Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii > Bucharest, Romania > Firm Profile
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii Offices
239 CALEA DOROBANTI
6TH FLOOR, 1ST DISTRICT
010567 BUCHAREST
Romania
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Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii > The Legal 500 Rankings
Romania > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has established a stellar reputation for its advice on corporate and private equity transactional mandates; testament to this is the steady flow of instructions it receives from major domestic and international companies and funds, including Orange and Auchan. The firm’s expertise covers multiple key industries, including telecoms, IT, pharmaceuticals and financial services, and clients benefit from strong support in ancillary areas such as capital markets, competition and tax. Florian Niţu, Bogdan C. Stoica, Silviu Stoica and Irina Ivanciu are all key senior contacts.Practice head(s):
Florian Nițu; Bogdan C. Stoica; Silviu Stoica
Other key lawyers:
Irina Ivanciu
Key clients
Orange
Auchan
Oresa
Ameropa
Duraziv Group
Content Speed
Augsburg International
Via-Trend
Verdino Green Foods
Fondul Proprietatea/Franklin Templeton Investment Management
Work highlights
- Advised Orange France on the €500m acquisition of the telecoms landline business from Telekom.
- Advised Paval Holding on the €50m forward purchase of the Dacia One office building project developed by Atenor Group.
- Advised Duraziv Group on its €35m sale to Saint-Gobain.
Romania > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii's highly regarded disputes practice has a strong handle on domestic and international disputes, with managing partner Florian Niţu particularly noted for his expertise in international arbitration and investment treaty disputes with a heavy energy and infrastructure element. In domestic litigation, the firm represents clients in a broad range of civil and administrative disputes, including property, labour, tax, IP, public procurement and shareholder claims. Litigation head Ciprian Dontu has a multifaceted practice with a strong grounding in insolvency disputes. Other key members include versatile litigator Ilinca Ștefănescu-Goangă, Raluca Petrescu, who is very active in construction disputes, and Vlad Neacșu, who regularly handles employment, energy and insurance claims.Practice head(s):
Ciprian Dontu; Ilinca Ștefănescu-Goangă; Florian Niţu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very accurate analysis.’
‘Comprehensive view over the topic and ability to use the best approaches to get maximum from the rationale used to defend the client’s position.’
Key clients
Fondul Proprietatea/ Franklin Templeton
Enel
Auchan Romania
Ameropa
AXPO
Passavant
PORR
Deutsche Leasing
Tereos
Iridex
Swietelsky Baugesellschaft
Complexul Energetic Oltenia
Enterprise Services Romania (Hewlett Packard Group)
Clara Petroleum
Strabag
Fund Managers Association (AAF)
Work highlights
- Representing the Romanian subsidiaries of Enel Group for energy distribution – Enel Distributie Muntenia, Enel Distributie Banat, Enel Distributie Dobrogea – in three litigations against ANRE concerning the calculation of distribution tariffs.
- Assisting the Fund Managers Association with filing a complaint concerning the annulment of the A.S.P.A.A.S. order and exploring potential grounds to go to the Constitutional Court of Romania and ECJ.
- Defending construction company Strabag in an ICC arbitration concerning a road rehabilitation project.
Romania > PPP and procurement Tier 1
Clients are impressed by the ‘work ethics, dedication and quality of the interaction‘ at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii, which has ‘profound knowledge of the key issues‘ in public procurement and projects work. The cross-practice team acts for a broad portfolio of clients, including major construction companies and contractors, as well as project sponsors. The firm has good credentials across many project types, including road rehabilitation and construction, water and waste management, telecoms, healthcare, energy, environment and IT. On the corporate side, recent work has included assisting Orange France with a risk assessment of Telekom Romania’s public procurement contracts as part of Orange’s takeover. Practice head Florian Nitu stands out for his ‘dedication and pragmatic approach’. Managing associate Ramona Pentilescu is another key team member.
Practice head(s):
Florian Nitu; Alexandru Ambrozie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We had the opportunity to work together on several projects, both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic, so I have interacted on different occasions and with different members of their team. Besides the profound knowledge of the key issues and the commitment of the team members, I valued the work ethics, dedication and quality of the interaction.’
‘Florian Nitu is one of the best business lawyers, his solid and profound knowledge of the legal issues is doubled by his dedication and pragmatic approach offering solutions to complex problems. Not to mention the erudition and the extraordinary work ethos.’
Key clients
SIMAVI
Medist Grup
SAP
Medtronic
Ansaldo Nucleare
Strabag AG
Enel Group
Schlumberger Logelco
Property Fund
Swietelsky
S&T
PASSAVANT ENGINEERING S.R.L.
Enel Green Power
Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited
Framatome SAS
Work highlights
- Advised Orange France on the €500m acquisition of the landline business of Telekom Romania.
- Advised Medtronic on several public procurement procedures.
- Advised Ansaldo Nucleare on its participation in the tender procedure initiated by Regia Autonomă Tehnologii pentru Energia Nucleară for the award of an €18m public procurement contract.
Romania > Real estate and construction Tier 1
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is instructed by an impressive portfolio of clients, who dominate many corners of Romania’s real estate market; these include major landowners and developers, domestic and international investment funds, banks, construction companies, and strategic and industrial investors. This span of clients ensures a broad range of work, including major financings, acquisitions and development projects, property and asset-based financings, and the creation of special purpose vehicles. On the development side, the firm is currently involved in seven mixed-use projects with an aggregate value of over €1.5bn. Florian Niţu oversees contentious and non-contentious real estate work, while Valentin Creața heads the development offering. Other names to note include corporate finance specialist Bogdan C. Stoica, development expert Ioana Șampek, and, for retail developments, Irina Ivanciu.Practice head(s):
Florian Nițu; Valentin Creața
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team of attorneys are well prepared, willing to investigate the case for proper advice. Involved and result-oriented, very good at obtaining results for their client.’
