Law firm HAVEL & PARTNERS provided comprehensive legal advice to the Czech industrial MTX Group on the acquisition of the Croatian company Omial Novi from the Swiss Aluflexpack Group. The transaction was one of the main conditions for the European Commission’s approval of the entry of global aluminium packaging manufacturer Constantia Flexibles into the Aluflexpack Group.
A team led by partner Petr Dohnal and counsel Pavel Ondrák, which comprised senior associate Vuk Djukić and associate Pavel Váňa, worked on the international transaction under the supervision of the European Commission.
Counsel Roman Světnický and senior associate Martin Rott played an important role in the proceedings before the European Commission in the comprehensive process for approval of MTX Group as a suitable buyer of Omial Novi – which will ensure sufficient competition on the European market – and in resolving other competition law issues.
The financing of the transaction was managed by partner Filip Čabart, counsel Štěpán Černý, senior associate Jakub Jireš and associate Jakub Kačerek. Other aspects of the transaction were also handled by managing associate Adam Karban, senior associate Kateřina Kabátová and associate Róbert Košala.
The Croatian legal matters were supervised by the team of Ilej & Partners led by Goran Ilej, Nika Jurković, and Franka Baica.
With this acquisition, MTX Group has significantly strengthened its position in the European packaging industry, particularly in the sterilisable feed and food packaging market. The transaction only confirms the international reach and reputation of the entire MTX Group.
HAVEL & PARTNERS provided comprehensive legal advice to the investment group Czechoslovak Capital Partners (CSCP) in connection with the Tusarova 41 real estate project, which brings high-quality urban housing to the dynamically developing Holešovice district in Prague 7.
The legal services included, in particular, advice on securing bank financing for the project, which was handled by managing associate Ondřej Falta and senior associate Petr Potůček.
The Tusarova 41 project offers 32 modern residential units and commercial premises with separate entrances. It combines a bold urban character with an emphasis on functionality, quality and architectural purity. Thanks to its location and attractive design, it is an interesting opportunity for both future residents and investors.
The CSCP investment group, participating in the project as a financial and strategic partner, has been operating on the market since 2012 and has already carried out projects worth over CZK 3.5 billion. CSCP’s goal is to support the development of high-quality residential projects that enrich the urban environment and enhance the standard of living in the capital city.
Law firm HAVEL & PARTNERS provided comprehensive legal advice to MPM-QUALITY on its acquisition of a majority share in ELTON hodinářská, manufacturer of traditional Czech watches PRIM.
The HAVEL & PARTNERS team was led by Counsel Pavel Ondrák and included Anna Gloserová, Vuk Djukič, Monika Čermáková, and Daniel Doležal. The transaction was supervised by Partner Petr Dohnal.
The original owner of the acquired share was MADE CS, a member of the CSG Group.
The transaction was signed and settled in June this year.
HAVEL & PARTNERS advised the major transport group Arriva in drafting a purchase agreement for the delivery of 22 new railway units from the Czech manufacturer Škoda Transportation. These units will be used from 2028 to operate two train lines connecting Prague with Plzeň, and subsequently with Klatovy and Cheb.
Legal advice, including preparation of the purchase agreement, was provided by partner Martin Ráž, together with senior associate Tomáš Chmelka and junior associate Nikita Fesyukov. This marks Arriva’s largest investment in Europe to date.
The transaction was also notable in that it was not a ‘standard’ purchase of ready-made vehicles, but of train units that still need to be developed and approved. Moreover, they are expected to be the fastest purely Czech trains on national tracks, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. The train units are scheduled to be deployed from 2028 on the Ex6 (Prague – Plzeň – Cheb) and R16 (Prague – Plzeň – Klatovy/Železná Ruda) lines.
HAVEL & PARTNERS, a law firm, provided legal advisory to OMV Group, which operates a network of petrol stations in Czechia, in connection with the expansion of OMV’s long-term cooperation with Pražská energetika.
The legal advisory was provided by a team led by partner Petr Dohnal and composed of managing associates Radek Riedl and Ivo Skolil, senior associate Patrik Chrást, and, for competition law, counsel Ivo Šimeček and senior associate Dita Krumlová.
