Cobalt displays a 'high level of intelligence, professionalism and promptness' in the wide range of services it provides for corporate and private clients. Practice co-head Elijus Burgis and managing partner Irmantas Norkus led the advice to DNB on combining its operations with Nordea in the Baltics states, which included all aspects of the planning of the transaction and regulatory and merger control matters. It continues to advise the newly combined bank Luminor. Associate Justinas Kondratas joined from NJORD Law Firm and the team also saw the promotion of Julija Timoščenko to associate. Juozas Rimas co-leads the M&A practice group and counts Johnson & Johnson as a client.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Lithuania
Ellex
Ellex is 'the most exceptional player in the Baltic market', according to one client, and continues to win the biggest share of the country's largest commercial transactions and M&A deals. Practice co-heads Zilvinas Zinkevicius and Paulius Gruodis recently advised Estonia's biggest renewable energy company on its merger across the Baltic states. Industry and regulatory team head Jaunius Gumbis and Marius Juonys are also noted practitioners, and Robertas Čiočys, who heads the private equity and venture capital subgroup, is recommended for his specialty in liquidation matters. Associates Mantas Juska and Arvydas Gruseckas joined from Cobalt and TGS Baltic respectively. Dovilė Burgienė left the partnership to form new firm WALLESS Burgienė, Rečiūnas and partners.
Sorainen
Big-ticket matters for Sorainen's 'excellent' corporate practice include Tomas Kontautas advising Nordea on combining its operations with DNB in the Baltic regions to create Luminor, with the assistance of Rūdolfs Eņģelis from the Latvia office. Clients are impressed by Algirdas Pekšys' 'professional insight' and his ability to find the 'best possible legal solutions'. Sergej Butov leads the regional corporate and M&A team and is known for his 'creative and goal-orientated approach'. The team has been strengthened by two new joiners and promotions within the practice group. Laimonas Skibarka is recommended for his expertise on private equity, as is Mantas Petkevičius, who made partner in February 2018.
TGS Baltic
Marius Matonis and Vidmantas Drizga co-lead the team at TGS Baltic, which caters to a wide range of corporate and private clients including Medicinos Bankas and BaltCap. In recent work, the firm acted for Apex Alliance on an investment and development project which spanned multiple jurisdictions, including Romania. Aurimas Pauliukevičius advised an investment company on the acquisition of a stake in a sportswear company and on obtaining merger clearance from the Lithuanian Competition Council.
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners impresses clients with its 'professional and pragmatic approach' and expertise in M&A transactions and private equity and venture capital investments . Led by Andrius Ivanauskas, the firm recently advised private equity leader LitCapital on all aspects of its investment into a public company. Longstanding clients include the Open Society Institute and the Business Angels Fund. Associate Simona Butkutė joined from Magnusson.
Motieka & Audzevicius
Motieka & Audzevicius' practice has 'extensive experience and knowledge' and is led by the highly rated Giedrius Kolesnikovas. The firm recently handled large-scale cross-border acquisitions for three companies, including agricultural group Linas Agro. Other key team members include senior associate Michail Parchimovič and associate Rokas Jankus. New clients include SmartLynx Airlines.
bnt attorneys in CEE
At bnt attorneys in CEE, Frank Heemann leads the practice group, which counts the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce and Stengel among its clients. The team has expertise in insolvency, including distressed M&A, and corporate restructuring matters. Other key team members include Mindaugas Navickas and Yvonne Goldammer. Arnas Stonys joined from AAA Law.
Dominas LEVIN
The 'responsible and attentive' team at Dominas LEVIN has expertise in international M&A transactions and has a broad client base ranging from financial institutions to energy companies. Managing partner Gediminas Dominas has been involved in advising a group of private investors.
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
At Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland), practice head Jonas Saladžius and Rimtis Puišys are advising Sports Direct on the acquisition of commercial facilities in Lithuania. The firm also counts Fortum Heat Lietuva as one of its clients.
Derling Primus
At Primus Derling, managing partner Robert Juodka and Giedrė Dailidėnaitė co-lead the practice group, which has the National Defence Foundation and Bunge as its clients. It assisted a manufacturing company with securing a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to facilitate its expansion in Belarus. The team was strengthened by the arrival of senior associate Ieva Strunkienė from Triniti.
FORT
At FORT, Mindaugas Žolynas and Andrius Mamontovas lead the practice group, which has experience in the issuing of bonds, joint ventures and restructuring projects. Highlights included advising on three separate mergers. New clients include DPD Lithuania.
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas
At LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, Gintaras Balčiūnas leads the team, which is currently advising pharmaceutical company Roche on the operation of its distribution network in Lithuania. Senior associate Vaidas Radvila is also a name to note.
Magnusson
Ligita Ramanauskaitė leads the group at Magnusson, which has been advising on a €3m merger involving 31 companies in the agricultural sector. Tomas Ivanauskas joined from VILGERTS; his client portfolio includes sector-leading companies such as Baltic Orbis.
PwC Legal
At PwC Legal, the team draws on its traditional tax background to offer clients an integrated approach to corporate matters. The team has been strengthened by the addition of two senior associates: Jolita Paulauskaitė joined from Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) and Simona Tolušytė joined from Ellex. Rokas Bukauskas is the main contact.
TVINS
Managing partner Tomas Talutis is the key figure at TVINS. Recent work includes advising Fjord Bank on the issuing of new shares worth €3m. Associates Miroslava Kryštul, Gediminas Odminis and Michal Petkevič all joined the firm from TGS Baltic.