Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Projects and PPP

Bouzeva & Partners Law Firm has experience in large concessions and infrastructure projects, advising a client base of private investors and public authorities.

Projects and PPP in Bulgaria

CMS

CMS' energy, projects and construction practice group maintains a strong position in the Bulgarian infrastructure projects sphere, with the firm demonstrating expertise across railway, oil and gas, and renewables infrastructure projects. The firm advises on all manner of tender documentation, procedures for construction work, and public-private partnerships, as well as assisting with the structuring of projects and their financing. A recent notable work highlight was the firm’s involvement in a successful public procurement procedure on behalf of Czech consortium Škoda Transportation and Škoda Vagonka for a contract working on the subway infrastructure in Sofia. Head of energy, projects and construction Kostadin Sirleshtov and Dimitar Zwiatkow, who specialises in project finance, regulatory matters and energy mandates, jointly lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Kostadin Sirleshtov; Dimitar Zwiatkow


Other key lawyers:

Denitsa Dudevska


Testimonials

‘A great team of professionals, with extensive expertise in the oil and gas industry. They provide very prompt and client-oriented advice.’

‘Kostadin Sirleshtov is a superb professional. He is very client oriented and has strong connections with the relevant authorities.’

‘Denitsa Dudevska is a high-quality professional, who is very knowledgeable about oil and gas legislation, provides legal advice to a high standard and is very prompt.’

Key clients

OMV Petrom, Total


Vier Gas Transport GmbH


BayWa r.e. Solar Projects GmbH


Vestas Development


Agroconsult


SC CIGA Energy SA


Unicorn Systems a.s.


Škoda


Work highlights


  • Advised Vier Gas Transport GmbH on in the preparation, application and bidding processes of a public procurement procedure held by the Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector company – ICGB AD.
  • Supported Czech consortium Škoda Transportation and Škoda Vagonka in its successful participation in the public procurement procedure held by Metropoliten Sofia.
  • Assisted Vestas Development with the due diligence on a large greenfield wind portfolio, negotiations with local developers and the acquisition of local projects.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov

Governmental bodies and financial institutions frequently turn to the ‘dedicated and committed’ projects, PPP and PFI team at Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov when it comes to real estate, energy, utilities and transport projects. Structuring public procurement procedures, concessions, tenders and transaction agreements and project financing are among the firm’s strengths in this area; a recent significant work highlight is its advice to SOF Connect regarding the types of contracts needed to install a new baggage handling system at the Sofia Airport. The leadership team is comprised of experts in their respective fields, including Milan Pandev, who heads the energy and utilities practice group, Anton Krustev, who leads the public procurement, ESIF and transport practice group, and Stephan Kyutchukov, who heads the real estate and construction team.

Practice head(s):

Milan Pandev; Anton Krustev; Kaloyan Krumov; Georgi Gouginski; Stephan Kyutchukov; Nikolai Gouginski; Georgi Tzvetkov


Testimonials

‘The whole team is very dedicated and committed to our projects. The team have a deep understanding of the various legal issues in the field of international relationships and contracting. The team use up-to-date legal wording and have an uncanny insight into details.’

‘They are professionals who can be relied upon to fully and professionally reflect their client’s needs.’

‘A large team combining expertise in a wide range of areas that a business might need.’

‘In-depth legal knowledge. Clear specialisation.’

Key clients

SOF Connect


General Electric Healthcare


Vitol Gas & Power B.V.


ContourGlobal Maritza East III


Axpo Bulgaria AD


NEPI Investment Management SRL


1PAX SAS


CTP


Chariot Motors AD and Consortium Chariot Motors/Higer Bus Company Limited


Challenger Development


Metinvest B.V.


Work highlights


  • Advised CTP on the development and operation of rooftop-mounted solar PV plants in industrial and logistics parks, as well as electric storage facilities.
  • Assessed the appropriate type of contracts and prepared several drafts of contracts for turnkey works for the design, manufacturing supply and installation of the baggage handling system and hold baggage screening system in Sofia Airport’s Terminal 2 on behalf of SOF Connect.
  • Advised General Electric Healthcare on a public tender by the Ministry of Health for the purchase of imaging equipment funded under the “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020 operational programme.

