing. Co-heading the team are Stefan Weileder and Otto Wächter, who count banks and three of the four top accounting businesses as key clients. The group benefits from its close cooperation with the insolvency and restructuring group at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Weileder; Otto Wächter


Key clients

LUKOIL


Cortical.io


Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG


BayWa AG


Bayrische Landesbank


Land Salzburg


Dexia


JOBRAD


Marktguru


Salzburg Schokolade


Work highlights


  • Assisted Lukoil, an Austrian subsidiary of the Russian oil giant, with the financing of a real estate project in Vienna.
  • Advised JOBRAD on setting up its Austrian operations; the work included setting up the complete leasing structure (including tax treatment).
  • Advising Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG and another syndicate partner on the winding up of a syndicate in a real estate project financing.

Rautner Rechtsanwälte GmbH

The group at Rautner Rechtsanwälte GmbH stands out for its track record of working on transactions for domestic banks as well as banks in the CEE region, and practice head Uwe Rautner has a history of handling cross-border transactional work in the banking sector and well as offering regulatory advice on Austrian supervisory law. Rautner’s expertise also crosses into the renewable energy space, where he has a growing focus.

Practice head(s):

Uwe Rautner


Other key lawyers:

René Semmelweis


Key clients

UniCredit Bank Austria


Erste Group


Erste Bank


Banco Santander


Windkraft Simonsfeld


BNP Paribas, Austrian Branch


oekostrom AG


WEB Windenergie


KIC Innoenergy


FIDUROCK


Arca Investments


Work highlights


  • Advising WEB Windenergie (as borrower) and Erste Bank (as lender) in connection with the project financing of two wind parks in Lower Austria containing three state-of-the-art Vestas wind turbines.
  • Advising Windkraft Simonsfeld (as borrower) and Erste Bank (as lender) on the financing of a wind park in Lower Austria containing three new state-of-the-art Nordex wind turbines.
  • Advising KIC Innoenergy (as financier) on the financing of ECOP Technologies GmbH in connection with the development and market introduction of a new, efficient industrial heat pump.

Schindler Attorneys

The practice at Schindler Attorneys, noted for its ‘pro-active approach‘, has a strong focus on private equity issues, acquisition loans, LBO mandates and financing transactions in the CEE region. Martin Abram and Christoph Urbanek jointly lead the team, and Urbanek has been instrumental in further developing the real estate financing and mezzanine financing work that the team undertakes. Mezzanine financing is also a key area of practice for Florian Cvak.

Practice head(s):

Martin Abram; Christoph Urbanek


Other key lawyers:

Florian Cvak


Testimonials

‘Schindler provides excellent service and knowledge with a pro-active approach in finding the right answers.’

Work highlights


  • Advising AYKA/Helios on the acquisition project financing of a 210,000m2 property at Vienna Airport for the development of a logistics centre.
  • Assisting Iochpe Maxion Austria GmbH with a complex multi-jurisdictional financing transaction for the world’s leader in the production of automotive wheels and a leading producer of automotive structural components in the Americas that issued a corporate bond through an Austrian subsidiary and recently prepared retap transactions.
  • Assisted 6B47 Group / 6B47 Real Estate Investors AG with negotiating the loan agreements as well as coordinating and negotiating the documentation between the lender consortium and the mezzanine financiers.

Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s team is led by Claudia Steegmüller, whose acquisition finance prowess is especially acute on the borrower side. The team more widely is known for its work advising borrowers on cross-border syndicated loan and bond financings. Philip Hoflehner handles multinational transactions as well as the complex financing aspects of these transactions, and also advises clients on regulatory issues relating to banking and securities law.

Practice head(s):

Claudia Steegmüller


Other key lawyers:

Philip Hoflehner


Testimonials

‘Very capable and experienced team. Their negotiation of financing documentation benefits from an analytical and pragmatic approach, focusing on identifying issues that are relevant in the specific matter and finding practical solutions to them.’

‘Philip Hoflehner is an excellent banking and finance partner who has consistently delivered advice of the highest quality over a number of years, including on several complex multi-party financing arrangements. He is always hands-on and dedicated to move the process ahead in an efficient manner. A highly valued legal adviser.’

Key clients

Corestate


Hellmann Worldwide Logistics


Bank of America Merill Lynch


Covivio


CREDIT SUISSE LUXEMBURG S.A.


DZ HYP AG


Erste Group Bank AG


Hamburg Commercial Bank AG


KGAL


Norske Skog


PNC Bank


Raiffeisenbank Region Fehring


VR Bank Niederbayern – Oberpfalz


Walstead Leykam Druck


WARIMPEX


Work highlights


  • Advising Credit Suisse on the “referral deal” with Liechtensteinische Landesbank (Österreich) AG and on the subsequent wind-down and closure of the Austrian business and/or the Austrian branch.
  • Advising Norske Skog on the project financing for the conversion of a newsprint paper machine to the production of sustainable packaging papers at the Austrian site Bruck an der Mur.

Völkl Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG

Practitioners at Völkl Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG are ‘experienced, especially in supervisory law and finance‘. Leading the team is Clemens Völkl, who is a regulatory law expert whose banking litigation expertise informs the group’s ability to represent banks in front of national authorities and the European Central Bank, a key area of strength for the team. Philipp Frenzl's securities litigation experience adds another dimension to the teams’ expertise in this area.

Practice head(s):

Clemens Völkl


Other key lawyers:

Philipp Frenzl


Testimonials

‘Excellent lawyers. Always available. Very pleasant to work with.’

‘The team has an excellent knowledge of banking and finance law.’

‘We worked with Clemens Völkl directly. He was easily reachable, also open to understand the needs of the company and very good to work with.’

