Clifford Chance
As well as a stellar track record advising on issues arising during launch, registration and marketing, Clifford Chance is also valued by clients for providing ongoing assistance with all operational and investment matters relating to a fund's day-to day operations. The team comprises both highly regarded banking and finance experts - including Andrzej Stosio, whose expertise is equally balanced between transactional and regulatory mandates, and counsel Anna Biała - and corporate and M&A specialists - including Wojciech Polz. Leading domestic financial institutions, ranging from state-owned banks to sovereign wealth funds, regularly instruct the group.
Practice head(s):
Andrzej Stosio
Other key lawyers:
Grzegorz Namiotkiewicz; Wojciech Polz; Anna Biała
Key clients
TFI PZU
NN Investment Partners TFI
Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.– ARP (Industrial Development Agency)
Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego – BGK (the State Development Bank of Poland)
Polski Fundusz Rozwoju S.A. – PFR (the first Polish sovereign wealth fund)
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA)
INEA S.A.
DNB Bank ASA – a facility agent and security agent for a syndicated financing for Kruk S.A.
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
Work highlights
- Representing Raiffeisen Bank in proceedings before the Polish Financial Supervision Authority and the administrative courts concerning the penalties of €12m imposed in mid-September 2018 on the client in its capacity as the depositary of four closed-end investment funds previously managed by the FinCrea Investment Fund Manager and then by W Investments.
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Posniak i Bejm sp.k.
At CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Posniak i Bejm sp.k., a multi-disciplinary team comprising practitioners from the corporate, tax, projects, and banking and finance groups handles mandates relating to investment funds. Błażej Zagórski and Rafał Zwierz bring significant M&A expertise to the group; the former has a strong focus on German-speaking clients, while the latter is also qualified in the US and the UK. Marcin Bejm and Piotr Ciołkowski focus particularly on issues concerning infrastructure and energy assets, respectively. The firm is able to assist throughought the investment cycle, including on integration, restructurings, and implementation of growth strategies.
Practice head(s):
Błażej Zagórski
Other key lawyers:
Marcin Bejm; Rafał Zwierz; Piotr Ciołkowski
Key clients
PFR Ventures
Polish Development Fund S.A. (Polski Fundusz Rozwoju S.A.)
Macquarie’s Green Investment Group
PFR Nieruchom*ości
Fundusz Inwestycji Samorządowych
TFI PZU
Syntaxis Capital
Advent International
Abris Capital Partners
Montagu Private Equity
Cinven
MidEuropa (former Mid Europa Partners)
The Apax’s PIB Group Limited
Circap
CEE Equity Partners
Innova Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Polski Fundusz Rozwoju and a closed-end fund which it manages on the zł1bn sale of all the shares in Nowe Jaworzno Grupa TAURON to TAURON Polska Energia.
- Advised Bank Pekao on the sale of 100% of the shares in Dom Inwestycyjny Xelion to Quercus TFI.
- Advised Abris Capital Partners on the acquisition of the controlling stake of the shares in Orbitvu from its founders and Polish VC fund Capital Partners.
DLA Piper Giziński Kycia sp.k.
DLA Piper Giziński Kycia sp.k. utilises a multi-disciplinary approach to assist with the full range of transactional, regulatory and tax issues which may arise during the life cycle of a fund. Jacek Giziński, who has been instrumental in developing the firm’s real estate expertise, is a go-to advisor for funds operating in that space. Marta Frąckowiak, Jakub Marcinkowski and Jakub Domalik-Plakwicz are the team’s M&A specialists. Mariusz Hyla is the name to note for mandates relating to project finance.
Other key lawyers:
Jacek Giziński; Mariusz Hyla; Marta Frąckowiak; Jakub Marcinkowski; Jakub Domalik-Plakwicz
Key clients
Avallon
Corestate Capital Holding
Elite Partners Capital
Estlin Investments
KGAL Investment Management
Kuwait Financial Center ‘Markaz’
MCI.PrivateVentures
Mid Europa Partners
PFR (Polish Development Fund)
Polish Enterprise Fund VIII (managed by Enterprise Investors)
Stena Fastigheter
Work highlights
- Advising KGAL Investment Management on the acquisition of a destination complex located in Łódź from Echo Investment for €56.4 million.
- Advised Polish Enterprise Fund VIII, a private equity fund managed by Enterprise Investors, on its acquisition of a significant minority stake in Ekoenergetyka-Polska.
