Clients from the energy, chemical, consumer products, TMC, manufacturing, logistics and finance industries seek out CMS for its expertise in handling public M&A transactions. The group is also experienced in supporting investment and capital venture funds with their domestic and cross-border needs. Private equity expert Sławomir Czerwiński now heads up the practice following the departure of previous practice head Rafał Zwierz in April 2024. Counsel Olga Czyżycka-Szczygieł is skilled in the reorganisation of capital groups, while ‘experienced practitioner’ Błażej Zagórski is active in privatisation and restructuring projects. In other team news, Ryszard Manteuffel and counsel Robert Semczuk joined the practice in March 2024 from Deloitte Legal, Gizicki i Wspólnicy sp.k..
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I really enjoy working with the whole team at CMS Poland. They provided invaluable advice to us as we entered into a new market - and we wouldn't have done it without them. I also find the in-house tax advice very valuable.’
‘Olga Czyżycka-Szczygieł is our lead contact at CMS and she is awesome. We have built up a very strong relationship and high level of trust with Olga - and her wider team - to the point where she has PoA for us to act in Poland.'
‘Błażej Zagórski is an experienced practitioner, business-oriented, foreseeing potential problems and implementing measures to avoid them.'
- 'Grzegorz Pączek's dedication, calmness and passion for quality are always top! Sławomir Czerwiński is a great lawyer and manager, aims to close deals with keeping client safe.’
‘CMS Warsaw demonstrates exceptional expertise across a wide range of legal fields. They have consistently provided us with top-tier services in M&A, commercial, and regulatory matters. The CMS team operates seamlessly, with excellent coordination and a flawless flow of information between various departments.'
- 'CMS Warsaw excels at managing projects across multiple jurisdictions, functioning as a one-stop shop. This streamlined approach makes working with them highly efficient and effective.’
‘I have had the pleasure of working with Mateusz Stępień and Antoni Wandzilak on several M&A transactions in recent years. They have also supported us with ongoing legal matters related to our business. Both are incredibly responsive and deliver outstanding legal advice.'
- 'Mateusz Stępień is not only deeply knowledgeable in his field but also highly attuned to our needs. Antoni Wandzilak stands out for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for us.'
Key clients
- InPost
- Medicover
- EBRD
- OEX
- Constantia Flexibles
- Prime Label Group
- Abris Capital Partners
- Partner in Pet Food
- MidEuropa
- Grupa Azoty Polyolefins
Work highlights
- Advised European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on its minority equity investment in a Polish bank, VeloBank S.A.
- Advised R-GOL, a distributor of specialised equipment for football enthusiasts, professionals, and football clubs in Central and Eastern Europe, and its owners on the sale of the majority stake to Innova Capital.
- Advised 4Life International Group Limited on the sale of all shares in 4LifeDirect Poland, a life insurance distribution company in Poland, to Generali.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Sławomir Czerwiński
Other key lawyers
Błażej Zagórski; Ryszard Manteuffel; Mateusz Stępień; Olga Czyżycka-Szczygieł; Jarosław Gajda; Grzegorz Pączek; Antoni Wandzilak; Joanna Białoskórska; Marta Osowska-Buba; Robert Semczuk