As part of a newly established joint venture, both companies will further intensify their cooperation regarding their investments, site selection, and development planning as they intend to strengthen the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Specifically, they plan to establish an additional 113 ultra-fast charging stations with a capacity of 300–400 kW at 48 new and existing locations by 2030. The strengthened network is to offer a unique level of comfort and capacity for customers in Czechia.
The transaction is expected to be settled in the second half of this year after the project receives all necessary permits under public law both in Czechia and abroad.
The unique team of Czech-Slovak law firm HAVEL & PARTNERS and family office ONE FAMILY OFFICE, which provides top-notch services and comprehensive support in the field of security and crisis management to key clients and members or associated members of the multi-family office, has expanded as of this July to include Radovan Hříšný as Security Director. In cooperation with the firm’s partners, Hříšný is responsible for the comprehensive protection and risk management of the entire group, as well as ensuring the security of clients in the broadest sense—from physical and personnel security to information and cyber security, including crisis prevention.
Given the scope and profile of its clientele, HAVEL & PARTNERS is the largest provider of crime prevention services in the Czech and Slovak markets, commissioning dozens of investigations annually for both high-net-worth private clients and the largest corporations operating in the region.
“Thanks to our comprehensive approach, exceptional relationships, and extensive network of contacts, we are able to effectively assist our clients and family office members involving serious problems or crises that threaten their economic stability, security in the broadest sense, reputation, or health. This is a truly unique service with high added value, capable of averting catastrophic damage or devastating consequences for individuals or companies. No other law or consulting firm on the market offers such a comprehensive service,” says Jaroslav Havel, Managing Partner of HAVEL & PARTNERS and ONE FAMILY OFFICE.
Radovan Hříšný is an expert with more than 15 years of experience in security, crisis management, and the detection of serious economic crime, with a background in the Military Police. At HAVEL & PARTNERS, he is responsible, in cooperation with partners, for setting up risk management systems, internal control mechanisms, and crisis management protocols.
He also provides advisory services to organizations and individuals facing reputational or legal risks, or those seeking to focus on prevention.
“With Radovan joining our team—bringing experience from leading elite state security units and international missions—we are further expanding our ability to provide comprehensive and practical support in this area for both companies and individuals,” added Jaroslav Havel.
Before joining HAVEL & PARTNERS, Radovan Hříšný held senior command positions in the criminal division of the Military Police. He served as Deputy Chief of the Military Police’s criminal division and led a department specialising in the detection of serious economic crime.
Radovan has also worked on the Multinational Force and Observers mission in Sinai, where he was responsible for security measures for international military units and for setting internal security policies for the mission.
Effective from 1 July 2025, HAVEL & PARTNERS internally promotes three lawyers to the position of Managing Associates, while the team of Senior Associates has expanded to include eight members. Martin Bureš has been appointed as the firm’s Senior Tax Manager.
“The long-term personnel growth of our firm goes hand in hand with the individual career growth of our colleagues. Each year, more lawyers advance to higher positions due to their exceptional expertise in law and taxes, high work commitment, and strong client-oriented approach,” commented Jaroslav Havel, Managing Partner of the firm.
Matúš Holubkovič, Patrícia Jamrišková, and Tomáš Kalenský have been promoted to Managing Associate positions. The team of Senior Associates also welcomes new members:
Daniel Doležal, Zdeněk Chroust, Dita Krumlová, Roman Marša, Libor Novák, Svatopluk Novák, Barbora Sahánková, and Tomáš Varšo. Within the tax team, Martin Bureš has advanced to the position of Senior Tax Manager.
HAVEL & PARTNERS prides itself on an exceptionally stable team of senior lawyers. The vast majority of current partners have reached their positions through internal promotions. The firm has also maintained its status as the most attractive employer in the industry for 11 consecutive years, according to the TOP Employers survey.
