Firms To Watch: EU and competition

act | Botezatu Estrade Partners is particularly strong for energy-related competition issues. Stefan Botezatu heads up the practice.
Popescu & Asociatii's expertise spans contentious and advisory EU and competition matters. Founding partner Octavian Popescu is the name to note.
STOICA & Asociatii – Attorneys at Law is particularly well known for its contentious work, but also offers strong advisory support on the full range of competition law and state aid issues. Dragoș Bogdan oversees the work.

Firms in the Spotlight EU and competition

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen logo

For over 30 years, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP) has guided both domestic and international companies through the intricacies of the Romanian legal landscape, being recognized as a promoter of business law on the local market. NNDKP offers integrated legal and tax services at international standards across all legal areas relevant for businesses and …

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Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii logo

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is a leading Romanian independent law firm. Established in 1995, as one of the first incorporated partnerships, the firm brings together strong local resources, with exceptional credentials, outstanding records and distinguished careers in law, business and academia.

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EU and competition in Romania

D&B David si Baias SCA

D&B David si Baias SCA has established itself as ‘one of the most requested law firms in this niche‘; the team handles the full spectrum of competition, antitrust and state aid issues, regularly representing clients in merger control proceedings, as well as competition commission investigations and challenges. In a recent example of a complex EU-level case, the firm secured an exception from the European Commission concerning the application of Romania’s public procurement rules to the oil and gas industry for OMV Petrom. Managing partner Sorin David remains a highly regarded figure in this space, while managing associate Lucian Bozian is singled out as a ‘genuine expert in this subject matter'.

Practice head(s):

Sorin David


Other key lawyers:

Lucian Bozian


Testimonials

‘D&B has a strong team in the EU and competition field. Due to their reputation, they are one of the most requested law firms in this niche.’

‘Lucian Bozian is the most prominent lawyer in D&B’s competition team and I could say without hesitation that he is a genuine expert in this subject matter, having in mind his past experience in the Competition Council and his contribution to specialised doctrine.’

Key clients

Dnata Catering


City Grill Group


AFV Beltrame Group


Signal Iduna Asigurare Reasigurare


J Christof Group


Banca Transilvania


AER


Altex Group


Cargill Agricultura


Detergenti (Procter & Gamble)


Hodler Group


EnergoBit Group


Kronospan Trading


Hirschmann Automotive


Bosch Automotive


Societatea Complexul Energetic Oltenia


Rombat


Work highlights


  • Representing OMV Petrom before the European Commission concerning a major decision about the application of public procurement rules.
  • Representing Dnata Catering in an investigation concerning an alleged vertical restraint agreement with Bucharest International Airport.
  • Successfully assisted AFV Beltrame Group with a notification to the Competition Council of its acquisition of the functional assets of COS Targoviste, a Romania-based company undergoing judicial reorganisation.

Filip & Company

Filip & Company fields a team of sought-after competition lawyers who stand out for ‘their unmatched experience of working in high-profile cases in this area‘; the firm is regularly involved in some of Romania’s most significant market investigations. The team is well placed to handle contentious and advisory matters for clients across all industries, operating equally comfortably at both the domestic and EU levels. Clients note that the practitioners’ ‘constant involvement in key competition law cases gives them an impressive insight into the present-day investigative and decisional practices of the competition authorities‘. Cătălin Suliman brings a ‘distinctive combination of strategic and analytical thinking‘ to his role as practice head. Silviu Vasile is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Cătălin Suliman


Other key lawyers:

Silviu Vasile


Testimonials

‘Highly skilled professionals covering all areas, focused on understanding the need and the risk and also the client’s culture and the way it operates, always providing highly qualitative adapted advice and solutions. Transparency, trust, efficiency, excellent level of market knowledge and trends, both local and international. Important contribution in improving internal processes, raising awareness, helping in very important strategic projects and also in averting very important risks. Excellent work, the competition team is the best team of lawyers with whom I have worked so far.’

‘Filip & Company’s advice plays a critical role in our decision-making process. Their team is highly qualified and very responsive and the billing structure is very fair and transparent. They are excellent professionals and one of our most valued partners.’

‘From all the excellent professionals from Filip & Company we have worked with, Silviu Vasile has proven to be an outstanding lawyer. He is very well prepared, efficient and organised and he always goes above and beyond to make sure the quality of the deliverables is met. He is extremely intelligent and passionate about his job. He is, without a doubt, one of the best professionals we have had the pleasure of working with.’

‘I have been working with the competition team for 10 years and we have an excellent collaboration because they have a great understanding of the industry, of the companies that I am working with as an in-house lawyer for all these years. But what makes the team unique is the proactive approach, with excellent solutions and tactics, which is the trademark of Cătălin Suliman and also of Silviu Vasile.’

