Ilko Stoyanov > Schoenherr > Sofia, Bulgaria > Lawyer Profile

Commended for its ‘international know-how‘, Schoenherr (in cooperation with Stoyanov & Tsekova)’s ‘well-established TMT team’ has a track record in noteworthy transactions which continues to grow, as evidenced by its recent advice to United Group on the acquisition of several leading telecoms companies, including Net1, Digital Cable Television (N3) and NetworX Bulgaria. The practice is also active in matters concerning the provision of electronic services and e-commerce, as well as data protection issues. ‘Experienced negotiator’ Ilko Stoyanov, who specialises in corporate mandates and M&A deals arising out of the telecoms sector, leads the team alongside head of regulatory Stefana Tsekova. Radoslav Chemshirov left the firm in November 2021.

Schoenherr (in cooperation with Stoyanov & Tsekova) ‘combines legal expertise with business perception and excellent client care’ when advising on some of the largest transactions on the Bulgarian market. Dual Bulgarian and Austrian qualified practice co-leader Alexandra Doytchinova, who ‘stands out with huge practical experience’, led the team in advising MET Group on the acquisition of 42 MW wind park from Enel Green Power. Practice co-leader Ilko Stoyanov is noted for his ‘exceptional’ expertise ‘in the field of corporate transformations, restructuring and mergers and acquisitions’.

Schoenherr is noted for its expertise in cross-border merger control mandates; the team successfully advised United Group on obtaining merger control approvals following its acquisition of Bulgarian operators Net1, ComNet Sofia, Digital Cable Television and Networx-Bulgaria. The team also handles competition compliance, anti-competitive agreements and antitrust proceedings. Corporate and M&A partner Ilko Stoyanov jointly leads practice alongside Galina Petkova, who is praised for her ‘exceptional’ experience ‘in the field of compliance, antitrust and unfair competition’.

Schoenherr advises corporate clients and financial institutions on a wide range of matters, from project and acquisition finance to debt restructuring and refinancing, as well as financial transactions and regulatory issues. Tsvetan Krumov, who has experience in advising banks and other financial institutions on regulatory matters, leads the team and is supported by associate Milena Gabrovska. Ilko Stoyanov also plays a key role on major matters.