Kambourov & Partners

Kambourov & Partners has a ‘remarkable track record of handling large-scale ventures’, where the multidisciplinary team is well equipped to advise clients on the entire lifecycle of infrastructure and PPP projects across the transport, real estate, water and waste and energy sectors. The firm's work comprises procurement, due diligence, planning, construction and financing advice, alongside regulatory matters. Stefan Tzakov, who bolsters the team's offering with his extensive experience in tender agreements and negotiations with state and municipal authorities, and Atanas Shopov, who leads on real estate and construction mandates, head the practice.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Tzakov; Atanas Shopov


Testimonials

‘Kambourov & Partners has developed a deep understanding of our projects and takes this into account when providing advice. The law firm always manages to provide excellent support.’

‘Stefan Tzakov is outstanding! Stefan takes the leading role on our matters, showing a wide and deep knowledge and experience in our fields of business, as well as coordinating the team. Stefan not only assists but guides us.’

‘One of the key attributes that makes Kambourov & Partners stand out in projects and PPP is their multi-faceted approach to client needs. Their team comprises experts who ensure a 360-degree understanding of any project. Potential clients should consider the team’s unparalleled depth of expertise in navigating the complexities of public-private partnerships. Their hands-on approach and breadth of experience make them an obvious choice for sophisticated projects.’

‘We are very pleased to work with a team with such a deep expertise in various legal fields.’

‘The team stands out for its quick responses in relation to our matters and for finding the proper solutions quickly.’

‘The infrastructure projects team at Kambourov & Partners has a remarkable track record of handling large-scale ventures. Their ability to anticipate and mitigate risks sets them apart and this is precisely the reason that we have been their client for many years – their foresight and insight are invaluable.’

‘Stefan Tzakov and Atanas Shopov have a visionary approach to the most complex infrastructure endeavours. We often rely on them as our trusted advisors.’

Key clients

Telelink Business Services


Shanghai Electric Power


Consortium Metro-Iztok


Ares Engineering


Witte Automotive


CNNP Rich Energy Co.


Consortium HSS-Monolit Sofia


Kamenitza


SRT


United Group


Kapsch Trafficcom AG


CWP Europe


Vivacom


Kaufland


Citygas


Work highlights


  • Advised Telelink Business Services on a tender procedure for the upgrade, modernisation and maintenance of a system for urban transport management and services for the organisation, administration and control of sales of public urban mobility services.
  • Assisting CNNCHN with the acquisition of a Bulgarian onshore wind power project.
  • Advised the HSS-Monolit Sofia consortium on the public procurement procedure for the design and construction of a new section of the third line of the Sofia Metro.

Andrey Delchev and Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria

Andrey Delchev and Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria is best known for its work with public bodies and the projects and PPP team is no exception, handling the implementation of large infrastructure projects and their financing, most notably in the transportation sector. Renewable and sustainable energy projects and advising on legislative amendments also make up a significant part of the practice group's portfolio. Founding partner Andrey Delchev leads the team alongside Magdalena Valova, who is a leading practitioner in concessions law.

Practice head(s):

Andrey Delchev; Magdalena Valova


Key clients

Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works


Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency


National Trust EcoFund


Public Enterprise Vodovod & Kanalizacija Skopje


Energy and Water Regulation Commission


Bulgarian Association of Dental Technicians


Yambol municipality


Trace Group Hold


Assarel Medet


Arrowbio


Ormat


Work highlights


  • Advised the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency on a project for the creation of a new national register of addresses and the development of new legislation and the amendment of existing normative acts.
  • Assisted the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works regarding the preparation of a proposal for legislative amendments and a technical assignment for the development of a property management system, including a new unified register of all state and municipal property in Bulgaria.
  • Advised the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works on whether public procurements procedures have been carried out in compliance with the applicable legal requirements under the “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020 operational programme.

Boyanov & Co.

The multidisciplinary approach of Boyanov & Co.‘s projects and PPP unit draws on expertise from the energy and natural resources, real estate and construction, M&A and banking and finance departments to advise on foreign investment projects and transactions, major privatisations, infrastructure projects, public procurement and concession agreements. The team has recently been involved in green energy projects, a natural gas pipeline project and various acquisitions involving real estate and telecoms assets. The practice is led by Alexander Chatalbashev, Nickolay Nickolov, Yordan Naydenov and Damian Simeonov.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Chatalbashev; Nickolay Nickolov; Yordan Naydenov; Damian Simeonov


Testimonials

‘Competent professionals who are very well aware of the relevant national legislation.’

