Cobalt fields one of the largest teams in the market and acts for both regional and multinational clients from a wide array of industries, including shipping, transport, banking and sports. Practice head Rasa Zaščiurinskaitė has over 16 years’ experience in the EU and competition law field, working on merger clearance, abuse of dominance complaints and state aid matters, with private enforcement being a particular strength. Managing partner Irmantas Norkus and head of corporate law Elijus Burgis are also involved in competition matters. Senior associates Justinas Šileika and Laura Ryzgelyte are recommended by the firm’s clients, noted for their ‘expertise, quality and efficiency’.
EU and competition in Lithuania
Cobalt
Practice head(s):
Rasa Zaščiurinskaitė
Other key lawyers:
Marius Inta; Justinas Šileika; Laura Ryzgelytė; Elijus Burgis; Irmantas Norkus; Simona Liuimiene
Testimonials
‘This practice has a good leader and a strong team.’
‘They are on top of their specialisation and efficient in providing this service’.
‘Rasa Zasciurinskaite and Marius Inta are perfect experts, quickly respond to inquires, provide detailed consultations.’
Key clients
Wolt
Kalnapilio-Tauro grupė (RoyalUnibrew Group)
Brink’s Lithuania
Lego Group
Birštono mineraliniai vandenys
Graina
Merko statyba
Atea
Air Baltic Corporation
Moller Auto
G4S
Rituals Cosmetics Enterprise
Estrella Baltics
Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways)
Riga International Airport
Avitela
KJK Management
ARX
Kesko Senukai Lithuania
Media bitės
Lords LB Asset Management
Medipresa
Huqsvarna
Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry Association (IFPA)
Kauno grūdai
Bayer
Baltcap
Vilniaus energija
Mediterranean Shipping Company
ORLEN Lithuania
Lyra Group
European Investment Bank
Lithuanian Business Support Agency
Apranga
Cgates
Lietuvos paštas (Lithuanian Post)
Biržų ranga
Consolis
Benu, Tamro (Phoenix group)
Tolimojo keleivinio transporto kompanija
Lithuanian basketball league
AkzoNobel Baltics
Concretus Group
Rokiškio pienas
Pieno žvaigždės
Novian Technologies
AS REPHARM
Work highlights
- Acted in a major cross-border private enforcement case for AirBaltic.
- Successfully defended the Lithuanian Basketball League and one of the basketball clubs in an investigation and subsequent litigation with the Lithuanian Competition Authority.
- Represented MediCa Group and its shareholders Repharm in a complex Phase II merger clearance procedure with five affected markets.
Ellex
Clients recommend Ellex for its merger clearance capabilities and ‘pan-Baltic reach‘. The firm offers support to government bodies and banking associations as well as a number of private regional companies in several industries. The competition team is led by vastly experienced litigator Marius Juonys, ‘an outstanding professional in the field‘, and state aid specialist Karolis Kačerauskas. Ilona Janciauskaite advises on merger control and vertical and horizontal agreements. She is experienced in cross-border deals and has previously worked in Finland. Some of the standout work done by the firm in the competition space has included dawn raids and retroactive Competition Council reviews.
Practice head(s):
Marius Juonys; Karolis Kačerauskas
Other key lawyers:
Ilona Jančiauskaitė; Linas Petronaitis
Testimonials
‘High expertise with a proven track record and highly strategic approach on matters. A noteworthy quality – ability to explain complex legal aspects in business-friendly approach and manner. Marius Juonys is an outstanding professional in the field.’
‘The Ellex Team we do not cease to admire. We confidently entrust them with solving the most important and complicated issues our Company is facing. The Team’s legal expertise combined with business insights form a solid background of our experience and we can firmly state that the results of Ellex’s services exceed expectations.’
‘Marius Juonys stands out particularly owing to his expertise, experience and track record in competition cases, as well as ability to convey legal nuances in business-friendly style.’
