Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner > Charlotte, United States > Firm Profile
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Offices
ONE WACHOVA CENTER
301 S. COLLEGE STREET, SUITE 3700
CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
NORTH CAROLINA
United States
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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner > The Legal 500 Rankings
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 1
Standing out for its broad industry coverage, which spans the energy, infrastructure, insurance, technology and private equity sectors, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to advise middle-market clients in the full slate of corporate transactions and governance issues. The firm has recently handled several high-value de-SPAC deals, and a variety of cross-border mandates on behalf of sellers and buyers. John Welge, who has great’ experience in this field, focuses on middle-market M&A in the US and abroad. He is one of the main points of contact in the M&A and corporate finance practice alongside Stephanie Hosler, who is regularly retained by public companies, closely held businesses, investment partnerships and portfolio companies. Joel Lander is singled out for his strong track record in the manufacturing, transport, technology, life sciences and private equity spaces, while Atlanta-based Amy Wilson leads on a number of cross-border M&A and SPAC transactions. All practitioners are based in St Louis unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
John Welge; Stephanie Hosler
Other key lawyers:
Joel Lander; Kristin Yemm; Amy Wilson; John Goebel
Testimonials
‘Bryan Cave has advised and represented us for 30+ years on business matters including M&A, regulatory, litigation, tax, banking, employment, and other areas. Their people have been outstanding, dedicated to our best interests, and have consistently provided us with the possible advice.’
Key clients
Gesher I Acquisition Corp
Craneware LLC
Roksam Baking
Stonebridge Companies
Backstop Solutions Group
James River Group Holdings Ltd. (Company)
Neenah Inc.
Victra Lllc
SPX FLOW, Inc.
Bunge North America
Peabody Energy Company
PriceWaterhouseCoopers Ltd.
Stifel Financial
Work highlights
- Advised Neenah, Inc., in connection with a $1.75bn all-stock merger of equals with Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc to create Mativ Holdings.
- Assisted Victra in its acquisition of Go Wireless, Inc.
- Advised Roskam Baking on its sale to to Entrepreneurial Equity Partners, a Chicago-based PE firm focused on the food and consumer packaged goods industries
Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles the full range of matters relating to land use law, with particular emphasis on advisory services regarding development enhancement strategies. The New York-based group is well-versed in specific land use issues of the region, obtaining various forms of both municipal and state approvals related to zoning, construction, building codes and historic preservation, alongside financing-related zoning due diligence. Seasoned practitioner Judith Gallent chairs the practice, with vast experience in all aspects of the process for clients, including zoning analysis, air rights transfers and obtaining discretionary land use approvals, among others. James Colgate leverages his unique perspective as both a qualified lawyer and architect to guide clients through complex land use issues, specifically special permits, zoning variances, and navigating onerous bureaucratic and political processes.Practice head(s):
Judith Gallent
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice us unique for the personal commitment to understanding the very nuanced and complicated issues related to New York City zoning and Code-related issues and explaining/presenting the various, often conflicting, components of getting to the “right” answer. BryanCave’s strength is in the combination of their long-term experience, the esteem and trust they’re held in by various government agencies so that they can have side conversations with their leadership without prejudicing the ultimate outcome and capabilities, the extraordinary expertise they bring to any matter and most critically, that they sweat the details in order to best represent their client in searching for the optimal solution.’
‘I don’t see another firm that brings the same expertise to NYC Building Code issues as they do Zoning Code issues under one roof.’
‘I work most closely with are Judy Gallent and James Colgate. I work with Judy primarily on zoning and landmark issues and James primarily on Building Department and Code issues. They are both smart, dedicated and impeccably responsive partners. They are also both normal people and a pleasure to work and are committed to seeing me succeed. Both of them have long-standing relationships in their areas of expertise and know the history of successful and unsuccessful projects as guiderails to our projects. They are both highly-regarded inside of their firm and easily bring in other partners from other areas of expertise for me to engage and rely on when appropriate.’
‘Extensive experience, contacts and relationships with key people at critical agencies, professional and prompt service.’
Key clients
Silverstein Properties
Empire State Development Corporation
United American Land
Success Academy Charter Schools
New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Silverstein Capital Partners
The Hudson Companies
St. Nicks Alliance
Janus Property Company
Nightingale Properties
Breaking Ground
The Rockefeller Group
The Archdiocese of New York
CubeSmart
Consolidated Edison of New York
Success Academy
Joseph Safra Real Estate
Silverstein Capital Partners
Arbor Realty Trust
International Code Council
Educational Housing Services
AGDP Holding
Work highlights
- Assisting the Archdiocese of New York in land use matters related to its extensive real estate portfolio, including performing zoning and building code analyses for adaptive re-use, redevelopment, and/or disposition.
