Allen & Overy, A. Pedzich sp. k. is known predominantly for assisting with high-value, cross-border M&A deals across the energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, financial services and TMT sectors. A recent highlight which underscores this focus saw the team advising Aramco on its investments into Poland’s refining, wholesale, and jet fuel industries through a number of acquisitions from PKN Orlen. The key contacts at leadership level are Jarosław Iwanick and Marta Sendrowicz. The group also fields an experienced counsel bench, which includes recommended practitioners Marcin Czaprowski and Maciej Skoczyński. Magdalena Nasiłowska was a new arrival in May 2023 from Baker McKenzie Krzyzowski i Wspólnicy Sp.k.,

At Baker McKenzie Krzyzowski i Wspólnicy Sp.k., a quartet of highly regarded specialists oversees the department: Weronika Achramowicz focuses on cross-border transactional work, and also leads on the commercial side; Tomasz Krzyżowski is particularly active in the oil and gas, retail, energy, and healthcare sectors; and Filip Uziębło, who joined from Rymarz Zdort in July 2022, is a highly regarded restructuring expert. The firm is also widely recognised for its overarching expertise in technology-related mandates. Since publication, Magdalena Nasiłowska left the firm.

At Clifford Chance, industry experts take the lead on M&A mandates with a nexus to their specialist areas – Marcin Bartnicki acts as the first point of contact for numerous global market players in the technology, e-commerce and gaming sectors; Wojciech Polz focuses on work with a private equity element; and Paweł Puacz oversees transactions in the energy and renewables field. The team also fields a strong bench at counsel level, including Krzysztof Hajdamowicz, who has a proven track record in the TMT space, and English law-qualified Nick Fletcher. Agnieszka Janicka oversees the entire corporate department.

DLA Piper Giziński Kycia sp.k.‘s client base includes key names from the construction, manufacturing, retail, media, technology, e-commerce, insurance, finance, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, as well as major organisations from the public sector. Practice head Marta Frąckowiak focuses on private M&A, reorganisation and restructuring processes, and commercial contracts. Jakub Domalik-Plakwicz is the name to note for private equity transactions, while Jakub Marcinkowski is recognised for his venture capital work. Counsel Wojciech Kalinowski is also recommended.

Under the dual leadership of seasoned specialists Lejb Fogelman and Rafał Baranowski, the 40-strong team at Greenberg Traurig Nowakowska-Zimoch Wysokiński Sp. k continues to advise on the most complex M&A deals, corporate and project financings, and privatisation transactions. Since 2019, the firm has also been developing its venture capital expertise, and now fields a dedicated sub-group, headed up by Aleksander Janiszewski. The department is also well known for its international capabilities; US-qualified shareholder Stephen Horvath is a key name in this space, as are local partners Michał Bobrzyński and Maciej Pietrzak, who are qualified in New York, and England and Wales, respectively, as well as in Poland. Filip Kijowski completes the roster of recommended practitioners.

Public M&A and deals involving private equity funds form the cornerstone of the practice at Rymarz Zdort Maruta. The group’s core clientele primarly comprises financial institutions – including banks, brokerage houses, investment funds and insurance companies – as a result of the firm’s established relationship with the KNF. Lukasz Gasiński, who is qualified in both Poland and the US, acts as a key contact for cross-border mandates. Managing partners Paweł Rymarz and Paweł Zdort continue to oversee the department. Following the merger with Maruta Wachta, the firm has also benefitted from the addition of Michał Pękała, who brings a concerted focus on the video game development sector to the team, and is singled out by one client as ‘undoubtedly the best lawyer in the game development field‘.

Under the expert guidance of Marcin Studniarek, the offering at White & Case M. Studniarek i Wspólnicy - Kancelaria Prawna sp.k. leverages its US, English and Polish law capabilities to advise on some of the most complex cross-border M&A deals in the market, as well as regularly handling the foreign law aspects of domestic transactions. The group is particularly known for its strength in the renewable energy, technology, e-commerce, media, private equity, venture capital, real estate, logistics and manufacturing sectors. Standout practitioners include Aneta Maria Hajska and recently promoted partner Marek Sawicki.

At CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Posniak i Bejm sp.k., practice head Rafał Zwierz ‘s qualifications in Polish, US and UK law put the group in an advantageous position for conducting international deals. Public M&A work is a particular strength for the group, as is advising investment and venture capital funds. Sławomir Czerwiński‘s broad practice spans the gamut of corporate governance, transactional and commercial issues in the healthcare, financial services and infrastructure sectors. Olga Czyżycka-Szczygieł is particularly noted amongst the team’s counsel.