Key clients

World Bank


Actis/Rezolv Energy


Heidelberg Materials/Devnya Cement


Renewable Energy Systems Ltd


Groupe PHOTOSOL


World Bank


Actis/Rezolv Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised Devnya Cement AD on the implementation of the ANRAV-CCUS project, the first CCUS cluster in Eastern Europe.
  • Advised Rezolv Energy on the acquisition and development of one of Bulgaria’s largest PV projects, with a capacity of 229 MW.
  • Advised FHL Kiriakidis on the acquisition of a local company holding the concession for the extraction of natural resources.

Dimitrov, Petrov & Co

Public procurement and large infrastructure projects lie at the heart of Dimitrov, Petrov & Co‘s projects and PPP practice group, with the team regularly acting for energy and renewable energy, telecoms and real estate clients. Boyana Milcheva, who is praised by clients as ‘working wonders in the field of construction and real estate law’, and Donka Stoyanova head the team.

Practice head(s):

Boyana Milcheva; Donka Stoyanova


Other key lawyers:

Pencho Stanchev


Testimonials

‘DPC have been our trusted advisers for years and we can recommend them as exceptional professionals. We are delighted to work with such qualified and positive professionals.’

‘Boyana Milcheva is an excellently prepared lawyer who works wonders in the field of construction and real estate law.’

‘The whole team is incredibly responsive and accessible. They consistently make themselves available to address our questions and concerns promptly. This level of commitment and client care fosters a sense of partnership and trust, making them an integral part of our team.’

‘Boyana Milcheva possesses a combination of essential qualities and skills that set her apart and make her highly effective as a lawyer. She has a deep understanding of the law in many practice areas and is up to date with the latest changes in legislation. Pencho Stanchev is attentive to details and approach challenges with creativity and tenacity, exploring various strategies to achieve the best results.’

‘I would single out Pencho Stanchev as an expert in several legal areas, including projects and PPP. He is very calm, reliable and accessible any time. He takes the time to get to know his clients and their problems and would move mountains to solve them. Boyana Milcheva’s high-level advice has proven very helpful, especially on construction projects. Donka Stoyanova excels in public procurement.’

‘Boyana Milcheva is a seasoned and reliable lawyer. We have worked with her from the very beginning of our relationship with Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. more than ten years ago. Pencho Stanchev is another key member of the team who stands out both for his exceptional talent and for his calm and friendly personality. When it comes to public procurement, Donka Stoyanova is the lawyer you need.’

‘Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. are an excellent choice if you need advice on projects and PPP as they have the right people and expertise. They are really strong in real estate and construction, energy and public procurement, and can view a project from various perspectives. They are very proactive and always ready to go the extra mile for us.’

‘They are among the best lawyers I have worked with. They possess rare business acumen, combined with in-depth legal and industry knowledge, and are very up to date with the latest legislative developments and market trends. I think they have a very smart system for selecting new team members and the most capable and talented among them make very good and steady career progress.’

Key clients

European Wind Farms Bulgaria ApS


Alpiq Energy SE


Sliven Eparchy


Black Sea Properties AS


Evrotrust Technologies


Yettel


Bispud


Medika 2012


Tradenet Varna


New Capital Management


Monolitstroy


Bulad Dent


Multiforce A. S.


Elta 90M


Work highlights


  • Advising the Mareshki group on all stages of the development of a 60 MW solar power plant, including on the construction and procurement contracts.
  • Advising European Wind Farms Bulgaria ApS, one of Europe’s leading energy companies, regarding the development of a solar power plant on a territory of 1,000,000 sq m located near Sofia.

Schoenherr

Schoenherr handles various matters across the projects field in Bulgaria, although thanks to the expertise of practice co-head Stefana Tsekova, it is particularly active in relation to energy and renewable energy infrastructure projects, where the team is involved in project financing, acquisitions and regulatory matters. Public procurement advice is a further strength of the team. Alexandra Doytchinova co-heads the team and is well versed in concessions and PPP matters.

Practice head(s):

Stefana Tsekova; Alexandra Doytchinova


Key clients

EBRD


Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)


RGREEN Invest SAS


IBH S.r.l.