‘What makes Filip & Company’s team unique in the competition space is their sharp sense of business, their fast understanding of facts and context, their extremely clear and practical advice and their unmatched experience of working in high-profile cases in this area. They always present you with all available options and their recommendations are strongly supported by both legal and business logic and well connected with the context and overall strategy in each given case.’

‘Their constant involvement in key competition law cases gives them an impressive insight into the present-day investigative and decisional practices of the competition authorities, both in Romania and at EU level.’

‘Cătălin Suliman is the best competition professional we have worked with in Romania. What makes him stand out, beyond his impressive experience, is the distinctive combination of strategic and analytical thinking, complemented by great social intelligence. This extraordinary mix recommends him as the trusted long-term advisor of our company’s top management. The long track record of high-profile cases where he advised as lead competition counsel testifies to his exceptional performance.’

‘Cătălin Suliman is an exceptional lawyer, who displays remarkable analytical skills, clear vision regarding the projects he is involved in, availability and communication skills when it comes to discussing all inherent steps in the development of a certain project. Silviu Vasile is also a remarkable, very hard-working and talented competition law practitioner.’

Key clients

Banca Comercială Română


BT Leasing


VIG Group


RCS & RDS


CIT One


Autonom Services (formerly BT Operational Leasing )


Zentiva (part of Sanofi Aventis Group)


Adidas


Tiriac Leasing


Banca Transilvania


Strauss Romania


One United Properties


Erste Group


Work highlights


  • Assisted Tiriac Group with selling the rights and operations of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament and the Acciona Open de España golf tournament to IMG UK, part of the Endeavor group.
  • Assisted RCS & RDS with the sale of its Hungarian operations.

GNP Guia Naghi & Partners

GNP Guia Naghi & Partners is a boutique with a ‘highly specialised competition team‘ whose clients benefit from ‘a mix of very technical and strategy-oriented lawyers‘. Recently, the firm has been active in a wide range of Competition Council investigations, including eight different sector inquiries into key areas such as big data, ride sharing and the online provision of medical services. Day-to-day support, compliance and training also feature strongly on the firm’s roster, with major international companies - including Toyota, Danone and Enel - appearing as regular clients. Managing partner Manuela Guia is considered ‘a leader of the legal industry’. Other key contacts include Bianca Naghi and Otilia Vilcu.

Practice head(s):

Manuela Guia; Bianca Naghi


Other key lawyers:

Otilia Vilcu


Testimonials

‘GNP is a mix of very technical and strategy-oriented lawyers. We mostly work with Otilia Vilcu and Manuela Guia on competition matters and what I appreciate is the practical method they apply to all our cases. The team responds fast and well, they always act like partners to our business and are detail-oriented on projects. Partner involvement is key and Otilia is always hands-on for all of our projects.’

‘We collaborate very well with the team and they are trusted consultants. This team is at the top for all competition work.’

‘We have worked with both Manuela Guia and Otilia Vilcu for a very long time in complex investigations and the team is beyond comparison with any other on the market. Otilia is a smart lawyer, very professional and knows our business. She is always involved and available for our legal needs and she is very focused on our cases.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the topics presented. Proactivity – they basically recommend the possible path to be taken and they justify it with clear arguments; also they keep the deadlines and push you to respond in order to meet the deadline.’

‘I would highly recommend Otilia Vilcu for her pragmatic approach to competition cases and for her leadership skills. She is the partner in charge with our competition matters and is always professional and efficient. She delivers excellent advice and solutions. Otilia is dedicated to our projects and understands our business so she thinks of creative solutions tailored to our needs’

‘Highly specialised competition team. Very pragmatic and business oriented.’

‘For competition matters we work with Otilia Vilcu and Manuela Guia. We value Otilia’s involvement in all our competition matters and her practical advice, she is very efficient in providing complex solutions – she is the expert on competition matters. Manuela is a leader of the legal industry. Together the team is amazing.’

‘We mainly work with Otilia Vilcu for all competition matters and we highly recommend her as a competition law expert. She is approachable and efficient and explains clearly complex legal issues, and is a very good project leader. We appreciate her confident approach and dedication to understanding our business. She is always up to date and it gives me comfort to have her advice.’

Key clients

Mega Image


Toyota


Super Eggs (part of |Eurovo| Group)


Danone


Agricola International


HCL Online Advertising (Tazz)


Euroins| Romania


Sound Masters


Beesers| Platform


Nestle


Enel


Selgros


Avicola| Lumina


Toneli


Perfect Care


Cis Gaz


Sole Mizo


Paralela| 45


Farmavet


HS Timber


Vel| |Pitar


Macromex


Olx| Online Services


Dante International (eMAG Marketplace)


Work highlights


  • Advising Mega Image on its day-to-day competition issues and compliance commitments, as well as representing the client in RCC investigations.
  • Advising Toyota Romania on various complex competition projects.
  • Representing Super Eggs, part of EUROVO Group, in a Competition Council investigation into the production and marketing of eggs for consumption.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen has a well established EU and competition practice which regularly acts on high-profile investigations and challenges, as well as advising on day-to-day compliance and training, and representing clients in private damages cases. The firm’s active corporate practice also ensures a regular demand for merger clearance support on domestic and cross-border M&A deals. A recent contentious highlight saw the firm successfully defend Mega Image against fines imposed by the Competition Authority following its first investigation into the food retail market. Practice head Georgeta Dinu and recently promoted partner Anca Diaconu are ‘very resourceful in using competition law tools to enhance the business‘.

