Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Real estate and construction

drill. Law Firm, which is one of the newer entrants into the market, is experienced in real estate, construction and planning matters. Its work notably includes portfolio sales and heritage-related work in Riga Old Town.

Real estate and construction in Latvia

Cobalt

Cobalt advises on renewable energy projects, as well as high value commercial real estate, demonstrating skill in both contentious matters and acquisitions, financing and planning side work. The practice is led by highly experienced real estate M&A lawyer and managing partner, Dace Silava-Tomsone, who is supported by energy and infrastructure specialist, Gatis Flinters. Further key names include Guntars Zile and Toms Sulmanis, who both have strong backgrounds in construction and property law.

Practice head(s):

Dace Silava-Tomsone


Other key lawyers:

Guntars Zīle; Toms Šulmanis; Gatis Flinters; Sergejs Rudāns


Key clients

ABB, SIA, part of ABB group


AFI Investments SIA


AirBaltic Corporation AS


Astor Group


Baltic Green Investments


Consolis Latvija SIA


Corum Asset Management


Decathlon


Hili Properties


Hepsor Latvia OÜ


I asset Management


Kapitel SIA


Latvenergo AS


Lidl Latvia SIA


Linstow group


Swietelsky AG


VPH group


Volvo Truck Latvia


Workland Latvia SIA


Work highlights


  • Represented Pienava Wind SIA in an administrative case initiated in connection with the decision of Tukums Municipality not to approve the proposed activity: the construction of the Pienava wind farm in Tukums Municipality.
  • Advised Viru Kemia Grupp (VKG Invest OU) in a sale and leaseback transaction of the Stockmann department stores in Tallinn and Riga. The Riga property includes also a multiplex cinema operated by Forum cinemas.
  • Represented Lidl group entities in launching its operations in Latvia with simultaneous openings of the first 15 stores.

Ellex

The ‘highly skilled and knowledgeableEllex real estate team is recommended for its cross border transactional capabilities. The team oversees some of the largest acquisitions and sales in the Latvian real estate market and has notable specialisms in real estate investment and financing. The practice head is Ivars Pommers, who is experienced in environmental law, construction disputes and tax structuring as well as transactional work. Also key are Ilga Gudrenika-Krebs, recommended for ‘always providing solutions‘, and commercial property specialist Inita Jurka.

Practice head(s):

Ivars Pommers


Other key lawyers:

Ilga Gudrenika-Krebs; Inita Jurka


Testimonials

‘Ellex’s real estate and construction lawyers are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the field. I can highly recommend the team.’

‘Ilga Gudrenika-Krebs can always be reached with a short notice when she is needed. She is very service minded and will provide expertise within the firm when needed.’

‘We had a Baltic-level real estate transaction. We had the feeling that the countries (Ellex Teams) were communicating with each other and were united. Different solutions and compromises were sought to achieve the result. Payments were convenient and service payment was clear. The team is very knowledgeable and supportive. This is definitely the team that will provide the most professional support in real estate transactions.’

Key clients

Blackstone


IKEA Latvian franchise holder SIA Paul Mason Properties/SIA Verus Praedium


Eastnine


VIG Fund


Swedbank AS


Luminor


Bonava


YIT


Orkla


KESKO


VMG Group


Jysk


Catella Corporate Finance


Ingleby Latvia Agro, SIA


BTA Baltic Insurance Company


Sportland


Lords LB Asset Management


SG Capital


Capitalica Asset Management


Hanner


Estera Development


Printful


Vilvi Group


SPI Group Companies


Pillar


New Century Holdings


Itella


Wilo


Work highlights


  • Advising Hanner on selling of a complex of office buildings Jaunā teika for the total transaction value EUR 131 million.
  • Advising BTA on a Baltic rental housing development deal with YIT.
  • Advising Lords LB on full spectrum of the development of the Preses Nams Kvartāls, including, advising on obtaining the syndicate bank financing form EIB and Citadele bank in the amount of EUR 50 million.

Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns

Real estate is one of the flagship practices of Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns, with the firm advising on high value real estate M&A, financing matters and even constitutional disputes concerning land use. The team counts both municipal authorities and foreign multinational companies among its diverse client base. The practice is led by Ilze Kramiņa, who has considerable experience in both contentious matters, including administrative cases, and non-contentious transactional and regulatory matters in this field, as well as environmental law. Ginta Krukle, a specialist in public sector work, is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Ilze Kramiņa


Other key lawyers:

Ginta Krukle


Testimonials

‘Eversheds Real Estate and M&A team has a wide experience in these fields. Support was given in every step of the process, without making things too complicated.’

‘Ilze Kramina has excellent knowledge and experience in RE field. She is not only legal adviser but can manage the whole process from start till the end. All deadlines and promises are kept without any compromises and excuses.’

Key clients

LHV Varahaldus (LHV Bank pension funds)


Council of Riga City (Riga municipality)


Metro Capital Management


LiveOn group of companies


Anaerobic Holding companies


Latzeme OU


Ventspils nafta terminals


Energo Wind, LLC


Jugla LLC


Aktsiaselts Kaamos Kinnisvara (Kaamos group companies)


One Development


LatRosTrans, LLC


Microsoft Latvia


Valsts nekustamie īpašumi (State Real Estate)


LLC ”Rīgas jahtu centrs “ANDREJOSTA””


Liepājas Special Economic Zone Authority


Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks, LLC


Rīgas universālais termināls


Work highlights


  • Advised LHV Varahaldus on acquisition of real estate portfolio (5 rental houses in the centre of Riga) with the total value exceeding 9 million EUR.
  • Assisted Riga city municipality in the preparation of the application to the Constitutional Court disputing the decision of the competent minister to suspend the validity of the new spatial plan for Riga.
  • Assisted the Latvian subsidiary of Metro Capital Management (Estonian real estate developer) in a multi-million EUR sale transaction of the shopping centre to the Lithuanian fund Eika Asset Management.

Sorainen

Sorainen has a very strong record in cross border real estate transactions and counts Lords Asset Management and Nordic Investment Bank among its clients. The firm is also very active in the infrastructure space, with RB Rail being another major client. The practice is jointly led by Lelde Laviņa, who has a background in development projects and sale and leaseback transactions, and Jorens Jaunozols, who has first hand experience in the market having previously worked for a real estate portfolio holder. Counsel Viktorija Smirnova-Čerkasa and senior associate Andris Vilisons are also important pieces of the team.

Practice head(s):

Lelde Laviņa; Jorens Jaunozols


Other key lawyers:

Viktorija Smirnova-Čerkasa; Andris Vilisons


Testimonials

‘Very experienced and highly competent legal team; attentive to clients’ needs and showing understanding of clients’s business requirements. Accessible on short notice.’

‘We recommend Jorens Jaunozols, Lelde Lavina and Andris Vilisons – a very experienced team with whom we have a close working relationship on an ongoing basis.’

Key clients

Linstow


Lords LB Baltic Fund III


Titanium Baltic Real Estate fund


Stockmann


Nordic Investment bank


A.C.B., Binders, and TIIC (Portugal)


RB Rail


Rīgas cirks


Brabantia Latvia


Ignitis Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Nordic Investment bank, an international financial institution; and Citadele banka, one of the leading banks in Latvia, on providing financing to AS PN Project, a company managed by Lords LB Asset Management, for construction of an office complex certified excellent by BREEAM in Riga.
  • Advised Linstow on all of its large scale acquisitions (Sporta 2; Satekles Business Centre) and sales (hotel “Rīdzene”) during the last year.
  • Advised Stockmann on the sale of its department-store properties in Tallinn and Riga to the investment arm of the Viru Keemia Grupp.

TGS Baltic

TGS Baltic provides support in both commercial real estate transactions and public sector developments. The team also has strong capabilities in public procurement work and specialist knowledge in sectors including energy and sport. Linda Strause, experienced in PPP, development regulatory, constitutional and environmental law, leads the team, supported by Sandis Petrovičs and Agnese Hartpenga. Senior associate Aija Kreicberga is also key, providing previous industry experience to her clients, having worked as a real estate expert for Latvijas Mobilais Telefons.