Key clients
Association of Lithuanian Banks
Kaunas City Municipality
Gren Lietuva, UAB
Nordic Tyre Group AB
Piletilevi AS
The Republic of Lithuania
UAB Diginet LTU
AB Telia Lietuva
Klaipedos Nafta AB
Linas Agro Group
Latvijas Tilti, AS
Baltic Ticket Holdings OÜ
UAB TOKSIKA
Kesko Senukai Lithuania, UAB
UAB Rivona
UAB Norfos Mažmena
Veolia Group
The Association of Online Media & All Media Lithuania
UAB Mano Būsto Priežiūra and UAB Būsto Aplinka
RIMI Lietuva, UAB
VšĮ Užstato Sistemos Administratorius
Orlen Lietuva, AB
The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania
Association Lietuvos Keliai
The Lithuanian branch of Ergo Insurance SE
Work highlights
- Representing Piletilevi before the Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania (LCC), which initiated an ex-post (retroactive) review of the transaction whereby Piletilevi acquired a competitor.
- Representing Veolia Group (in particular, its subsidiary UAB Vilniaus Energija) before the LCC, which imposed a €19m fine on VE for entering into an exclusive biofuel purchase agreement with Bionovus.
- Represented UAB Mano Būsto Priežiura and UAB Būsto Aplinka – two Lithuanian subsidiaries of City Service SE – before the courts regarding the imposition of liability arising from employees’ conduct during a dawn raid.
Sorainen
As well as covering merger control and general competition compliance, Sorainen has a reputation for more niche work. Daivis Švirinas, for example, is particularly skilled in investigations surrounding price fixing and bribery, while co-head of practice Monika Mališauskaitė-Vaupšienė has a specialism in construction cartel investigations-related work. The team is also notable for its representation of Žalgiris Kaunas, a EuroLeague basketball team and of one Lithuania’s most successful sports clubs. Experienced associate Edita Daukšienė is an important member of the team, having previously worked at the Lithuanian Competition Council as Chief Expert in the Dominant Undertakings and Mergers Supervision Division.
Practice head(s):
Daivis Švirinas; Monika Mališauskaitė-Vaupšienė
Other key lawyers:
Edita Daukšienė
Testimonials
‘We have been working with Sorainen for many years. This is by far the most experienced law firm in Lithuania and probably in Baltics. Always excellent, prompt, transparent communication. Sorainen meets the deadlines as agreed and even faster. Excellent quality of the work.’
‘Highly competent team, clear advice, and impressive commitment to deliver what is needed in a tight time-frame.’
‘Ability to work on complex issues, knowledge about the business area and regulatory environment (EU and national).’
‘The team are extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic about business matters. They use simple language for the client to help understand complex issues or solutions. Their advice is always well considered, clearly and concisely presented and practical, covering all the points needed to implement their advice.’
‘The team is characterized by its perfect knowledge of competition law and local practice. The team is diverse in its experience, since its experts have both private and public sector experience, including previous work in the Lithuanian Competition Council.’
‘Competence in all areas of activity provides an opportunity not to be distracted and to work only with lawyers of one law firm.’
‘Knowledgeable, commercially good and quick in with feedback when necessary.’
‘Great communication and support explaining the outcomes/results. Great knowledge of the matter.’
Key clients
BMGS
Bitė, Mezon, TV Play All Media
AMC, Forum Cinemas
Blue Bridge
Gjensidige
Eco Baltia
INVL Asset Management
UAB Valstybės Investicijų Valdymo Agentūra
Palink
MT Group
Work highlights
- Represented Bitė in first instance court proceedings on matters related to the €30m acquisition of Mezon.
- Advised Gjensidige on competition aspects of its €136m acquisition of Falck.
- Represented EuroLeague basketball club club Žalgiris Kaunas in first-instance court proceedings regarding an alleged unlawful agreement.