Enery Development GmbH


Liechtenstein Group


European Commission


MET Group


OMV Bulgaria


Edison Italy


OMV Petrom


Woodside Energy


UniCredit Bulbank AD


RWE


Raiffeisen Bank International AG


Husqvarna Group


Alstom SA


Thales


Work highlights


  • Assisting the EBRD and the Ministry of Energy with the implementation of the Investment 6 and Investment 8 projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with a total value of over 1 billion EUR.
  • Advised SpaceX on the rollout of its Starlink satellite internet constellation services to the CEE and SEE regions.
  • Advised Edison on the Bulgarian corporate and regulatory law aspects of the implementation of the gas interconnector between Bulgaria and Greece.

Arsov Natchev Ganeva

Public utilities and communal services, water and energy facilities, and public transport infrastructure are among the projects that the lawyers of Arsov Natchev Ganeva are active in. The team has expertise in concessions, feasibility studies and tender documentation and advises private investors and state authorities on the private financing of state-owned infrastructure. Concessions expert Svetlana Ganeva and Dessislava Lukarova jointly lead the projects and PPP practice.

Practice head(s):

Svetlana Ganeva; Dessislava Lukarova


Key clients

Veolia Group & Sofiyska Voda


Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria


Kontron Transportation GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Veolia Group and Sofiyska Voda on specific PPP and concession matters relating to the concession agreement of Sofiyska Voda for the provision of water and sewerage services in the municipality of Sofia and the legal regime for concessions in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Georgiev, Todorov & Co

Georgiev, Todorov & Co handles the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from public procurement procedures, legal due diligence, planning and development to construction. Transport (namely airports and roads), real estate, social infrastructure, and water and energy projects are among some of the recent matters the firm has been involved in. Practice head Miglena Peneva specialises in real estate, construction, concessions and public procurement.

Practice head(s):

Miglena Peneva


Other key lawyers:

Arno Mamasyan


Testimonials

‘The attorneys who work on our company’s cases are excellent, experienced and highly skilled experts in a variety of areas. We have complex and diverse cases for which the legal team provides effective and innovative solutions.’

‘The lawyers we work with are extremely precise. They provide unconventional and creative solutions. We get full understanding, high-quality, in-depth legal knowledge and advice. The legal team applies an individual approach to each case and to our company.’

‘Georgiev, Todorov & Co. has strong business and commercial awareness. In my opinion, what makes them stand out from the competition is the very well-synchronised team of knowledgeable and skilful lawyers and their ability to help to solve problems in challenging situations.’

‘Among the representatives from Georgiev, Todorov & Co. we have worked with, Miglena Peneva stands out as a knowledgeable and highly experienced expert in the field of real estate and construction as well as projects and PPP. She understands the core  issues and with her creative and out-of-the-box thinking provides real problem-solving solutions.’

‘The firm has strong practice in projects and PPP and we are very satisfied with the legal services provided. The team knows all about the relevant regulations and also has a strong track record in providing successful advice on projects and PPP. We have a successful working relationship, and we will continue to work with Georgiev, Todorov & Co.’

‘We have been working mainly with Arno Mamasyan and Miglena Peneva, who stand out as professional lawyers in projects and PPP, real estate, and construction. They are also a very well-coordinated team, who we trust to deliver high-quality legal services. This is why we will continue to work with them and see them as trusted legal professionals.’

Key clients

AG Capital Holding


Agricultural State Fund


BlackPeak Capital


Vitez Prospect AD


Bulgarian Branch Chamber “Roads”


Dolna Mitropoliya Municipality


Yambol Municipality


Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry


National Association of Property Developers


Este Properties


Silistra Municipality


Toplivo Corporation AD


Sliven Municipality


G.P.Group


Vatia Holding


EXPO Dubai


Work highlights


  • Advised the municipality of Sliven in relation to several significant appeals of financial corrections under the “Environment 2014-2020” regional development operational programme regarding the awarding of public procurement contracts.
  • Advising EIS Construction Company AD with regard to the construction of infrastructure on the territory of the public port of Varna.
  • Represented G. P. Group in preliminary proceedings and the conclusion of a contract for the public procurement of Bezmer airport.

Kinstellar

Kinstellar‘s strengths include energy and renewable energy projects, telecoms M&A, real estate projects, and PPP and concessions, where the team continues to work on various legal matters relating to the concession of Sofia Airport. The team led by Diana Dimova and Antonia Mavrova frequently advises international investors, developers and banks.

