Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda > Budapest, Hungary > Firm Profile
Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda Offices
KÁLVIN TÉR 12-13
KÁLVIN CENTER, 4th FLOOR
1085 BUDAPEST
Hungary
Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda > The Legal 500 Rankings
Hungary > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Focusing on the CEE and SEE regions, the banking and finance team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda advises Hungarian and international borrowers, banks, insurance companies, funds and other financial services institutions. The practice’s diverse client base sees the team advise on a full spectrum of transactions, from commercial lending, to private equity, to securitisation. The group’s holistic approach draws on its cross-practice expertise and the team often advises on the commercial and M&A aspects of investment projects. An increased focus on the energy sector has seen the group advise on the financing of renewable energy projects, and the team counts investors in solar park and PV power plant developments among its newer clients. Practice head Melinda Pelikán has almost 20 years’ experience in the financing of construction and infrastructure projects. László Lovas advises on regulatory matters within the banking and capital markets sectors, supporting credit institutions, public and private companies, and investment fund managers. Since publication, Gergely Szalóki has arrived from Schoenherr Hetényi Ügyvédi Iroda to take up a position as co-head of the team.Practice head(s):
Melinda Pelikán; Gergely Szalóki
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
OTP Bank
Raiffeisen Bank International
BNP Paribas
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of banks on the €800m revolving ESG-linked credit facility for the Vitesco Technologies Group.
- Advising Raiffeisen Bank International, in several countries, as issuer, on the establishment of its respective Medium Term Note program for the issue of ordinary senior notes, ordinary senior eligible notes and non-preferred senior eligible notes.
- Advising BNP Paribas on the sale of its customer loan operations in Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Romania.
Hungary > Projects and energy Tier 1
The projects and energy team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda offers clients a combination of renewable energy and project finance expertise. Solar energy investment projects are a key focus area, and the group is well placed to advise on issues across the whole life cycle. Energy arbitration is a niche area of expertise, and practice co-head Zoltán Faludi is an expert in energy-related dispute resolution. Faludi leads the team alongside László Kenyeres, who is actively involved in renewable energy and infrastructure development projects across Europe. Norbert Bálint specialises in construction projects and sector-related M&A, as well as PPAs, electricity production and gas supply matters. Rregulatory expert Ádám Lukonits’ ‘exceptional knowledge‘ spans the LNG, nuclear, hydrogen and district heating fields.Practice head(s):
László Kenyeres; Zoltán Faludi
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Reliable team, with deep industry knowledge and experience. Acting fast if needed and they focus on the client’s needs.’
‘László Kenyeres is one of the best energy lawyers in Hungary, keeps following the rapidly changing regulatory environment. Zoltán Faludi is leading the firm in a unique way, knowing all the details but keeping his focus on the main issues.’
‘The firm’s strength lies in its outstanding Hungarian and international transaction experience, combined with a deep understanding, consideration and knowledge of the business environment and the client’s business considerations. The service provided is thus more than “just” legal services.’
‘Norbert Bálint is able to provide complex advice on a comprehensive and highly differentiated project, applying multiple disciplines and taking into account multiple business considerations.’
‘The adaptability during the negotiations and the collaboration.’
‘As the regulation for development of photovoltaic projects in Hungary changes extremely fast and is unpredictable, it is crucial to have competent and up to date legal support. This support is provided by Wolf Theiss perfectly.’
‘The team around Norbert Bálint and László Kenyeres has a very professional appearance, extensive energy and transaction know-how, and the ability to accompany and manage large complex projects. Indeed a highly recommendable team.’
‘Norbert Bálint is extremely dedicated, an excellent negotiator and pleasant to work with. Ádám Lukonits is a very professional and responsive lawyer, with an exceptional knowledge of the energy sector.’
Key clients
BorsodChem
EFET (European Federation of Energy Traders)
Optimum Solar
Work highlights
- Providing EFET with a yearly review on the implementation and enforceability of the EFET Electricity and Gas General Agreement in Hungary.
- Advising Optimum Solar on an ongoing basis.
