E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH

E+H is pleased to announce the expansion of its IP/IT + Competition Law practice group with the addition of Gernot Fritz as partner and Tanja Pfleger as attorney. Gernot Fritz (Partner) Gernot Fritz is one of Austria's leading experts on the legal challenges surrounding artificial intelligence, data commercialization, data protection, technological innovations, and digital regulation, and has industry expertise in the technology, automotive, life sciences, and telecommunications industries. His practice-oriented approach to consulting covers regulatory issues and complex transactions, carve-outs, outsourcing, integrations, and contract drafting. With his interdisciplinary education, Gernot Fritz combines legal expertise with technical knowledge at the highest level. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in software and information engineering and a master's degree in computational intelligence from the Vienna University of Technology, in addition to his legal studies, which he also completed in Vienna (Dr. iur.). Before joining E+H, Gernot Fritz worked as counsel at the international law firm Freshfields in the Tech, Data, and Commercial practice group. "I am very pleased to now be part of E+H and to work with a dynamic and highly qualified team to develop innovative solutions for our clients. Especially in times of rapid digital change, it is crucial to combine legal advice and technical understanding," says Gernot Fritz. Tanja Pfleger (attorney, permanent substitute) Tanja Pfleger has practiced in the areas of data protection law, EU data and digital regulation, IT law, and commercial law for many years. She provides clients with comprehensive advice on complex transactions, projects, and proceedings before the data protection authorities. She also specializes in implementing AI and legal tech solutions, particularly in projects that span across multiple jurisdictions. Her law degree is from the Johannes Kepler University, Linz. Before joining E+H, she worked as an associate at the international law firm Freshfields in the Tech, Data and Commercial department. "I am very pleased to now be able to contribute my experience in data protection law, EU digital regulation, and IT contract law as a permanent substitute at E+H and to work with such a powerful team," said Tanja Pfleger about her move to E+H. Dr. Andreas Zellhofer, partner at E+H and head of the IP/IT + Competition Law practice group said: "We are very pleased to welcome Gernot Fritz and Tanja Pfleger as new team members. With these high-caliber additions to our team, we are further expanding our position in one of the most promising areas of law. Gernot and Tanja will significantly enrich our team with their expertise." ________________________________________________________________________________ E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz, and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at Questions & Contact Radostina Reiter Head of Marketing & Communication E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH +43 676 8364 359 | [email protected]

E+H is pleased to announce that Felix Frommelt and William Redl have been appointed as new partners in the firm with immediate effect. Both previously worked as attorneys and permanent substitutes at E+H and have proven themselves to be experts in their fields over the past few years. Felix Frommelt Felix Frommelt brings extensive expertise in antitrust law and regularly represents clients before Austrian and European antitrust authorities. Another focus of his practice is internal investigations under criminal and antitrust law and related compliance measures. In addition, he regularly advises on investment control law matters, sustainability issues, and regulated economic sectors. “In my new role as a partner at E+H, I look forward to continuing to work with our clients and to achieve tailor-made, solution-oriented results together,” says Felix Frommelt. William Redl William Redl advises national and international clients on all aspects of Austrian and EU competition law, with a particular focus on merger control, antitrust, and market power abuse proceedings. He supports clients in connection with house searches and subsequent proceedings. He also regularly advises on cooperation between competitors and on the design and implementation of distribution systems. As part of his advisory work, he supports clients in strategic decision-making, who particularly appreciate his solution-oriented approach. “It is very special for me to now be a partner in the law firm where I worked as a legal assistant during my studies. This is a significant step in my career and will help to further strengthen my role within the firm and in the market,” said William Redl. Dieter Thalhammer, head of the antitrust practice group and managing partner at E+H, on the expansion of the partner circle: "I am very proud to welcome Felix and William to the partnership - two outstanding colleagues who have demonstrated their exceptional professional achievements at E+H in recent years. I am particularly pleased that we are once again able to welcome lawyers from our own ranks into the partnership - a clear sign of the promotion of talent within our firm." _______ E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at/en