- Representing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in land use aspects of development of the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway.
- Representing The Hudson Companies, developer of affordable and supportive housing project in New York City, in obtaining a rezoning, zoning text amendments and special permits to facilitate development of a mixed-use project containing 112 dwelling units, retail and expansion space for an existing transit facility.
Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 3
Although the scope of its work does include some national mandates, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s St Louis-based team has developed a particularly strong reputation for handling regional product liability defense work in the Midwest. In this context, the team regularly forms an integral part of national counsel and trial teams with a significant nexus to work in the region and is noted for its ability to work ‘very collaboratively with other firms’. Bettina Strauss often defends pharmaceutical and medical device companies in high-profile product liability litigation, where she is noted for her core trial skills as well as her aptitude at preparing company witnesses for trial and striking down opposing plaintiff experts through Daubert motions. The vastly experienced Dan Ball is praised as a ‘first-rate trial lawyer’. Other recommended practitioners include ‘very strong advocate’ Liz Blackwell and San Francisco-based Lee Marshall, who is lauded as a ‘skilled appellate advocate’. Strauss co-heads the firm’s pharma and medical devices class action and mass tort team alongside Timothy Hasken . All named practitioners are based out of St Louis unless otherwise indicated.Practice head(s):
Timothy Hasken; Bettina Strauss
Other key lawyers:
Dan Ball; Liz Blackwell; Lee Marshall; Rick Cassetta; Stefani Wittenauer
Testimonials
‘I really value the ability of the team to consider the bigger picture, advise on themes and dispositive issues.’
‘The team works very collaboratively with other law firms.’
‘Dan Ball is a first-rate trial lawyer.’
‘Lee Marshall is a very skilled appellate advocate, but unlike some other appellate attorneys, Lee is able to be practical. That makes his advice during trial very valuable.’
‘Liz Blackwell is a very strong advocate. Her attention to detail and ability to really put all the facts into context in arguments in front of a court is something that sets her apart.’
Key clients
Monsanto (nka Bayer)
Enterprise Holdings
Combe Inc.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chubb Fire Ltd.
BNSF Railway
International Vitamin Corporation
Emerson Electric
Work highlights
- Represented Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in dozens of high-profile cases involving thousands of plaintiffs alleging personal injury cases pending in state courts in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
- Represented Boehringer Ingelheim in litigation in Missouri and Illinois involving the pharmaceutical product Zantac.
- Representing Monsanto in tens of thousands of Roundup products liability mass actions.
Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3
In addition to advising insurers, private equity funds and capital market clients on insurance, reinsurance and M&A, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner also supports clients with navigating regulatory frameworks and dealing with emerging insurtech. The practice also assists with the formation of new companies and innovative insurance products, including reinsurance policies and financing, captive insurance solutions and alternative insurance distribution arrangements. In Kansas City, Jodi Adolf is an experienced regulatory specialist, supporting a wide range of sectors including life, health and property insurers and is also called upon by state regulators to handle insurance receiverships and runoffs.Practice head(s):
Ken Achenbach; Brent Vincent; Robert Brunner
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Google, Inc.
McCarthy Capital
ReAlign Insurance Holdings, LLC
Fidelity Security Assurance Company
Buckle Holdings, Inc.
Accelerant Holdings
Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance in Receivership
Fleming Reinsurance Ltd.
Embark General Insurance Agency and Nations General Insurance Agency
EyeMed Vision Care LLC
Acrisure Holdings, Inc.
QBE
Altamont Capital Partners
Aflac
Reinsurance Group of America (RGA)
BCS Financial
Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company
Berkshire Hathaway
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
The Progressive Group
RiverStone Resources
TIG Insurance Company
Clear Spring Property & Casualty Company
James River Group Holdings Ltd.
FB Corporation/First Bank
RiverStone International
Quility Holding, LLC
Work highlights
- Represented the Missouri Liquidator for Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance in the resolution of the ownership of large deductible recoveries arising from claims paid by state insurance guaranty associations on large deductible worker’s compensation policies.
- Advised EyeMed regarding a major phishing-related data breach.
- Represented James River Group Re in a Loss Portfolio Transfer Retrocession Agreement valued at approximately $335 million.