Key clients
Auchan Group (Auchan Romania, Ceetrus, Leroy Merlin)
Dedeman
S IMMO Sparkassen Immobilien
GLL Real Estate (Macquarie infrastructure and real assets (MIRA))
P3 Logistic Parks
Knight Frank
Estoria Group & Hexagon Group
VGP Group
WDP
Lincoln Electric
Work highlights
- Advised Paval Holding, the holding company of Dedeman SRL, on the €50m purchase of the Dacia One office building project developed by Atenor Group.
- Advising Hexagon Group on a mix of real estate investment, divestment and development projects in Cluj, including the acquisition of the Ferrosan plant, the Hexagon District Project, and the sale of three office buildings.
- Advising VGP Group, a pan-European developer, manager and owner of logistics and semi-industrial real estate, on its VGP Parks projects in Romania with a €100m land acquisition investment budget.
Romania > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has a stellar track record representing creditors and debtors in major debt restructurings and insolvency proceedings. The firm has been particularly active on the trade creditor side, taking key roles in multiparty disputes across a range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, and financial services. Clients comment that the team ‘has proven its outstanding quality by always being present and approachable‘. Litigation head Ciprian Dontu is the key contact for contentious work, while on the advisory side managing partner Florian Niţu is commended for ‘his oversight and capability to put things into perspective from various angles‘. Ilinca Ștefănescu-Goangă also handles insolvency disputes, while Valentin Creața has a strong niche in real estate-related workouts.Practice head(s):
Florian Nițu
Other key lawyers:
Ilinca Ștefănescu-Goangă; Valentin Creața; Ciprian Dontu
Testimonials
‘The team at PNSA has supported this company for several years now and has proven its outstanding quality by always being present and approachable, with the highest professionality and by not just reacting or waiting for input but by actively watching the client’s interest, anticipating developments and preparing well considered positions ahead of time. This has greatly helped during the proceedings.’
‘Particular attention is deserved by Florian Nițu for his client orientation, his oversight and capability to put things into perspective from various angles.’
Key clients
Auchan
BADSI Nissan
Banque Banorient France
Axpo Group
Burda International
Deutsche Leasing
Hidroconstructia
Hochtief
Immofinanz AG
KBC Bank NV and KBC Bank Ireland
Lincoln Electric (Ductil SA)
Compagnie Fruitière
Medist
Property Fund
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
SAP
SIMAVI
Societe Generale Group
Swietelsky
Work highlights
- Represented the Property Fund in the insolvency proceedings of the World Trade Center, involving $65 million in receivables, as well as in a related litigation retrial.
- Representing Swietelsky, a major railway construction company, in the insolvency proceedings of Euroconstruct and Aktor.
- Representing the Axpo Energy Romania, a major Swiss renewable energy company, in a commercial dispute with CET Arad, which is currently in insolvency proceedings.
Romania > Employment Tier 2
The employment team at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has a longstanding list of clients comprising some of Romania’s largest employers, including major companies operating in the agribusiness, energy, manufacturing and IT sectors. The cross-practice team works closely with colleagues in other departments to cover a range of related areas including tax, health and safety, and white-collar crime. The group also plays a key role advising on the employment aspects of major M&A deals. Other recent mandates have included representation in harassment claims disputes and internal investigations linked to whistleblowing complaints. Vlad Neacșu and managing associate Ioana Cazacu jointly lead the team.Practice head(s):
Vlad Neacşu; Ioana Cazacu
Key clients
Archer-Daniels-Midland
Akzo Nobel
Auchan & Leroy Merlin
Endava
Enel
Ipsos Interactive Services
Medtronic
SAP Romania
Schlumberger
Ubisoft
UPS Romania
Romania > Energy and natural resources Tier 2
The energy sector is a core area of focus for Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii, which handles a broad spectrum of regulatory, transactional, project development and litigation issues. The firm has a notable track record for nuclear energy projects and has recently advised a large number of major European developers and investors into the Romanian renewables market, assisting with over 65 wind farm projects in recent years. On the regulatory and litigation front, highlights include representation of the Enel Group, among others, in energy tariff-related disputes with the National Energy Regulatory Authority. The team is jointly led by Florian Niţu and Vlad Neacșu. Ciprian Dontu is also active on the contentious front.Practice head(s):
Florian Nitu; Vlad Neacşu
Other key lawyers:
Ciprian Donau
Key clients
Enel Group
Hyundai Engineering & Construction
Hidroconstructia & Hidroelectrica
Electricite de France (EDF)
Schlumberger Logelco
Property Fund
Franklin Templeton Investment Management
BAUMIT
Ansaldo Nucleare
Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited
VGP
Electrica
Axpo Group
Azomures
Work highlights
- Representing Fondul Proprietatea in all litigation initiated against the Romanian State’s and ANRE’s decisions to re-establish the regulated market for energy supplied to household consumers.
- Assisting Axpo Solutions, part of the Swiss-based energy player Axpo Group, on the conclusion of a long-term financial power purchase agreement for an onshore wind farm with Macquarie.
- Representing Enel Romania, the owner of a major Romanian electricity supplier, in several disputes against the National Energy Regulatory Authority aiming at cancelling the legal tariffs set by the authority.