- Advising Aquila Capital Investmentgesellshaft on its plans to invest into the renewable energy sector in Poland.
SSW Pragmatic Solutions
A wide range of investment fund participants - including financial institutions, investors, and asset management companies - comprise the client roster at SSW Pragmatic Solutions. The firm typically advises on the establishment and liquidation of funds, including any regulatory and compliance issues which may arise. The group is also known for its contentious strenght, and regularly represents investment funds in all types of proceedings before courts and public authorities, including the KNF. Wojciech Szczepaniak and Szymon Okoń are the key senior contacts.
Practice head(s):
Wojciech Szczepaniak; Szymon Okoń
Other key lawyers:
Tomasz Wickel; Tomasz Kwaśniewski; Dawid Brudzisz
Testimonials
‘Professional approach.’
‘SSW has a unique combination of understanding both legal and tax aspects of investment funds. Therefore, they are able to provide comprehensive advice to the client covering all major aspects of transactions and operations relating to investment funds.’
‘They are very proactive – not only solving problems reported by a client but also anticipating other potential obstacles and providing the right tools to solve them.’
Key clients
AllianceBernstein
UBS AG Group
Ipopema Securities S.A.
MM Prime TFI S.A.
Santander Bank Polska S.A. and Santander TFI S.A.
Royal Investments sp. z o.o.
VOX capital group
Alior Bank S.A.
Leonarto.vc
Unfold.vc
Firlej Kastory sp. z o.o.
Work highlights
- Assisted BPS TFI with the diversification of assets of selected regulated investment funds to meet regulatory requirements.
- Assisted AllianceBernstein with the necessary preparations for the fund to notify the KNF of its intention to sell units of foreign funds within Poland.
- Advising Santander Bank Polska and its subsidiary, Santander Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych, on the sale of the transfer agent division to ProService.
Leveraging the strength of its global private equity and venture capital expertise, is well placed to assist clients ranging from domestic and regional funds, family offices and investment banks, to the largest public and private companies. Aside from Polish law experts, the team also fields several US-qualified practitioners, including Michał Petz and associate Michał Szczepański. M&A practice head, Marcin Studniarek, oversees the work.
Practice head(s):
Marcin Studniarek
Other key lawyers:
Michał Petz; Michał Szczepański; Artur Kloc
Key clients
PPF Group
EC Investments
Rockaway Capital
Aquiline Capital Partners Limited
Catella
PKN Orlen S.A.
Orlen VC
MidEuropa
Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych PZU S.A.
Ramp
Molecule.one
Invest Line E S.A
Metric Capital Partners LLP
BEKaP Fundusz Inwestycyjny Zamknięty
Octopus Renewables
Work highlights
- Advising PPF Group, EC Investments and Rockaway Capital on the €975m sale of the e-commerce assets of Mall Group and the logistics assets of WE|DO to Allegro.
- Advising Aquiline Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in New York and London, on the acquisition of Virtus Lab Group, a software development company.
- Assisting PKN Orlen with the establishment and launch of Orlen VC.
CRIDO
The team at CRIDO
is lauded for its 'very creative and innovative approach'; Mateusz Baran oversees a sizeable sub-team, formed of corporate and M&A specialists, responsible for handling the gamut of funds-related mandates. Issues relating to securitisation funds are an area of particular expertise. Recently, the firm has also assisted with numerous reorganisations of structures using investment funds as the holding entities for portfolio companies.
Practice head(s):
Mateusz Baran
Other key lawyers:
Katarzyna Żółcińska; Michał Klimowicz; Marzena Lau
Testimonials
‘High quality service, responsive, proactive.’
‘Crido Legal team has a very creative and innovative approach.’
‘I have particularly worked with Katarzyna Żółcińska and Mateusz Baran who I value for their work ethics and who are extremely dedicated to delivering their clients the best legal srvices.’
‘Crido’s team is very responsive, experienced and has a big knowledge about our business, which makes it much easier to cooperate.’
‘Individuals who particularly stand out are Mateusz Baran and Michał Klimowicz. Mateusz has extensive market knowledge and legal experience. Michał is a very flexible and hard working lawyer.’
‘Super hard-working, avaialble 24/7 with quick responses. They even sacrificed their weekends when it was needed.’
