Firms To Watch: EU and competition

PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal is a regular adviser to the Latvian government and municipal authorities on the competition aspects of large mergers and centralisation initiatives. Public procurement is one of the firm’s specialist areas of expertise. Janis Lagzdinš and Dita Dzervniece are the key names to note.

EU and competition in Latvia

Cobalt

An apex competition disputes practice, Cobalt represents huge clients including the Riga International Airport and state-backed utilities providers in litigation before the Latvian Supreme Court and competition authorities. Work covers abuse of dominance cases concerning major infrastructure and transport link projects in Latvia, as well as advice on competition compliance for wide-ranging initiatives such as Finance Latvia Association’s shared ATM network plan. Practice head Ugis Zeltins is a veteran of the field, having previously been an adviser to the Latvian Constitutional Court on EU law; he has particular expertise in competition litigation, state aid and public procurement matters. Dace Silava-Tomsone combines competition law work with a real estate and M&A practice.

Practice head(s):

Uģis Zeltiņš


Other key lawyers:

Dace Silava-Tomsone; Ivo Maskalāns


Key clients

Attīstības finanšu institūcija Altum AS


Clean R SIA


Finance Latvia Association


Glen Oil SIA


Latvenergo AS


Latvijas dzelzceļš VAS


Lidl Latvija SIA


Moller Baltic Import SE


Riga International Airport


Rīgas satiksme PSIA


Work highlights


  • Conducted a successful defence, together with COBALT Vilnius office, of Riga International Airport VAS against antitrust claims brought by flyLAL, a bankrupt carrier.
  • Representation of Rīgas siltums, the municipal district heating utility, before the Latvian competition authority in settling a dispute that concerned the treatment of debts accrued by deceased and insolvent users.
  • Antitrust advice to Finance Latvia Association on establishment of a shared ATM network to service remote areas.

Ellex

The EU and competition practice at Ellex is led by Liga Merwin, who has significant experience handling complex merger proceedings and follow-on litigations, and has regularly acted on cases before the European Commission and European Court of Justice during her 20-year career. The firm acts for whole industry groups, as well as multi-national companies and large Baltic chains, and has been involved in precedent setting litigation, often appearing in high profile appeals against regulatory bodies. Associate partner Mārtiņš Gailis has experience in defending clients against unfair competition allegations, and has also overseen a number of large mergers, particularly in the energy sector. Senior associate Edvijs Zandars advises clients on compliance with EU directives and litigates before the Latvian Competition Council.

Practice head(s):

Liga Merwin


Other key lawyers:

Edvijs Zandars; Mārtiņš Gailis


Testimonials

‘Ellex knows not only the requirements of the law, but also the rules of the market they are dealing with’

‘We are working with Liga Merwin (partner) and Edvijs Zandars (senior associate). Both have outstanding knowledge of Competition Law and the administrative practices of the Competition Council. Liga is one of the most prominent competition law lawyers in Latvia.’

‘Exceptionally professional and experienced team.’

Key clients

Balcia Insurance


Orkla Confectionary & Snacks


Rīgas Siltums


Volvo


Japan Tobacco International


Maxima group


BTA Baltic Insurance Company


Association of International Research-based Pharmaceutical Manufacturers


Connexus Baltic Grid


AstraZeneca


The Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company


Public Utilities Commission


Henkel


LG Electronics


Bolt


DIO (packaging deposit system operator in Latvia)


UPB


Work highlights


  • Representing Volvo Trucks corporation in follow on damages claims in Latvia in relation to European Commission decision regarding participation in trucks cartel.
  • Representing a leading grocery chain operator in Latvia in appeal of prohibition of merger decision, issued by Competition Council of Latvia. This is also the first case in Latvia where the Competition Council is facing a damages claim.
  • Successful representation of industry group of drinks manufacturers in relation to development of packaging deposit system in Latvia.

Sorainen

Sorainen‘s EU and competition practice covers merger clearance, industry-wide investigations into abuse of dominance and compliance advice, acting under the leadership of Ieva Andersone. Andersone regularly litigates before the Latvian Competition Council and provides assistance on competition matters, with a particular focus on the construction, retail and financial services sectors. The practice also represents municipal authorities, with one matter for Riga City Municipality notably concerning the whole of the waste management market in the city. Associate Marika Grunte is recommended for her significant experience in helping clients to obtain merger clearances and for her expertise in cartel matters, which has been shaped by her previous role as head of the Latvian Competition Council’s cartel department.

Practice head(s):

Ieva Andersone


Other key lawyers:

Marika Grunte


Testimonials

‘They respond very quickly to a request for legal services, always meet the deadlines, it is very easy and pleasant to communicate with them, there is a knowledgeable specialist found on each legal issue.’

‘We communicate with partner Ieva Andersone and senior associate Marika Grunte. High-level professionals. Very easy and pleasant communication. Responds to questions and requests are very prompt. The work is done accurately, in high quality and in compliance with deadlines. There is always a sense of desire to help and immersion in the topic.’

