Romania

Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law (“SAA”) has advised Corden BioChem on the takeover and reactivation of the dormant bioethanol production facility, previously owned by Clariant Group and the subsequent acquisition of a neighboring biomass-based co-generation plant from Getec Servicii Energetice, both assets being located in Podari, Dolj County. The acquisition represents a strategic component of Corden BioChem’s broader business plan to develop a biotechnology hub in Dolj County, Romania. This transactions marks two mandates in which SAA has assisted in connection with the Podari industrial platform. The first was in 2024, when Stratulat Albulescu advised International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), a well-known industrial group with sales exceeding EUR 3 billion and more than 6,000 employees worldwide, on the acquisition of the dormant bioethanol production site in Podari, Dolj County, from Clariant Group, one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies. This latest transaction marks a significant step for the Romanian industrial and energy market, enabling the restart of one of the country’s largest bioethanol production facilities while ensuring energy self-sufficiency through low-carbon co-generation. By integrating bioethanol production with renewable energy generation, the Podari platform is positioned as a benchmark for sustainable industrial operations in Romania and aligns with broader European objectives on energy transition, decarbonisation and security of supply. Corden BioChem is the biotechnology subsidiary of International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), a privately held industrial group with global operations. Headquartered in Germany, Corden BioChem is a leading contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) for high-quality biotech products, with more than 70 years of experience and one of Europe’s largest fermentation and downstream processing capacities. The SAA team advising on the deal was led by Silviu Stratulat (Managing Partner), Manuela Iurașcu (Partner) and Luiza Ionescu (Special Counsel), and included Ana Kusak (Partner), Victor Iacob (Managing Associate), Alexandru Lazăr (Senior Associate), Alina Ghezuroiu (Associate) and Carlos Boșogeanu (Associate). The mandate covered integrated legal assistance across corporate, real estate, competition, M&A and energy matters. For any other information on this, please feel free to contact Delia Bîjnea (Head of Marketing and Communications) at [email protected] or Anastasia Tache (Marketing Assistant) at [email protected].

Stratulat Albulescu is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Luiza Ionescu and Costin Sandu to Partner, and Victor Iacob to Counsel, effective April 2026. This advancement reflects their strong track record in leading complex matters, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and driving senior-level client engagement across key mandates. Their promotion further reinforces the firm’s commitment to developing internal talent while strengthening its capabilities in high-level matter management and execution. Commenting on the promotions, Managing Partner Silviu Stratulat said: “Luiza joined our team seamlessly, taking over the coordination of our Energy practice and quickly becoming a point of reference for both colleagues and clients. At the same time, she has been actively involved in business development, both locally and internationally, as well as in the growth of our team and Energy practice. Her promotion is a natural step in recognition of this trajectory. Costin has been with us for several years and has consistently demonstrated professionalism, rigor and a remarkable ability to manage complex projects, including highly sensitive regulatory matters. He is highly appreciated by clients for his expertise and attention to detail and represents a key pillar within our team. Victor’s promotion to Counsel reflects his strong expertise in competition law and his consistent involvement in complex and high-profile mandates. We congratulate them all on this achievement and wish them every success in their new roles.” Dr. Luiza Ionescu is a Partner in our Energy & Infrastructure Group. She has over a decade of experience in the energy sector, spanning both conventional and renewable markets, including solar, wind, storage, hybrid and emerging technologies such as floating photovoltaic (PV) and agrivoltaics (agriPV). Her practice focuses on regulatory and transactional energy matters, with significant involvement in M&A, project development, permitting and compliance across all project stages, from land scouting and grid connection to EPC and PPA negotiation. Costin Sandu is a Partner in our TMT, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity teams, where he brings an innovative perspective, strong business acumen and hands-on leadership. With more than 18 years of experience, he specialises in technology law and compliance work, particularly in Data Protection and Cybersecurity, as well as in telecom matters. He also has a strong professional background in banking and finance, financial services regulatory and compliance, and corporate and M&A. Victor Iacob is a Counsel, qualified in Romania and New York, with 14 years of experience in EU and Romanian competition law. He focuses on merger control and foreign direct investment screening, as well as antitrust investigations, advisory work and compliance, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors. For any other information on this, please feel free to contact Delia Bîjnea (Head of Marketing and Communications) at [email protected] or Anastasia Tache (Marketing Assistant) at [email protected].

