Real Estate, Construction, Land

Known for its wide-ranging offering, the Ukrainian office of Baker & McKenzie has an established position in the sector due to extensive experience in real estate development and construction, leases and property mortgages, property investment financing, structuring international real estate transactions sales and acquisitions. The practice group provided legal assistance to Arricano in connection with a newly-constructed shopping mall in Crimea; La Societe des Centres Commerciauxin signing of the agreements with PJSC KyivEnergo on connection to electric mains of the shopping mall to be constructed, as well as the relocation of a distribution point and sale and purchase of a distribution point’s building; Norwegian Embassy in Ukraine with the lease of its offices in Kiev. Significant clients of the team include ArcelorMittal, Auchan Ukraine, McDonald’s Ukraine, Billa Ukraine, Amstar Europe. Serhiy Piontkovsky, partner, head of the real estate and construction practice group in Kiev, is a top referenced practitioner. Lina Nemchenko, partner, has solid expertise and enjoys market recognition. Maxim Sokiran, counsel, is another important figure of this practice team.

 

DLA Piper Ukraine continued its work on the existing projects and received instructions to work on the few new ones. In 2014 the real estate team supported Leroy Merlin to open two more hypermarkets in Kiev within the framework of its further expansion in the country. The team also successfully closed a number of lease-related projects including support to a travel goods retailer, a retailer of cosmetics and large international pharmaceutical company; advised a leading global chemical company on potential construction of a seed processing plant in Ukraine, conducted a series of due diligences of land plots for a major international fast service restaurants chain as part of legal support for the expansion of its business in Ukraine. Natalia Kochergina, partner and practice head, is constantly recommended by market players. Dmytro Pikalov, senior associate, is another important figure in this team.

 

Arzinger commands a well-established market position in advising international and domestic investors as well as financial institutions and banks. The practice team is active across various real estate sub-markets (industrial, retail, commercial, office, hospitality), and supports construction and land matters. In 2014 the team rendered advice to a world-known telecommunications provider in respect of applicable legislation on the territory of Crimea and structuring transactions with property; acted for a large international bank in connection with assignment of rights to the project to build a logistics centre; handled representation of international construction supermarkets network in investment project on the construction of a new hypermarket. Timur Bondaryev, managing partner, who has a proactive reputation on the market, leads the seven-lawyer team.

 

Vasil Kisil & Partners keeps the position of a prominent counsel in real estate acquisitions, construction and infrastructure projects, land law advice. Among the recent mandates is ongoing advice to Seven Hills, a Ukrainian branch of international real estate subdivision of BSG Investments — Scorpio Real Estate, on their first Ukrainian residential development project Park Avenue. The firm develops its practice in the mining filed and provides comprehensive legal advice to Hubei Changyang Hongxin Industrial Group Co., Ltd on the development of manganese deposit in Ukraine. As for the infrastructure experience, the firm advises Ukrautodor (in cooperation with Egis) on launching a concession tender for construction of the Lviv — Krakovets toll road as well as legal support to FHI360 (USAID) on the project to construct the Kiev City Ring Road toll road. A raft of other prominent companies such as Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Du Pont Corp, Amtel Properties, Ukrainian Club for Agricultural Business, U. Dori Group Ltd are on the firm’s client list. The practice is led by two renowned partners, Oleg Alyoshin and Alexander Borodkin, and counselor Natalia Dotsenko-Belous.

 

The recognized team at Avellum Partners is active in real estate and land related transactional work, as well as acts in regulatory and lease matters, investment projects, corporate and contractual disputes. The illustrative project touched upon protection of Assofit Holding Ltd assets, holding company of Sky Mall shopping center, from attacks of various parties coordinated by a minority shareholder in order to seize assets or corporate control over the mall. Kostiantyn Likarchuk, partner, lead the practice, and Mykola Stetsenko, managing partner, is known for his corporate and M&A expertise in the sector.

 

Gide Loyrette Nouel works regularly on a range of complex deals covering important real estate, construction, corporate, finance and tax issues. At the beginning of 2014 the office strengthened its team with nine lawyers including two partners, Dr. Julian Ries and Dr. Oleksiy Feliv, from Beiten Burkhardt. The team supports Briziums, a French agricultural company, on acquisition of real estate assets and land plots within an agricultural project on acquisition; advised Algeco, a worldwide leader in construction of factory-built modular buildings, with regard to operation of its subsidiaries in Eastern Ukraine. Among the contentious highlights is representation of BIONIC Hill in a domestic real estate litigation case. Seasoned partner Oleksiy Feliv heads the real estate practice in the firm, together with Bertrand Barrier.