Industry focus > Sport Tier 3
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is commended for its ‘the breadth and depth of its resources in the sports business’, and its global network includes experts in sports litigation. The team’s industry specific litigation has been particularly noteworthy, with members recently representing NCAA athletics in lawsuits in relation to precedent-setting concussion legislation,e. Another area at the forefront of the practice is naming rights transactions, with the team recently assisting Acrisure with a 15-year naming rights deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team is led by Ryan Davis and Steve Smith out of St. Louis and Colorado Springs respectively.Practice head(s):
Ryan Davis; Steve Smith
Other key lawyers:
Chris Schmidt
Testimonials
‘This practice is unique due to the breadth and depth of its resources in the sports business. The team couples subject-specific expertise with deep experience in innumerable applicable situations which can be applied to the client’s current situation.’
‘The individuals from this practice with whom we work have become trusted members of our organization and have helped us navigate challenges and achieve successes numerous times. Their unique understanding of our enterprise, the nuances therein and the dynamics of our organization enables them to connect immediately with the issue at hand to help us advance a solution.’
Key clients
31 National Hockey League Clubs
Various Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Clubs and/or their owners
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Various corporate sponsors, including Acrisure, Airbnb, Dolby, Enterprise, Lower.com, MetLife, Progressive, SoFi, Stifel and Target
National Football Foundation
Mountain West Conference, Big West Conference, Big Sky Conference and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and more than 20 Olympic National Governing Bodies
The Sacramento River Cats and Oklahoma City Dodgers in the sale of their respective clubs, as well as prospective buyers of several Minor League Clubs
World Anti-Doping Agency, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and World Triathlon Corporation/IRONMAN
Minority investor in an English Premier League Club and an NHL Club
Work highlights
- Representing the National Collegiate Athletic Association Acts as national coordinating counsel for concussion, CTE and other sports-injury claims in State and Federal courts around the US.
- Advised Acrisure LLC on a 15-year naming rights deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL to rename the home of the Steelers “Acrisure Stadium”.
- Advised River City Baseball Investment Group, LLC and the Savage Family on their sale of the Sacramento River Cats Triple-A Minor-League Baseball Club and Sutter Health Park to the Sacramento Kings and Arctos Sports Partners.
Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 3
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner stands out for its teamwork, breadth of expertise, and multi-disciplinary team members, who work out of the firm’s St. Louis, Colorado Springs and Kansas City offices. The team’s multidisciplinary nature is particularly highlighted by its range of industry expertise across the group; Gino Serra focuses on clients in the life sciences industry, and leads the team alongside Keith Kehrer and Steve Smith, the latter of whom is particularly knowledgeable in the sports sector.Practice head(s):
Keith Kehrer; Gino Serra; Steve Smith
Key clients
Marriott Take Care Relief Fund
Stanley M. Herzog Foundation
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Emerson Charitable Trust
USA Swimming
Build-A-Bear Foundation
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
X Prize Foundation
Missouri Botanical Garden
BioGenerator
Dred Scott Heritage Foundation
Anheuser-Busch Foundation
Farm Journal Foundation
Hermann Farm Museum
Envision Healthcare Foundation
Christo & Jeanne-Claude Foundation
HEC-TV
Work highlights
- Advising the Stowers Institute, Stowers Resource Management and other members of the Stowers Group of Company on governance, tax, employment, intellectual property, and day to day legal matters.
- Advising USA Swimming on team matters, safe sport, governance, television, sponsorship and licensing etc.
- Advising the Emerson Charitable Trust on matters including the special rules impacting private foundations.
Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner HRO has a broad range of financial services disputes experience, and alongside acting for a variety of financial services providers, the firm is recognized for advising broker-dealers in claims of ‘selling away’, unauthorized trading and fraud allegations, and mortgage servicers in consumer class actions brought under the FDCPA and the UDAP. Eric Martin leads the US practice, based across St Louis and Los Angeles. Martin has broad expertise in the field including acting for broker-dealers in a range of matters including U-5 defamation, raiding, suitability and non-compete. Lindsay Wuller Aggarwal is also recognized for her experience advising broker-dealers in contentious matters, both litigations and arbitrations, alongside Jeff Ziesman and Jeff Kalinowski. Kalinowski is also regarded for his work in securities litigation. Unless otherwise stated, all lawyers are in St. Louis.Practice head(s):
Eric Martin
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of America
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
PHH Mortgage Corporation (formerly Ocwen Loan Servicing)
Santander Consumer USA, Inc.
Work highlights
- Representing Bank of America in Larry Brown II v Bank of America NA et al, a mortgage mass class action claim.
- Represented automobile financier Santander Consumer USA against allegations of charging illegally high interest rates, against section 5-2-201 of the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code.
- Representing Bank of America in two sets of California consumer Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP) relating to alleged domestic and overseas fraud.
Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4
Known for its nationwide and international capabilities, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner represents regulated banks, debt funds, life insurance companies, private lenders and CMBS lenders in all aspects of commercial real estate finance. The practice also continues to grow its borrower-side offering, with new instructions from developers. In its Irvine office, practice head James Kousoulas specializes in securitized loan transactions, mezzanine financings, secured and unsecured real estate and asset-based borrowing facilities. In New York, regional practice head, Andrew Auerbach and William Campbell are the key contacts.Practice head(s):
James Kousoulas; Andrew Auerbach
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of West
Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust
Brookfield Asset Management
Zions Bancopration, N.A., dba California Bank & Trust
Harbor Group International
Flagstar Bank
Ladder Capital
LMF Commercial
RCG Longview Management
Rialto Capital Management
Voya Investment Management
East West Bank
Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing
Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense
Press Releases
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises KDV Group on acquiring HAK
10th February 2022 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has advised KDV Group on acquiring HAK from NPM Capital. HAK is a leading vegetable and plant-based solutions producer based in Benelux and Germany.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acted as a lead counsel for a consortium including Mubadala Investment Company and Sberbank Investments on its investment in IXcellerate Group
31st January 2022 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acted as a lead counsel for a consortium including Mubadala Investment Company and Sberbank Investments on its investment in IXcellerate. IXcellerate, a leading commercial data center operator and a home of hypercloud in Russia, has announced that it had raised about USD 190 m in financing from both existing and new investors. IXcellerate will use the proceeds to build new capacities for running one of the biggest data campuses in Europe, which will provide exceptional capacity for an even broader customer base.Mergermarket Names Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia among the Russian Market’s Top-3 Law Firms
26th January 2022 The prominent global Mergermarket directory has ranked Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Moscow among the TOP-3 legal advisors in Russia by number of major public deals closed during the last year. BCLP also made it into the Top Ten law firms with the biggest project portfolios in 2021.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Advises Avito Jobs on a USD 1.2 m Investment in HR Messenger
19th January 2022 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has successfully advised Avito on a USD 1.2 m investment in HR Messenger, an automated staff recruitment and integration platform. This is the first deal of this magnitude involving chatbot design companies. HR Messenger will use the investment to develop its business and take on more staff.BCLP advises Sberbank on rub 161 billion sale of Eurocement Group
17th December 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP (formerly – Goltsblat BLP LLP) advised Sberbank on the recently completed sale of debt and equity in Eurocement Group, following electronic auction, to the winning bidder – Mikhaylovsky Construction Materials Plant – for an aggregate consideration of RUB 161 bn (circa $2.16 bn) – positively viewed by Sberbank:Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner retains its leading M&A counsel position in Russia and is ranked #1 in the Mergers.ru research for three quarters of 2021
9th November 2021 As per the results of the first nine months of 2021, the BCLP Corporate / M&A practice was ranked #1 in the overall ranking, including #1 by deal volume and #3 by deal value (in excess of USD 2.6 bn) in the study of best M&A legal advisors in Russia according to the Mergers.ru information and analytical project.BCLP advises Irrico Limited, a VTB Capital and CEECAT Capital joint venture, on selling its agricultural business
15th October 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP is advising Irrico Limited on sale of an agricultural holding company engaged in intensive crop and vegetable farming in the south of Russia.BCLP advises Mubadala Investment Company on investing in Dostavista Group (New Brand – Borzo)
6th September 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP advised Mubadala Investment Company and its co-investor, a large investment fund, on their USD 21 m venture investment in Dostavista Group.BCLP Competition Lawyers Ranked in ‘Who’s Who Legal’ 2021
11th August 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner lawyers in Paris, London, Brussels and Moscow have been selected for inclusion in the Who’s Who Legal list of top antitrust and competition lawyers in the world for 2021.BCLP Russia advises Sberbank Asset Management on acquiring logistics property portfolios from major developers
11th August 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP is advising Sberbank Asset Management, a leading Russian asset management company, on its acquisition of a number of logistics property portfolios from several major developers across Russia.Vitaly Mozharowski Named a Key Russian Commercial Real Estate Market Maker by CRE-100 2021
3rd August 2021 Vitaly Mozharowski, Real Estate and Construction Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia (formerly Goltsblat BLP in Russia), has been named first among the top legal advisers in CRE-100, which ranks the most influential people on the commercial real estate market.BCLP Russia advises Sberbank Investments and the Russia-China Investment Fund on a RUB 1.6 bn investment in Eruditor Group holding