Practice head(s):

Georgeta Dinu; Anca Diaconu


Testimonials

‘I worked with Georgeta Dinu and Anca Diaconu. Both of them are experienced lawyers and very resourceful in using competition law tools to enhance the business. The advice we received anticipated many of our questions and was tailored on the practical issues of the project.’

‘Anca Diaconu showed great interest in the business needs of the company and meeting them with legal advice.’

‘The team is very well connected between themselves and with the client’s specifics, so that you can have anytime the same prompt answer and from all team members. The professional skills, knowledge, and broad approach in understanding the client’s market, needs and specificity, their experience and un-rigid approach is unique.’

‘We appreciate the cooperation with NNDKP because of their broad experience, previous wins, know-how and in the same time their approach towards clients’ needs and business requirements.’

Key clients

ExxonMobil


Roche Romania


Egger Romania


Filtration Group


Kedrion


PepsiCo


Mega Image (Ahold Delhaize Group)


Quva


Globalworth


Auchan


Work highlights


  • Advising ExxonMobil the competition aspects of its exit from Romania’s first deep offshore gas project.
  • Assisted Mega Image with obtaining an annulment of the Competition Authority’s sanctioning decision and a €5.6m fine imposed in a food retail investigation.
  • Representing Kedrion in the Competition Authority’s investigation into companies active on the Romanian immunoglobulins market.

RTPR | Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA

RTPR | Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA particularly well regarded for its provision of top-end merger clearance support, although the team's broad-ranging practice also spans day-to-day compliance, audits and training. Major antitrust investigations and related litigations are another cornerstone of the practice, and recently the firm was involved in several high-profile proceedings in the energy, media, financial services, healthcare and leasing sectors. Practice head Valentin Berea ‘can lead a case from day one of the administrative phases till the final ruling by the local or European courts‘. Roxana Ionescu is recommended merger control and state aid work.

Practice head(s):

Valentin Berea; Roxana Ionescu


Testimonials

‘RTPR are among our closest external legal advisers and we work together on a number of matters. It is a professional relationship based on mutual trust, which I find essential, given the sensitivity of legal matters on which we instruct them.’

‘The experience has always been excellent. I particularly valued the prompt specialist involvement of practice head Valentin Berea and his competition partner Roxana Ionescu. For instance, in one very urgent case, we had to instruct them on a late Friday afternoon and by next working day (which followed a bank holiday) they had already prepared a comprehensive legal submission and managed to convince the competition authority management to accept an emergency state of play meeting so that our legal arguments could be heard.’

‘Their experience mix is impressive. Valentin Berea is an experienced antitrust litigator as well, which gives us the confidence that he can lead a case from day one of the administrative phases till the final ruling by the local or European courts, if necessary, while Roxana Ionescu is also proficient in merger control and state aid matters.’

Key clients

Groupama Asigurari


Electrica


Zenith Media


Ursus Breweries


Regina Maria


Maspex Romania


Scania AB, Scania CV AB, Scania Deutschland GmbH, Scania Romania


Asirom Vienna Insurance Group


Henkel Romania


British American Tobacco


Lease Plan Romania


African Industries Group


Morphosis Capital


Work highlights


  • Acting on behalf of Groupama Asigurari to contest the Competition Authority’s decision in a complex antitrust investigation concerning the alleged exchange of commercially sensitive information between insurance companies in Romania.
  • Representing Electrica in court proceedings in an EU facilitator-victim case, in which the client was fined €2.3m for allegedly facilitating a cartel between its meter suppliers.
  • Representing Zenith Media in litigation proceedings against a Competition Council decision in which Zenith, along with other media agencies, was sanctioned for allegedly agreeing to exclude a competitor from the market.

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii's practitioners have ‘in-depth legal knowledge with regard to Romanian and EU competition law‘. The firm continues to invest in the practice, as demonstrated by the 2022 promotion of partner Andreea Oprisan, who advises on the full range of competition issues, including acting in merger clearance proceedings and investigations. The multidisciplinary team works closely with the corporate and disputes practices on contentious and non-contentious issues, respectively, and has extensive expertise assisting clients operating across a broad range of industries, including retail, financial services, media, utilities and energy. 'Bright, intelligent, combativeRaluca Vasilache oversees the offering.

