Schoenherr > Sofia, Bulgaria > Firm Profile
Schoenherr Offices
ALABIN 56
1000 SOFIA
Bulgaria
Schoenherr > The Legal 500 Rankings
Bulgaria > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
The team at Schoenherr advises financial institutions, corporate clients and regulatory bodies on a range of complex mandates. The team covers the full range of financial services, with its strengths lying in high-end financial regulatory work, transactional advice and in project and acquisition finance. The firm increasingly works with international fintech companies. Practice head Tsvetan Krumov advises banks and other financial institutions on regulatory matters, and is supported by Milena Gabrovska, who is well versed in domestic and cross-border transactions, and Kristina Lyubenova, who supports private investors and financial institutions with project financings and transactions.Practice head(s):
Tsvetan Krumov
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Schoenherr demonstrated exceptional expertise and collaboration in a complex transaction. ’
‘The individuals I had the chance to work with displayed remarkable skills and dedication. ’
Key clients
RGREEN Invest SAS
Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI)
Capital One Financial Corporation
MET Group
Citibank Europe Plc (Bulgaria Branch)
ING Bank NA – Bulgarian branch
UniCredit Bulbank AD, Bulgaria
Credit Suisse
ProCredit Bank AG
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
China Development Bank
United Group
BNP PARIBAS (Suisse) S.A.
Société Générale Group
European Investment Bank
J.P. Morgan Securities plc
Ares Management Limited
Business Park Sofia EOOD
OTP Bank Plc, Hungary
Work highlights
- Advised United Group on ca EUR 2bln notes issuances.
- Advised the EBRD, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria and DG REFORM of the European Commission on a one-year landmark legislative project assisting the Bulgarian Ministry of Finance with the preparation and adoption of a comprehensive legal framework for close-out netting in Bulgaria.
- Advised RGREEN Invest SAS on EUR 140m equity investment on a joint venture in the legal form of an Austrian limited liability company (GmbH).
Bulgaria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Schoenherr‘s commercial, corporate and M&A practice strengths include local and cross-border M&A transactions and take overs, where the team has a proven track record advising in the TMT and energy sectors. Alexandra Doytchinova leads the team and focuses on the energy and real estate sectors, where she advises on market entry to Bulgaria, direct investments and high-profile transactions. Ilko Stoyanov is noted for his ‘exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of commercial, corporate and M&A legislation and projects’. Further bolstering the Corporate and M&A team is Stela Pavlova-Kaneva, who acts in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, Tereza Shishkova and Ema Stoyanova who joined the firm in December 2022 and January 2023 respectively.Practice head(s):
Alexandra Doytchinova; Ilko Stoyanov
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Stela Pavlova-Kaneva is excellent in every single way so far – she’s been really diligent with her work, knows her field and reacts super quickly.’
‘Ilko Stoyanov has exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of commercial, corporate and M&A legislation and projects. He also has broad expertise in the regulatory legislation applicable to the credit institutions, investments and banks as well in the financing law and commercial legislation.’
‘The team provides prompt and high-quality services where the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly expressed. Their level of service is excellent, and we emphasize that the answers to the legal questions were provided by Schoenherr law office in due time. Responses were accurate and always provided in close cooperation with in-house lawyers of the company.’
‘The team provides prompt and high-quality services where the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly expressed. Responses were accurate and always provided in close cooperation with in-house lawyers of the company.’
‘The Schoenherr team consists of very experienced lawyers, who are familiar with the market and all the potential issues that may arise on a transaction. They are very proactive and thorough, and do not leave any aspect to the chance. Alexandra Doytchinova and Stela Pavlova-Kaneva have excellent negotiation skills and in-depth knowledge of the market, legislation, and commercial side of the business.’
‘Alexandra Doytchinova is a leading M&A lawyer in Bulgaria. She is not only extremely knowledgeable, focused and goal oriented, but also has excellent client care skills. She is always aware of the commercial aspects of a deal and all market developments. She handles with ease the most complex and sophisticated matters and finds solutions for every potential issue.’
