RELEVANS Law Firm > Bratislava, Slovakia > Firm Profile

RELEVANS Law Firm
DVORÁKOVO NÁBREŽIE 8/A
811 02 BRATISLAVA
Slovakia

Slovakia > Dispute resolution Tier 1

RELEVANS Law Firm‘s litigation practice is adept at handling a wide range of disputes, including in the commercial, tax, administrative, finance, and IP spheres. The firm has a strong practice in public law, handling disputes arising from violations of the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural or legal persons. Founding partner Alexander Kadela co-heads the practice with Tomáš Bardelčík  and Slavomír Máčaj; all three are recognised for their expertise in both domestic and cross-border litigation. Jaroslav Bratek navigates commercial, civil and administrative disputes, while Michal Leňo‘s focus is on constitutional and civil cases. 2023 saw the team grow considerably, with the arrival of Pavol Chrenko from Dentons, and Tomáš Balun from Ružička & Partners s.r.o. shortly after.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Kadela; Tomáš Bardelčík; Slavomír Máčaj

Testimonials

‘I am particularly impressed by the quality of the whole team. Their legal knowledge is as fantastic as their strategic thinking. The litgation team works very precisely and always takes all eventualities into account during the case. The assignments are completed quickly. They are always ready to answer queries, which are also dealt with quickly.’

‘Alexander Kadela is a brilliant legal mind. He is a very experienced and talented litigator. His performance is outstanding in all aspects. He always stays on top of things, remains calm, considerate and respectful.’

‘The most important feature of Relevans Law Firm is very good team, beginning from the top. The top managers are often present at the meeting – with many ideas, experiences and knowledge. They keep the personal and business values, which is very important for us. The result of their work is very professional, and – what is very important – very clear and easy to read.’

‘ The firm has a multidisciplinary approach with excellent coordination and teamwork, leading to an efficient and high-quality legal service. TOP quality people.’

‘Definitely highly recommended in all aspects.’

‘Tomáš Bardelčík is skilled, very engaged and clear in presenting options. Very reliable.’

Relevans Law Firm firm is known for thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions to legal challenges. They understand that not all legal issues can be resolved using traditional methods and are willing to explore alternative strategies. They are not afraid to challenge conventional thinking and consider unconventional approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes.’

Key clients

365. bank, a.s.

Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko, a.s.

News and Media Holding a.s.

Rozhlas a televízia Slovenska

Veolia Energia Slovensko, a.s.

J&T BANKA, a.s., pobočka zahraničnej banky

Východoslovenská distribučná, a.s.

Západoslovenská energetika, a.s.

Tatry mountain resorts, a.s.

Slovenská záručná a rozvojová banka, a.s.

Carlton Property, s.r.o.

J&T REAL ESTATE, a.s.

ČEZ Slovensko, s.r.o.

MCH-MEDICAL CARE HOLDING LIMITED

Crown Bewcan

RMS Mezzanine, a.s., organizačná zložka

Sandberg Capital, správ. spol., a.s.

Swan a.s.

WOAL s.r.o.

Železničná spoločnosť Cargo Slovakia, a. s.

Work highlights

  • Defending a number of major energy companies against claims initiated by electric power manufacturers seeking refunds of payments for access to distribution networks.

Slovakia > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Known for its ‘broad experience with all kinds of real estate projects', RELEVANS Law Firm advises on multifunctional, administrative, residential, retail and logistics projects across Slovakia, covering all stages of development projects and transactions. Marián Masarik is ‘excellent in drafting and negotiating documentation'. Pavol Solár assists with the acquisition, construction, financing and sale of various development projects across Slovakia and the broader CEE region. Eduard Pajdlhauser and Petra Začková Vojtášová are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Marián Masarik

Testimonials

‘Relevans has broad experience with all kinds of real estate projects and it has extraordinary know-how in this respect. The practitioners are highly involved and cover for each other so tasks are always completed in a fast and efficient way. I would also highlight the personal and direct contact with relevant individuals.’

‘Marián Masarik is a partner you can rely on. His strengths are his intellect, his persuasion skills and his personality.’

‘Pavol Solár – always available to offer support and even ad-hoc issues are solved with the relevant sophistication and commercial awareness. Eduard Pajdlhauser and Petra Začková Vojtášová – very experienced, reliable and responsive.’

‘Excellent, high quality lawyers. They deliver comprehensible advice instead of complicated statements. Very well organised, good team spirit. RELEVANS has the best real estate lawyers in Slovakia.’