Motieka & Audzevicius
Motieka & Audzevicius is highly recommended by clients for its ‘out of the box solutions’, ‘new ideas‘ and ‘pro-business‘ approach. Co-heads of practice Henrikas Stelmokaitis and Laurynas Ramonas respectively cover antitrust litigation and merger control matters, with Valentas Mitrauskas handling public procurement-related work. The practice also has a strong record in cartel investigations. The team caters to a varied client base including private equity firms, banks, airlines and construction companies, with its lawyers regularly involved in precedent-setting litigation before the Supreme Court.
Practice head(s):
Henrikas Stelmokaitis; Laurynas Ramonas
Other key lawyers:
Valentas Mitrauskas
Testimonials
‘Fast, out of the box solutions, no drawbacks.’
‘Laurynas Ramonas is a top-tier advisor who has explicit legal knowledge in merger control procedures and competition laws as well as having an incredibly economically focused legal mindset while advising on competition peculiarities.’
‘Henrikas Stelmokaitis demonstrates the quite rare skill of adapting to the client’s industry peculiarities. When Mr Stelmokaitis handles a matter, every nuance is covered and thought through. Henrikas is straightforward and always acts on his word. These characteristics build trust in working with Mr Stelmokaitis.’
Key clients
AAA Capital, UAB
City Service SE
Būsto aplinka, UAB
Mano būsto priežiūra, UAB
BaltCap, UAB
City Service Engineering, UAB
Linas Agro Group, AB
Ambrela, UAB
FlyLAL-Lithuanian Airlines
Avia Solutions Group PLC
Bertona Holdings Limited
Mailerlite
ITEMA Ventures, UAB
Orbio World, UAB
Ecoservice Klaipėda, UAB
Autokausta, UAB
Work highlights
- Represented AAA Capital and its owner investor Marius Jakulis Jason in the acquisition of all shares of Lithuanian commercial bank Medicinos bankas, including advice on the competition aspects.
- Represented City Service SE, Būsto aplinka, Mano būsto priežiūra in a single economic entity case; the Supreme Court fully annulled parental liability regarding a cartel.
- Represented BaltCap in merger control procedures and assured merger clearance for the client’s strategic investment in Vet Venture group of companies.
TGS Baltic
TGS Baltic specialises in state aid and sanctions-related work, as well as continuing to advise on large-scale M&A transactions, most notably in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Associate partner Rita Paukšte, who specialises in heavily regulated sectors such as aviation and financial services, heads the team, with Paulius Zapolskis, head of the firm’s energy practice group, supporting. Lauras Butkevičius and Lina Darulienė left the firm. However, the practice brought in senior associate Jonas Šalna, who specialises in disputes with the national competition authority, from Ellex.
Practice head(s):
Rita Paukštė; Paulius Zapolskis
Other key lawyers:
Jonas Šalna
Testimonials
‘They use a very practical approach and provide advice in an understandable way.’
‘Rita Paukšte and her team provided very good and insightful training and consultations on competition law topics.’
‘Great dynamics with the modular (cross-competence) structure of teams available at TGS. The adaptability of departments and their members allow for a highly flexible approach to broad-encompassing projects in terms of teamwork through in-depth discussions to reach a common understanding on all levels.’
‘The receptiveness to divergent opinions enables the ability to communicate and spot potential internal roadblocks, which otherwise would have been overlooked with a more narrow set of skills and understanding.’
‘The individuals at TGS share some unifying qualities, such as availability and ownership of the topics. Individually, many of the people foster an inner drive to aspire for more than is required to achieve set goals, leading to excellent results in consideration of the combined efforts of like-minded people.’
‘Rita Paukšte – very good, timely and clear communication, fast reaction to any additional needs arising during the process.’
‘We have worked with Rita Paukšte. We liked that she goes out of her way to get to the bottom of the situation and provide advice that is actually helpful in solving a specific problem.’