Largest Czech-Slovak law firm HAVEL & PARTNERS has won the award for Best Venture Capital Investment in Slovakia for 2025 at the CVCA & SLOVCA Awards 2025, held at a prestigious gala evening. The award recognizes the firm’s legal advisory work on a standout investment in Brightpick, a Slovak leader in warehouse automation. The landmark transaction, valued at $12 million, combined both equity and debt financing. Notably, the €5 million venture debt component—provided from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Venture Capital program—is the largest venture debt deal ever recorded in Slovakia HAVEL & PARTNERS provided comprehensive legal advisory to Brightpick throughout the entire transaction process. The legal team was led by partner Jaroslav Baier, and included associates Kristína Saktorová, Miriam Podskubová, Andrea Mochorovská and junior associate Róbert Košala.
“This award in the Venture Capital Investment Slovakia category confirms that our team delivers top-notch legal services in the venture capital sector. The Brightpick deal is a milestone for Slovakia’s startup ecosystem. The company is on a strong path to becoming the country’s first unicorn,” commented Jaroslav Baier, partner at HAVEL & PARTNERS responsible for the venture capital and private equity practice, and associated partner at ONE FAMILY OFFICE.
Brightpick, a Slovak technology startup, has developed Autopicker—a revolutionary mobile robot capable of fully automating the order picking and consolidation process in warehouses. The company has seen an eightfold year-on-year revenue growth and serves major clients such as Rohlík.cz and ViaPharma.
“Closing this deal was a key milestone for us, enabling us to accelerate growth, expand our capacities, and strengthen our presence in global markets,” said Ivana Žižková, Brightpick’s CFO. “Thanks to this financing, we successfully expanded into our primary target market—the United States—where we secured our first two major clients and have already deployed over 150 Autopicker units. The HAVEL & PARTNERS team provided us with exceptionally professional and technically precise support throughout the transaction. Their understanding of innovative deal structures and the startup environment was crucial for successfully navigating this complex investment,” she added.
“We are proud to have been part of this exceptional transaction and to support Brightpick’s journey toward global success. This award is the result of our long-term commitment to supporting innovative technology companies and contributing to the development of the venture capital market in Slovakia,” added Jaroslav Baier.
HAVEL & PARTNERS has established itself as a key player in venture capital transactions not only in Slovakia but also in the Czech market, where it has been operating since 2005. Today, the firm has the largest team of lawyers, consisting of sixty professionals focused on startups, technology groups, and innovations, making it the largest venture capital practice in the Czech-Slovak market.
“The firm is not just a legal advisor but also an active investor. We founded Cornerstone Capital, through which I personally, along with the law firm’s partners, invest in venture capital funds. Currently, the Cornerstone Capital team oversees investments in 12 Czech and Slovak venture capital funds, in which it has invested over €2.5 million,” explained Jaroslav Havel, managing partner of HAVEL & PARTNERS and main partner and investor at ONE FAMILY OFFICE.
Thanks to these investments, Jaroslav Havel and Cornerstone Capital are indirect co-owners of probably the largest number of startups in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as in other countries. This includes approximately 150 companies, where they hold smaller indirect stakes, including several dollar unicorns. In addition to capital, they bring know-how, contacts, and legal support throughout the entire lifecycle of a startup.
CVCA & SLOVCA Awards 2025
The gala ceremony took place on 12 June 2025, at the Hradná restaurant under Bratislava Castle, attended by more than 150 private equity and venture capital professionals from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The CVCA & SLOVCA Awards are jointly organized by the Czech Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (CVCA) and the Slovak Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SLOVCA), which bring together venture capital and private equity funds, financial institutions, and service providers in the private equity sector in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. CVCA, like SLOVCA, aims to develop and support the venture capital and private equity sectors and represent their interests in collaboration with Czech, Slovak, and European authorities.
The legal team at HAVEL & PARTNERS has provided comprehensive legal advice to leading Central European developer Panattoni and investment group Accolade in connection with the construction and subsequent lease of an industrial facility in Panattoni Park Ostrov North, located in the Karlovy Vary Region. The project was developed in line with the latest sustainability standards.
The legal support also included negotiating lease documentation on behalf of the landlord. The transaction was led by Lukáš Syrový, Partner, assisted by Adam Karban, Managing Associate, and Dominika Hřebačková, Junior Associate .
The tenant of the 57,400 sqm eco-friendly facility is ZF, a global technology company specialising in advanced products and systems for passenger and utility vehicle mobility, as well as industrial technology. Built on one of the largest brownfield sites in the Czech Republic, the facility will be used as a highly automated distribution centre for the aftermarket parts sector.
