Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda > Budapest, Hungary > Firm Profile

Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda
KÁROLYI U 12
1053 BUDAPEST
Hungary

Hungary > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

A recent influx of new investment has seen the commercial, corporate and M&A team at Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda advising on an increasing number of transactions in the manufacturing and energy industries. The team supports clients throughout the full life cycle of transactions, including handling corporate litigation, and continues to expand its extensive client base. József Bulcsú Fenyvesi leads the team, counting venture capital funds and insurance companies among his clientele. Former practice head Mihály Barcza continues to advise financial institutions and saving funds, while Attila Terényi has over 25 years’ experience assisting clients active in the IT sector. Barna Fazekas and Zoltán Kolodzey advise on complex M&A deals and restructurings, while Gábor Kordoványi handles due diligence and the negotiation and drafting of documents. Ágnes Száz provides key investment regulation advice, founded on over 20 years’ experience in the sector. Lilla Sáry-Keresztes is another key name to note.

Practice head(s):

József Bulcsú Fenyvesi

Testimonials

‘It was a pleasure to work with Oppenheim on M&A deals and bond issuances. They have exceptional commercial knowledge, their professionals are highly experienced, they were fast and efficient all the time and the delivered work was high quality.’

‘We have worked with József Bulcsú Fenyvesi and Zoltán Kolodzey. They are both highly qualified professionals who are excellent at representing their clients’ interests.’

‘As a team, Oppenheim is a shining example of a law firm driven by expertise, collaboration, client-centricity, innovation, resilience and diversity. The lawyers at Oppenheim are great communicators both in relation with the client and also within the Oppenheim team. Every interaction with them is focused and tailored specifically on the client’s needs and history.’

‘Their attentive approach and ability to analyse complex legal issues, offer strategic insights and provide clear and effective solutions is a true asset for us.’

‘Professionalism, great knowledge and especially great engagement with the client’s business. Always available to help.’

‘I had personal experience with Zoltán Kolodzey, and I really appreciate his personal approach towards our company business. He acts like he is part of the team and really cares.’

‘Oppenheim has been our legal partner for corporate and M&A matters for several years. Oppenheim’s lawyers have very deep expertise and are capable of managing and executing complex projects end-to-end and are available to assist on ad-hoc matters.’

‘Zoltán Kolodzey has exceptionally deep expertise in M&A, outstanding negotiation skills and an excellent eye for details. Zoltán has a structured mindset, is proactive, available, and, thanks to his project management skillset, he always delivers high-quality work even within the deadline.’

Key clients

MOL Nyrt.

Magyar Telekom Nyrt.

OTP Bank Nyrt.

Continental

Vitesco Technologies

Toray Industries

Eneos

Nippon Express

CEE Catering Kft. (Delirest)

Greenvolt

4iG Plc

MedLife

CMC Capital (Hong Kong) CO., Limited (China National Machinery Export-Import Corporation)

PortfoLion Venture Capital

Strabag

Danucem

GB & Partners Venture Capital

Egis Pharmaceuticals

Uniqa Insurance co

Work highlights

  • Advised Toray Industries on its joint venture with LG Chem.
  • Advising Japanese logistics company NIPPON EXPRESS on its acquisition of the Central and Eastern European business of Cargo-Partner Group Holding AG and its subsidiaries.
  • Advising CEE Catering Holding on the acquisition of Compass Group’s operations in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary.

Hungary > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Led by Tamás ÉlessOppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda’s dispute resolution team has extensive experience in cross-border cases, regularly representing clients in international litigation and arbitration proceedings. The group’s diverse client base includes major names from the construction, insurance, transportation and real estate sectors, as well as financial institutions and sovereign bodies. As well as damages cases and the claims enforcement, the practice has a successful track record in finance-related disputes. Zsolt Farkas and Tibor Kiss are experts in bankruptcy and liquidation matters. Sarolta Szabó’s focus is on international arbitration, while Kiss is regularly involved in proceedings before Hungarian arbitration forums.

Practice head(s):

Tamás Éless

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are very professional and take everything very seriously.’

‘They are always available and answer immediately.’

