GRAF ISOLA > Vienna, Austria > Firm Profile
GRAF ISOLA Offices
STADIONGASSE 2
1010 WIEN
Austria
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GRAF ISOLA > The Legal 500 Rankings
Austria > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
GRAF ISOLA, whose network and reputation are noted by clients, has a strong practice when it comes to court-appointed administration of insolvent companies, representation of companies in need of restructuring in or out of court, and assistance with distressed M&A. Co-heads Alexander Isola
and Stefan Weileder oversee the work; the latter is described by one client as ‘an excellent lawyer who works very calmly and competently in every situation‘. Another key team member is David Seidl, who was promoted to partner in 2022.Practice head(s):
Alexander Isola; Stefan Weileder
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Stefan Weileder is an excellent lawyer who works very calmly and competently in every situation.’
‘Graf Isola’s team gives legal advice and representation at the highest level possible. Their accessibility and hands-on-approach is exceptional and to our fullest satisfaction.’
‘David Seidl is exceptionally accessible and responsive. With an entrepreneurial approach, he always seeks the best possible solutions for our needs. Our cases were always handled promptly and to our fullest satisfaction. We could not be happier.’
‘They have a very good reputation here in Austria, and also have a huge network in terms of legal connections. Both its reputation and network help a lot in accomplishing any legal task a client would need them to work on.’
‘Stefan Weileder has a good ability to get things done. He is a very tough negotiation partner with empathy, meaning he is ready and able to think from the view of his counterpart and use this understanding for his client. His legal knowledge and understanding is always good.’
‘Alexander Isola is a very experienced, well known lawyer with a good reputation. He too is highly capable of getting things done for his clients.’
‘The most unique aspect is their capability to adapt to the client’s size and individual circumstances. No matter whether it is a large corporation or a small start-up, a suitable approach is found.’
‘David Seidl has a clear commitment to fully understanding the client’s needs, not only on a legal and technical level, but also on a psychological level. By patiently providing all relevant details and also answering questions, the client is assured about any potential outcome.’
Key clients
McStrom GmbH
Borckenstein GmbH
CTP Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH
t-matix solutions GmbH
Salzburg Schokolade / KEX Confectionary
Teleos GmbH
Doro Turbinen GmbH
Intellic Group
Creditors of Anglo Austrian AAB AG
Andritz AG
Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG
Work highlights
- Acted as insolvency administrators of McStrom, which went insolvent following the surge in electricity prices in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
- Advised KEX Confectionary on acquiring the business of the insolvent Salzburg Schokolade.
- Advised Intellic Group, a group producing tachographs for trucks, on refinancing negotiations with its banks and in the required insolvency application.
Austria > Private client Tier 2
GRAF ISOLA focuses on advising private foundations, as well as assisting with succession and estate planning, inheritance and tax issues for HNWIs, whom it advises at the intersection of corporate, restructuring and wealth management. In particular, the firm is able to advise on the setting up, restructuring and liquidation of private foundations, supporting clients from Austria but also neighbouring countries, particularly Germany, in this regard. Team leader Armenak Utudjian, who is president of the Austrian Bar Association, is an experienced wealth management adviser and is also regularly consulted for his expertise in private foundation law.Practice head(s):
Armenak Utudjian
Testimonials
‘Armenak Utudjian gives really good advice and not just legal information! Very prompt and accurate responses.’
Key clients
Andra Privatstiftung
Bene Privatstiftung
Motycka Privatstiftung
Talent Privatstiftung
Medem Privatstiftung
Peter Lisec Privatstiftung
Kay Horstmann Privatstiftung
Work highlights
- Defending a family foundation in an arbitration proceeding.
- Advising a group of Austrian foundations and subsidiaries on a wide range of legal topics, including defending them against claims in an Austrian court.
Austria > Intellectual property Tier 3
GRAF ISOLA focuses on IP litigation, representing in particular life sciences clients in disputes centred on patents, trade marks and copyright, both within Austria and at EU level, and is also active in the data protection and unfair competition spaces. Under the leadership of Claudia Csáky, the team is also regularly instructed on non-contentious matters, advising on patent and trade mark applications and coexistence agreements, in addition to issues concerning IP contracts.Practice head(s):
Claudia Csáky
Testimonials
‘GRAF ISOLA offers a unique mix of 360 degrees of know-how and services.’
‘Claudia Csáky and her team are role models for handling IP-related problems and providing solutions. Claudia is very professional and a proactive partner beyond legal topics. GRAF ISOLA are foremost partners with core legal competences.’
