Leading Individuals

Firms To Watch: Leading firms

Dolea & Co was founded in 2020 by experienced arbitrator Sorin Dolea. With a focus on litigation, the firm also possesses strong capabilities in banking and finance disputes, green energy, and ESG investments.
Recently opening an Chisinau office in September 2022, Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law is noted for its capabilities in commercial transactions, and is particularly knowledgeable of the energy, finance and technology sectors.

Leading firms in Moldova

Gladei & Partners

Recently engaged in data protection, investment, and vehicle structuring, Gladei & Partners is a ‘trailblazing law firm‘ with exceptional expertise in M&A and cross-border financing transactions. The team is is co-headed by Roger Gladei, an expert in finance and banking, and Valeriu Cernei, who heads the firm’s practice in dispute resolution. The team also includes Irina Sugoneaco, who leads the practice in corporate affairs and finance products, Dan Nicoară, the leader of the M&A, competition and energy practice areas, and the recently promoted Iulian Pașatii, who leads the firm’s real estate and construction, intellectual property and personal data practice areas.

Practice head(s):

Roger Gladei; Valeriu Cernei


Other key lawyers:

Iulian Pasatii; Irina Sugoneaco; Dan Nicoara


Testimonials

‘Gladei & Partners is a trailblazing law firm that stands out in the industry due to its innovative approach to legal services. With a commitment to excellence, client-centricity, and a forward-thinking mindset, Gladei & Partners has established itself as our best partner in the legal field.’

‘The practice is unique mostly due to their ability to offer solutions that really work in practice. They have strong experience in the legal branches they practice in. They are a small and dedicated team which contributes to their individual approach towards clients.’

‘The team is very well-positioned for business-related matters, and the collaboration within the team members is structured and to-the point. ’

‘The team always shows dedication, experience, and expertise. We usually work with Gladei and Partners on our most difficult issues when the highest expertise is necessary.’

‘All the lawyers at Gladei and Partners are extremely experienced in various areas. They respect any set deadline, and usually identify the best solutions for the issues raised from the legal point of view.’

‘The team consists of passionate professionals, who are always ready to help and respond in a timely manner. They possess a high level of knowledge across multiple fields.’

‘Roger Gladei is an exceptional expert with vast practical knowledge and legal interpretation skills. He is able to think of a solution in the most complicated situations. Valeriu Cernei is a mature expert for his young age and serves clients in a timely and high quality manner.’

‘Iulian Pasatii possesses a unique blend of legal expertise, strong interpersonal skills, ethical conduct, and a commitment to stay current in his field. He is dedicated to his clients’ well-being and capable of navigating complex legal challenges to achieve the best possible outcomes.’

Key clients

EBRD


World Bank


BSTDB (The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank)


EFSE (The European Fund for Southeast Europe)


FMO (Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontwikkelingslanden)


Proparco (Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique)


Google


Kaufland


Ericsson


Strabag


Zurich Insurance


Vienna Insurance Group


Horizon Capital


Inspiring Development


Advanta UPL


CertSign


SADE


Vetropack


QSI International School of Chisinau


CEFTA Secretariat


Credit Europe Bank


Moldova-Agroindbank


Moldindconbank


Victoriabank


Mobiasbanca


BCR – Erste Group


ProCredit Bank


Association of Private ICT Companies


Doverie Holding


HEIM Partners


Microinvest


Mogo Loans


INOKS Capital


Business Travel Group


Peace Winds ONG


Creative Associates International


Etsy


Vesco


InterEuropa


CET-Nord


Pre-vetting Commission


 


Work highlights


  • Assisted a local utility provider on EBRD borrowing.
  • Advised a client on cross-border financial matters.
  • Assisted on the acquisition of InStat, a provider of video and data across elite sports.

Schoenherr Moldova

With expertise in the oil and gas, finance, and technology sectors, Schoenherr Moldova boasts a strong track record in M&A and international commercial arbitration. Vladimir Iurkovski, leads the practice, while Andrian Guzun is frequently involved in dispute resolution, and is proficient in real estate and compliance. Denis Lefter specialises in M&A.