Romania > EU and competition Tier 2
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.
Romania > TMT Tier 2
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has extensive experience in the TMT field, with a strong selection of longstanding clients in the telecoms and technology sectors. High-end corporate support remains a major focus, with notable highlights including the firm’s advice to Orange Group on its post-acquisition integration of the controlling stake in fixed operator Telekom Romania Communications. The team also has a notable track record in negotiating contractual partnerships and regulatory matters, and often appears before the authorities. Lead partners include Ernest-Virgil Popovici, Bogdan C. Stoica, Silviu Stoica and Mihaela Ion.Practice head(s):
Ernest-Virgil Popovici; Bogdan C. Stoica; Silviu Stoica; Mihaela Ion
Key clients
S&T
Hewlett-Packard Romania
SIMAVI
Orange
UPS
GTS Telecom
Asseco SEE
Enea
NTT Data
Yandex
Work highlights
- Advised Orange Group on various post-acquisition matters following its acquisition of the controlling stake in fixed operator Telekom Romania Communications from Deutsche Telekom’s OTE.
- Advising Orange Romania on the development of its premium TV service.
- Advised the Swedish group Enea on the sale of Enea Services Romania to AROBS Transilvania Software.
Romania > Banking and finance Tier 3
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has a versatile banking and capital markets practice which assists banks, borrowers and fintechs with a broad range of transactional and regulatory issues. This includes support with syndicated loans, refinancings and white-collar crime issues, where practice co-head Alexandru Ambrozie has a particularly strong focus. The firm has also developed a good niche in asset leasing and finance, where it represents some of the market’s largest leasing companies. Ambrozie’s counterpart, Bogdan C. Stoica, has a notable track record assisting both bank and borrowers, and has lately been involved in several high-value financings in the energy and chemicals sectors.Practice head(s):
Bogdan C. Stoica; Alexandru Ambrozie
Key clients
BRD Société Générale
Banque Banorient France
Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited
Libra Internet Bank
Deutsche Leasing
The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland
Ameropa Group/Ameropa Grains/ Azomures/Chimpex
Darzalas Group/Blocks Group
KBC Bank
Oresa
Enel
Work highlights
- Advised Ameropa Group on a €495m financing for its working capital needs.
- Advised Ameropa Transilvania Holding on a project finance facility agreement to help acquire the majority share stake in the companies Promat Comimpex and Agroind Cauaceu, major grain traders operating in northern Romania.
- Advised Darzalas Capital on a loan from Libra Internet Bank to help finance the acquisition of a former hotel and its development into a rehabilitation centre.
Romania > Capital markets Tier 3
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii handles a broad mix of debt and equity capital markets matters. In addition to advising corporate clients on capital raising and equity incentive plans, the firm has an extremely good reputation for advising major investment funds; this latter specialism is reflected in the firm’s client base, which includes some of the largest actors on the market, including Franklin Templeton Investment Management and Certinvest. Regulatory, compliance and corporate governance advice also features prominently on the agenda, and practice co-head Alexandru Ambrozie is highly experienced in related white-collar crime issues. Fellow co-head Bogdan C. Stoica has over 20 years’ market experience.Practice head(s):
Bogdan C. Stoica; Alexandru Ambrozie
Key clients
Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited United Kingdom
Property Fund
Ameropa
Oresa
Certinvest
Voestalpine
Immofinanz
Dedeman
Xella
Revaho Beheer BV
Electrica
Sphera
Morphosis
Meta Estate Trust
AAF
Orange SA
Work highlights
- Advised Meta Estate Trust, a holding company operating in the real estate sector, on launching its IPO and on listing its shares on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
- Advised Orange on a new share offering program addressed to its 3,000 employees in Romania.
- Advising the Fund Managers Association – which brings together investment management companies, investment funds and financial investment companies – and Fondul Proprietatea on the new requirements regarding the composition of the Audit Committee, as well as providing representation in a dispute aiming to cancel these requirements.
Romania > Intellectual property Tier 3
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is noted for its ‘very specialised expertise and aptitude to do world-class legal work‘. The firm handles a wide range of trade mark, patent and copyright issues, and has developed a strong niche within the sports sector, where it assists the Romanian tennis player Simona Halep and the former footballer Gheorghe Hagi with image rights and other related issues. The firm has also been active on cases in the technology, life sciences, and telecoms sectors. Bogdan C. Stoica oversees the offering.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Due to the fact that I worked solely with Bogdan Stoica, I can say that as a client I was impressed by how fast and efficiently him and his team work. I wanted to work with Bogdan knowing that this firm is the best in Romania. The quality of the work and the proficiency that his team possessed is unequalled.’
‘Exquisite knowledge.’
‘What this team really has is its very specialised expertise and aptitude to do world-class legal work. The team is a true multidisciplinary collaboration, more than the sum of the participating individuals’ knowledge.’
Key clients
NTT Data
Greentek Lighting
S&T
Orange
UPS
Ubisoft
Extremoo
Media Consulta
PlantExtrakt
Simona Halep
Gheorghe Hagi
Romanian Cycling Federation
Passavant Energy & Environment
Hexagon Structures
Orange Romania
Moncler
Nutrilife
Work highlights
- Defending the IP rights of Orange Romania before the national IP Office in relation to the YOXO trade mark against the YOOX Net-a-Porter Group mark.
- Representing Hexagon Structures in a trade mark dispute with Hexagon.
- Advising Romanian professional tennis player, Simona Halep, on all her IP-related matters, including on the negotiation and execution of several endorsement agreements, including with Nike; the development of her official website; and the registration of new trade marks.