Public M&A deals and transactions organised as auction sale processes are two key areas of focus for the large team at Dentons. The Warsaw office regularly acts as a hub for significant cross-border M&A work in the CEE region, and is particularly valued for its expertise in the energy, infrastructure, media and technology, real estate and food sectors. Piotr Dulewicz oversees both the M&A and private equity groups, and is consequently well positioned to assist with mandates at the intersection of these two areas. Highly regarded Paweł Grabowski regularly advises clients on all types of share and asset acquisitions. April 2022 saw the strengthening of the offering at partner level, with the promotions of Marceli Kasperkiewicz and Michał Wasiak.

Leveraging the strength of its 9-partner team, Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka advises on the gamut of transactions, including leveraged buyouts, management take-overs, joint ventures, and restructuring projects. The group is able to provide expert knowledge across a breadth of sectors, but is particularly well regarded for its energy and private client focuses. Managing partner Krzysztof Zakrzewski continues to oversee the department, supported by a strong bench of seasoned practitioners, including M&A specialists Marek Świątkowski and Bartosz Marcinkowski; Julita Zimoch-Tuchołka, who is a go-to advisor for company formation issues; and Damian Szczygielski, who is noted for his commercial law work.

The team based in Linklaters‘ Warsaw office fields a significant number of foreign qualified practitioners – including those with training from the UK, US and Sweden – and is conseqently well placed to advise leading international investors entering Poland, and assist with complex cross-border transactions. Daniel Cousens, whose practice is particularly focused on emerging markets in the CEE region, heads up the offering. ‘Brilliant lawyer‘ Marcin Schulz is another key senior practitioner. The group saw some changes to its associate bench throughout 2021 and 2022; the most recent development was the arrival of Michał Szperzyński, who joined from Travers Smith LLP‘s London office in June 2022.

Schoenherr Halwa sp.k.'s 'great team' expertly advises on all substantial issues relating to corporate law and M&A, including transactions in both the public and private spheres, negotiation of documentation, and optimisation of structures. Paweł Halwa heads up the practice, and is often supported on key mandates by senior associate Daria Rutecka, who is carving out a niche in technology-related matters; both are singled out as having 'real customer focus'. In September 2022, the group was further strengthened by the arrival of recognised practitioner Krzysztof Wawrzyniak from WKB Lawyers.

Clients from the most active sectors in Poland- including agriculture, food production, manufacturing, renewables, and FMCG - instruct Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak, finding the firm 'a joy to work with'. Practice head Robert Gawałkiewicz brings contentious, as well as advisory, expertise to his role; his particular areas of expertise are cross-border reorganisations and commercial litigation. Marcin Olechowski is the name to note for transactional work with a link to the financial services industry, while Krzysztof Pawlisz is recommended for M&A mandates.

At Wardynski & Partners, the focus is on providing comprehensive M&A advice, which spans the full range of structures and sectors. Since publication, leadership of the department has been taken over by Michał Wons. Other key figures in the team include Kinga Ziemnicka, Paweł Ciećwierz and Konrad Grotowski.

WKB Lawyers fields a team of ‘capable partners and strong negotiators‘, who are ‘exceptional at running deals from kick-off until closing‘. The firm’s sector-specific approach is exemplified by practitioners such as Agnieszka Wiercińska-Krużewska and Anna Wyrzykowska, who are particularly knowledgeable in the technology and real estate fields, respectively. At leadership level, Jakub Jedrzejak and Andrzej Wierciński  co-chair the M&A group, while Anna Wojciechowska oversees the corporate governance side.

Bird & Bird Szepietowski i wspólnicy sp. k. fields a 'very deep bench of lawyers who are all extraordinarily knowledgeable', helmed by Rafał Dziedzic. M&A and joint venture transactions comprise a core part of the workload, as do mandates relating to venture capital and private equity. Additionally, the group provides ongoing corporate advice to a roster of predominantly international clients, including leading names from the energy, life sciences, automotive and construction sectors.

For EY Law, growth has been the key focus recently; this has been reflected both in terms of the team, which continued its steady increase in size with the acquisition of Marek Sawicki from DLA Piper Giziński Kycia sp.k. in September 2021, and in terms of the client base, which now comprises a much greater number of leading names from the hospitality sector. Zuzanna Zakrzewska and Magdalena Kasiarz oversee the department. One client singles out the group for its ability to leverage 'initiative and invention resulting from experience'.

