The Legal 500

Russia

Commercial, corporate and M&a: Moscow

Commercial, corporate and M&a: Moscow - ranked: tier 4

VEGAS LEX

VEGAS LEX has a strong focus on M&A and joint venture deals in the PPP and infrastructure space, and recently advised Fortum on a joint venture with a major Russian investment fund to build wind farms. Other clients include Russia Post and Sberbank Capital. Alexander Garmaev and Alexandra Vasukhnova are the main practitioners.

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Competition

Competition - ranked: tier 3

VEGAS LEX

VEGAS LEX focuses on anti-monopoly cases, compliance projects and regulatory advice. Alexander Sitnikov heads the practice, which handles work for key clients such as pipe producer TMK and Roche Diabetes Care Rus.

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Dispute resolution: Litigation

Dispute resolution: Litigation - ranked: tier 2

VEGAS LEX

At VEGAS LEX, managing partner Alexander Sitnikov’s extensive experience in the corporate space covers conflicts relating to investment projects, the protection and recovery of business assets, corporate governance and restructuring. Department head Victor Petrov has a strong track record in commercial, corporate, insurance and bankruptcy disputes. Evgeniy Rodin is recommended for energy disputes. The practice represents a mix of clients from the aerospace, energy, life sciences and retail sectors.

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Energy and natural resources

Energy and natural resources - ranked: tier 5

VEGAS LEX

Specialising in power generation projects, VEGAS LEX regularly represents clients such as OGK-2 and Irkutsk Electric Grid Company in contractual, commercial and tax-related disputes. Evgeniy Rodin and Alexander Sitnikov are the main practitioners.

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PPP and infrastructure projects

PPP and infrastructure projects - ranked: tier 1

VEGAS LEX

According to one client, VEGAS LEX has ‘the leading practice in the Russian PPP sector’; the team is known for its strong focus on large-scale PPP projects in the energy, transportation, ports and healthcare-related areas. The ‘highly reputable’ practice is led by ‘industry expert’ Denis Shtirbu and is well known for advising federal and regional governmental agencies and state-owned companies including Russian Railways and the Ministry of Transport of the Novosibirsk region. Irina Dolgikh ‘demonstrates exceptional knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail’.

Leading individuals

Next generation lawyers

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Real estate and construction

Real estate and construction - ranked: tier 3

VEGAS LEX

Headed by the ‘diligent and responsible’ Igor Chumachenko, the real estate department at VEGAS LEX provides ‘high-quality and cost-effective legal services’ and is recommended for its ‘deep familiarity with the Russian regulatory framework and the local implementation of EPC projects’. The team supported the Development Corporation of Kamchatka with the implementation of the modernisation project concerning the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Yelizovo) airport.

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TMT

TMT - ranked: tier 4

VEGAS LEX

The TMT practice at VEGAS LEX is headed by Alexandra Vasukhnova and advises on regulatory, contractual and e-commerce matters. Natalia Abtseshko is also noted. Clients include animation studio Sky and creative digital marketing agency Jami, among others.

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Tax

Tax - ranked: tier 3

VEGAS LEX

VEGAS LEX has expertise across a broad range of tax matters including domestic and foreign tax structuring, tax support for major infrastructure projects and M&A transactions and customs. Yuriy Ivanov specialises in contentious tax and tax planning; he recently advised Russian Post on taxation and customs clearance matters pertaining to international mail and cargo operations. Denis Kozhevnikov assists Ivanov with contentious tax matters.

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Transport

Transport - ranked: tier 3

VEGAS LEX

At VEGAS LEX, Denis Shtirbu heads the transport practice, which assists clients with major railroad infrastructure projects. The team advised the Ministry of Transport of the Novosibirsk Region during negotiations with government agencies regarding a high-value railway concession initiative. Dorogi Rossii is another notable client, among others.

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