What we say about the firm's legal practice in Bulgaria
Banking and finance
Within Banking and finance , Spasov & Bratanov is a first tier firm,
Spasov & Bratanov’s experienced group advises across the full range of banking and finance matters, including project, asset and corporate finance. The team advised key client the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on three separate transactions in 2011, including a €66m loan, given in conjuction with UniCredit Bulbank, to Chelopech Mining; and a €30m loan to Citygas Bulgaria. It also advised BNP Paribas on a €200m syndicated loan to Monier Participations; acted on project financings for Unit Investment and Eco Drachevo; and advised clients such as Raiffeisenbank on several loan restructurings. Vassil Hadjov and Georgi Spasov are the key figures.
Capital markets
Within Capital markets , Spasov & Bratanov is a first tier firm,
Georgi Spasov and Vassil Hadjov leads the team at Spasov & Bratanov, which advised Velgraf Asset Management on its €52m IPO on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. It also advises Citigroup Global Markets on passporting in Bulgaria, and Raiffesenbank Bulgaria on derivatives and regulatory matters.
Corporate and M&A
Within Corporate and M&A , Spasov & Bratanov is a first tier firm,
Spasov & Bratanov’s highly regarded team is led by Georgi Spasov and also includes the experienced Vassil Hadjov. Notable recent instructions includ advising the EBRD on its acquisition of a majority stake in CallPoint New Europe, and acting for Velgraf Asset Management in a complex four-company merger and subsequent Bulgarian Stock Exchange listing. It also acted for Philip Morris International in its privatisation bid for Bulgartabac Holding, and advised on the formation of a joint venture between Bulgarian Energy Holding and OAO Gazprom.
Legal market overview
Within Legal market overview,
Boyanov & Co and Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov are prominent local firms, but are increasingly facing competition from rivals such as Spasov & Bratanov, Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners (Landwell) and Kambourov & Partners, as well as foreign firm CMS Cameron McKenna LLP – Bulgaria Branch. The Austrian firms of Wolf Theiss and Schoenherr are also increasingly influential in the region.
Privatisation, PPP and foreign investment
Within Privatisation, PPP and foreign investment, Spasov & Bratanov is a first tier firm,
Spasov & Bratanov’s strong presence in the energy sector makes it a natural choice for renewables and oil and gas investments. It also represented Philip Morris International in its privatisation bid for a majority stake in Bulgartabac Holding.
Projects, energy and natural resources
Within Projects, energy and natural resources, Spasov & Bratanov is a first tier firm,
Spasov & Bratanov’s ‘very capable and well-respected’ team is led by the hugely experienced Vassil Hadjov, and advises across the full spectrum of projects. The team advised key client AES on the financing, construction and operation of the 670MW Maritza East One coal-fired power plant, on the 156MW St Nikola wind farm, and on its 23MW solar power joint venture with Carlyle Group. It also advised Melrose Resources on all aspects of its oil and gas exploration activities in the Black Sea. Other clients include Bulgarian Energy Holding, Mitsubishi Corporation and EDF Energies Nouvelle.