Romania > Tax Tier 3
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has an active tax advisory service which provides regular support to the firm’s leading transactional department. This includes advice to domestic and international clients on standalone projects, such as M&A and group restructurings, as well as assistance with broader day-to-day commercial and operational issues. The team also works closely with the firm’s litigators on direct and indirect tax disputes when required. Certified tax consultant Raluca Rusu leads the advisory team. Alexandru Ambrozie also has experience in this area.Practice head(s):
Raluca Rusu; Alexandru Ambrozie
Key clients
Estoria
Ameropa
Enea
Impuls Leasing (financial leasing company owned by Raiffeisen Bank)
Azomures
GLL Real-Estate
Knight Frank
ERES & Mercury Development
Simona Halep
Work highlights
- Advised Paval Holding, the holding company of Dedeman, on the tax aspects of the €50m purchase of the Dacia One office building project developed by Atenor Group.
- Advised the Swedish group Enea on the sale of Enea Services Romania to AROBS Transilvania Software.
- Assisted Ameropa, a major Swiss grain and fertiliser trader, on structuring the acquisition of an additional 30% share stake in the agribusiness companies Promat Comimpex and Agroind Cauaceu.
Romania > TMT: gambling law Tier 3
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has an experienced gambling and betting practice which is instructed by multiple leading companies active in the sector, including betting companies, shareholders, investors, payment processors and other B2B service providers. Work covers all stages of the licensing and regulatory journey, including day-to-day compliance issues and company registrations. The firm’s active corporate practice is also on hand to advise shareholders and companies on related M&A matters and internal reorganisations. Bogdan C. Stoica heads the practice.Practice head(s):
Key clients
Intergames
Extremoo Group
Owners of Extremoo Group
Stargames Corporation Australia
Work highlights
- Advising Intergames on all of its regulatory, corporate and commercial matters.
- Advising Extremoo Group on the full range of commercial and regulatory matters.
- Advising Stargames Corporation on its Romanian commercial operations.
Romania > White-collar crime Tier 3
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has a strong grounding in defence trials and also assists numerous multinationals with internal investigations. Cases with a strong tax, capital markets and public procurement angle regularly feature on the agenda, as do mandates linked to money laundering, bribery and the embezzlement of EU funds. Practice head Alexandru Ambrozie is also known for his capital markets work. Other key individuals include managing associate Alexandru Nicolae, an experienced criminal litigator, and senior associate Ana Stoenescu, who advises on compliance and internal investigations.Practice head(s):
Alexandru Ambrozie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘PNSA are very strong in white-collar crime cases. We have been working with them on a number of matters for around 3 years. They are responsive, knowledgeable and client-friendly.We have been working extremely successfully as a team for a big corporate client.’
Key clients
Federal Assurance
Fondul Proprietatea
Auchan
DB Schenker
Orange
Philips
Medist
Ductil/Lincoln Electric Group
Ameropa
Banque Banorient France
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii > Firm Profile
Firm Overview:
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. The Bucharest office today groups 70 qualified lawyers and tax advisors.
Focusing traditionally on the private sector and foreign investment projects, Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is acknowledged by the vast majority of observers and peers as “the transactional law firm” among the market leaders. The Firm has constantly been involved in the majority of the M&A transactions in Romania from various industries such as Energy, Healthcare, Retail, IT, Financial Services, Telecoms and Real Estate.
Main Areas of Practice:
Mergers & Acquisitions
4 Partners, 24 fee earners based in Romania
M&A expertise is central to the firm’s practice. It brings together and integrates the expertise of other acknowledged practice groups within the firm, such as capital markets, tax, competition & antitrust and litigation.
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is involved in some of the largest transactions of each year, an aspect also usually acknowledged by the Romanian Financial Newspaper (Ziarul Financiar) through its yearly awards: largest office real estate transaction outside Bucharest in 2019; largest transaction in Retail in 2019; largest transaction in the Medical Services sector in 2019; largest transaction in Real Estate in 2018, largest transaction in the building materials sector in 2018, largest transaction in Real Estate in 2016, largest transactions in Retail in 2015, largest transactions in IT and FMCG in 2014; largest IT&C transaction in 2013, largest AGRO/FMCG transaction in 2013, largest AGRO/FMCG transaction in 2011, largest transaction in the financial industry in 2011, largest IT&C transaction in 2010, largest transaction in healthcare in 2009 and largest transaction in energy in 2009.
Recent assignments:
- Mark Twain IS on the sale of a majority stake to Morphosis Capital Fund.
- Safety Broker on the acquisition of Globasig Broker de Asigurare-Reasigurare.
- Electromontaj on the acquisition of a controlling stake in the insurance company ABC Asigurari – Reasigurari SA.
- Baupartner on the sale of Bauelemente to Romcim.
- Cemacon on the acquisition of Euro Caramida.
- Brain Hospital on the acquisition of the neurosurgical business of Monza Hospital.
- BICO Industries on the acquisition of Iranga Technologijos.
- Auchan Romania on the sale of the former Ford Plant to One United.
- Swedish group Enea on the sale of Enea Services Romania to AROBS Transilvania Software.
- Provita and its owners on the sale of a controlling stake of 51% to MedLife, along with putting in place the shareholders’ agreement for future developments.
- Romanian Business Consult (RBC), a company owned by Oresa, on the acquisition of (i) Fullscreen Digital and (ii) SmartPay Software (SPS).