‘Stela Pavlova-Kaneva is an excellent M&A lawyer and has outstanding commercial awareness and legal experience. She is not only very knowledgeable, but also handles difficult negotiations in a very professional and calm manner. She is very proactive, meets all deadlines and would go the extra mile for her clients.’
‘International team of specialist which gives the opportunity to easily consult professionals with different profiles and/or in other locations when needed.’
Key clients
KKCG Group / Aricoma Group International AB
Oiltanking GmbH
Chaos Software
Dentatechnica
Liechtenstein
NTT DATA Business Solutions
United Group
OSRAM GmbH
Enery
MET Group
Poseidon S.A
Leoni AG
Offerista Group
Globe Trade Centre SA (GTC)
Work highlights
- Advised e& on the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets in CEE for EUR 2.15 billion
- Advised KKCG Group and its portfolio company Aricoma Group International AB on the acquisition of Musala Soft and its subsidiaries.
- Advised BlackPeak Capital on an equity investment in courier and fulfilment provider EUShipments.com.
Bulgaria > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
Schoenherr‘s interdisciplinary approach means the firm is well equipped to offer real estate, construction, banking and corporate advice when advising on energy matters. The team advises on the development and implementation of renewable energy projects, PPPs related to energy infrastructure, as well as M&A and regulatory matters for domestic and international stakeholders, companies and governmental bodies. Stefana Tsekova leads the practice and covers the full spectrum of energy related advice, providing expertise on some of the most significant energy projects in Bulgaria. Dimitar Kairakov joined Tsekova as co-practice head in early 2023 bringing considerable expertise in electricity and natural gas trading projects. Marin Demirev also joined the team in early 2023.Practice head(s):
Dimitar Kairakov; Stefana Tsekova
Other key lawyers:
Marin Demirev; Alexandra Doytchinova; Katerina Kaloyanova-Toshkova
Testimonials
‘Quick, efficient and transparent.’
‘Dimitar Kairakov: Handles any challenge, everyday or emergency, with skill and dedication.’
‘Schoenherr Bulgaria has a strong record in the energy sector. They are very responsive, and it is extremely easy to work with them. The team is aware of all the issues in the energy market in Bulgaria and is able to get to the essence of a matter in a short time.’
‘Dimitar Kairakov understood the assignment very well and provided advice on complicated legal matters in a way that is easy to understand by the commercial team. He delivered high-level strategic advice in a simple and efficient manner which is often difficult to find on the legal market.’
Key clients
EBRD, Beneficiary: Ministry of energy
Petrom
RGREEN Invest SAS
Photon Energy
BHP
Oiltanking GmbH
Adarna OOD
Liechtenstein Group
Enery
European Commission
MET Group
OMV Bulgaria
Edison Italy
Woodside Energy
UniCredit Bulbank AD
Société Générale Expressbank
RWE
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
Danske Commodities
Work highlights
- Assists EBRD and the Ministry of Energy on the implementation of Investment 6 (1.4 GW RES and Batteries Project) and Investment 8 (6 GW storage – RESTORE Project) under the Recovery and Resilience Plan with total value of over 1 billion EUR, as well as on improvement of the legal framework to facilitate the RES and storage growth in the country.
- Advised RGreen Invest, on a partnership with RENALFA Solarpro Group to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy across Eastern Europe. Our team advised the investors on their EUR 140m equity investment in a joint venture in the legal form of an Austrian limited liability company (GmbH).
- Advised Edison on the Bulgarian corporate and regulatory law aspects of the implementation of the gas interconnector between Bulgaria and Greece.