 

The Kiev office of Dentons has adiversified real estate practice that covers M&A, lease, land issues, real estate litigation, hotels franchising, real estate financings. The firm regularly advises major international banks on their real estate financings to major Ukrainian developers, while currently acts across restructuring mandates. Dentons is traditionally dedicated to advising agricultural players, such as Noble Group, Agrogeneration and Bonduelle, on a wide range of issues. The client list of the international law firm contains the names of Ukrainian and international developers, financial institutions and banks, hotels and leisure operators. The past year was noted for a number of comprehensive projects related to annexed Crimea. Myron Rabij, the head of real estate and energy practices in Ukraine, joined the New York office as partner at the Ukrainian desk in the USA.

 

CMS Cameron McKenna advises across comprehensive industrial investment projects, real estate and construction finance, lease, transactional and contentious matters, acting for investors, financial institutions, development companies. The team rendered comprehensive legal advice to Vestas,one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers, on a series of projects, including construction matters. The Kiev office acted for Ekotechnik Czech s.r.o.,in connection with implementation of several solar projects in Ukraine involving construction of solar power plants and interconnection. The managing partner of the office, Daniel Bilak, is referred by the market for real estate and infrastructure experience. Nataliya Kushniruk and Yulia Zemskova are the core practitioners.

 

Gramatskiy & Partners enjoys loyalty from solid clients and consistent workflow in a great number of construction projects, including investment projects in infrastructure sphere and public private partnership, construction of residential and commercial real estate with its further service. In a recent highlight the firm renders full legal support to Seven Hills in the construction of business park Aeroport City; advises City Capital Group on construction of Garden Bay Resort cottage area as well as the Business Park office complex. The team is known on the market for its continuous representation of Seven Hills, Scorpio Real Estate Group on construction of Park Avenue. On the land matters front, the firm constantly supports land transactions, lease, judicial and extrajudicial settlement of related disputes, and disputes with regulatory authorities. The practice team is led by acknowledged practitioner Ernest Gramatskiy, and includes Yuriy Zabiyaka and Igor Reutov.

 

Sayenko Kharenko saw vibrant demand for legal advice relating to the preservation of title to real estate and other assets in the Crimea peninsula. The firmrepresented a real estate management company before local Crimean state authorities to reconfirm the title to real estate and the validity of land lease contracts; advised one of the world’s largest retail networks on the operations of its retail chain in Crimea and on regulatory and contractual issues related to investment projects in Donetsk. The team customarily acted on M&A, finance, restructuring and dispute resolution projects involving real estate. Selected highlights include advising a global healthcare company on legal due diligence of real estate of its Ukrainian subsidiaries; representing OTP Bank in USD 23 million loan restructuring of the Natalka City trade centre in Odessa. Counsels Konstantin Gribov and Olena Perepelynska are the leading practitioners. The projects are led by partners Sergey Pogrebnoy, Nazar Chernyavsky, Vladimir Sayenko, Tatyana Slipachuk.

 

Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners Ukraine is known for its expertise and cross-border capabilities. In 2014  the team, headed by counsel Oleg Boichuk, assisted clients with a diverse range of legal issues involving resolving real estate disputes, legal, financial and tax structuring of real estate transactions and state registration, performing real estate due diligences, structuring acquisition deals, advising on real estate ownership, and other regulatory issues. The firm’s highlights include advising Leonardo and Univermag Ukraina across a spectrum of transactional and real estate matters; acting for a leading diversified agricultural company in relation to all Ukrainian law aspects of the potential acquisition of a top-20 local agricultural business. Partner Ilona Zekely, an Austrian lawyer, is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of legal experience in Europe and CIS.

 

FCLEX is aUkrainian law firm with a wide litigation track record and solid industrial clientele. The team is led by partner Vyacheslav Krahlevych and provides legal advice to Ferrexpo Erystovo Mining in construction of slurry of transregional scale and on location and installation of power lines necessary for developing deposits of ferruginous quartzite. Another focus of the firm is representing companies specializing in the construction of shopping centers, and is led by litigation partner Oleg Malinevskiy. In particular, the firm represented LLC Prisma Beta in a dispute regarding a loan for the construction of the Sky Mall center and provided legal support to another Ukrainian developer and owner of the shopping center ART Mall — Alakor City. The firm also handles land law advisory and disputes.