‘Pavol Solár is a highly skilled lawyer. He has an incredible workload but is always reachable and finds the best solution in a legal but also in a business sense. He can solve crucial issues (which otherwise might be deal breakers). Eduard Pajdlhauser has a very high level of competence regarding real estate and construction law.’

‘I consider RELEVANS one of the strongest firms for real estate and litigation in the Slovak market. They are very visible on a large number of the most important projects and transactions.’

‘RELEVANS has an impressive reputation. I appreciate the commercial approach of the lawyers. Also, they are very knowledgeable, proactive and responsive. They have an excellent overview of new legislation and trends. I can strongly recommend their services.’

‘Marián Masarik is excellent in drafting and negotiating documentation, very punctual, committed to deadlines. He also has the capability to recognise matters which are relevant and irrelevant for the client, and this makes situations smoother in the negotiations. Pavol Solár is fast, reliable and understands our business and our needs.’

Key clients

J & T REAL ESTATE

Eurovea

365 invest – správcovská spoločnosť

Danube Facility Services

Terno Slovensko

Imol

VSV Consulting

European Union Institutions

Work highlights

  • Advising J&T REAL ESTATE on the creation of new city district in Bratislava.
  • Advising J&T REAL ESTATE on the creation of the EUROVEA CITY urban project.
  • Advising the sellers on the sale of two polyfunctional business centres in Bratislava to real estate funds.

Slovakia > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3

Led by Marián Masarik, the team at RELEVANS Law Firm provides a wide range of legal services to major players within the banking and finance sector, including drafting and negotiating different types of contracts related to loans and mortgages, and advising on admission of securities to trading on public markets. Miroslava Štefániková has vast transactional experience, including in the energy and commercial real estate sectors. Martina Vida is noted for her expertise in project financing and refinancing.

Practice head(s):

Marián Masarik

Testimonials

‘They have a broad set of experts with deep knowledge in their key areas of expertise. The Relevans team is quick to respond and takes a proactive approach. The team provides the support we need to tackle any questions and the quality of the work provided is top notch.’

‘All lawyers I have worked with are not just smart and great professionals, but moreover they have very efficient, pragmatic, hands-on and solution-oriented approach.’

‘We are very satisfied with our long-term cooperation. Relevans is one of our key partners with exceptional relationships. Relevans fully understands our needs and is always ready to help us with any issue.’

‘Relevans as a firm, as well as their individual lawyers, are priceless for our company. They always solve our every problem and need.’

‘The team is well structured and balanced.’

‘The team consists of first-class experts for each legal area. Direct internal communication is particularly helpful. This, and the interested and friendly demeanor of each individual, brings the necessary calm and trust to the representation.’

‘Marián Masarik is a great negotiator, fully in control of matters and very pleasant to work with. There was never any legal issue which couldn’t be solved.’

‘Martina Vida and Miroslava Štefániková: the cooperation with these lawyers is excellent, uncomplicated and very professional.’

Key clients

J & T BANKA, a.s., pobočka zahraničnej banky

365. bank, a.s.

Slovenská záručná a rozvojová banka

J&T REAL ESTATE, a.s.

Eurovea, a.s.

SWAN a.s.

Sandberg Capital, správ. spol., a.s.

J&T FINANCE GROUP SE

X-BIONIC® SPHERE a.s.

Carlton Property, s. r. o.

RMS Mezzanine, a.s.

Terno real estate s.r.o.

R Collectors s. r. o.

Webglobe, a.s.

Work highlights

  • Advising the debtor, a major player in real estate development in Slovakia, on the bank financing of the construction of the second phase of the EUROVEA II shopping centre and Pribinova X administrative buildings.
  • Advising the debtor, a major player in the field of real estate development in Slovakia and Central Europe, on syndicated bank financing for the construction of a residential skyscraper in Slovakia.
  • Advising a major development company on the financing of the second phase of the construction of five apartment buildings in Bratislava.

Slovakia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

At RELEVANS Law Firm, the team assists clients with each stage of the transaction process, regularly carrying out due diligence and drafting contractual documentation. Alongside this, the firm advises on the setting up of international and external relationships, such as shareholders’ agreements. Marián Masarik is one of the two founders and is experienced in advising clients on transactions in the banking, utilities and telecoms sectors. Martina Krupcová is particularly active on M&A deals in the real estate sector, while Juraj Freudenfeld's expertise involves complex transactions in the energy sector. Martina Vida is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Marián Masarik

Testimonials

‘The cooperation with the lawyers is excellent, uncomplicated and very professional. There are corresponding experts for every possible question. They are very focused, precise and intelligent, and have a holistic understanding of commercial implications. They can handle numerous transactions at the same time perfectly.’