Practice head(s):

Linda Štrause


Other key lawyers:

Sandis Petrovičs; Agnese Hartpenga; Aija Kreicberga


Testimonials

‘Our team leader Linda Štrause is so responsive and knowledgeable. The team always responds timely, are on top of their game and we are very satisfied with the results they give.’

‘Partner Linda Štrause is one of the greatest leaders of the industry we have ever worked with. Aija Kreicberga has so much talent in real estate, we love working with her! Zane Sk?amina, although has just 5 years of experience, has given our real estate cases a big boost and we would love to see her growth further in the future!’

‘Whole team has such technical knowledge that I have no doubt that always we get the best treatment.’

After covid, they are still providing options to meet online also, which is very convenient for busy people. Billing is always timely and in emails.’

‘We have been working with TGS Baltic real estate and dispute resolution practice groups team for quite some time now. Very strong team of recognized, experienced and skilled attorneys at law, with a capacity to cover large scale and very complex cases. They offer quick and quality analysis, whenever it is necessary, always meet agreed deadlines. Their fees are competitive, and their advice has particular and practical added value.’

‘I would like to acknowledge the vast and extensive knowledge and skills of Linda Štrause, a partner, the head of team and our main contact. Partner Linda Štrause is always on point and provides great communication when dealing our cases. Aija Kreicberga shows great support in every aspect of her work with us.’

Key clients

Akropolis


SIA M257


Latvenergo AS


Flebomedika SIA


Roto


Schwenk SIA


Moller Mobility Group


Sporta centrs Mežaparks SIA


Delta Property SIA


Rotho Blaas Group


Wind Power Development


University of Latvia


Valsts nekustamie īpašumi (States Real Estate)


Work highlights


  • Provided full transactional support to Akropolis Group UAB in the acquisition of 100% of the shares of SIA Delta Property, the owner of a major shopping centre Alfa Shopping Centre in Riga, Latvia.
  • Represented the University of Latvia in the development of the university’s new campus in Torņkalns, Riga.
  • Assisted Rotho Blaas with the purchase of a warehouse in Latvia.

FORT

FORT supports on a number of large real estate transactions and offers more niche capabilities too. For example, the practice has specific  expertise in real estate work in the sports sector, and is also involved in retrospective claims for property restitution linked to the period of nationalisation under the Soviet Union. Jānis Līkops leads the team, supported by Sandis Bertaitis.

Practice head(s):

Janis Likops


Other key lawyers:

Sandis Bertaitis; Vita Rancane


Testimonials

‘In any real estate / construction matter we can definitely recommend FORT. They are well-known market leaders in this practice, having more than 15 years of experience. FORT is experienced, knowledgeable and capable of bringing high-class advice in real estate / construction matters of any level of difficulty.’

‘In this practice there are several lawyers standing out – both partners, Janis Likops and Sandis Bertaitis, as well as senior associate Vita Rancane. We value the in-depth knowledge, seeing the bigger picture and always being one step ahead.’

‘We consider Fort to be one of the strongest law firms in this practice area. They are very experienced, they have both practical and theoretical knowledge. The billing is easy, transparent and grounded.’

Key clients

Baltijas Industriālais Parks


Capital Mill


Rotermann


Eika Asset Management


Krassky


Latvian Red Cross


LNK Properties


Piche


Sodra


Vastint


Work highlights


  • Assisted Eika Asset Management UAB in expanding its activities in Latvia by acquiring shares in an SPV, which owns a shopping centre in the centre of Riga.
  • Supported Latvian Red Cross with restitution matters (re-establishing of the client’s ownership or providing respective compensation) in respect to the client’s historic real estate properties that were nationalised during the Second World War.
  • Advised Rotermann in the sale of several real estate properties comprising the so called Rigas Sporta Pils quarter (former ice hockey arena Riga Sports Palace) in the historic centre of Riga, Latvia.

WALLESS

WALLESS oversees large transactions in the area of shopping centre retail space, as well as advising on commercial office developments. Practice head Kristine Gaigule-Saveja has over two decades of experience in structuring real estate deals and advising on construction law. Associate partner Andis Ozoliņš, who works on corporate governance, regulatory and competition issues in the real estate field, is also key.