 

Throughout the past year Asters was enlisted for construction projects, real estate and land sale and lease, property rights matters. The firm is known for an extensive client portfolio from major international and domestic names, including agricultural majors, developers, luxury brands, financial institutions. Of late, the team advised PRADA Groupin connection with the operation of its first mono-brand boutique in Ukraine.Asters’ partner Roman Kostenko leads the practice team.

 

From the recent representations of the Law Offices of OMP it has been involved in giving complex advice on restructuring a business center in Kiev. The team is among the best known legal counsels in the agrarian sector, and handled a wide range of transactions with land, i.e. acquisitions, alienations, corporate restructurings. Mykola Orlov, partner, is the key contact.

 

Established in August 2014 AEQUO (as a result of exit of a group of lawyers including five partners from Vasil Kisil & Partners) has handled a substantial caseload of corporate and real estate related issues. The team, headed by partners Denis Lysenko and Anna Babych, supports ATB Group, one of the biggest food retailers in Ukraine, with regard to restructuring the real estate assets of the company located in Crimea; and Epicenter Group on the post-closing matters related to acquisition of the Nova Linia group of companies. Another partner, Yulia Kyrpa, leads projects in finance, real estate, agri and infrastructure industries.

 

Integrites leads projects offinancing to domestic developers and supports across a wide range of real estate and construction transactions, including both domestic and cross-border deals. Within the framework of its practice the firm constantly advises Novarka with respect to construction of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant shelter facilities. Among the clients of the firm are such sound names as 21st Century, TMM, East Gate, Oledo Group, Arricano Group, Altcom, Altis Holding, AVEK group. The practice is led by partner Vsevolod Volkov.

 

ANTIKA Law Firm, as headed by partners Alexey Kot and Alexander Burtovoy, demonstrates involvement in complex construction projects and broad range of land matters. In 2014 the team advised Heitman International as to the agreement on entering amendments to a mortgage agreement; assisted AWT Bavaria on construction of the new BMW Importer and Dealership Center in Ukraine.

 

AstapovLawyers international law group advises on contractual, regulatory, corporate issues, construction projects, as well M&A work. A recent highlight included representation of a Ukrainian retail group, Varus, in its potential acquisition of 10 retail sites from a Russian retailer. Oleh Malskyy, corporate and M&A partner, is the main contact.

 

Lavrynovych & Partners demonstrates deep involvement in real estate litigation. The recent workload focuses on disputes, including debt collection, real estate foreclosure, lease matters. In a recent highlight the firm represented Devilon Group in a dispute with the Department of Communal Property as to the extension of lease agreements. Partner Stanislav Skrypnyck andsenior associate Artur Kiyan are the key contacts on relevant matters.

 

Over the past year KPD Consulting Law Firm was involved in challenging transactions and construction projects. Among the highlights are representing Sberbank of Russia in due diligence on a construction project and arranging title to a land plot; Ektornet Management LLCwith regard to thesale of two retail shopping malls; Eurobank Properties REICin the course of commercial property sale. Vladyslav Kysil, partner and real estate practice head, is referred for his presence in the sector.

 

During 2014 Gvozdiy & Oberkovych practice team, headed by partner Sergiy Oberkovych, was in charge of conducting high profile agrisector, energy and pharmaceutical projects. It advised Bauer Technics S.R.O. Tabor in the EUR 50 million project finance transaction on development and further management of the agribusiness infrastructure in Ukraine. Among other clients are Donegal FRS, Krasyliv Bio Power Plant LLC in project finance transaction from the EBRD to enable further development and launch of the Krasyliv Bio Power Plant in Ukraine; State Enterprise Mining and Chemical Company on competition law matters in obtaining merger clearance regarding transfer of ownership rights for entire property complexes of Volnogorsk Mining and Metallurgical Complex and Irshansk Mining and Concentration Complex.

 

Konnov & Sozanovsky commands expertise in construction and development projects as well as land matters. The team, as led by partner Olena Kochergina,supported the deal to buy four land plots for apartment house construction, advised on residential property and sale of a land plot. Leonid Gorshenin provides key input.

 

In 2014 Jurimex Law Firm handled a caseload on acquisition of residential premises and land plots, constructions projects and litigation. In a recent highlight the team advised Private Agricultural Enterprise Pogreby in a land plot ownership dispute; acted for PJSC Victoria with regard to construction of a shopping center; assisted State Lottery Operator with investment project on construction of a sports complex. Oleksandr Shyshkanov is a lead partner.

