Firm Profile > CMS > Bucharest, Romania
CMS Offices
S-PARK, 11-15 TIPOGRAFILOR STREET
B3-B4, 4TH FLOOR
013714 BUCHAREST
Romania
CMS > The Legal 500 Rankings
Capital markets Tier 1
CMS is a top player in Romania's debt and equity capital markets space, thanks in part to the experience of Cristina Reichmann, one of the country's leading securities' lawyers. Clients include leading banks, funds, asset-managers, as well as high profile corporate issuers. The firm's ability to handle cross-border deals, particularly within central and eastern Europe, is a key differentiator. Recently the firm has been actively advising issuers on Romania's first security token offerings.
Practice head(s):
Cristina Reichmann
Key clients
TMK Europe GmbH SPO
Advent International Corporation
Raiffeisen Bank S.A.
European Fund for Southeast Europe
Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
CMS has a top-notch reputation for corporate and M&A support. The firm's impressive CEE footprint ensures that it is well placed to handle the many regional cross-border transactions that dominate the Romanian market. This includes advice to corporates and private equity funds on mergers, buyouts, joint ventures and day-to-day matters across a wide range of sectors. The office's geographical importance was reflected by Horea Popescu's recent appointment as head of Corporate and M&A for the entire CEE region. He is backed by a high calibre team, including partner Rodica Manea and senior associate Mircea Moraru.
Practice head(s):
Horea Popescu
Other key lawyers:
Rodica Manea; Mircea Moraru
Testimonials
‘A very trustful team (among the most discreet on the street) who take their delivery very seriously. Horea Popescu is serious, committed, trustful.’
Key clients
AFI Europe N.V.
CEE Equity Partners
Liberty Global (and its Romanian subsidiary – UPC)
BitDefender
Innova
Metlife
IBM
Advent International
Zentiva Group, a.s.
Alpha Bank Group
OCP Group
Energy and natural resources Tier 1
CMS has a top-notch reputation for transactional, infrastructure and regulatory issues. The firm's client base spans leading companies and public sector institutions, active both in the traditional and renewables energy sectors. Practice head Varinia Radu has established herself as a leading figure in the market and is also deputy head of the firm's broader CEE practice. The international network gives it a strong edge in the market, particularly for large corporate deals and projects. The firm is also active on the procurement side and clients benefit from a strong finance and capital markets practice.
Practice head(s):
Varinia Radu
Testimonials
‘The team is unique in their experience and understanding of the legal framework and it’s operation for the oil and gas industry. They have excellent relationships in place with key authorities who regulate and govern the industry. I consider the team to be unique in their depth of experience and understanding of the legal framework.’
‘I value the honesty and frankness of the team, it’s not often what I want to hear but they argue their point well. In particular I find Varinia Radu a highly professional and experienced practitioner.’
‘Excellent sector knowledge and relationships makes it Bucharest number one firm.’
Key clients
DWS Alternatives Global Limited
Valorem SAS
Gunvor International B.V.
Solarpro Holding AD
Petosolar SRL (part of Contour Global)
EDP Renovaveis
E.ON Energie Romania
Romanian Government, Minister of Energy
Mazarine Energy Romania
Gas Plus Dacia
SC PEWETE EVO EUROPE SRL
Iberdrola
Romanian Petroleum Exploration and Production Association (ROPEPCA)
Repsol (Spain)
Fora Oil and Gas and Alpha Oil and Gas (part of Pico Petroleum/Cheiron Group Egypt)
ADX Energy (Australia)
Low Carbon Investment Management Limited
Masterchem Oil Ltd (Malta)
DP World
JetFly Hub
Electrica Furnizare
TMT Tier 1
CMS is a popular choice for big ticket transactions, having been involved in some of the largest recent deals to hit Romania's TMT market. Managing partner Horea Popescu has a strong track record leading on cross-border mandates for major multinationals, often working closely with colleagues in London and the CEE region. The corporate side is supported by strong teams in other key area, including regulatory, employment and IP. Senior associate Mircea Moraru is well-regarded. Gabriel Sidere, who contributed disputes expertise, has left private practice.