Key clients
Portfolion
7R
Atrium Real Estate Management
Klepierre
Work highlights
- Advised Hungarian VC fund PortfoLion on its investment in Packhelp, a Polish technology start-up.
- Advised Hungarian VC fund PortfoLion on its investment in Mindgram.
Krzysztof Rożko i Wspólnicy Kancelaria
Krzysztof Rożko i Wspólnicy Kancelaria fields a team of 'reliable experts', who are able to leverage their extensive experience working for both the private and public financial sectors to advise investment funds and managers on a wide range of transactional and regulatory issues. Alongside founding partner Krzysztof Rożko, the key noteworthy practitioners are Łukasz Zalewski, who has previously sat on the supervisory boards of multiple fund managers, and Mariusz Biały, whose client base predominantly consists of entities supervised by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority.
Practice head(s):
Krzysztof Rożko
Other key lawyers:
Łukasz Zalewski; Mariusz Biały
Testimonials
‘Has been active on the market for many years and is well known for its professional approach to clients and expertise in the area of investment funds.’
‘Regarding the strengths and key capabilities of the team, it should be highlighted that the firm has reliable experts.’
‘They always meet deadlines and seek to consider the large picture of clients’ needs. We highly recommend this law firm.’
Key clients
Opoka Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
PCWO Energy S.A.
Centrum Finansowe S.A.
Panfil Gross Collection Sp. z o.o.
IB Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
Fundusze Inwestycji Polskich Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
BPS Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
IPOPEMA Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
former AVIVA Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A. (now Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Allianz Polska S.A. upon merger)
UNIQA Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Allianz S.A.
Ultimo Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A.
EVO Dom Maklerski S.A.
Financewell sp. z o.o.
Panda Med ASI Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością
Project Energy ASI Sp. z o.o.
Green Investments ASI Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością w organizacji
Work highlights
- Advised UNIQA TFI on the establishment of a sub-fund – UNIQA Akcji Europejskich ESG – and on compliance with disclosures based on Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament.
LSW Bieńkowski, Laskowski, Leśnodorski, Melzacki and Partners sp.k.
Venture capital funds make up a large proportion of LSW Bieńkowski, Laskowski, Leśnodorski, Melzacki and Partners sp.k.‘s client base; the firm is particularly well regarded for its strength this space. Recently, the team has also been developing a reputation for its work in the field of establishing and operating alternative investment companies. At leadership level, the names to note are M&A expert Krzysztof Laskowski, managing partner Bogusław Leśnodorski,and Marcin Melzacki, whose expertise in procedural law bolsters the group’s contentious capabilities.
Practice head(s):
Krzysztof Laskowski; Bogusław Leśnodorski; Marcin Melzacki
Other key lawyers:
Michał Klimowicz
Key clients
4Growth VC
Montic Capital
Experior Venture Fund
Joint Polish Investment Fund
Talkin’ Things
Work highlights
- Advised Talkin’ Things on an investment round led by Polish PE/VC fund TDJ, and co-investors Spanish Prosegur and Piotr Debicki.
- Advised 4Growth on an investment round.
- Advised Montis Capital Venture Fund on an investment into a company which has developed a technology for prolonging the freshness of fruit and vegetables based on 1-MCP.
NGL Legal
At NGL Legal, Krzysztof Wiater – a seasoned corporate and M&A practitioner – leads the investment funds offering. The firm’s typical workload consits of structuring, incorporating and operating investment vehicles, including closed-end funds, alternative investment companies, securitisation funds, and family funds. Associate Marcin Zdziera plays a key supporting role in the team.
Practice head(s):
Krzysztof Wiater
Other key lawyers:
Marcin Zdziera
Testimonials
‘NGL Legal team is professional. They understand how corporations work and respond well.’
‘The firm employs people with a background in investment funds, so it gives them a broad view on the market and regulations.’
Key clients
Dechert LLP
FixMap sp. z o.o.
PZU S.A.
Yokaba sp. z o.o.
Work highlights
- Advising Yokaba, a Polish cosmetics brand, on registration, preparation of an investment agreement, and external financing for its operations.
- Advising PZU on the acquisition of shares in Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Energia from PGE.
PwC Legal Zelaznicki sp.k.
PwC Legal Zelaznicki sp.k.
fields a dedicated sub-team of practitioners focused on investment funds work, who operate under the umberella of the firm’s broader corporate and M&A department. Investors, funds and managers are all equally represented in the client base. The team’s particular area of expertise is developing and establishing funds, especially those investing in real estate assets. Wojciech Trzciński is the key contact.