Hungary > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Advising foreign investors across Hungary and the CEE and SEE regions, the commercial, corporate and M&A team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda covers business establishment, equity and asset acquisitions, and joint ventures. The corporate practice provides a holistic offering, and also fields an integrated tax team. János Tóth leads the department, advising private equity and strategic investors on M&A deals. Following his promotion to senior associate in July 2022, Péter Ihász provides new entrants to the Hungarian market with commercial, regulatory and corporate advice, while Zoltán Bódog focuses on the real estate aspects of M&A transactions. Kinga Kajcsos‘ expertise spans the spectrum of corporate, M&A and commercial issues.Practice head(s):
János Tóth
Other key lawyers:
Péter Ihász; Zoltán Bódog; Kinga Kajcsos; Norbert Bálint
Key clients
BNP Paribas
Scan Global Logistics
Work highlights
- Advising BNP Paribas on the sale of its customer loan operations in Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Romania.
- Advising Scan Global Logistics on its acquisition of Advection Logistics in Hungary from its selling shareholder Eurogate Holdings (Cyprus).
Hungary > Dispute resolution Tier 2
The ‘experienced and well known‘ dispute resolution team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda is noted for its extensive litigation and arbitration experience across the energy, financing and real estate sectors. Tax, construction and property litigation are key areas of expertise, along with restructuring and insolvency proceedings. The practice is involved in alternative methods of dispute resolution, including mediation. Practice head Zoltán Faludi brings over 25 years’ experience in both domestic and international commercial arbitration to his role. Tímea Csajági has experience representing clients before the European Court of Justice.Practice head(s):
Zoltán Faludi
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Experienced and well known on the local market.’
‘Practitioners show flexibility and deep understanding, responses are quick and the work is to a high standard.’
Key clients
MOL
INA-Industrija nafte
Work highlights
- Representing MOL and INA against the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in an ICC arbitration.
Hungary > Tax Tier 2
Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda’s tax team provides integrated advice spanning the corporate and M&A, banking and finance, and employment teams. János Pásztor, a qualified and chartered tax advisor, leads the team, specialising in M&A and tax planning and restructuring, as well as advising multinational clients and high-net-worth individuals on day-to-day tax matters. Bence Kálmán regularly represents clients in tax litigation as part of the goup’s comprehensive disputes practice.Practice head(s):
János Pásztor
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This firm is truly my point of reference for tax in Hungary. I have been working with them for 8 years now.’
Hungary > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3
Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda has extensive experience in data protection and privacy law, which is complemened by its established presence in the TMT, IP and IT sectors. Leveraging the strength of its dedicated GDPR taskforce, the firm regularly assists with the implementation of antitrust and compliance programs. János Tóth co-heads the data protection and privacy team alongside Barnabás Buzási, who also heads up the employment team; the former advises on data management issues, such as data leaks or cyber attacks, while the latter uses his dual expertise to assist with data protection and privacy matters related to employee data.Practice head(s):
János Tóth; Barnabás Buzási
Hungary > Employment Tier 3
From employee restructuring and transfer of undertakings to collective redundancies, the employment team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda advises on the full range of employment matters, as well as handling relevant litigation. The practice has established cross-border capabilities and handles HR projects spanning the CEE and SEE regions, as well as providing business immigration services. Barnabás Buzási heads up both the employment and data protection practices, and regularly advises on employment-related GDPR implementation. Marietta Molnár specialises in employment law across the logistics and transport, banking and finance, and telecoms sectors.Practice head(s):
Barnabás Buzási
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
IFF
L’Oreal Magyarország Kft.
Work highlights
- Advising IFF on the establishment of its operations in Hungary.
Hungary > Intellectual property Tier 3
Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda‘s IP team handles transfer and licensing agreements, as well as advising on the IP aspects of cross-border M&A deals. The group’s expertise covers trade marks, patents and copyright matters. Managing a diverse workload in relation to IP portfolios, János Tóth leads the team. Norbert Bálint counts major IT and telecoms players, global software companies and start-ups among his clientele. Péter Ihász, who was promoted to senior associate in July 2022, focuses on the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.Practice head(s):
János Tóth
Other key lawyers:
Hungary > Real estate and construction Tier 3
Specialising in solar energy projects, Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda‘s real estate team fields niche expertise beyond traditional real estate development. The group advises a diverse roster of real estate and parking operators, developers and management companies. Practice head János Tóth brings extensive expertise in real estate sales and acquisitions, as well as project development, to his role. Melinda Pelikán advises on real estate and project finance, while Norbert Bálint specialises in power plant construction projects. Zoltán Bódog, who was promoted to senior associate in July 2022, ‘stands out as an expert‘ in the sector.Practice head(s):
János Tóth
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provides practical and useful advice on complex transactions. They understand the legal aspects and business drivers for transactions. They can provide legal and tax advisory which makes them stand out on the market.’
