Kochanski & Partners > Warsaw, Poland > Firm Profile
Kochanski & Partners Offices

METROPOLITAN BUILDING
PL PILSUDSKIEGO 1
00-078 WARSAW
Poland
Kochanski & Partners > The Legal 500 Rankings
Poland > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
Kochanski & Partners stands out for its involvement in the hydrogen subsector, actively participating in the development of its regulatory framework, working with the Ministry of Climate. Advising domestic and international energy companies, investors and state-owned entities, the firm is well-known for handling projects involving nuclear power plants, offshore wind and greenfield investments. Leading the team is Wojciech Wrochna, who works across a range of projects such as energy storage, battery production and biogas production. Marek Dolatowski recently joined from Wardynski & Partners. Michal Bedkowski-Koziol departed the team in September 2024.Practice head(s):
Wojciech Wrochna
Testimonials
‘Excellent on EU regulations, one of the best among commercial law firms in Poland for energy, sustainability and nuclear mandates.’
‘Wojciech Wrochna is a key individual in this sector.’
‘Team is flexible to work on commercial and regulatory aspects of the energy sector.’
‘Wojtek Wrochna is dedicated to his work, has wide knowledge about the energy sector in general.’
Key clients
Orange Energia
Polish Nuclear Power Plants (Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe)
Air Products
Northvolt Poland
Eurobox
The Polish Electricity Transmission System Operator (Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A)
Orange Polska
Krynica Vitamin
dR.Power
Montis Capital
Polenergia
PWPW – Polish Security Printing Works
Work highlights
- Advising Polish Nuclear Power Plants on the development of power plants.
- Advising Northvolt Poland on the construction of its new battery module factory.
- Advising Orange Polska on a now-concluded corporate power purchase agreement with one of the producers of green energy from the RES sector.
Poland > Intellectual property Tier 2
Distinguished by its ‘deep understanding of the operations of global organisations’, Kochanski & Partners is a popular choice among clients in the pharmaceutical, media and FMCG sectors. The group is well-regarded for its work in the defence of trade marks and patents, notably trade mark infringement cases and advertising litigation. Piotr Kochański and Karolina Marciniszyn are both responsible for co-leading the practice. Kochański specialises in IP transfers, financing and protection. Marciniszyn excels in IP litigation before the common and administrative and the PPO. Tomasz Szambelan is also a key name in the team.Practice head(s):
Piotr Kochański; Karolina Marciniszyn
Other key lawyers:
Tomasz Szambelan; Krzysztof Zięba
Testimonials
‘Kochański & Partners is an excellent national law firm with a strong foothold in the local Polish market, yet with an outstanding international network and a wonderful IP team. The firm impresses in particular with its incredibly swift, outstandingly expert handling of cases and the trustworthy way in which it deals with our clientele at all times.’
‘Karolina Marciniszyn is among the best IP lawyers in Poland. She is utterly experienced, has a huge amount of knowledge and great strategic skills, works in a targeted and clear manner, is impressively responsive and so is evidently the first port of call for IP issues in Poland for us.’
‘Excellent customer service with a deep understanding of the operations of global organisations.’
‘A good all-round service providing efficient advice in a timely manner.’
‘Excellent responsiveness and clear concise commercial advice.’
‘A good and well-qualified legal company. We liked to cooperate with them.’
‘Karolina Marciniszyn helped us more than we could expect.’
Key clients
Polish Nuclear Power Plants (Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe)
Krynica Vitamin S.A.
Cyclomedia B.V.
MODUE
Pamapol S.A.
Taegu Tec
Hasco Lek
Hasco TM
Ringier Axel Springer Poland
Coca-Cola HBC Polska
Reckitt Benckiser
Work highlights
- Advising and successfully defending the Hasco TM in a litigation case regarding the invalidation of trade marks brought by Swiss Pharma International across four proceedings.
- Advising and representing Ringier Axel Springer Poland in numerous court cases and before the Polish Patent Office, including in trade mark and domain name disputes.
- Advising Cyclomedia on an IP transaction comprising security assessment of IP rights.
Poland > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2
The restructuring and insolvency team at Kochanski & Partners predominately supports creditors and investors, which mainly include financial institutions and private equity funds, as well as financially distressed entities. Its offering encompasses advice on out-of-court and in-court restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings, corporate and employment restructurings, and post-restructuring disputes, as well as insolvency proceedings. Corporate lawyer Rafał Rapala is notable for his expertise in restructuring projects of capital groups, and head of the litigation practice Mateusz Ostrowski is another notable name in the team.Other key lawyers:
Rafał Rapala; Mateusz Ostrowski; Paweł Cholewinski; Anna Gwiazda; Paweł Mardas; Karol Połosak; Aneta Serowik; Witold Głuchowski
Testimonials
‘They are a top firm, with competitive rates, and quality lawyers. It’s an absolute pleasure every time I get to work with Kochanski & Partners.’
‘Karol Połosak, like many of his colleagues, is fast to respond, always provides sufficiently detailed explanations which allow me to carry on my work in a meaningful way.’
‘Karol Połosak is incredibly knowledgeable in his field. He has provided some comprehensive advice on larger topics, as well as advising and taking steps for more basic administrative tasks. He is the only Polish commercial/corporate lawyer I wish to work with. I’ll definitely use him in the future in other companies.’
Key clients
Mutares
SFC Solutions
PBG
Hampton by Hilton
Pandora
Duraline
Bei-Trans
Blachotrapez S.A.
Ringier Axel Springer Poland
BU Media
Paige Investments
EFC European Foundation
Work highlights
- Advising Mutares (SFC Solutions Częstochowa) on a complex sale and leaseback transaction involving a key manufacturing plant in Częstochowa, Poland, owned by SFC Solutions (a company owned by Mutares).
- Advising Duraline on a collective redundancy project at DuraLine’s manufacturing plant in Poland in connection with the restructuring of employment and the need to adapt the workforce to the employer’s business needs.
- Representing Bei-Trans (a Ukrainian-based transportation/logistics company present in the market for over 27 years, servicing 54 countries worldwide on three continents) in every stage of a restructuring proceedings initiated by a Polish debtor.
Poland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
The team at the ‘dynamic and pragmatic’ Kochanski & Partners is well equipped to handle venture capital investments, M&A transactions, reorganisations and restructurings, and matters surrounding shareholder agreements. It often supports companies throughout their lifecycle, from their initial incorporation through to their public listing. Regarding sector activity, the practice is notably active in the real estate, energy, and tech industries. Paweł Cholewiński leads the transactional group, Rafał Rapala heads up the corporate team and Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna spearheads the firm’s technology-focused M&A department. Pawel Mardas departed the firm.Practice head(s):
Paweł Cholewiński; Rafał Rapala; Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna
Other key lawyers:
Karol Połosak; Aneta Serowik; Adam Czarnota
Testimonials
‘We work with the team quite regularly on local equity incentives matters. They are responsive and helpful.’
‘Very dynamic and pragmatic firm, suitable to deal with international clients and complex processes, able to bridge cultural gaps to make the deal happen!’
‘Partner Paweł Cholewiński stands out. He was able to unlock the deal for an important inbound investment by a big Belgian group in Poland.’
‘The team has advised on a large number of highly complex transactions and is therefore able to anticipate potential problems in a transaction even before they arise. This gives us the peace of mind of knowing that we are in good hands.’
‘They always focus on problem solving and are great negotiators.’
‘Rafał Rapala and Paweł Cholewiński are the top partners, zooming from strategic thinking into deal details.’
Key clients
Chi Mei Frozen Food Co. Ltd.
B. Braun Group
PIB Group
Cyclomedia B.V.
Aper Ventures
The Seelig Group
Pacific Media Group
The Industrial Development Agency
Blackshield Capital
Blachotrapez S.A.
Cooley
The Polish Security Printing Works Agency
State Street Bank
State Street Corporation
State Street Global Advisors
Polish Airlines LOT
INDUS Holding AG
Revolt Energy
Symfonia
Diebold Nixdorf
Ferro Corp.
Norblin Group
Ringer Axel Springer
Echo Polska Properties
Redefine
Dom Development
YIT Development
Deutsche Hypo
Universal Fibers Inc.
Knight Frank
Murapol
Skanska Property Poland
Skanska Residential
Griffin Capital Partners
Savills
Plastipak
Oxenwood Real Estate (UK)
Coca-Cola HBC
Air Products
Beneteau Group
Reckitt Benckiser
Newcold
Work highlights
- Advising Mutares/SFC Solutions Częstochowa on a complex sale and leaseback transaction involving a key manufacturing plant in Częstochowa, Poland, owned by SFC Solutions.
- Advising The Industrial Development Agency on a number of M&A transactions worth EUR 150m.
- Advising Blackshield Capital, a UK private equity fund, on an investment in EZ Phone Mobile, a Polish company providing services as a mobile virtual network operator and mobile virtual network enabler.
Poland > Construction Tier 3
With a particular focus on construction within the energy industry, the team at Kochanski & Partners’ industry knowledge makes it well-placed to advise on technical or regulatory requirements for the construction of seaports, offshore sea cables and gas pipelines. The team also supports clients in selecting locations for greenfield investments, establishing contractual structures and obtaining relevant permits. The team is headed by Paweł Cholewiński, who handles various transactions involving shopping malls, office buildings and industrial facilities; and Wojciech Wrochna manages construction surrounding major energy projects.Practice head(s):
Paweł Cholewiński; Wojciech Wrochna
Key clients
Newcold
Polish Nuclear Power Plants (Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe)
Air Products
Northvolt Poland
Krynica Vitamin
Polish Airports (PPL)
Northvolt Systems Poland
Air Products (a world-leading industrial gas company)
Polenergia
The Polish Security Printing Works Agency (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych S.A.)
The Polish Electricity Transmission System Operator (Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A)
Havi Logistics
Savills
Skanska
Oxenwood Real Estate (UK)
Work highlights
- Advising Polish Nuclear Power Plants on the development and construction of a nuclear power plant.
- Advising Northvolt Poland on the development of the client’s hydrogen business in Poland.
- Advising Air Products on the construction of a hydrogen factory and a hydrogen gas-fired CCHP.
Poland > Dispute resolution Tier 3
At Kochanski & Partners, key names in the dispute resolution space include Witold Głuchowski, who leads the litigation practice; Mateusz Ostrowski, chair of the media litigation department; and Weronika Magdziak-Śliwa, who jointly heads up the banking litigation practice alongside Tomasz Leśko. The practice is active in disputes involving commercial and civil law, as well as media-related concerns. Previous head Marek Jeżewski joined Eversheds Sutherland Poland June 2024, as did Magdalena Papiernik-Konig and Dominika Durchowska in July 2024. Andrzej Pałys also departed in the summer of 2024, and Michał König left for an in-house position in May 2024. Markiyan Malskyy departed in January 2025.Practice head(s):
Witold Głuchowski; Mateusz Ostrowski; Tomasz Leśko; Weronika Magdziak-Śliwa; Piotr Kochański
Other key lawyers:
Jakub Jach; Olga Senator
Testimonials
‘Working with the dispute resolution practice team was truly exceptional.’
