PRAGNUM blocks raider takeover of national mineral water producer

PRAGNUM’s client is an operator of unique mineral water deposits located in Zakarpattia and the largest independent producer of premium water in Ukraine. Millions of US dollars have been invested in the production and intellectual property of the brand portfolio, and, as often happens in such cases, a business “partner” tried to take advantage of the flaws in the paperwork and misappropriate what was not his. In the best traditions of the Ukrainian raiding genre, the “partner” also turned out to be a former high-ranking official and used all his connections to implement the criminal plan.

The raider’s know-how included breaking into the office to steal documents belonging to the client, violating the procedure for holding a general meeting and appointing a controlled manager, colluding with third parties to buy out the loan and seize the client’s property, and attempting to set up a parallel production facility in violation of the client’s trademark rights.

To defend the client, PRAGNUM’s attorneys initiated a number of criminal proceedings and litigations, and engaged the media. The arrests were promptly cancelled, the owner regained full control over the company, and the bank withdrew all claims against both the client and the company.