Dentons > Budapest, Hungary > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hungary > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

From funding and lending to regulatory matters, the banking, finance and capital markets team at Dentons demonstrates both local and international finance capabilities. The group advises lenders, underwrites, arrangers and borrowers on financing and refinancing matters, as well as restructuring and insolvency issues. The practice assists a stellar list of banks with financing transactions and has a strong background in banking regulatory work. Green financing and ESG matters are key focus areas for the team; recently, the group has been active in solar power park development, supporting clients throughout the full life cycle of projects. Gábor Király leads on the team’s regulatory work. Gabriella Pataki brings over 10 years’ experience, with a focus on financial services and markets, to the team. At the associate level, Bence Böszörményi and Nóra Ordódy-Nagy are names to note.

Hungary > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Characterised by its strong international reach, the commercial, corporate and M&A team at Dentons represents regional and European clients, across the SEE region and at a global level. The group’s diverse client base spans various industries, including the TMT, energy and life sciences sectors. As an experienced M&A partner, Rob Irving was appointed co-head of the firm’s Europe corporate and M&A team in March 2022, and now leads the team alongside Anita Horváth, who advises on both domestic and cross-border M&A and joint venture transactions. Following his recent promotion to senior associate, Sebastian Ishiguro continues to advise on cross-border transactions. János Csáki has a strong track record in the private equity space. Kamran Pirani was promoted to counsel in April 2023.

Hungary > Competition Tier 1

Dentons’ ‘highly skilled, professional and committed’ competition team offers a full spectrum of services, from relevant transactional advice to representation in investigatons. The practice also supports clients with the design and implementation of compliance programs and competition law audits. István Réczicza and Tünde Gönczöl jointly lead the team; the former Réczicza is typically instructed by clients from regulated industries, with a focus on foreign investment, state aid and antitrust matters, while the latter has a wealth of experience representing clients before the HCA. Áron Károlyi-Szabó regularly advises on regulatory matters and contributes to the practice’s international offering, advising on issues under both EU and domestic law.

Hungary > Data privacy and data protection Tier 1

GDPR matters are a key strength of the data protection team at Dentons. As well as advising on data protection audits and representing clients before the data protection authorities, the practice advises on related issues, such as portfolio management, software and e-commerce matters. The group has a wealth of international experience, which it utilises to advise clients on cross-border data transfers, and an extensive client list across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on IT and telecoms clients. Practice head Tímea Bana leads data protection compliance projects spanning the CEE region. Áron Károlyi-Szabó also strengthens the team’s global reach, advising on data protection and privacy matters and relevant EU law.

Hungary > Projects and energy Tier 1

Project financings and transactions are key areas of expertise for the projects and energy team at Dentons. The group’s broad knowledge spans nuclear energy, water and wastewater management, infrastructure and construction, and the team is also well versed in renewable energy regulation. Anita Horváth is noted for her extensive experience in M&A transactions within the energy sector. Nóra Ordódy-Nagy is a key contact for advice on green and ESG-related finance. Emőke Kovács has specialised knowledge of issues pertaining to the electricity and gas industry, including trading and distribution. János Csáki has recently increased his focus on PV power projects. Eszter Zádori takes a lead role on renewable energy PPAs, while Henriett Fekete advises on relevant regulatory matters and commercial issues.

Hungary > Real estate and construction Tier 1

With a particular focus on office, retail, hotel and logistics assets, the ‘exceptionally knowledgable’ real estate team at Dentons advises on asset and share transactions, financing, and development and leasing agreements. The practice regularly advises real estate funds on sales and purchases, while also counting contractors, retailers, hoteliers and government bodies among its diverse clientele. Practice head Judit Kővári advises developers on construction and project financing matters, and investors on refinancing projects. With a strong background in real estate and across asset classes, Marcell Szőnyi handles cross-border transactions, development and asset management issues. Anna Gerendás focuses on lease and construction contracts and property development, while Rita Várnagy advises on the gamut of real estate transactions, including joint ventures and M&A.

Hungary > Dispute resolution Tier 2

The sizeable dispute resolution team at Dentons continued to grow this past year, with the addition of new practice head Gergely Stanka, alongside a team of seven practitioners, from Burai-Kovacs, Perlaki, Stanka, Szikla & Partners in July 2023. The strengthened group continues to service a diverse client base and covers work ranging from tax, white-collar and financial litigation to real estate, construction and employment disputes. Stanka’s broad practice covers both litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, including both domestic and international arbitration. István Réczicza brings over 30 years of experience representing both private and state-owned companies and sovereigns to the group. Ádám Kulcsár has experience representing financial institutions, while László Fenyvesi focuses on energy regulation matters. International arbitration is one of Mihály Czesznak’s particular areas of expertise.

Hungary > Intellectual property Tier 2

With particular expertise in copyright matters, the IP practice at Dentons advises on licensing, regulatory matters, and royalty and levy regimes. The group also handles cross-border IP transfers. IP prosecution is another key focus and the team advises on the exploitation and enforcement of copyright, trade marks and designs, as well as handling relevant investigations, regularly appearing before the European Commission and the CJEU. Tímea Bana leads both the IP and TMT teams, with particular experience in copyright, trade mark and industrial property law across the TMT sector.  András Peisch is also a key name to note.

Hungary > TMT Tier 2

With clients across Hungary and the wider CEE region, the TMT team at Dentons advises strategic and private equity investors, as well as media, telecoms and IT companies. Telecoms regulation is an area of expertise, particularly related to licensing, broadcasting and tariffs. The group is also adept in assisting with TMT-related M&A deals. Tímea Bana leads the TMT, IP and data protection practices, alongside István Réczicza, an expert in Hungarian telecoms legislation. András Peisch brings further experience in data protection and IP matters to the firm.

Hungary > Employment Tier 3

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, the employment team at Dentons has supported clients with immigration advice and wage subsidiary schemes. More broadly, the practice handles contentious and non-contentious matters, on both an individual and collective basis, from employment agreements to large-scale dismissals and labour disputes. E-commerce has been a recent area of increased focus and the team’s multinational client base includes companies from the automotive, logistics and manufacturing sectors. Practice head Anita Horváth focuses on the employment aspects of M&A transactions.