‘Tamás Éless is very smart, knows the law and is thorough, all of which are essential as an arbitrator.’

‘I have found Sarolta Szabó exceptionally talented and smart.’

Key clients

Generál

Pfizer

OXO Properties

Egis Pharmaceuticals

venture capital fund

SaltPay

WIZZ Air

Central Venture Capital Fund

TÜV- Rheinland

Meta/Facebook

Strabag

Holcim Ltd.

Agro-Chemie

Continental Automotive

Contrainex

HELL Energy

Work highlights

  • Representing 78 Korean claimants against Viking Cruises for compensation for pain and suffering in connection with the Hableány disaster.
  • Defending Strabag in the cartel dameges case initiated by the state.
  • Defending Meta against a personal rights claim initiated by an active political player.

Hungary > Intellectual property Tier 1

From patents and trade marks to copyright matters, Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda offers a full range of IP services. The practice regularly handles complex litigation, including patent enforcement, representing a diverse international client base. Ivan Bartal and Áron László jointly lead the team; the former specialises in the software and technology sectors, while the latter oversees multi-jurisdictional litigation mandates. The team fields a strong contentious offering more broadly: Kristóf Ormos is active in IP litigation, while Barnabás Mező and Andras Cserny, both recently promoted to senior associate, have experience appearing before the European General Court. Mező is an expert in domain names, while Cserny litigates in software rights and irregular IP cases.

Practice head(s):

Ivan Bartal; Áron László

Testimonials

‘Oppenheim has a very complex and versatile team focused primarily on IP rights. The team has experts in many niche areas, and they work in a rather flexible manner; as the cases evolve, they always bring in their best experts.’

‘My main contact was Áron László, whom I consider as a most accomplished IP lawyer. Aron not only has extensive experience in various branches of IP law, not only is he professionally very well connected, but he also has an eye both for the detail and for long-term strategy. I enjoyed working with him over the years. I also have a very high opinion of Andras Cserny.’

‘Professional competence.’

‘Both the team and the individuals are highly skilled professionals with a deep specific sectoral knowledge, providing quick, tailor fitted, practical advice.’

‘They think with the client’s head and understand that we do not need only legal advice, we need commercially viable solutions.’

‘We usually deal with Ivan Bartal, whom we have known for a long time to be a reliable, knowledgeable, yet easygoing lawyer. He always approaches our problems with a holistic view. Also, he usually reminds us that what we consider to be a legal problem always has more angles, and he helps us factor not just legal but commercial, ethical, and reputational aspects into our decisions.’

‘Áron László and Kristóf Ormos are extremely well-prepared and cunning lawyers in the field of trade mark/intellectual rights.’

‘They have outstanding expertise in intellectual property law. They take care of our trade mark portfolio and make sure that it keeps up to date.’

Key clients

Wizz Air

Hell Energy

Vodafone Shared Services

Masterplast

Bonafarm-Babolna

TV2 Media

Scania

4ig

Organica Technologies

Ferrero

Unix Auto

Univer

Hungerit

Samsung

Swapp Technologies

Munch Europe

Loxtrade

LC Waikiki

TECHNOCAR

Work highlights

  • Representing Wizz Air in a trade mark infringement case against Ryanair in relation to the use of the BUZZ sign.
  • Represented TV2 Média Csoport successfully against Comedy Central in a case concerning the use of TV2 Comedy as the name of its humour-themed TV channel.

Hungary > Employment Tier 2

Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda’s employment practice supports banking, construction, manufacturing and telecoms clients throughout the lifecycle of transactions, advising on employment policies and programmes from due diligence to integration. The practice is experienced in collective labour issues, including wage agreements, strikes and employment-related litigation. With over 20 years of experience in employment law, Zsolt Cselédi has built up the team into a one-stop shop, supporting clients across a full range of labour matters and providing representation before the Hungarian Supreme Court. Cselédi is capably supported by Lívia Mihovics.

Practice head(s):

Zsolt Cselédi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Great communication and outstanding response time, handling challenging escalations with confidence.’

‘Humility towards the work and the client, creating a friendly atmosphere never experienced before.’