28th July 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has advised Sberbank Investments and the Russia-China Investment Fund (RCIF, established by the Russian Direct Investment Fund and China Investment Corporation) on a RUB 1.6 bn investment structured as a syndicated venture loan in Eruditor Group holding, owner of the leading Russian professional services marketplace Profi and Zoon information service.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises GetCourse Founder/CEO on private equity deal with Goldman Sachs, Winter Capital Partners and Baring Vostok
27th July 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner team is advising Sergey Mikhaylov, a founder and the CEO of the GetCourse online educational platform, on a USD 50 m private equity deal with Goldman Sachs, Winter Capital Partners and Baring Vostok Capital Partners funds.BCLP Russia Ranks High in the Chambers 2021 Rating for Private Wealth Law
23rd July 2021 Chambers & Partners, a pre-eminent international legal rating, has released its 2021 ranking once again recognising Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia as a top-ranked Private Wealth Law firm.BCLP advises Sberbank on selling Akhangarancement
21st July 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP (formerly Goltsblat BLP LLP), together with co-counsel in Uzbekistan Kosta Legal (kostalegal.com), advised Sberbank on selling 84.2% of the shares in JSC Akhangarancement, which were pledged to Sberbank, as part of a global arrangement for settling the debts of Eurocement Group.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts for 12 STOREEZ and its Founders in a private equity deal with Baring Vostok Capital Partners
15th July 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises 12 STOREEZ and the founders of this Russian apparel brand on the private equity deal with Baring Vostok Capital Partners Fund.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner represented MTT Group in the sale to PJSC MTS of 100% of the shares in leading provider of telecom and it solutions MTT
9th July 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) lawyers advised MTT Group on selling 100% of the shares in MTT, one of the top-10 biggest telecom companies in Russia and a leading provider of intelligent connectivity solutions for businesses, to Mobile TeleSystems PJSC.BCLP Russia Antitrust & Competition team wins “Matter of the Year” Award in Global Competition Review’s 2021 GCR Awards for its involvement in the Fiat Chrysler/Peugeot deal, advising PSA Group on obtaining Russian antitrust clearance for the merger
25th May 2021 The Fiat Chrysler (MI:FCHA) Automobiles N.V. (FCA) / Peugeot S.A. (PSA) merger has won the GCR award for Matter of the Year. The award in this category covers merger control, cartels, unilateral conduct, litigation or any other competition matter worldwide and praises creative, strategic and innovative work by teams of in-house and external lawyers and economists.Firm Highly Ranked by IsraelDesks 2021
28th April 2021 International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (BCLP) is recognised for the third consecutive year by IsraelDesks as having one of the most active and well-recognised Israel Practices of any international law firm.BRYAN CAVE LEIGHTON PAISNER DEFENDS DOUBLE DATA IN A PRECEDENT-SETTING DISPUTE WITH VKONTAKTE
23rd April 2021 After the 12 February 2021 hearing in a case brought by the owner of the VKontakte social network against Skolkovo resident OOO Double (Double Data), developer of Double Data software, over lawfulness of processing open data on the VKontakte social network, the Moscow Commercial Court awarded the case to Double Data, represented by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. The full judgement was produced on 22 March 2021 and may be found here.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner top-ranked by The Legal 500 2021 across 17 practice areas in Russia. 36 lawyers recommended
20th April 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia is once again named one of the best law firms on the Russian legal market by the recently released The Legal 500 2021.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises Gazprom Neft on launching JV with Zyfra
19th April 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, formerly Goltsblat BLP in Russia, has completed its mandate for Gazprom Neft relating to its JV with Zyfra for developing a digital industrial platform and promoting new process solutions in the oil and gas sector.BCLP advises Mubadala Investment Company on a venture investment in MEL Science
19th April 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has advised Mubadala Investment Company on an investment in MEL Science. This London-based company has raised USD 14 m in Series B funding from investors to support expansion of its subscription-based science education business.BCLP Russia advised Algorithmics on raising investment from Winter Capital Partners and RCIF
19th April 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has advised Algorithmics, a well-known international maths and programming school, on raising USD 10 m in investment from Winter Capital Partners and the Russia-China Technological Investment Fund (RCIF, set up by the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the China Investment Corporation), and on acquisition by Winter Capital Partners of the stakes held by a number of the company’s minority shareholders.BCLP Russia takes top positions in the Chambers Europe 2021 rating
30th March 2021 On 18 March 2021, Chambers Europe, a pre-eminent international legal rating, released its 2021 ranking according to which Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia is once again recognised as a top-ranked law firm in the following key areas: Real Estate & Construction (Band 1), Competition/Antitrust (Band 1), Corporate/M&A (Band 3), Dispute Resolution (Band 4), Intellectual Property (Band 3), Tax (Band 3), Employment (Band 2), ТМТ (Band 3), Banking and Finance (Band 4), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 4), Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals (Band 4).Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner defends Double Data in a precedent-setting dispute with VKontakte over use of public web data
