PL

B2RLaw advised Life Science Innovation Fund on its investment in a healthtech startup

B2RLaw has advised the Life Science Innovation Fund on its investment in AIDLAB, a telemedical startup. The aim of the investment is to develop a new product, AIDMED, a device which remotely diagnoses diseases, particularly sleep breathing and cardiac disorders.

The healthtech industry is experiencing noticeable growth during the current pandemic. Innovative solutions that allow certain activities to be performed remotely are relieving the burden on medical personnel while providing more comfortable conditions for patients. AIDMED’s solutions can reduce hospitalization periods to a minimum using artificial intelligence to analyze measurements.

The investor is a Polish VC, Life Science Innovation Fund, which invests in MedTech, Biotech and Health Care, and has invested in a number of successful companies such as BrainScan, Bioseco, LumiSep and LifeFlow.

B2RLaw’s consisted of Partner Szymon Syp, Ph.D. and Senior Associate Iga Wojtczak-Opala.

B2RLaw advised on another VC transaction in the video games industry

B2RLaw advised Apis Venture sp. z o.o., a venture capital fund from Warsaw, with regards its investment in Byte Barrel sp. z o.o., a Polish video games developer from the Tricity area of Poland. B2RLaw’s support included conducting a due diligence analysis and negotiating the investment agreement.

Apis Venture is a venture capital and business angel fund supporting startups with high growth potential, including those in the computer and video games development industry.

Byte Barrel is an independent development studio which has been operating since 2017. It creates its own titles and is a subcontractor to other games developers.

B2RLaw’s team was led  by Szymon Syp, Ph.D. (Partner), with the support of Angelina Stokłosa, Ph.D. (Counsel) and Iga Wojtczak-Opala (Senior Associate).

“We would like to thank Apis Venture for involving us in this transaction. This is another example of B2RLaw’s leading role as legal advisors in VC transactions and to the video and computer games industry in Poland”, commented Angelina Stokłosa, Ph.D.

B2RLaw partners the FinReg 2020 Congress with Partner Szymon Syp one of its experts

We are pleased to advise that B2RLaw is one of the partners of the FinReg 2020 Congress, concerning regulatory issues in the financial services industry in Poland, organized by the Allerhand Institute.

In this year’s edition, experts will discuss not only the latest financial analysis, but also summarize the first half of the year in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and look at the technological challenges that are on the horizon.

The event will be attended by, among others Dr Marek Dietl, President of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, prof. Jacek Jastrzębski, of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority and Zbigniew Gryglas, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets, Government Plenipotentiary for Offshore Wind Energy.

The congress will be held on October 23, 2020. Online from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Dr Szymon Syp, Advocate and Partner at B2RLaw, will appear as an expert at the FinReg 2020 Financial Markets Regulation Congress. Szymon will act as an expert in the panel “Sustainable financing on the capital market and green corporate bonds” at 2:45 pm. Also taking part: Radosław Krzyżak, Michael / Ström Dom Maklerski S.A. (as a moderator), dr Mirosław Kachniewski, Polish Association of Listed Companies, dr Anne-Marie Weber-Elżanowska, University of Warsaw and Marcin Dąbek, Board Member of Michael / Ström Dom Maklerski S.A.

More details in the link: http://www.allerhand.pl/index.php/pl/

B2RLaw advised VC fund KnowledgeHub in its investment process in Genomtec S.A.

B2RLaw advised VC fund KnowledgeHub on its investment process concerning Genomtec S.A. The investment value is up to EUR 1 million. Our support included conducting a due diligence analysis and negotiating the investment agreement.

KnowledgeHub is a VC fund supporting start-ups which offer unique technology with global development potential. KnowledgeHub focuses on investments in MarTech, FinTech, MedTech and DeepTech start-ups. The transaction on behalf of the fund was conducted by Krzysztof Dębowski, Managing Partner.

Genomtec is an innovative medical technology company developing and commercializing a mobile platform used in the molecular clinical diagnosis of various infectious diseases, including tests used to detect COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.

The company’s flagship project is the mobile genetic diagnostics system, Genomtec ID -a unique solution which is innovative on a global scale. The system allows for quick and precise molecular analysis outside a laboratory environment, without the involvement of qualified laboratory personnel. The system uses micro-flow technology and SNAAT® proprietary patented isothermal technology. The system’s design allows the process to be carried out in record time, i.e. up to 15 minutes, with efficacy equal to, and in some cases exceeding, the quality of PCR laboratory tests.

Szymon Syp, Ph.D. (Partner) led B2RLaw’s team on the transaction with Iga Wojtczak-Opala (Senior Associate) and Przemysław Krzemieniecki (Partner) providing support.