Bulgaria > EU and competition Tier 2
Schoenherr‘s multidisciplinary approach enables the firm to excel in EU law and competition matters across many sectors, including technology, telecommunications, energy and financial services. The team’s varied case load includes guidance through antitrust proceedings before the Bulgarian competition authorities and courts, unfair trade matters, daily ongoing support with all issues relating to competition law as well as a particular focus on merger control proceedings. Corporate and M&A lawyer Ilko Stoyanov and Galina Petkova who specialises in EU and competition matters, antitrust and compliance law, jointly lead the practise.Practice head(s):
Ilko Stoyanov; Galina Petkova
Testimonials
‘The team provides prompt and high-quality services where the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly expressed. We assess the level of service as excellent, and we emphasize that the answers to the legal questions were provided by Schoenherr law office in due time. Responses were accurate and always provided in close cooperation with in-house lawyers of the company.’
‘We can mention Galina Petkova because her exceptional expertise in EU legislation and competition matters. She always demonstrates problem-solving attitudes, and she is extremely devoted to the results in client’s interests due to his excellent knowledge of the industry.’
Key clients
EBRD, Beneficiary: Ministry of energy
Shimano
Bulstrad Life Vienna Insurance Group
Oiltanking GmbH
Carrier Global Corporation
Dentatechnika EOOD
Rubble Master HMH GmbH
Bosch.IO EOOD
GTC Bulgaria
Hisense Europe Holding GmbH
Autodesk, Inc.
Vivacom Bulgaria
Bosch Software Innovations
Robert Bosch OOD
Intersnack Bulgaria EOOD
MET Group
OMV Bulgaria OOD
Ringier AG
UNIQA Real Estate GmbH
Work highlights
- Assists EBRD with the implementation of Investment 6 under the RRP (Project RES and Batteries) and Investment 8 under the RRP (Project RESTORE), which represent the most important energy projects under the Bulgarian Recovery and Resilience Plan.
- Advised Shimano in relation to obtaining of merger control clearance with respect to the acquisition of sole control over Eurotrade.
- Advised Bulstrad Life Vienna Insurance Group in relation to obtaining merger control clearance with respect to the acquisition of joint control over Amerimed.
Bulgaria > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 2
Schoenherr leverages its presence in Central and Eastern Europe to advise a variety of clients, including healthcare and pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers and retailers of cosmetics, detergents and food, on cross-border M&A transactions, corporate financing, regulatory issues and e-health, as well as day-to-day legal matters spanning a number of practice areas. Elena Todorova leads the team and frequently advises food and pharma companies on compliance with the regulatory framework.Practice head(s):
Elena Todorova
Testimonials
‘They have a very professional approach and are client oriented – they are really good at understanding the specific client’s needs and not just providing abstract legal opinions. Great relationships with the authorities which provides the opportunity to check aspects that are not clear from a legislation perspective.’
‘Approachable, fast and hardworking. They are problem solvers.’
‘Elena Todorova is an amazing lawyer. She is always on time and provides perfect advice, aiming to support businesses. She coordinates international projects very well without any delay.’
‘Elena Todorova has created an extremely successful practice, bringing fantastic know-how to the local market as well as to the Schoenherr office. Elena is always ready to help, warns clients about possible issues and problems, and guides the client so the project can be executed in the best way possible.’
Key clients
Queisser Pharma Bulgaria
Bulstrad Life
Home Medic
Schreiber Foods Bulgaria
Dimitar Madjarov
OMV
DentaTechnika
Amway
Dr. Oetker
RED Bull
KiK Textilien und Non-Food GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising on the acquisition of Home Medic by the SAT Health Group and the acquisition of Medical Center AmeriMed by the Bulstrad Life Vienna Insurance Group.
- Advising KiK Textilien und Non-Food GmbH on the establishment of its local presence and on the regulatory aspects of its local business.
- Advising Capital One Bank on the Bulgarian aspects of a USD 31m senior debt financing for Healthcare Components Group’s acquisition of American Optics – Endoscope Replacement Parts and Replacement Parts Industries.