23rd March 2021 After the 12 February 2021 hearing in a case brought by the owner of the VKontakte social network against Skolkovo resident OOO Double (Double Data), developer of Double Data software, over lawfulness of processing open data on the VKontakte social network, the Moscow Commercial Court awarded the case to Double Data, represented by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. The full judgement was produced on 22 March 2021 and may be found here.BCLP Russia advised Algorithmics on raising investment from Winter Capital Partners and RCIF
12th March 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has advised Algorithmics, a well-known international maths and programming school, on raising USD 10 m in investment from Winter Capital Partners and the Russia-China Technological Investment Fund (RCIF, set up by the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the China Investment Corporation), and on acquisition by Winter Capital Partners of the stakes held by a number of the company’s minority shareholders.BCLP Russia retains leading positions in the Chambers Global 2021 rating
26th February 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia is once again a top-ranked law firm according to Chambers Global 2021, one of the pre-eminent international legal ratings.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner appoints Yury Babichev as Dispute Resolution Partner
14th January 2021 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is delighted to announce that Yury Babichev has been appointed Dispute Resolution Partner effective 1 January 2021.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia Advises Hms Group on Restructuring
23rd April 2019Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia (formerly Goltsblat BLP in Russia) has successfully advised H.M.S. Technologies Limited (HMST), the major shareholder in HMS Group, on restructuring its 71.51% shareholding in HMS Hydraulic Machines & Systems Group Plc (LSE: HMSG) (HMS Group Plc), the Cyprus-based parent of HMS Group.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (russia) Llp Top-ranked By The Legal 500 2019
12th April 2019Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP (formerly Goltsblat BLP in Russia) is once again named one of the best law firms on the Russian legal market by the recently released The Legal 500.
BCLP Russia advised Far East & Baikal Region Development Fund on finance transaction
13th February 2019Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP advised the Far East and Baikal Region Development Fund on a finance transaction for construction of a new terminal in the Far East and development of airport infrastructure
Celebrating 10 Years!
22nd January 2019Today is a big day for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP, formerly Goltsblat BLP in Russia: the firm is celebrating ten years since merging with international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. Since then, Goltsblat BLP has evolved into a leader on the Russian legal market and, following one of the biggest ever transatlantic mergers, also globally, under the new brand Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (russia) Representing Rushydro In Arbitration Against Kyrgyzstan
5th December 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP (formerly Goltsblat BLP in Russia) is representing RusHydro, a Russian energy major, in an international arbitration brought against the Kyrgyz Republic over the termination of the intergovernmental agreement dated 20 September 2012 for construction and operation of the Upper-Naryn hydroelectric power plants.
BCLP Russia advises Da Vinci Capital on investments in global technology company DataArt
16th November 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP has advised Da Vinci Capital, a leading emerging markets private equity firm, on investing in DataArt, a leading global technology consultancy that designs and develops unique software solutions for supporting company growth momentum in key industries.
International Tax Review again names BCLP (Russia) LLP’s tax lawyers among leading experts in Russ
18th October 2018International Tax Review has recently released its prestigious series of tax leaders guides, putting Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP’s lawyers among the leading individuals in Russia.
BCLP Russia advises Intl Investment Bank on USD 96.5m financing to State Transport Leasing Company
26th September 2018 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP has successfully acted for the International Investment Bank (IIB), a multilateral development bank mainly operating in Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia, on a RUB 6bn (USD 96.5m) revolving multi-asset secured facility for financing and refinancing the acquisition of a number of passenger and special purposes aviation and mining assets with one of the biggest Russian lessors, State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK). The financing terms permit the funds to be used for the acquisition of Let L-410 Turbolet regional passenger jets, helicopters Ansats and Mi-8s with medical modules and BELAZ mining trucks.Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner appointed Sberbank’s sole legal counsel on US and EU sanctions
26th September 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has been appointed by Sberbank of Russia, from among top Russian and international law firms, as its sole legal counsel on US and EU sanctions until 31 May 2019.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP advises Rusklimat Group on a restructuring project
21st August 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP is providing comprehensive legal and tax advisory support to Rusklimat Group, the biggest Russian manufacturer and importer of climate control equipment, in relation to its programme for restructuring the Group’s business units and divisions. This programme is designed to optimise the distribution network structure and raise the Group’s attractiveness to investors.
