The powerhouse banking and finance practice at CMS remains a market leader, harnessing the bench strength of a global network of 80 offices in 45 countries to advise domestic and multinational financial institutions (UniCredit, Raiffeisen, Bank of China), on wide range of matters across the practice space. They range from complex, high-value acquisition and project financings (including energy and real estate projects) and regulatory compliance to restructurings and insolvencies, portfolio transfers, private equity mandates and capital markets matters. The team is headed by Erika Papp, an expert in capital markets and derivatives, investments, bank transformations and acquisition finance. Other key figures include Eszter Török, a specialist in portfolio transfer transactions; Sándor Kovács, an experienced advisor on regulatory matters; and Árpád Lantos and Dorottya Varga-Giesz. Former Dentons country manager Gábor Király rejoined the practice in September 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Amazing team, reactivity, professional, goal-oriented.’
‘CMS Hungary provides Hungary and English law legal services and coordinates lawyers of different jurisdictions - this is very useful and practical, especially in transactions where many jurisdictions/applicable laws are involved.’
‘Working with CMS has been a game-changer for our business. They are not only highly responsive but also offer creative solutions that have consistently led to successful outcomes. Their attention to detail is second to none.’
‘Quick, timely responses, professionalism, client-focused, deep knowledge, strong negotiation skills.’
‘Eszter Török: strong industry knowledge, effective negotiator, great experience.’
‘Strong team with high professionalism. Client and solutions oriented.’
Key clients
- Atenor
- CIB Bank / Intesa Sanpaolo SpA
- Corvinus Zrt.
- Erste Bank
- K&H Bank Ltd.
- MBH
- OTP Bank Plc.
- UniCredit Bank Hungary Zrt.
- EBRD
- Raiffeisen Bank Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Corvinus Zrt. (an investment vehicle of the Hungarian Ministry for National Economy), together with French VINCI Airports SAS as minority shareholder, on the acquisition of 100% of the group of companies operating the Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport.
- Advised coordinator and facility agent Raiffeisen Banking Group on the EUR 600m nine-banking-group club multicurrency revolving credit facility for the MOL Group.
- Advised lenders on the $860m financing of a cathode material plant in Hungary.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Gábor Király
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Árpád Lantos
Eszter Török
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sándor Kovács
Dorottya Varga-Giesz
Practice head
Erika Papp
Other key lawyers
Eszter Török; Sándor Kovács; Árpád Lantos; Dorottya Varga-Giesz