E+H has advised Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of the world’s largest US venture capital funds, on a USD 5.5 million seed financing round for Taceo GmbH (Taceo). a16z’s Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX) already invested in Taceo last year and included the company in its blockchain accelerator program in New York. By providing another investment through CSX, a16z reinforced its trust in the start-up and its founder team. Taceo is a Graz-based start-up that has developed the “Private Shared State” data model – a technology enabling cross-organizational processing of sensitive data without revealing its contents. “Private Shared State” combines two key elements: Multi-Party Computation (MPC), which protects data during processing, and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK), which allow the verification of outcomes without disclosing the underlying data. This enables data to remain encrypted at the recipient's end while still allowing algorithms to be applied to it. The financing round was led by lead investor Archetype. In addition to CSX, the company also secured investments from Cyber.Fund, A.Capital Ventures, Polymorphic, and several business angels. The funds will be used to support Taceo’s expansion into additional fields, with a particular focus on AI applications. “We are pleased to have advised the renowned VC fund a16z on another investment into the promising start-up Taceo and wish the entire Taceo team all the best for their planned expansion”, said E+H venture capital and start-up expert Steve Jeitler, who led the transaction together with Florian Vidreis. Taceo was legally advised by Schoenherr Attorneys at Law, Archetype was advised by Cooley LLP and LARK. E+H Team (advisor to a16z) Dr. Steve Jeitler, LL.M. (Berkeley) (Partner, Corporate + M&A, Start-up + VC), Florian Vidreis, LL.M. (WU) BSc (Associate, Corporate + M&A, Start-up + VC) _________________________________________________________________________________ E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at Contact E+H Dr. Steve Jeitler, LL.M. (Berkeley) E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH Frauengasse, 5, A-8010 Graz T: +43 316 36 47 E: [email protected]

E+H is pleased to announce that Hannah Kercz (34) has joined the firm as attorney-at-law. In her new role, she will support the IP/IT practice group. Hannah Kercz studied law at the University of Vienna and has specialised in all areas of IT law, including e-commerce and data protection law, in her previous work as a lawyer. A particular focus of her work is on all issues relating to artificial intelligence. She is the author of specialist publications and regularly shares her knowledge as a speaker at seminars and training events. "I am really looking forward to getting started at E+H! I find working with such a professional team and the opportunity to support clients with really crucial legal issues particularly exciting," says Hannah Kercz about joining the firm. Andreas Zellhofer, head of the IP/IT practice group, adds: "Hannah is a great addition to our growing team. She not only impresses with her professional expertise, but also with her passion for tackling even the most demanding challenges in a creative and solution-oriented manner." _________________________________________________________________ E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at/en Inquiries & Contact Radostina Reiter Head of Marketing & Communication E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH +43 676 8364 359 | [email protected]

As part of a succession plan, Munich-based VTC is acquiring all shares in NBG Holding GmbH. The NBG Group is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality fiber in metal tubes ("FiMTs"). E+H advised VTC on the legal aspects of this transaction. The E+H team was led by partners Josef Schmidt and Philipp Schrader. For over 25 years, the NBG Group in Gmünd, Austria, has been developing and producing highly specialized FiMTs, which are used worldwide in demanding applications, and special cables for energy infrastructure, telecommunications, and in-well and downhole services. As part of the partnership with VTC, the NBG Group will further expand its international presence, develop new areas of application, and invest in additional production capacity. Together with the existing management team, VTC intends to continue the profitable growth of recent years and further strengthen its market leadership in key segments. The transaction is expected to close in July 2025. Advisors VTC: E+H: Josef Schmidt and Philipp Schrader (lead partners, corporate + M&A), Jana Eichmeyer (partner, employment law/conflict resolution), Judith Feldner (partner, antitrust law), Helmut Liebel (partner, IP/IT), Georg Knafl (partner, public law), Hannah Kercz (permanent substitute/lawyer, IP/IT), Karin Köller (permanent substitute/lawyer, employment law), Yvonne Wohlmuth (associate, corporate + M&A), Lorenz Bogensberger (associate, employment law), Vessela Anastassova (associate, public law), Yvonne Handler (associate, antitrust law) Aigner Buzanich (Tax): Herbert Buzanich and Hans-Jörgen Aigner Alvarez & Marsal: Sébastien Catteau and Ilya Zvyaginstev NBG Bauer GmbH: HASCH und PARTNER Attorneys at Law: Franz Guggenberger and Alexander Milla Dealbridge M&A Advisors: Michael Stift and Simon Fabsits NBG Group: bpv Hügel (Bernhard Schatz and Thomas Capek) Restructuring trustee for the syndicate of financing banks: DKFE Attorneys at Law: Philipp Freimann and Philipp Dumfahrt SISCON Unternehmensberatung GmbH & Co KG: Wolfgang Fuchs _____________________________________________________________________ E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at   Questions & Contact Radostina Reiter Head of Marketing & Communication E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH +43 676 8364 359 | [email protected]

