CMS remains a prime destination for clients requiring corporate and commercial law advice at the highest level in Romania and is a regular fixture in the foremost M&A transactions in the jurisdiction. As part of the wider firm’s global network, the team is accomplished in multi-faceted cross-border work but retains a strong domestic focus and presence; its depth of English law capabilities is another differentiator. Particular areas of strength have recently included work in the energy, retail, and agribusiness sectors. Managing partner Horea Popescu is the team’s figurehead and also leads the firm’s CEE group in corporate law. Rodica Manea is a further experienced contact to note, with a strong track record in M&A, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. Mircea Moraru is a go-to for the entire spectrum of corporate concentrations, and ‘knowledgeable dealmaker’ Claudia Nagy is a further example of the team’s bench strength. Raluca Ionescu and Elena Andrei are additional key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The CMS team organises the deal for you. Strong negotiators that back up positions with facts.’
‘Claudia Nagy - Knowledgeable dealmaker with authority.’
‘Real experts with excellent collaboration skills, always supportive, fluent in several language.’
‘Always close to the client, looking for a fast and proper solution of all the issues. Open to discussions and flexible and any situation that can mean big changes of the project. Always delivered in time the opinion and necessary documents.’
‘The team is very professional, experienced and very well informed in the relevant fields. The depth and breadth of their knowledge ensures that they are able to support our business needs successfully and provide high-quality, innovative legal solutions in complex M&A transactions.'
'What distinguishes CMS from other law firms is that they delve into the business needs of the client and advice accordingly. They put themselves in the client's shoes and they lead from the front in hard negotiations.’
‘Mircea Moraru has very good understanding of the client's business and not just the legal aspects. She has professional and deep knowledge of the energy sector.'
Key clients
- Ahold Delhaize
- L&C Properties
- OTP Group
- PPC Group
- Iberdrola
- Integral Venture Partners
- Entek Elektrik Üretim
- Cicor Group
- AGIR HADDECILIK A.S.
- Alior Bank
Work highlights
Advising Ahold Delhaize on its strategic investment in Romania by acquiring Romanian grocery retailer Profi Rom Food from private equity firm MidEuropa for a consideration of approximately €1.3bn.
Advised PPC Group on a cooperation agreement with Metlen Energy & Metals for the development of a solar portfolio of up to 2GW in Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Italy, which PPC will acquire upon completion of its connection to the electricity grid.
Assisted OTP Group with its exit from the Romanian market: on the agreement to sell its stake in its Romanian OTP Bank Romania to Banca Transilvania for a combined purchase price of €347.5m.
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
Horea Popescu
Other key lawyers
Rodica Manea; Mircea Moraru; Claudia Nagy; Raluca Ionescu; Elena Andrei