Cobalt, which is ‘a leading law firm in the Baltics’, has a strong track record in major cross-border and domestic deals. It is notably active in corporate finance, capital markets transactions, loan portfolio transactions and regulatory matters. The team’s expertise in cross-border transactions and financings has seen it win work from international clients such as Citibank, Citadel and Swedbank. In 2020, the team advised Baltic bank Lumimor on its landmark €1bn sale to Blackstone, the largest pan-Baltic deal in that particular year. Heading up the team is Akvilė Bosaitė, who is a key name in the market for investment funds, project finance and corporate transactions involving the banking sector. She leads the team with Eva Suduiko, who has a distinct focus on capital markets and project finance work. Elijus Burgis is also recommended.

Ellex, which is one of the leading pan-Baltic law firms, has recently assisted clients with some of the largest capital markets and project finance deals in the market. In addition, its team has advised clients on Lithuania’s new anti-money laundering regulations. Cross-border work is a notable strength of the practice, with the client roster comprising of a number of international clients. The group also has experience of working with practitioners at Magic Circle law firms. Ieva Dosinaitė undertakes cross-border mandates and is noted for her regulatory expertise in relation to anti-money laundering and licensing issues. Dosinaitė co-heads the practice with Giedrius Stasevicius, who focuses on bond issuances, project finance transactions, securitisations and secured lending. Associate Domantas Gudonis is also recommended.

Sorainen’s presence across the Baltic region makes it a popular choice for pan-Baltic financings and transactions, as is evidenced by the fact that it acts for major names such as JP Morgan, Credit Suisse and BNP Paribas. The team has a strong track record acting for clients on bond issuances, and it is also very active in emerging areas, such as fintech and green finance transactions. Managing partner Tomas Kontautas  is a key name for regulatory assistance and transactions that have a nexus to the insurance sector. He jointly leads the team with former banker Augustas Klezys, who is highly experienced in banking transactions and fintech licensing, as well as matters involving international swaps and derivatives.

TGS Baltic is a leading name for capital markets work, as is evidenced by it recently acting for Lithuania’s Ministry of Finance on its issuance of €2bn worth of Eurobonds in connection with the Covid 19 pandemic. Other prominent areas of activity included acquisition finance and property finance transactions, as well as fintech-related matters. Žygimantas Stankevičius formerly worked as head of legal at Luminor (Lithuania’s largest bank), making him well-placed to handle regulatory work. He jointly leads the team with Vidmantas Drizga, who is an expert in capital markets transactions, derivatives and insolvencies. In addition to acting for major players in the domestic market, the firm’s client base also consists of international names such as Credit Suisse and Revolut. Vilius Bernatonis and associate partner Mantas Gofmanas are also recommended.

WALLESS is a relatively new entrant to the market, with its team having joined from Ellex in 2018. Joana Baublyte-Kulviete has a strong track record in financings and capital markets transactions. She jointly leads the practice with Gediminas Reciunas, who is reputed for his work in project and aviation finance. The team is also sought out to advise on licensing, fintech, fund management and insurance issues. Recent highlights included advising a consortium of BNP Paribas, Citi, JP Morgan and Luminor on the €1.5m purchase of bonds from UAB Ignitis Grupe.

Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) is very active in providing regulatory assistance to both international and domestic clients, particularly in relation to fintech licensing and anti-money laundering regulations. Managing partner Jonas Saladžius has a very broad skill set, which includes regulatory compliance, structured financings and corporate transactions. The team also benefits from the firm being the only international law firm based in Lithuania.