E+H is pleased to welcome Dominik Szerencsics as a new lawyer and permanent substitute in the dispute resolution team. He strengthens the practice group with his expertise in the areas of litigation, restructuring, insolvency, distressed investments, asset recovery, and global enforcement. Dominik Szerencsics completed his law degree at the University of Vienna and spent a semester abroad at the Stockholms universitet. His professional career then took him to other prestigious Austrian commercial law firms, where he most recently worked as an associate. Dominik Szerencsics on his new position at E+H: "I am very pleased to now support the E+H team as an independent lawyer and to further expand my expertise in conflict resolution. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to work on complex legal disputes in a dynamic and highly specialized environment." Dr. Jana Eichmeyer, Managing Partner and Head of the Conflict Resolution practice group, adds: "With Dominik Szerencsics, we are gaining a committed and extremely skilled lawyer for our team. His in-depth experience in litigation will be a valuable asset for our clients and our practice group." E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at   Inquiries & Contact Radostina Reiter Head of Marketing & Communication E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH +43 676 8364 359 | [email protected]

European growth investor Sprints and Styria Media Group have entered into a partnership to jointly own and drive the development of willhaben, Austria's digital consumer marketplace. This collaboration combines Sprints' extensive expertise as an investor in customer-focused technology businesses in Europe with Styria's prominent position as a leading media and digital company in Austria. As part of the partnership, the joint venture between Sprints and Styria acquires all of Adevinta's shares in willhaben. The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. Completion of the transaction is expected in the second quarter of 2025. willhaben - meaning “want to have” - is a leading provider in the Austrian digital marketplace landscape, with more than 3.8 million users per month. It is one of the go-to platforms of buyers and sellers in Austria, with more than 13 million listings across real estate, jobs, cars and motors and the free marketplace for private users. Advisors Roschier and Dorda Rechtsanwälte GmbH acted as legal counsel to Sprints. Jefferies Financial Group served as financial advisors to Styria. LionTree Advisors served as financial advisor and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer served as legal counsel to Adevinta on the transaction. E+H Team Lead: Peter Winkler, Stefan Jeitler, Philipp Schrader (all Partners, Corporate + M&A) Further: Dieter Thalhammer (Partner, Antitrust + Competition Law), Jana Eichmeyer (Partner, Employment Law), Judith Feldner (Partner, Antitrust + Competition), Helmut Liebel (Partner, IP/IT Law), Felix Frommelt (Attorney-at-Law / permanent substitute, Antitrust + Competition Law), William Redl (Attorney-at-Law / permanent substitute, Antitrust + Competition Law), Franziska Egger (Attorney-at-Law / permanent substitute, Employment Law) Susanna Falkenburg (Attorney-at-Law / permanent substitute, Corporate + M&A), Yvonne Wohlmuth (Associate, Corporate + M&A), Florian Vidreis (Associate, Corporate + M&A), Law), Paul Rois (Associate, Antitrust + Competition Law), Lukas Weber (Associate, IP/IT Law), Alexandra Stadlober (Associate, Corporate + M&A), Markus Feneberger (Associate, Corporate + M&A) E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. www.eh.at/en Inquiries & Contact Radostina Reiter Head of Marketing & Communication E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH +43 676 8364 359 | [email protected]