Bulgaria > Intellectual property Tier 2
The Schoenherr IP team’s broad expertise covers copyrights, designs, patents and trade marks. The team is involved in IP litigation and licensing matters, in addition to assisting with the IP aspects of M&A transactions, trade mark prosecution cases and day-to-day IP advice. Companies from the TMT and retail sectors, as well as oil and gas businesses, make up the bulk of the team’s client portfolio. Ventsislav Tomov leads the practice and is praised by clients for his ‘in-depth knowledge of all legal matters concerning intellectual property’.Practice head(s):
Ventsislav Tomov
Other key lawyers:
Kristina Bozhinova
Testimonials
‘The main strength is the international team of professionals whom you have easy access to, in case you need it.’
‘Ventsislav Tomov is the expert that we work with. He’s been very diligent and thoughtful during our interactions and has provided deep insight on our specific case. He’s been quite responsive and very clear in his communication in order for us to know where we stand regarding trade mark registration and oppositions.’
‘The team possesses experienced experts in all legal matters, delivering a quick and efficient service.’
‘Ventsislav Tomov is detail oriented, thorough, and dedicated, possessing in-depth knowledge of all legal matters concerning intellectual property.’
Key clients
KiK Textilien und Non-Food GmbH
Subway International B.V.
Robert Bosch
Car-Data Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advising Subway International B.V. on the termination of the respective franchise agreements with Bulgarian franchisees.
- Successfully advised Car-Data Ltd. on distribution and licensing agreements.
- Advised KiK Textilien and Non-Food GmbH and its Bulgarian subsidiary on the IP aspects of cosmetic product labelling and advertising of non-food issues.
Bulgaria > Projects and PPP Tier 2
Schoenherr handles various matters across the projects field in Bulgaria, although thanks to the expertise of practice co-head Stefana Tsekova, it is particularly active in relation to energy and renewable energy infrastructure projects, where the team is involved in project financing, acquisitions and regulatory matters. Public procurement advice is a further strength of the team. Alexandra Doytchinova co-heads the team and is well versed in concessions and PPP matters.Practice head(s):
Stefana Tsekova; Alexandra Doytchinova
Key clients
EBRD
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)
RGREEN Invest SAS
IBH S.r.l.
Enery Development GmbH
Liechtenstein Group
European Commission
MET Group
OMV Bulgaria
Edison Italy
OMV Petrom
Woodside Energy
UniCredit Bulbank AD
RWE
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
Husqvarna Group
Alstom SA
Thales
Work highlights
- Assisting the EBRD and the Ministry of Energy with the implementation of the Investment 6 and Investment 8 projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with a total value of over 1 billion EUR.
- Advised SpaceX on the rollout of its Starlink satellite internet constellation services to the CEE and SEE regions.
- Advised Edison on the Bulgarian corporate and regulatory law aspects of the implementation of the gas interconnector between Bulgaria and Greece.
Bulgaria > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Schoenherr is well known for its full-service offering in relation to complex construction projects, including office, retail and industrial real estate and energy infrastructure or green projects. Further specialisms of the real estate team are advising on high-end real estate transactions and assisting investors entering the Bulgarian market with regulatory issues. Dimitar Vlaevsky and Elena Todorova jointly lead the team and are supported by Kristina Lyubenova.Practice head(s):
Dimitar Vlaevsky; Elena Todorova
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Schoenherr Bulgaria’s real estate and construction team has been an invaluable help for our organisation in its expansion in the Balkans region. We received the expected quality of service, and their excellent cross-border support has provided us with the confidence to kickstart our project.’
‘Fast, efficient, reliable and competent.’
‘Dimitar Vlaevsky has in-depth commercial knowledge and awareness combined with solid experience and impressive legal skills.’
‘Elena Todorova is a goal-oriented professional who understands the client’s needs. She is aware of market developments and the commercial aspects of matters. If a problem solver is needed, I would definitely recommend Elena Todorova.’