Practice head(s):

Raluca Vasilache


Other key lawyers:

Andreea Oprisan


Testimonials

‘In-depth legal knowledge with regard to Romanian and EU competition law, the ability to grasp the intricacies of a rather niche market and use them in supporting the client’s case, hard work and almoust round the clock availability.’

‘Raluca Vasilache; bright, intelligent, combative, extensive legal knowledge, putting in an impressive number of woking hours, down to earth and able to always present things so that a layman could grasp them, and a realist with a refreshing sense of humour even in tough times.’

‘Very serious and professional team.’

‘Value added to solving the legal issues and very good advice.’

Key clients

AMAZONEN-WERKE H. DREYER SE & Co. KG


Girod Semnalizare Rutiera


Generali Romania


Vodafone Romania


Carrefour Romania


IPSO SRL


Clever Media Group


BRD Sogelease IFN SA


Eco Anvelope


SAG Management International AG/ Autonet Import Romania SRL


Energy Financing Team AG (EFT) (SWITZERLAND)


Bayer Romania


Albatros Gold SRL


Ivatherm SRL


BRD Groupe Société Générale


Work highlights


  • Representing SAG Management International/Autonet Import Romania in merger control proceedings before the Romanian Competition Council concerning the company’s acquisition of a majority stake in Augsburg International Impex.
  • Assisting Carrefour Romania with day-to-day competition matters, covering internal compliance audits, implementation of compliance procedures, and the review and negotiation of contracts.
  • Representing Generali Romania in an ongoing investigation, as well as a court challenge against a sanctioning decision issued by the Romanian Competition Council.

360Competition

360Competition is a new competition boutique which was launched in early 2021, and runs the gamut of contentious and non-contentious issues. The firm's recent highlights include several antitrust investigations into the technology, ride-hailing and pharmaceuticals sectors. Founding partner Adrian Şter is considered by clients to be ‘one of the best professionals in the field‘. Further arrivals since the firm's incpetion include Diana Crangasu, formerly of counsel at Clifford Chance Badea, and Andrei Georgescu, formerly of Suciu Popa.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Şter; Diana Crangasu


Other key lawyers:

Andrei Georgescu


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Diana Crangasu who is a very good professional and, in my opinion, one of the best competition lawyers in Romania.’

‘Andrei Georgescu is our principal contact, having worked with him for a number of years now, and we consider him very trustworthy.’

‘Something I value highly with the 360Competition team is the fact that they take a pragmatic approach to law and don’t overcomplicate things unnecessarily. Thus, if a matter is complex they are very capable of handling it.’

Key clients

PPTA – Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association


Bolt Romania


Akka Romserv


Abris Capital Partners


Teraplast Romania


Bursa Romana de Marfuri (Romanian Commodities Exchange)


Muller Dairy


URBB – United Romanian Breweries Bereprod


Electroputere VFU


Azaria Food


Premier Energy


Havi Logistics


Transilvania Constructii


Work highlights


  • Representing Akka Romserv in an antitrust investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council.
  • Assisting Bolt with all competition matters, including its expansion into new areas, as well as representing the client in a sector inquiry launched by the Romanian Competition Council into the local ride-hailing market.
  • Advising Abris Capital Partners on obtaining Romanian competition clearance and coordinating similar competition clearances in Bulgaria and Serbia for the acquisition of the dental distribution company Dentstore.

Biris Goran SPARL

Biris Goran SPARL has a strong track record for cartel cases and related investigations, and has recently achieved successful outcomes in these areas for clients operating in the financial services, agribusiness and pharmaceuticals sectors. Merger clearance work and day-to-day compliance and training are also key areas of expertise. Practice head Gelu Goran is commended for his ‘good contact with the Romanian competition regulator‘. Senior associate Răzvan Bardicea is also singled out for praise by clients.

Practice head(s):

Gelu Goran


Other key lawyers:

Răzvan Bardicea


Testimonials

‘Gelu Goran works well with international clients, having had international experience himself. He cuts to to the chase and has a good feel for client sensitivities. He has good contact with the Romanian competition regulator.’

‘The offer business-oriented advice and they always come with practical solutions. They are a very reliable partner, they are always reacting in a timely manner and they have a deep understanding of the client’s needs, which, together with their strong legal knowledge, leads to the most suitable solutions.’

‘The individuals have very strong and sound understanding of the law and, at the same time, are creative and provide practical legal solutions, while remaining in the legal framework. They are very collaborative and prompt in reaction.’

‘We would like to mention Gelu Goran and Răzvan Bardicea, who have both provided legal advice with a very deep understanding of the company’s business model and policies and worked as real business partners.’

‘Deep analysis combined with a very pro-business approach, good understanding of business needs.’

‘Gelu Goran and Răzvan Bardicea, both offering a very good analysis, flexible and trustworthy, prompt reaction.’

‘Overall the expertise of the team exceeded expectations. The reaction time and the delivery speed of the team was also impressive when a short deadline was crucial.’