BCLP (Russia) represents Samsung C&T Corporation vc REMZ for recovery of $1,840,000 in debt & damage
9th August 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP has brought yet another victory for its client, Samsung C&T Corporation, in the proceeding against REMZ (Rostovskiy ElectroMetallurgicheskiy Zavod) caused by the breach by the latter of a supply contract. The court ordered REMZ to pay USD 1,050,000 of principal debt and USD 790,000 in damages. The decision of the court of first instance was appealed by REMZ, but the court of appeals reaffirmed it without modification.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP advises Verno and Kazakhstan Infrastructure Fund
31st July 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP provides legal support to Verno, an international investment company, managing the PE fund Kazakhstan Infrastructure Fund C.V., in a project to develop and let around 25,000 sq m of warehouse premises as the first phase of a bigger plan to construct up to 100,000 sq m of Class A warehouses in Kazakhstan. The warehouse infrastructure affording perfect conditions for storing all types of freight will be located on the Kazakhstan-China border, in the Khorgos Eastern Gates special economic zone, which is a key transit point on the New Silk Road.
BCLP (Russia) advised MasterCard Member Association on Russia’s first Cash-Out service
28th June 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP has advised MasterCard Member Association on launching an innovative service on the Russian market: simultaneous cash-out with POS payment by bank card at shop tills (tentatively named “Cash-Out” or “Purchase with Cash Back”).
IPC Puts off Double Data vs. Vkontakte Hearings until 17 July
31st May 2018On 22 May 2018, after hearing both parties, the Intellectual Property Court (IPC) adjourned until 17 July 2018 the hearing of the dispute between Skolkovo resident OOO Double (Double Data) and VKontakte over use of public data from the social network in a search engine manner.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Russia Defends Prosveshcheniye Publishers in Major Book Industry Case
31st May 2018The Arbitrazh (Commercial) Court of the City of Moscow has heard a trade mark dispute between Prosveshcheniye Publishing House and another Russian publisher, Ventana-Graf. The court has satisfied all the claims by Prosveshcheniye Publishing House, the claimant, recovering RUB 3.7 bn in compensation for breach of trade mark rights.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (russia) Acted For Vimpelcom Vs Fas Of Russia Over Sms Service Tariffs
25th April 2018Acting for PAO VimpelCom, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP has triumphed in the first instance, appeal and cassation arbitrazh (commercial) courts in a dispute between mobile operators and the FAS of Russia over changes to B2B SMS service tariffs.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP top-ranked by The Legal 500 2018
25th April 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP is a market-leading law firm in Russia according to the recent release of the prestigious international ranking The Legal 500, which top-ranks the firm in its key practice areas: Real Estate and Construction, Competition, Intellectual Property, Corporate/M&A, Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation, Tax, Employment, Banking and Finance, etc.
Goltsblat BLP advises on sale of Sailfish OS developer
22nd March 2018Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), which will operate as Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP from April 2018, advises Open Mobile Platform-DC LLC and RUSINTECH LLC on sale of 75% in Open Mobile Platform-DC and 75% in Votron LLC to Rostelecom PJSC.
Merger Creates Global Law Firm, ‘bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’ Llp, New Name On Russian Market
13th March 2018Following a vote by the Partnerships of both Bryan Cave LLP, one of the leading US law firms, and Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) LLP, including its Russian practice Goltsblat BLP, the two firms have announced they will merge, officially launching in April 2018. The new firm will be called Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner with combined revenues of over US$900 million. As the result of the merger Goltsblat BLP will continue to operate in Russia under the new name Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP. The merger brings together two organisations widely recognised for their innovative approaches to client service, into one global, fully financially integrated law firm. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner will provide clients with access to international practice and sector teams in 32 offices across 11 countries and a platform of approximately 1600 lawyers.
Goltsblat BLP advises Alfa-Bank on the acquisition of a stake in fin-tech company Pay-Me
13th February 2018Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised Alfa-Bank on its acquisition of shares in a mobile acquiring operator working under the Pay-Me brand. The deal contemplated the early-stage investor shareholding transferred in its entirety to the bank.
Goltsblat BLP advised AFG National on its JV with Volga Group
15th January 2018Goltsblat BLP advised AFG National on sale of a 35% stake in its subsidiary OOO Yuzhniye Zemli to Volga Group Agro (a company consolidating Volga Group’s agricultural projects). The deal was signed on 26 December 2017. Yuzhniye Zemli produces top quality apples by a super intensive technology. The company currently manages 400 ha of orchards. In 2018, it intends to launch an additional 300 ha, build the second stage of its fruit storage facility and ramp up apple production to 10 thousand tonnes.
