Kochański & Partners
Europe Guide 2024
About
Chairman & Managing Partner: Piotr Kochański
Number of partners: 30 Number of lawyers: 88
Languages:English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Russian
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 well-known for their 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, USA and Asia.Main Areas of Practice:
Dispute Resolution:
8 partners, 40 fee earners based in Warsaw and Cracow
■ Advising and representing Muszynianka in a landmark investment dispute with the Slovak Republic under the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Poland and Slovakia of 1994
■ Advising and representing Forteam Investment Limited in a dispute concerning an investment made in a leading retail-chain company, as well as advising on obtaining third-party funding from an American fund
■ Advising and representing Ringier Axel Springer Poland in numerous litigation cases, including trademark and domain name disputes, and landmark cases
Key Clients: Muszynianka, Forteam Investment Limited, Ringier Axel Springer Polska, Betomax, Honwood Services Ltd. , Bank BPH, LOT Polish Airlines, Bank Millennium S.A.
Contact: Marek Jeżewski, PhD
Tel: +48 795 548 314
Email: [email protected]
Energy:
1 partner, 6 fee earners based in Warsaw
■ Advising Ductor AG on the purchase of a number of biogas plant projects
■ Advising Swiss Krono S.A. on an high level administrative dispute regarding the validity of a biomass burning permit and heat production
■ Advising Krynica Vitamin in the course of introducing a new product – consisting of full scope (legal/IT/construction) advisory towards the implementation of a world class solution to save energy costs and become emission clean
Key Clients: Ductor AG, CEE Equity Partners Ltd., Johnson Matthey PLC, Krynica Vitamin S.A., Swiss Krono S.A., Shanghai Electric
Contact: Wojciech Wrochna, LL.M.
Tel: +48 734 189 743
Email: [email protected]
Financial Services:
5 partners, 10 fee earners based in Warsaw
■ Advising AccorInvest Group SA on the acquisition of Orbis S.A. – a Polish hotel chain, from Accor S.A. and Accor Polska - the largest real estate transaction in Poland in 2019 and 2020
■ Advising Oxenwood Real Estate on the acquisition of the DHL logistics centre located in Radzymin, 30 km from Warsaw
■ Advising Griffin Real Estate the borrower on a restructuring process of the refinancing of an A-class office building in Warsaw
Key Clients: AccorInvest Group SA, Oxenwood Real Estate (UK), Griffin Real Estate (SPV companies), Polish Bank Association, Global Primex sp. z o.o.
Infrastructure & Environment:
2 partners, 3 fee earners based in Warsaw
■ Advising CEE Equity Partners Ltd. on a wind farm project for energy distribution
■ Advising Johnson Matthey PLC on greenfield investments in Poland consisting of the construction of new factories in order to design and manufacture high performance battery packs for the professional cordless power tool and electric bike markets
■ Providing ENERGA S.A. a comprehensive legal assistance, including representation before various law enforcement agencies, public administration bodies, in matters relating to operating energy operations in Poland
■ Advising SPP Group on setting up the distribution and electricity trade company.