GESSEL Attorneys at Law's client roster comprises both Polish and international entities, privately held as well as publicly listed, operating across the gamut of sectors. Managing partner Marcin Macieszczak oversees the M&A offering, which also covers private equity and venture capital work; he is particularly well versed in issues which occur at the intersection with real estate. Małgorzata Badowska stands out as a key contact for matters relating to banking and finance.

‘Trusted advisor‘ Gide Loyrette Nouel utilises an integrated structure, bringing together corporate and M&A specialists – under the guidance of Dariusz Tokarczuk – with practitioners whose core competencies centre around banking and finance, private equity, and venture capital – led by Paweł Grześkowiak. In terms of sector focuses, mining and heavy industries are the standouts. Recently, highlights have included creation and liquidation of comapnies, assistance with registration proceedings, and financing of operations.

Hogan Lovells (Warszawa) LLP typically advises on high-value, cross-border transactions, most often in the technology, insurance, healthcare and real estate sectors. Counsel Tomasz Żak heads up the practice, and oversees a workload spanning M&A deals, joint ventures, reorganisations, and corporate governance and commercial contracts matters. Managing partner Beata Balas-Noszczyk also provides support to the team, and is noted for her ‘extended understanding of business issues‘.

Kochanski & Partners expertly advises strategic investors and business entities on noteworthy local and cross-border transactions, and is particularly well versed in share and asset deals, spin-offs and transformations, restructurings, and joint venture agreements. Pawel Cholewinski oversees the transactional side, while Rafal Rapala leads on corporate mandates; the former has particular experience in the real estate sector. Pawel Mardas is another key senior name to note.

The early months of 2023 have heralded significant change for the team at Noerr; in January, Renata Patoka, who mainly advises strategic investors and has specialist knowledge of the food and pharmaceutical sectors, joined from SSW Pragmatic Solutions, shortly followed by Karol Kicun from MJH Moskwa, Jarmul, Haładyj i Wspólnicy sp.k. in February. Kicun now oversees the M&A offering, bringing his extensive expertise in private equity matters to the role. The practice continues to be recognised as a go-to advisor for mid-market deals, in particular.

Penteris is well versed in a diverse range of transactional work, including company and ongoing concern acquisitions, reverse buyouts, partial takeovers, share transfers, joint ventures, dispositions and related financing arrangements, and capitalisations. Assisting with the structuring and formation of investment funds is another mainstay of the group’s workload. The key senior contacts are Agnieszka Pytlas, Tomasz Kudelski and Wojciech Fabrycki.

An equal proportion of buy and sell-side clients, predominantly comprising leading private equity names, notable sectoral investors and high-net-worth-individuals, instructs SSW Pragmatic Solutions. The team is well placed to assist with every stage of a transaction, from preliminary advice and due diligence, through to negotiations and tax issues. Practice head Paweł Chyb welcomed Renata Patoka – formerly of Eversheds Sutherland Poland – to the group in April 2022, thus further strengthening the bench at partner level.

Wolf Theiss fields a ‘fully integrated team‘, which can handle the gamut of relevant work, from general corporate advice to transactional assistance; in the former area, the firm is a go-to for leading international names wishing to establish a local presence on the ground in Poland. Since publication, the department has taken on a 27-practitioner team from Wardynski & Partners – including Izabela Zielińska-Barłożek, Anna Dąbrowska and Krzysztof Libiszewski, who will now jointly lead the practice – and other notable names such as Katarzyna Wójcik-Bąkowska.

CDZ CHAJEC & PARTNERS is noted particularly for its expertise in the TMT and real estate sectors, and is consequently regarded as an advisor of choice for M&A mandates with a nexus to these industries. More broadly, the firm also assists with company reorganisations, demergers, joint ventures, and equity investments. Andrzej Chajec acts as the overall practice head, with Macej Kotlicki and Szymon Skiendzielewski co-chairing the M&A side, while Jolanta Okoniecka leads on other corporate and commercial mandates.

At CRIDO, the team has increasingly been instructed to assist Polish entrepreneurs with the development of their businesses abroad, as well as continuing its established practice of advising foreign investors into the country. Mateusz Baran continues to head up the corproate advisory work. On the M&A side, Przemysław Furmaga – who joined the firm from Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka in September 2021 along with senior associate Andrzej Dunikowski – now takes the lead. The acquisition of the duo marked the start of a period of concerted growth at the associate level, which most recently saw Barbara Kwaśnicka arriving from MFW Fiałek.