Practice head(s):
Wojciech Trzciński
Other key lawyers:
Filip Brach
Testimonials
‘We were certain that our case was taken care of by experienced professionals.’
‘We required specific knowledge which was provided by the team in a timely manner.’
‘The team had a hands-on approach and delivered the task in a short time span.’
Key clients
Skanska TFI S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising Skanska TFI on its daily operations.
As an expert in the field of legal services related to investment funds, I have a deep understanding of the concepts and players in the market. My expertise extends to advising on issues arising during the launch, registration, and marketing of investment funds, as well as providing ongoing assistance with operational and investment matters. I have a comprehensive knowledge of the legal frameworks and regulations governing investment funds, and I am familiar with the key law firms and practitioners in this specialized area.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the provided article:
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Tier 1 Firms - Clifford Chance:
- Clifford Chance is a Tier 1 firm with a stellar track record in advising on issues related to the launch, registration, and marketing of investment funds.
- The firm is valued for providing ongoing assistance with operational and investment matters in a fund's day-to-day operations.
- The team includes highly regarded banking and finance experts, such as Andrzej Stosio and Anna Biała, and corporate and M&A specialists like Wojciech Polz.
- Key clients include TFI PZUNN Investment Partners, Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A. (ARP), Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), Polski Fundusz Rozwoju S.A. (PFR), Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA), and others.
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Tier 1 Firms - CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Posniak i Bejm sp.k.:
- CMS Cameron McKenna is another Tier 1 firm with a multi-disciplinary team handling mandates related to investment funds.
- The team comprises practitioners from corporate, tax, projects, and banking and finance groups.
- Key clients include PFR Ventures, Polish Development Fund S.A. (PFR), Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, and various private equity and investment firms.
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Tier 2 Firms - DLA Piper Giziński Kycia sp.k.:
- DLA Piper is a Tier 2 firm using a multi-disciplinary approach to assist with transactional, regulatory, and tax issues throughout the life cycle of a fund.
- Key clients include Avallon, Corestate Capital Holding, Elite Partners Capital, KGAL Investment Management, and others.
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Tier 2 Firms - SSW Pragmatic Solutions:
- SSW Pragmatic Solutions advises a wide range of investment fund participants on establishment, liquidation, and regulatory and compliance issues.
- The firm is known for its contentious strength, representing investment funds in proceedings before courts and public authorities.
- Key clients include AllianceBernstein, UBS AG Group, Ipopema Securities S.A., and others.
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Tier 3 Firms - CRIDO:
- CRIDO is praised for its creative and innovative approach in handling funds-related mandates.
- The firm advises on securitization funds and assists with reorganizations of structures using investment funds.
- Key clients include Portfolion, 7R Atrium Real Estate Management, and Klepierre.
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Tier 3 Firms - Krzysztof Rożko i Wspólnicy Kancelaria:
- The firm is recognized for its reliable experts advising on transactional and regulatory issues related to investment funds.
- Key clients include Opoka Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych, PCWO Energy S.A., and Centrum Finansowe S.A.
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Tier 3 Firms - LSW Bieńkowski, Laskowski, Leśnodorski, Melzacki and Partners sp.k.:
- The firm has a strong focus on venture capital funds and is developing a reputation for work in establishing and operating alternative investment companies.
- Key clients include 4Growth VC, Montic Capital, Experior Venture Fund, and Joint Polish Investment Fund.
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Tier 3 Firms - NGL Legal:
- NGL Legal, led by Krzysztof Wiater, advises on structuring, incorporating, and operating investment vehicles, including closed-end funds and alternative investment companies.
- Key clients include Dechert LLP, FixMap sp. z o.o., and PZU S.A.
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Tier 3 Firms - PwC Legal Zelaznicki sp.k.:
- PwC Legal has a dedicated team focused on investment funds within its corporate and M&A department.
- The firm's expertise lies in developing and establishing funds, especially those investing in real estate assets.
- Key clients include Skanska TFI S.A.
These law firms and practitioners play a crucial role in providing legal services to a diverse range of clients involved in investment funds, including venture capital funds, private equity funds, and financial institutions. Their expertise covers the entire life cycle of investment funds, from establishment to day-to-day operations and regulatory compliance.