‘We sought the assistance of a law firm in a very high-volume, in-depth, complex, and extremely sensitive labour case. From the outset, the firm created a suitable atmosphere for listening to our case. The services provided by the firm clearly represented the premium nature of the brand, and we had an exceptional client experience throughout.’

‘We immediately felt the professional attitude and support of the lead labour lawyer. Throughout the entire legal process, the lead labour lawyer was always available and played an outstandingly proactive role in the complete resolution of this challenging case, where disputes and evidentiary procedures were the main concern at times.’

‘We can declare that the lead lawyer approached and helped each of us with great understanding and adaptability, both professionally and on a human level. Thanks to their management, our issue was successfully resolved.’

‘Great team, supporting each other and professionally prepared and up to date.’

‘Excellent, solution-oriented management of the case, very well prepared professionally and excellent stakeholder management.’

Key clients

Procter & Gamble Hungary

Continental Automotive Group

ContiTech Fluid

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Intesa Sanpaolo – CIB Bank Hungary

UniCredit Bank Hungary

Foodora – Delivery Hero

Vodafone Shared Services Hungary

CEVA Logistics Group

Lufthansa Technik

Qualisoft Software Ltd.

Graphisoft Software SE

Nilfisk

Hungary > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Providing support throughout the full lifecycle of real estate projects, the team at Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda counts property developers, lenders, private equity funds, REITs and investment managers among its core client base. The real estate practice advises on matters ranging from property acquisition, financing and leasing through to restructuring and disposition, and also handles real estate and construction-related litigation. Team lead Márk Pintér has established a diverse roster of real estate clients over his 19 years’ in practice. Janos Fodor‘s expertise spans various asset classes, with a particular focus on office and retail leases.

Practice head(s):

Márk Pintér

Other key lawyers:

Janos Fodor; Mark Ratkai

Key clients

Skanska

Immofinanz

Brookfield

IC (International Campus)

Lone Star Funds / Hudson Advisors

AEW Europe

Triuva / Patrizia

Wing

Codic

ZFP Investments

IAD Investments

Diofa

Indotek

Convergence

Corporación Masaveu

Work highlights

  • Advised Immofinanz on the acquisition of an international retail portfolio of 217,000 square metres from CPI for €324m.
  • Advised Immofinanz on the sale its Hungarian office building portfolio of approximately 124,000 square metres for €244m.
  • Advising Diofa on the sale of two logistics assets – South Pest Business Park and Innove Business Park – for €85m.

Hungary > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3

The ‘reliable, attentive and competent’ banking and finance team at Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda advises a growing list of both local and foreign banks, and the group is regularly involved in cross-border financing matters. The team demonstrates specialised knowledge of the financing of energy-related projects. Practice head Péter Horvai-Hillenbrand has over 20 years’ experience advising clients in the banking and finance space, with a particular focus on the borrower side. Gergely Szécsényi advises foreign banks and companies on cross-border deals and financial regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Péter Horvai-Hillenbrand

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘This firm has a very client-orientated working style and the team is organised very well, enabling it to solve multiple situations.’

‘When we reach a very intensive negotiation with very limited time available, the practitioner stays with us to jointly contribute to the success of the deal.’

‘A very reliable, attentive and competent team in finance law. A dedicated team which does not change easily, and you always know who to refer to when you need additional support.’

‘Gergely Szécsényi has continuously been very helpful and is always ready to explain the peculiarities of Hungarian law and local market standards in order for the client to make the best possible decision case by case. It is easy to feel reassured with such detailed and clear explanations.’

‘Very fast understanding of the complex deal.’

‘Ready to discuss any time, full-scale and flexible assistance.’

Key clients

CIB Bank

EXIM Bank

HUSA (MSZKSZ)

UniCredit Bank

Start Garancia

CMC Europe

Electron Holding

WKW Group

Joyson Safety Systems

VHK ZRT.