‘The team is not only highly professional, but also open to implementing new approaches to achieve the most effective results for clients. This demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset, setting them apart.’
‘Excellent contact, extensive experience in both civil and criminal law, business-minded.’
‘Witold Głuchowski is recommended.’
Key clients
Comas Costruzione Macchine Speziali SpA
The Polish Electricity Transmission System Operator
GKN Aerospace Services Limited
Młyn Szadek
Bei-Trans LLC
LS Airport Services
Svantek
Clooney Foundation for Justice
Green Investment S.A.
CMI Maciej Uhl
Pilatus
PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.
Peter and Joseph Kochanek
Forteam Investment Limited
Honwood Services Ltd.
LOT Polish Airlines
Ringier Axel Springer Poland
Savills
Bank BPH S.A.
Bank Millennium S.A.
Bank PKO BP
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A.
Perfect Gym Solutions S.A.
Greń sp. j.
Work highlights
- Defending Ringier Axel Springer Poland, the media and journalists, against baseless lawsuits and indictments aimed at stifling debate and public criticism.
- Representing Peter Kochanek and Joseph Kochanek in an investment arbitration case against the Republic of Poland under the Poland-US Treaty.
- Representing Bei-Trans LLC, a Ukrainian international logistics company in proceedings before the Polish courts for the enforcement and execution of an arbitration award issued by the International Commercial Arbitration Court in Kiev.
Poland > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3
Kochanski & Partners's broad offering handles a varied workload of data privacy issues within the medtech industry, M&A, and public procurement mandates within the clinical trial space. Practice co-lead Katarzyna Sabiłło joined the team in 2024, drawing on her prior experience as a pharmacist to assist with marketing authorisations and registration processes, in addition to advising on reimbursement issues. Fellow co-head Piotr Kochański is well-equipped to handle commercial disputes and technology transfers within the life sciences sector.Practice head(s):
Katarzyna Sabiłło; Piotr Kochański
Other key lawyers:
Krzysztof Zięba
Testimonials
‘We cooperate directly with legal advisors or patent attorneys with long practical experience which enables us to build trust in the law firm.’
‘Wide range of specialisation altogether with good number of lawyers. Readiness to accept or discuss clients remarks, changes in legal aspects. Very high engagement in the cases, even on aspects which are not legal. Initiative in new solutions, new steps to take.’
Key clients
Clinical Trials Solutions
KO-MED Centra Kliniczne
Corza Medical
Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd
B. Braun Group
Clininote
Reckitt Benckiser
Hasco Lek
Hasco TM
nOvum Fertility Clinic
Krynica Vitamin S.A.
Techdow Pharma Poland
Work highlights
- Representing HASCO Lek against its competitor Swiss Pharma International in various trademark infringement cases.
- Advising Corza Medical on the distribution of products and representing the client in the field of public procurement law in a number of tender procedures of different values.
- Advising Reckitt Benckiser on the verification of distribution contracts related to pharmaceutical products and medical devices.
Poland > Private equity Tier 3
The team at Kochanski & Partners provides advice throughout investment cycles, from fund formations and venture capital investments, to financings, refinancings, and going-private transactions. Its client roster includes private equity sponsors and their investment funds and portfolio companies; it is also active in leveraged buyouts and recapitalisations. Former practice head Pawel Mardas departed in January 2025.Other key lawyers:
Pawel Cholewinski; Rafał Rapala; Karol Połosak; Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna; Malwina Jagiełło; Weronika Duda; Aneta Serowik
Testimonials
‘We work with the team quite regularly on local equity incentives matters. They are responsive and helpful.’
‘Very good team.’
‘Very dynamic and well led team, top player in the local scene.’
‘Partner Pawel Cholewinski stands out. He was able to unlock the deal for an important inbound investment.’
Key clients
The Industrial Development Agency
Mutares
SFC Solutions
Blackshield Capital
Aper Ventures
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
The Seelig Group
Pacific Media Group
IZFIA
State Street Corporation
State Street Bank
Oxenwood Real Estate
Beneteau Group
Alantra – Klima Energy Fund
Work highlights
- Advising Mutares / SFC Solutions Częstochowa on a complex sale and leaseback transaction involving a key manufacturing plant in Częstochowa, Poland, owned by SFC Solutions (a company owned by Mutares).
- Advising The Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu – a joint stock company 100% controlled by the Polish State Treasury, which provides funds for the development of industrial sectors from the Polish economy through capital investments) on a number of M&A transactions worth €150m.
- Advising Blackshield Capital on an investment in EZ Phone Mobile.
Poland > Public procurement Tier 3
Advising on public procurement issues across such industries as IT, waste management and national defence, the team at Kochanski & Partners advises domestic contracting authorities in a variety of tenders. Having recently expanded its offering to assist with media and social communications matters, the team offers representation before the National Appeal Chamber and the regional court in appeal and complaints proceedings. The team is led by Jakub Krysa, who brings strength to handling domestic and EU public procurement law matters, with a focus on IT, infrastructure and environmental mandates.Practice head(s):
Jakub Krysa
Testimonials
‘Individual approach, interest in solving client issues.’
Key clients
Centralny Ośrodek Informatyki
KO-MED Centra Kliniczne
Spring Software
Euvic Media
Swarco Poland
Transrevis UAB
Clinical Trials Solutions
Operator Chmury Krajowej
Aplan Media
Inteliwise (EFECTE Group)
Work highlights
- Advising Centralny Ośrodek Informatyki on an IT tender.
- Providing Transrevis UAB with support in the framework of a tender organised by the City of Wroclaw for the provision of public collective transport services.
- Providing Operator Chmury Krajowej with public procurement advice and representation in connection with tenders for the provision of cloud computing services.
Poland > Real estate Tier 3
With an innovative year in the market, the real estate team at Kochanski & Partners has broadened its horizons to green buildings and green leases, alongside its usual comprehensive advisory service ranging from project development, leasing and transactions. The team advises buyers, sellers and developers, across a range of asset classes including office, retail and multi-residential. Leading the department is Paweł Cholewiński, who provides strategic advice in relation to transactional structures as they pertain to property types such as shopping malls, logistic centres and office buildings.Practice head(s):
Paweł Cholewiński
Other key lawyers:
Malwina Jagiełło; Weronika Duda
Testimonials
‘The team is prepared to provide comprehensive service on topics and transactions in the real estate sector. The team members are distinguished by their extensive knowledge of legal regulations, but also practical knowledge, which can be helpful in specific negotiations.’
‘Paweł Cholewiński – customer orientation and success, high negotiation skills, and excellent knowledge of the industry.’
‘Partner Pawel Cholewinski stands out. He was able to unlock the deal for an important inbound investment.’
‘They combine in-depth knowledge of the market with a pragmatic approach and a strong focus on achieving the client’s goals. Simply put, they are transactional experts. They are great negotiators.’
‘Paweł Cholewiński is an exceptional lawyer, with great project management and analytical skills. He is proactive, business-oriented, sharp and open-minded.’
Key clients
Mutares SE & Co.
SFC Solutions
Capita PLC
PBG / Hampton by Hilton
Apollo Rida Poland
CA Immo Poland
PBG Group / Skalar Office Center
Panattoni
Dom Development
Havi Logistics
Skanska
Savills
Savills Property Management
Oxenwood Real Estate (UK)
AccorInvest Group S.A.
Bosch
Griffin Capital Partners
EPP Poland (Echo Polska Properties)
Air Products
Beneteau Group
Johnson Matthey PLC
Newcold
Equiniti Group PLC
Symfonia
AHK Polska (Polish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce)
Polskie ePłatności
The Industrial Development Agency
Revolt Energy
Symfonia
Echo Polska Properties (EPP N.V.)
Redefine
YIT Development
Knight Frank
Murapol
Griffin Capital Partners
Plastipak
Oxenwood Real Estate (UK)
Newcold
Work highlights
- Advising Mutares/ SFC Solutions Częstochowa on a complex sale and leaseback transaction.
- Advising PBG / Hampton by Hilton on the sale of Hampton by Hilton Swinoujscie to the Satoria Group.
- Advising Newcold, in its investment development, including advising on the purchase of real estate properties for greenfield investments, as well as assistance in an investment process linked with the extension of already existing warehouses.
Poland > Tax Tier 3
Kochanski & Partners is particularly active for clients in the financial services sector, with strengths in contentious matters and audits. Co-leading the department are Agata Dziwisz-Moshe, Wojciech Śliż, and Andrzej Malec. Dziwisz-Moshe covers real estate tax, while Śliż is an expert in indirect tax. Mirosław Malczeski is another key name in the department.Practice head(s):
Agata Dziwisz-Moshe; Wojciech Śliż; Andrzej Malec
Other key lawyers:
Mirosław Malczeski; Aleksandra Pizon-Jaworska
Testimonials
‘Proactive team. They tell me what to watch out for.’
‘Friendly, available and proactive. Good advice and understanding of the case.’
‘The people I work with stand out for their great commitment, holistic view of the matter, and taking the initiative. The team is responsive, providing interesting solutions.’
‘Quick response to a request or inquiry. Great interest in the client and their needs. Professional service at every level of cooperation. Wide range of services. A team composed of specialists in various fields of law.’
‘Individual approach to our company. Accuracy in preparing documents. Punctuality.’
‘I like their approach. They brainstorm in groups trying to find any potential weakness in the case and prepare several strategies beforehand.’
Key clients
Blackshield Capital
Cyclomedia Technology B.V.
HAVI Logistics
Cyclomedia B.V.
Blackshield Capital
Forza Foods Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advising HAVI Logistics on a complex tax strategy regarding a planned merger of companies within a capital group, including cross-border mergers.
- Advising Forza Foods Ltd. on PIT compliance related to the presence of the client’s employees on the premises of the processing plant in Poland.
- Advising Blackshield Capital on an investment in EZ Phone Mobile, a Polish company providing services as a mobile virtual network operator and mobile virtual network enabler.
Poland > TMT Tier 3
Recently joining the TMT practice at Kochanski & Partners, Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna brings strength to IT and data protection projects. Alongside joining the practice, Kotlowska-Wochna joins the other department heads in leading the practice, namely, Piotr Kochański, who represents clients in complex litigation and assists them with technology transfers, Monika Maćkowska-Morytz , who specialises in personal data protection, while Mateusz Ostrowski takes on a variety of litigation proceedings involving fintech and cryptocurrency. More broadly the team advises on cloud computing and has been developing its fintech practice. Former co-head Jan Ziomek departed in October 2024.Practice head(s):
Piotr Kochański; Monika Maćkowska-Morytz; Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna; Mateusz Ostrowski
Testimonials
‘Our cooperation with the firm has been very positive. Their strengths include deep expertise, responsiveness, and a collaborative approach.’
‘The individuals we work with are reliable, knowledgeable, and proactive. They stand out for their quick understanding of our needs and practical solutions.’