“We would like to thank KnowledgeHub for giving us the chance to take part in this venture capital transaction. This is another example of B2RLaw’s leading role as legal advisors in VC transactions”, commented Szymon Syp, Ph.D.

B2RLaw Partner George Havaris appointed Executive Board Member of the Polish Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC)

Partner George Havaris has been appointed as an Executive Board Member of the Polish Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The PCCC aims to promote economic, cultural and commercial relations between Poland and Canada that lead to real investment and trade.

George Havaris, originally from Toronto, is a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. He is a corporate and banking lawyer with a broad experience of working on cross-border M&A and financing transactions. George heads B2R’s English Law and Canada Desk and is also a recognised lawyer in the emerging Polish cannabis industry.

George advises, “I very much thank the Polish Canadian Chamber of Commerce for my appointment. Poland is Canada’s largest goods trading partner in the CEE region. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement provides opportunities to strengthen the bilateral economic relationship. Bilateral trade between Canada and Poland reached $3.08 billion in 2019. Canada exported nearly $744 million to Poland with $2.34 billion in imports. I look forward to working closely with the PCCC, and to further developing trade opportunities between Canada and Poland.”

B2RLaw announces promotions

In its 2020 review of lawyer positions, and since the announcement of its merger to form B2RLaw in June 2020, B2RLaw has decided to promote a group of lawyers.

Edyta Zalewska, a member of B2RLaw’s Contentious Practice Group, has been promoted to Counsel. Edyta advises and represents clients in all phases of proceedings, both before arbitration and public courts. She specializes in resolving disputes in the field of commercial law, unfair competition and commercial criminal law. Her experience includes independent and comprehensive handling of proceedings from various sectors of the economy, including the preparation of comprehensive procedural strategies and defense lines. She also advises clients at pre-trial stage and participates in settlement negotiations.

Paulina Milewska, a member of B2RLaw’s Contentious and Commercial Law Practice Groups, has been promoted to Senior Associate. Paulina is a newly qualified Advocate of the District Bar Association in Katowice and daily manages B2RLaw’s Katowice office leading relations with clients in the Silesian Region. Paulina is a multi-disciplined lawyer advising on corporate matters, commercial law, commercial and competition litigation, as well as business criminal and tax litigation. She has a particular focus on advising clients in the energy, industrial and technology sectors.

Teresa Pilecka, a member of B2RLaw’s Corporate and M&A, and Commercial Law Practice Groups, has been promoted to Senior Associate. Teresa is an advocate listed in the registry of the District Bar Association in Warsaw. She specializes in M&A transactions and commercial law having participated in M&A transactions, advising sellers or buyers at all stages of transactions, including during due diligence processes and drafting transactional documents. Teresa also provides day-to-day legal assistance to commercial companies and non-governmental organizations, including in matters relating to statutory activity, corporate governance and contract preparation.

Jacek Mizgier, a member of B2RLaw’s Real Estate and Construction Practice Group, has been promoted to Associate. Jacek is a trainee attorney-at-law at the Warsaw Bar Association and provides ongoing daily service to companies, funds and developers in respect to real estate, construction and infrastructure. Jacek participates in negotiations, drafting contracts, and conducting due diligence analysis with regards major real estate, and infrastructure transactions.

Senior Partner Bartłomiej Jankowski comments, “Edyta, Paulina, Teresa and Jacek are our first promoted lawyers since launching B2RLaw. We are incredibly proud of the talent, skill and dedication of all of our people, in particular since our merger announcement and during the challenges faced during COVID-19. As a business we are focused on creating an inclusive environment that enables everyone to work towards their aspirations. All four promoted lawyers are living proof of this as they have developed their skills and are often taking a key client-facing role at B2RLaw. We are especially proud of their development and congratulate them on their promotions, as well as wish them further success in their careers at our firm”.

B2RLaw advises Warsaw (WSE) listed video games company CI Games on its large share issue

B2RLaw has advised CI Games S.A. on its issue of 21 million shares for a value PLN 1.2 per share raising approximately PLN 25 million. The Management Board of CI Games decided to issue the series I shares within the limits of its authorized capital.

CI Games S.A., which is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, is a publisher, developer and distributor of video games on the global market. Since 2002, the Company and its group have released over 100 titles and own recognizable brands, such as Sniper Ghost Warrior and Lords of the Fallen. The share issue allows the computer games company to work on two new games titles without the need for the participation of a co-publisher.

Dr Angelina Stokłosa led CI Games as well as B2RLaw’s team advising CI Games consisting of Partner dr Szymon Syp and Senior Associate Iga Wojtczak-Opala.

Szymon comments, “We are grateful to CI Games for entrusting us with this important transaction and congratulate all involved. This is another recent example of B2RLaw being a foremost advisor to the Polish and CEE computer games industry.”