The legal team at HAVEL & PARTNERS has provided comprehensive legal advice to Czechoslovak Capital Partners (CSCP) on the acquisition and subsequent sale of five prime properties in Hradec Králové. The firm is currently assisting with the sale of a prestigious property located directly on Velké náměstí, a historic square in Hradec Králové.
The property in question is a representative apartment building with a total area of 1,400 sqm, fully renovated with the emphasis on the preservation of its historical character. It houses a restaurant and office spaces, making it a highly attractive real estate asset in a sought-after location.
Legal advisory was led by Managing Associates Ondřej Falta and Adam Karban, with support from Jekatěrina Vydržel, Junior Associate, and other team members.
Czechoslovak Capital Partners investment group, formed through the transformation of Šestý uzavřený investiční fond, a qualified investor fund, has been active on the investment market since 2012. Over the years, the group has built extensive experience across the investment spectrum, having invested more than CZK 3.5 billion, part of which through its affiliated companies.
With our venture capital expertise since 2005, our team of approximately 20 lawyers has been providing intensive advice to investors, promising startups, VC funds, and family offices. We focus on fund structures and tax consultancy. We are well-versed in modern technological trends, with detailed knowledge of the market, investment environment, and startup business.
On Thursday, 29 May 2025, the Startup Money 2025 conference will take place at the Divadlo Husa na provázku theatre in Brno. This inspiring international event is aimed at the startup and investor community from the CEE region. HAVEL & PARTNERS is a partner of the event.
VC Community Meeting in Bratislava
On 28 May 2025, the next annual invite-only Startup & Investor Meetup will take place at Rivers Club. This event will once again bring valuable connections, inspiring discussions, and opportunities for building cooperation. It will be preceded by a meeting of successful Slovak technology investors in cooperation with ONE FAMILY OFFICE. Interested in Participating? Contact Us!
How to Become a Successful Angel Investor? Spring Workshops in Brno Will Show You
Angel investing is not just about capital. It also involves strategy, legal certainty, and the ability to recognize promising startups. This year’s series of workshops by the innovation agency JIC, in cooperation with HAVEL & PARTNERS, will provide angel investors with essential information.
How to Profit Smartly from Technological Trends? An exclusive event by ONE FAMILY OFFICE, HAVEL & PARTNERS, and Tensor Ventures brought together investment leaders and technology innovators. About seventy selected individuals, including tech entrepreneurs, top managers, enthusiasts, and angel investors, attended to explore the latest trends in technology investments.
Investment Academy for Promising Startups with JIC
In cooperation with the innovation agency JIC and supported by CzechInvest, we organized an Investment Academy in Brno for founders of promising startups. Over four sessions, they learned everything necessary to find the right investment partner from leading domestic investors, lawyers, and business experts.
TA3 Kapučíno Podcast: Startups Today and Tomorrow. How to Seize the Opportunity
Startups are about the courage to take risks, seize opportunities, and find support for innovative ideas. What are the real financing options for new projects in our region? What risks does a startup founder face after securing investment? Jaroslav Baier, partner at HAVEL & PARTNERS and expert in venture capital, private equity, and transactional law, answers these and many other questions in a conversation with Martin Rinčo on the TA3 Kapučíno podcast.
Czech Venture Capital Has Much to Learn
Jaroslav Havel, Managing Partner at HAVEL & PARTNERS, shares his current perspective on the local venture capital ecosystem in an article for CzechCrunch.cz.
