CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners > Budapest, Hungary > Firm Profile

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners
FÖ U 14-18
1011 BUDAPEST
Hungary

Hungary > Competition Tier 1

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners's competition law team is recognised for its strong relationships with the Hungarian Competition Authority, enabling effective coordination and swift interaction with case handlers. The team provides high-level legal services in complex cartel, antitrust and merger cases, supported by robust cross-border capabilities through Cerha Hempel’s offices in the CEE region, offering clients a seamless, one-stop solution. The practice also delivers comprehensive compliance services, including training, and has recently expanded its focus to include consumer protection. The team is co-headed by Tamàs Polauf, who brings extensive experience in Hungarian and international competition law, and Márton Kocsis, a seasoned regulatory expert active in the e-commerce and pharmaceutical sectors as well as managing high-profile cases and mergers, representing clients across the healthcare, telecoms and construction industries.

Practice head(s):

Tamás Polauf; Márton Kocsis

Other key lawyers:

Boglárka Priskin

Testimonials

‘The team of Cerha Hempel is very professional, with a particular emphasis on the area of competition/antitrust. They are able to react in a very short time and on a professional level with knowledge of the jurisdiction and decision-making thanks to their many years of experience in the field. They have very good communication skills not only for legal but also for business topics. The collaboration with this team is very smooth and feedback from them always comes without undue delay and with rigorous solutions.’

‘They are highly experienced in the field they work in. Their communication skills and professionalism make them different from their competitors. They are able to provide legal opinions not just acceptable from a legal point of view, but also are able to advise for the purposes of business needs.’

‘The atmosphere is very positive, team members are absolutely helpful. They are friendly and supportive.’

‘I worked with Tamás Polauf and Boglárka Priskin recently. I am fully satisfied with both of them. They do a thorough analysis of the legal case and the possibilities. Both of them are well prepared for the meetings and support me with answers within a short time.’

‘Very convenient, fast and effective communication and cooperation.’

‘The lawyers are available, professional, kind and very skilled. There was no case that we were unable to discuss and solve with them.’

‘The main strength of the team is its size and its ability to provide detailed legal advice on complex issues in a timely manner.’

‘When working with Márton Kocsis, we were always sure that he puts the client’s best interest as priority number one. Tamás Polauf’s right-to-the-point attitude was very useful during tough negotiations and his calm is very much appreciated in difficult situations. Boglárka Priskin is a great expert in consumer protection matters, her deep knowledge of the law and also the caselaw is extremely valuable.’

Key clients

OTP Bank Plc.

PHOENIX Group (BENU Magyarország Ltd., PHOENIX Pharma Ltd., ENELIS Informatikai Ltd.)

MOL Plc.

Duna Group (Duna Aszfalt Ltd., Vakond Ltd., Vakond Via Ltd., Duna Group Európa Ltd., Magyar Vakond Ltd., NHB Ltd.)

Alza Group (Alza.cz a.s. and Alza.hu Ltd.)

CCC Group (CCC S.A., CCC Hungary Shoes Ltd.)

Knauf Insulation Ltd.

HERVIS Magyarország Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advising Phoenix Group on various competition law issues during its daily operation and representing PHOENIX in an overall sectoral competition supervision proceeding before the Hungarian Competition Authority.
  • Advising and representing MOL Group regarding a waste management concession in front of a) the EC (referral request in accordance with Article 4(4) of EU Merger Regulation) and b) in front of the Hungarian Competition Authority (merger control notification).
  • Providing competition law advice to OTP Bank Plc. to ensure compliance with Hungarian and EU competition law in tender procedures.

Hungary > Dispute resolution Tier 2

The dispute resolution group at CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners specialises in representing government bodies, financial institutions and domestic and multinational corporates involved in construction, project development and automotive supply chain-related disputes, in addition to bringing strength to bankruptcy and public procurement matters. The practice is led by Ilona Rónay-Csordás, who draws on over 20 years of experience handling complex disputes, and András Fenyőházi, the firm’s construction head. Figures of note include seasoned litigator Károly Zaicsek; Bence Rajkai, who handles construction claim matters; Zsanett Szabó and Flóra Gábeli, who manage real estate disputes. Key support is provided by Evelin Varga, Anna Nánási and Csongor Fillár.

Practice head(s):

Ilona Rónay-Csordás; András Fenyőházi

Testimonials

‘Transparent invoicing, easy availability, maximum compliance with external and internal deadlines, proactive support for smooth cooperation.’