‘The team offers a full service to its real estate clients. They are knowledgeable about regulations and offer practical advice and solutions as to how to solve out issues. Experience, security and speed – this is true about the real estate team in Hungary.’
‘Zoltán Bódog stands out as an expert in real estate, especially transactions relating to the energy sector. These transactions tend to be heavily regulated and complex. He is able to give clear advice and guide clients successfully through the process.’
‘Zoltán Bódog is an expert in the real estate aspects of developing PV power plants. He is regularly involved in these transactions.’
‘Zoltán Bódog is particularly experienced in transactions involving shopping malls, office buildings, warehouses and greenfield properties. He is experienced in real estate financings.’
‘Zoltán Bódog is sought and recommended for his due diligence activities. Due to his industry expertise, Zoltán understands the business and the competitive context of our clients, which allows him to provide useful advice not only from a legal but from a business perspective as well.’
Key clients
Enlight Renewable Energy
Work highlights
- Advising Enlight on the acquisition of three solar renewable energy investment projects in Hungary, each with an inbuilt capacity of approximately 60MW.
Hungary > TMT Tier 3
Leveraging its strong international capabilities, the TMT team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda often advises on cross-border data protection matters and IT outsourcing projects. Also active in the fintech space, the group assists clients with digital transformations and implementation of new technologies. János Tóth heads up the TMT and IP practices, advising on development, licensing and distribution matters. Péter Ihász, who was promoted to senior associate in July 2022, specialises in technology and innovation, assisting new entrants to the sector. Norbert Bálint’s diverse clientele includes IT and telecoms companies, global software giants, and start-ups. Barnabás Buzási focuses on data protection law.Practice head(s):
János Tóth
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Tricentis
Work highlights
- Advising Tricentis on an ongoing basis in connection with its software licensing arrangements.
Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda > Firm Profile
The firm: Wolf Theiss opened its first office in Vienna in 1957 and soon established a reputation as one of the region’s leading law firms. The firm has since grown into a multinational team of approximately 390 lawyers, making it one of the largest integrated law firms in the region. It has offices* in Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine.
This presence on the ground is one of the firm’s key strengths. It works in a fast-moving part of the world that requires deep local knowledge and experience. By combining expertise with a strong international network, the firm is well-placed to handle complex cross-border transactions with a high degree of speed and flexibility.
Apart from its local offices in 13 CEE/SEE countries, Wolf Theiss also offers extensive regional experience in other countries in the region, such as Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
*The firm has regulatory frameworks within which it needs to comply. So by ‘presence’, we mean a legal form that is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in that country.
Areas of practice: Wolf Theiss’ full range of services covers financial services, competition and antitrust, corporate/mergers and acquisitions, employment law, energy and infrastructure, intellectual property and information technology, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, real estate and construction, regulatory and procurement, and tax. The firm’s dedicated practice teams provide in-depth specialist knowledge in their respective areas and collaborate closely to provide clients with seamless advice.
Hungary: Launched in 2007, the team at Wolf Theiss Budapest provides client-focused and industry-driven advice to local and international clients in all aspects of commercial law, including corporate/M&A, real estate and environmental law, project development, banking and finance, dispute resolution and litigation, employment and tax – with a particular emphasis on the energy sector. Wolf Theiss’ Hungarian office – led by Zoltán Faludi – comprises 30+ lawyers (including three partners).