‘We are very satisfied with working with Schoenherr. They have a great team of experienced lawyers with an in-depth knowledge of the market and an excellent understanding of all real estate-related legal issues. They are very proactive and always at our disposal. They manage to handle any issue that arise in a very professional, business-oriented way and are eager to identify solutions.’
Key clients
Business Park Sofia
Queisser Pharma
RGREEN Invest SAS
Avenue One Holdings, LP
LILLY Bulgaria
Revetas Capital
MET Group
SAP LABS Bulgaria
Leoni AG
Mall Varna EAD
OMV Bulgaria
Smurfit Kappa B.V.
Alfa Group
Concordia Bulgaria
Husqvarna Group
Work highlights
- Advising LILLY Bulgaria in connection with the acquisition of a property for the development and construction of its main warehouse for Bulgaria.
- Advising Business Park Sofia on daily matters related to its operations.
- Advised Queisser Pharma Bulgaria on the asset deal acquisition of its new office space in Sofia.
Bulgaria > TMT Tier 2
Technology-related M&A transactions lie at the heart of Schoenherr‘s TMT practice, which recently advised global technology group e& on the high-value acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets across Eastern and Southern Europe. Other strengths of the team include advising on the launching of operations and new products on the Bulgarian technology market and the surrounding regulations, as well as day-to-day matters regarding data protection, IP and IT. The team assists mobile operators, telecoms providers, international technology companies and fintechs and is led by Ilko Stoyanov. Privacy lawyer Stefana Tsekova is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Ilko Stoyanov
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provides prompt and high-quality services where the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly demonstrated. We consider the level of service to be excellent, and we would like to emphasise that the answers to our questions were provided by Schoenherr law office in due time. Responses were accurate and always provided in close cooperation with the in-house lawyers of the company.’
‘Ilko Stoyanov has exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of TMT legislation and projects.’
Key clients
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)
Hypercapital Inc.
S.A. SPADEL N.V.
SendinBlue
Chaos Software
NTT DATA Business Solutions
Avenue One
ABN AMRO Bank
Coöperative Rabobank
ING Bank
INVESTEC Bank
Bulgarian Telecommunications Company AD
Ringier AG
Robert Bosch GmbH
United Group
Leoni AG
Thales
OMV Bulgaria
Amway
Deutsche Bank
GTS TELECOM
Trivago
KKCG Group/Aricoma Group International AB
Work highlights
- Advised e& on the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets in CEE for EUR 2.15 billion.
- Advised SpaceX on the introduction of its Starlink satellite internet constellation services to the European market.
- Advised Hypercapital Inc. on the setting up of a digital currency trading joint venture targeted to wholesale and retail customers.
Bulgaria > Transport (including shipping) Tier 2
The multidisciplinary transport practice at Schoenherr advises transport and logistics clients on establishing operations in Bulgaria, car distribution and management, regulatory issues, public procurement tenders, litigation proceedings and other day-to-day matters, to name but a few. Stefana Tsekova leads the practice group and assists both international and domestic companies in the field, such as OMV Bulgaria, Thales and Pro Danube International. Dimitar Kairakov further strengthens the team's offering in public procurement procedures, PPPs and concession projects.Practice head(s):
Stefana Tsekova
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
EBRD
Siemens Mobility
Yunex Traffic Austria
Flixbus
Euro Pool System
BlackPeak Capital
VA Intertrading AG
Leoni AG
Alstom SA
Thales
OMV Bulgaria
Car-Data Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advising the EBRD as guarantor under a EUR 160m syndicated facility granted by three of Bulgaria’s largest banks – Unicredit Bulbank AD, DSK Bank AD and United Bulgarian Bank AD – in relation to the financing of MAXCOM, Chipolino and MAXBIKE.
- Advising BlackPeak Capital on the equity investment in EUShipments.com.