- Via-Trend on its acquisition of SNACK 4U CONCEPT.
- Prefera Foods on the sale of the meat business to Morad Group.
- IROS BRAVE 21 on the sale of Pecineaga 48MW onshore wind power project.
- Electromontaj on the acquisition of Hidroconstructia, the largest Romanian company specialized in the field of hydropower and hydrotechnical constructions.
Key clients: Akzo Nobel, Ameropa, Auchan, BICO Industries, Brain Hospital, Cemacon, Certinvest, DB Schenker, Dedeman, Enea, Orange, Oresa, Property Fund, Provita, RBC, Verdino Green Foods
Contact: Florian Nitu / Bogdan C. Stoica / Silviu Stoica / Irina Ivanciu
E-mail: florian.nitu@pnsa.ro / bogdan.stoica@pnsa.ro / silviu.stoica@pnsa.ro / irina.ivanciu@pnsa.ro
Banking & Finance:
1 Partner, 4 fee earners based in Romania
- A worldwide leading Swiss grain and fertilizer producer and trader on the successful €542m refinancing of its main Revolving Credit Facility in Romania.
- One of the largest Lebanese banks on a new €22m real estate financing granted to a strategic real estate developer for refinancing of outstanding banking facilities availed by third party banks and assisting in their working capital needs and reimbursement of shareholders’ loans.
- A real estate investor on two credit facilities in a maximum amount of EUR 53.7M from Raiffeisen Bank in relation with the acquisition of a real estate project.
- A major energy distributor and its Romanian subsidiaries in relation to contracting several credit facilities, amounting to more than EUR 500M.
- A Belgian private financier on the granting and securing a €14m financing to one of the main port operators in Midia and Constanta Harbours in view of developing further infrastructure facilities.
Key clients: Ameropa, Binance, Banque Banorient France, BRD Société Générale, Deutsche Leasing, Oresa, Vabeldi, WDP
Contact: Bogdan C. Stoica
E-mail: bogdan.stoica@pnsa.ro
Competition & Antitrust:
1 Partner, 5 fee earners based in Romania
- Hewlett Packard in connection with a Competition Council investigation into alleged abuse of dominance.
- Simavi, an IT company part of SIVECO group of companies, in connection with a complaint submitted with the Competition Council regarding a potential anticompetitive behaviour of a contracting authority.
- Albalact, Covalact and Dorna Lactate (Lactalis companies), one of the top Romanian dairy producers, in connection with an investigation launched by the RCC with respect to alleged breaches of article 5 of the Competition Law no 21/1996 and 101 (a) of the TFEU on the butter market.
- Kontron Services (former S&T Romania), one of the top Romanian IT companies, in connection with an investigation launched by the RCC with respect to alleged breaches of article 5 of the Competition Law no 21/1996 and 101 (a) of the TFEU in the context of a bid-rigging.
- Bunge Romania, one of the top Romanian oil producers, in connection with an investigation launched by the RCC with respect to alleged breaches of article 5 of the Competition Law no 21/1996 and 101 (a) of the TFEU on the production market of sunflower oil.
- Cemacon in obtaining the clearance decision from the Competition Council with respect to the transaction by which Cemacon acquired sole control over Eurocaramida SA.
Key clients: Akzo Nobel, Ameropa, Auchan, Bunge, Cemacon, Dedeman, Hewlett-Packard, Kontron Services, Lactalis, Medtronic, New Kopel, Orange, Oresa, Property Fund, Simavi
Contact: Mihaela Ion
E-mail: mihaela.ion@pnsa.ro
Real Estate:
5 Partners, 13 fee earners based in Romania
- Hexagon Group in connection with the acquisition of the former Tehnofrig platform in Cluj-Napoca.
- PAVAL HOLDING on the acquisition of U Center 1 from Forte Partners.
- WDP on two new sale-and-leaseback acquisitions of two different automotive production units.
- Romconsulting International on the sale of 55 Calea Floreasca office building to Noyoco Studio.
- A real estate investment company on the restructuring of its flagship and retail office projects in Bucharest, in an investment exceeding €200 million.
- Meta Estate Trust on launching its IPO and further on listing its shares on the AeRO market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
- Encore Capital Trust (ECT) on the first round of financing by attracting capital from several strategic investors.
- ERES & Mercury Development on the acquisition of Astra Romana Refinery from New Century Holding.
- Oresa on the acquisition of the former Armonia Arad shopping centre from Immofinanz.
- Redport Capital and Mobexpert on the acquisition of a 44,000 sqm land plot located opposite Petrom City.
- VGP Group in connection with the development of certain VGP Parks projects in Romania, consisting in a chain of logistics and warehouses.
- Hexagon Group in connection with (i) the acquisition of the Ferrosan plant from GSK, and (ii) the development and forward sale of a large mixed-use office, retail and residential project known as Hexagon District Project.
Key clients: Auchan Group, Cross City & Estoria, Dedeman, DSV Solutions, GLL, Hexagon Group, Ipso, Knight Frank, Lactalis, LINCOLN ELECTRIC, P3 Logistic Parks, Redport Capital, S IMMO, Uniqa Real Estate, VGP Group, WDP
Contact: Florian Nițu / Valentin Creața / Ioana Șampek / Bogdan. C Stoica / Irina Ivanciu
E-mail: florian.nitu@pnsa.ro / valentin.creata@pnsa.ro / ioana.sampek@pnsa.ro / bogdan.stoica@pnsa.ro / irina.ivanciu@pnsa.ro
Intellectual Property:
1 Partner, 3 fee earners based in Romania
- WTA world number 1 tennis player Simona Halep on the negotiation of contracts with sponsors, TVs, equipment producers and, generally, on all her IP related matters.
