Regularly dealing with state ministries, Cobalt has a strong foundation in state aid law, private enforcement defence and complex merger clearances. Practice head Uģis Zeltiņš is a skilled litigator in EU courts and ‘respected by authorities’. As a group, practitioners are well placed to handle competition law matters with additional layers of complexity, namely representing clients in regulated industries such as energy, banking, and pharmaceuticals, on top of a range of both merger control matters and investigations by competition regulators, including cartels and abuse of dominance cases. Hailed for its ’in-depth knowledge and practical experience in state aid and competition law issues,’ the group regularly advises on competitive neutrality infringement, emblematic of the variety of regulatory compliance advice in which the group is able to engage.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Cobalt's team stands out as leading experts in Latvia and they provide advice that is truly tailored to the needs of their clients.’
- ‘Uģis Zeltiņš is an exceptional individual. His intellectual capability, interpersonal skills, and reliability ensure that you receive the advice you need. He thoroughly investigates your issue, and is respected by authorities. Additionally, his openness to new technology puts him in a different league from other lawyers.’
- ‘Excellent team. High-level professionals. In-depth knowledge and practical experience in state aid and competition law issues.’
- ‘Responsiveness, ensuring regular communication with the client, and an ability to explain and provide qualified support, while respecting deadlines.’
Key clients
- Ventspils brīvostas pārvalde
- ORLEN Latvija SIA
- Riga City Council
- Ministry of Climate and Energy of the Republic of Latvia
- A.C.B. AS
- Latvenergo AS
- Latvijas dzelzceļš VAS
- Lidl Latvija SIA
- Moller Baltic Import SE
- Air Baltic Corporation AS
- Rīgas satiksme PSIA
- WESS Select
Work highlights
Advised the Riga City Council on a land lease to the Riga Olympic Sports Centre, preventing a tenfold increase in rent by assessing 'public function' and state aid compliance.
Advised the Latvian Ministry of Finance on the enforcement of ‘financial corrections’ due to irregularities in projects co–financed by EU structural funds.
Assisted Rīgas satiksme RP SIA with the legal groundwork for the extension of the public services agreement between Riga Municipality and its public transport company, Rīgas satiksme RP SIA, for a new period of 15 years.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Uģis Zeltiņš
Other key lawyers
Sandija Novicka; Ivo Maskalāns