The Legal 500

Attorneys at Law Borenius advises government bodies on state aid; analyses competitor behaviour for major companies; and is representing Norma-A, the operator of Ecolines buses in Latvia, in the ECJ to establish the legal status of public service transport contracts. It is representing Narvesen Baltija in appealing against a cartel decision. Ieva Azanda has ‘profound theoretical knowledge and rich practical experience’.

Lawin has ‘deep industry knowledge and provides comprehensive advice that is readily usable’. Its clients include Coca-Cola, IBM and Merck Sharp & Dohme. Liga Merwin is advising Swedbank in its appeal of a Competition Council decision regarding multilateral interchange fees (MIF), following the Council’s longest-ever investigation.

Kronbergs & Cukste has a strong focus and expertise in this field, and is ‘very good in the state aid support area, and in the government sector’. It attracts prominent clients such as gas monopoly Latvijas Gaze and Bank Citedele, and is advising the latter on state aid issues. The firm is also representing the Ministry of Finance on EU funds. Zane Veidemane-Berzina heads the practice.

Raidla Lejins & Norcous acted for Samsung Electronics Baltics in appealing against a record €6.6m fine for alleged market partitioning and resale price maintenance, a case that was concluded by settlement. It advised the Latvian Commercial Banks Association regarding the MIF cartel investigation. Group head Dace Silava-Tomsone and senior associate Ugis Zeltins are ‘excellent’ and ‘always provide practical advice’.

Sorainen draws big-name clients such as Statoil, which the firm regularly advises on competition matters; and Ryanair, which the firm is representing as third party in a high-value dispute between Riga International Airport and airBaltic alleging anti-competitive pricing practises. Rudolfs Engelis and Eva Berlaus provide ‘deep knowledge’ and ‘excellent service and response times’.

Keeping pace with the growth of competition and EU law in Latvia is Varul, where Julija Jerneva and Debora Pavila are ‘outstanding in the competition field’. The firm is representing food retailer Rimi Baltic in litigation following the Competition Council’s ruling of abuse of dominant position, a demanding case comprising cutting-edge economic analysis and European case law.

‘The overall service is great’ at Eversheds Bitans, which represents prominent clients in their competition needs. Edijs Poga is advising Bank Citadele in a prohibited agreement case, and Lattelcom in an abuse of dominant position matter regarding terrestrial broadcasting.

Gencs Valters Law Firm largely provides competition advice as a corporate support, but was also instructed by the European Commission to prepare a national report on Latvian law compliance with EU law.

Glimstedt & Partneri’s Eriks Blumbergs advises on merger filings as part of the firm’s high-quality corporate practice. Former practice head Maris Butans joined the Competition Council of Latvia.

Tark Grunte Sutkiene provides state aid advice to the EIB and airBaltic, and represented MasterCard in the investigation of competition violations by 22 banks in connection with payment card interchange fees. Practice head Andra Rubene is ‘an expert is this area’, and is ‘good at putting clients in contact with necessary players, authorities and officials’.