They are approachable, their communication is short, objective and clear, they have a good overview of the sector, and their legal advice is based on maximum consideration of the business aspects.’

‘András Fenyőházi is an excellent lawyer with a very well experienced team of lawyers. The legal assessments are very accurate. Fenyöhazi corresponds in Hungary, English and German. He is very responsive and his communication is understandable und comprehensible.’

‘CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners is a great, diverse company! We can get in touch with partners who do high-quality, professional work in their field and are not afraid of new challenges. When a new situation arises, we are easily put in touch with additional experts.’

‘Quick response, friendly atmosphere! ’

‘Their sound and complex professional knowledge is outstanding.’

Key clients

Swietelsky Magyarország Kft.

SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG

Scheldebouw B.V.

Faris Group

KÁTA CNC Kft.

AgroPacht Kft.

National Land Centre

STETTIN-HUNGARIA Kft.

Europe Real Estate Fund (UniCredit Bank)

Metrohm Magyarország Kft.

Condominium Metrodom Panoráma ‘A’, ‘BC’, ‘D’

Work highlights

  • Providing (for over 30 years) advice and representation to SWIETELSKY Magyarország Kft. in various construction projects, litigation and arbitration disputes
  • Advising and representing the Austrian and the Hungarian members of the SPAR Group in construction projects and legal disputes for several years.
  • Advising and representing Europe Real Estate Investment Fund in a set of procedures that have exhausted all court remedies, including a precedent uniformity complaint filed with the Hungarian Supreme Court (Curia).

Hungary > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3

Hungary > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners leverages the bench strength of its commercial, corporate and M&A team to advise domestic and multinational corporates in construction, real estate, energy and manufacturing on matters ranging from cross-border M&A, regulatory compliance, due diligence and related competition law matters. The practice is headed by M&A expert Andrea Presser, who specialises in establishments and restructurings. Other key figures include András Kauten, who manages due diligence exercises and closing processes, and Gábor Márky, who joined in June 2024, and who provides expertise in M&A and regulatory compliance. Former co-head Zita Albert departed in June 2024.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Presser

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Duna Aszfalt Zrt.

Tennant Company

Work highlights

  • Assisted Duna Aszfalt Zrt, a Hungarian road construction company in the acquisition of Mota-Engil Central Europe (MECE) located in Poland and its subsidiaries.
  • Advised Tennant Company, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, in the acquisition of M&F Management and Financing GmbH.
  • Assisted Duna Aszfalt Zrt in the acquisition of Hazai Építőgép Társulás Zrt, a Hungarian construction company owned by private individuals.

Hungary > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners delivers high-level legal services across all aspects of data protection, supported by strong cross-border capabilities and a network of CEE offices offering seamless, one-stop solutions. Co-head Tamàs Polauf provides strategic oversight, while co-head Andrea Presser specialises in drafting notices and agreements for data processors and controllers. Presser’s expertise spans international data transfers, technical measures, intra-group agreements and more, ensuring clients receive tailored, comprehensive advice on complex data protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Tamás Polauf; Andrea Presser

Other key lawyers:

Tamás Novák

Testimonials

‘With a highly qualified team, they are available to clients in all legal areas. As a company with a German parent company, it is very important that we can work with professionals with excellent language skills in legal matters.’

‘We work with very direct and helpful professionals.’ 

Key clients

VerbaLink Europe LLC.

iFLYTEK Co., Ltd.

Galleon Capital Management GmbH

CA Immo Real Estate Management Hungary Ltd.

BERAMAN Hungary Ltd.

Uniqa Raiffeisen Software Service Ltd.

Knauf Insulation Ltd.

Vitesco Technologies GmbH

Work highlights

  • Assisting the Hungarian SPVs of CA IMMO Group in GDPR-related matters.

Hungary > Projects and energy Tier 3

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners is a trusted advisor on public infrastructure projects, including major public transport developments, representing public sector bodies, bidders, and local and international companies. The team is led by Sándor Szterényi, a specialist in state aid and public procurement matters. Eszter Á. Kontor brings extensive expertise in public procurement, infrastructure and real estate transactions, with experience spanning private and governmental sectors in both domestic and cross-border projects.