Key clients
INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund (INVL Asset Management)
State Aid Fund for Business
EPSO-G, UAB
Phillip Morris, UAB
Ministry of Transport and Communication of the Republic of Lithuania
Vilnius City Municipality
Lithuanian Post, AB
Euroapotheca, UAB
SME Bank, UAB
AUGA Group, AB
State enterprise Lithuanian Airports
Trobos, UAB
Work highlights
- Advised INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund in acquiring joint control of InMedica and MediCA group clinics, a highly complex merger of the two main private chains of healthcare providers in Lithuania.
- Consulted State Aid Fund for Business, managed by the State Investment Management Agency (VIVA), on the compliance with the EU Temporary Framework providing financing of €216m in small and medium size enterprises impacted by Covid-19.
- Represented the largest Lithuanian railway cargo company in disputes with one of the world’s largest producers of potash fertiliser regarding the implementation of the relevant EU sanctions to Belarus.
WALLESS
WALLESS is renowned for its specialism in state aid, assisting the Lithuanian government, Vilnius Municipality and the national radio broadcaster in achieving state aid clearances and defending against allegations of illegal state aid. Darius Miniotas is a state aid expert and leads on many of the key matters in this area. Laura Ziferman is highly experienced in public procurement related matters, while Andrius Ivanauskas, who joined from GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners in April 2022, handles cartel investigations work. The team is highlighted by clients for its ‘truly exceptional, tailor-made client service‘.
Practice head(s):
Laura Ziferman; Darius Miniotas
Other key lawyers:
Andrius Ivanauskas; Marius Dobilas
Testimonials
‘Trustworthy, all work is done in a timely manner.’
‘WALLESS was able to provide quick, efficient and practical advice on numerous matters related to the application of EU sanctions. Once we switched to WALLESS, we never looked back. We value their team for their practical approach, quick responses and availability.’
‘Laura Ziferman is simply an amazing human being and also very competent lawyer always keeping her sight on the target. She has multiple areas of expertise and is a true partner.’
‘Darius Miniotas is a top professional in the field of EU and competition law. He is very responsive, quickly grasps complex situations, offers immediate answers and solutions, and achieves the desired results. A great lawyer.’
‘People always come first with walless, they value relationship building and truly exceptional, tailor-made client service.’
‘We get strong support from the WALLESS competition team in Competition Council dawn raids and investigations. The team comes with non-traditional solutions, observes issues widely and proposes “out of box” solutions.’
‘We appreciate the urgency, professionalism, availability and engagement of the WALLESS team members, especially Darius Miniotas.’
‘I’d highlight Laura Ziferman and Marius Dobilas.’
Key clients
Mandatum Life Insurance Company Ltd
Vinted
HISK
Green Genius
Scandagra Group
Energy Cells
Medical SPA Eglės sanatorija
LitCapital
Iron Wolf Capital
Lidl
Lithuanian Radio and Television
Multikino Lithuania
Panevėžio statybos trestas
Capital Realty
REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG
Voodoo SAS
Lithuanian Cable Television Association
Antano Rinkevičiaus valymo įrenginiai
Northway Group
Rimi (ICA Gruppen)
Tamro
Siemens
Kautra
Omniva
Biotechpharma
ACME Film
Vilnius City Municipality Administration
Kaunas City Municipality Administration
Elecnor
Palink (REWE Group)
Orivas
OP Financial Group
Affidea Group
Topo Centras
Baltic Horizon Fund
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Orlen Lietuva
Work highlights
- Assisted Vilnius City Municipality in clearing state aid for the National Stadium with the EC.
- Advised the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy and UAB Energy Cells during state aid clearance procedures regarding a €100m investment into energy storage facilities.
- Representing Lithuania’s national public broadcaster (Lithuanian Radio and Television) in defending against allegations of illegal state aid in the European Commission and the General Court.
