We work with local, national & international clients, delivering legal solutions of the highest standard. The following is a selection of recent matters.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Post-M&A dispute against a leading EU banking group
We defended our client in ICC arbitration against a prominent European banking group. ENGARDE developed the strategy for the complex arbitration proceedings and parallel multi-jurisdictional litigation, engaged specialist counsel in the relevant foreign jurisdictions, and represented the client before the tribunal.
Ukrainian gas producer — SCC arbitration arising from the annexation of Crimea
We represented a client in a dispute over the performance of a drilling contract under force majeure conditions caused by Russia’s annexation of Crimea. ENGARDE acted in both the arbitration proceedings and settlement negotiations. The matter was resolved by agreement, with the tribunal’s award reflecting the parties’ settlement.
Telenor — Kyivstar shareholder dispute
We advised Telenor in litigation before Ukrainian courts and in international arbitration in connection with the dispute between Telenor and the other major shareholder of Kyivstar G.S.M. — Storm, wholly owned by the Russian Alfa Group Consortium.
Major Ukrainian agro-holding — LCIA arbitration
ENGARDE acted as legal counsel to a major Ukrainian agricultural holding in a multi-million dollar corporate dispute over the management of a joint agricultural venture in Ukraine, heard before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).
Kryvorizhstal reprivatisation
ENGARDE represented citizens in a dispute over the improper privatisation of Ukraine’s largest steelworks, Kryvorizhstal. Our lawyers’ work contributed to the state’s successful resale of the asset through a transparent competitive process — achieving a record price of USD 4.81 billion.
Malitsky & Filipenko — cross-border shareholder dispute
We represented Andrey Malitsky and Igor Filipenko in a cross-border dispute involving the unlawful prejudice of shareholders’ rights, leading an international legal team operating across the BVI, the UK, and Ukraine. ENGARDE also advised on Ukrainian law aspects and assisted in the enforcement of court decisions on behalf of the clients.
BUSINESS LAW AND M&A
Creation of Metinvest Holding
ENGARDE’s M&A team advised Smart Holding on the merger of its metallurgical and mining assets with those of System Capital Management, developing and implementing the legal strategy for the creation of their joint venture — Metinvest B.V.
Acquisition of Amstor retail network
We acted as legal adviser to an investor in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Amstor, a major Ukrainian retail network. Our work covered full due diligence of the hypermarket group, deal structuring, participatory interest transfer agreements, establishment of a foreign holding company, and the shareholder agreement.
Structuring of Veres Group
We advised a client on the acquisition of a majority stake in Veres, a leading Ukrainian canned food producer. ENGARDE’s corporate team established a joint venture in the Netherlands, while our intellectual property lawyers advised on the acquisition of trademark rights for the Veres brand.
Acquisition of Regal Petroleum
We advised Energees Management Limited on the acquisition of Regal Petroleum Plc, a British oil and gas company listed in London. The transaction was governed by the laws of Cyprus, England, and Ukraine. ENGARDE led the multijurisdictional legal team and handled all Ukrainian law aspects, including merger clearance before the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.
Acquisition of Bank Forum
Our M&A team advised Yernamio Consulting Limited on the acquisition of Bank Forum PJSC from Commerzbank. We managed the full transaction process — including deal structuring, comprehensive legal due diligence, documentation, and obtaining the regulatory approvals required for closing.
Development of Globus Mall, Kyiv
We advised the investors of Globus Mall — a centrally located Kyiv shopping centre — on the legal aspects of the development. Our work included representing the clients in drafting and negotiating the investment agreement with the Kyiv City State Administration.
Dream Town I — investment agreement
We drafted and negotiated the investment agreement for the construction of Dream Town I mall in Kyiv, acting for the project developer.
Henkell — acquisition of Kyiv Factory of Sparkling Wines “Stolychny”
We advised Henkell & Co. Sektkellerei GmbH on the acquisition of a controlling stake in one of Ukraine’s leading sparkling wine producers. Following completion, we continued to advise the client on a range of post-acquisition matters, including share dematerialisation, trademark issues, and employment law questions arising from the change of ownership.