ZFP realitny fond

ING Bank NV

Citibank Europe plc

Work highlights

  • Advising HUSA on the financing of the purchase of special gas reserves of Hungary and subsequent amendments of the related facility agreement.
  • Advised CEE Catering HoldCo Kft, as borrower, on the negotiation of a syndicated facility agreement, the related security structure and the security agreements in connection with the management buy-out of the Hungarian, Romanian, Czech and Slovak Eurest companies.
  • Advised EXIM Bank on several project financing transactions.

Hungary > Competition Tier 3

Merger clearance is a key focus for the competition team at Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda, and the group regularly represents clients in relevant proceedings before the HCA. The practice’s other areas of expertise include consumer protection investigations, compliance matters and state aid issues. In January 2024, Péter Virág joined from DLA Piper Posztl, Nemescsói, Györfi-Tóth and Partners Law Firm in order to take over leadership of the team. Managing partner István Szatmáry continues to play in active role in the group.

Practice head(s):

István Szatmáry; Péter Virág

Testimonials

‘Friendly and client focused attitude.’

Key clients

Nafta s.a.

Work highlights

  • Advising Nafta on merger clearance for an oil and natural gas exploitation joint venture in Hungary.
  • Acting in a consumer protection investigation where co-operation with the HCA led to a significant reduction of the fine imposed.
  • Acting in a consumer protection investigation where co-operation with the HCA led to the settlement of the case without the imposition of a fine.

Hungary > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda fields a ‘well-rounded’ data protection team, which is increasingly advising on AI-based solutions. As well as risk assessments and GDPR compliance projects, the team is involved in litigation related to data protection matters. ‘Highly knowledgable specialist‘ Ivan Bartal leads the team, with over 23 years of experience advising both local and global clients on IP, IT and data protection matters. Bartal also has particular expertise in e-commerce and software development issues.

Practice head(s):

Ivan Bartal

Testimonials

‘The firm has a well-rounded data protection team.’

‘Ivan Bartal, in addition to his excellent problem-solving skills, is renowned for his innovative approach to often complex data privacy issues, such as the data protection challenges related to biometric facial recognition systems.’

‘Outstanding expertise and customer focus.’

‘Ivan Bartal is a highly knowledgeable specialist in the field of data management.’

‘Great business understanding, and outstanding professional excellence and professionalism.’

‘We are in daily contact with Ivan Bartal; he is flexible, solution oriented, very well prepared professionally and provides excellent stakeholder management.’

Key clients

Scania

Ferrero

Skanska

LKH Leoni

HELL Energy

Vodafone Shared Services

Bank Gutmann

Volvo

INDITEX SA

4ig

Mediszintech Audiológia Kft.

Tarsago Magyarország (formerly Reader’s Digest)

Hungary > Projects and energy Tier 3

With wide-ranging industry expertise, the projects and energy team at Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda advises on battery storage, geothermal and hydrogen projects and PPAs. The firm also fields a dedicated regulatory practice, which advises on projects ranging from the energy to the transport and logistics spaces. Gergely Légrádi and Dávid Hanis jointly lead the team; the latter has particular expertise in the renewables and mining spaces. Zoltán Bodák focuses on PV and wind park developments, as well as geothermal projects.

Practice head(s):

Gergely Légrádi; Dávid Hanis

Other key lawyers:

Zoltán Bodák; Petra Tasi

Testimonials

‘I have to say that they are super detailed and very professional in their approach, always looking for the interests of their clients and providing very useful feedback.’

‘They are very relatable and understand the normal difficulties in the energy world.’

‘Oppenheim proved to be a professional, responsive and proactive legal service provider. I approach Oppenheim continuously with complex and sensitive projects and what I receive from Oppenheim is outstanding and unmatched service in many aspects.’

‘It is important to highlight that, on many occasions, knowledge of law and responsivity is simply not enough, since innovative, proactive and sometimes out-of-the-box approach is required. I’m happy to report that this what makes Oppenheim’s service outstanding.’

‘Gergely Légrádi is the senior lawyer and head of the practice who not only supervises the work, but also jumps in when it comes to a rather sensitive and complex project or matter. I am pleased that he is on board due to his experience, insightful and reliable approach taking into account various aspects.’