- Romanian swimming superstar David Popovici in connection with various partnerships involving the assignment and use of IP rights, registration of trademarks, negotiation and execution of various endorsement contracts with high-profile partners such as Raiffeisen Bank, Omega, MedLife, Arena, Macromex, as well as various infringements of the rights over his imagine by various third parties and on all his legal and tax matters.
- PlantExtrakt in registering and defending its IP rights over “Nasirus” trademark.
- Romanian football star Gheorghe Hagi in connection with various partnerships involving the assignment and use of IP rights in favour of a worldwide digital player as well as in relation to the negotiation with various TV producers in respect of assigning the rights for the creation of a lifetime documentary on the life of Gheorghe Hagi.
Contact: Bogdan. C Stoica
E-mail: bogdan.stoica@pnsa.ro
Energy & Natural Resources:
2 Partners, 4 fee earners based in Romania
- PPC Renewables (former Enel Green Power) on various development, investment and acquisition of wind and solar farm projects.
- Fondul Proprietatea in all litigation initiated against the Romanian State’s and ANRE’s decisions to re-establish the regulated market for the energy supplied to household consumers. We also assist Fondul Proprietatea with their requests to the European Commission to intervene on this matter.
- VGP in connection with a renewable energy project consisting of energy generation by using rooftop PV panels.
- Azomures SA (the largest producer of fertilizers in Romania, part of the Swiss Ameropa Group) on (i) negotiating and concluding the bilateral gas and power supply agreements for the Azomures fertilizers production facility in Tg. Mures; and (ii) drafting position papers of Azomures, as the main actor in the fertilizers industry, on the package of draft legal enactments setting up compensation schemes for gas and power consumers and, particularly, on the exclusion from the compensation scheme of industrial actors benefiting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Allowances.
- A major electricity distributor engaged us to perform a thorough legal review of the unbundling rules proposed by the company’s shareholders.
- Axpo Solutions AG, part of the Swiss based energy giant Axpo Group, on (i) the conclusion of a long-term financial power purchase agreement (PPA) for an onshore windfarm with Macquarie; and (ii) the interpretation of various legal provision in the legal framework dealing with compensation schemes for gas and power consumers including, without limitation, on the limits of dealing with the suppliers and clients in bilateral contracts as well as on applying for compensations.
Key clients: Ameropa, Ansaldo Nucleare, Axpo Solutions AG, Electrica, PPC Renewables (former Enel Green Power), Property Fund
Contact: Vlad Neacsu / Florian Nitu
E-mail: vlad.neacsu@pnsa.ro / florian.nitu@pnsa.ro
PRACTICE AREAS
Agribusiness
Banking & Finance
Capital Markets
Competition & Antitrust
Consumer & Retail Goods
Corporate & Commercial
Data Privacy
Employment & Pensions
Energy & Natural Resources
Environmental Compliance
Gambling & Betting
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Insurance
Intellectual Property
International Arbitration
Litigation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Project Finance/PPP, Concessions & Infrastructure
Public Procurement
Real Estate
Restructuring & Insolvency
Sports Law
Tax
Telecommunications, Media & Technology
Transports & Logistics
White Collar Compliance & Defence
OFFICES
ROMANIA
BUCHAREST: 239 Calea Dorobanti, 6th Floor, 1st District
Postal Code 010567
Tel: +40 21 317 79 19
Fax: +40 21 317 85 00
Email: office@pnsa.ro
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Ernest-Virgil Popovici (Senior Partner) | Ernest.Popovici@pnsa.ro | +40 21 317 7919 | |
Florian Nitu (Managing Partner) | Florian.Nitu@pnsa.ro | +40 21 317 7919 | |
Bogdan C. Stoica (Deputy Managing Partner) | Bogdan.Stoica@pnsa.ro | +40 21 317 7919 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Vlad Ambrozie | Managing Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Alexandru Ambrozie | Partner | View Profile | |
Mrs Ioana Cazacu | Managing Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Valentin Creața | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Ciprian Donțu | Partner | View Profile | |
Mrs Luana Dragomirescu | Of Counsel | View Profile | |
Ms Mihaela Ion | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Irina Ivanciu | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Ela Marin | Managing Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Vlad Neacșu | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Florian Nițu | Managing Partner | View Profile | |
Mrs Raluca Petrescu | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Ernest-Virgil Popovici | Senior Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Bogdan C. Stoica | Deputy Managing Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Silviu Stoica | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Anca Irena Tudorie | Partner | View Profile | |
Mrs Ioana Șampek | Partner | View Profile | |
Mrs Ilinca Ștefănescu-Goangă | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 16 Number of lawyers : 70Languages
English French Italian RomanianSpotlights
ROMANIA
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. The Bucharest office today groups 70 qualified lawyers and tax advisors.
Focusing traditionally on the private sector and on foreign investment projects, Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is acknowledged by the vast majority of observers and peers as ‘the transactional law firm’ among the market leaders. The Firm has constantly been involved in the majority of the M&A transactions in Romania from various industries such as Energy, Healthcare, Retail, IT, Financial Services, Telecoms and Real Estate.
Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii
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.
The Bucharest office today groups over 80 qualified lawyers and tax advisors.
Focusing traditionally on the private sector and on foreign investment projects, Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is acknowledged by the vast majority of observers and peers as ‘the transactional law firm’ among the market leaders. The Firm has constantly been involved in the majority of the M&A transactions in Romania from various industries such as Energy, Healthcare, Retail, IT, Financial Services, Telecoms and Real Estate.
