Schoenherr’s corporate capacities are primarily applied in the context of large national and cross-border acquisitions and take overs primarily in the TMT, IT and renewables sectors, where the team employs an interdisciplinary approach to advise on the related regulatory, real estate and finance aspects of deals. Further areas of expertise include private equity investments, reorganisations and day-to-day corporate law support. Alexandra Doytchinova, who specialises in investments and market entries in Bulgaria, corporate restructurings and divestments, and Ilko Stoyanov, who regularly advises investment funds on M&A transactions, are joint practice heads. Katerina Kaloyanova-Toshkova and Stela Pavlova-Kaneva are key contacts in the team and both have extensive experience advising on domestic and international M&A transactions in the telecoms, energy and manufacturing sectors.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very experienced, responsive, and constructive.’
‘Ilko Stoyanov - very experienced, constructive in negotiations, and diligent.’
‘The Schoenherr team is comprised of highly skilled lawyers with extensive knowledge of the market and potential transaction challenges. They are proactive, detail-oriented, and leave no room for uncertainty. Alexandra Doytchinova and Stela Pavlova-Kaneva excel in negotiations and possess a deep understanding of the market, relevant legislation, and the commercial aspects of the business.’
‘Alexandra Doytchinova is the leading M&A lawyer in Bulgaria, known for her exceptional expertise, focus, and goal-oriented approach. Her excellent client care skills are complemented by a deep awareness of the commercial aspects of every deal and a thorough understanding of market trends. Stela Pavlova -Kaneva is among the top M&A lawyers I’ve worked with, possessing exceptional commercial insight and legal expertise. Not only is she highly knowledgeable, but she also approaches challenging negotiations with professionalism and composure.’
‘Schoenherr are excellent at guiding international investors through the Bulgarian legal and commercial landscape, explaining country-specific nuances. They are extremely responsive and excellent to deal with.’
‘Alexandra Doytchinova - she is excellent in every way. Stela Pavlova-Kaneva - excellent technically and a pleasure to deal with. Gergana Roussinova-Ivanova - easy to work with and very responsive.’
Key clients
- Emirates Telecommunications Group Company ("e&")
- AU Optronics
- Smurfit Kappa Europe B.V
- CVC Capital Partners
- Lufthansa
- GfK, including GfK Bulgaria
- Hypercapital
- Borealis
- Cashwave
- KKCG Group / Aricoma Group International AB
Work highlights
- Acted as local counsel to e& on the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group's assets in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia, Yettel and CETIN entities in Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia and O2 and O2 Networks in Slovakia.
- Advised Borealis AG on the acquisition of the Bulgarian polyethylene and polypropylene recycler Integra Plastics AD.
- Advised Smurfit Kappa on the contemplated acquisition of a bag-in-box packaging business in Bulgaria.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Alexandra Doytchinova; Ilko Stoyanov
Other key lawyers
Stela Pavlova-Kaneva; Katerina Kaloyanova-Toshkova; Tereza Shishkova; Silvia Ribanchova; Gergana Roussinova-Ivanova