Banking, finance and capital markets in Lithuania
Cobalt
Headline matters for Cobalt included Irmantas Norkus advising DNB on its cross-border merger with Nordea, assisted by the head of the firm's Latvian finance team, Ģirts Lejiņš. Led by Akvilė Bosaitė, the team excels in the full scope of banking matters, including handling high-profile banking industry transactions and litigation. Other key practitioners in the team include managing associate of the banking group Eva Suduiko and Elijus Burgis, noted for his M&A and project finance work. Clients for the firm include major financial institutions such as Luminor.
Ellex
Key matters for ‘exceptional market leader’ Ellex include acting for BNP Paribas as arranger on a €300m bonds issue in the international markets, and assisting the Lithuanian Central Credit Union with obtaining a central credit union licence. New partner Ieva Dosinaitė, who joined from TGS Baltic, co-leads the finance group with Giedrius Stasevicius. Longstanding clients include Barclays Bank, HSBC Bank and Danske Bank. Former practice head Gediminas Rečiūnas and Joana Baublytė-Kulvietė have now departed from the firm to create new law firm WALLESS Burgienė, Rečiūnas and partners.
Sorainen
Led by Tomas Kontautas and Augustas Klezys, Sorainen is the ‘strongest in the market’, according to one client, and impresses with its comprehensive banking services, covering complex transactions and cross-border matters. Key highlights included advising Nordea on its merger with DNB in the Baltics. Other clients include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Associate Eglė Mazėtytė joined from TGS Baltic.
TGS Baltic
TGS Baltic’s client base includes the European Investment Bank and Nordea. It provides a broad range of financial services to international institutions, investment banks and private equity firms. Practice head Vilius Bernatonis advised ING Bank and other creditors on the amendment and restatement of a term loan and revolving facility agreement. Ieva Dosinaitė has left the firm for Ellex.
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) assists with financing transactions, the negotiation of agreements, and banking contracts. Led by Jonas Saladžius, the firm recently assisted Odyssey Europe with the financial agreements relating to its acquisition of an Estonian gaming group. Tomas Rymeikis is a key figure in the practice.
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners
Linas Sesickas leads the team at GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners, which has experience in local and international transactions and project funding. It recently advised international insurance company Allianz Global Life on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing prevention matters. Clients include Vienna Insurance Group and Eiffel Investment Group.
Primus Derling
At Primus Derling, Robert Juodka and Tomas Venckus lead the practice group, which is currently providing legal advice to Santander Bank Polska on a cross-border merger. The firm also undertakes a substantial amount of regulatory work. Clients include N26 online bank and LHV Bank. Giedrė Dailidėnaitė is also recommended.
Dominas LEVIN
Dominas LEVIN's practice group is led by the 'professional and attentive' Gediminas Dominas, who handles matters including bond issues, loan syndications, litigation and acquisitions. Clients include international banks and multinational corporations. Senior associate Mindaugas Černiauskas joined from Relegal.
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas
Led by senior associate Jurgita Najulyte, has expertise in advising insolvent credit unions and assisting in bankruptcy proceedings. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas recently represented the Lithuanian branch of Danske Bank in a dispute with a joint-stock company over the repayment terms of a €43m loan. Associate Greta Kubiliūnaitė left the firm to join Sorainen.
Deloitte Legal, Professional Partnership of Advocates
Tomas Davidonis leads the practice group at Deloitte Legal, Professional Partnership of Advocates, which offers clients a wide range of advice on traditional banking services, as well as niche areas such as blockchain technology and fintech. Monika Žlabienė is also a key member of the team. Tomas Ambrasas has departed from the firm to found Fintech Lithuania.
ECOVIS ProventusLaw
Inga Karulaitytė-Kvainauskienė is head of the team at ECOVIS ProventusLaw, which advises a variety of local and international financial institutions and fintech companies, as well as traditional banks. Loreta Andziulytė is also recommended.
Magnusson
At Magnusson, the key figures in the practice are Kęstutis Baranauskas and Diana Urbonienė. The team has advised numerous credit unions on conversions to banks and has experience in handling banking-related disputes. The Baltic Banking Service is a client.
UAB PricewaterhouseCoopers
Rokas Bukauskas leads the banking group at PwC Legal and has been advising the Ministry of Finance on all matters related to the establishment of a national promotional bank in Lithuania. The team also has experience in financing transactions.
Triniti
Triniti has experience in advising fintech companies and banking, insurance and investment institutions on compliance, licensing, debt restructuring, litigation and cross-border transactions. Linas Sabaliauskas is the key figure in the practice. Senior associate Ieva Brimerienė is also recommended.
TVINS
Tomas Talutis leads the group at TVINS, which has expertise in regulatory matters relating to collective investment schemes and alternative financing, as well as insurance issues. Vytautas Šenavičius recently advised Easy Debt Service on the acquisition of €100m loan portfolios from four credit institutions. New clients include the Baltic Financial Advisors Association. Associate Miroslava Kryštul joined from TGS Baltic.