‘The team operates in a well-organised manner, is very receptive to business needs, and is well-versed in new regulations.’
‘The lawyers we have had the pleasure of working with are very knowledgeable, experienced, and open to business needs.’
Key clients
The National Clearing House
Robinhood Markets, Inc. / Europe UAB
Bank of the Polish Cooperative Society
Primeforce
Identt
Coinbase
Coins Digital Markets (Eu) Limited
Orange Energia
Ringier Axel Springer Polska
Volkswagen Financial Services Polska
ING Bank Śląski S.A.
Bank Pocztowy S.A.
Sopockie Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń ERGO Hestia S.A. and Sopockie Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń na Życie ERGO Hestia S.A.
mBank S.A.
Chamber of Fund and Asset Managers
PKO Bank Polski S.A.
Polskie Towarzystwo Reasekuracji S.A.
BOX Inc.
BOX Poland
Work highlights
- Providing Volkswagen Financial Services Polska, ING Bank Śląski S.A. Bank Pocztowy S.A., and ERGO HESTIA with advice on adapting to the requirements of the DORA regulations.
- Defending Ringier Axel Springer Poland against lawsuits and indictments.
- Leading a cloud project aimed at cloud deployment for the Bank of the Polish Cooperative Society, and analysing the feasibility of cloud implementation in all cooperative banks.
Poland > Data privacy and data protection Tier 4
Providing ‘innovative solutions’, the team at Kochanski & Partners has substantial experience handling data privacy, protection and security matters, owing to its client base of leading multinational companies across key industries such as finance, fintech and medtech. The team also specialises in cross-border data transfers, data processing and transfer agreements, as well as cybersecurity audits and policies. The team is led by Piotr Kochański, who is well-versed in technology transfers, and Monika Maćkowska-Morytz,who has relevant experience in handling audits.Practice head(s):
Piotr Kochański; Monika Maćkowska-Morytz
Testimonials
‘Our cooperation with the firm has been very positive. Their strengths include deep expertise, responsiveness and a collaborative approach.’
‘The individuals we work with are reliable, knowledgeable and proactive. They stand out for their quick understanding of our needs and practical solutions. We especially value their strong communication and problem-solving skills.’
‘The team is well-organised, operates very efficiently and is well-versed in the new data protection regulations.’
‘The people we have had the pleasure of working with are extremely responsive, experienced and committed. We value them for their business agility and high competence.’
‘Monika Maćkowska-Morytz is a leading expert in data protection, guiding our firm through the complexities of this field.’
‘Kochański & Partners stands out for its client-focused approach and deep expertise across diverse legal areas. We appreciate the team’s ability to provide tailored solutions with strong communication and collaboration.’
‘The individuals we work with at Kochański & Partners truly stand out due to their deep expertise, professionalism and dedication to client service. What sets them apart from competitors is their proactive approach to problem-solving and their ability to think creatively when addressing complex legal matters.
‘We particularly value their responsiveness and commitment to clear communication.’
Key clients
Identt
Equinity Service Limited
Clininote
ERGO Hestia
mBank
Pandora Jewellery CEE
BOX Poland
SGI Group
Murapol S.A.
LOT Polish Airlines
Perfect Gym
PKO BP S.A.
Ringier Axel Springer Polska
TIDIO Poland
Havi Logistics
Idom
Savills
Work highlights
- Advising and providing Clininote with process development advice and data privacy opinions on projects aimed at improving automation tools.
- Advising Ringier Axel Springer Poland on issues at the intersection of media law and the right to privacy of individuals who are the characters of articles circulated by the publisher.
- Advising and representing Polish Airlines in 13 court cases brought by the client against the Data Protection Authority.
Poland > Employment Tier 4
Kochanski & Partners possesses broad experience in employer and employee relations within the scope of individual and collective labour law, as well as in negotiations with work councils and trade unions. Anna Gwiazda takes charge of leading the group and excels in reorganisation processes, notably the planning and executing of radiances. Angelika Stanko is also considered an asset of the team.Practice head(s):
Anna Gwiazda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are a top-tier firm, with competitive rates and quality lawyers. It’s an absolute pleasure every time I get to work with Kochanski & Partners.’
‘I worked specifically with Anna Gwiazda on all employment-related matters. She is incredibly knowledgeable in her field, and able to deal with matters in a timely matter, with the necessary sense of urgency. She has gone over and above in assisting us. She is, to date, one of our preferred labour law specialists.’
Key clients
Megatech
SFC Solutions
Duraline
HAVI
Pandora
Accor
AirProducts
Coca Cola HBC Polska
DSM
Eurobox
ReckittBenkiser
Work highlights
- Providing comprehensive employment law advice to Reckitt Benkiser.
- Advising Duraline on a collective redundancy project at DuraLine’s manufacturing plant in Poland.
- Advising Accor on an employee transfer project.
Kochanski & Partners > Firm Profile
Managing Partner: Piotr Kochański
Equity Partners: Piotr Kochański, Paweł Cholewiński, Agata Dziwisz-Moshe, Anna Gwiazda, Mateusz Ostrowski, Karol Połosak, Rafał Rapala, Aleksandra Ryżkowska, Michał Walczak, Monika Wojciechowska
Number of partners: 21
Number of other fee-earners: +100
Offices: Warsaw, Krakow
Firm Overview:
Kochański & Partners combines technological progress, experience and expertise to create innovative legal solutions and offer its clients top quality services.
The firm is not only a legal advisor, but also an invaluable business partner, supporting companies in finding answers to global challenges and megatrends. The firm is actively shaping the legal and social environment around the hottest contemporary topics such as data-driven economics, decarbonization, the metaverse, ESG, global infrastructure, global finance and capital markets.
The firm is well-known for its cross-border services, international cooperation and knowledge sharing programmes. Its experienced lawyers and tax experts advise international companies on becoming established in Poland (through incorporation, commercial arrangements or business acquisitions) or on trading with their partners throughout the world. Its advisors are able to coordinate and provide a seamless service with the firm’s network of international law firms in Europe, the UK, the USA and Asia.
Kochański & Partners is committed to applying and promoting ESG practices in its business and work environment. The firm is a member of the United Nations Global Compact, and a signatory of the Diversity Charter under the aegis of the European Commission. The firm has voluntarily participated in the non-financial survey by independent international auditor EcoVadis, being ranked in the 89th percentile of participating companies and awarded a Silver EcoVadis Medal.
Main Areas of Practice:
Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
Kochański & Partners’ Dispute Resolution practice consists of international disputes, commercial disputes, civil and media litigation, and disputes of financial institutions. Within this practice, more than 40 lawyers are regularly engaged in sophisticated and challenging dispute projects, often of a landmark nature.
Kochański & Partners’ international disputes team receives instructions from foreign investors under bilateral investment treaties in the most complex investor-State arbitrations, while the commercial disputes practice faces an increasing number of instructions to represent clients in the most complex commercial cases, both via arbitration and in courts. The Civil and media litigation team supports freedom of speech, often defending journalists in high stakes disputes concerning leading political and media events in Poland and Central Europe. Kochański & Partners is also well-known for having the largest team of banking litigators in Poland, which places them among a limited pool of law firms creating strategies for financial institutions facing disputes over their market practice.
Key clients: Forteam Investment, Honwood Services, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, Aasted, Betomax (direct 100% subsidiary of Indus Holding), Ringier Axel Springer Poland, Bank BPH, LOT Polish Airlines, Bank PKO BP (the biggest bank in Poland), Castorama, Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (Polish national electricity transmission system operator)
M&A
Kochański & Partners’ lawyers provide comprehensive advice on M&A and private equity issues. They advise on noteworthy local and cross-border transactions and smaller scale complex projects, as well as assist strategic and financial investors and business entities.
The advantage of Kochański & Partners M&A team is their creative and pragmatic approach with priority always given to smoothly facilitate the achievement of a client’s business goals. The M&A team offers practical solutions and clear conclusions and precisely identifies and realizes the goals of each transaction.
Types of M&A transactions: share deals, asset deals, mergers, spin-offs and transformations of companies, including regulated market companies, restructuring of companies and groups of companies, exit structuring, drafting and negotiating shareholders agreements and joint venture agreements
Key clients: State Street Corporation, State Street Bank, State Street Global Advisors, LOT Polish Airlines, INDUS Holding (parent company of Betomax systems), Blachotrapez, Revolt Energy, Ringer Axel Springer, Echo Polska Properties (EPP N.V.), Redefine, Dom Development, AccorInvest Group, Universal Fibers, Knight Frank, Coca-Cola HBC, Reckitt Benckiser, Air Products, Savills
Tax
Kochański & Partners’ Tax team is best placed to provide comprehensive advice on both domestic and international taxation, including ensuring effective tax settlements and accounting.
Kochański & Partners’ tax experts have renowned expertise in the field of tax litigation, international taxation, tax compliance (including transfer pricing), dynamic tax planning and structuring, accounting and complex advisory to companies operating in innovative sectors. They conduct their projects in close cooperation with other practices in order to ensure clients receive multidisciplinary legal advice to maximize their chances at mitigating legal risk.
Clients recognize that their advisors do not limit themselves to simply solving a single problem. By taking a broader perspective and analyzing the company’s particular situation in depth, they show their clients new ways to make savings on their tax burdens, often through the obtaining of significant tax refunds.
The Tax team authored and published the ‘Taxation of Cryptocurrencies and NFTs, and Challenges in the Metaverse’, the first extensive tax report on this area in Poland.
Key services: dynamic tax planning (tax efficiency of transactions); tax compliance and tax reporting, including VAT, WHT, MDR and transfer pricing compliance; tax support in real estate transactions – share or asset deals; tax efficiency for innovative businesses; International Tax Law; CIT, PIT, VAT, local taxes; customs law; tax proceedings; tax support during the introduction of a company into the Polish or foreign market.
Key clients: State Street Bank, Tchibo, Schooner Capital, Johnson Matthey, Oxenwood Real Estate, Forza Foods, Redefine Properties, Pandora Jewellery, Techdow
Banking & Finance:
Kochański & Partners’ is best placed to advise its clients on every aspect of transactional banking, complex regulatory matters, litigation banking and innovative projects connecting banking and technology.
The company stands out as a pioneer and thought leader wherever technology merges with financial services. Kochański & Partners supported the biggest Polish bank in building their presence in the global metaverse and, in cooperation with the Polish Bank Association (ZBP), co-authored the major update to the Polish standard for cloud computing implementation in banks, acting as the exclusive legal counsel to the workgroup.
In terms of litigation banking, Kochański & Partners is among a limited pool of law firms creating strategies for financial institutions facing disputes over their market practices. They work with top tier banks, and as one of the premier law firms representing the banking sector have a current portfolio of over 7000 cases regarding claims over Swiss Franc related mortgage loans.