Key clients

Hutchison Drei Austria GmbH


Finanzmarktaufsicht, Austrian Federal Bank, Ministry of Finance, WU Wien


WSK Bank AG


Dornbirner Sparkasse Bank AG


Dolomitenbank


Kommunalkredit Austria AG


Austrian Chamber of Commerce


Work highlights


  • Advising GEWOG Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbau- Gesellschaft m.b.H. and Neue Heimat Gemeinnützige Wohnungs-und Siedlungsgesellschaft GmbH on an ongoing basis on the financing of large real estate projects and related financing issues, as well as land register security for utilised financing and subsidies from the Federal Provinces of Vienna and Lower Austria.
  • Advised the entire group of companies of Schiebel Antriebstechnik GmbH on the raising of several tranches of financing, some through regular financing and some through special corona loans.
  • Advising WSK Bank AG on its IT and digitalisation strategy including all matters of IT outsourcing and regulatory aspects.

Weber & Co. Attorneys-at-Law

As a boutique firm described as ‘well respected in the legal market‘, Weber & Co. Attorneys-at-Law has forged a niche in the banking and finance and capital markets spaces, and in particular mandates at the cross-section of the two practices. Stefan Weber is especially active when it comes to financing transactions as well as compliance matters, and heads up the team alongside Philipp Baubin, who has added to the team’s venture capital expertise since his arrival to the firm in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Weber; Philipp Baubin


Testimonials

‘The team is well respected in the legal market.’

‘Philipp Baubin has an exceptional grasp of legal complexities and an outstanding ability to come to practical solutions.’

Key clients

COFAG – Covid-19 financing agency of the Republic of Austria


Vienna Insurance Group AG


Raiffeisen Bank International AG


FACC AG


Suzano S.A. / Suzano Austria GmbH


Wolford AG


Commerzbank AG


KA Finanz AG


HSBC


Work highlights


  • Advising COFAG COFAG (the Covid-19 financing agency of the Republic of Austria) on the granting and processing of guarantees, fixed cost subsidies, loss compensation products, failure products and lockdown sales compensation products.
  • Acting as borrower counsel for Suzano International Trade GmbH (Borrowers) and Suzano S.A. (Guarantor) in connection with a $1.2bn syndicated revolving credit facility granted by, inter alia, BNP Paribas.
  • Advising an international banking consortium with HSBC Bank plc as agent on a €800m revolving facility agreement to ams AG.

Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte

Recognised by clients as a ‘high-end corporate finance boutique providing consistent quality advice‘, Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte focuses on transactional work in the banking and finance sector, particularly large and mid-market volume transactions. Bernd Taucher leads the team, which counts industrial and enterprise borrowers as significant clients.

Practice head(s):

Bernd Taucher


Testimonials

‘Bernd Taucher has a very practical approach.’

‘High end corporate finance boutique providing consistent quality advice.’

‘Bernd Taucher is a very experienced corporate partner. His advice is always to the point, and he is a very good communicator.’

Key clients

Permasteelisa S.p.A.


International Road Dynamics


UniCredit AG


Easy2TaxFree GmbH


EFS Unternehmensberatungsgesellschaft mbH


FL3XX GmbH


Fortegra Europe Insurance Company Limited


Borealis Group


RENAFAN Group


HEAD Group


APS Investment S.a.r.l.


LivinFarms Agrifood GmbH


T-Centrum. CZ, a.s.


Swiss Health & Nutrition AG


Work highlights


  • Advised the HEAD Group on two corporate finance transactions with Deutsche Bank as lender in 2022 with a total value exceeding €200m.
  • Advised UniCredit AG in relation to modifications UniCredit intended to implement with respect to several of its Austrian law governed syndicated loan agreements.
  • Advised Canadian cannabis group Canopy Growth as Austrian counsel on selling the German/Austrian C³ Group to Dermapharm for around €120m.

PFR Fritzsche Frank Fletzberger Rechtsanwälte GmbH

The ‘powerful and very sophisticated‘ team at PFR Fritzsche Frank Fletzberger Rechtsanwälte GmbH is highly regarded for its regulatory work, and typically advises banks, payment institutions, securities firms, insurance companies and pension funds on the gamut of compliance issues. The group is also distinguished by its niche expertise in e-money and payment services law; this is a particular area of focus for ‘known expertBernd Fletzberger, who leads the department.

Practice head(s):

Bernd Fletzberger


Other key lawyers:

Miriam Broucek; Sanijel Ficulovic


Testimonials

‘PFR Rechtsanwälte is a powerful and very sophisticated law firm.’

‘They all are really great. All the lawyers impress us with their deep legal knowledge as well as their integrity and we appreciate that they always bring issues to the point in a way that is easy and fast and understandable for us.’

‘Bernd Fletzberger is a highly respected lawyer in the banking and finance sector. A particular focus of his work includes e-money and service payment law. Here, he impresses with an extraordinary knowledge that is hard to find in the Austrian market.’

Key clients

Boerse Stuttgart Group


Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Federal Committee of Tobacco Manufacturers


Daimler AG (Mobility Services GmbH)


Western Union International Bank GmbH


DIMOCO Carrier Billing GmbH


DaoPay GmbH


Novomatic AG


Brain Behind GmbH


Moneycorp (UK)


Delivery Hero


Julius Stiglechner GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Boerse Stuttgart Group and its subsidiaries Sowa Labs and EUWAX on the launch of the cryptocurrency trading app BISON.
  • Successfully defended the Western Union International Bank against an administrative fine imposed by the FMA for the alleged violation of money laundering regulations.
  • Advising DIMOCO on the European roll-out of an agent model with mobile operators for the provision of carrier billing services.