About

PFR is a state-owned financial group which supports companies, local government and individuals and invests to promote economic growth and sustainable social development. Over the last several years the Bank’s legal team has been extremely active on the local Polish market. In fact, as one nominator points out, ‘they have been the most active investor in Poland and we have seen them on very complex transactions including private and public M&As, restructuring and investment in distressed assets, bankruptcy restructuring transactions (including pre-packs), joint-ventures, financing and refinancing’. In 2018 alone, the team has supported the acquisition of significant stakes in PESA Bydgoszcz, Ferrum, Nowe Jaworzno Grupa Tauron and UAB EMP Recycling. PFR’s legal department also takes care of all regulatory and fund structuring matters relating to PFR Ventures, BGK TFI (a fund manager) and funds managed and co-managed by PFR and BGK TFI. Joanna Błaszczyk, the department’s head, has been instrumental in each and every transaction that the team has been involved in. ‘The business team of PFR would want to have her attending literally every session,’ says one nominator. ‘Błaszczyk, herself coming from a reputable global law firm, has managed to attract top lawyers to her team and has increased the number of team members to five. I expect the team size to grow further considering the number of projects and transactions in which PFR is involved and, judging from the strategy they have announced, in which we expect them to yet become involved’.