The Legal 500

Within Banking, finance and capital markets, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a third tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii advised Raiffeisen Bank International on the drafting of various netting legal opinions regarding Romanian enforceability of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement. It also advised various subsidiaries of Immofinanz on several matters including acting for Tripont Invest SRL on the €48m development of Maritimo Shopping Centre; and advised borrower Hidroconstructia on a €60m refinancing. Other highlights included acting for Franklin Templeton Investment Management on Fondul Proprietatea’s buyback programme. Alexandru Ambrozie is recommended.

Within Corporate and M&A, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a second tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii’s ‘fantastic’ team is experienced in advising on corporate and private equity deals spanning various sectors including energy, healthcare, retail, IT, financial services, telecoms and real estate. It acted for Cargill on the €1.5bn acquisition of Provimi, and advised Autogrill on its €400m joint venture with the Romanian national airports operator. Other clients include UPS, Hewlett-Packard and MedLife. Managing partner Florian Nitu is recommended.

Within Dispute resolution, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a second tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii’s expertise spans commercial claims, property disputes, regulatory and public procedures, tax litigation, IP disputes as well as international arbitration. It is acting for H Awdi, Entreprise Business Consultants, and Alfa El Corporation in front of ICSID under a bilateral investment treaty regarding various alleged breaches by Romania. It is also advising an investment fund, managed by Franklin Templeton, regarding more than 80 litigations. Florian Nitu and Ciprian Dontu are recommended.

Within Energy and natural resources, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a second tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is particularly strong in transactional work and its experience spans renewable energy, oil and gas. It has acted for clients including ArcelorMittal and Primagaz Romania. Florian Nitu is recommended.

Within IT, telecoms and media, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a first tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii’s ‘excellent team’ advised Innova Capital on the merger between GTS Telecom and Datek Telecom and also advised Orange Romania regarding investigations launched by the Competition Council. Other clients include Alan Dick Europe (Holdings), SIVECO Romania, Scop Computers and Hewlett-Packard Romania.

Within Legal market overview,

Historically, firms such as Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen, Musat & Asociatii and Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii have dominated the market, but these are now being challenged by firms including Peli Filip, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii, Voicu & Filipescu SCA, and Kinstellar, as well as Eversheds Lina & Guia, which is the result of recent tie-up between Eversheds LLP and Lina & Guia SCA. Other international firms such as CMS Cameron McKenna SCA, Clifford Chance Badea, Gide Loyrette Nouel, Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA in association with Allen & Overy LLP and Salans are also a strong presence.

Within Public private partnership and procurement, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a first tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is known for its expertise in advising on the development of national projects including road rehabilitation and construction, as well as airports and water treatment facilities. It advised CNAB (Compania Nationala Aeroporturi Bucuresti), regarding the public procurement, tender documents and contract negotiations concerning the development of a new airport terminal. It also advised Romenergo on the public procurement process organised by Hidroelectrica for the rehabilitation of a water barrage. Other clients include Hidroconstructia and Autogrill.

Within Real estate, Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a first tier firm,

Popovici Nitu & Asociatii advised Auchan Romania on its €40m acquisition of a land plot in Craiova. It also acted for Immofinanz variously on the €40m acquisition of Tripont Invest; the Polus Constanta Project, one of the largest malls in Romania; and on final closing of the Gold Plaza Baia Mare Project. On the development side, the team advised Tripont Invest on the Maritimo Shopping Center. Valentin Creata is recommended.