Key services: transactional banking, regulatory matters, cloud computing in the banking sector, financial services in the metaverse, litigation banking, cybersecurity in the financial service market
Key clients: Universal Fibers (subsidiary of H.I.G. Capital), State Street Global Advisors, Polish Bank Association (Związek Banków Polskich, ZBP), Bank BPH, Bank Millennium, Bank PKO BP, mBank
Energy
Kochanski & Partners offers both national and international clients a sophisticated legal and project management advisory regarding high profile energy projects, regularly acting on the development, financing, acquisition and disposal of a wide variety of energy generation and transmission assets, as well as specialist energy regulatory matters. The law firm is also building its reputation in the development of large scale and high profile infrastructural projects, with a unique and rich experience in the development of infrastructural projects in the Baltic Sea.
Kochański & Partners’ experts are best placed to advise its clients in all aspects of climate change and new technologies in the energy sector issues (including hydrogen, energy storage, and waste to energy projects). Their unique experiences in the energy market, also brings added value to infrastructural projects, in particular greenfield investments in which they advise on a number of auxiliary services including the development of the energy strategy for production facilities constructed or operated by their clients.
Key specializations: hydrogen advisory, nuclear advisory, offshore energy projects, ESG, capacity market, greenfield projects, RES, energy storage projects, biogas projects
Key clients: Ductor; CEE Equity Partners; Krynica Vitamin; Swiss Krono; Northvolt Systems Poland; SPP Group; Montis Capital; Orange Poland; Reckitt Benckiser; MFW Bałtyk (JV of Polish Polenergia and Norwegian Equinor)
Technology
Kochański & Partners’ Technology practice stands out as a thought leader in FinTech. They supported the biggest Polish bank in establishing their presence in the global metaverse and, in cooperation with the Polish Bank Association (ZBP), co-authored the major update to the Polish standard for cloud computing implementation in banks, acting as the exclusive legal counsel to the workgroup.
They authored and published the ‘Kochański & Partners Metaverse Report’, the first extensive report on the Metaverse in Poland.
The Technology Team specializes in all aspects of IT contracts, technology compliance, financial regulatory, blockchain & cryprtoassets, IT dispute resolution, and data protection, advising in particular, banks, insurance companies, payment services providers, investment funds and financial technology providers.
Key clients: ERGO Hestia, mBank, mBank Hipoteczny, mElements, Nest Bank, IZFIA (Chamber of Fund and Asset Managers), GFT Group, Związek Banków Polskich (Polish Banks Association), MAIN, Europejski Fundusz Leasingowy (Credit Agricole Group), PKO BP, Getin Noble Bank, Tameshi Investments
Real Estate
Kochański & Partners’ Real Estate practice acts for domestic and international business and advise on the full range of real estate transactions. The team has the commitment, resources and know-how to advise on all aspects of the ‘property cycle’, including acquisitions, developments, environmental, planning and leasing advice, as well as financing and exit.
Key services: general real estate advice, real estate transactions, forward purchase and forward funding projects, construction law, lease agreements, real estate financing, real estate restitution
Key clients: Panattoni, Oxenwood Real Estate, Beneteau Group, Ikea, Coca Cola, Savills Property Management, Johnson Matthey, AccorInvest Group, Skanska, Havi Logistics, Reckitt Benckiser, Equiniti Group PLC
Infrastructure
Kochański & Partners Infrastructure practice provides comprehensive advice to both economic operators and contracting authorities on the preparation and implementation of investment processes in all sectors of infrastructure and construction. The team supports its clients at every stage of the investment process, including the phase of preparing technical documentation for proceedings or obtaining financing for a given project.
The team is also best placed to provide support on designing and implementing the optimal litigation strategies within disputes arising between the investor and the contractor / subcontractor.
Since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Infrastructure team, in close cooperation with the Ukrainian Desk and the Public Procurement practice, has consistently raised its voice in the ongoing debate on the direction of the country’s reconstruction, initiating numerous stationary events and webinars.
Key clients: Baltic Pipe Project (GAZ-SYSTEM), Northvolt, NewCold (Westport Capital), STRABAG, Johnson Matthey, DCT Gdańsk (Deepwater Container Terminal), Mecanotubo Poland, SIAC
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Artur Bakiewicz | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Joanna Brzozowska | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Konrad Bukowian | Partner / Transactional Practices Group / Japan Desk | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Pawel Cholewinski | Attorney at Law / Co-Managing Partner / Head of the Transactional Practices… | View Profile |
![]() |
Adam Czarnota | Advocate / Senior Associate / Corporate Law / Mergers & Acquisitions | View Profile |
![]() |
Marek Dolatowski | Advocate / Solicitor of England and Wales (non-practising) / Infrastructure, Energy, Environment… | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Weronika Duda | Attorney-at-law / Counsel / Real Estate / Head of the German Desk | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Agata Dziwisz-Moshe | Advocate / Partner / Head of Tax | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Anna Gwiazda | Attorney at Law, Partner, Head of Labor Law Practice | View Profile |
![]() |
Witold Zbigniew Głuchowski | Advocate / Partner / Head of Litigation | View Profile |
![]() |
Jakub Jach | Attorney-at-law / Counsel / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Malwina Jagiełło | Counsel | View Profile |
![]() |
Filip Jeżewski | Attorney-at-Law / Counsel / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Milena Kazanowska-Kędzierska | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Energy, Infrastructure, Environment Protection, ESG | View Profile |
![]() |
Artur Kluge | Advocate / Senior Associate / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Piotr Kochanski | Advocate / Senior Managing Partner | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna | Attorney-at-Law / Head of New Tech M&A / NewTech Practice Group /… | View Profile |
![]() |
Bartosz Kulik | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Real Estate | View Profile |
![]() |
Tomasz Leśko | Attorney-at-law / Partner / Disputes of Financial Institutions / Head of the… | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Weronika Magdziak-Śliwa | Advocate / Partner / Head of Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Paulina Majewska | Advocate / Senior Associate / Transactional Practice Group / Real Estate | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Mirosław Malczeski | Attorney-at-law / Counsel / Tax Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Dr Andrzej Malec | Attorney-at-Law / Tax Advisor / Certified Accountant / Partner / Tax Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Karolina Marciniszyn | Trademark and Patent Attorney / Partner / Head of Intellectual & Industrial… | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Monika Maćkowska-Morytz | Advocate / Partner / Head of the Personal Data Protection and Cyber… | View Profile |
![]() |
Lukasz Mlynarkiewicz | Attorney-at-law / Partner / Head of the Nuclear Energy Practice / Infrastructure,… | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Mateusz Ostrowski | Advocate / Partner / Head of Media Litigation and Press Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Lukasz Pilszak | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Aleksandra Pizon-Jaworska | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Tax Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Karol Polosak | Advocate / Partner / Transactional Practice Group / Mergers and Acquisitions /… | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Rafal Rapala | Attorney-at-law / Partner / Head of Corporate Law and Corporate Litigation /… | View Profile |
![]() |
Katarzyna Sabillo | Senior Associate, Head of Pharma and Life Sciences | View Profile |
![]() |
Olga Senator | Advocate / Senior Associate / Media Litigation | View Profile |
![]() |
Ms Aneta Serowik | Advocate / Partner / Corporate law and disputes | View Profile |
![]() |
Iwona Sowa-Dorda | Advocate / Senior Associate / Commercial Contracts / FMCG | View Profile |
![]() |
Angelika Stańko | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Labour Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Tomasz Szambelan | Advocate / Senior Associate / Intellectual and Industrial Property Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Katarzyna Szremska | Attorney-at-law / Senior Associate / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Monika Urban-Piotrowska | Advocate / Senior Associate / Competition & Antitrust / Consumer Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Dominik Wojtas | Attorney-at-law / Counsel / Litigation | View Profile |
![]() |
Katarzyna Wroblewska | Attorney-at-aw / Senior Associate / Disputes of Financial Institutions | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Krzysztof Zieba | Attorney-at-law / Partner / Head of FMCG, Retail & Automotive, Trade &… | View Profile |
![]() |
Mr Wojciech Śliż | Tax Advisor / Partner / Tax Law | View Profile |
![]() |
Kornelia Świder | Advocate / Counsel / Coordinator of Out-of-court and Court Litigation Processes /… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : over 100Languages
English French German Italian Polish Portuguese Russian SpanishMemberships
United Nations Global Compact Network Poland Women’s Empowerment Principles Campaign for Greener Arbitrations The International Bar Association (IBA) The Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (PUCC) British-Polish Chamber of Commerce International Chamber of Commerce La Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Pologne (CCIFP) Polish Chamber of Information Technology and Telecommunications (PIIT) Polish-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Polish-Spanish Chamber of Commerce Polish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Scandinavian Polish Chamber of Commerce The International Trademark Association (INTA) The Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry (PIPC) The Polish Confederation Lewiatan The Polish-Italian Chamber of Commerce Union of Employers ShokokaiPress Releases
Kochański & Partners effectively assist in life saving humanitarian missions to Ukraine
1st December 2023 The world is currently gripped by war – both in the East and West. In Europe, Ukraine fights for it’s survival against a cruel and tyrannical superpower, Russia.Kochanski and Partners shortlisted in the 2023 Lawyer European Awards in 4 categories
1st December 2023 Despite strong competition from more than 120 companies, with more than 250 total entries all fighting for a share of the 27 available awards,Legal Project Management: why do you need a legal project manager?
1st December 2023 Rising costs and pressures on business have led many companies to question whether they can afford to pursue expensive and risky litigation projects, with many companies feeling they would rather settle than engage in unpredictable and risky legal battles.SLAPP: What’s new
1st December 2023 The EU Council's new SLAPP directive represents a significant step towards addressing the issue of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) within the European Union.Kochański & Partners supported ERGO Hestia in their ISO certification
6th October 2023 ERGO Hestia is one of the largest players in the insurance sector, a leader in InsurTech and the creator of numerous innovative solutions. Kochański & Partners recently supported their client in obtaining ISO 27001 and ISO 27017 information security certification.Obtaining ISO 27001 and 27017 certifications with Kochański & Partners:
28th September 2023 The team handling the project was led by Monika Maćkowska-Morytz, Partner in Kochański & Partners’ Technology and Personal Data Practice.ISO certification for ERGO Hestia
28th September 2023 Cybersecurity and securing against digital risk are now the top priority for any organisation. Companies with foresight are thus aware of the need to obtain documents confirming the quality of their services, with certification the end goal in a whole chain of activities.Kochański & Partners supported ERGO Hestia in their ISO certification
28th September 2023 ERGO Hestia is one of the largest players in the insurance sector, a leader in InsurTech and the creator of numerous innovative solutions. Kochański & Partners recently supported their client in obtaining ISO 27001 and ISO 27017 information security certification.Kochański & Partners advised Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych on the acquisition of a greenfield site from Polfa S.A.
28th September 2023 Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (PWPW) has signed a PLN 143 million agreement with Tarchomińskie Zakłady Farmaceutyczne “Polfa” S.A. for the purchase of more than 17 hectares of land in Tarchomin, Warsaw.Jan Ziomek joins Kochański & Partners as Head of FinTech within the NewTech Sector Practice | This is the next stage of a carefully planned and consistently implemented consolidation.