 

Law Firm Dynasty, which is based in Dnepropetrovsk, is centered on advising operators and developers of commercial and residential real estate. For example, the firm renders legal advice on a vast range of issues regarding the functioning of trade and entertainment, as well as business centers, construction projects and property sale, lease and contractual issues, etc. The firm is also often attracted for dispute representation. The name of Denys Myrgorodskiy is widely known on the market. Yevheniy Smiyuha and Viacheslav Kohlyakov are involved in project work.

 

International Legal Center EUCON is highly experienced in contentious property cases, and actively develops investment projects support throughout its two operational offices in Kiev and Warsaw. The team, as led by Tetiana Samsina, senior partner, provided legal support to Consulate General of Poland on recovery of penalties for violation of contract terms; and Avtonafta LLC in trials with regard to the cancellation of a land plot sale decision. Anatoliy Miroshnichenko, scientific counsel, focuses on land law advisory and is known for his academic background in this area.

 

Lexwell & Partners is involved in real estate and land projects of its clients. The practice team, as led by counsel Igor Nagai,was busy supporting Toyota Ukraine on prolongation of a long-term lease for a land plot and advised the client on prospective development of infrastructure of its dealership center. Another highlight is advising CRH Ukraine on office premises rent and counseling CRH Group (Bekhivsky Specialised Quarry PrJSC) in land litigation matters.

 

The practice of MORIS GROUPis centered around investment projects of its agro-industrial clients. For example, the group advised AvangardCo IPL on a full scope of issues with regard to an USD 468 million investment project to build a poultry plant; provided complex legal support in connection with implementing investment projects on feed-milling plant and grain storage construction in Kamenets-Podolsky. Partners Andriy Romanchuk and Taras Gerula are the main force.

 

The experienced team of KPMG Ukraine advised a real estate developer on restructuring of business and assets in Crimea; provided comprehensive legal and tax advice on acquisition and further development of residential property projects. Directors Oleg Chayka and Tatiana Zamorska are the primary contacts.

 

Ilyashev & Partners, under the leadership of managing partner Mikhail Ilyashev, provided legal support to METRO Cash & Carry Ukraine on the sale of a shopping mall in Crimea and advised Olam Ukraine on legal issues as to construction of a grain elevator.

 

In 2014 ECOVIS Bondar & Bondar Law Bureau guided by Larisa Litvinenko, partner, was involved in representing United Basketball Investments in a project on preparing and hosting Eurobasket 2015, the Final European Basketball championship. including financing and management construction of the new arenas in Kiev, Odessa, Dnepropetrovsk and Lviv.

 

The Ukrainian office of Peterka & Partners performs lease, construction, contractual work. The firm provided legal advisory services to CNH Österreich GmbH in connection with the premature termination of office lease for its Ukrainian representative office; Regus Business Centers Ukraine LLC with regard to the transfer of proprietary rights to leased buildings. Nina Sydorenko is in charge of the practice.

 

Shkrebets & Partners, Kharkov-based law firm, has a robust litigation practice. The firm represented Fitness club TETRA in litigation regarding valuation of the land area; represented Okhotnyi Dvor with regard to the recovery of damage for land use. The practice is headed by Eugene Shkrebets, managing partner.

 

ANK Law Firm, based in Odessa, is one of the most vivid counsels in the region. It is known for its extensive work on port infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the firm protected the interests of Novy Business Poglyady LLC (Riviera Shopping Mall) in a court case with the Triumph Media Group.

 

Dmitrieva & Partners is involved into land advisory, and supports lease operation, mortgage, sale and purchase of land plots, transfer and registration of rights. Founding partner Olga Dmitrieva is the main contact.

 

Misechko & Partners, led by its managing partner Volodymyr Misechko, supported Turkish company FESEM Ltd in commercial property sale on the territory of Crimea; advised Society for Promotion of Defense of Ukraine in registration of title to the real estate property. Pragnum law firm acts on domestic projects for such clients as Prioritet-service, Proektindustriya, Astika-bud, Isma-grup, Partner Construction, UFP Grup. Attorneys’ Association Gestors provided legal support to TRK INVEST LLC with regard to reconstruction of the office building. NOBLES represented LSG Sky Chefs in a municipal property lease dispute and a USD 2 million damages claim; and advised Fujitsu, on leasing of premises with major business centers in Kiev.