EU and competition in Estonia

Cobalt

Elo Tamm heads the practice at Cobalt, which recently advised MyInvest Estonia on its sale of Bauhof to Ermitažas, along with all competition law aspects of the transaction. Senior associate Rauno Ligi, who advised Ragn-Sells on contesting The City of Tallinn's decision not to run a public procurement for waste transport contracts, is also noted. Other key clients include Alexela Oil and Luminor.

Ellex

Ellex's competition law team, which is led by Raino Paron, has 'strong expertise in competition, M&A and due diligence areas'. The group recently carried out a pan-Baltic competition audit and compliance review for Nestlé. It also defended Laam Kinnisvara in cartel proceedings initiated against several real estate companies, focusing on the kv.ee real estate portal. Counsel Triin Frosch is notable for her work in energy-related matters, where she has 'unrivalled sector experience'.

Sorainen

The 'deeply knowledgeable' Kaupo Lepasepp heads Sorainen's 'very strong' EU and competition team, which recently advised Nelja Energia on state aid and procurement matters relating to the Tootsi wind farm. Senior associate Piibe Lehtsaar is noted for her 'great attention to detail' and 'understanding of business needs'. Other key clients include Nordea and Eesti Lairiba Arenduse Sihtasutus; the team is defending the latter in a dispute regarding alleged abuses of the client's dominant position.

Derling Primus

At Derling Primus, competition work is handled by Elmer Muna, Erki Kergandberg, Rolan Jankelevitsh and Margo Lemetti. Recent transactional clients include Intertrust Technologies Corporation and Kantauro.

Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co

Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co recently advised Eesti Meedia on its acquisition of an advertising agency, which was objected to by competitors. Risto Rüütel heads the practice, which is experienced in complex merger control proceedings. Other key clients include Leonhard Weiss Energy and Kaupmees & Ko, which the firm recently advised on its acquisition of Tridensby via the termination of a joint venture.

FORT

Rene Frolov heads the competition practice at FORT, which was recently retained by Modern Times Group to advise on the competition aspects of selling its Baltic businesses to Providence Equity Partners. The practice also has experience in state aid matters, such as acting for Samat in disputing the Estonian government's decision to offer free bus services. Senior associate Liina Käis is also recommended. Other key clients include Elisa and Alfons Håkans.

TARK

TARK recently advised Vienna Insurance Group on the competition aspects of its acquisition of Seesam Insurance. Tanel Tark heads the 'knowledgeable' and 'professional' practice, and is noted for his 'very practical advice' and 'thorough understanding of the business sector'. Other key clients include Tallinn Airport and Ober-Haus Kinnisvara; the team recently defended the latter as part of a large cartel case against several real estate companies.

TGS Baltic

At TGS Baltic, the competition team has 'excellent knowledge' and is 'great value for money'. The firm recently acted for the Estonian Authors' Society in a dispute over the client's alleged abuse of its dominant position regarding licensing fees. 'Business-minded' senior associate Katri Paas-Mohando heads the team, which also includes senior associate Triinu Järviste. The City of Tallinn and Euroapotheca are other key clients.

NOVE

New hire Mari Matjus, who joined from the now-dissolved Jesse & Kalaus Attorneys in May 2018, heads the 'very professional' EU and competition practice at NOVE. The firm recently advised Medicum Group on securing state aid for the construction of a new healthcare building. Another name to note is Veiko Vaske, a March 2018 arrival from Sorainen. Other key clients include IPF Digital, Novira Capital and Tartu University Clinics.

RASK Attorneys-at-Law

RASK Attorneys-at-Law is noted for its 'proactive attitude' and 'expertise' in procurement disputes. The firm recently represented Artes Terrae and Alkranel in disputing an unrealistically low tender awarded by the State Support Center. Tarmo Peterson heads the practice, and Gea Vendel is 'a true professional with an outstanding track record and experience'. Other key clients include Alter Group and Skarcon.

Triniti Estonia

Following the dissoloution of Jesse & Kalaus Attorneys, Tanel Kalaus now heads the competition law practice at Triniti Estonia. Villu Otsmann is also recommended.