‘Highly professional and knowledgable work in multiple fields of IP law. Very responsive!’
‘Claudia Csáky is really outstanding.’
Key clients
KTM Fahrrad GmbH
Daniel Wellington
LUKOIL International GmbH
Hubert Burda Media (Netdoktor.de GmbH)
VELUX Österreich GmbH
Ogilvy & Mather GmbH
Brokkoli Advertising Network GmbH & Co KG
Hofmeir Magnetics Ltd
Esterházy
J&A Garrigues, S.L.P. (Garrigues)
BIA Systems GmbH (Germany)
neckermann.at GmbH
CALIMEX GmbH
SOZIALBAU
Work highlights
- Advised LUKOIL on a smear campaign it was faced with on a website which violated unfair competition law.
- Represented Hofmeir Magnetics in a controversial trade mark application procedure before the EUIPO.
- Advised the Esterházy group on a copyright matter relating to 49 sculptures erected on land belonging to Esterházy.
Austria > Data privacy and data protection Tier 4
Practitioners at GRAF ISOLA have cross-practice expertise, and the group often do not work on data protection matters in isolation. Experienced co- practice head Marija Križanac comes recommended as 'very smart, creative, knowledgeable and a great litigator' and also has particular expertise in GDPR matters. Križanac leads the team alongside firm founding partner Ferdinand Graf.Practice head(s):
Marija Križanac; Ferdinand Graf
Other key lawyers:
David Seidl
Testimonials
‘The team responsible for data protection is very competent, responsive and absolutely client oriented.’
‘The team at GRAF ISOLA handles our matters at the highest professional level, always with an entrepreneurial approach and timely. They are always accessible and responsive, also billing is reasonable. They handle every assignment with dedication to their customer. We have never experienced a better legal service.’
‘David Seidl is extremely accessible and responsive. He handles our cases at the peak professional level with a strong entrepreneurial approach. His reaction times are unparalleld, while always being on point with his legal advice.’
‘The practice is top-notch – very solution-oriented and quick advice, and transparent. Marija Križanac is a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Marija and her practice.’
‘Marija Križanac impresses with a sharp mind and a high level of expertise. She always gives easy to understand, on-point advice – even in complex/challenging matters – which is much appreciated.’
‘With GRAF ISOLA Rechtsanwälte GmbH, you always have a direct line to the practice head Marija Križanac, who is very responsive and quick in coming up with feasible solutions.’
‘All praise to Marija Križanac. She is intelligent, quick-witted and knows her stuff when it comes to the GDPR. I have recommended her many times.’
‘Marija Križanac is a well-perceived data protection lawyer. She is very smart, creative, knowledgeable and a great litigator. She is my first choice for all privacy-related matters.’
Key clients
LUKOIL International GmbH / LUKOIL Group
VELUX A/S; VELUX Österreich GmbH, VKR Holding A/S
Irving H. Picard (Trustee for the substantively consolidated SIPA liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC & Bernard Madoff)
Open Society Foundations
Victorinox
therapie-info PSISYS GmbH
Logwin Group
JobRad GmbH
MEWA Textil-Service GmbH
EMTensor
Leggett&Platt Inc / Schukra Berndorf GmbH
BDO
kraftwerk | Agentur für neue Kommunikation GmbH
MyHomeRoast GmbH
Hausservice Objektbewirtschaftungs GmbH
AM Baugeräte und Handels GmbH
KOPFWERK Datensysteme Ges.m.b.H.
Ineltro Electronics GmbH
Cortical.io AG
DANUTEX GmbH
neckermann.at GmbH
MAG machines GmbH
CoPlanner GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised EM Tensor on clinical studies conducted on stroke patients, inter alia in the preparation of a new clinical study to be carried out by an Austrian university clinic.
- Successfully defended therapie-info PSISYS GmbH in a yearlong landmark case stretching over multiple court proceedings (the last one being before the Federal Administrative Court).
- Advised LUKOIL on intra-group data transfers.
Austria > Dispute resolution: commercial litigation Tier 4
GRAF ISOLA has a well established client base comprising financial institutions, manufacturers and public sector bodies, as well as private foundations. Employment law expert Jakob Widner leads the commercial litigation practice, and regularly handles product liability claims, as well as cases with a nexus to banking, data protection, insolvency and restructuring issues.Practice head(s):
Jakob Widner
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Team works quickly and is always available.’
‘High quality service.’