E+H provided comprehensive legal advice to Megatech Industries AG on its reorganization from financial distress and subsequent sale to the Italian mobility supplier SAPA S.p.A. In a challenging market environment, a strong strategic partner was found for Megatech in SAPA, which will continue the successful cooperation with Megatech's OEM customers. Megatech is a leading European developer and manufacturer of plastic-based interior and exterior components for the automotive industry. With around 1,800 employees, the company operates nine production facilities in six countries as well as a specialized Tech Centre. Megatech's expertise includes state-of-the-art processes such as injection molding, laminating, compression molding, edge folding, sequencing, cutting, and laser engraving. Megatech's customers include well-known automotive manufacturers who rely on the innovative strength and quality of its products. SAPA is an Italian industrial company that produces innovative plastic components for the mobility sector. As a Tier 1 supplier, SAPA supplies leading vehicle manufacturers such as Stellantis, Volkswagen, BMW, Rolls Royce, Iveco, Scania, MAN, Volvo Truck, DAF, and Caterpillar. With 13 production sites in Europe, Africa, and Asia and more than 2,000 employees, SAPA expects an annual turnover of almost 360 million euros in 2024. The company's proprietary One-Shot® technology makes it possible to produce plastic solutions in a single step, which significantly improves efficiency, sustainability, and quality. The merger with Megatech significantly expands SAPA's geographical presence, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Poland, and new markets such as Germany, the Czech Republic, and Brazil. The strategic combination of the two companies' complementary technologies creates synergies and increases competitiveness in the field of plastic injection molding technology for the mobility industry. "This transaction shows the importance of well thought-out reorganization and transaction strategies in challenging market situations. We are pleased to have successfully advised Megatech on this path," explains Marcus Benes, Partner at E+H. E+H Team Lead: Marcus Benes (Partner, Restructuring + Insolvency | Banking + Finance | Capital Markets) and Alric A. Ofenheimer (Partner, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate) Team: Arndt Blaschka (Partner, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate | Restructuring + Insolvency), Clemens Lanschützer (Partner, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate), Judith Feldner (Partner, Antitrust Law), Christian Jöllinger (Partner, Restructuring + Insolvency | Banking + Finance | Capital Markets), Laurenz Liedermann (Partner, Restructuring + Insolvency | Banking + Finance), Karoline Hofmann (Partner, Restructuring + Insolvency | Banking + Finance), Wolfgang Köfer (Attorney-at-Law & Permanent Substitute, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate ), William Redl (Attorney-at-Law & Permanent Substitute, Antitrust Law), Georg Ball (Associate, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate), Alexander Moser (Associate, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate), Yvonne Handler (Associate, Antitrust Law), Marcel Neuhauser (Associate, Antitrust Law), Alexander Koschell (Associate, Banking + Finance | Corporate + M&A | Capital Markets), Dilara Mamuk (Associate, Banking + Finance | Restructuring + Insolvency), Aleksandra Hübl-Langer (Associate, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate), Julian Tatschl (Associate, Banking + Finance | Restructuring + Insolvency)   E+H is an international commercial law firm with offices in Vienna, Graz and Brussels that takes legal advice to the next level. The firm regularly receives awards and top spots in international rankings and directories, such as Chambers & Partners Global & Europe, Legal 500, JUVE, and Mergermarket. Questions & Contact Radostina Reiter Head of Marketing & Communication E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH +43 676 8364 359 | [email protected]  