Press Releases
New Managing Associates at PNSA
27th September 2023 Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații is pleased to announce the promotion of Alexandru Stan (International Arbitration; Corporate & Commercial) and Răzvan Alexandru Popa (Litigation; Restructuring & Insolvency; Tax) to Managing Associates.RBC takes over Fullscreen Digital
11th January 2023 PNSA advised Romanian Business Consult (RBC), the largest integrator of IT solutions for the retail industry, on the acquisition of Fullscreen Digital software company, thus strengthening its expertise in software development and digital transformation and expanding the range of IT services it offers to its customers.PNSA wins the “Best Real Estate Law Firm of the Year” award at the CIJ Awards Gala
4th January 2023 We are delighted to announce that Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații won the prestigious “Best Real Estate Law Firm of the Year” distinction at the CIJ Awards Gala, a hallmark event that took place on December 8, 2022 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest.PNSA advised Electromontaj on the acquisition of Hidroconstructia and ABC Asigurari Reasigurari
1st December 2022 PNSA advised Electromontaj, the energy construction market leader in Romania, on the acquisition of Hidroconstructia, the largest Romanian company specialized in the field of hydropower and hydrotechnical constructions. The transaction also includes the subsidiaries of Hidroconstructia, namely ABC Asigurari Reasigurari, Hidroturism and Hidroedil.Pavăl Holding acquires U Center 1
10th November 2022 PNSA advised PAVĂL HOLDING, the holding company of DEDEMAN, the biggest Romanian entrepreneurial company, on the acquisition of U Center 1 - the first phase of the U Center office project in Bucharest, from Forte Partners. U Center 1 comprises a modern 8 floor-office building with a GLA of around 30k sqm of A-class premises leased to top tier tenants like Endava, Booking, Banca Transilvania.PNSA advised Dr. Leahu Dental Clinics Network on the acquisition of CORIDENT PRO Clinic
7th December 2020PNSA advised Dr. Leahu Dental Clinics Network on the acquisition of CORIDENT PRO Clinic from Sibiu.
PNSA advised Orange on the acquisition of a majority stake in Telekom Romania Communications
24th November 2020PNSA advised Orange Group on the acquisition of a 54% controlling stake in Telekom Romania Communication, one of Romania's leading fixed telecom operators.
POPOVICI NIȚU STOICA & ASOCIAȚII names Raluca Rusu as Tax Partner
22nd October 2020 POPOVICI NIȚU STOICA & ASOCIAȚII is proud to announce that Raluca Rusu has been promoted to partnership in PNSA Tax, effective from 1 October 2020.PNSA alongside BRD – Groupe Société Générale in its investment in CIT One
22nd October 2020 Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații advised BRD - Groupe Société Générale in the recently closed transaction by which BRD, BCR and Raiffeisen Bank Romania became equal shareholders in CIT One, one of the largest Romanian companies specialised in the transport, processing and storage of cash and other valuables. The transaction has previously been cleared by the Competition Council.PNSA obtained the enforcement of EU subsidies due to farmers
22nd October 2020 On October 2, 2020, the High Court of Cassation and Justice dismissed the appeal of the Agency for Payments and Intervention for Agriculture (APIA) against the decision of the Bucharest Court of Appeal, confirming that APIA subsidies granted to farmers can be assigned and enforced.PNSA welcomes Andrada Pleș as Tax Manager
24th September 2020 Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații is pleased to announce that Andrada Pleș joins PNSA Tax as Manager, effective as of September 15, 2020.PNSA advised Burda Group on the sale of its business in Romania
23rd September 2020 PNSA and PNSA Tax advised Burda Group on the sale of its business in Romania.WDP acquires three new logistics centres
23rd September 2020 Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii advised WDP, one of the leading Belgian developers and owners of logistics and warehousing in the market, on the recent acquisition of three major logistics parks in Romania:PNSA in the deal through which Auchan shall operate 400 MyAuchan stores within OMV Petrom stations
23rd September 2020 PNSA advised Auchan Retail Romania in respect of the takeover of the entire chain (more than 400 units) of OMV Petrom petrol filling stations in view of converting them into MyAuchan proximity stores and their further non-petrol retail operation. This is the biggest project ever of a Romanian petrol retailer to outsource the non-petrol products retail activity in favor of a top retail player on the Romanian market.PNSA in one of the largest real estate deals in the West part of Romania in 2020
23rd September 2020 PNSA advised Belgian developer VGP Parks on the acquisition of real estate assets with a total area of approximately 40 ha in Arad. This is considered by specialists the largest deal in the West part of Romania in 2020.Anti-corruption compliance concerns & best practices in time of COVID-19
29th April 2020 In the middle of a crisis such the current one, companies face variousunforeseeable challenges. And although at this moment the attention is directed towards overcoming this situation, one may not neglect how this outcome is achieved, especially considering that once the “storm”is over, misconducts tend to come to light and regulators will almost sure enforce the relevant regulations.About strategic businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
29th April 2020 With a fewnotable exceptions, all companies are struggling these days. For some itis about organizing general business survival, for some it is about dealingwith the short-term cash-flow management, some are restructuring their businessand resetting the employment scheme, while for some the only option was tofreeze production and apply for various public support measures.The aftermath of COVID-19 outbreak – Practicing social distancing during AGMS of listed companies
24th March 2020 Introduction As the negative consequences of COVID-19 continue to expand, companies are facing various demanding challenges, one of them being related to the organisation of the Annual General Meetings of the Shareholders (“AGMS”).COVID-19: Real Estate market implications. Particular insights into Lease Agreements
24th March 2020 1. Introductory aspectsSince its outbreak in November, 2019 in China, COVID-19 has rapidly spread across Europe, the general opinion being that the peak is yet to come. The aggressive rate of spreading of COVID-19 has marked the financial markets, which now indicate a decrease of the earnings expectations.