‘Marián Masarik, Martina Vida, Martina Krupcová and Juraj Freudenfeld stand out as exceptional lawyers.’

‘Marián Masarik is a strong negotiator. He is practical and solution-oriented, but never to our detriment. Marián always gives top quality advice.’

‘The team is quick to respond and takes a proactive approach. The quality of the work provided is top notch. They are always up-to-date and have a great overview of the market.’

‘Marián Masarik – very capable, good to work with and good on the business aspects of a deal. Martina Krupcová – very smart, hard working, 100% reliable. Martina Vida – very smart, business oriented and driven. Juraj Freudenfeld – business oriented, pragmatic and a good negotiator.’

‘One key strength is that in every negotiation, they stand out by their deep knowledge and experience in the M&A transaction process and its every aspect – they can provide clear explanations to counterparties on every clause, step or other aspect of the transaction, suggest several possibilities for the parties as how to solve issues which arise during the transaction process, and their experience enables them to always formulate and find a mutually agreeable solution to every issue.’’

‘Two individuals stand out – Martina Krupcová and Marián Masarik. Martina is a senior lawyer who leads several of our transactions – she is easily reachable, to the point, her team is well organised, fast and efficient. Marián is a founding partner who steps in in deadlock situations, we value his patience and ability to act as a mediator between the counterparties.’

‘The firm provides a highly professional legal service, has great effectiveness and creative solution finding. They are also focused on solutions and highly client-oriented.’

Key clients

Sandberg Capital, správ. spol., a.s.

Sanagro a.s.

J&T FINANCE GROUP SE

365. bank, a.s.

J&T REAL ESTATE, a.s.

Eurovea, a.s.

SWAN a.s.

J & T BANKA, a.s.

RMS Mezzanine, a.s.

Webglobe, a.s.

Slovenská plavba a prístavy

Work highlights

  • Assisting with the negotiation of a shareholders’ agreement for a major central European energy group in connection with the entry of a new investor.
  • Advising the seller, 365 bank, on the sale of 100% of the shares in the pension fund management company.
  • Advising Seyfor on the purchase of Commander Services, a major Slovak player in the field of GPS/GSM vehicle monitoring.

RELEVANS Law Firm

  • Excellent knowledge of the Slovak market
  • Multiple legal awards
  • One of the largest law firms in Slovakia
  • Active participation of partners in all stages of a project
  • Complex legal problems solving
  • Business-oriented approach
  • Stable and satisfied clientele

Since its establishment in 2011, RELEVANS has become one of the most prestigious law firms in Slovakia.

RELEVANS has proven its status in various local as well international rankings as one of the leaders in the legal market repeatedly, making itself one of the most sought-after law firms in the country.

 

Legal awards

  • 3 x National Law firm of the Year
  • Ranked in Chambers EUROPE
  • Ranked in The Legal 500
  • The Legal 500 – Top Tier Litigation
  • The Largest Law Firm in Slovakia in respect to Litigation area and Development/real estate area

RELEVANS lawyers are leading experts with decades of experience in handling complex legal projects, cases and various issues of all kinds.

 

Clients

  • Corporations
  • Private clients
  • Developers and investors
  • Finance groups
  • Banks and finance institutions
  • TV broadcasters
  • Energy companies
  • Railway companies
  • IT companies
  • Many others

Based in Bratislava, the firm has the advantage of a uniquely strategic accessibility to provide its legal services to entrepreneurs and international companies seeking to protect their rights and interests within the whole CEE region.

 

 

MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE

 

1)   Dispute Resolution

RELEVANS litigation practice is a key pillar of RELEVANS Law Firm’s expertise. Cases and teamwork are handled easily thanks to the firm’s special analytical and control system. RELEVANS Law Firm applies plain style of legal writing which was amended and improved greatly by senior lawyers over the years.