‘Gelu Goran is taking active part in the discussions, delivery and project management which is a trust factor in most cases.’

Key clients

First Brands Group


Travelminit


Zucchetti


Max Bau


Electroglobal


Aon UK Limited


UniCredit


Procter & Gamble


ASLO


Profi


Geberit


Work highlights


  • Representing UniCredit in an industry-wide information exchange investigation and subsequent litigation.
  • Representing Aon UK and its Romanian insurance brokerage affiliate, Aon Romania, in a Competition Council investigation into the aviation insurance market for alleged bid-rigging and price fixing.
  • Advising Procter & Gamble on compliance related to its dominant and non-dominant products.

Bondoc si Asociatii SCA

Bondoc si Asociatii SCA has a ‘deep understanding of the relevant and specific market' for competition mandates, and is among ‘the most knowledgeable of intricacies in the healthcare sector’, where it has recently been involved in several significant antitrust investigations. It also provides day-to-day and regulatory advice to major companies such as Pfizer on their distribution processes in Romania. The team also has a notable track record in merger clearance and state aid-related issues. Managing partner Lucian Bondoc is regularly supported by recommended expert Raluca Nadejde.

Practice head(s):

Lucian Bondoc; Raluca Nadejde


Testimonials

‘We perceive them as one of the few law firms in the market that can assist very professionally in any area of competition law. We believe that they are the most knowledgeable of intricacies in the healthcare sector. Very solid experience. React quickly. Business oriented.’

‘Very good professionals, work well together and promote holistic and pragmatic approaches. Attentive to detail and nuances.’

‘High knowledge of  competition law with recognition and deep understanding of the relevant and specific market these regulations apply to.’

‘Lucian Bondoc provides for in-depth analysis with on-point opinions. His deep knowlegde of the market and practices ensures provision of tailor-made solutions to clients.’

‘Raluca Nadejde – 100% trust in her expertise and her solutions for every topic.’

Key clients

Clubul Fermierilor Romani (Romanian Farmers’ association)


Distrigaz Retele Sud (part of Engie group)


Engie Romania SA


Fresenius Medical Care Romania


OLTCHIM


Nod Network


Pfizer


Sanofi


Work highlights


  • Assisted Safe Road Holding with its possible participation in a major road safety tender in Romania.
  • Successfully represented Oltchim in its challenge of the EU Commission’s ruling that the client has benefited in the past from over €330m in illegal state aid.
  • Assisting Gaspeco with the sale of a majority stake in the company.

DLA Piper Dinu SCA

DLA Piper Dinu SCA fields a well regarded team with ‘a deep understanding of business expectations‘. The firm has an extremely strong reputation for advising clients operating in heavily regulated markets, including life sciences, where Alina Lacatus is particularly active. The firm’s offering covers all areas, from merger control proceedings, through to compliance programs and training. Practitioners also have strong expertise in state aid issues. Antitrust investigations are another key area of work, and the firm has had recent successes defending clients in the automotive, pharmaceuticals and waste management sectors. Practice head Livia Zamfiropoloffers innovative solutions’.

Practice head(s):

Livia Zamfiropol


Other key lawyers:

Alina Lacatus


Testimonials

‘Very strong team with very good European and national law expertise.’

‘Livia Zamfiropol has specific industry expertise and offers innovative solutions.’

‘Alina Lacatus has a comprehensive approach to regulated markets.’

‘DLA has a highly experienced team with a deep understanding of business expectations. Therefore, their advice is always to the point.’

‘I have been working with Livia Zamfiropol and her team for almost 10 years and I have always appreciated their support and their ability to identify innovative solutions that met business expectations. What I also appreciate is that Livia is always available on short notice which gives us the comfort that we can always rely on her advice in case urgent topics appear.’

Key clients

Publicis Groupe


The Romanian Association of the Self-Care Industry (RASCI)


Work highlights


  • Assisting communications specialist Publicis Groupe with all competition law aspects related to its acquisition of Tremend Software Consulting.
  • Advising the Romanian Association of the Self-Care Industry on the full array of antitrust matters, including potential competition-related risks concerning interactions between competitors, and assisting with the drafting of clear internal policies regulating the activities of the association.

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

At Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii, clients receive ‘excellent legal and practical advice from well-trained competition law professionals‘. Practice head Mihaela Ion is commended for her ‘broad knowledge of EU and local competition legislation‘. Clients instruct the firm at every stage of the competition journey, from day-to-day advice on compliance and distribution agreements, through to merger clearance and antitrust investigations, and any related challenges that might occur. Lately, the team has been active on matters linked to the IT, chemicals, leasing, manufacturing and automotive sectors.

Practice head(s):

Mihaela Ion


Testimonials

‘Excellent legal and practical advice from well-trained competition law professionals.’

‘Mihaela Ion is a very experienced attorney with skillful and client-focused legal advice.’