11th September 2023 Following strategic actions in the areas of Global Transactions and International Finance, the time has come to complete the building of a comprehensive New Technologies Practice.Kochański & Partners – Concentration, Consolidation, Consistency
5th June 2023 Kochański & Partners is entering the next stage in the consistent pursuit of its business strategy – consolidation, while increasing the number of its Partners and Equity Partners. Piotr Kochański, Managing Partner, has become head of the integrated New Technologies Practice, with one team being led by Monika Maćkowska-Morytz in her role as Partner. The Firm is joined by Dariusz Dobkowski and Marek Król, who will lead the Global Commercial Practice and the Banking & Finance Practice, respectively. Dariusz Dobkowski, Markiyan Malskyy and Karol Połosak have become Equity Partners. Kochański & Partners has also announced extensive expansion and its plans to open new offices in key Polish business centres.Successful management buyout at Jansen
15th May 2023 Jansen is one of the largest Polish importers of cheese and other premium dairy products, having more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, and from being placed in the largest hyper and supermarket chains, has launched around 500 exclusive products on the Polish market. Kochański & Partners advised Jansen’s shareholder on the structuring and execution of a management buyout.Kochański & Partners advised on the purchase of a 75% stake in first-league GKS Tychy Football Club
15th May 2023 GKS Tychy is an ambitious football club from Silesia, consistently striving to add more trophies to its growing collection.KOCHAŃSKI & PARTNERS IS AWARDED THE ECOVADIS SILVER MEDAL
27th April 2023 Kochański & Partners has received a high rating in the ESG audit conducted by EcoVadis, an international specialist rating agency. EcoVadis is a trusted provider of corporate sustainability ratings, having to date audited more than 100,000 businesses from around the world. To demonstrate its commitment to responsible and sustainable business conduct, the Firm underwent a detailed analysis of its non-financial activities. The high rating and the silver medal awarded to Kochański & Partners reflect its maturity and attention to high management standards.Kochański & Partners strengthens its international position, as Agnieszka Chrzanowska appointed new IBA Publications Officer
14th February 2023 Agnieszka Chrzanowska, Partner and Head of the Kochański & Partners Media Sector, has been appointed Publications Officer on the Media Law Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA). This achievement has twofold significance, as it is also the first time that such a high-ranking position within the IBA has been entrusted to a Polish lawyer.KOCHAŃSKI & PARTNERS JOINS THE UN’S LARGEST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS INITIATIVE – THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT
30th January 2023 Kochański & Partners has joined the United Nations Global Compact – the world's largest initiative bringing together businesses working for sustainable development, and forming an integral part of the UN system based in New York. In advising clients on environmental issues, energy transition, sustainable finance, human rights, labour law and corporate governance, Kochański & Partners also implements ESG best practices into its day-to-day operations.Deadlock clauses in shareholders’ agreements
19th January 2023 Disagreements between shareholders can be a healthy thing, leading to creative solutions through the reaching of compromises. Differences can involve issues as diverse as how a company should be managed and controlled, and the direction and strategy it is taking. However, if differences become entrenched, the result can be potential deadlock and the loss of the ability to make important decisions, which can be severely damaging to a company and its shareholders.New liability rules for artificial intelligence in the European Union
7th December 2022 There’s a lot going on in the EU about Artificial Intelligence - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the EU’s strategy for creating a digital single market, and too this end, a number of EU legal documents have seen the light of day over the last several years. However, in April 2021, the European Commission presented a revolutionary proposal for a regulation on AI (Artificial Intelligence Act), laying the foundations for a legal framework for the use of AI within the European Union. Legislative work on the AI Act is already at an advanced stage and the document is expected to come into force at any moment.Kochański & Partners advised Savills on the acquisition of Knight Frank’s property management division
25th November 2022 We advised Savills, the international property advisory firm and leader in the commercial property industry, on the acquisition of a part of Knight Frank’s business, including its property management division. Following the transaction, Savills now manages more than 1,200,000 m² of office space.Piotr Kochański’s business advisory vision
21st November 2022 Kochański & Partners is the coherent, consistently and effectively built business advisory concept of Piotr Kochański. Lawyer, entrepreneur and manager, Piotr has set trends on the legal market in Poland for nearly 37 years, and fiercely promoted legal talent.The roots of the current ESG revolution
21st November 2022 As a new business trend, ESG is of growing interest to an increasing number of markets. More and more businesses are publishing ESG strategies and with good reason. According to PwC’s 2021 U.S. survey, 83% of consumers indicated a preference for companies to implement ESG best practices, and 86% of employees prefer to work for companies that care about ESG values.Trends in the regulation and taxation of crypto – a summary of the Kochański & Partners debate
15th November 2022 Kochański & Partners, the authors of the first metaverse report in Poland, published a follow-up tax themed report on 27 October. “Taxation of Cryptocurrencies and NFTs, and Challenges in the Metaverse” is a comprehensive overview of the tax consequences of events and transactions involving cryptocurrencies and NFTs. The publication was coupled with presentation of the report and an expert debate featuring the participation of representatives of business, new technology market practitioners who deal on a daily basis with crypto, NFTs and the Metaverse, and lawyers specialising in digital economics and taxes.Kochański & Partners Has Advised on the Strategic Baltic Pipe Energy Project
15th November 2022 On 27 September this year, the Baltic Pipe - the first ever offshore gas pipeline connecting Poland with the European energy system - was officially opened and symbolically launched. This is the first such large-scale project in the Polish area of the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Pipe is of strategic importance for energy security, as it has enabled the creating of a new gas supply corridor in Europe, allowing gas to be transported from Norway to the Danish and Polish markets, and also to end-users in neighbouring countries. The pipeline also enables the transmission of gas from Poland to Denmark. The investment is being carried out by the Polish gas transmission pipeline operator Gaz-System in cooperation with the Danish operator Energinet.The Work-life balance directive — Changes to the Labour Code and new rights for employees
15th November 2022 Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, commonly referred to as the work-life balance directive, is due to be implemented into the Labour Code by the Polish government.We are ready to change the world – step by step
15th November 2022 Making the world a better place is the key to our vision for building a new future. For nearly 25 years, we have been creating and initiating change, and not only when it comes to the legal market. We believe that we also have a responsibility to set benchmarks and trends in the wider social area, outside of our day to day legal service to which our Clients and colleagues have become accustomed.We advised Klima Energy, supporting the development of green energy
15th November 2022 Our M&A team, led by Pawel Mardas, assisted Klima Energy, the Spanish Alantra Group VC fund, in their PLN 70 million investment into SunRoof. Sunroof is a Polish-Swedish start-up, offering pholtovoltaic roof panels to produce green energy for powering homes, in countries including Poland, Germany, Sweden and Norway.SLAPP – a global legal problem that, if unchecked, could stifle freedom of expression
15th November 2022 History shows that the last bastion of freedom of speech, which guarantees these values, is the free press. But it’s no secret that since 2015, key constitutional values have been in crisis. Over the past three years, there have been repeated legal actions by state institutions, state-owned companies, businessmen and other lobbying organizations aimed at stifling the work of journalists, publishers and NGOs.Paweł Cholewiński heads up Kochański & Partners’ Transactional Practices Group
15th November 2022 Paweł Cholewiński has been appointed Partner in charge of Kochanski & Partners Transactional Practices Group, with both the Sectorial Real Estate and Mergers & Acquisitions Practices now falling under his remit.Polish Tech Pitches to Private Capital – the event organized in cooperation with the London Stock Exchange
20th July 2022Polish Tech Pitches to Private Capital | Access to International Finance
he access to international finance is an aspiration for many growing companies, especially in Poland, where the quantum and complexity of the finance needed requires other forms of investment and markets than can generally be found in Poland, and this is where London becomes such an important centre.Publication of the PolishCloud 2.0 Standard
20th July 2022 The Polish Bank Association has just published the PolishCloud 2.0 Standard, i.e. a standard for the implementation of public and hybrid cloud computing services. This is the most recent and comprehensive set of practices and solutions guiding banks smoothly through the cloud migration process, with the highest security standards applied.We are expanding FinTech and strengthening the Capital Markets and Banking & Finance Practices
20th July 2022 We are delighted to announce that David Thomas, a renowned expert in financial markets and banking, the former Chairman of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce and CEO in many financial institutions in London and Warsaw, i.a. HSBC Polska, has joined Kochański & Partners as Head of International Finance.Promotions at Kochański & Partners
20th July 2022 Following our continuing dynamic growth, and in response to the talent, experience and hard work of our Team, we are delighted to announce the promotion of 12 of our Colleagues, including 10 lawyers.Aleksandra Ryżkowska, Head of International Practice Development and Head of the Chinese Business Desk, has been appointed as Partner. Weronika Duda from the Real Estate Practice, Aneta Serowik from the Corporate Practice, Szymon Ciach and Piotr Kaniewski from the Technology Practice, and Jakub Jach from the Disputes of Financial Institutions Practice have been promoted to Counsel. Dominik Karkoszka from the Corporate Practice and Patryk Lisiecki from the Disputes of Financial Institutions Practice, have been promoted to Senior Associate, and Paulina Perkowska from the Technology Practice and Dominik Gryś from the Real Estate Practice, have been promoted to Junior Associate. Pola Trzęsicka has been promoted to Executive Managing Partner Assistant/Office Manager, and Artur Ziejewski to Junior System Administrator. “I would like to congratulate everyone in their new positions and thank them for their commitment, professionalism and effort they have put into building client relationships and maintaining our position on the market. These promotions demonstrate the excellence and drive of Our Team, which is made up of seasoned advisers and a new, young generation of lawyers. The enormous potential of this Team is recognised by the business community and the market, who continue to entrust us with innovative domestic and international projects. We also recognize and appreciate this potential within Our Firm” – said Piotr Kochański, Managing Partner. Aleksandra Ryżkowska is responsible for developing a network of international contacts, particularly within the European Network of Pinsent Masons. She coordinates the growth of cooperation in foreign markets and strengthening of Kochański & Partners’ position as a firm serving clients operating globally. After graduating from law school at the University of Warsaw, Aleksandra completed her LL.M. in Political Science and Law at the China University of Political Science and Law. Prior to joining Kochański & Partners, she worked i.a. at the Polish Embassy in Beijing, where she supported Polish-Chinese economic cooperation. Weronika Duda advises on real estate projects on the Polish market and also on complex, cross-border transactions. Furthermore, she also supports German-speaking clients on the Polish market as Co-Head of the German Desk. Aneta Serowik specialises in commercial and capital markets law. She conducts multi-thread litigation concerning civil, commercial, criminal and capital markets law matters. Aneta advises companies on day-to-day corporate matters and M&A transactions. She is recommended by The Legal 500 in Commercial, Corporate and M&A, and also Restructuring and Insolvency. Szymon Ciach advises on the implementation of IT projects and innovative digital solutions and supports financial institutions in the field of outsourcing regulations (cloud services) and also specialises in blockchain technology. Szymon was involved in the development of the PolishCloud 2.0 Standard published in February 2022. Piotr Kaniewski specialises in drafting and negotiating IT contracts, in particular those involving Agile and DevOps. He advises on building agile contract and purchasing models and implementing IT solutions based on cloud computing, AI and robotic process automation (RPA). Piotr is a frequent speaker at the Digital Banking Academy organised by the Polish Bank Association (ZBP) and the Banking Law Centre. Jakub Jach advises and represents clients in civil law litigation regarding claims arising out of foreign currency loan agreements and foreign currency-indexed loan agreements. Jakub also participated in developing the litigation strategy for one of Poland’s largest commercial banks with regard to claims arising from Swiss franc loan agreements, regarding remuneration for the non-contractual use of capital due to a loan agreement being cancelled. It is our aim and ambition to foster talent and the development of Our Team. We congratulate all those promoted and wish them success in their new roles!