Practice head(s):

Kristīne Gaigule-Šāvēja


Other key lawyers:

Andis Ozoliņš


Key clients

Pulsar Optics SIA


KS Holding


Kauno Tiltai


Skonto Būve SIA


RERE GRUPA


A.C.B. AS


TAV Airport Holding


Depo DIY


Lumi Capital


Novira Capital OU


Graanul Invest AS


AJ POWER SOLAR AS


TILTS SIA


BHM group


Capitalica Asset Management UAB


Marijas 2 SIA


Baltic Horizon Group companies


Bonava Latvija, SIA


Newsec Latvia


Work highlights


  • Advised KS Holdings in sale of shopping centre OZOLS.
  • Advised Novira capital with respect to development of Novira Plaza, a 7-floor office building, in heart of Riga.
  • Advised Lumi Capital in acquisition of Indi business centre, as well as multiple shopping centres in Riga.

Kronbergs Cukste Levin

Kronbergs Cukste Levin serves as regular counsel to developers and leasing companies, assisting with drafting, due diligence and acquisitions. The firm is also strong in procurement disputes, construction contractual matters and infrastructure projects. Kristine Sakarne leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Kristine Sakarne


Key clients

Forma 2


Hausers


Jurmalas Businesa Centrs


Estate Guru


InterTrust / White Cryption


Skonto Buve


AVON


JSC Latvian Railways


Mara Adams


LION RE


Franzoni & Co


Microsoft


OÜ Baures


Peek & Cloppenburg


ISMS Limited


European Railway Lines


State owned company Kulturas un sporta centrs Daugavas stadions


SIA Ambient Home


Janis Auns


DHL


Tenax


Electrolux


Avesco


OTCF


Linstow


SIA Karlsberg


Netaman Repair Group OÜ


Ezis Technologies SIA


Work highlights


  • Served as regular legal counsel in matters concerning mortgage security for Estate Guru.
  • Advised Hauser on all facets of commercial residential housing project in Riga and drafting agreements related thereto.

Rödl & Partner

Hailed as ‘truly professional‘, Rödl & Partner provides support on real estate acquisitions and construction projects, with a specialism in the agricultural sector. Kristine Zvejniece and Sanda Lace, who both have backgrounds in M&A and commercial law, jointly led the team. Associate Staņislavs Sviderskis, who focuses on asset purchase transactions, is also integral.


Practice head(s):

Kristīne Zvejniece; Sanda Lace


Other key lawyers:

Staņislavs Sviderskis


Testimonials

‘The team is truly professional, being able to find surprisingly creative solutions within the strict limits of the law.’

‘Stanislavs Sviderskis quickly “catches the ball” and wins the scores for the client.’

‘Exceptional service and client focus. Very pleasant attitudes across the company. Very orderly and organised.’

Key clients

KM Consulting UAB


VAN GRAAF GmbH, Van Graaf Latvia SIA(Peek & Cloppenburg Hamburg group)


Premier Restaurants Latvia – McDonalds franchisee


Valsts nekustamie īpašumi VAS (State Real Estates)


Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH


Alarius GmbH


Publisko aktīvu pārvaldītājs “Possessor’ VSIA


Swisscom Ltd


SIA “SALDUS MELIORĀCIJA”


Work highlights


  • Advised and assisted UAB KM Consulting, a Latvian subsidiary of Norwegian investor, with respect to commencement of trout farm business in Latvia.
  • Advised Alarius GmbH with respect to acquisition of the real estate portfolio consisting of more than 30 properties.
  • Advised VAS Valsts nekustamie īpašumi, a state owned joint stock company, in respect of matters including the quality of construction works performed, delays in performance and the liability of the construction companies under relevant agreements.

Šķiņķis Pētersons

Experts in administrative and constitutional law litigationŠķiņķis Pētersons is recommended for its skill in contentious matters, as well as its specialist knowledge of certain sectors including energy and education. Practice heads Matiss Skinkis and Martins Petersons are both experts in spacial planning and have strong track records in real estate and construction disputes resolution. Senior associate Mārtiņš Daģis is also highly recommended for construction disputes by clients.