‘Mihaela Ion has a broad knowledge of EU and local competition legislation. Her advice is practical and well focused towards clients needs.’

Key clients

Hewlett Packard INC Romania


SIVECO România


Ameropa Holding


Oresa Ventures / Romanian Business Consult S.R.L


New Kopel România


Augsburg International


Verdino/ Prefera Foods


Union Motors Car Sales


ADRFR (Association of Romanian Pharmaceutical Distributors & Retailers)


Badsi Impex


 


Work highlights


  • Representing Hewlett Packard in a Competition Council investigation into alleged abuse of dominance.
  • Represented Ameropa in merger control proceedings related to its joint ownership, with Prompt, of Agroind.
  • Assisted Oresa Ventures/Romanian Business Consult with the merger notification process for the client’s acquisition of sole control over SmartPay Software.

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA fields a specialised EU and competition team which combines strong transactional expertise with a highly capable litigation and regulatory offering. The firm has a strong track record representing companies and investors from regulated sectors, and has recently acted in several significant investigations and challenges involving banking and insurance clients. Private damages claims, merger filings and support on foreign direct investments also feature prominently on the firm’s agenda. Practice head Georgiana Bădescu handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious issues, and also assists clients with compliance audits, training and mock dawn raids. Mona Banu and senior associate Cristiana Manea are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Georgiana Bădescu


Other key lawyers:

Mona Banu; Cristiana Manea


Key clients

Allianz-Tiriac Asigurari


Auto Italia


Covalact


Knauf Gips


OMV Petrom Marketing


Policolor


ROMCIM (a CRH company)


Unilink


Work highlights


  • Advising Unilink on its merger filing in connection with the acquisition of an 80% stake in Safety Broker de Asigurare from Romanian entrepreneurs.
  • Representing several insurance companies in ongoing investigations conducted by the Romanian Competition Authority.
  • Defending a pharmaceuticals company against cartel allegations.

Wolf Theiss

Wolf Theiss' EU and competition practice handles the gamut of contentious and non-contentious issues. The advisory side includes assistance with merger control, training and compliance exercises, as well as support on distribution and cooperation agreements. Practitioners are also very active in antitrust investigations and leniency applications, with the firm’s regional network adding value for multijurisdictional matters. Recently, the team represented a client in a Competition Council investigation into a non-poaching agreement in the automotive sector’s labour market. Anca Jurcovan  leads the team, which also includes Claudia Chiper.

Practice head(s):

Anca Jurcovan


Other key lawyers:

Claudia Chiper


Key clients

Expleo Romania


Asirom


CPI Property Group


Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association Europe


FCC Environment


Glovo


Vodafone Romania


Revetas Capital Advisors/ Ceres Management Services


Lingemann Beschaffungssysteme


bpv Grigorescu Stefanica

bpv Grigorescu Stefanica's broad offering spans merger clearance advice, compliance training and assistance with distribution agreements. The team also has a strong track record in domestic and EU-level antitrust investigations, where it has recently represented clients in the transport, healthcare and IT sectors. Managing partner Catalin Grigorescu leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Catalin Grigorescu


Testimonials

‘Very supportive and professional team.’

‘We work excellently with Catalin and Grigorescu.’

‘Our company is very satisfied with the overall service of the law firm. The expertise and the quality of advice are leaving no doubt that the team is very competent, knows what to do and how to solve the case. The result is always the best which the client may expect.’

Key clients

Essilor Romania


Work highlights


  • Advising Essilor Romania on the drafting and negotiation of a distribution agreement with its distributor, as well as assessing the Essilor Experts Customer Partnership Programme from a competition law point of view.

CMS

CMS stands out for its strong regional presence, and the firm’s Bucharest office forms a key part of its overall pan-European offering, with lawyers working in concert on domestic and cross-border mandates. The team was recently boosted by the arrival of senior counsel Valentin Mircea, a former Vice-President of the Romanian Competition Council, who joined from Mircea and Partners Law Firm to act as practice head. The team has latterly seen considerable activity on the merger clearance side, including several multijurisdictional mandates. Managing partner Horea Popescu is also experienced in advising on compliance matters and handling investigations.

Practice head(s):

Valentin Mircea


Other key lawyers:

Horea Popescu


Key clients

OCP Group


Element Invest Partners


ALPLA


Work highlights


  • Assisted OCP Groupon with merger filing linked to its 50-50 joint venture with the Al Dahra Group in the Romanian market.
  • Assisting Element Invest with an internal reorganisation in Romania ultimately leading to a joint investment with a third-party investor in view of developing industrial/logistics real estate.

Dentons

The competition lawyers at Dentons are ‘outstandingly well informed‘, sharing with clients a ‘granular understanding of the complexities and compounded impacts of deals in the current complicated economic, social and political context’. The firm’s capabilities run from complex antitrust investigations through to compliance, training and risk assessment. The firm’s significant international network is particularly adept at co-ordinating merger clearance work with cross-border elements. Practice head Raul Mihu is noted for his expertise in life sciences matters.

