INTEGRITES successfully protected the interests of the company which is a part of the largest aviation holding in the Central and Eastern Europe before the Ukrainian commercial court of first instance in a dispute against one of the major logistic companies in Ukraine specializing in the carriage and freight forwarding of cargoes.The Ukrainian lessee of the freight cars initiated the court proceedings against the firm’s client (lessor) on refund of the rental advance payment under the freight cars lease agreement. In response, INTEGRITES filed a counterclaim on compensation of client’s damages incurred due to failure of the lessee to return the freight cars, which were forwarded by the lessee to the stations in Donetsk region, currently occupied by the Russian federation, and further lost.
The court upheld the position of the firm’s lawyers and rendered a judgment granting the lessor’s counterclaim in full and dismissing the claim of the lessee.
Led by partner and head of International Arbitration Olena Perepelynska, the project team included senior associate Daryna Vasylieva, associate Anna Kozyrieva, paralegal Svitlana Korpachova.
INTEGRITES succeeds in GAFTA arbitration in favour of a Swiss company
INTEGRITES successfully protected interests of a Swiss subsidiary of a Luxembourg group of companies as claimant in a London-seated GAFTA arbitration.
The dispute arose out of non-delivery of Ukrainian feed corn by respondent, the Ukrainian seller, under a sales contract governed by English law. The claimant took the position that the respondent failed to supply the goods, thus, breaching the contract themself and depriving the client of the entire benefit of the Contract.
The respondent attempted to challenge the tribunal’s jurisdiction. However, INTEGRITES succeeded to defend the client’s position, having obtained a partial award, which affirmed the tribunal’s jurisdiction in the case and the tribunal’s powers to decide the procedural matters, inter alia, extending deadline for payment of the deposit.
Eventually, the tribunal upheld INTEGRITES team’s position, rendering final award on merits in favour of the client and ordering respondent to pay the damages and entirety of the arbitration costs.
Led by Partner and head of International Arbitration Olena Perepelynska, the project team included Counsel Krystyna Khripkova, Senior Associate Nadiya Mykiyevych, Associate Anna Kozyrieva.
INTEGRITES advises “Kovalska” Group on EUR 27 mln loan from Invest International
INTEGRITES advises “Kovalska” Group on EUR 27 mln long-term secured loan from Invest International, a joint venture between the Dutch Ministry of Finance and FMO established to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to finance the construction of a new aerated concrete production plant located in Rozvadiv, Ukraine. The loan is funded from the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF). A state-of-the-art autoclaved aerated concrete machinery and technology for the plant will be supplied by Aircrete Europe from Netherlands to Ukraine.
Partner Igor Krasovskiy, senior associate Yuriy Korchev and associate Valentyna Solona advised the “Kovalska” Group on the transaction.
“We are happy to have advised on this debut cross-border financing for Kovalska. The deal is very motivating and inspiring under circumstances, but more importantly, sends a positive signal to foreign investors and donors that Ukraine’s reconstruction is underway”, Igor Krasovskiy comments.
Invest International’s press release with respect to this transaction can be found via link.
Headquartered in Kyiv (Ukraine), “Kovalska” Group is one of the largest vertically integrated construction material manufacturers and property developers in Ukraine.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Aircrete Europe is a global leading developer and manufacturer of AAC machinery and technology for the production of AAC panels and blocks.
INTEGRITES Advised the EBRD on EUR 42 mln Loan to Cersanit S.A.
INTEGRITES acted as Ukrainian law counsel to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in connection with a €42,000,000 long-term senior loan for Cersanit S.A. to finance working capital needs and multiple investments in both Ukraine and Poland, including energy efficiency upgrades and modernization of production in Ukraine. The financing for Cersanit S.A. is part of the EBRD’s support for Ukraine struggling in the face of Russian invasion.
Cersanit S.A. is one of the leading manufacturing companies with Polish capital share in the European market. The Group’s principal business involves the manufacturing and distribution of products used to finish and equip bathrooms (sanitary ceramic products, shower cubicles, bathtubs, shower trays, bathroom furniture and accessories). The Cersanit Capital Group is active in Poland, Ukraine and other EU Member State markets.
INTEGRITES team advising the EBRD comprised partner Igor Krasovskiy (Kyiv), counsel Olena Savchuk (Kyiv) and senior associate Yuriy Korchev (Kyiv). The Polish, English and German law advice was provided by the Warsaw, London and Frankfurt offices of Norton Rose Fulbright.
INTEGRITES Provides Pro Bono Legal Advice to the Family of a Ukrainian Soldier Captured by the Russian army
Domestic Litigation team at INTEGRITES provides pro bono legal advice to the military personnel protecting Ukraine in the war against Russia, as well as to members of their families.
Since March 2022, dozens of families have already received legal aid. Among them – the family of a Ukrainian military serviceman who has allegedly been held captive by the Russians.
The soldier’s wife lost connection with him in March 2023 to find out later about his alleged captivity. This family has a son, also serving in the military, who required legal help after severe injury in the frontline. Our team consulted the soldier’s wife regarding the documentation of the fact and circumstances of his captivity, as well as regarding application for social benefits provided by the law for such cases. INTEGRITES has been also advising the couple’s son on the remuneration for medical treatment and rehabilitation, and on application for combatant status. Currently the family receives ongoing legal assistance from INTEGRITES. All services are provided on the pro bono basis.
Ukrainian military also address our team for assistance with various documents and state allowances, representation in courts and pre-trial dispute settlement, assistance with obtaining disability and combatant status, handling legal aspects of medical treatment and rehabilitation after injuries.
More about the pro bono initiative can be found via link.
The core team engaged in the initiative consists of partner and head of Domestic Litigation practice Oleksandr Onishchenko, associate Mykola Yerema, junior associate Fedir Vasylenko, and paralegal Viktoriia Bondar.
Oleksandr Onishchenko, partner: “Among the corporate volunteering projects in which my colleagues and I participate, pro bono advice to the military particularly stands out. It’s especially rewarding to know that our expertise and experience helps to change the lives of many people for the better. Throughout 2022 and until now, our team has devoted more than 200 hours of pro bono work to consulting and representing the interests of military personnel in courts and state bodies. This is our contribution to the victory of Ukraine and the well-being of those who risk their lives for it.”