Practice head(s):

Sándor Szterényi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Cerha Hempel’s legal team has a wide and up-to-date legal knowledge. The legal team always responded to our questions as soon as we contacted them. We could always rely on the law firm, on its expertise and on its intention to represent our best interest. We appreciate Cerha Hempel’s dedicated work.’

‘Sandor Szterenyi’s broad knowledge of the field of public procurement helped us a lot with our project. He outlined the main points of the step plan in advance which helped us in understanding the legal process clearly. He also adapted quickly when the circumstances had changed and presented further legal possibilities.’

Key clients

HungaroControl Ltd.

Ministry of Construction and Transport of Hungary

Defence Industrial Park in Várpalota

National Concession Office

OTP Bank Plc.

Work highlights

  • Provided comprehensive advisory services to the National Concession Office for modifying a concession contract to ensure compliance both with Hungarian and EU law.
  • Advised OTP Bank Plc., a player in the CEE market, on a public procurement tender.

Hungary > Real estate and construction Tier 3

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners’s real estate team handles the full property lifecycle, including acquisitions, development, leasing, financing, and asset transfers, with particular experience in cross-border transactions, property management and construction projects. Team leads Wilhelm Stettner, head of real estate, is noted for his expertise in transactions and leases, and András Fenyőházi, head of construction, is recognised for his work in development and construction disputes. Zsanett Szabó supports the team with experience across transactions, development, and due diligence.

Practice head(s):

Wilhelm Stettner; András Fenyőházi

Other key lawyers:

Attila Marjai; Zsanett Szabó; Gabriella Klotz

Testimonials

‘Very good knowledge of the relevant Hungarian real estate law with regard to purchase and rental agreements, construction, administrative and planning law, taking into account particularly difficult issues in comparison with the requirements from other legal systems.’

‘Wilhelm Stettner is excellent at working with foreign clients. He provides very fast response times.’

‘Zsanett Szabó has excellent detailed knowledge and very good negotiation of bilingual contracts relating to the property.’

‘CERHA HEMPEL Budapest is an excellent firm to work with. They have remarkable experience in real estate law. The lawyers are always well-prepared, easy to communicate with and quick to respond. They have exceptional expertise. We can rely on them in our day-to-day business as well as in cross-border matters. CERHA HEMPEL will guide you through all the legal aspects of real estate, whether it’s negotiating a transaction, managing leases, developments, or resolving a dispute. They easily see through complex issues, adapt quickly to the circumstances and provide solution-oriented advice.’

‘Wilhelm Stettner and András Fenyőházi are stand-out partners. Our experience with them is top-notch. They are client-oriented and effective. Both of them are available and responsive. We are glad to work with them.’

‘Wilhelm Stettner is extremely qualified in real estate law. He has a great eye for business and applies it well, from leases to cross-border transactions. Stettner has shown great creativity while working with us. He always looks for the best solution and delivers it precisely without mistakes.’

‘András Fenyőházi has a strong background in real estate and construction, especially in the field of dispute resolution. He has in-depth knowledge of claim management. Fenyőházi has great problem-solving skills with a strong commercial mind. He is excellent at identifying all possible scenarios and making the best out of the given situations.’

Key clients

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

GalCap Europe

Raiffeisen Ingatlan Alap (Raiffeisen Real Estate Investment Fund)

PATRIZIA SE

Faris Group

BAUHAUS

Spar Group

Outlet Real Estate Kft.

Work highlights

  • Advising CA Immobilien Anlagen AG, an Austrian real estate developer and investor regarding the management of its entire Hungarian portfolio.
  • Advising GalCap Europe, a CEE real estate investment advisor regarding the management of its entire Hungarian portfolio.
  • Advising Bauhaus AG with regard to several developments of hardware stores in Budapest, Győr and Debrecen, Hungary.

Hungary > Employment

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners‘ employment practice covers due diligence, employee contracts and terminations. Tamás Polauf and Tamás Novák lead the team.

Firm overview:

CERHA HEMPEL is one of the leading corporate law firms in Central and Eastern Europe with its headquarters in Vienna. With a team of over 200 lawyers, the firm guarantees its clients experience and expertise in all areas of corporate and commercial law, both in Austria and Central and Eastern Europe.

CERHA HEMPEL is proud to be able to look back on a very successful history. Over the past 25 years, CERHA HEMPEL has been involved in a large number of the most significant transactions in Austria. The fact that the firm understands its clients’ businesses has helped CERHA HEMPEL achieve a high rate of success. It is no coincidence that CERHA HEMPEL is the first port of call for a number of long-term clients whom the firm advises comprehensively on all of their day-to-day legal matters. This expertise – combined with the firm’s years of experience in Central and Eastern Europe and its Lex Mundi network – ensures that its clients receive high-quality and sound advice, across disciplines and across borders.