Key clients
Samariterbund
SOZIALBAU
STAR Agro HandelsGmbH
Erwerb der Waldaugasse 3 GmbH
WIT Personalservice GmbH
Vienna Jewish Community, Heirs after Karl Mayländer
Dexia Credit Local
Brand Loyalty Sourcing B.V.
therapie-info PSISYS GmbH
Regent / ESCADA
KTM Fahrrad GmbH
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (Chamber of Commerce)
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH (BIG)
Erdöl-Lagergesellschaft mbH
VGN Medien Holding GmbH,
Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG
CTP Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH
Borckenstein GmbH
Peter Lisec Privatstiftung
Work highlights
- Representing Lisec Privatstiftung, owner of the glass machinery producer LISEC group, in a corporate litigation.
- Acting as litigation counsel for real estate manager and apartment builder SOZIALBAU in a claim against the seller of a significant parcel of real estate.
- Representing the Dutch Brand Loyalty in a product liability case.
Austria > Employment Tier 4
The employment practice at GRAF ISOLA is noted for its collective labour law expertise. The group is led by Jakob Widner, who also leads the firm’s dispute resolution group, and is consequently experienced in litigating complex employment matters. Among others, clients are drawn from the oil and gas, IT, engineering, entertainment and non-profit social services sectors. Axel Guttmann is another key contact.Practice head(s):
Jakob Widner
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jakob Widner is knowledgeable and super responsive.’
Key clients
Leggett & Platt Automotive (Austrian subsidiary)
Viravaxx AG
Samariterbund
WKÖ (Chamber of commerce)
JobRad
LUKOIL Lubricants Europe
Mastermind Public Affairs Consulting
OSF
Insight Technology Solutions GmbH
Ineltro Electronics GmbH
Work highlights
- Succesfully represented Samariterbund in a discrimination case concerning mask-wearing obligations in the workplace which went up to the Austrian Supreme Court.
- Advised JobRad on the admissibility and scope of salary conversions for the purpose of supplying bikes to staff.
- Advised Mastermind, a public affairs advisor, on a share ownership model for its staff.
Austria > Banking and finance Tier 5
Alongside general banking transactional and regulatory expertise, and insolvency and restructuring knowledge, GRAF ISOLA has recently expanded its work in the fields of real estate financing and start-up financing. Co-heading the team are Stefan Weileder and Otto Wächter, who count banks and three of the four top accounting businesses as key clients. The group benefits from its close cooperation with the insolvency and restructuring group at the firm.Practice head(s):
Stefan Weileder; Otto Wächter
Key clients
LUKOIL
Cortical.io
Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG
BayWa AG
Bayrische Landesbank
Land Salzburg
Dexia
JOBRAD
Marktguru
Salzburg Schokolade
Work highlights
- Assisted Lukoil, an Austrian subsidiary of the Russian oil giant, with the financing of a real estate project in Vienna.
- Advised JOBRAD on setting up its Austrian operations; the work included setting up the complete leasing structure (including tax treatment).
- Advising Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG and another syndicate partner on the winding up of a syndicate in a real estate project financing.
Austria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 6
Noted for its ‘ability to strategise about different legal avenues‘, GRAF ISOLA concentrates on all types of M&A, including distressed M&A transactions. Practice leaders Ferdinand Graf and Andreas Edlinger have significant experience in M&A work; Edlinger is also well versed in corporate restructurings.Practice head(s):
Ferdinand Graf; Andreas Edlinger
Testimonials
‘Perfect choice for corporate clients, both domestic and international. Excellent performance in litigation, insolvency including restructuring, banking and corporate law. Several partners are also admitted in the US.’
‘Ability to strategise about different legal avenues and then deliver the documents necessary.’
‘Excellent hands-on and solution-oriented approach. Ability to quickly resolve difficult situations and good business understanding.’
Key clients
LUKOIL
Leggett & Platt group
BayWa
Pfaff Werkzeug- und Formenbau
Andritz
cortical.io AG
Dexia Credit Local
Kompas K/S
Peter Lisec Privatstiftung
VKR Holding
Erdöl-Lagergesellschaft mbH
Sozialbau
VKR Holding A/S (VELUX),
Work highlights
- Advised the Leggett Platt group on merging its operative business in Austria, Schukra Berndorf.
- Assisted BayWa with acquiring shares in a highly innovative Austrian food start up.
- Assisting with selling the ‘construction and operation of photovoltaic systems’ business of McStrom, an energy reseller that focused on renewable energy.
GRAF ISOLA > Firm Profile
The firm: GRAF ISOLA was founded in 1994 and is one of the leading independent Austrian commercial law firms with offices in Vienna and Graz. The full-service firm advises in all fields of Austrian and European business law with a client base from all sectors of industry – both domestic and foreign – as well as public authorities.