More Information in Czech HERE
Legal Advice for Investors Entering Wultra Startup
HAVEL & PARTNERS’ venture capital experts represented the Central European deep tech fund Tensor Ventures and Elevator Ventures, the corporate VC fund of Raiffeisen Bank, in their entry into the Czech fintech startup Wultra, which engages in cybersecurity. More Information HERE
Setting Up an ESOP for Luigi’s Box
Legal and tax experts at HAVEL & PARTNERS advised the founders of the Slovak startup Luigi’s Box on setting up employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) for key employees. More Information HERE
Legal Advice for Photoneo on Slovakia’s Largest Venture Debt
HAVEL & PARTNERS in Slovakia assisted Photoneo in a unique and extensive transaction. It involved securing financing for the Brightpick division, focused on developing automated robotic systems, combining debt and equity financing totalling USD 12 million. More Information HERE
Establishing the Unique Investment Fund Rohlík Growth SICAV
HAVEL & PARTNERS was involved in one of the largest and most exceptional deals at the intersection of fund structuring and venture capital in the Czech Republic last year. We represented the Rohlík Group, led by entrepreneur Tomáš Čupr, in establishing the unique investment fund Rohlík Growth SICAV, valued at over EUR 120 million (more than CZK 3 billion). More Information HERE
As the largest Czech-Slovak law firm, HAVEL & PARTNERS was honoured at the 13th annual Law Firm of the Year competition in Slovakia, where it claimed the top spot in the International Law Firm category for the fourth consecutive year. It also won first place in the Competition category for the fourth time and triumphed in the Mergers & Acquisitions category. In other 14 categories, the firm was ranked among highly recommended and recommended law firms, further underscoring the high quality and exceptional comprehensiveness of its services. These achievements are complemented by the firm’s success in the Czech Law Firm of the Year competition, where it won the Best Domestic Law Firm and the Best Client Service categories for the fifth consecutive year in 2024. With a total of more than five dozen awards in Czech and Slovak competitions in previous years, HAVEL & PARTNERS stands as the most successful and comprehensive law firm in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
“Winning the main award in the International Law Firm category for the fourth consecutive year confirms our ability to provide comprehensive international support for Czech and Slovak law firms. Our unique know-how of the legal and tax environment, combined with our international reach, makes us a reliable partner anywhere in the world. Last year, we became the first law firm from the CEE region to establish a direct presence in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Moreover, ONE FAMILY OFFICE, a new multi-family office established in cooperation with HAVEL & PARTNERS, adds a new and even more global dimension to our international support,” commented Jaroslav Havel, Managing Partner of HAVEL & PARTNERS.
The Competition team at HAVEL & PARTNERS, comprising nearly thirty top lawyers and economists, is one of the most experienced, largest, and fastest-growing practices not only in Slovakia and the Czech Republic but also in the entire CEE region. This year, the team secured its fourth consecutive victory in the prestigious Law Firm of the Year competition in the Competition category.
“Over the past three years, we have significantly strengthened our local presence in Slovakia. With a team of five experienced colleagues, we can handle even the largest projects and the most demanding clients. This victory is the result of the efforts of all our colleagues who contributed to providing competition law advice in Slovakia, and the clients who trusted us last year,” said Partner Lenka Štiková Gachová.
Partner Robert Neruda added: “As the only law firm in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, we offer clients a combination of legal and economic advice in competition law matters. We possess unique know-how utilised by more than 190 local and international clients, to whom we are deeply grateful for their trust.”
In addition to the main award for International Law Firm and the victory in the Competition category, HAVEL & PARTNERS also won the Mergers & Acquisitions category at this year’s Law Firm of the Year competition. “We thank our clients for their trust in us to handle strategic issues in mergers, acquisitions, sales, and company reorganizations, which have a significant impact on their future business and expansion abroad,” said Ondřej Majer, Partner responsible for M&A in Slovakia. “Thanks to our unique international network of contacts and our recent direct representation in Frankfurt, we can now execute and manage cross-border transactions practically anywhere in the world,” added Ondřej Majer.
The transaction team, providing comprehensive advice on mergers and acquisitions, comprises more than 80 lawyers, making it the largest and most experienced in Central Europe. The team consistently ranks among the top in the number of transactions completed in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Central Europe.
Law Firm of the Year is a prestigious industry competition evaluating the legal services of law firms operating in the Czech and Slovak Republics, organized by the publishing house EPRAVO Group, s.r.o. It was first announced in the Czech Republic in 2008, and since 2013 it has also been held in Slovakia in cooperation with the weekly TREND. Find out more information here.
The awards ceremony took place on 9 April during a grand gala evening organised by EPRAVO Group, s.r.o. in cooperation with the weekly TREND at the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel in Bratislava.