17 March 2022
Publication of METAVERSE REPORT KOCHAŃSKI & PARTNERS
20th July 2022 We are the authors of the first extensive report on the metaverse in Poland.Jakub Krysa – Head of Public Procurement Practice and Spanish Desk
20th July 2022 Jakub Krysa, PhD has joined Kochański & Partners to head up the Public Procurement Practice and the Spanish Desk.Markiyan Malskyy – New Partner and Head of Ukrainian Desk
20th July 2022 As a sign of our new strategy and solidarity with Ukraine, we have decided to establish a Ukrainian Practice (Ukrainian Desk).Rebuilding Ukraine in practice – financing sources and investment perspectives
20th July 2022 Nearly 24,000 kilometres of roads, end to end measuring ca. 60% of the Earth’s equator in length, hundreds of bridges, thousands of buildings and tens of thousands of cars – this is only a partial account of the destruction inflicted so far on Ukraine by Russian forces. But although the war in Ukraine has not stopped since 24 February 2022, the prospect of a post-war reality cannot be ignored, and so ways of rebuilding the country should be considered.Sale & Leaseback as an alternative form of financing
20th July 2022 In a Sale & Leaseback transaction, a property used for business purposes is sold and simultaneously made available for use by the seller under a lease or rental agreement.Tenders for Ukraine | Current status, rules of participation and prospects
20th July 2022 Rebuilding infrastructure and meeting the current needs of citizens are among the most important tasks facing Ukraine today.Kochański & Partners has advised Inovo Venture Partners on its acquisition of shares in SunRoof
7th May 2021 Kochański & Partners has advised Inovo Venture Partners VC fund on a transaction involving the acquisition of shares in technology company SunRoof. The investment was made as part of the seed round extension, with Inovo being the lead investor. Other investors participating in the round included other VC funds: SMOK Ventures, LT Capital, EIT InnoEnergy, FD Growth Capital and KnowledgeHub, and also local and international business angels.Kochański & Partners Expand Financial Institutions Disputes Practice with 2 Partner Promotions
1st April 2021The issue of Swiss franc loans remains a key challenge for the financial sector in Poland. Banks' uncertainty over the options for regulating this problem is casting a shadow over development of the banking sector in Poland. The coming weeks and months will therefore be crucial for the development of business and litigation strategies by financial institutions.
New Infrastructure & Environment Practice Leader at Kochański & Partners
3rd February 2021 Kochański & Partners is expanding its energy and infrastructure practice with the addition of a new partner, Katarzyna Barańska Ph.D., to head up the Infrastructure & Environment team. Her extensive experience covers legal advisory on major infrastructure projects, renewable energy sources, environmental law and municipal investments.Beyond.pl and Kochanski & Partners join forces
2nd February 2021 Beyond.pl, the provider of the most secure data center services in Europe, is joining forces with the law firm Kochanski & Partners. Their partnership offers customers further confidence that colocation and cloud implementation projects will be technologically superior and compliant with legal requirements. The cooperation is international in scope.Kochański & Partners Strengthen Their Tax Team
1st February 2021 Kochański & Partners entered the new year with an expanded team. Wojciech Śliż, the former Director of the VAT Department at the Ministry of Finance, has joined the tax law practice as counsel.Kochański & Partners named “Law firm of the year: Central Europe” by The Lawyer
1st December 2020It is our great pleasure to inform you that the Kochanski & Partners law firm has received the title of “Law Firm of the Year: Central Europe” in the prestigious “Lawyer Awards 2020” competition.
Kochanski & Partners strengthens the Technologies Team
24th November 2020 To reflect the new technological ecosystem, from 1 November 2020, Kochański & Partners have consolidated their Technologies team by introducing a group of specialists: Szymon Ciach (Senior Associate), Piotr Kaniewski (Senior Associate), Piotr Gałka (Counsel), and Łukasz Węgrzyn (Partner).Idea Bank paves the way for financial sector in obtaining cloud computing certification
18th November 2020 Idea Bank is the first Polish financial service sector entity to obtain the ISO 27017 and ISO 27001 certifications, confirming that its cloud computing solutions meet the highest international standards, and that customer data is processed in the cloud with full respect to security standards. Kochański & Partners advised the bank throughout the certification application process.Kochański & Partners shortlisted for the Lawyer Awards 2020
16th November 2020 This is the eleventh edition of the Lawyer Awards already. The awards scheme attracts entries from over 120 independent law firms headquartered in Europe and global firms across the Continent. This is the highest distinction for independent law firms and the culmination of many years of hard work consistently spent on building the brand, strength and effectiveness of the Kochański & Partners law firm. The nomination constitutes an occasion to appreciate, with great satisfaction, the stage and the position currently held by the firm.Świtalski family mansion and grounds in Sowiniec seized by Forteam Investments Ltd.
30th October 2020 The Regional Court in Poznań granted the fourth successive injunction in favour of Forteam Investments Ltd., an investment company belonging to Delta Capital Partners Management – a U.S. private equity fund, in the pending dispute with Mariusz Świtalski. This time, all assets of Druga – Sowiniec Capital, including a mansion in Sowiniec, surrounding grounds and a polo club with horses, have been seized as a result of seizure of shares under the court decision.Arbitral Tribunal: Slovakia’s actions against Muszynianka showed “willful disregard for the law”
9th October 2020 On 7 October 2020, the arbitral tribunal conducting proceedings under the UNCITRAL rules issued an award in the case of our Client “Muszynianka” sp. z o.o. against the Slovak Republic. The Tribunal decided that Slovakia violated international law to the detriment of the Polish company.Change in Leadership in the Kochański & Partners Capital Markets Practice
1st October 2020 The Warsaw Stock Exchange attracts ever more foreign investors, with their share in WSE turnover reaching 58% in H1 2020. In response to these accelerating business trends, Kochański & Partners is reinforcing its Capital Markets Practice, with the appointment from October of Jarosław Grzywiński, Partner, former President of the WSE Management Board, as its new leader.Kochański & Partners acting as legal counsel to Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne
28th August 2020 Kochański & Partners has been awarded a tender for legal services to PSE S.A. – the sole Polish electricity transmission system operator. The Firm will assist PSE in addressing the formal and legal aspects of the company’s electricity infrastructure. As part of the project, Kochański & Partners lawyers will represent the client before public administration bodies, common and administrative courts, the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court, in addition to advising on preparation for and conduct of proceedings, as well as drafting of relevant legal opinions.Another litigation win for Kochański & Partners: Onet journalist walks free from court
29th July 2020 The District Court for Kraków-Śródmieście has discontinued criminal proceedings against an Onet journalist who wrote about paedophilia in the Tricity area (Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot). Mr Podolski was represented by advocate Mateusz Ostrowski, Partner and Head of Litigation at Kochański & Partners.Kochański & Partners’ Litigation Success Before the Supreme Court – Royalties
27th July 2020 Co-authors of films accompanying newspapers are entitled to additional royalties, however only on copies actually sold, and not on the entire published run. Moreover, the amount of royalties may not be arbitrarily imposed by copyright collecting societies. This is the conclusion stemming from a judgment of the Supreme Court, which endorsed the arguments of Kochański & Partners lawyers representing our Client – Ringier Axel Springer Polska.POLISHCLOUD ACADEMY: Cooperation with leading consulting and technology companies brings banks closer to the cloud
1st June 2020 The Polish Bank Association, Microsoft, Google Poland, the National Cloud Operator, Accenture and Kochański & Partners have established a joint group to promote cloud computing solutions in the Polish banking sector, creating the PolishCloud Academy project, providing free training and workshops relating to cloud implementation for representatives of financial institutions.New Kochanski & Partners business strategy and marketing team
22nd May 2020 Kochański & Partners (K&P) is implementing a new business strategy to rapidly accelerate its penetration of international markets via strategic alliances with key foreign law firms. This strategy involves a reformulation of the business model and closer, comprehensive cooperation with clients. Kochański & Partners also plans to remodel its internal structures and processes, in particular in the BDM area. This transformation process will be managed by the new Business Development & Marketing Director – Barbara Lenarcik, formerly Marketing Director at SSW Pragmatic Solutions, with two more former SSW employees joining the department: Marcin Woliński (Manager) and – from July – Paulina Berska (Specialist).K&P acts as legal counsel on cloud computing implementation standard for banks
13th September 2019Kochanski & Partners is the exclusive legal partner of the working group on a standard for cloud computing implementation in banks, established by the Polish Bank Association (ZBP) and the Banking Technology Forum.
Ringier Axel Springer Poland consolidates dispute resolution services by choosing K&P
13th September 2019 Ringier Axel Springer Poland (RASP), a part of the leading CEE multimedia Ringier Axel Springer AG group, has consolidated its dispute resolution services by choosing Kochański & Partners as its legal advisor in Poland.K&P Authors a Report on M&A Market Structure in Poland
13th September 2019The K&P Transaction Advisory and Analysis team has prepared a report on the structure of the M&A market in Poland. The report presents an in-depth analysis of current trends in the M&A market and phenomena affecting its structure in the first half of 2019.
K&P has advised EPP on the acquisition of the O3 Business Campus II
25th July 2019Echo Polska Properties N.V. (EPP) has acquired from Echo Investment S.A. another building of the O3 Business Campus office complex in Krakow under the right of first offer (ROFO) contract. The office building, constituting the second stage of the O3 Business Campus office was valued at EUR 49.2 million.
K&P advised Davidson Kempner Capital Management on the high profile GBP 180 million financing
25th July 2019We advised US investment firm Davidson Kempner Capital Management on the high profile GBP 180 million financing granted to Pepkor Europe of the Steinhoff Group
K&P has advised EPP on the acquisition of King Cross Marcelin shopping centre
25th July 2019Kochański & Partners law firm (K&P) advises EPP on its EUR 91.1 million acquisition of King Cross Marcelin shopping centre in Poznan – EPP’s first entry into Poznan.
Kochanski & Partners advised Groupe Beneteau on the acquisition of Delphia Yachts
25th July 2019Kochanski & Partners (K&P) advised Groupe Beneteau (France), one of the two largest sailing and power boat manufacturers globally, on its transaction with Delphia Yachts – Poland’s leading boatbuilder. As a result of this transaction, the rights to sailing and power boat designs, and the building and marketing activities of the Delphia and Maxi Yacht brands were acquired.