Practice head(s):

Vladimir Iurkovski


Other key lawyers:

Andrian Guzun; Denis Lefter


Testimonials

‘Very friendly.’

Key clients

Software Mind


SpaceX


Endava Group


Lego Group


Otokar Group


Medtronic group


Pinto Mold


Vetropack Holding AG


S&T AG


Petrom-Moldova SRL


Takeda Moldova


Schembera Consulting


Aileron, Inc.


Paysafecard


Stork International GmbH


Erste Bank


Air Charter Service Ltd


Republic of Kazakhstan


Reif and Reif Law Offices (Israeli IP firm)


Worldpay Limited


SC Deniauto SRL


Rodina Europe


Vinaria Purcari


Banca Comerciala Romana S.A.


Work highlights


  • Advised Banca Comerciala Romana S.A. on the sale of its local subsidiary in Moldova.
  • Advised Takeda Group on its complex exit from the Moldovan market.
  • Advised Kontron AG on the sale of its subsidiaries in CEE, including Moldova.

Turcan Cazac

Lauded for its ‘strong knowledge of local laws and practice‘, Turcan Cazac‘s broad caseload encompasses M&A, banking and finance, dispute resolution, and insolvency. The practice is co-headed by Alexander Turcan, whose work centres around corporate, banking, telecoms and energy, and Octavian Cazac, who is an expert in Moldovan project and syndicated finance, cross-border M&A and PPPs. Other notable practitioners include Ana Galus, a specialist in commercial, corporate and competition law, Iulia Furtuna, who handles employment, immigration, and family law, and Mariana Stratan who focuses on corporate and secured transactions work.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Turcan; Octavian Cazac


Other key lawyers:

Ana Galus; Iulia Furtuna; Mariana Stratan; Vadim Taigorba


Testimonials

‘Turcan Cazac is truly international. They possess a strong knowledge of local laws and practice, but also are often involved in cross-border transactions for which their expertise is truly appreciated. ’

‘A highly professional team that is solution-oriented. It builds on strong expertise and knowledge as well as rich experience in a wide range of areas, which allows the team to always deliver high quality advice and results.’

‘The partners are highly engaged and involved, and are always available to provide meaningful advice and valuable guidance. The high level of responsiveness, the quality of advice, and the pragmatic approach makes them stand out in the market.’

Key clients

Apple


Microsoft


Citibank


Alibaba Group


Meta


Tencent Holdings


Siemens


Procter & Gamble


BMW Group


Lukoil


Bayer


Airbnb, Inc.


Booking.com International B.V.


Lear Corporation


Metro AG


OTP Bank Nyrt.


Société Générale S.A.


ING Bank N.V.


Renaissance Securities (Cyprus) Limited


TransGaz S.A.


Banca Transilvania S.A.


Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO)


Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF)


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


European Investment Bank (EIB)


Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO)


Gedeon Richter Nyrt


UnifiedPost Group S.A. (UPG)


Grid Dynamics Holdings Inc.


LinkedIn Corporation


Deloitte


Eurotransgaz SRL / Vestmoldtransgaz SRL


Gemeni SA (Rogob Group)


Argentem Creek Partners


Work highlights


  • Assisted with the extension of a finance facility to Trans-Oil Group, a vertically integrated agro-industrial group with significant business interests and presence in Moldova.
  • Assisting Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) in relation to the financing of several public sector infrastructure projects in various cities and regions in Moldova, with the total amount of financing being MDL 26,309,000.
  • Assisted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in providing financing to Regia Autosalubritate, to be used for the purpose of refurbishing waste management infrastructure and equipment.

Vernon | David

Vernon | David is well-versed in corporate, commercial and M&A, and dispute resolution mandates, most notably international arbitration and litigation matters. Additionally, the team’s broad expertise encompasses financing, commercial contracts, regulatory issues and employment law. The practice is co-led by litigation and arbitration head Sergiu Bivol who also specialises in corporate and real estate matters, and Roman Ivanov, who heads the banking and finance team. Ion Capatina is another noteworthy practitioner who is adept in commercial, civil, and administrative litigation.