Practice head(s):
Horea Popescu
Other key lawyers:
Mircea Moraru
Key clients
Liberty Global
Radio Max Romania
Endava Technology
BearingPoint
Cosmo Consult
Gemalto
Neurolaboratories Limited
TypingDNA
Alten
Banking and finance Tier 2
CMS has a good reputation in the market, not just for its strong on-the-ground offering, but also for its seamless regional integration with its Central European network of offices. Practice head Ana Radnev has over 20 years' experience advising on major cross-border financings. The team as a whole is noted for its track record on transactional matters, including corporate, real estate and structured finance. Cristina Reichmann brings considerable expertise in regulatory and capital markets issues.
Practice head(s):
Ana Radnev
Other key lawyers:
Cristina Reichmann
Testimonials
‘Flexible thinking and problem solving, very quick understanding of complex matters and smart implementation of solutions.’
‘They are diligent in pursuing solutions to every problem and look for a resolution up front. Responsive, in-depth knowledge and experience in the banking and finance market.’
‘We have worked with Ana Radnev and Alina Tihan. They are extremely responsive, business-oriented, problem solving with readiness to implement straightaway, always meets very tight deadlines.’
Key clients
Futureal Group (Cordia International)
TMK Europe GmbH
Advent International Corporation
EBRD
Erste Group Bank AG
OTP Bank
BRD
UniCredit
Raiffeisen International AG
Raiffeisen Romania AG
Innova
MidEuropa Partners
ING
Societe Generale
BNP Paribas
Alpha Bank
Banca Transilvania
Erste
BCR
Bank of China
Dispute resolution Tier 2
CMS has had a strong presence in the market for some time. The departure of recent managing partner and disputes expert, Gabriel Sidere, has been offset somewhat by arrivals elsewhere, such as senior counsel and white collar crime expert, Mihai Jiganie-Serban from Serban & Asociatii, who provides expertise in areas such as fraud and compliance. The versatile commercial disputes team that is led by Horia Draghici. Clients also rate the firm's strong team of counsel and associates, including Cristina Popescu, Andrei Cristescu and Tatiana Casapciuc.
Practice head(s):
Horia Draghici
Other key lawyers:
Mihai Jiganie-Serban; Cristina Popescu; Andrei Cristescu; Tatiana Casapsiuc
Testimonials
‘They are very proactive in their approach and it is a pleasure to work with the CMS team.’
‘Outstanding lawyers with a lot of litigation experience and a profound knowledge of the Romanian legal system. Very good responsiveness, capable of delivering on (very) short notice.’
‘Horia Draghici and Andrei Cristescu are both very skilled lawyers and are both very experienced in representing clients in front of Romanian courts. Solutions are well-founded and practical.’
‘Cristina Popescu is an extremely meticulous attorney. Her memorandums are always detailed, yet concise. Tatiana Casapciuc is a young and talented associate. She is a rising star in Romania.’
Employment Tier 2
CMS represents an impressive mix of global household names and key domestic employers. The group works closely with the M&A team to provide critical employment support on major transactions. The practice also offers bespoke contentious and non-contentious advice across the full range of matters, including pensions and benefits. Multinational clients also gain from the firm's strong regional presence, where it offers good employment expertise on cross-border and EU issues. Disputes partner Horia Draghici leads the team, with support from senior counsel Cristina Popescu and associate Ruxandra Georgescu.
Practice head(s):
Horia Draghici
Other key lawyers:
Cristina Popescu; Ruxandra Georgescu
Real estate and construction Tier 2
CMS is a popular choice for cross-border real estate transactions and development projects. The Bucharest team works closely with colleagues across the international network, and clients benefit from access to strong teams in key jurisdictions such as London. The firm's commitment to the local practice was demonstrated by the promotion of practice head Roxana Fratila to partner. She has strong expertise in advising investors and developers across numerous asset classes, including retail, office and industrial. Experienced associate Alexandru Dumitrescu provides strong support.
Practice head(s):
Roxana Fratila
Other key lawyers:
Alexandru Dumitrescu
Key clients
AFI Europe
Iulius Group
Allianz Real Estate
Accor Hotels
DP World
Genagricola Foreste (Generali Group)
AGI Zeus (Alpha Group Investment)
Alpla Germany
Ashtrom Residents
Asmita Gardens SRL
Garret Motion
CTP Invest Bucharest S.R.L.
Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2
CMS combines its banking, corporate and disputes teams to support creditors and debtors on their restructuring and insolvency issues. Banking head Ana Radnev and Cristina Reichmann have good experience of refinancings and non-performing loans, while corporate partner Rodica Manea has a strong focus on corporate restructurings and reorganisations. Contentious insolvency issues are the domain of disputes partner Horia Draghici. The firm is also noted for its cross-border expertise, which is particular use on regional mandates for major multinationals. Recently the firm was involved in significant cases in the IT, financial services and life science sectors.
Practice head(s):
Ana Radnev; Rodica Manea; Horia Draghici
Key clients
Alpha Bank
Tax Tier 2
CMS has a versatile tax practice that is especially strong in tax planning and consulting. This includes advice on direct and indirect international tax strategies, and support on major M&A deals and restructurings. The team also has a good track record representing clients in VAT audits, and is well-versed on contentious issues, regularly representing clients before the authorities and the courts. Roxana Popel heads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Roxana Popel
Key clients
AFI Europe N.V.
CCC
BUSE
Genagricola
Accor
White-collar crime Tier 2
CMS is one of the few international firms in Romania capable of offering strong support on cases concerning allegations of corruption, economic crimes, securities fraud and money laundering. Clients will miss former managing partner and disputes expert Gabriel Sidere, who recently left the firm, but this was somewhat offset by the arrival of practice head and criminal law specialist Mihai Jiganie-Serban from Serban & Asociatii. The firm has a 24-hour incident response team and also provides strong support on day-to-day compliance issues, as well as training for employees and board members. Disputes partner Horia Draghici is also experienced in bribery and corruption investigations.
Practice head(s):
Mihai Jiganie-Serban
Other key lawyers:
Horia Draghici
Testimonials
‘CMS is the only law firm in Romania that has a well-established practice capable to handle complex crisis management situations and conduct meaningful internal investigations into allegations of wrong-doing. They are very proactive in their approach and it is a pleasure to work with the CMS team.’
EU and competition Tier 3
CMS's team of competition lawyers is particularly active on the merger clearance side, a regular flow of which comes from the firm's strong corporate practice. The firm's regional network also ensures a smooth process in cross-border transactions. The group is also experienced in advising on investigations and challenging fines. Corporate partner Horea Popescu heads the practice, with help from senior counsel and regulatory and compliance specialist, Cristina Popescu.
Practice head(s):
Horea Popescu
Other key lawyers:
Cristina Popescu
Key clients
Liberty Global (with its former Romanian subsidiary – UPC)
Zentiva
Innova Capital
CEE Equity Partners
Master Chem Oil SRL
AFI
OCP Group
Intellectual property Tier 3
CMS has a broad practice with good expertise in IP litigation, trade mark registrations and related strategic advice. The firm's strong regional presence gives it an edge for major international clients with cross-border IP issues, including many in IP-heavy industries such as TMT, life sciences and consumer goods. The firm was recently involved in several significant enforcement proceedings and is active on the data protection side. Several of the firm's top litigators have good experience, including Horia Draghici, and the team includes several specialised senior associates, including Valentina Parvu.
Practice head(s):
Horia Draghici; Valentina Parvu
Key clients
Radio Max Romania
Express Install Distribution
Romanian Business Consult (RBC)
PPP and procurement Tier 3
CMS is recommended for its impressive track record in the oil and gas and renewables sector. The firm regularly represents clients on major concession agreements and infrastructure projects, offering cross-departmental support on regulatory, corporate, litigation and construction issues. The firm's regional network and cross-border expertise is another major plus. Former managing partner and disputes head Gabriel Sidere has left, but energy and projects head Varinia Radu remains a key contact.
Practice head(s):
Varinia Radu
Key clients
Valorem SAS
Solarpro Holding AD
Romanian Government, Minister of Energy
Mazarine Energy Romania
Gas Plus Dacia
SC PEWETE EVO EUROPE SRL
Iberdrola
Romanian Petroleum Exploration and Production Association (ROPEPCA)
Repsol (Spain)
Fora Oil and Gas and Alpha Oil and Gas (part of Pico Petroleum/Cheiron Group Egypt)
ADX Energy (Australia)
Expro North Sea
Newpark Drilling Fluids Eastern Europe
CMS > Firm Profile
CMS is an integrated, multi-jurisdictional organisation of law firms that offers full-service legal and tax advice. With more than 70 offices in over 40 countries across the world and more than 4,800 lawyers, CMS has long-standing expertise both in advising in its local jurisdictions and across borders. From major multinationals and mid-caps to enterprising start-ups, CMS provides the technical rigour, strategic excellence and long-term partnership to keep each client ahead in its chosen markets.