E+H advises 3i Group plc ("3i") on its investment in OMS Prüfservice GmbH ("OMS"). OMS is a leading, tech-enabled service provider focused on testing electrical systems and equipment for B2B customers. The company tests the electrical safety of portable and fixed equipment in offices and manufacturing facilities, as well as e-mobility infrastructure and photovoltaic systems. With over 900 employees and 43 operating locations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, OMS is the market leader and largest specialist provider in the DACH region. Headquartered in Lorch-Waldhausen, Germany, OMS provides electrical testing and certification services for B2B customers. OMS’s fully tailored, proprietary software platform, INSPEKTRA, enables it to digitalize and automate its testing processes, thereby maximizing efficiency and optimizing its services down to an individual customer level. 3i is investing to drive further growth in OMS’s core business while exploring new opportunities, such as testing electric vehicle charging infrastructure and photovoltaic installations. In the transaction, E+H supported Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (Germany) as Austrian counsel. E+H Team Lead: Philipp Schrader (Partner, Corporate + M&A) Further: Dieter Thalhammer (Partner, Antitrust/Competition), Judith Feldner (Partner, Antitrust/Competition), Georg Knafl (Partner, Public Law), Felix Frommelt (Attorney-at-Law, Antitrust/Competition), William Redl (Attorney-at-Law, Antitrust/Competition), Franziska Egger (Attorney-at-Law, Employment), Yvonne Wohlmuth (Associate, Corporate + M&A), Laura-Sophie Polzhofer (Associate, Corporate + M&A), Lucilla Kinga Laszlo (Associate, Employment), Laura-Sophie Polzhofer (Associate, Corporate + M&A), Yvonne Handler (Associate, Antitrust/Competition), Paul Rois (Associate, Antitrust/Competition). Willkie Team Lead: Partner Georg Linde and Michael Ilter with support from Associate Andrej Popp (all Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt) Further: Patrick Meiisel (Partner, Tax, Frankfurt), Bettina Bokeloh (Partner, Tax, Frankfurt), Martin Waśkowski (Counsel, Employment, Frankfurt), Aurel Hille (Counsel, Competition/Antitrust, Frankfurt), Melina Terwesten (Associate, Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt), Maximilian Schatz (Associate, Corporate/M&A, Munich), David Strätling (Associate, Corporate/M&A, Munich), Sascha Winkler (Associate, Employment, Frankfurt), Christian Werthmüller (Associate, Real Estate, Frankfurt), Marcel Seemaier (Associate, Tax, Frankfurt), Laurin Havlik (Associate, Compliance, Munich).

E+H successfully advised ECOwind, an Austrian general contractor for wind and solar projects, on the sale of Windpark Bärofen GmbH as part of an international auction process in which PÜSPÖK Erneuerbare Energie GmbH emerged as the winning bidder. PÜSPÖK is one of the leading Austrian companies in the field of renewable energies and one of the largest operators of wind farms in Austria. ECOwind, a subsidiary of the German BayWa r.e., has been planning, developing and constructing renewable energy projects in the fields of wind power and photovoltaics (PV) in Austria and CEE since 1995. ECOwind's portfolio ranges from wind farms to innovative large-scale photovoltaic projects. With its clear commitment to renewable energies, ECOwind is making a significant contribution to a sustainable energy supply in Austria and CEE. The wind farm Bärofen, the planning of which began over a decade ago, is being realized on the Koralpe in the municipality of Frantschach-St. Gertraud at altitudes of 1,600 to 1,700 meters. The wind farm will play a key role in the sustainable energy supply of Carinthia, particularly during the winter months. “Congratulations to the ECOwind team on completing this further important transaction for the sustainable energy supply of Carinthia! We are very pleased that ECOwind once again trusted in E+H's expertise in the sales process and that we were able to implement the transaction very quickly due to the already well-rehearsed teams,” says Clemens Lanschützer, expert for M&A transactions and real estate law, who led the transaction at E+H. E+H Team Lead: Clemens Lanschützer (Partner, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate) Others: Judith Feldner (Partner, Competition Law), Georg Knafl (Partner, Public Law), Alexander Moser (Associate, Corporate + M&A | Real Estate) PÜSPÖK was advised by CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz.