Practice head(s):

Antonia Mavrova; Diana Dimova


Key clients

TAWAL


CTP Invest


CTPark Kappa EOOD


Global Trade Center


Winslow Solar 2022 AD


SOF Connect AD


Work highlights


  • Advised Tawal on the acquisition of the telecoms towers of United Group.
  • Advised CTP on five real estate acquisitions in Bulgaria, including the latest acquisition of four land plots in the Plovdiv area for the extension of CTP’s logistics facilities.
  • Advised Winslow Solar 2022 AD on the acquisition of a 36MW PV project in Bulgaria which is currently under development.

Kolev, Angelov & Miteva Law Firm

Kolev, Angelov & Miteva Law Firm provides comprehensive legal advice to companies needing assistance with public procurement and large public tenders. The firm is involved in construction, energy and renewable energy mandates, where its offering is bolstered by practice head Angel Angelov‘s extensive experience in high-profile PPP, commercial and corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Angel Angelov


Other key lawyers:

Nikolay Kolev


Testimonials

‘The firm supports our company with competence and good knowledge of the subject matter and case law.’

‘Hardworking professionals who are ready to provide in-depth analysis of new matters. Nikolay Kolev is really great lawyer.’

‘The team has unique experience in PPP as they have worked for both assignors and assignees. The true added value is that they have an eagle’s eye view over a project and can deal with the overwhelming and large amounts of documents and requirements.’

Key clients

Glavbolgarstroy Group of companies


Titan Machinery Bulgaria


CETIN Bulgaria EAD, part of PPF Group


Evklips Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised on the preparation of the application for the participation of CETIN Bulgaria in the second CEF Digital call for 5G coverage along transport corridors.
  • Successfully challenged a wrongful decision of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant to initiate and conduct the public procurement for the delivery of equipment for the plant before the Supreme Administrative Court on behalf of Klimatech.
  • Advising Glavbolgarstroy International on the execution of a gas pipeline project connecting UGW Chiren with the existing gas transmission system of Bulgartransgaz EAD in the area of the village of Butan.

Penkov, Markov & Partners

The ‘fast, efficient and engaged’ projects and PPP team at Penkov, Markov & Partners is well versed in the acquisition of real estate projects, advising clients from the early stages of due diligence to the final drafting of commercial contracts. The team assists with projects across the commercial real estate, residential, logistics and energy infrastructure spheres. The team is headed by three of the firms’ leading lawyers: Milena GaidarskaNikolay Voynov and Atanas Valov.

Practice head(s):

Milena Gaidarska; Atanas Valov; Nikolay Voynov


Testimonials

‘The partners we have worked with have always been highly engaged and available.’

‘The team is fast, efficient, engaged, knows the construction business and the urban development regulations in great detail and always helps to overcome the problems we face. We have built a trusting relationship, and we always recommend them to our partners when they seek legal advice.’

‘Milena Gaidarska is an exceptional professional with huge knowledge of the market, and the technical and legal side of procedures. She is able to handle a large workload of projects and to manage and oversee them efficiently. She is our most trusted advisor.’

‘Atanas Valov is proficient in the construction sector, with a lot of experience in infrastructure, energy connections, utilities and urban planning.’

‘We have worked with Penkov, Markov & Partners on several projects. They are very reputable on the real estate market and facilitate all our legal needs, acting promptly and with the ability to get to the details in each project.’

‘We fully trust PMP’s projects and PPP team. They have a large and experienced staff, and they develop young lawyers, building them up into very good professionals. They know how to work on big projects and how to outline the issues and the red flags. There is synergy between the team members with vast knowledge and young professionals with a great desire for development.’

Key clients

Tesmec Rail S.R.L.


Baringa Bulgaria


FGSZ Ltd.


Arteks Zlaten Vek OOD


Arteks Engineering AD


Global Biomet EOOD


Eura Energy AD


Magna MK EOOD


Infinity Capital AD


GD Capital Management


Eurostar OOD


P&O Real Estate OOD


CEP Renewables


Nadezhda Home


Mondi Stambolijski EAD


Mavrik Pastrogor EOOD


China Development Bank


Solar Vision OOD


APK Brezovo


Imelius OOD


Speedway EAD


Work highlights


  • Advised Tesmec Rail S.R.L on a BGN 80,000,000 public procurement tender announced by the National Railroad Infrastructure Company.
  • Advising Magna MK EOOD on the development of one of the tallest buildings in the Balkan Peninsula, designated for multifunctional purposes.
  • Advising Arteks Zlaten Vek OOD on all legal matters related to the development of one of the highest skyscrapers in Sofia.