The CMS member firms provide a wide range of expertise across 19 practice areas and sectors, including Corporate/M&A, Energy & Climate Change, Funds, Life Sciences & Healthcare, TMC, Tax, Banking & Finance, Commercial, Competition & EU, Dispute Resolution, Employment & Pensions, Intellectual Property and Real Estate & Construction.
Ranked as the world’s 5th largest law firm by lawyer headcount and 6th largest in the UK by revenue, CMS has been active in Romania for over 20 years, with an office here since 1999. The Bucharest office is the largest international law firm in Romania and offers a full range of legal and tax services. The team of on-the-ground experts includes Romanian and international lawyers who have worked on some of the most ground-breaking deals and projects in Romania to date.
CMS Romania team has broad experience across a wide variety of industry sectors, including life sciences, consumer products, technology, media and communications, energy, and financial institutions and services. CMS offers the specialist expertise, local knowledge and commercial insight the clients require to successfully navigate the legal and business landscape. CMS is able to handle local, national and multi-jurisdictional projects, no matter how complex.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate M&A | Horea Popescu | horea.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3824 |
| TMT | Horea Popescu | horea.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3824 |
| Competition | Horea Popescu | horea.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3824 |
| Dispute Resolution | Gabriel Sidere | gabriel.sidere@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3813 |
| White Collar Crime | Gabriel Sidere | gabriel.sidere@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3813 |
| Corporate M&A | Rodica Manea | rodica.manea@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3852 |
| Dispute Resolution | Horia Draghici | horia.draghici@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3834 |
| Restructuring and Insolvency | Rodica Manea | rodica.manea@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3852 |
| Commercial and Regulatory | Cristina Popescu | cristina.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3811 |
| PPP and Procurement | Cristina Popescu | cristina.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3811 |
| Insurance | Cristina Popescu | cristina.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3811 |
| Energy, Projects, Construction | Varinia Radu | varinia.radu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3870 |
| White Collar Crime | Mihai Jiganie-Serban | mihai.jiganie-serban@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3821 |
| Finance | Ana Radnev | ana.radnev@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3862 |
| Finance | Cristina Reichmann | cristina.reichmann@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3866 |
| Capital Markets | Cristina Reichmann | cristina.reichmann@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3866 |
| Restructuring and Insolvency | Ana Radnev | ana.radnev@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3862 |
| Restructuring and Insolvency | Horia Draghici | horia.draghici@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3834 |
| Real Estate and Construction | Roxana Fratila | roxana.fratila@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3839 |
| Tax | Roxana Popel | roxana.popel@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3881 |
| Intellectual Property | Valentina Parvu | valentina.parvu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3825 |
| Corporate M&A | Mircea Moraru | mircea.moraru@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3849 |
| Employment | Cristina Popescu | cristina.popescu@cms-cmno.com | +40 21 407 3811 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Mr Horia Draghici | Partner | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Roxana Fratila | Partner, Head of Real Estate and Construction in Romania | View Profile |
 |
Mr Mihai Jiganie-Serban | Senior Counsel, Head of Criminal Defense Practice CMS Romania | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Rodica Manea | Partner | View Profile |
 |
Mr Mircea Moraru | Senior Associate | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Valentina Parvu | Senior Associate | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Roxana Popel | Tax Director, Head of Tax in Romania | View Profile |
 |
Mr Horea Popescu | Partner, Head of CEE Corporate M&A, Head of Corpoate M&A in Romania | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Cristina Popescu | Senior Counsel, Head of CEE Insurance Practice Group | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Ana Radnev | Partner, Head of Finance | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Varinia Radu | Partner, Head of Energy, Projects and Environment Romania, CEE Deputy Head of… | View Profile |
 |
Mrs Cristina Reichmann | Partner, Head of FIS, Capital Markets and Structured Finance practice in Romania | View Profile |
 |
Mr Gabriel Sidere | Managing Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Lawyers and tax advisors : 60+Languages
Romanian English FrenchLegal Briefings
-
Doing business in the UAE
CMS’s John O’Connor and Harkee Wilson discuss the challenges and issues businesses face operating in the UAE and investigate some of the recent changes in the business environment.