Key clients

JYSK


Riga Municipality


Knauf


Bite


Work highlights


  • Advised JYSK in a case related to an unequal treatment arising from the Latvian government’s imposed COVID-19 safety measures that were more beneficial for one part of the traders, while other part were restricted.
  • Assisted the Riga City Municipality to reach a settlement with the Competition Council in the infringement case initiated against the Riga City Municipality and Getliņi EKO regarding alleged abuse of a dominant position under Article 102 of the TFEU in the waste management sector.

TGS Baltic

TGS Baltic’s comprehensive practice covers merger clearance, abuse of dominance cases, high profile cartel investigations, compliance, transaction structuring and state-aid. The firm is particularly notable for overseeing major transactions in the telecoms and retail sectors. The team is jointly led by M&A expert, Andra Rubene , and Māra Stabulniece-Veldruma, who acted on some of the firm’s key cases, including advising Latvian Railways in its abuse of dominance defence against the Competition Council. Vladlena Rudusāne-Simiča and Elīza Siliņa are further names to note in the team which, in addition to government bodies and state-backed companies, also represents major private enterprises and educational institutions.

Practice head(s):

Andra Rubene; Māra Stabulniece-Veldruma


 


Other key lawyers:

Vladlena Rudusāne-Simiča; Elīza Siliņa


Key clients

TET SIA


The Akropolis Group


The Public Electronic Mass Media Council of Latvia


(Sabiedrisko elektronisko plašsaziņas līdzekļupadome, SEPLP)


VAS “Latvijas Dzelzceļš” (Latvian Railways)


SIA “LDZ CARGO”


AS “Latvenergo”


The Riga City Council


The University of Latvia


VIAPLAY


Phillip Morris


Novartis SIA


SEB Banka


Inchcape Motors Latvia


Schwenk


Mylan Healthcare/Viatris


Euroaptieka


European Commission (in cooperation with MILIEU and SPARK Legal)


Work highlights


  • Assisted fixed-line telecom operator TET in acquiring 100% shares of a B2B telecom and IT company Telia Latvija, including obtaining merger clearance from the Latvian Competition Council.
  • Assisted Akropolis Group in acquiring the biggest shopping center in Riga, ALFA, and obtaining merger clearance from the Latvian Competition Council.
  • Representing state-owned railway infrastructure company VAS “Latvijas dzelzceļš” (Latvian Railways), in court proceedings against the Latvian Competition Council challenging alleged abuse of dominant position.

VILGERTS

At VILGERTS, the EU and Competition practice is jointly headed by Julija Jerneva and Debora Pavila. Jerņeva has a niche specialism in unfair trading practices regarding food supply chains, and also regularly advises clients on merger control, abuse of dominance and prohibited information exchange agreements cases. Pāvila has expertise in cartels and vertical restraints matters, antitrust damages claims and cross-border competition litigation. Expert Counsel Charles Clarke, who has appeared in several cases before the European Commission, is also an important piece of the team. Clarke has experience working for major US law firms and his work includes assisting American clients with entrance into the Baltic markets. The firm acts for clients from a range of industries; including telecoms, construction, medical and retail.

Practice head(s):

Jūlija Jerņeva; Debora Pāvila


Other key lawyers:

Charles Clarke


Testimonials

‘The best shield against Competition violations in Latvia.’


Key clients

Air Baltic Corporation AS


Moller Baltic Import SE


Pasta komersantu biedrība (SIA Omniva, SIA DPD Latvija, SIA Itella Latvia, SIA Venipak)


Cido Grupa SIA


Rimi Latvia SIA


If P&C Insurance, Latvian branch


Lursoft SIA


Iepirkumu grupa SIA


Omniva SIA


Latvian Association of Optometrists and Opticians


Merks SIA


Latvijas Valsts Meži AS


Work highlights


  • Advising Merks SIA in relation to its appeal of the imposition of cartel fine (EUR 2.69 million) by the Latvian Competition Council.
  • Advising Moller Mobility group in relation to its appeal of the imposition of cartel fine (EUR 7.4 million) by the Latvian Competition Authority.
  • Advising Conexus Baltic Grid (the Latvian gas TSO) before the Latvian court concerning the Latvian Utility Regulator’s (SPRK) imposition of revised regulated price caps.

Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns

At Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns, Māris Vainovskis and Gunta Lokastova lead the EU and competition practice, which provides due diligence on large M&A matters, as well as competition compliance advice. The firm has a particular specialism in representing large technology companies and provides assistance to clients in obtaining merger clearances from the Latvian Competition Council. Senior associate Dmitrijs Ņemirovskis is another key name at the practice, and has experience advising on EU competition regulations and cross-border merger control. Of counsel Edijs Poga is also recommended for his experience in state-aid matters and competition infringement investigations.

