The Legal 500

Within Banking, finance and capital markets, Peli Filip is a second tier firm,

The ‘brilliant’ Carmen Peli heads Peli Filip’s banking and finance practice, and the capital markets team is led by the ‘technically excellent’ Alex Birsan, who is recommended for his ‘strong analytical skills, combined with an ability to consistently deliver crisp, practical advice’. The firm’s ‘market know-how’ has brought it a succession of key mandates. These included advising Ciech on Romanian law issues arising from its $156m rights issue; CVC Capital Partners on obtaining a €690m financing package for the acquisition of InBev’s brewery operations across seven CEE countries; and the international lenders on a $206m facility provided to RCS and RDS.

Within Corporate and M&A, Peli Filip is a third tier firm,

Peli Filip’s ‘outstanding’ team provides ‘flawless service’. It advised CVC Capital Partners on its LBO of InBev’s operations in seven CEE countries; a leading European renewable energy company on potential acquisitions of wind farms; and a regional telecoms operator on the potential acquisition of companies operating sports channels in Romania and Hungary. Cristina Filip and Carmen Peli are highly regarded.

Within Dispute resolution, tier 4

Peli Filip’s ‘excellent’ practice is representing a major energy investor in a €45m ICC Paris arbitration over a privatisation agreement with a state-owned entity. It is also acting for a real estate developer in FIDIC-based international arbitration. Francisc Peli and practice head Catalin Alexandru are recommended.

Within Energy and natural resources, Peli Filip is a second tier firm,

Peli Filip’s ‘focused’ and ‘flexible’ group advised Leitwind on two potential wind farm acquisitions and acted for Continental Wind Partners regarding several developments. Other clients include OMV Petrom and Steag Group. The ‘formidable’ Cristina Filip heads the team.

Within IT, telecoms and media, Peli Filip is a second tier firm,

Peli Filip advised a leading regional telecoms and media operator during an investigation relating to the acquisition of exclusive sports broadcasting rights. It also advised a leading mobile telecoms operator in a cartel and abuse of dominance investigation. Carmen Peli and Cristina Filip are recommended.

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, Peli Filip is a second tier firm,

Peli Filip ‘constantly impresses’ with its ‘highly professional, innovative and business-oriented’ approach. It advised a top European developer regarding a significant PPP development project. Francisc Peli has ‘excellent industry knowledge’.

Within Real estate, Peli Filip is a first tier firm,

Peli Filip’s ‘professional’ team is praised for its ‘quick response times’ and ‘ability to adapt to the needs of the client’. It advised BelRom Real Estate and K&S Developments on the development, financing and partial forward sale of Electroputere Shopping Centre. It also advised AIG/Lincoln in a joint venture relating to the €55m Lakeview Office Building development. The ‘experienced, commercial and business-oriented’ Francisc Peli heads the department.