The finance team at CMS benefits from extensive international experience, making it a popular choice for mandates with cross-border aspects. Three experienced partners spearhead the practice: Elitsa Ivanova is qualified in both Bulgarian and English law, and advises leading financial institutions on multijurisdictional transactions; Dimitar Zwiatkow’s primary focus is on project and acquisition finance, real estate finance and corporate lending; and Gentscho Pavlov is active in regulatory work and banking M&A transactions. Other active members of the team include Ivan Gergov, Katya Todorova and Konstantin Altandzhiyski.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- I particularly value the work of Elitsa Ivanova - she is sharp, with an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of banking and finance law and business. For the type of business we do, it is very useful to have a partner qualified in both local and English law. Elitsa is also very good at managing the practice, as we consistently receive deliverables of good quality and on time. Elitsa is also approachable and available for direct contact in case of need to discuss a particular matter at hand.
- At present, CMS delivers the best quality and most reliable banking transactional legal advice in the region where I work among the firms I have worked with. I especially value the strong banking and finance law expertise, the offering of both a local and English law qualified team, and the timeliness of delivery.
- 'The practice is unique in the way it combines technical expertise with a very practical, hands-on approach. The team is reliable, responsive, and focused on finding workable solutions, which makes them easy to engage with on complex matters.'
- 'Potential clients would value their ability to manage transactions smoothly under time pressure and to communicate clearly throughout the process. The team works in a collaborative way, both internally and with counterparties, which helps to avoid unnecessary delays.'
- 'The individuals I have worked with stand out for their availability, responsiveness, and clear communication. They are thorough, dependable, and provide advice that is both well considered and practical for decision-making. What I value most is their ability to remain calm under pressure and to keep matters moving forward efficiently.'
- 'Dimitar Zwiatkow in particular has been very effective in coordinating matters and ensuring that deadlines are met.'
Key clients
- Rezolv Energy SA
- TEMU
- United Bulgarian Bank AD
Work highlights
Assisted Rezolv Energy in securing up to €90m in debt financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Raiffeisen Bank International to support the construction of the ‘St. George’ solar park in north-eastern Bulgaria.
Advising Temu in relation to provision of "buy now pay later" services in Bulgaria.
Advising United Bulgarian Bank AD on the financing of the construction of a 40 MW AC photovoltaic power plant project, and the installation of a 64 MW/2h battery energy storage system.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Konstantin Altandzhiyski
Katya Todorova
Practice head
Elitsa Ivanova; Gentscho Pavlov; Dimitar Zwiatkow
Other key lawyers
Ivan Gergov; Katya Todorova; Konstantin Altandzhiyski