Key Clients: CEE Equity Partners Ltd., Johnson Matthey PLC, ENERGA S.A., Swiss Krono S.A., Shanghai Electric, SPP Group
Contact: Jacek Kozikowski, PhD
Tel: +48 660 765 914
Email:[email protected]
Real Estate:
1 partner, 5 fee earners based in Warsaw
■ Advising AccorInvest Group S.A. on the acquisition of Orbis S.A., one of the largest public companies at Warsaw Stock Exchange, operator of +70 hotels located in Poland and in the CEE Region. This was the largest real estate transaction in Poland in 2019 and 2020. The deal was shortlisted in the Deal of the Year Awards competition held by CEE Legal Matters portal
■ Advising Oxenwood Real Estate on its debut in Poland and acquisition of the DHL logistics centre located in Radzymin, 30 km out of Warsaw. The transaction was carried out by selling the entire shareholding in the company, owning the property, by Panattoni Europe and Bluehouse Capital to Oxenwood Real Estate UK
■ Advising Beneteau Group on the enterprise acquisition of Delphia Yachts, including respective production sites. The transaction included the acquisition of numerous real estate properties which affected the structure of the transaction, inter alia due to pre-emptive rights, location within special economic zones etc. The Beneteau Group is one of the largest sail and powerboat manufacturers globally with in excess of EUR 1 billion in turnover
Key Clients: AccorInvest Group S.A., Oxenwood Real Estate, Beneteau Group, Skanska Property Poland, Griffin Real Estate, Inter Cars S.A., Johnson Matthey plc
Contact: Paweł Cholewiński
Tel: +48 883 323 475
Email: [email protected]
Technology:
1 partner, 8 fee earners based in Warsaw
■ Advisory for a top Polish bank on management of outsourcing relations, including cloud computing services
■ Advisory for a top Polish bank on migration to the cloud computing infrastructure
■ Advisory for a few of Polish banks on implementation of suite of productivity tools delivered in the form of Software as a Service
■ Legal support for a Polish bank in implementation of services migration to private cloud of the banking group)
■ Advisory for a top Polish bank on the approach to onboarding start-ups and implementation of third party services in the digital banking channels
■ Advisory and support adapting banks processes to the requirements of ISO 27017 (concerning cloud solutions) and ISO 27001 and obtaining certification
■ Advisory on cloud computing and outsourcing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in terms of strategic cloud computing solutions utilisation
■ Advising a global payments technology company on the possibilities and requirements for providing open banking services in Poland based on the amended Payment Services Act implementing the EU PSD2 directive into the Polish legal system
■ Holistic legal advisory for an European banking group project on setting up on-line leasing marketplaces
Key Clients: Idea Bank S.A., ING Bank Śląski S.A., mBank S.A., Nest Bank S.A., PKO BP S.A., mElements S.A., Visa Inc.
Contact: Łukasz Węgrzyn
Tel: +48 795 576 136
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL WORK:
Kochański & Partners is well-known for their cross-border services, international cooperation and knowledge sharing programmes. The firm’s experienced lawyers and tax advisors are highly-regarded in supporting international businesses. They advise international companies on becoming established in Poland (through incorporation, commercial arrangements or business acquisitions) or on trading with their international partners throughout the world. Kochański & Partners lawyers are able to coordinate and provide a seamless service with the firm’s network of international law firms in Europe, USA and Asia.
Kochański & Partners experts spend time getting to know clients, their businesses, and the markets they operate in. For that reason the firm has been trusted by a portfolio of the biggest European and global clients:
■ Advising on the purchase of shares in Orbis S.A. (the Polish hotel chain), from Accor S.A. and Accor Polska – the biggest real estate transaction in the CEE region in 2019/2020
■ Advising Ferro Corporation, a leading global supplier of technology-based functional coatings and colour solutions, on the sale of its European Tile Coatings Business to Pigments Spain, S.L., a company of the Esmalglass-Itaca-Fritta group, which is a portfolio company of Lone Star Funds, for USD 460 million in cash, with the potential for an additional USD 32 million in cash based on the performance of the business pre-closing
■ Kochański & Partners has been engaged in the process of initial public offering and listing of the Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical’s shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Kochański & Partners’ assignment included: due diligence of the Polish subsidiary; preparing legal opinion related to the Polish law aspects deemed key for the underwriters; preparing input to the prospectus regarding Polish regulatory environment; comments on Polish aspects of the prospectus
Contact: Aleksandra Ryżkowska
Tel: +48 539 100 184
Email:[email protected]
Ranked Offices
Provided by Kochański & Partners
- WarsawMetropolitan, Pl. Pilsudskiego 1, Warsaw, Masovian, Poland, 00-078
- Web: www.kochanski.pl
- Tel: +48 22 596 46 00
- Fax: +48 22 596 46 01
- View ranked office
Kochański & Partners rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
38 items provided by Kochański & Partners
The ESG Committee at Kochański & Partners
Changing the world for the better needs to be a central value for all companies, and should be demonstrated in a business’s daily actions. For this reason, Kochański & Partners are establishing a Sustainable Business (ESG) Committee.
Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, the new face of enterprise in Poznan
Poznan serves as the gateway to western markets, and this is why the next Kochanski & Partners office will be located there. The managing partner of the new Poznan office will be Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, a leader in both project management, technology transactions and NewTech.