‘I am very happy to have the chance to work with Petra Tasi and Zoltán Bodák, who have not only a deep knowledge about the law but also about the market in which we are operating. Since my company is working in a highly regulated industry, the cautious and reliable approach of Petra and Zoltán are essential for me.’

‘Oppenheim as a team brings me solutions and ideas when it comes to a difficult matter or product development. Instead of just “lawyer speak” I regularly receive clear answers (with pros and cons, if required) and recommendations.’

‘Quickly understand problems and tasks, give useful ideas and suggestions, work together as a team.’

Key clients

ib vogt GmbH

Greenvolt Group

GeTech Group plc

Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft.

Dömper Kft.

Axpo Group

AUDI AG

Porsche Hungária

ARCONIC-KÖFÉM Mills Products Hungary

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Adria Port Zrt.

Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority

Electrica Furnizare

E.ON

OMV Gas Marketing and Trading GmbH

Holding Slovenske Elektrarne d.o.o.

RWE Supply and Trading GmbH

Interenergo d.o.o.

Exact Sciences

TOMRA ASA

ISH Food Group

Opus-Titász

NAFTA Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Adria Port on the acquisition of territory and concession of the port in Trieste as well as the construction and operation of a port terminal in Hungary.
  • Advising Axpo Group on licensing and regulatory questions in relation to electricity and natural gas operations and market entry into Hungary.
  • Advising Dömper on its position as one of the shortlisted bidders in a public road concession tender in Hungary.

The firm: With its numerous international connections, Oppenheim has long played a leading role in the area’s legal market. Since Hungary’s political transition Oppenheim has focused on domestic and international commercial law. The firm first became affiliated with Vienna-based Austrian law firm Heller Löber Bahn in 1989. In testament to the reliability and high quality of its legal services together with the expertise of its legal team, leading German law firm Bruckhaus Westrick Heller Löber partnered with Oppenheim in 1989. This partnership facilitated the increased provision of multi-jurisdictional legal support to clients at a time of rapid globalisation in the legal services market. Many Oppenheim lawyers with the firm today have been with it since this time, or were then at the outset of their careers and have attained their professional knowledge within the firm. The subsequent merger between the law firms Freshfields, Deringer Tessin Herrmann & Sedemund, and Bruckhaus Westrick Heller Löber in 2000, under the name Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, was an important milestone for Oppenheim, both professionally and culturally.

Being a member of an extensive multi-jurisdictional network required Oppenheim to meet exacting international standards. It was then, and is now, a basic tenet for Oppenheim that all lawyers working at the firm should acquire a broad depth of international experience and qualifications while also expanding the firm’s presence in foreign markets. The theoretical and practical knowledge gained by its lawyers in the international arena over the years has radically enhanced the skills and experience of the firm’s outstanding team of professionals.

A sharp focus on professionalism coupled with a depth of social responsibility bonds the firm’s team of lawyers together and strengthens internal cohesion. The team consists of many outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds who work harmoniously and effectively together, and share the same values and principles.

By the end of 2005, the shortcomings of the business models employed by large international law firms were becoming apparent and a need for increased flexibility and a new form of business organisation through which to provide sustainable high-quality legal services in the domestic market was emerging. After a year’s preparation, a newly independent commercial law firm was launched on 1 November 2007, under the original Oppenheim name and retaining all lawyers.

Since 2007, the firm has grown in leaps and bounds and as well as setting up shop in Vienna Oppenheim is currently the second biggest firm on the Hungarian market both in terms of the number of fee-earners as well as revenues. Oppenheim has also racked up an impressive amount of awards and other accolades in the process, recently chosen ‘National Law Firm of the Year’ in Hungary by Chambers and Partners, regularly ranked among the best in all important areas of commercial law by The Legal 500, and with most of the firm’s partners being recognised as leading in their areas on the Hungarian legal market. The firm has also strengthened its international ties and is currently the exclusive Hungarian member of leading international networks First Law International and Lexwork.