Effective 16 March, Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law (“SAA”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andreea Nedeloiu as Partner and Head of Banking & Finance. Andreea brings over 14 years of experience advising on complex financing transactions. She joins SAA after spending her entire career with a leading international law firm, where she built a strong reputation advising on some of the most significant banking and finance transactions in Romania. Her practice spans the full spectrum of transactional finance, where she advises on sophisticated financing arrangements and supports both lenders and sponsors during the entire lifecycle of a financing transaction, from initial structuring and term sheet negotiation to the drafting and refinement of comprehensive documentation tailored to the commercial and regulatory realities of each deal. Throughout her career, she has been a trusted adviser to many of the most prominent domestic and international banks, financial institutions, credit providers, and multinational corporate borrowers and sponsors active in the Romanian market. She has played a key role in some of the most significant and high‑profile banking and finance transactions, contributing not only technical expertise but also strategic insight that helps clients navigate complexity and achieve their commercial objectives. In addition to her transactional expertise, she also advises extensively on regulatory matters, particularly those involving the cross‑border provision of banking, payment, and investment services. Her experience includes guiding financial institutions through the regulatory requirements applicable to offering services into Romania from other jurisdictions, assessing passporting and licensing implications, and ensuring compliance with local and EU‑level supervisory frameworks. Managing Partner Silviu Stratulat stated: "We are confident that Andreea’s arrival will give our Banking & Finance practice a new direction especially as the area is becoming of increased interest in our country. Her profile and experience along with her energy and presence overlaps perfectly with our strategy and drive. Our goal is to continue our growth and continue delivering legal advice directed at the needs of the client and towards creation of long-term value. Andreea will contribute to this journey and even in shaping the legal market." Andreea Nedeloiu added: "I am excited to join SAA at this stage of the firm's development. The firm's entrepreneurial culture, its commitment to excellence, and the calibre of its people drew me in immediately.  Stepping into the role of leading the Banking & Finance practice, my priority is to build on the high standard of service that clients have long relied on. I am eager to work alongside this talented team, ensuring that the quality, responsiveness, and practical insight our clients are accustomed to not only continue, but grow even stronger. I look forward to contributing to the firm's continued growth and ongoing success and bringing my network, experience and energy to support its ambitions for the future." Andreea's standing in the market is reflected in her consistent recognition by leading international legal directories, ranked as a Leading Associate in Banking & Finance by Legal 500 and distinguished as a Notable Practitioner by IFLR1000. Clients have long praised her for her thorough legal knowledge, unwavering availability, and the proactive, tailored approach she brings to every mandate. For any other information on this, please feel free to contact Delia Bîjnea (Head of Marketing and Communications) at [email protected] or Anastasia Tache (Marketing Assistant) at [email protected].

Reforms can bring both risks and opportunities for companies. How market players can prepare legally In times of institutional transition or shifts in the vision of the judicial system, companies must be prepared to manage the associated uncertainties. Such moments require a clear understanding of reforms that may have indirect effects on how justice functions, applicable legislation, and administrative mechanisms. An effective adaptation involves specialized advice provided by a business lawyer who understands not only client demands but also the risks generated by a transforming system. A prevention-oriented strategy can turn reaction into proactive response. Justice between continuity and reform A possible change in judicial priorities may indirectly influence the pace of resolving civil litigation lawyer cases, the criteria for applying legal norms, and the availability of administrative resources. These circumstances call for a strong partnership between the client and a Bucharest lawyer who can anticipate procedural developments. At a time when more reforms are publicly discussed, it is imperative for corporate lawyers in Romania to offer due diligence lawyer services tailored to each economic sector. For instance, in the real estate market in Romania, early identification of contractual risks is essential, and collaboration with a due diligence lawyer is an indispensable component of transactions. Anticipating the impact of legislative changes Regulatory changes, regardless of their origin, can generate significant risks legislative for companies, especially in fast-moving sectors. Therefore, solid tax consulting lawyer support becomes a necessity, not an option. Working closely with a Bucharest lawyer specialized in regulation enables a quick assessment of the normative impact on commercial relationships. Especially companies operating in regulated fields must collaborate closely with a business lawyer to adapt contracts to new requirements. Constant monitoring of official sources of information such as legislative publications, authority announcements, and public consultations is the most effective and safest way to stay updated with all changes at the national level. In this regard, an annual due diligence report prepared by a due diligence lawyer helps identify weaknesses as well as legislative opportunities that can be leveraged. Legislative clarifications awaited Relations with public institutions require a specialized legal approach, with the field of purchase of real estate being one where precision and compliance are essential. A real estate lawyer offers detailed advice on procedures, deadlines, and contesting decisions made by contracting authorities. The Romanian Law Firm Pavel, Margarit & Associates provides comprehensive consulting and legal assistance services in public procurement, litigation, and real estate law. Our team of Bucharest lawyers is dedicated to offering strategic support for companies and institutions, including legal audit, due diligence report, and contract drafting. If you need advice on legislative risks, reforms, or business strategies, we are here to support you. Don’t navigate these challenges alone. Contact Us today for expert assistance tailored to your needs. Contact Us Companies contracting with the state may face administrative or commercial disputes, and a real estate litigation lawyer, when necessary, can intervene to defend interests in court. It is important that all contracts be drafted or reviewed by a contract cancellation expert or contractual clauses specialist well-versed in public sector requirements. For firms in the real estate market in Romania working closely with local or central authorities, a partnership with a real estate lawyer represents an investment in the legal security of the business. “In periods of legislative instability or institutional transition, companies need legal partners more than ever who understand not only the letter of the law but also the direction in which things are moving. A business lawyer well grounded in economic and regulatory realities can turn legislative risks into strategic steps. This is the true role of effective legal cooperation: to provide clarity where uncertainty exists,” said Dr. Radu Pavel, Coordinating Lawyer at the Romanian Law Firm Pavel, Margarit & Associates. Even if there is no immediate threat, companies must remain vigilant about risks legislative. Whether it involves a new president, legislative changes, or court developments, an experienced Bucharest lawyer in corporate consulting can provide stability in an unstable climate. At a time when reforms become part of the ongoing discourse, it is essential that economic actors strengthen their internal legal capacity or outsource intelligently. Audit, strategy, and prevention — these are the pillars of an effective relationship with a business lawyer. Whether we talk about purchase of real estate, litigation, contracts, or tax regulation, a solid lawyer career is reflected in practical solutions.