Firm Profile > CMS > Bucharest, Romania

Capital markets Tier 1

CMS is a top choice for issuers and underwriters in the debt and capital markets space. The firm's strong regional footprint gives it a strong advantage when it comes to major cross-border CEE listings. Practice head Cristina Reichmann has a strong standing in the market and works closely with partners in the UK, Germany and Italy.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

CMS is a popular choice for domestic and international clients from across the corporate sphere. The firm is regularly involved in precedent-setting deals, both in the corporate and private equity space. As well as day-to-day commercial matters, the firm also advises on joint ventures and the local aspects of major cross-border deals. Horea Popescu leads the team, which also includes Rodica Manea and senior associate Mircea Moraru.

Energy and natural resources Tier 1

CMS' dedicated team, which is led by well-regarded energy specialist Varinia Radu, who has almost 20 years' experience advising on transactional, infrastructure and regulatory issues. The team is especially strong on the oil and gas front and clients benefit from its close integration with the firm's wider international network. It is a popular choice for public and private sector clients.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

CMS handles restructuring and insolvency matters for creditors and debtors.  Cristina Reichmann and Ana Radnev focus on the refinancing and NPL side, while Horea Popescu has a good track record in corporate restructurings. Insolvency disputes are the domain of Gabriel Sidere and Horia Draghici. Recently, the firm was involved in several significant insurance sector restructurings, an area where Reichmann has good expertise.

TMT Tier 1

CMS has an excellent track record representing major TMT companies on their most important matters. In recent work, the firm advised on some of the market's largest M&A and outsourcings, and the team is extremely experienced in related regulatory, competition and public procurement issues. The firm's integrated CEE network and close links to the UK makes it a top choice for multinationals. Horea Popescu has a very active presence in this sector.

Banking and finance Tier 2

Dispute resolution Tier 2

CMS has a strong standing in the market, particularly for disputes involving public authorities, be they administrative, compliance, regulatory, or white collar crime-related. These are areas where practice head and managing partner Gabriel Sidere is extremely well regarded, especially when handling enforcement proceedings. The team is also experienced in major international arbitration and investment treaty disputes, where co-head Horia Draghici also has a good track record.

Employment Tier 2

CMS handles the gamut of employment issues, regularly advising on contentious and non-contentious issues. This includes transactional support, restructurings, TUPE transfers, and redundancy proceedings. The firm's international network makes it a popular choice for multinational companies operating throughout the region. Gabriel Sidere leads the team, which includes the 'friendly, approachable and pragmatic' Marius Petroiu.

Intellectual property Tier 2

CMS acts for several clients in the technology, life sciences, media and manufacturing sectors. The team's trade mark protection work is particularly notable, and it also has a niche in IP related to film production projects. Litigation specialist Gabriel Sidere and senior associate Valentina Parvu are key names.

Real estate and construction Tier 2

CMS' clients benefit from the firm's excellent regional reach, as well as the network's broader standing in the commercial real estate market, stretching back to London. The Bucharest team is regularly involved in strategically important deals, developments and financings in key sectors such as ports, logistics, retail, hotels and leisure, and commercial offices. Practice head Roxana Fratila is the name to note.

Tax Tier 2

CMS is a very strong choice for regional and cross-border tax structuring advice, thanks in part to its extensive network of offices throughout Central and Eastern Europe. The team recently provided strong tax support to several major transactions in the media and retail space. The group is also known for its expertise in VAT audits, transfer pricing and litigation. Roxana Popel leads the team.

White-collar crime Tier 2

PPP and procurement Tier 3

CMS is singled out for its expertise in the oil and gas sector, where it advises several contractors and oil services companies on tenders and any subsequent issues. The firm also assists lenders with major project financings. The team is jointly led by Gabriel Sidere, who handles disputes and government relations issues, and energy and projects leader Varinia Radu.

EU and competition Tier 4

CMS' competition team provides strong support to the firm's active corporate practice, with merger clearance advice accounting for the bulk of its work. The team also has experience of antitrust investigations. Corporate partner Horea Popescu runs the team, with strong day-to-day support from senior counsel Cristina Popescu.