State aid amid COVID-19 outbreak
24th March 2020 PNSA COVID-19 Legal Response TeamCOVID-19: Arbitration – Where to?
24th March 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the globe and virtually all sectors have had to adapt to an increasingly contact-free environment. The world of arbitration is no exception, and in the past weeks we have seen a series of adjustments and solutions targeted at both safeguarding the health of participants and preserving the continuity of the process.Coronavirus & competition. Breach of Competition Law? “Price gouging” or not?
24th March 2020 First one: Coronavirus & competition – any potential link?OPTIblue and Klarmann to be taken over by Innova Capital
19th July 2019OPTIblue and Klarmann to be taken over by Innova Capital
Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii advised Optical Network, the leading retailer and an important distributor on the Romanian optical market, on its sale to private equity fund Innova Capital.
Oresa sales Somaco to LafargeHolcim
19th July 2019PNSA advised the Swedish investment fund Oresa on the sale of Somaco, one of the leading precast concrete producers in Romania, to LafargeHolcim.
PNSA advised Ameropa Group on a €324 million syndicated financing
19th July 2019PNSA advised its long-standing client Ameropa Group, worldwide leading Swiss grain and fertilizer trader, on the €324 million multicurrency revolving financing granted by a syndicate of banks composed of Banca Comerciala Romana, Raiffeisen Bank, ING Bank N.V. Amsterdam – Bucharest Branch and UniCredit Bank.
PNSA advised an Irish financial institution on a EUR 30,000,000 financing
15th July 2019PNSA advised RI-GD Investments DAC, as lender, on the accession of two Romanian subsidiaries of an Irish agribusiness group to a EUR 30,000,000 financing.
PNSA advised Magnetto Wheels on a new significant financing
15th July 2019PNSA advised its long-standing client Magnetto Wheels on the negotiation of a guarantee agreement under the framework of an €134m financing granted by IFC and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A.
PNSA advised Dedeman on a new landmark transaction – acquisition of The Office in Cluj-Napoca, in
16th May 2019Data Privacy Impact Assessment at a glance / All you need to know
13th February 2018By Alexandru Ambrozie, Partner Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii and Luana Dragomirescu, Managing Associate Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii
Enforcement and Sanctions under the GDPR
13th February 2018By Alexandru Ambrozie, Partner Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii and Luana Dragomirescu, Managing Associate Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii
New Partners with POPOVICI NIŢU STOICA & ASOCIAŢII
15th January 2018January 2018
POPOVICI NIȚU STOICA & ASOCIAȚII promotes three lawyers to partnership.
GDPR: Relations and responsibilities in the processing of personal data
16th November 2017GDPR: Relations and responsibilities in the processing of personal data (controllers, processors and sub-processors)
There is no doubt that every company processes personal data (e.g. of its’ employees’, clients’, contractual partners’).
Most often, this also involves a constant barter between companies processing personal data and companies providing various services (e.g. HR, IT, payroll, datacenters, cloud services), both of them falling within the scope of the GDPR.
Strengthening the Fight against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
10th November 2017Laundered money is oxygen to crime, terrorism and tax-avoidance. We need to cut off its supply as best we can. Today's stronger rules are a big step forward but we now need quick agreement on the further improvements the Commission proposed last July",
“(…) The new rules as of today are crucial to closing further loopholes. I urge all Member States to put them in place without delay: lower standards in one country will weaken the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing across the EU. I also call for quick agreement on the further revisions proposed by the Commission following the "Panama Papers" to increase transparency of beneficial ownership”,
The clock is ticking. Implementing the General Data Protection Regulation
10th November 2017With 2018 just around the corner and the European Union setting a clock on raising the standards of personal data protection, companies are starting to prepare themselves for new challenges.
The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) approved by the EU in 2016 will enter into force on the 25th of May 2018 and all companies processing personal data need to be compliant by that time.
Companies are welcoming a new team player – the Data Protection Officer
10th November 2017The new General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) could not have enlarged data controllers’ and data processors’ obligations and apply such great sanctions without anticipating the need for companies to appoint a Data Protection Officer (“DPO”).
While companies must now turn their focus on ensuring compliance with the GDPR every step of the way, the DPO will be a key player in reaching this goal.
Recent changes to the Labour Code. Tougher rules aimed to tackle undeclared work
10th November 2017By amending the Labour Code in August 2017, via the Emergency Ordinance no. 53/2017, the Government toughened the rules on conclusion and declaration of employment contracts and facilitated the authorities’ control activities in the sensitive area of undeclared work.
Some of the main changes introduced by EGO no. 53/2017 are related to the registration of employment contracts, to the prohibition of rendering work/accepting work in the absence of a written employment contract and to the employer’s obligation to officially record the daily duration of each employee’s presence in the work place, including entry and exit hours.
Legal Developments
Criminal liability of corporations – Global vs Romanian approach
12th September 2019Criminal liability of corporations is a hot topic worldwide. From financial institutions to global corporations, almost daily we hear about a large corporation being investigated, signing a Deferred Prosecution Agreement or being convicted, usually for money laundering, tax evasion or bribery.