Work highlights

  • Representation of the defendants in a dispute on the invalidity of legal acts with a total value exceeding EUR 584 million
  • Representation of one of the largest banks in Slovakia in a dispute on determining the existence and validity of a receivable exceeding the value of EUR 166 million
  • Representation of clients in numerous disputes publicly known as “the Carlton Case” (together more than 30 civil, administrative, and criminal proceedings with a total value of the most significant ones over EUR 200 million)
  • Representation of the defendants in a numerous disputes initiated by electric power manufacturers seeking refunds of payments for access to distribution network
  • Representation of the defendants in a dispute on payment of damages including appurtenances exceeding EUR 90 million

Contact: Alexander Kadela, managing partner

Email: kadela@relevans.sk; office@relevans.sk

 

2)    M&A and Corporate

M&A and Corporate division focuses on transaction consulting. RELEVANS Law Firm assists its clients during the entire transaction – from the very beginning until its closure. The firm suggests an optimal transaction setup, negotiates the LoI/HoT/NDA, carries out due diligence, drafts the contractual documentation. RELEVANS represents its clients in negotiations concerning the transaction and its financing and also in the process of obtaining the necessary regulatory consents, including competition clearance.

Work highlights

  • Providing comprehensive legal advice in negotiating and drafting a Shareholders’ Agreement of a leading Central European energy group
  • Providing comprehensive legal services to the investment fund on exit from the target company (a telecommunications operator providing internet, television and data services) and settlement of related shareholder and other relationships
  • Representation of the seller on the sale of the administrative part of the Klingerka Project to the ERSTE realitná Renta fund managed by the Asset Management of Slovenská sporiteľna.
  • Complex legal advice provided in cooperation with British law firm Setfords SOLICITORS to a buyer acquiring real estate in London valued in excess of EUR 450 million
  • Legal advice provided to buyers in acquisition of an ownership interest in a company managing alternative investment funds

Contact: Marian Masarik, partner

Email: masarik@relevans.sk; office@relevans.sk

 

3)    Banking and financing

Areas of expertise

  • Transaction financing – project finance, acquisition finance, syndicated loans, factoring and forfaiting transactions, the financing of PPP projects and other
  • Regulation within the banking and finance sectors – issues relating to banks, payment service providers, securities dealers and insurance companies
  • Securities – issuance of shares (IPOs), issuance of bonds in domestic and foreign markets, the placing of securities for trading on regulated markets, takeover bids, compulsory purchases and redemption of shares

Work highlights

  • Comprehensive legal advice to debtor in the syndicated financing of the construction of the second phase of EUROVEA II shopping centre and administrative premises – one of the largest real estate loans in Slovakia in recent years
  • Representation of debtor in syndicated bank financing of construction of the 1st residential skyscraper in Slovakia
  • Legal advice provided to a sole underwriter of bonds in connection with issuing of the bonds and financing their acquisition with a value exceeding EUR 200 million
  • Legal advice provided to a collection company in obtaining a license granted by the National Bank of Slovakia for providing consumer loans without limitation of consumer loans’ extent
  • Legal advice provided to an owner of bonds, valued at EUR 135 million, in connection with claiming rights under the terms of the bond issue, representation in negotiations with representatives of the issuer, as well as in analysing the issuer’s requests

Contact: Marian Masarik, partner

Email: masarik@relevans.sk; office@relevans.sk

 

4)    Real estate and development

The Real Estate Department provides complex legal advice covering multifunctional, administrative, residential, retail, logistic, industrial, and hotel projects, including some of the largest and the most important ones in Slovakia.

Work highlights

  • City Center Nové Lido in Bratislava – legal advice on the approval process and preparation for construction of the city centre on the Petržalka side of the Danube and related infrastructure
  • Eurovea and Eurovea II – legal advice for polyfunctional centre Eurovea, legal advice on construction of Eurovea II Complex, sale and lease of residential and non-residential premises, including representation of debtor in syndicated bank financing of construction of the 1st residential skyscraper in Slovakia
  • Rubáň, France – legal advice on a project designed for residential real estate and a winery in Slovakia and abroad
  • Legal advisory to the buyer on the acquisition of a premium parcel in London South in cooperation with British law firm
  • Legal advice to the seller on a sale of two polyfunctional centres in Bratislava

Contact: Alexander Kadela, managing partner

Email: kadela@relevans.sk; office@relevans.sk

Department Name Email Telephone
Litigation and arbitration Alexander Kadela kadela@relevans.sk +421 2 323 54 610
Real estate / development / construction industry Alexander Kadela kadela@relevans.sk +421 2 323 54 610
Mergers and acquisitions Marián Masarik masarik@relevans.sk +421 2 323 54 620
Banking / securities / finance Marián Masarik masarik@relevans.sk +421 2 323 54 620
PR, HR, Marketing, Corporate Culture Lucia Baranová baranova@relevans.sk +421 2 323 54 608
Office management Office office@relevans.sk +421 2 323 54 602
Lucia Baranová : baranova@relevans.sk
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