Deloitte Legal, Ostrowski, Gizicki i Wspólnicy sp.k. fields a ‘versatile and talented‘ team at partner level, ensuring that the firm is well positioned to assist with the gamut of transactional and advisory work across a range of sectors. On the M&A side, ‘skillful negotiator‘ Ryszard Manteuffel, Jacek Korzeniewski and Tomasz Ciećwierz – who joined the team from NGL Legal in May 2022 – are the key names. For corporate law mandates, Mariusz Sron and Robert Uhl are the go-to advisors.

DWF Poland Jamka Sp.k is known for its proficiency across the gamut of private and public corporate and M&A transactions. The team is able to draw on its cross-practice strength to assist with all financial, regulatory, compliance, and governance aspects of deals. The group’s client base spans large multinational operators, as well as ambitious mid-market companies, and capital markets players. Michał Pawłowski, Filip Urbaniak and Rafał Wozniak are the key names to note at leadership level.

With Ewa Szlachetka at its helm, the Eversheds Sutherland Poland team continues to expand its reputation in the sphere of mid-market corporate transactions. Group restructurings which involve a cross-border dimension are a particular strength of the firm. The client base includes notable venture capital and private equity funds, as well as strategic investors. Of counsel Krzysztof Feluch is another key contact.

GSW Legal Grabarek, Szalc i Wspólnicy Sp.k.‘s specialised team is especially well known for its aviation, technology, energy and insurance expertise; the firm’s strong connections across the region, in particular with Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine, ensure that the client base comprises many notable names from those countries. Tomasz Grabarek oversees the commercial side of the practice, while Rafał Szalc heads up the corporate offering. Szalc also jointly chairs the M&A sub-group, alongside recently promoted partner Maria Janicka.

The 'exceptionally experienced' practitioners at JDP Drapala & Partners handle the gamut of corporate and commercial mandates, with a particular emphasis on cross-border M&A and joint ventures. The firm has established expertise in the construction and real estate sectors, and has recently been expanding its capabilities in the technology sphere. Marcin Chomiuk leads the team.

With its strong transactional focus, Krassowski is instructed by a mix of private equity funds, investors, and leading names from the healthcare, gaming, telecoms and power sectors to advise on the gamut of M&A deals. Founding partner Bartosz Krassowski oversees the work, closely supported by seasoned specialists Natalia Grzędzińska and Krzysztof Makosz, who provide more than 30 years’ of expertise between them.

In July 2022, LegalKraft made a concerted expansion in its offering through the acquisition of a bench of highly regarded practitioners from Maruta Wachta; team lead Daniel Jastrun brought of counsel Karolina Henriksson, and associates Mykola Zembra and Bartosz Kurzec, across with him. The change was made as part of a strategic move to become an advisor of choice for cross-border business operating within the Baltic sea region. Jastrun now jointly heads up the practice, alongside Artur Swirtun and Tomasz Rysiak.

The team at Norton Rose Fulbright operates under the leadership of Agnieszka Braciszewska, who has particular experience advising clients operating in the private equity sector on asset acquisitions and disposals, as well as restructuring of holding structures; the group’s workload consequently reflects the specialisms of its practice head. Negotiation of special purpose acquisition vehicles is another core area of proficiency. At senior associate level, Aneta Janecka is the name to note.

In close co-operation with the firm’s tax and regulatory practices, PwC Legal Zelaznicki sp.k. assists a wealth of local, foreign and multi-national companies, as well as Polish state-owned entities, on the gamut of corporate mandates. Recently, reorganisation and succession planning have been areas of particular focus for the team. Cezary Żelaźnicki heads up the practice, assisted by joint deputies Beata Kiedrowicz and Wojciech Trzciński.

Radzikowski, Szubielska i Wspólnicy sp.k. continues to advise a core group of leading names on day-to-day commercial law issues, domestic and cross-border M&A deals, and complex reorganisations. Private equity investments, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, de-mergers and divestitures all form part of the firm’s regular practice. Wlodzimierz Radzikowski and Gabriel Wujek oversee the department.

Managing partner Maciej Mataczyński helms the offering at SMM Legal, and brings particular expertise in equity-backed and energy-related transactions to the team. The group is highly regarded for its M&A capabilities; the team’s strength in this space was recently highlighted by its involvement with the notable merger between PKN Orlen and Grupa Lotos. Tomasz Jaranowski and Mateusz Stańczyk are also recommended advisors in the department.

Under the joint leaderhsip of Olav Nemling and Andrzej Mikosz, Taylor Wessing Poland assists clients with issues occuring at all stages of the corporate life cycle, from set-up, through early-stage funding rounds, to larger investments including private equity and M&A, to exits. The team has particular knowledge of the technology sector, and is also well versed in the healthcare, infrastructure, real estate and private wealth spaces.