Practice head(s):

Raul Mihu


Testimonials

‘We found the lawyers working with us outstandingly well informed, attentive to details, with a granular understanding of the complexities and compounded impacts of deals in the current complicated economic, social and political context, allowing them to provide us with wise and valuable advice in every case.’

‘We received excellent advice which entirely served our interest. Practitioners were thoughtful, intelligent, creative and in keeping with the best practices. Their response time is outstanding, no matter how difficult or complicated the issue on which we consult them.’

Key clients

Auchan


Metro


Carturesti Bookstores (Direct Client Services SRL)


Dual Man


Lucy Zodion


Romgaz


Kinstellar

Kinstellar handles a breadth of EU and competition matters, and is particularl valued by clients for its close interactions with the Romanian Competition Authority. The team has noteworthy credentials for antitrust investigations and challenging fines in the courts. An active corporate group also ensures a strong stream of merger control work across multiple sectors including agribusiness, real estate, and manufacturing. Major clients such as Mastercard and Perrigo also retain the firm for day-to-day competition advice. Iustinian Captariu leads the team with support from managing associate Cătălin Graure.

Practice head(s):

Iustinian Captariu


Other key lawyers:

Cătălin Graure


Testimonials

‘Great support in a lengthy procedure. Appreciated that they tried to talk to the Authority in order to limiting its burdensome requirements.’

Key clients

S IMMO


BRD – Groupe Société Générale


Mutares SE & Co.


Maïsadour & Euralis Agricultural Cooperatives


BRD Asset Management


Mastercard


Perrigo Romania


ALD Automotive


Agroind & Promat


Alpha Leasing


Work highlights


  • Providing day-to-day competition advice to the pharmaceutical company, Perrigo Romania, including support with information requests from the Romanian Competition Council, in relation to the sector inquiry into the OTC medicines and food supplements market.
  • Advising the Austrian real estate company S IMMO on obtaining merger clearance from the Romanian Competition Council in relation to the acquisition of the Expo Business Park offices complex in Bucharest from Portland Trust.
  • Assisted Mutares, a German-based holding company focused on acquiring companies in special situations, on obtaining merger clearance from the Romanian Competition Council for its acquisition of the automotive sealings manufacturer Sealynx International.

Musat & Asociatii

Musat & Asociatii has a notable track record for competition matters, which overlaps with its strong expertise in advising companies operating in heavily regulated industries, including life sciences, healthcare and financial services. The firm has achieved notable recent successes on behalf of clients from a range of sectors in court challenges against fines. Antitrust investigations, state aid, merger clearance, and day-to-day risk management and compliance are further areas of expertise. Paul George Buta, who also heads the IP team, leads the practice. Dan Minoiu has significant regulatory credentials.

Practice head(s):

Paul George Buta


Other key lawyers:

Dan Minoiu


Key clients

Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport


Electrolux


Eli Lilly


Friesland Campina


Sig Sauer


Servier/Sermedic


Damen Shipyards Group


Rewe


Electromagnetica


Ecro


Work highlights


  • Representing Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport in an investigation for abuse of dominance in the ground-handling market at airports.
  • Advising a major global player in engineering and IT services in an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council into the labour market.
  • Representing two major immunoglobulin producers in an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council into alleged anticompetitive behaviour on the Romanian market for human normal immunoglobulins.

Noerr

Noerr has a cross-practice competition team which covers a broad spectrum of issues. Corporate head Rusandra Sandu handles the related competition elements, including support on merger clearance work. Iulian Sorescu oversees the financial and state aid side of the practice, which has assisted with high-profile investment projects in the manufacturing sector, as demonstrated by the firm’s recent advice to the Stada Group on its new production facility. The team also acts in antitrust investigations and related supplier disputes.

Practice head(s):

Rusandra Sandu; Iulian Sorescu


Key clients

Stada Group


Samsung Electronics


Bristol-Myers Squibb


Universal Alloy Corporation Europe (UAC Europe)


Chiesi Group


Varta Microbattery


Soceram


Vrancart Recycling


Artesana International


INVEST Unternehmensbeteiligungs AG (Raiffeisen Group)


Saint-Gobain


Work highlights


  • Advising Stada Group on all relevant competition issues concerning its business activities in Romania, including obtaining state aid from the Romanian Government for a greenfield investment of around €50m in a new production facility.
  • Advised CLAAS Group on merger control procedures related to the acquisition of a stake in the CLAAS authorised dealer in Romania, Serv Claas.
  • Advising Bristol-Myers Squibb on all relevant competition issues with respect to its business activities in Romania, including the Romanian aspects of Celgene’s integration into the company.