GRAF ISOLA has 25 qualified lawyers including six partners – most are recognised experts in their field and have years of international experience. The firm is internationally known for its hard work approach and efficient and creative way of handling complex cases in a solution-oriented manner. GRAF ISOLA has an extensive network with international leading law firms across the globe – with whom the firm regularly co-operates based on a best friends philosophy.
Areas of practice
Banking and finance: the firm provides advice on the full range of banking law and on all types of financing, in particular acquisition and project financing. The firm has built a strong banking litigation practice involving banking, regulatory, and capital markets disputes -it has advised and represented in some of the largest cases/litigations in the aftermath of the financial crisis.
Corporate/M&A: the firm’s specialists advise on all matters of corporate law – often on complex corporate transactions such as restructurings, spin-offs, mergers and transformations – both in Austria and cross-border. Recent work highlights include advising a prominent Russian conglomerate on cross-border restructurings and capital measures and advising one of the largest Austrian publicly listed corporations on the spin-off and subsequent merger of subsidiaries.
Competition and antitrust: the firm has extensive expertise in (national and European) merger control, cartels and antitrust proceedings, dawn raids and internal audits, abuse of market dominance proceedings, structuring of distribution systems and co-operation agreements between companies.
Dispute resolution: GRAF ISOLA is a top-tier firm for all types of complex commercial litigation and arbitration – both domestic and international. The firm has extensive experience in arbitration proceedings under all leading institutional rules and has become increasingly well known for its work in high-profile cases in the areas of restitution of looted art, social media/data protection, telecommunication, white-collar crime and shareholder disputes.
Employment: advice on all areas of individual and collective employment law – both in terms of an ongoing consultation, as well as in the course of restructurings and business acquisitions (M&A-related).
Insolvency and restructuring: the firm has for decades long been a leading firm for insolvency and restructuring and has in recent years advised on almost every major insolvency/restructuring case in Austria. Key strength areas include in particular: advice on restructuring and insolvency (in and out of court), insolvency administration, distressed M&A, voidance law, capital replacement law, capital maintenance law, insolvency dispute resolution and international insolvency law.
IP and IT: advice on all areas of intellectual property law and information technology spanning from the registration of trade marks, strategic advice on trade mark creation, and development and the protection of all sorts of intellectual property claims (including patent rights).
Projects/procurement and infrastructure: the firm is renowned for its advisory work on large-scale projects especially in the infrastructure and transport sector (PPP projects and project finance), leading expertise on preparation and structuring of procurements, conduct of procurement proceedings and on advising private bidders in their procurement participation (classic and sectorial area).
Real estate and construction: the firm provides comprehensive advice relating to real estate and property spanning real estate transactions in the form of asset and share deals, project development, real estate financing including collateral agreements, developer and condominium agreements, building rights agreements, rent/lease (commercial and housing), leasing, special licence agreements and Austrian property transaction law.
Estate planning/trust and estates: leading expertise on counselling individuals, enterprises and family-run businesses on asset structuring and succession planning.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and finance | Stefan Weileder | s.weileder@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Banking and finance | Ferdinand Graf | f.graf@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Competition and antitrust | Ferdinand Graf | f.graf@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Data protection | Marija Krizanac | m.krizanac@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Compliance and white-collar crime | Alexander Isola | a.isola@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Compliance and white-collar crime | David Seidl | d.seidl@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Corporate/M&A | Ferdinand Graf | f.graf@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Dispute resolution | Jakob Widner | j.widner@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Employment | Jakob Widner | j.widner@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Estate planning/trust and estates | Armenak Utudjian | a.utudjian@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Insolvency and restructuring | Alexander Isola | a.isola@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Insolvency and restructuring | Stefan Weileder | s.weileder@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| IP and IT | Claudia Csáky | c.csaky@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Projects/procurement and infrastructure | Marija Krizanac | m.krizanac@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Real estate and construction | Armenak Utudjian | a.utudjian@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
| Regulatory | Jakob Widner | j.widner@grafisola.at | (+43 1) 401 17-0 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dr Ferdinand Graf | Ferdinand Graf heads the M&A, competition and cartel law practice groups. He… | View Profile |
 | Dr Armenak Utudjian | Armenak Utudjian is recognized as an expert especially in the fields of… | View Profile |
 | Mag Stefan Weileder | Stefan Weileder is co-heading the insolvency and restructuring group together with Alexander… | View Profile |
 | Mag Jakob Widner | Jakob Widner heads the firm’s Labour and Employment Law Practice and has… | View Profile |