Hungary:

CERHA HEMPEL has more than twenty years’ experience in the Hungarian market. Under the leadership of Dr. Attila Dezső, around 40 dedicated legal professionals provide first class legal advice to local and international clients. Over the years and fully integrated into the CERHA HEMPEL team, Dr. Dezső and his team have gained a reputation as leading experts in their fields, and have advised countless international and domestic clients active in Hungary.

Services

 

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax Law, Real Estate & Construction, Antitrust & Competition, Public Law & European Law, Public Procurement Attila Dezső [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Managing Partner, Head of Antitrust & Competition, IP & Unfair Competition, Employment Law Tamás Polauf [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Head of Dispute Resolution, Real Estate & Construction, Corporate, Litigation & Arbitration Attila Marjai [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Head of Corporate, Mergers & Acquistions, Employment Law Andrea Presser [email protected] +36 1 457 80 45
Head of Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Arbitration, Mergers & Acquistions, Real Estate & Construction Ilona Rónay-Csordás [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Head of Real Estate & Construction, Mergers & Acquistions, Corporate Wilhelm Stettner [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Head of Projects & Infrastructure, Real Estate & Construction, Public Law & European Law, Public Procurement Sándor Szterényi [email protected] +36 1 457 84 01
Contact person in Vienna, Partner Georg Konrad [email protected] +43 1 514 35 0
Antitrust & Competition, Mergers & Acquisitions, IT & Privacy, Public Law & European Law Márton Kocsis [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate & Construction András Fenyőházi [email protected] +36 1 457 80 40
Photo Name Position Profile
Attila Dezső photo Dr Attila Dezső Managing Partner, spesialised in Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax Law, Real estate &…
András Fenyőházi photo András Fenyőházi András Fenyőházi is the head of the Construction team. He has extensive…
Flóra Gábeli photo Flóra Gábeli Senior Associate, Real Estate & Construction, Public Law & European Law, Public…
András Kauten photo András Kauten Mr. Kauten has worked on almost all of the M&A transactions of…
Gabriella Klotz photo Ms Gabriella Klotz Senior Associate, Corporate, Real Estate & Construction Gabriella Klotz is a highly…
Márton Kocsis photo Herr Márton Kocsis Márton Kocsis, who joined the firm in 2015 from the Hungarian Competition…
Eszter Kontor photo Eszter Kontor Of counsel, Public Procurement, Real Estate & Construction
Attila Marjai photo Dr Attila Marjai Partner, Dispute Resolution & Real Estate & Construction Attila Marjai is a…
Gábor Márky photo Mr Gábor Márky Senior Associate, Corporate & M&A, Public Law and European Law Gábor Márky…
Anna Nánási photo Ms Anna Nánási Anna Nánási LL.M. is an associate who has been strengthening the dispute…
Tamás Novák photo Tamás Novák Senior Associate, Employment Law, Litigation & Arbitration, Mergers & Acquisitions Tamás Novák…
Tamàs Polauf photo Dr Tamàs Polauf Managing Partner / Head of Antitrust & Competition, spesialised in Antitrust &…
Andrea Presser photo Dr Andrea Presser Partner,  Head of Corporate and Mergers & Acquistions Andrea has 27 years…
Bence Rajkai photo Bence Rajkai Senior Associate, Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate, Distribution Law
Ilona Rónay-Csordás photo Dr Ilona Rónay-Csordás Partner / Head of Dispute Resolution and Litigation & Arbitration, spesialised in…
Wilhelm Stettner photo Dr Wilhelm Stettner Partner / Head of Real Estate & Construction, spesialised in Mergers &…
Zsanett Szabó photo Zsanett Szabó Senior Associate, Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate & Construction, Corporate Zsanett Szabó…
Sándor Szterényi photo Dr Sándor Szterényi Partner, Head of Head of Projects & Infrastructure, specialised in Real Estate…
Károly Zaicsek photo Károly Zaicsek Senior Associate, Litigation & Arbitration, Public Procurement, Real Estate & Construction Károly…
Number of staff at CERHA HEMPEL : 260
Number of lawyers at the Budapest office : 37
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