Central and Eastern Europe

When it comes to our Central and Eastern European (CEE) matters, BakerHostetler relies on a select team of attorneys with backgrounds in corporate transactions, international trade, international litigation/arbitration, international tax, intellectual property, and digital assets and data management. The team has the support of a full-service law firm with more than 1,000 attorneys in 18 offices across the U.S., enabling us to offer informed insight and tailored legal advice to cross-border markets and businesses headquartered in the region.

Our CEE team has in-depth experience in the complexities of international trade regulations, including U.S. sanctions regimes, export controls and compliance with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). We regularly advise clients on structuring transactions to mitigate regulatory risk and ensure compliance within the ever-changing geopolitical and legal landscapes.

We work closely with companies headquartered in Europe and their U.S.-based subsidiaries to help bridge cultural and legal differences and support strategic growth. Our CEE team attorneys provide practical, business-focused solutions grounded in a deep understanding of transatlantic legal frameworks.

Advised both U.S. and non-U.S. clients in numerous industries on the impact of the evolving U.S. export control and sanctions response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Advised a Ukrainian-based portfolio company regarding compliance with U.S. export control laws and represented the same company in front of CFIUS pertaining to its investments in a variety of U.S. companies, most notably an aerospace developer of small- and medium-lift launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.
Counseling an Austrian-based multinational group specializing in Internet of Things technologies and embedded computer solutions regarding compliance with U.S. export control and sanctions laws, as well as regulatory requirements imposed by CFIUS pertaining to the group’s acquisitions of and investments in various U.S. companies.
Representing European luxury brand retailer in U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control related issues pertaining to EU sanctions against Russia.
Representing a multinational corporation regarding potential U.S. regulatory issues in relation to Russian operations and assets.
Advising cryptocurrency clients on the impact of U.S. sanctions on Russia and how to respond from a compliance perspective.
Analyzed and drafted international trade compliance manuals for a variety of clients, including a holding company for insurance, reinsurance and investment operations around the world; a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing systems; and an international supplier of precision instrumentation and controls.
Counseled clients on a variety of U.S. customs issues, including tariff classification, valuation, country-of-origin determinations, free trade agreements, penalty proceedings and duty-preference programs.
Represented a Slovenian bank in a $50 million U.S. syndicated loan to a developer and supplier of luxury electronic table gaming products.
Represented an Austrian-based manufacturer through a mandatory CFIUS review of its acquisition of a conglomerate’s wholly owned U.S. manufacturer. The company obtained CFIUS clearance within 30 days.
Won injunctive relief in a U.S. district court against a foreign government-owned oil company in support of a U.N. Commission on International Trade Law arbitration for recognition and enforcement in Albania.
Advised a CEE-based founder on Texas law matters regarding the sale of an on-site engineering, technical and project management services business.
Advised a CEE health technology company on its expansion in the U.S.
Negotiated a number of U.S. agreements with CEE counterparties, including leasing, accounting and consulting agreements.
Provided U.S. tax and corporate advice in connection with the restructuring of a U.S.-based, publicly traded multinational company’s exchange and rentals business unit that involved five different European countries.
Provided U.S. tax advice in connection with the consequences of the unwinding of a joint venture related to processing commodities in Eastern Europe.
Advised an Austrian manufacturing company on structuring a reorganization of its non-U.S. operations and U.S. operations in a manner so as to qualify for U.S. treaty benefits.
Advised an Austrian manufacturer on the disposal of its U.S. real property interests, including issues arising under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act.
Advised a Polish manufacturer on the disposal of its U.S. real property interests, including issues arising under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act.
Counseled numerous clients on compliance with anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Represented clients in FCPA investigations relating to Russia and other Eastern European countries.
Representing two Eastern European individuals in U.S. federal criminal matters.
Advised and trained antitrust enforcement agencies on U.S. law across the globe, including in Romania, in the U.K. and throughout Europe.
Obtained political asylum for a couple fleeing to Texas from Romania after the fall of the Communist regime.