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners
Advising a stellar range of clients, including household name companies, GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners assists with cartel investigations, merger clearance and general regulatory queries. Feliksas Miliutis is an energy-sector specialist, while Liudas Šiukšteris has acted for a number of major regional clients in the media industry; both are senior associates and together they co-head the EU and competition practice. Corporate and M&A lawyer Jurgita Zakarauskienė also assists in merger clearance work. Andrius Ivanauskas left the firm in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Feliksas Miliutis; Liudas Šiukšteris
Other key lawyers:
Jurgita Zakarauskiene
Testimonials
‘The team is cooperative, clarifies the matters in detail, the legal tasks are complete in due time. The team has good knowledge in competition legislation and is able to provide full analysis regarding it.’
‘Liudas Šiukšteris and Jurgita Zakarauskiene are very friendly and cooperative.’
Key clients
Tele2
GE Capital Global Energy Investments
Schneider Electric
European Energy Efficiency Fund
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Generali
Sanitex
Litcapital Asset Management
Apollo Group
Grigeo
Theatrical Film Distribution
Invest Lithuania
Mastercard
Klaipėdos nafta
AL holdingas
Work highlights
- Advised Mastercard on various legal queries regarding its new products and regulatory matters.
- Represented Theatrical Film Distribution in a cartel investigation before the Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania and the national courts challenging an infringement decision.
- Advised AL Holdingas on the sale of the shares of publishing company UAB Šviesa and assisted the client in the merger clearance procedure.
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) chiefly advises on merger control and represents clients from several industries, including energy, entertainment and pharmaceuticals. Joint practice heads Tomas Rymeikis and Rimtis Puišys are experienced competition lawyers with expertise in cross-border M&A and antitrust regulatory compliance. Privatisation transactions are a particular niche of Rymeikis’s practice. Associates Regina Vasiliauskė and Monika Jankauskienė are also integral to the team.
Practice head(s):
Rimtis Puišys; Tomas Rymeikis
Other key lawyers:
Regina Vasiliauskė; Monika Jankauskienė
Testimonials
‘Excellent team. Highly regarded in the market. Very credible for all competition law matters. The team advised on highly complex competition law and pricing aspects. The team handles international and cross-border competition work too. Highly recommended. The legal services are offered for good value for money.’
‘Rimtis Puisys and Tomas Rymeikis work for competition matters. They both are very well assisted by Monika Jankauske and Regina Vasiliauske.’
Key clients
Magnum AS
LMT (Latvijas Mobilais Telefons)
MM Grupp
Gren Klaipėda
Sofa Brands
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Magnum in a merger clearance procedure and secured permission from the Competition Council for a major acquisition in the pharmacy sector.
- Represented Latvian telecoms operator LMT in obtaining unconditional clearance from the Competition Council in relation to its recent acquisition of Santa Monica Networks.
- Provided advice to MM Grupp on competition law in relation to the acquisition of Forum Cinemas.
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas has a specialist competition litigation practice with a strong track record in abuse of dominance matters and cartel investigations. The team is jointly led by former Lithuanian Minister of Justice Gintaras Balciunas, an experienced commercial arbitrator with particular expertise in state aid matters, and associate partner Vaidas Radvila, who works with clients across a number of sectors, including energy and transport.
Practice head(s):
Gintaras Balčiūnas; Vaidas Radvila
Key clients
AB “Achema”
“Roche Lietuva“, UAB
UAB koncernas “ACHEMOS GRUPĖ”
UAB “Achema Gas Trade”
“Unifiedpost”, UAB
“Transachema”, UAB
“LIT-INVEST”, UAB
“Renerga”, UAB
“Smeltės Vėjų Jėgainės”, UAB
“Samus”, UAB
Work highlights
- Representing AB “Achema” in multiple European and national cases and investigations regarding state aid in the electricity and liquidated natural gas sectors.
- Advised Roche Lietuva UAB, the Lithuanian branch of the pharmaceutical giant Roche, on distribution matters.
- Representing major competitors of postal service provider AB Lietuvos Pastas in an abuse of dominant position complaint.