With an equal focus on transactional and advisory corporate work, act BSWW legal & tax has a proven track record handling public and private M&A, reorganisations, and negotiations. The team’s leadership trio comprises Marek Wojnar, who has particular expertise in the real estate and construction sectors; Jacek Bieniak, who predominantly focuses on clients with ties to Italy; and commercial law expert Piotr Wojnar.

Following the merger with FKA, the practice at Andersen in Poland is headed up by Tadeusz Komosa and Marcin Matyka; the former combines his corporate expertise with particular knowledge of the real estate and projects sectors. The team focuses principally on M&A deals and commercial transactions, and is instructed by a roster of both domestic and foreign investors.

Bakowski Law Firm focuses on advising players with Polish and foreign capital, who are operating on the local market. Mandates involving the structuring, optimisation and reorganisation of companies form a significant part of the team’s workload. Recently, the team has advised numerous investment and venture capital funds active in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Aldona Hapyn and Igor Bąkowski are the key contacts.

In spring 2022, NGL Legal established a joint commercial, corporate and M&A team which unites a 'devoted team of lawyers' from the Warsaw and Poznań offices under the leadership of 'top professional' Krzysztof Wiater. The firm is much lauded for understanding the specifics of transactions involving state-owned companies. Counsel Dominika Mazur is also noteworthy.

In December 2021, the team at PATH Law LLP was significantly strengthened by its merger with Kielian and Partners; notable names from the latter practice include Sergiusz Kielian and Maciej Owczarewicz, of counsel Anna Ochocka, and senior associate Małgorzata Lejman. Name partner Kielian now jointly oversees the department with Dominika Mizielińska. The firm runs the gamut of corporate and commercial mandates, with a particular focus on assisting high-net-worth-individuals with investment strategies.

Working with a predominantly Polish client base, Prof. Marek Wierzbowski and Partners Advocates and Legal Counsel is a go-to advisor for local buyers and sellers. The team’s regular workload spans M&A transactions, share sales and purchases, and fund establishments. The group is also known for providing ongoing day-to-day corporate assistance to leading names, including Grupa Lotos and John Cockerill Defence. Marek Wierzbowski heads up the practice.

At RKKW – Kwasnicki, Wrobel & Partners, negotiating shareholder agreements, advising on M&A transactions, and assisting with investments are the core areas of focus. Krzysztof Wróbel , Jarosław Szewczyk and Radosław Kwaśnicki are the most senior practitioners to note. The promotions of Piotr Letolc and ‘superb‘ Marcin Jasiński in January 2022 further strengthened the bench at partner level.

Chabasiewicz, Kowalska I Partnerzy Radcowie Prawni is particularly active in the capital investment space, and is frequently instructed to assist start-ups with such work, as well as advising on a wide range of other corporate issues. Agata Kowalska and Antoni Liśkiewicz are the key names to note on the M&A side, while Magdalena Golonka takes the lead on commercial matters.

Under the joint leadership of Krzysztof Laskowski and Bogusław Leśnodorski, the ‘amazing‘ team at LSW Bieńkowski, Laskowski, Leśnodorski, Melzacki and Partners sp.k. handles a wide range of corporate and commercial work. Contract negotiation is a particular area of expertise, with the group regularly advising on sale agreements, asset deals, and incentive schemes. Practitioners are also frequently instructed to take on the roles of members of supervisory boards.

Olesinski & Wspolnicy is valued by clients for its integrative approach, combining transactional expertise with in-depth knowledge of taxation issues; 'great leader' Rafał Olesiński exemplifies this approach. Alongside Olesiński, the key senior contacts are 'high-class specialist' Michał Bogacz and Magdalena Tyrakowska-Szymczak - the latter oversees much of the corporate work, including where it overlaps with capital markets matters.

With a concerted focus on the commercial side, overseen by managing associate Rafał Małolepszy, Sadkowski I Wspólnicy provides advisory services to clients from the gamut of industry sectors. Management board representatives, company-authorised signatories and members of supervisory boards regularly instruct the firm. Mariusz Kowolik brings his 'perfect negotiation skills' to M&A mandates.

Squire Patton Boggs Krześniak sp.k. is noted for its capability in mid-market deals, especially those involving an international element; in recent highlights, the firm has been involved with several corporate reorganisations for high-profile global clients. Marcin Wnukowski, who has particular expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, heads up the practice.