B2RLaw builds out Finance Practice with the hire of Filip Badziak

B2RLaw has hired Filip Badziak as a Counsel to its Finance Practice. Filip is a specialist in transactional banking, finance and advisory on all sorts of B2B lending, debt restructuring and collateral agreements. He has advised both lenders and borrowers for well over 10 years in M&A related leveraged financings, and real estate and infrastructure (development and acquisition) financing.

He has also advised on governmental support debt instruments and debt restructuring matters. He particularly specializes in LMA standard financing.

He has a wealth of experience with regards both domestic and multi-jurisdiction cross-border transactions. Filip is a leading authority with regards real estate and infrastructure finance, advising lenders, borrowers and investors in single and multi-asset financings. He has advised on all types of real estate and infrastructure finance transactions with respect to the whole suite of asset classes including projects concerning office buildings, hotels and resorts, sports facilities, shopping centers, mixed-use developments, industrial and research complexes, warehouses, multifamily residential projects, energy and transport projects.

Filip gained his professional experience at, amongst others, boutique law firms in Bulgaria and Spain before working with DLA Piper, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Deloitte Legal and Polish law firm Crido Legal, where he established and was the head of the ranked banking and finance practice for over 3 years.

B2RLaw Senior Partner Rafał Zięba comments, “We welcome Filip to the team at B2RLaw. Banking & Finance is a key practice area for any law firm wishing to provide a full-scope service to clients, and we are very pleased to have Filip on board. Filip brings an abundance of experience and his combination with George Havaris, as senior members of the Finance Practice, means that our clients are in excellent hands. I especially look forward to working with Filip serving the finance needs of the real estate market”.

B2RLaw advises on international multimillion dollar investment company merger

In a deal announced August 10th, B2RLaw is advising Barings BDC, Inc. in its merger with MVC Capital, Inc. The combined company, which will remain externally managed by Barings LLC, is expected to have more than $1.2 billion of investments on a pro forma basis.

The boards of directors of both companies, the MVC Capital Strategic Review Committee, the independent directors of MVC Capital and the independent directors of Barings BDC have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Barings BDC, Inc. is a publicly traded, externally managed investment company. MVC Capital (MVC) is a business development company traded on the New York Stock Exchange that provides long-term debt and equity investment capital to fund growth, acquisitions and recapitalizations of companies in a variety of industries. Barings LLC, is a leading global asset manager based in Charlotte, NC with over $346 billion of AUM firm-wide.

B2RLaw has worked closely with lead counsel Dechert LLP in the US, and has advised on all Polish aspects of the transaction as well as coordinated counsel in Lithuania and Latvia.

B2RLaw’s team is led by Partner dr Szymon Syp with support from Partner George Havaris, and B2R’s team consisting of Senior Associate Iga Wojtczak-Opala, Associate Joanna Markowicz and Junior Associates Jakub Niemiec and Tomasz Michalczyk.

Szymon Syp states, ”We congratulate Barings BDC, MVC Capital and Barings LLC on this transaction which gives the merged investment company global scale. This deal is one of the first transactions that we have worked on as a combined B2R team to the great satisfaction of our client, and is a clear indication that the team is fully integrated and functioning very well. This transaction also demonstrates our ability in coordinating various jurisdictions.”

B2RLaw advises on a groundbreaking university merger project for the US-Polish Trade Council (USPTC)

B2RLaw (legacy JSLegal Jankowski Stroinski & Partners) advised USPTC on the legal aspects of a consultancy project concerning the merger of Politechnika Białostocka and Uniwersytet w Białymstoku. The US-Polish Trade Council is a non-profit organization with the aim of building business relationships between the U.S. and Poland. To accomplish this goal, USPTC works in partnership with a network of Polish and American organizations, including corporate, academic and government entities.

The consultancy project consisted of a due diligence analysis, drafting a mission and plan for the potentially merged university, including advice on how to implement the plan and define a vision for the new unit, as well as an analysis of potential benefits and risks of the proposed solution..

B2R’s team was overseen by Partner Rafał Stroiński PhD L.L.M and led by Counsel Luiza Wyrębkowska PhD, and included Senior Associate Kinga Kowalska, Associate Krystyna Jakubowska and Junior Associates Tomasz Michalczyk, Inka Kalista and Filip Wójtowicz.

Luiza Wyrębkowska comments, “This has been a groundbreaking project that will likely have a transformative impact on the institutional aspects of the Polish higher education system (undergraduate and postgraduate studies). Congratulations to USPTC for successful completion of this extremely challenging work! We are extremely pleased as B2RLaw to have contributed to such a pioneering initiative in the education sector, which puts us in a unique position of expertise in the area. Our assistance on this matter is testament of our ability to advise on innovative projects”.