* IFLR 1000

* IFLR 1000 2012
The firm: "One of the largest law firms in Macedonia and established in 1946, Polenak Law Firm is a strong firm with history to its name. Led by Kristijan polenak, this household brands divides its activities equtably between banking and finance, corporate law and civil/commercial litigation. The firm's peers see it as a visible force on the market. "Polenak is diverse, "says one partner, addng: "In infrastructure, M&A and finance, we see Polenak a lot".
The firm has been active representing TAV holdings in the concession tender and related matters pertinent to the reconstruction of Skopje airport. The firm also advised energy company RWE in a BOT (build-operate-transfer) project PPP (public-private partnership) for the construction of two hydro-power plants. Kristijan Polenak has been drawn out for praise as a leading lawyer. "There are some individuals in the background, nevertheless, Kristijan Polenak is a leading individual," one peer says.
A strong favourite to act as local counsel for international firms, Polenak Law firm has developed strong relationships with international law firms.The firm also has a strong client base and advises, among others, the World Bank, EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction & Developement) and Goldman Sachs.

Leading laywer
Kristijan Polenak

* IFLR 1000 2011
The firm: "Consistently positive peer-feedback ensures Polenak Law Firm continues its run in the top tier. Descriptions of the firm range from "stable and very good" to "very experienced in finance", with managing partner Kristijan Polenak being particularly well regarded for M&A work. Recently competitors have noticed the firm doing very well out of the little foreign investement coming into the country.
The firm has a diverse clinet-base which includes the European Bank for Reconstruction and Developement, national hotel chain Makedonijaturist, electronics giant Cisco systems, and ING.

Leading laywer
Kristijan Polenak

* IFLR 1000 2008
The firm: "Polenak Law Office, established in 1945, is one of the leading firms in Macedonia for corporate work. Managing partner Kristijan Polenak was praised by the market for his negotiation skills and has been part of the country's biggest deals since the late nineties.
On the deals front, it advised Pozavarovalnica Sava, a Slovenian insurance company in its acquisition of Tabak in December 2006. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been pretty active in Macedonia; the bank used the firm's services in relation to a €55 million loan to Tutunska banka. It also assisted Standard bank in a €35 million credit facility to a domestic metal producer. Finally, Polenak helped Makedonski Telekomunikacii in the purchase of treasury shares in June 2006 and guided Depfa Bank in the provision of a €41 million loan to a Macedonian power production company.

Leading lawyers
Kristijan Polenak

* IFLR 1000 2003
Corporate/commercial: "Polenak Law Office sits it the top tier of Macedonian law firms and has a good reputation. Among other work, the firm helped create the Euroswiss bank in January 2002."

Clients:
Euroswiss Bank shareholders
Duferco
International Finance Corporation

Deals 2001-2002:

• Advised the shareholders on the $9 million creation of Euroswiss bank.
• Acted for Swiss-based Duferco in a $75 million supplemental agreement relating to a multy-currency term loan facility. UBS acted on behalf of a bank syndicate.
• Advised IFC on a second loan agreement. Teteks AD Tetovo was also on this $5.3 million deal and used in-house lawyers.

* IFLR 1000 2002
Banking: " Macedonia's two largest law firms are recommended for banking and finance matters. They are IK Rokas & Partners (Skopje) and Mens Legis. Also recommended is Kristijan Polenak at Polenak Law Office."
The firm: "Kristijan Polenak is experienced in dealing with shares and by-law, banking, corporate-law, bankruptcy and investments. The firm's clients include international finance organizations."

Capital markets: "Polenak Law Office has advised the Macedonian Privatization Agency on aspects of its wide-ranging privatization program."

Project finance and energy: "Polenak Law office acts for energy companies trading and producing steel, trading in lead and zinc and producing gas."

Mergers and acquisitions: "Kristijan Polenak at Polenak Law Office is recommended for M&A matters, as are firms Mens Legis and IK Rokas & Partners."

Recommended firms: "For IT advice, Polenak Law Office has a good track record, advising internet service providers Unet and Ultra."

Litigation and ADR: "For Litigation, Nikola Polenak at Polenak Law Office is one of the most experienced practitioners in Macedonia. He has practised both criminal and commercial law."


Back