Practice head(s):

Māris Vainovskis; Gunta Lokastova


Other key lawyers:

Dmitrijs Ņemirovskis; Edijs Poga


Key clients

Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA


Virši-A AS


SIA “Getliņi EKO”


Work highlights


  • Advised Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA on due diligence (covering also competition compliance issues) and the merger notification phase in front of the Latvian Competition Council during the acquisition of IT infrastructure product reseller and integrator Santa Monica Networks SIA. The process was coordinated with Eversheds Lithuanian office.
  • Collaborated successfully on a variety of competition law compliance related issues and due diligence for Virši-A AS.
  • Conducted extensive research in relation to the responsibility of the board members of SIA “Getliņi EKO” arising from the implementation of the municipal waste management system in Latvia’s capital city – Riga – that was questioned by the Competition Council of Latvia.

WALLESS

The EU and competition practice at WALLESS offers advice on merger control and state aid regulation, as well as investigations into cartel practices and abuse of market dominance. Kristīne Gaigule-Šāvēja leads the practice, and specialises in EU Law, particularly procurement. Zane Eglīte-Fogele advises on competition matters for large retail chains, while associate Kristers Zālītis has supported on a number of key matters in the past year, including state-aid cases.

Practice head(s):

Kristīne Gaigule-Šāvēja


Other key lawyers:

Kristers Zalitis; Zane Eglīte-Fogele; Andis Ozoliņš


Key clients

TAV Airport Group Companies


BHM group


Škoda Vagonka A.S.


Škoda Transportation


ŠKODA ELECTRIC a.s


AJ Power Group


Betono Mozaika SIA


Dentons Europe and Dentons UK and Middle East LPP


Edge Autonomy Riga, SIA


Havas Latvia SIA


Vilomix Latvija SIA


OP Corporate Bank Plc


Marketing Investment Group


Pulsar Optics SIA


L-EKSPRESIS SIA


Nuvalo Latvia SIA


PG Wood SIA


Bonava Latvija, SIA


Work highlights


  • Advice to Škoda Vagonka A.S. on several amendments to public procurement contract for supply of 32 electric trains according to directly applicable EU law.
  • Advice to TAV Airport Group Companies for application for state aid measures according to EU law.
  • Provided advice to OP Corporate Bank Plc on corporate cross-border merger according to EU law.

Kronbergs Cukste Levin

Kronbergs Cukste Levin‘s competition practice frequently represents clients before Latvian higher courts, the country’s competition council and the European Commission. The team has been involved in high profile abuse of dominance investigations, while also advising on restructuring in compliance with state-aid regulations and cartel cases in several industries. Former competition head Zane Veidemane Bērziņa departed to an in-house counsel role at SEB bank, though the the practice in turn welcomed the arrival of associate Aleksandrs Kuznecovs from Šķiņķis Pētersons; both he and Reinis Papulis advise major clients in the retail and energy sectors. Competition law also makes up part of the wide-ranging practice of Valters Kronbergs.

Practice head(s):

Aleksandrs Kuzņecovs


Other key lawyers:

Reinis Papulis; Valters Kronsbergs


Key clients

Reckitt Benckiser


Electrolux


Skonto  Buve


Riga Municipal Education, Sports and Culture Committee


Latvian Railway


Latvenergo (national electricity provider)


Electrolux


Ministry of Transport


Microsoft


Gefco


Bridgestone


DHL


Linstow


Work highlights


  • Conducted an in depth competition law review for Reckitt Benckiser
  • Advised Electrolux on the competition implcations of vertical agreements.
  • Represented Skontu Buve in a cartel investigation defence.

Rödl & Partner

German firm Rödl & Partner represents multinational clients active in Latvia, in addition to domestic government agencies and large domestic private enterprises. The EU and competition team advise on abuse of dominance allegations, breaches of anti-monopoly law, refusals to grant state aid and damages claims resulting from cartel investigations. The practice is headed jointly by Esmeralda Balode-Buraka, an experienced advisor to state institutions on EU Law, and seasoned competition litigator Lauris Rasnačs.

Practice head(s):

Lauris Rasnačs; Esmeralda Balode-Buraka


Testimonials

‘The competence and experience of the team in practical matters, as well as the theoretical knowledge base provided by the specialists involved in the team, especially byDr. Lauris Rasnacs, is coupled with exceptional service and advisory levels.’

‘Attorney-at-law Dr. Lauris Rasnacčs is the leading brainiac in competition matters.’

Key clients

VAS Valsts Nekustamie Īpašumi


SIA “LDZ CARGO”


Rodl & Partner SIA


Sirowa Group


Elme Messer Metalurgs SIA


SIA AJ Power (AJ Power Holding)


STOCKHOLM SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS IN RIGA


Work highlights


  • Representing SIA “LDZ CARGO where the client has disputed the decision of the Latvian Competition Authority to find client guilty of abuse of dominant position.
  • Advising the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga in its application to the Latvian Council of Science to receive state funding for research.
  • Assisting the Rodl & Partner Group in a case before the Administrative court against one of the national authorities regarding a decision on imposing a penalty for alleged breach of AML requirements. The case has now progressed to the European Court of Justice.