E+H advised the international consultancy firm Interpath Holding Ltd ("Interpath") as to matters of Austrian law on the acquisition of Kerkhoff Group GmbH,including its Austrian subsidiary Kerkhoff Consulting GmbH, ("Kerkhoff") one of Europe's leading purchasing and supply chain management consultancies. With this transaction, Interpath expands its international presence to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Through the integration, Kerkhoff will gain access to new international markets and an expanded network, while Interpath will benefit from Kerkhoff's in-depth expertise in purchasing and supply chain management. All 60 employees of Kerkhoff will join Interpath. The acquisition continues the rapid expansion of Interpath's global footprint, following the opening of its first office in mainland Europe in Paris last summer. The firm now employs nearly 1,000 people across 23 locations in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and Algeria. The E+H team was led by partner Dominik Juster and included partner Jana Eichmeyer, attorney-at-law Theresa Weiss-Dorer as well as associates Laura-Sophie Polzhofer, Jasmin Pieper and Lorenz Bogensberger. Clifford Chance acted as lead counsel for Interpath with a team led by partner Simon Schmid and senior associate Ribana Piontek.  

E+H is pleased to announce that Franziska Egger (29) has joined the firm as attorney and permanent substitute. With this career move, she continues her successful tenure at the firm and remains a valuable pillar of the employment law and dispute resolution teams. Franziska Egger studied law at the University of Vienna and completed a semester at the prestigious Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. For her academic success, she was accepted into the High Potential Program at the University of Vienna. During her studies, she gained extensive practical experience, including working as a legal assistant in a law firm specializing in data protection law and completing a traineeship at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce's field center in Washington D.C. "Franziska Egger impresses with her legal expertise, her analytical acumen, and her stellar work ethic. I am very pleased that she will continue to be available to us as a substitute at E+H. With her commitment and skill, she will continue to provide excellent support to our clients in the future," says Dr. Jana Eichmeyer, Managing Partner and Head of the Employment Law and Dispute Resolution practice groups at E+H. The appointment of Franziska Egger as an attorney demonstrates the firm's focus on promoting young talent and developing the next generation of lawyers.  

The law firms E+H and AKELA are pleased to announce the successful execution of a remarkable transaction: The Munich-based investment company VTC,represented by E+H, has acquired a majority stake in the Austrian scaleup Wood_Space. Wood_Space will receive a double-digit million amount of capital as part of the financing round. The E+H team was led by partner Josef Schmidt, supported by associates Alexander Koschell and Anna Friedrich. Jana Eichmeyer and Karin Köller also provided support in employment law, Clemens Lanschützer and Alexander Moser in real estate, Helmut Liebel and Lukas Weber in IP/IT, and Georg Knafl in public law. Judith Feldner conducted the merger control audit. On the AKELA side, the transaction team was led by partners Christiane Feichter and Martin Kollar. In a joint statement, E+H and AKELA said: "We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone for our clients. Given the current difficult market conditions, the execution of this significant financing round is all the more impressive. Our congratulations go to VTC and the Wood_Space team on this success." The law firms also emphasized their professional and cooperative partnership: "We thank each other for the excellent teamwork, which was always characterized by a high level of professionalism and collegiality, even under considerable time pressure." The investment by VTC not only gives Wood_Space a strategically strong partner, but also the financial basis to further drive the company's innovative growth. Wood_Space is known as a pioneer in the field of sustainable timber construction solutions, and plans to use the newly acquired capital to drive forward both technological development and international expansion. About Wood_Space: Wood_Space has quickly established itself as an up-and-coming company in Europe in the field of modular timber construction. The company specializes in the prefabrication of timber modules in 2D and 3D, which enables precise and resource-saving construction. With a focus on speed, simplicity, and cost efficiency for new construction projects, the company is revolutionizing the construction industry and making high-quality modular timber construction accessible for a wide range of customers and applications.  

E+H is pleased to welcome Karin Köller as a new lawyer and permanent substitute in the employment law team.She will fortify the practice group with her expertise in employment and litigation law. Karin Köller represents clients comprehensively in all employment law matters, both in and out of court, across a wide range of industries. She specializes in global mobility, transfers of undertakings, and corporate law issues. After studying business law at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (2016), she expanded her international expertise with a master's degree and a semester abroad at the University of Minnesota, as well as internships in Toronto and Brussels. Her professional career then took her to other prominent Austrian commercial law firms, where she specialized in employment law. Karin Köller on her new position at E+H: "I am delighted to join the E+H team. Together with this brilliant and dynamic group, I am committed to providing our clients with the best possible support in all matters of employment law." Dr. Jana Eichmeyer, Managing Partner and Head of the Employment Law Practice Group, adds: "With Karin, we are gaining an extremely qualified and experienced lawyer in employment law. Her expertise is a valuable asset for our team and our clients."  