Magnusson
Magnusson is a popular choice for public procurement matters and also offers representation in customs disputes. Managing partner Ligita Ramanauskaite leads the corporate, commercial and M&A team as well as being involved in EU and competition matters. Procurement specialist Marius Endzinas and disputes resolution team head Evaldas Rapolas both operate from Kaunas. ‘Highly experienced and meticulous‘ senior associate Lina Daruliene previously worked for the Competition Council and provides expert advice on merger clearance.
Practice head(s):
Ligita Ramanauskaitė; Marius Endzinas
Other key lawyers:
Evaldas Rapolas; Lina Darulienė
Testimonials
‘Magnusson Lithuania is deeply experienced both in public procurement and competition matters. They are very professional in terms of keeping to promises (budget-wise, deadline-wise, etc.) and are very fast in responding.’
‘Lina Daruliene is highly experienced and meticulous, so we are sure her advice is well thought-out and precise, making us feel safe and secure.’
‘The EU and Competition team of Magnusson Lithuania has been handling various issues for us throughout several years, ranging from unfair competition to public procurement. What we value most is the feeling that their primary aim is creating value for us in whatever they do.’
‘Marius Endzinas is Magnusson’s expert for public procurement issues. He has a client-oriented approach, which, together with his deep experience in the field, allows him to provide us with evaluations and solutions for each situation we are in.’
‘Evaldas Rapolas, who heads the Kaunas office of Magnusson Lithuania, is our main expert for unfair competition issues. He has exceptional strategic planning skills.
‘We have been consulting Magnusson Lithuania with regard to public procurement and competition matters. Their team is devoted to not just providing advice or representation services, but creating actual added value for our business. They try to really learn and understand what we do, why we do it, and what is important for us in our decision-making. Thus, understanding our processes, they are able to pinpoint decisions that are actually beneficial to us.’
‘Marius Endzinas stands out as an independent advisor, giving his straightforward opinion about all pros and cons of the issues we face. This is especially important for us when making decisions. Instead of giving promises, he gives us results.’
Key clients
Kauno autobusai
Vytautas Magnus University
ARV-Auto
Eikos statyba
Plungės lagūna
Bruneros
Kaišiadorys District Municipality
ERCO Technologies
Kautra
Romega
Ekoenergas
Tetas
Work highlights
- Acted for Romega, a meat importer, in a dispute regarding the bacterial safety of imported raw poultry; the dispute was referred to the European Court of Justice.
- Represented Eikos statyba, a construction company, in a dispute involving liability of a tenderer for its refusal to sign a public procurement contract due to a material change in market conditions.
- Represented Kautra, a bus passenger service provider, in a complex dispute regarding the results of a Druskininkai Municipality public procurement tender for obtaining passenger transport services to be provided by electric buses.
Noewe
Providing regulatory compliance advice and representation in competition disputes, Noewe‘ competition team represents clients from several Baltic, Nordic and CEE nations. Practice head Giedrė Dailidėnaitė is a specialist in the technology and financial services sectors, with a good deal of experience in merger clearance matters. Tomas Venckus works on public procurement and has specific expertise in food supplement regulations. Associate Šarūnė Prankonytė-Segen is a further name to note.
Practice head(s):
Giedrė Dailidėnaitė
Other key lawyers:
Šarūnė Prankonytė-Segen; Tomas Venckus
Key clients
Vestas Central Europe A/S (Denmark)
PP6, UAB
DOBELES DZIRNAVNIEKS AS (Latvia)
Goswift OÜ (Estonia)
PKP Energetyka SA (Poland)
Work highlights
- Provided advice to Vestas Central Europe on the applicable Lithuanian regulatory requirements related to competition law, licensing, operation, subcontracting and compliance of a new Vestas business operation in Lithuania.
- Representing real estate development and management company PP6, UAB in a dispute related to receipt of a pandemic-related state aid measure.
- Assisted DOBELES DZIRNAVNIEKS in the preparation of tender proposal documentation for the open procedure conducted by viešoji įstaiga Europos socialinio fondo agentūra (European Social Fund Agency).