Marek Jeżewski on contemporary Polish and European arbitration
Arbitration requires specialization, and immersion in the subject matter of a dispute, so the fundamental characteristic of the relationship between an arbitrator and the parties is trust.
Kochański & Partners effectively assist in life saving humanitarian missions to Ukraine
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. But Ukraine is not alone – it’s allies across Europe are united in their condemnation of Russia’s barbarism.
Kochanski and Partners shortlisted in the 2023 Lawyer European Awards in 4 categories
Despite strong competition, Kochanski and Partners have again reached the finals of this year’s largest and most important ranking in the European legal market, being nominated in an resounding four categories.
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.
Legal Project Management: why do you need a legal project manager?
In the UK and US, Legal Project Management has gained widespread use as a tool to allow clients considerable control and oversight over the course of a lawsuit, and now, Kochanski and Partners are introducing the concept to Poland.
Investment fund cloud services only with Kochański & Partners
Kochański & Partners technology team has recently finished co-authoring The Cloud Model for Investment Funds, together with the Chamber of Fund and Asset Managers (IZFiA).
Kochański & Partners supported ERGO Hestia in their ISO certification
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 supported their client in obtaining ISO 27001 and ISO 27017 information security certification.
Kochański & Partners advised PWPW on the acquisition of a greenfield site from Polfa S.A.
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. 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
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.
Successful management buyout at Jansen
Kochański & Partners supported Jansen’s founder and CEO during transaction structuring, financial modelling, negotiating the commercial terms of the transaction and drafting the legal documentation.
Kochański & Partners advised on the purchase of a 75% stake in first-league GKS Tychy Football Club
On 6 April 2023, the year plus negotiations towards the purchase of a majority stake in the club were finally concluded. After acquiring 75 % of the shares in the increased share, the new owner of GKS is the Tychy Investment Company Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands.
Kochański & Partners is awarded the EcoVadis SILVER medal
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.
Hermès wins landmark case against MetaBirkin, setting precedent for NFTs in the fashion industry
The legal battle between Hermès brand owner and artist Mason Rothschild, the creator of ‘MetaBirkin’ NFTs, has lasted more than a year. But in February, the Court ruled that the NFT version of the famous Birkin handbags infringes the rights of the Hermès fashion house.
Agnieszka Chrzanowska, Partner in Kochański & Partners, appointed new IBA Publications Officer
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. It is 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
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.
A difficult time for cryptocurrencies
The year 2022 will not be remembered fondly in the cryptocurrency market. The progressive decline in the value of coins, the problems of the FTX exchange and the collapse of trust are all raising questions about the future of crypto. Can regulating the crypto-asset market be a panacea?
Deadlock clauses in shareholders’ agreements
Disagreements between shareholders can be a healthy thing, leading to creative solutions through the reaching of compromises. However, if differences become entrenched, the result can be potential deadlock and the loss of the ability to make important decisions.
New liability rules for artificial intelligence in the European Union
In April 2021, the European Commission presented a revolutionary proposal for a regulation on AI, laying the foundations for a legal framework for the use of AI within the EU. 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
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.
Trends in the regulation and taxation of crypto – a summary of the Kochański & Partners debate
Kochański & Partners, the authors of the first metaverse report in Poland, published a follow-up tax themed report on 27 October.
The roots of the current ESG revolution
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.
Polish Tech Pitches to Private Capital – Recognizing ESG Impact
Together with the London Stock Exchange, on 17 November 2022 Kochański & Partners have organized the second edition of our joint event introducing top, dynamically developing Polish projects to foreign PE/VC funds and LSE representatives.
Piotr Kochański’s business advisory vision
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.
Kochański & Partners has advised on the strategic Baltic Pipe energy project
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 Work-life balance directive — Changes to the Labour Code and new rights for employees
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
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.
Kochański & Partners advised Klima Energy, supporting the development of green energy
Kochański & Partners' 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.
The ESG Committee at Kochański & Partners
Changing the world for the better needs to be a central value for all companies, and should be demonstrated in a business’s daily actions. For this reason, Kochański & Partners are establishing a Sustainable Business (ESG) Committee.
Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, the new face of enterprise in Poznan
Poznan serves as the gateway to western markets, and this is why the next Kochanski & Partners office will be located there. The managing partner of the new Poznan office will be Natalia Kotłowska-Wochna, a leader in both project management, technology transactions and NewTech.
Marek Jeżewski on contemporary Polish and European arbitration
Arbitration requires specialization, and immersion in the subject matter of a dispute, so the fundamental characteristic of the relationship between an arbitrator and the parties is trust.
Kochański & Partners effectively assist in life saving humanitarian missions to Ukraine
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. But Ukraine is not alone – it’s allies across Europe are united in their condemnation of Russia’s barbarism.
Kochanski and Partners shortlisted in the 2023 Lawyer European Awards in 4 categories
Despite strong competition, Kochanski and Partners have again reached the finals of this year’s largest and most important ranking in the European legal market, being nominated in an resounding four categories.
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.
Legal Project Management: why do you need a legal project manager?
In the UK and US, Legal Project Management has gained widespread use as a tool to allow clients considerable control and oversight over the course of a lawsuit, and now, Kochanski and Partners are introducing the concept to Poland.
Investment fund cloud services only with Kochański & Partners
Kochański & Partners technology team has recently finished co-authoring The Cloud Model for Investment Funds, together with the Chamber of Fund and Asset Managers (IZFiA).
Kochański & Partners supported ERGO Hestia in their ISO certification
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 supported their client in obtaining ISO 27001 and ISO 27017 information security certification.
Kochański & Partners advised PWPW on the acquisition of a greenfield site from Polfa S.A.
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. 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
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.
Successful management buyout at Jansen
Kochański & Partners supported Jansen’s founder and CEO during transaction structuring, financial modelling, negotiating the commercial terms of the transaction and drafting the legal documentation.
Kochański & Partners advised on the purchase of a 75% stake in first-league GKS Tychy Football Club
On 6 April 2023, the year plus negotiations towards the purchase of a majority stake in the club were finally concluded. After acquiring 75 % of the shares in the increased share, the new owner of GKS is the Tychy Investment Company Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands.
Kochański & Partners is awarded the EcoVadis SILVER medal
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.
Hermès wins landmark case against MetaBirkin, setting precedent for NFTs in the fashion industry
The legal battle between Hermès brand owner and artist Mason Rothschild, the creator of ‘MetaBirkin’ NFTs, has lasted more than a year. But in February, the Court ruled that the NFT version of the famous Birkin handbags infringes the rights of the Hermès fashion house.
Agnieszka Chrzanowska, Partner in Kochański & Partners, appointed new IBA Publications Officer
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. It is 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
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.
A difficult time for cryptocurrencies
The year 2022 will not be remembered fondly in the cryptocurrency market. The progressive decline in the value of coins, the problems of the FTX exchange and the collapse of trust are all raising questions about the future of crypto. Can regulating the crypto-asset market be a panacea?
Deadlock clauses in shareholders’ agreements
Disagreements between shareholders can be a healthy thing, leading to creative solutions through the reaching of compromises. However, if differences become entrenched, the result can be potential deadlock and the loss of the ability to make important decisions.
New liability rules for artificial intelligence in the European Union
In April 2021, the European Commission presented a revolutionary proposal for a regulation on AI, laying the foundations for a legal framework for the use of AI within the EU. 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
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.
Trends in the regulation and taxation of crypto – a summary of the Kochański & Partners debate
Kochański & Partners, the authors of the first metaverse report in Poland, published a follow-up tax themed report on 27 October.
The roots of the current ESG revolution
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.
Polish Tech Pitches to Private Capital – Recognizing ESG Impact
Together with the London Stock Exchange, on 17 November 2022 Kochański & Partners have organized the second edition of our joint event introducing top, dynamically developing Polish projects to foreign PE/VC funds and LSE representatives.
Piotr Kochański’s business advisory vision
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.
Kochański & Partners has advised on the strategic Baltic Pipe energy project
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 Work-life balance directive — Changes to the Labour Code and new rights for employees
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
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.
Kochański & Partners advised Klima Energy, supporting the development of green energy
Kochański & Partners' 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.