E+H is pleased to announce that Iris Hermetter has joined the firm as attorney and permanent substitute. In her new role, she will continue to support the IP/IT + Competition practice group. Iris Hermetter has extensive expertise in the areas of competition law, intellectual property law and media law. After studying law at the University of Graz, supplemented by a semester abroad at the Université de Poitiers in France, she gained valuable practical experience in prestigious commercial law firms in Vienna. In 2024, Iris Hermetter completed the course in art law at the Sigmund Freud Private University in Vienna. "I am very pleased to continue my legal career as an attorney at E+H. The exciting cases in IP/IT and competition law, as well as the teamwork with exceptional colleagues, have shaped my career path so far and motivate me for the challenges ahead," says Iris Hermetter. "Iris‘s swearing-in is an important milestone in her career and simultaneously a great enrichment for our team. This appointment also demonstrates our ongoing commitment at E+H to promoting young talent and empowering the next generation of lawyers," said Dr. Andreas Zellhofer, Partner and Head of the IP/IT + Competition Practice Group at E+H.

E+H advised Wien Energie, one of Austria's leading energy suppliers, on acquiring a portfolio consisting of two wind farms and a solar park from ImWind, a pioneer in renewable energies.The plants, with a total capacity of 130 MW, are located in Lower Austria and Burgenland and will generate around 280 GWh of clean electricity annually, which can supply around 80,000 households with green energy. This acquisition will enable Wien Energie to significantly increase its wind power production. Wien Energie supplies around two million people and 230,000 commercial and industrial facilities in Austria with energy. The company focuses on generating sustainable energy through combined heat and power generation, waste recycling, and renewable energies such as wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass. With the long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2040, Wien Energie is solidifying its role as a trailblazer in renewable energies. ImWind, a leading producer of renewable energy in Austria, develops and operates wind and photovoltaic plants in Austria, Germany, and Italy. ImWind produces over 1.2 TWh of green electricity annually and plans to more than double its production by 2030. E+H Team Lead: Marco Steiner (Partner, Corporate + M&A) and Christoph Lejsek (Partner, Corporate + M&A) Others: Flora Pedit (Corporate/M&A), Dieter Thalhammer (Antitrust & Competition), William Redl (Anti-trust & Competition), Johannes Feilmair (Real Estate), Gabriel Strasser (Real Estate), Alexandra Stadlober (Corporate/M&A); Laura Polzhofer (Corporate/M&A) Consultants to ImWind Schönherr: Alexander Popp (Partner), Alfred Amann (Attorney), Frederik Königstorfer (Associate), Nikolaus Stepan (Associate), Alexandra Jelinek (Associate), Georg Winkler (Associate), Constantin Benes (Partner), Franziska Oczlon (Attorney), Kerstin Stritzke (international associate), Laura Zobernig (associate), Johannes Frank (Counsel), Maha Zöhrer (Attorney), Bernd Rajal (Partner), and Christoph Jirak (Attorney).  

E+H Rechtsanwälte is pleased to announce the appointment of Georg Knafl as a new partner in public law. With his extensive expertise, Mr. Knafl will fortify the E+H team at the Vienna office and play a central role in advising on regulatory law. Georg Knafl completed both his master's degree in law (Mag. iur.) and his Master of Laws (LL.M.) at the University of Vienna. He completed his master's degree in law in the minimum period of study and in the top 10% of the political science section. He began his professional career in public law in 2015. Most recently, he worked as a lawyer in the regulatory practice of an international law firm in Vienna. “We are delighted to welcome Georg Knafl as a new partner,” says Peter Winkler, Managing Partner at E+H. ”He is a great addition to our team and will be a valuable asset for our firm and our clients.” Georg Knafl is also looking forward to his new position: “I am pleased to be on board at E+H Rechtsanwälte and to bolster the public law practice.”  