Practice head(s):

Sergiu Bivol; Roman Ivanov


Other key lawyers:

Ion Capatina; Eduard Gurin


Testimonials

‘If you want to do business in Moldova, they are the ideal partners. The Vernon & David team knows the specifics of the local market.’

‘They are professionals.’

‘Vernon & David is able to assist clients in an efficient and professional manner. We collaborate with them each time we have to solve an issue in Moldova.’

‘Vernon & David is one the most experienced teams in the country. They have been active on Moldovan market for more than 14 years.’

‘Vernon & David is one of the founding members of the European Business Association. We are getting tremendous support from Roman Ivanov and Sergiu Bivol.’

‘Roman Ivanov and Sergiu Bivol are our reliable partners for any M&A transaction in the Moldovan market. They are the consultants who deliver results, not just consulting.’

‘Roman Ivanov and Sergiu Bivol are able to help you in the same moment you need them, regardless of the hour you call them.’

‘Sergiu Bivol provides us with all the assistance we need from a corporate perspective.’

Key clients

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


Danish Renewables


IuteCredit Europe SA


Victoriabank


Kaufland


AIG Europe SA


Syngenta Agro SRL


BackstageIT Group (formerly known as Best4U Group)


CSM Uniform


Agile Partners


Casella Wines Pty Limited


Moldindconbank


Procreditbank


Mobiasbanca-OTP Group


Synek Investments


Euro Finans AB


BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A.


Lafarge Holcim


Pa&Co International


Victoriabank


Syngenta


Freyrom


Moldovan National Olympic Committee


Sun Communications


ProCredit Bank


Continent (Toyota & Lexus)


Casella Wines Pty


Peace Corp


Purcari Winery


Moldovagaz


Moldinconbank


Work highlights


  • Assisting the EBRD with the implementation of a project ensuring the digitalization of the cooperation between Moldovan enforcement officers and commercial banks.
  • Assisting Lensa with a project relating to their expansion to the Moldovan market.
  • Assisting Victoriabank with the acquisition of the shares of another Moldovan bank.

Cobzac & Partners

Cobzac & Partners advises both local and international clients in the financial sector with ‘exceptional attention to detail and client service‘. The team’s broad expertise covers litigation and arbitration, insolvency, energy, and intellectual property rights. Practice head Daniel Cobzac is proficient in capital markets, M&A, and technology, while Ana Iovu heads the firm’s corporate and commercial department and specialises in FinTech. Elena Vintea is proficient in M&A and intellectual property.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Cobzac; Ana Iovu; Elena Vintea


Testimonials

‘Cobzac & Partners distinguishes itself through its deep understanding of the retail industry and the unique challenges it presents. The team offers unparalleled expertise in navigating complex wholesale and consumer laws, setting them apart from other firms.’

‘The professionals at Cobzac & Partners are not just lawyers; they are business strategists who understand the retail landscape. Their approach is highly personalized, ensuring that each case is handled not just competently, but also with a deep understanding of our specific needs.’

‘What sets Cobzac & Partners apart is their comprehensive understanding of both the legal framework and the technical aspects of renewable energy projects. Their ability to anticipate challenges has been crucial for our project timelines.’

‘The collaboration and communication within the team members is good and smooth. The team is diverse and young.’

‘The individuals at Cobzac & Partners, particularly Daniel Cobzac, distinguish themselves through a deep understanding of both the legal landscape and their clients’ specific business needs. Their meticulous attention to details, commitment to client satisfaction, and ability to anticipate potential legal challenges are appreciated.’

‘Cobzac & Partners excel in insolvency law, showing remarkable efficiency in navigating complex court-appointed processes. Their team brings an innovative approach, integrating technology to facilitate quicker resolutions.’

‘The lawyers at Cobzac & Partners possess a deep understanding of our industry, making them stand out from competitors. Their attention to detail and ability to foresee legal issues before they arise have been particularly valuable.’