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Financial services | Melinda Pelikán | melinda.pelikan@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848822 |
Competition/antitrust | János Tóth | janos.toth@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848810 |
Corporate/M&A | János Tóth | janos.toth@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848810 |
Dispute resolution | Zoltán Faludi | zoltan.faludi@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848805 |
Employment | Barnabás Buzási | barnabas.buzasi@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848832 |
Energy and infrastructure | Zoltán Faludi | zoltan.faludi@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848805 |
Energy and infrastructure | László Kenyeres | laszlo.kenyeres@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848807 |
TMT | János Tóth | janos.toth@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848810 |
Real estate | János Tóth | janos.toth@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848810 |
Regulatory and procurement | László Kenyeres | laszlo.kenyeres@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848807 |
Tax | János Pásztor | janos.pasztor@wolftheiss.com | +36 1 4848823 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Dr Norbert Bálint | Counsel, Wolf Theiss, specialising in power plant construction projects, domestic and international… | View Profile | |
Dr Zoltán Bódog | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Dr Barnabás Buzási | Counsel, specialising in employment matters, with an in-depth knowledge of the constantly… | View Profile | |
Dr Zoltán Faludi | Partner; specialised in Energy and Natural Resources, Project Finance, Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions,… | View Profile | |
Dr Miriam Fuchs | Senior Associate, with a special focus on Life Sciences & Healthcare. Miriam… | View Profile | |
Dr Péter Ihász | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Dr László Kenyeres | Partner; specialised in Corporate, Energy, Employment Law, Energy, Regulatory & Procurement. László… | View Profile | |
Mr Ádám Lukonits | Senior Associate. | View Profile | |
Dr Marietta Molnár | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Dr János Pásztor | Senior Associate, leading the tax practice at Wolf Theiss Budapest. Janos is… | View Profile | |
Dr Melinda Pelikán | Counsel, co-leading the local Banking & Finance team in Budapest. She assists… | View Profile | |
Dr Gergely Szalóki | Senior Associate, co-leading the local Banking & Finance team in Budapest. Gergely… | View Profile | |
Dr János Tóth | Partner; specialised in Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions, Competition Law, Data Protection, International Trade… | View Profile | |
Dr Lajos Wallacher | Of Counsel | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 390 at this office : 30+Languages
English German HungarianMemberships
American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce International Fiscal Association International Chamber of CommerceOther
Contact : Zoltán Faludi (local managing partner) Other offices : Belgrade Other offices : Bratislava Other offices : Bucharest Other offices : Kiev Other offices : Ljubljana Other offices : Prague Other offices : Sarajevo Other offices : Sofia Other offices : Tirana Other offices : Vienna Other offices : Warsaw Other offices : ZagrebDiversity
At Wolf Theiss, we strongly believe that in a global marketplace, a company that employs a diverse workforce (both men and women of several generations and from ethnically and racially diverse backgrounds) is better able to understand the marketplace it serves, offers better and more unique perspectives and thus, is better equipped to thrive in that marketplace than a company that has a more limited range of employee demographics.
For us, uniting people and overcoming cultural divisiveness is part of our philosophy. By respecting each other, we have created a unique workplace camaraderie that spills over into our daily lives. Wolf Theiss considers itself to be politically liberal, not biased in any direction and imposing no restrictions on its workforce in terms of political view, religion, way of life, race, language and sexual orientation.
Our leadership team is comprised of 35% female partners, one of them within our management board, and 48% of our senior lawyers are women. We strive to stand at the forefront in the region, when it comes to gender diversity. We were one of the first law firms in the region to implement a maternity policy. Innovation initiatives at our firm are driven by female talent. We also encourage our lawyers to spend part of their daily work on firm-wide non-billable initiatives.
Wolf Theiss is proud to have been awarded the Best in Central Europe Award at the European Women in Business Law Awards 2023 and to have been recognised as “Best in Austria” at the European Women in Business Law Awards 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 & 2012, “Best in Croatia” at the European Women in Business Law Awards 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 & 2013 and “Best in Romania” at the European Women in Business Law Awards 2016, 2015 & 2014.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
At Wolf Theiss we believe that success is a two-way street. Our financial success depends in large part on our doing quality work for our clients, so they come back to us and recommend us to others. But our success also depends on the support of the local communities where we live and work. They provide us with a great deal of input and impulses, including the talented lawyers and assistants who make it possible for us to do what we do. We all think it is essential that we give something back to the community.
One way to show our commitment to the community is by providing legal advice on a pro bono basis to clients who need legal help, but are unable to pay for our services. Our pro bono work is directed at clients whom we consider to be very deserving or who face legal issues that we believe are especially important to our communities or to society as a whole.
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