E+H as Austrian counsel advised CVI Investments, Inc. and Heights Capital Management, Inc., regarding the restructuring / insolvency proceedings of Fisker GmbH. With claims against Fisker GmbH totaling in excess of EUR 3.78 billion, this was one of the largest insolvencies in Austria ever. Further to legal advice on all matters related to insolvency law, E+H's work included the structuring and negotiation of a sophisticated support agreement amongst the main creditors of Fisker GmbH, interlinking the Austrian insolvency proceedings with the Chapter 11 "reorganisation" bankruptcy of Fisker GmbH's parent in the US and enabling the Austrian insolvency court to approve a restructuring plan proposed by Fisker GmbH. Thanks to considerable efforts and efficient collaboration of all stakeholders in the Austrian proceedings, a very complex situation was resolved such that the prospects for both minority and main creditors are maximized and their respective losses are kept to the achievable minimum. The insolvency court confirmed the restructuring plan of Fisker GmbH on 16 September 2024, which confirmation will – absent an appeal – become finally binding on 1. October 2024. Team E+H: Project Lead: Marcus Benes, Christian Jöllinger Broader E+H Team: Mario Spanyi, Christopher Engel, Karoline Hofmann, Laurenz Liedermann, Sandra Leutl, Rene Renner, Alexandra Stadlober  

E+H is pleased to announce that Wolfgang Köfer has been admitted to the bar and is working for E+H as an independent lawyer/permanent substitute with immediate effect.Wolfgang Köfer began his career at E+H during his studies, as an intern and student assistant. From 2018, he was an associate at E+H, initially at the Graz office and from 2019 in the Vienna office. Wolfgang Köfer is part of the Corporate + M&A and Real Estate practice groups and advises domestic and foreign clients on complex M&A and real estate transactions, infrastructure projects, and all aspects of real estate and corporate law. Wolfgang Köfer studied law at the University of Graz. During his studies, he gained valuable experience through numerous internships in Austria and abroad. These included his work in another prestigious Viennese commercial law firm and his time as a trainee at the Austrian Foreign Trade Center in Istanbul. "I am very pleased to continue my path at E+H as a lawyer and permanent substitute with my exceptional team and am grateful for the trust placed in me," says Wolfgang Köfer. Dr. Clemens Lanschützer, head of the Real Estate practice group, adds: "It is wonderful that Wolfgang will now continue to work with us as a permanent substitute. With his expertise and tireless commitment to clients, he is a perfect fit for our team!"  

E+H successfully advised the buyer consortium consisting of Baustoff + Metall GmbH, RPR Privatstiftung and Stefan Schönauer on the acquisition and refinancing of the Althan Quartier in Vienna's 9th district. The transaction included the negotiation of a new credit line to finance the construction project through to its planned completion and the overall restructuring of the existing financial liabilities. In addition, E+H advised the buyers on the acquisition of the Althan Quartier from the 6B47 Group, which is currently still subject to the usual merger clearance approvals. Thanks to the comprehensive legal expertise of the E+H team, the extremely complex transaction process was completed smoothly and successfully within a short period of time. The acquisition and refinancing of Althan Quartier represents a key milestone in securing the long-term financing of this major project, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025. The Althan Quartier is one of the largest construction projects in Vienna and combines offices, retail, restaurants, leisure and cultural facilities as well as high-quality apartments, hotel rooms and parking spaces on a gross floor area of around 130,000 square meters. The successful refinancing and take-over by the buyers ensures that the Althan Quartier will remain fully financed until its planned completion. E+H provided legal support for this important real estate restructuring transaction and thus made a significant contribution to a forward-looking urban development project in Vienna. Team E+H: Leading: Peter Winkler (Corporate/M&A), Karoline Hofmann (Restructuring/Insolvency), Laurenz Liedermann (Financing) Other team members: Corporate/M&A: Josef Schmidt, Anna Friedrich, Alexander Koschell Restructuring/Insolvency: Sandra Leutl Antitrust/Competition: Judith Feldner, Yvonne Handler Real Estate: Alric Ofenheimer, Helena Neuner