‘The individuals at Cobzac & Partners stand out for their exceptional expertise and commitment to client success. Partners like Mr. Cobzac himself go above and beyond to provide not just legal advice, but strategic counsel that impacts our business positively. Their hands-on approach and responsiveness set them apart from competitors.’

Key clients

European Union (through the European Commission)


Valul Traian LLC


Lactalis Alba JSC


Reinvest24


Voyage Prestige LLC


Avangard Mega LLC


SIA Beta Kapital


Astapenco Alexandr


Balkan Pharmaceuticals LLC


Avans Service LLC


Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre)


Agricos Tech LLC


The National Association of Tourism Legal Agents of Moldova


Sebo Credit LLC


Central Group LLC


Mikro Kapital Company LLC


Daybegin LLC


Ecofinance Technologies LLC


Axioma Factoring LLC


Jgr JSC


ICS Danube Logistics LLC


Iute Credit LLC


C.B. Moldova-Agroindbank JSC


C.B. Moldindconbank JSC


C.B. Eximbank JSC


Comalion LCA LLC


MyTravel LLC


Vetropack Chisinau JSC


C.B. Victoriabank JSC


AS Mintos Marketplace


Rodals LLC


Asconi LLC


47th Parallel LLC


ABC Gurmandis LLC


Maser Auto LLC


Aldeco-Prim LLC


Anvecomex LLC


Digricom LLC


Vivercon LLC


Chemix Grup LLC


Deco Flowers Prim LLC


SIA Fertco


Smack Commodities OÜ


Flormin-Com LLC


Calivas Agro LLC


Nova Nut LLC


Uropam LLC


Acorex LLC


Valdactual LLC


Ampelos Plus LLC


Proterra Grup LLC


Kazayak-Vin JSC


Suvorov-Vin LLC


Bluetech Energy LLC


Esmalda LLC


Senerex-S LLC


Marcello Consulting LLC


Work highlights


  • Assisted “Reinvest24” OU, an Estonian real estate investment platform, in recovering outstanding loan amounts from a real estate developer, involving complex mortgage enforcement procedures on over 200 real estate assets.
  • Advised Yad Vashem The World Holocaust Remembrance Center on the legalities and potential restrictions concerning the donation and removal of Holocaust memorabilia, both digital and original, in the Republic of Moldova.
  • Represented LLC CHEMIX GRUPP in a successful complaint against the Center for Centralized Public Procurement in the Health Sector, leading to amendments in the award documentation for the purchase of disinfectants for 2023.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal

Able to draw upon support of the firm’s global network, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal‘s key strengths lie in corporate law, M&A, real estate, and immigration. The practice is headed by Ilona Panurco, who offers legal assistance in corporate and M&A projects, as well as Anastasia Dereveanchina and Ruxandra Târlescu. Olesea Croitoru is also a skilful practitioner, who is extensively experienced in banking and labour law, data protection, and real estate.

Practice head(s):

Ruxandra Târlescu; Anastasia Dereveanchina; Ilona Panurco


Other key lawyers:

Olesea Croitoru


Testimonials

‘A professional team that can provide professional advice in any field, understanding the subtleties of business. ’

‘From the outset, the team demonstrated that they were ready to provide us with professional legal assistance in the area we were dealing with was reassuring. In particular, we note the professionalism and dedication of Ilona Panurco.’

‘What makes this practice unique is undoubtedly their exceptional blend of professionalism, resourcefulness, and creativity, which they manifested commendably while handling our challenging project in Moldova. One distinguishing attribute is the agility with which they adapted to extremely stringent timelines, constantly showcasing an adept understanding of the legal landscape, thus steering the project seamlessly against potential pitfalls.’

Key clients

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)


CCF Moldova


UN Women


Soros Foundation Moldova


Vetropack Chisinau JSC


Transportation Eastern Europe LLC


Work highlights


  • Supported UN Women in Moldova in developing a study report to understand to what extent Moldovan companies are aware and willing to integrate women empowerment principles in their activity.
  • Assisted a glass producer on a labour and documentation review to assess compliance with the internal procedures and local legislation in force.
  • Provided The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with legal, and tax advisory services related to the establishment of presence and activity in the Republic of Moldova.