Practice head(s):

Matīss Šķiņķis; Mārtiņš Pētersons


Other key lawyers:

Mārtiņš Daģis


Testimonials

‘Firm’s lawyers are experts in administrative and constitutional law litigation. In Latvia, it includes spatial planning and construction disputes, which is very important to us. Not many other firms can provide expertise in these matters.’

‘We have been working with Mārtiņš Daģis since early 2017. He successfully represented us in a complicated construction dispute concerning exclusive and historic place in Jelgava city and in another dispute with local municipality concerning illegal sale of public land. He has extensive experience in construction litigations that he expertly uses in our litigations. He is also an expert in spatial planning matters.’

Key clients

International School of Latvia


Gren Latvia


Euroaptieka


UPB


Rimi Latvia


Omnium Properties


1Home Group


Energoremonts Riga


Inhabitants of Āgenskalns, Rīga


Work highlights


  • Represented Rimi Latvia in a court dispute against a neighbour, which allowed to open shopping mall “Aleja”, one of the largest Rimi shopping malls in Latvia.
  • Represented energy manufacturer Gren in court proceedings, where individuals appealed against excessive noise caused by Gren’s CHP plant.
  • Represented International School of Latvia in a court dispute with head architect, which allowed to change the architect and complete the construction proceedings of new wing and renovation of campus.

VILGERTS

VILGERTS is known for its proficiency in construction disputes as well as real estate M&A, chiefly in the retail sector. The firm is also notable for its specialist expertise, including aviation sector and environmental disputes work. Experienced commercial disputes lawyer, Gints Vilgerts, jointly leads the practice with counsel Arnis Salnajs, who joined the firm from the Latvian Chancery in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Gints Vilgerts; Arnis Salnajs


Key clients

Air Baltic Corporation


EMTA Group


BPM Capital


Estera Development


The State Environmental Service of the Republic of Latvia


Merks


Invalda


Rimi


Inova Baltic


East Capital Real Estate


LATIO SIA


Bauroc| SIA


Colonna


Zenith Capital Management


BAO AS


Dommo Grupa


Omniva


Saliena


VGP


PKN Orlen


Baltrade


ALTUM


Work highlights


  • Advised Summus Capital OÜ on its high valued acquisition of DEPO DIY’s store in Imanta, Riga.
  • Advised Summus Capital OÜ on its high valued acquisition of “Damme”, a leading shopping centre in Riga, Latvia.
  • Advising Merks SIA on a number of major construction disputes major construction disputes.

BDO Law

BDO Law chiefly advises on disputes in the real estate and construction field, including public procurement. The firm also handles property related matters for high net worth individuals. Tax expert and corporate and commercial lawyer, Vita Liberte , leads the team jointly with investment funds specialist, Janis Zelmenis.

Practice head(s):

Vita Liberte; Jānis Zelmenis


Key clients

Tilts


Mira-G


Edgars Voļskis


Work highlights


  • Representing Tilts, SIA – BDO Law in a civil lawsuit against Daugavpils City Council and an associated construction project company.
  • Represents MIRA-G, SIA in dispute with architect office, designer “Arhiidea” regarding defective and incomplete building renovation project.

NJORD Law Firm

As as well as residential and industrial property developments, NJORD Law Firm also has expertise in forestry matters, a key industry in Latvia. Assistance for high net worth individuals is another core part of the firm’s work in the real estate field. Dmitri Nikolaenko, also experienced in tax, employment and immigration law, heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Dmitri Nikolaenko


Key clients

NEWSEC LV SIA


Park Hotel Kemeri SIA


SG Jurmala Estate SIA


SIA Plienciema 16


PL Holding GmbH


AVESTS SIA


Adventika Group SIA


SIA TAL Residence


PILGAARD SIA


WESICO PROJECT OÜ


Bronx Wood OÜ


Work highlights


  • Advised WESICO PROJECT OÜ and Bronx Wood OÜ on acquisition of the Latvian company owned agricultural and forest land.
  • Advised SG Jurmala Estate SIA on the residential development project in Jurmala.