Areas of practice: Oppenheim currently consists of 40 plus lawyers and legal experts who provide advice on all areas of Hungarian and Austrian business law including general corporate affairs, mergers and acquisitions, finance, competition law, antitrust law, real estate law, public procurement law, environmental, planning and regulatory law, and IP/IT, and has a renowned contentious practice with experience in matters before state courts and national and international arbitration courts.

The attorneys of Oppenheim provide their legal expertise through a combination of specialised practice groups and sector experience including corporate (labour law, real estate projects and IP/IT), dispute resolution (also arbitration and contentious IP), finance, antitrust, competition and trade (including competition and consumer protection related litigation), public procurement, regulatory and energy, and real estate practice groups, and sectors such as capital markets, banking, construction, energy, utilities, automotive, healthcare, media, IP/IT and the services industry.

Department Name Email Telephone
Banking and finance Peter Horvai
Capital markets Mihaly Barcza
Construction Zoltan Mucsanyi
Corporate/M&A Jozsef Fenyvesi
Dispute resolution Tamás Éless
Energy and natural resources Gergely Légrádi
Environment Ulrike Rein
IP/IT, data protection Ivan Bartal
Trade marks and designs Aron Laszlo
Labour and employee benefits Zsolt Cseledi
Life sciences Ulrike Rein
Projects and project finance Zoltan Mucsanyi
Real estate Mark Pinter
Restructuring and insolvency Tibor Kiss
Photo Name Position Profile
Júlia Balázs photo Dr Júlia Balázs Senior Associate
Mihály Barcza photo Dr Mihály Barcza Partner; Attorney-at-law
Ivan Bartal photo Dr Ivan Bartal Partner; Attorney-at-law
Zoltán Bodák photo Dr Zoltán Bodák Associate
Zsolt Cselédi photo Dr Zsolt Cselédi Partner; Attorney-at-law
Andras Cserny photo Dr Andras Cserny Senior Associate
Tamás Éless photo Dr Tamás Éless Partner; Attorney-at-law
Zsolt Farkas photo Dr Zsolt Farkas Partner; Attorney-at-law
Barna Fazekas photo Dr Barna Fazekas Counsel
József Bulcsú Fenyvesi photo Dr József Bulcsú Fenyvesi Partner; Attorney-at-law
Janos Fodor photo Dr Janos Fodor Counsel
Dávid Hanis photo Dr Dávid Hanis Partner, Attorney-at-law
Péter Horvai-Hillenbrand photo Dr Péter Horvai-Hillenbrand Partner; Attorney-at-law
Tibor Kiss M. photo Dr Tibor Kiss M. Partner; Attorney-at-law
Zoltán Kolodzey photo Dr Zoltán Kolodzey Senior Associate
Gábor Kordoványi photo Dr Gábor Kordoványi Senior Counsel
Aron Laszlo photo Dr Aron Laszlo Partner; Attorney-at-law
Gergely Légrádi photo Dr Gergely Légrádi Partner; Attorney-at-law
Barnabás Mező photo Dr Barnabás Mező Senior Associate
Lívia Mihovics photo Dr Lívia Mihovics Senior Counsel
Zoltán Mucsányi photo Dr Zoltán Mucsányi Partner; Attorney-at-law
Klára Oppenheim photo Dr Klára Oppenheim Partner; Attorney-at-law
Kristóf Ormos photo Dr Kristóf Ormos Associate
Márk Pintér photo Dr Márk Pintér Partner; Attorney-at-law
Ulrike Rein photo Dr Ulrike Rein Partner, Austrian attorney-at-law registered with the Vienna Bar Association and the Budapest…
Lilla Sáry-Keresztes photo Dr Lilla Sáry-Keresztes Senior Associate
Sarolta Szabo photo Dr Sarolta Szabo Senior Associate
Ágnes Száz photo Dr Ágnes Száz Senior Counsel
Gergely Szécsényi photo Dr Gergely Szécsényi Associate
Attila Terényi photo Dr Attila Terényi Partner; Attorney-at-law
Yvette Varga photo Dr Yvette Varga Senior Associate
Péter Virág photo Dr Péter Virág Head of Antitrust, competition and trade, attorney-at-law
Number of lawyers : 53
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Other office : Vienna