Kochanski & Partners has advised Coca–Cola HBC Polska on the lease of new headquarters
25th July 2019Kochanski & Partners Law Firm has advised Coca-Cola HBC Polska sp. z o.o. in the negotiations and execution of a lease agreement for office and warehouse space in the Business Garden office complex in Warsaw.
K&P has successfully advised on the sale of an office building located in the centre of Warsaw
25th July 2019 Kochański & Partners has advised an investment fund managed by the Griffin Estate Group on the sale of the office building located in the centre of Warsaw.New opportunities for Japanese capital in Poland
25th July 2019 Report authored by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) and Kochański & Partners Business Law Firm shows the opportunities for Japanese investors in Poland.Kochański & Partners – special sponsor of GC Summit Central & Eastern Europe Legal500
25th July 2019GC Summit – Central & Eastern Europe invites the most esteemed in-house counsel from the CEE’s most prolific companies to discuss their changing roles as in-house leaders and the challenges, issues and opportunities they are facing in 2019 and beyond. Between comprehensive panel discussions and the opportunity to meet and engage with fellow in-house counsel, GC Summit – Central & Eastern Europe promises to be a practical, forward-looking event bringing together the region’s top legal minds.
Kochański & Partners – Founder of the Anti-Fraud Association
25th July 2019For many years now, we have observed with great concern the growing level of economic crime and abuse affecting Polish companies. This has made us aware not only of the inherent weakness of the system, but also of the limited effectiveness of ad hoc actions, which do not significantly reduce the problem while consuming large amounts of money.
Legal Developments
The Polish Deposit and Return System: a guide to the legal and tax rules
26th June 2025 The Polish Deposit and Return System launches on 1 October. This is a real revolution for businesses, whether they are producers, importers, distributors or traders. Indeed, its implementation brings with it a number of challenges, including, perhaps less obviously, concerning VAT. Here is a brief guide to the most important issues relating to the Polish Deposit and Return System. Legal basis and objectives of the Deposit and Return System The Polish Deposit and Return System is primarily based on the Act on the Management of Packaging and Packaging Waste of 13 June 2013, the Waste Act and numerous implementing ordinances, which regulate, among other things, the deposit amounts, the levels of separate collection, the obligations of operators, entities placing packaging on the market and traders, and the rates and rules for the payment of product fees or the design of labels. The main objectives of the system are to:- Reduce the amount of packaging waste entering the environment
- Promote recycling and a circular economy
- Encourage consumers to return packaging and packaging waste through a deposit mechanism
- Achieve the packaging collection rates required by the EU (77% between 2025 and 2028 and 90% from 2029)
- Single-use plastic (PET) beverage bottles up to 3 litres
- Aluminium and steel beverage cans up to 1 litre
- Reusable glass beverage bottles up to 1.5 litres
- Single-use plastic beverage bottles with a capacity of up to three litres, including their plastic caps and lids, excluding glass or metal beverage bottles with plastic caps and lids, shall be PLN 0.50
- Metal cans with a capacity of up to one litre shall be PLN 0.50
- Reusable glass bottles with a capacity of up to one and a half litres shall be PLN 1.00
- The deposit “follows the product”: It is collected at each stage of distribution – from the company placing the product on the market to the wholesaler, the retailer and the consumer
- Return of the deposit: The consumer is refunded the full amount of the deposit when the empty, undamaged packaging (or packaging waste) is returned to a designated collection point (usually a shop)
- Deposit and product price: Importantly, the amount of the deposit is not included in the VAT base of the product price
- Placing on the market: This is the first making available of a packaging or a packaged product on the territory of a country (domestic production, import, ICA) for use or distribution
- Sale: This is the seller’s obligation to transfer ownership of the goods (packaged product) to the buyer and to deliver the goods, and the buyer’s obligation to collect the goods and pay the price to the seller.
- Deposit charged on the sale of a product: as mentioned above, the deposit does not increase the VAT base of the product itself, being treated as an amount not subject to VAT at the time it is collected
- VAT on unreturned deposits: This is a more complex situation. The deposit on packaging that has not been returned by consumers, i.e. the deposit that has not been refunded to them, is subject to VAT:
- The company that places the packaged products on the market is the VAT payer
- The operator of the deposit and return system is the VAT remitter
-
- The operator (remitter) calculates the difference between the value of the deposits on packaging placed on the market and the deposits on packaging returned during the calendar year. On the basis of this difference, the operator remits the VAT due to the tax office. The deadline for payment is 31 January of the year following the settlement year
- The entity placing packaged products on the market (taxable person) increases the tax base in its VAT return (JPK_V7) for the first tax period of the year following the year to which the deposit settlement relates by the amount of the difference between the deposit on the packaging placed on the market and the deposit on the packaging returned during the calendar year in question
- Both entities are required to record the data necessary to establish the tax base and to keep it for a period of 5 years from the end of the year for which the tax base is established, resulting from the difference between the value of the deposit collected for packaging covered by the deposit and return system and placed on the market in that year and the value of the deposit refunded for packaging or packaging waste covered by the system in that year.
- As a result, the rules are unclear as to whether VAT should actually be charged only on deposits that are not returned. According to the literal wording of some of the provisions, the difference between the value of the deposit on packaging placed on the market and on packaging returned in a given calendar year should be taken into account, although placing on the market does not necessarily imply sale and collection of the deposit.
- Entity placing packaging on the market: Must keep detailed electronic records of, inter alia, the number, type and value of deposits collected for packaging placed on the market and the number, type and value of deposits refunded for packaging returned in a given year. These records must be kept for 5 years
- Operator of a deposit and return system: Should also keep detailed records of packaging collected, deposits refunded and waste sent for recycling. The operator should submit annual reports to the province marshal (marszałek województwa) (by 15 March) and to the head of a commune (wójt) or mayor (burmistrz or prezydent miasta) (by 31 January).
- Commercial entities (collection points): Also required to keep records of deposits collected and refunded and of packaging collected
- Analyse now how a deposit and return system could affect your business
- Allow time to adapt your IT, accounting and logistics systems
- Monitor the process – bear in mind that individual implementing regulations may change
- Contact potential system operators, ask for quotes and carefully consider the terms and conditions of cooperation
- If you have any doubts about taxation, consider applying for an advance tax ruling, either yourself or with the help of specialists
We advised PIB Group Poland on the acquisition of RCU Ubezpieczenia
26th June 2025 PIB Group Poland has been present in Poland since 2020. From that time, it has continually made acquisitions, building a strong group of insurance intermediaries. Its portfolio already includes insurance brokers, reinsurance brokers, multi-agencies and specialised entities operating as MGAs (Managing General Agents). We recently advised the Group on another transaction – the acquisition of RCU Ubezpieczenia and Ramius. This is another important step in the company’s development and implementation of its plan to consolidate the Polish insurance intermediation market. With this merger, PIB will gain new synergies and expand its range of services. RCU Ubezpieczenia and Ramius are well-established companies with a unique business model and a strong brand. Their integration into the PIB Group is another milestone in the development of our organisation and in building a powerful group of insurance intermediaries in Poland, says Bartosz Słupski, CEO of PIB Agency. The project was handled by Paweł Cholewiński, Partner and Head of the Transactional Practices Group, Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, Partner in the New Tech M&A Practice, and Adam Czarnota, Senior Associate in the Corporate Law and M&A Practice. It is a great honour for us to have provided legal services to PIB Group Poland. This transaction fits perfectly with the consolidation trend we are seeing in the Polish insurance intermediation market. Due to the extensive network of RCU intermediaries and unique cooperation models, the structuring of this acquisition required us to translate the client’s business objectives into transactional documentation. We are proud to have worked with the PIB Group Poland team on this project and to have helped the client achieve its objectives, said Paweł Cholewiński, Partner, Head of the Transactional Practices Group / Real Estate, M&A. Our advisory services included a due diligence investigation of the companies, structuring of the transaction, and drafting and negotiation of the project documentation. The transaction required consideration of not only legal issues but also the specific nature of both businesses in order to develop the optimal solution. Advising on this deal was an interesting opportunity to learn about the business realities of the insurance market, added Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, Partner in the New Tech M&A Practice. The seller was represented by Andersen Tax & Legal Srokosz i Wspólnicy and cc group as financial advisor.M&A trends in the AI industry
26th June 2025 3 April 2025 | Knowledge, News Over the past two years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of M&A deals involving companies based on artificial intelligence or using AI components. First of all, at the global level, both the number and value of transactions involving AI companies are growing. Even in our domestic market, the highest ranking of the top 10 Polish start-ups in 2024 were AI-related companies. This shows the dominance of such companies in the market, notes Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, attorney at law and Head of the New Tech M&A Practice. According to Aventis Advisors, in 2025, the number of AI acquisitions will exceed 400, with a cumulative annual growth rate of 26%. The US accounts for approximately 38% of all global acquisitions in the AI sector (2022-2024), due to the concentration of major innovators and technology companies in this market. In terms of the number of large acquisitions, the situation in Poland is similar to the global one, but Polish managers show a less ambitious approach. According to PWC’s “CEO Survey. Time for Reinvention”, as many as 46% of Polish CEOs are not planning any acquisitions in the next three years. By comparison, the global figure is 30%. Impact of the AI Act on investment decisions Will new regulations such as the AI Act affect investor interest in companies using artificial intelligence? I think that for the time being, the regulatory risks associated with AI do not have a determining influence on the decisions of private equity funds. Of course, this is one of the elements taken into account, but is not the main factor, emphasises Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna. In addition to the standard company assessment, which includes regulatory and technological issues (such as personal data protection, cyber security and intellectual property), there is now a completely new element – compliance with the AI Act. AI in transaction processes Artificial intelligence is not only the subject of transactions, but also a tool used in M&A processes. According to DealRoom, within the next three years, 80% of M&A processes will use AI at various stages of the transaction – from identifying potential targets, through due diligence and financial analysis, to post-merger integration. Polish law implementing the AI Act In February, the Ministry of Digital Affairs presented an amended draft of the Artificial Intelligence Systems Act, which includes changes to the rules for monitoring the safety of products and services, as well as solutions to support innovation. The new draft also provides for the establishment of a regulatory sandbox, i.e. a space for testing new solutions. I think the amendments to the AI Systems Act are going in the right direction, and the final regulations are expected to be published in the first quarter of this year. We have a lot of experience, for example in the context of personal data protection, where regulations have already been introduced in a similar way […]. So I think these regulations will also be positive. Nevertheless, it is worth waiting for the final versions of the drafts, which will be published soon, comments Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna. Companies’ preparation for new regulations How are Polish businesses preparing to comply with new regulations? It seems that the degree of readiness varies and depends on the size of the companies:- Large companies (especially those with foreign capital) – advanced preparation, in line with the company’s overarching policy
- Smaller companies – slower process, preparation of documents and procedures and implementation of compliance is not a priority
- identifying tools that have an AI component
- assessing tools to determine whether they meet the definition of an AI system
- classifying tools according to risk level (prohibited, high, limited or minimal)
- determining the scope of responsibilities and adapting to those responsibilities
Kochański & Partners supports tax and energy deregulation
26th June 2025 Deregulation, especially in the area of tax and energy law, is the main and long-standing demand of the business community. We have one of the most complex and at the same time strict tax systems in the world, and the lack of systemic solutions in the field of renewable energy development and responsible implementation of energy transition limits the competitiveness of Polish companies and the opportunities for new investments. The solution seems to be a deregulation package prepared as part of the Sprawdza-MY initiative by businessman Rafał Brzoska, who promises that his proposals will make it easier to do business. The aim is to bring about real, tangible change. Controversial legal mechanisms will be abolished, barriers removed, administrative procedures simplified and red tape cut. We hope that this project has a chance to permanently change the reality of business and the economic climate, not only in Poland, but also in the entire Central and Eastern European region in the future. That is why we have joined the team of the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, which is the only think tank advising Rafał Brzoska on this issue, along with a large group of employers’ organisations. Our aim is to contribute to a simple, modern and friendly legal environment for entrepreneurs. Poland’s energy sector deserves effective deregulation Łukasz Młynarkiewicz and Agata Dziwisz-Moshe will lead the teams working with WEI on deregulation. Łukasz, Partner in the Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice Group and Head of the Nuclear Energy Practice points out that the main issues in the energy sector will include:- Creating a transparent regulatory environment and setting clear guidelines for investments in the sector
- Improving the transparency, quality and stability of legislation
- Streamlining administrative processes to accelerate energy transition
- Adopting solutions to increase available connection capacity and support the integration of new energy sources into the Polish Power System (KSE)
- Promoting long-term strategic planning that includes energy transition and greater business involvement in renewable energy
- Developing wind energy and relaxing setback rules
- The length of tax audits and proceedings
- The abuse of criminal tax proceedings to suspend the statute of limitations
- Excessive documentation and reporting obligations required in the course of doing business
- Frequent changes in regulations combined with short vacatio legis, resulting in excessive cost burdens for companies that have to adapt to new regulations.
