Founded in 1921, CERHA HEMPEL is among Austria’s largest and leading firms. Since the late twentieth century, the firm has been growing a network of offices in Eastern Europe that now encompasses branches in Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and the Slovak Republic.

The firm has a strong focus on all corporate and commercial matters with especial strength in capital markets regularly representing leading listed Austrian companies and issuers. 

 

Highlights 

Advised AT&S on a USD250 million sustainability linked loan from the International Finance Corporation, alongside a USD150 million facility from Maybank, to support the development of its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Malaysia. The financing is notable for its sustainability linked structure and its role in supporting advanced semiconductor production for high-performance computing and AI applications.

The firm also advised OMV on the establishment of Borouge Group International, a new global polyolefins group formed through the combination of Borealis and Borouge and the acquisition of NOVA Chemicals. Valued at over USD60 billion, the transaction is notable for creating one of the world’s largest polyolefins producers and involved complex cross border structuring, corporate and regulatory advise across multiple jurisdictions.


Key clients 

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, ERSTE Group Bank CYRRUS, RHI Magnesita, UniCredit Bank Austria AG, J.P. Morgan SE, voestalpine AG, VIG Vienna Insurance Group, MFS Investment Management FCP, Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien AG, Vienna Stock Exchange, OMV, ASFINAG, Vienna International Airport, SES Spar, Republic of Austria


Testimonials 


"The CERHA HEMPEL team is very competent, solution-oriented, quick to respond, and genuinely pleasant to work with." - Capital Markets: Debt

"CERHA HEMPEL stands out in particular due to its profound expertise across various subfields of finance and capital markets law, as well as its extensive practical experience. In addition, the legal support is highly diligent, delivered on time, and characterized by a very positive interpersonal atmosphere." - Capital Markets: Debt

"CERHA HEMPEL has a highly experienced and capable team of crypto lawyers, led by Dr. Oliver Völkel. CERHA HEMPEL provides business-oriented, pragmatic and legally sound solutions. Dr Völkel is Austria’s leading crypto lawyer; he has an excellent network within the industry and is highly experienced in dealing with the regulator." - Financial Service Regulatory

"Very accurate and quick advice, outstanding knowledge regarding case law, excellent drafting of pleadings and claims." - Insolvency

"Very knowledgeable in insolvency law and highly skilled litigators." - Insolvency

"They have a hands-on mentality and find practical solutions." - Insolvency

"CERHA HEMPEL provided outstanding legal advice and managed the whole arbitration process with a clear strategy, attention to detail and a very strond capacity to translate business reality into legal concepts and arguments." - M&A

"I was very pleased with CERHA HEMPEL’s support on a recent M&A project. The team combines strong transactional expertise with a highly pragmatic, solution‑oriented approach, providing clear, reliable advice throughout a complex cross‑border process. Their responsiveness, commercial mindset and ability to manage the details of the transaction while keeping the overall strategy in focus made them a trusted and effective partner." - M&A

"Highest competence and utmost responsiveness. The whole package stands out. We and CERHA formed a truly effective team." - M&A

"Thomas plays a central role in our client relationship with CERHA HEMPEL. I highly appreciate that he is almost always accessible. He always strives to find a practical yet minimally invasive solution to our legal questions. Thomas is one of the most profound and knowledgeable capital-markets lawyers I have ever worked with." - Thomas Zivny

"Volker has exceptionally broad experience in capital markets law. He always provides highly practical guidance and is usually able to persuade counterparties with his arguments. Moreover, he focuses on the essentials and avoids engaging in unnecessary disputes over minor issues." - Volker Glas

"Dr. Völkel delivers business-oriented, pragmatic and legally sound solutions. He is Austria’s leading crypto lawyer; he has an excellent network within the industry and is highly experienced in dealing with the regulator." - Oliver Völkel

"He is the true star at CERHA. He has more than 30 years experience in Corporate M&A, has worked more than 15 years for red-stars. Always on top of things, totally solution driven and business minded. He is my legal counterpart." - Albert Birkner

"Extremely qualified lawyer, always maintains both the legal and business perspectice, outstanding negotiator, has developed a great team working with and for him, very responsive, proactive and forward looking." - Celmens Hasenauer

"Thomas Trettnak brought a strong mix of transactional expertise and practical judgment, offering clear and dependable guidance throughout a complex cross‑border transaction. His responsiveness and commercial awareness, combined with his ability to keep both the details and the broader strategic picture in view, made him a highly trusted counterpart." - Thomas Trettnak

"One of the best lawyer in Austria in particular on corporate and transactional work; stands out among its peers; the lawyer to go to on complex matters." - Clemens Hasenauer

"Marcus Lusar delivered reliable and pragmatic support throughout the transaction. He was responsive, detail‑oriented, and maintained a good understanding of the underlying business considerations." - Marcus Lusar