Kocián Šolc Balaštík Celebrates 20th Anniversary

July, 2010 - 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic

Kocián Šolc Balaštík (“KSB”) was founded 20 years ago on 1 July 1990. The originally small traditional law firm rapidly grew over several years into a dynamic modern law firm which, with a team of seventy lawyers, five tax advisers and over sixty employees, now belongs among the leaders on the Czech market. KSB celebrated its 20th anniversary with clients, business partners and friends in the historical premises of Martinický Palace on Hradèanské námìstí in Prague.

Over the years KSB has advised in many major transactions and in a number of them it was the first law firm to apply newly enacted laws to address and resolve client requirements. KSB attorneys and tax advisers have contributed to many breakthrough decisions in complex cases. For example KSB acted as RWE AG’s legal counsel during the acquisition of Transgas, the largest privatization in the Czech Republic so far in terms of transaction value. KSB advised Telefónica S.A. during the acquisition of Èeský Telecom and it implemented the foundation of RPG Industries SE (Societas Europaea) by merger – a pilot project in the Czech Republic. Recently KSB advised the UNIMEX-TVS joint-venture during the privatization of Czech Airlines and it represented New World Resources during the spin-off and subsequent sale of its energy assets to Dalkia Èeská republika, etc.

KSB has been repeatedly recognized as a leading law firm in the Czech Republic by independent international rating agencies. Its most prestigious awards include Law Firm of the Year in the Czech Republic for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 (Who’s Who Legal Awards), Czech National Law Firm of the Year 2008 (Chambers Europe Awards for Excellence), Leading Law Firm of the Year 2008 in Czech corporate law (ePravo.cz) and Leading Law Firm of the Year 2009 in Czech company law and competition law (ePravo.cz). Several KSB partners have been awarded Lawyer of the Year.

KSB has always fully promoted strict observance of professional ethics and fostered the creation of practical and close working relationships with clients, colleague lawyers and business partners. Rather than just a business, KSB considers advocacy to be a substantial cornerstone for the existence of a legal state. KSB lawyers proactively participate in drafting laws and regulations and in the legislative process itself – for example, through membership in the Government Legislative Council. KSB provides free legal consultancy to individuals and groups who are placed at a disadvantage within the framework of its possibilities and capabilities and is engaged in addressing issues of compliance with human rights.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, KSB partner Martin Solc stated: “It has been an immensely interesting, busy but primarily beautiful twenty years. Not only advocacy has developed greatly over this period. There have been many moments worth mentioning but what makes the happiest is hearing the sincerely expressed pleasure of clients in respect of the work we have done for them. And I believe this is the best motivation for the future. And, of course, the KSB team – which embodies the KSB spirit.”

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