- Excessive regulatory complexity
- Introduction of multiple ‘quasi-taxes’
- A proposal that the initiation of criminal tax proceedings in a case should not result in the suspension of the statute of limitations
- The abolition of income taxes, which could be replaced by a single, simple revenue tax. This is a radical reform, but one that has the potential to bring many benefits to the economy, businesses and citizens
- Elimination of so-called quasi-taxes, which were not introduced by tax legislation but de facto fit the definition of taxes. This is an important step towards simplifying the entire system and increasing the transparency of the law.
- Introduction of a legal requirement that all laws introducing public levies be prepared exclusively by the Ministry of Finance as government bills. This will ensure that changes to the law are the result of comprehensive analysis by the Ministry, which will ensure their consistency and accuracy. The centralisation of the process will in turn eliminate inconsistencies in the law and increase the efficiency of legislation
- Introduction of the ‘one minus two’ rule – this is a key element of real deregulation of tax regulations, according to which for every new tax regulation, two existing ones should be abolished
- Change of Vacatio Legis – from one month to 12 months, which would be a step towards legal stability and allow better preparation of entrepreneurs for new regulations
- Introduction of the genuine liability of tax administration staff for errors made during tax audits and proceedings
We have successfully assisted Mitmar in protecting innovative technologies
26th June 2025 Mitmar is one of the leaders in the Polish FMCG market and has been setting quality and innovation standards in its industry for almost 30 years. Serving customers in the European Union, Eastern Europe, Asia and West Africa, the company continually invests in development to meet the challenges of today’s food industry. Since its inception, the company has demonstrated that it is not afraid to innovate. Most recently, it has developed ground-breaking technology in food processing. The challenge was not only to create a new, convenient technological solution, but also to ensure that it was legally protected. In this process, they chose to work with our Intellectual and Industrial Property Law Practice team. Patents successfully protect innovative technologies Karolina Marciniszyn and Tomasz Szambelan managed the complex process of obtaining patent protection for Mitmar’s proprietary solution. The project required conducting a detailed legal analysis, precise preparation of documentation and effective representation before the Polish Patent Office during a procedure that lasted almost three years. The patented technology, which uses a compact and closed production line, is a breakthrough in the FMCG industry. The solution not only improves the quality of the end product, but also responds to today’s environmental challenges, including by significantly reducing the carbon footprint. The closed-loop process allows the temperature of the raw material to be reduced, resulting in an accelerated freezing process and improved microbiological conditions. Patents are an opportunity for faster growth The success of the project proves that proper protection of intellectual property is a key element of an effective growth strategy in the industrial sector. A patent not only secures a competitive advantage, but also opens the door to new growth opportunities. Our work with Mitmar demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to intellectual property protection in the development of innovative industrial solutions. However, for such a process to be effective, it is necessary not only to have knowledge of the law, but also to be willing to learn and understand the specifics of the industry and the client’s needs – says Tomasz Szambelan With the successful implementation of its solution and the effective protection of its intellectual property, Mitmar has once again confirmed its position as an innovative leader. The company has consistently pursued a growth strategy based on modern technologies, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and energy efficiency.We have joined the Women’s Empowerment Principles initiative
26th June 2025 For many years, the largest law firms were predominantly run by men. Today, 43% of our partners are women. And they are not only great lawyers, but also courageous visionaries who are the driving force behind every positive change. Because they can see the big picture and stand up for what they believe in. And by changing the law, they change the world around us. So what can we do to empower women – and do it on their own terms? We have joined the Women’s Empowerment Principles initiative. And we are the first Polish law firm to do so. Not for an award or a certificate – but because we believe in the power of diversity. Women’s Empowerment Principles at Kochański & Partners The WEPs are a set of seven principles established by United Nations Women and the United Nations Global Compact to guide business in promoting gender equality. Their ultimate goal is to strengthen women’s empowerment, both in the workplace and in other areas of social life. As a WEPs signatory, we have become part of an international community of companies and organisations that are actively working towards a fairer and more sustainable world. At the same time, we are sending an important signal that we are fully committed to the programme’s agenda at the highest levels of our firm. I like working with women because they are creative and innovative, but at the same time practical, reliable and well prepared for the tasks they take on. Their enthusiasm is infectious and they have the belief that the sky is the limit, while keeping their feet firmly on the ground, says Piotr Kochański, Managing Partner. That is why we are committed to:- Implementing a policy of equal pay for work of equal value
- Creating an inclusive working environment
- Supporting the career development of women
- Promoting education and training
- Implementing initiatives that benefit the local community
- Regularly measuring progress and reporting results
Earth Day 2024: What green arbitration means in practice
2nd June 2025 The world today is urgently seeking ways to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment, and to better protect and reuse resources. And, where possible, to repair the damage done. Responsible companies are no different, taking a hard look at processes, asking questions that challenge the status quo and redesigning what can be improved. For the good of the planet and their business.Does Poland need nuclear energy?
2nd June 2025 The debate on nuclear energy is one of the hottest topics currently attracting the attention of the public, energy transition experts and representatives of the scientific, political and business communities. But what does Poland’s economy need? What role should nuclear energy play in the overall electricity system and how can this sector develop, taking into account European policy, current trends, expectations and technological progress? Wojciech Wrochna discussed these questions with his guests on the second day of the Future Energy Congress. Future Energy Congress 2024 This is one of the most exciting industry events focusing on energy transition, decarbonisation and renewable energy. During this unique event, representatives from business, academia and the public sector have the opportunity to discuss the most pressing issues facing the energy market. It was the third time that we were a partner of this conference. In addition, we had the pleasure of moderating one of the main panels, this year devoted to the importance of nuclear energy for the Polish economy. The guests of the panel moderated by Wojciech Wrochna were Dr Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, Tomasz Nowacki, Dr Dawid Piekarz, Damian Ołdziejewski and Adam Rajewski. Everyone agreed that Poland needs nuclear power. The problem is how to speed up the implementation of such projects. Modern nuclear reactors are essential for energy security, and will also play a key role in the energy transition by replacing traditional fossil fuel power plants with new carbon-free energy sources. However, there is a need to consider how to reconcile the operation of nuclear technologies (both large NPPs and SMRs) and RES to deliver real benefits to consumers and the system.We advised B. Braun on the sale of Ortopedicum to the LUX MED Group
2nd June 2025 B. Braun is a world leader in medical technology. An innovator and active promoter of progress, it has been creating and setting global standards in healthcare for more than 180 years. With a presence in 64 countries and more than 63,000 employees, the company today offers more than 5,000 healthcare products.We check in with the KALYNA Foundation scholarship holders
2nd June 2025 There are over 100,000 foundations and public benefit organisations in Poland. Each of them, despite carrying out socially important and useful missions, operates in an extremely competitive market. This is because they have to raise public awareness of the issues they deal with and actively secure resources to maintain and implement their tasks.We advised Cyclomedia on the acquisition of Smart Factor
2nd June 2025 Dutch industry is renowned for its innovative technologies, advanced IT systems and an environment conducive to the development of cutting-edge products and services. Not surprisingly, it was here that Cyclomedia was founded over 30 years ago.We assisted Univacco Europe in the successful completion of its search for a new headquarters in Poland
2nd June 2025 Finding the ideal location for a business is a long and complicated process. This is especially true when the business requires particular conditions and the company itself has very specific needs. These include logistical or communication requirements, the ability to adapt the facility to the nature of the business, as well as ESG considerations.Investing in Ukrainian real estate – a potential worth considering
2nd June 2025 The recent spectacular sale of the Ukraina Hotel in the centre of Kyiv for more than UAH 2.5 billion is not a random event, but a sign that the Ukrainian real estate market is entering a new phase. While most seem to be waiting for the ‘golden moment’, informed investors are already spotting unique opportunities to buy strategic properties in prestigious locations that are discounted by up to half the price and still available. Is it worth holding out? The figures speak for themselves. An increase in demand of more than 20% and a growing number of bidders vying for property assets suggest that the window of opportunity may be shorter than it seems. Especially as Ukrainian law guarantees foreign investors exactly the same conditions as local entrepreneurs. Privatisation in Ukraine opens doors to foreign capital- Increasing number of bidders per auction – from 2.9 in 2023 to 3.2 in 2024
- 13 properties privatised in the first half of 2024
- UAH 2.51 billion – the exact sale price of the Ukraina Hotel in Kyiv (September 2024) – the first such large transaction since the beginning of the war
- Transparent purchase process:
-
- Prozorro online auction system
- Full access to property documentation in virtual data rooms
- Equal conditions for domestic and foreign investors
- Investment potential
- Lower property prices (25-50% compared to pre-war levels)
- 22% increase in demand
- Opportunity to enter the market before competition
- State support
- Active policy focused on attracting foreign investment
- Continuous improvement of the privatisation system
- Access to detailed property information via official government platforms
- Legal analysis of properties for privatisation
- Conducting due diligence
- Representation in tender procedures
- Advice on investment risk assessment