GBLP has advised EDB and IIB on a RUB 8.15 bn syndicated facility
1st December 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised a syndicate of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and International Investment Bank (IIB) on a project finance transaction for construction of two hydro-power plants with a total capacity of 49.8 MW in the Republic of Karelia (Russia). The RUB 8.15 bn facility will be repaid in 12 years. This is also a pilot project in Russia for the New Development Bank set up by the BRICS countries, as the creditors have used its resources for funding.
Julia Romanova Joins Goltsblat Blp As Head Of Group, Reinforcing Its Dispute Resolution Practice
16th November 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), announces that Julia Romanova has joined the team as Head of Group, International Arbitration, White Collar Criminal Defence, to strengthen further the firm’s Dispute Resolution Practice. Before joining Goltsblat BLP, Julia Romanova was Head of the Litigation/Arbitration Practice of Moscow Office of Chadbourne & Parke LLP.
Goltsblat Blp Advises Ferronordic Machines On Its Nasdaq Stockholm Ipo
16th November 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has acted as the Russian legal counsel for Ferronordic Machines AB on the offering and listing of its ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm.
Goltsblat Blp Advises Mts On Acquisition Of A Controlling Stake In Start-up Litebox
19th October 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised PJSC MTS, the leading telecommunications provider in Russia, on its acquisition of a controlling stake (50.82%) in the Russian retail software developer Oblachny Retail LLC operating under the LiteBox brand.
Goltsblat Blp Advises Sberbank Investments As Restructuring Agent On Genser’s Debt Restructuring
19th October 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised Sberbank Investments as restructuring agent on debt portfolio restructuring for the Genser group of companies, one of Russia’s biggest car dealers. Sberbank, VTB, Sviaz-Bank, Bank SOYUZ, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Bank ROSSIYSKY CAPITAL were involved in the restructuring, with Sberbank Investments as the advisor.
Goltsblat Blp Proves To The Supreme Court That Adjustment Of Import Vat Deductions Is Unlawful
19th October 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), won a landmark dispute in the Supreme Court of Russia for Wine Brandy Plant Alliance-1892 LLC against Russia’s Federal Tax Service’s Inter-district Office for Major Taxpayers No. 3.
Goltsblat Blp Advises On Merger Of Two Major Taxi Aggregators In Russia
16th May 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised Fasten (owner of Saturn and RedTaxi brands), a major player on the taxi aggregator market in Russia, on its merger with RuTaxi (Vezyet / Везет and Leader / Лидер brands).
Vitaly Dianov Appointed Goltsblat Blp Competition & Antitrust Partner
2nd May 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), announces appointment of Vitaly Dianov, PhD in law, as Competition & Antitrust Partner with effect from 1 May 2017.
Goltsblat Blp Advised On The Sale Of Drinking Water Production And Distribution Business In Russia T
2nd May 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), advised on the sale of a drinking water production and distribution business in Russia (Noringa and Clear Water brand names) to Borjomi.
Goltsblat Blp Advises Icbc On Leasing Six A321-211 To Aeroflot
17th February 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised ICBC International Leasing, the leasing subsidiary of the world’s biggest financial group, on delivery of six Airbus A321-211 aircraft to Aeroflot.
Goltsblat Blp Advises Gett On Its Usd 100 M Financing From Sberbank
7th February 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has advised Gett, a global on-demand mobility company, on its USD 100 m financing from Sberbank.
Goltsblat Blp Advises On Acquisition Of A 90.99% Stake In Onexim’s Opin
23rd January 2017Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of the international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), advised on the acquisition by Rossium group of companies of a 90.99% stake in ONEXIM's PJSС OPIN. The purchaser’s beneficiary is Credit Bank of Moscow majority shareholder Roman Avdeev.
Goltslat Blp Advises On Sale Of A 100% Share In Metcombank To Pao Sovcombank
3rd November 2016Acting for Severgroup, Goltsblat BLP, the Russian practice of international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), advised on sale to PAO Sovcombank of a 100% shareholding in AO Metcombank, the biggest commercial bank in the Volgograd Region and a leader on the Russian car lending market.
Legal Developments
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP acts for OOO Double against Vkontakte
1st June 2018Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP is acting for Skolkovo resident OOO Double in a dispute with VKontakte over the Client’s use of public data from the social network in a search engine manner. The Double Data software involved was developed by our Client on the basis of its own big data search, storage and mining methods and algorithms.
- M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m)
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Real estate > Land use/zoning