Reff & Associates SCA

Reff & Associates SCA's competition team ‘demonstrates great experience, knowledge and skill in handling complex situations‘. Core expertise includes handling of antitrust investigations and dawn raids, implementation of compliance programs, and assistance with merger control and state aid issues. The ‘very calm and attentiveFlorentina Munteanu heads the team, which also includes senior managing associate Andrea Grigoras.

Practice head(s):

Florentina Munteanu


Other key lawyers:

Andrea Grigoras


Testimonials

‘We put our trust in Andrea Grigoras and Florentina Munteanu due to their significant competition expertise, professional client attitude and nice personal interaction.’

‘I like that Florentina Munteanu is involved in each mandate, this ensures that they send good quality work in a very short time. She is very calm and attentive to the client’s needs. We consult Andrea Grigoras with respect to activities impacting from the competition perspective, she accommodates very openly our opinions, she offers guidance and tailored advice and shows availability in tight deadline situations. I enjoy very much working with her.’

‘We often consult them for EU-related, cross-border matters, and we are satisfied with their services. They also help us to get consultation from lawyers in other jurisdictions. They are very knowledgable in EU regulations, and able to provide customised legal opinions after understanding our needs and targets.’

‘The team is highly qualified, demonstrates great experience, knowledge and skill in handling complex situations. We appreciate the great communication we have with them, as well as their efforts to make sure that every client feels like they are the most important.’

‘We appreciate their responsiveness and pragmatic approach, as well as their innovative solutions to complex situations. Andrea Grigoras is an excellent professional with in-depth knowledge and extensive practical experience in the competition field. She understands the clients’ business needs and always does everything within her power to ensure the best results possible, in a timely manner.’

‘Dedicated, committed people, masters of the branches of law they manage, exceptional team.’

Key clients

Fildas Trading


Catena


UP Romania


Otter


Banca Transilvania Group


Frasinul


Elrond Network


Roca Investments


DTL Medical


Ciprian Bara


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Romanian branch of Bank of Cyprus Group with its exit from the local market, including the sale of a large proportion of its NPL portfolio.
  • Assisting Fildas Trading, a major Romanian pharmaceuticals distributor, with the full range of antitrust matters, including negotiating distribution agreements.
  • Advising UP Romania on an in-depth competition law analysis of its online consumer platform.

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners is ‘exceptionally well equipped to handle high-profile competition work because of an outstanding combination of industry and legal knowledge‘. Litigation is a core focus, with the firm regularly challenging Competition Council rulings before the courts. The team also guides companies and industry bodies through investigations, and advises on the implementation of risk management and compliance programmes. Elena Iacob‘s depth of experience and knowledge is standout, while Ioana Racoti understands the most intricate of technical details’. Clients also highlight ‘efficient and persuasive‘ associate Violeta Saranciuc.

Practice head(s):

Elena Iacob


Other key lawyers:

Ioana Racoti; Violeta Saranciuc


Testimonials

‘The team is exceptionally well equipped to handle high-profile competition work because of an outstanding combination of industry and legal knowledge, flexibility, and dedication to achieve the best possible results. All lawyers are well versed in Romanian and EU competition law and the team exhibits the perfect mix of top-quality technical expertise with commercial common sense.’

‘The legal team is in permanent exchange with us, and we work together every step of the way, deciding the best strategy and solutions. We are extremely happy with the cooperation.’

‘Ioana Racoti and Elena Iacob are our main points of contact. Ioana and Elena are our anchors for energy and competition law advice. They combine the highest quality technical expertise with common sense practical advice.’

‘Ioana Racoti is always calm, generous with her time. Never fails to identify errors or cracks in the law, find a solution when nothing seems feasible, come up with ideas that seem bold, almost impossible at first, but that end up to be the winning initiative. She understands the most intricate of technical details, her sharp eye never misses a thing and is brilliant in everything she does. I have a huge admiration for the lawyer Ioana and I am in awe of the amazing person she is.’

‘Elena Iacob’s depth of experience and knowledge is standout. Responsive, always stays focused and is available at short notice, qualities which are very important to us. She has proven on different occasions that she is able to assess the pressures and challenges that face our industry and understands what the companies we represent need to operate. The fact that she is well-connected opens doors for us and facilitates the needed dialogue with relevant authorities.’

‘Violeta Saranciuc has provided expertise in competition and state aid from the perspective of EU law. Her legal arguments were efficient and persuasive in court.’

Key clients

Kronospan


Romprest


Romanian Association of Banks


Elpreco


Menzies Aviation Romania


Association Of Business Services Leaders in Romania


Work highlights


  • Represented Kronospan Group in an investigation opened by the Competition Council relating to a possible breach of national and EU competition law in the wood processing market.
  • Representing Romprest Service Company, a major waste collection and management company, in over a hundred litigation cases against the local authorities in Bucharest.
  • Advised the Romanian Association of Banks on the revision of its competition compliance programme, designed for members and employees, following publication by the Competition Council of a guideline on competition compliance programs for trade associations.