- Acting as exclusive legal advisor to Thales on public procurement projects for the modernisation of the Bulgarian state-owned railway infrastructure.
Bulgaria > Dispute resolution Tier 3
For commercial litigation and arbitration Schoenherr‘s dispute resolution practice is well versed in competition, real estate. IP and employment disputes as well as advising on alternative dispute resolution procedures. Dimitar Vlaevsky focuses his practice on dispute resolution and insolvency proceedings.Practice head(s):
Dimitar Vlaevsky
Other key lawyers:
Ventsislav Tomov; Dimitar Kairakov
Testimonials
‘Efficient, fast, straightforward. Delivering quality advice and service, which allows smooth management decision making.’
‘Ventsislav Tomov: Rock-solid reliable, never misses a detail or aspect, legal or commercial, of any legal issue or dispute.’
‘Dimitar Vlaevsky: Capable of effectively merging commercial knowledge and awareness and legal skill.’
‘Dimitar Kairakov: Impressive capacity of handling legal workload combined with high standards of service.’
Key clients
SpaceX
SAP Bulgaria
Alstom
Viva Telecom Bulgaria
TUI Deutschland
TUI Österreich
VA Intertrading Aktiengesellschaft
NADH Handels GmbH
Republic of Moldova
Work highlights
- Advising OMV Bulgaria on high-profile cases before various courts, regulators and other state authorities
- Advising SpaceX on Russian sanctions in light of the role out of its Starlink satellite internet constellation services.
- Advises VA Intertrading Aktiengesellschaft in the enforcement of GAFTA arbitration award in Bulgaria.
Schoenherr > Firm Profile
Opened in 2004 the Schoenherr Sofia office is the international law firm with the longest history in Bulgaria and, accordingly, the most established track record. The team is composed of approximately 20 internationally trained lawyers, all experienced and focused on at least one of Schoenherr’s practice areas. Most of these lawyers have a strong working knowledge of English, German and Bulgarian. The team advises clients operating in various industries, including financial services, energy, manufacturing, real estate and constructions, retail, IT&C and technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
In addition to the firm in Sofia, the Schoenherr – Attorneys at Law firm has offices in 13 other locations/countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as desks covering four further markets.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate, M&A | Alexandra Doytchinova | a.doytchinova@schoenherr.eu | +35929331070 |
Corporate, M&A, Banking and Finance, Competition | Ilko Stoyanov | i.stoyanov@schoenherr.eu | +35929331070 |
Regulatory, Energy, Employment | Stefana Tsekova | s.tsekova@schoenherr.eu | +35929331070 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Boris Alexov | Associate | View Profile | |
Kristina Bozhinova | Associate | View Profile | |
Alexandra Doytchinova | Partner | View Profile | |
Milena Gabrovska | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Dimitar Kairakov | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Katerina Kaloyanova-Toshkova | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Anna-Maria Koleva | Associate | View Profile | |
Tsvetan Krumov | Partner. | View Profile | |
Kristina Lyubenova | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Stela Pavlova-Kaneva | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Galina Petkova | Associate | View Profile | |
Silvia Ribanchova | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Gergana Roussinova-Ivanova | Associate | View Profile | |
Ilko Stoyanov | Partner | View Profile | |
Elena Todorova | Counsel | View Profile | |
Ventsislav Tomov | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Stefana Tsekova | Partner | View Profile | |
Katerina Tsoncheva | Associate | View Profile | |
Ivelina Vassileva | Attorney at law | View Profile | |
Dimitar Vlaevsky | Attorney at law | View Profile |
Languages
English German BulgarianLegal Briefings
-
Hungary – discouraging litigation?
Since 2018, Hungary has a new act on civil court procedures (Act CXXX of 2017 – the Act) which has brought about significant reforms after 50 years. The reforms were aimed at healing previous shortcomings, such as lengthy and tedious procedures, and making court cases concise, yet professional in quite a tight structure. As almost …