Praised by clients for combining ‘deep knowledge with a collaborative and approachable style, making complex projects easier to navigate’, the members of GNP Guia Naghi & Partners’s competition practice are a key choice for companies facing allegations of anti-competitive practices or those looking to avoid such claims. The group provides comprehensive services regarding mergers and FDIs, state aid, and sectoral investigations. The department is based in Bucharest, and benefits from the leadership of seasoned duo Manuela Guia and Otilia Vîlcu; both are able to provide end-to-end regulatory support. Other standout members are Tudor Nacev, an expert in public procurement law, Andreea Ivăniș, who is experienced in administrative proceedings, and Tudor Pasat, who is adept at compliance matters; Alina Stoica offers key support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- What differentiates Mrs. Manuela Guia and Mrs. Otilia Vilcu from many competitors is their ability to bridge the technical and the tactical and to understand the economics deeply enough to anticipate regulatory concerns and frame arguments that resonate. I particularly value their clarity, responsiveness, and the mutual trust that underpins our collaboration; they bring structure and focus without constraining creativity. Their instinct for teamwork, both within their legal teams and across disciplines, creates an environment where complex competition matters are handled with coherence, precision, and conviction.
- Their team's approach to competition cases is characterized by an analytical mindset that allows for truly substantive collaboration: testing theories of harm, anticipating regulatory reactions, and shaping coherent case strategies that align legal and economic evidence. Unlike many other firms, they are not content with formalistic arguments; they dig into the data and the market context, ensuring every legal position is grounded in economic reality. I particularly value their openness to dialogue, their efficiency under pressure, and their ability to frame complex issues in a way that resonates with authorities. Their mix of intellectual discipline, strategic agility, and practical sense makes them outstanding partners in high-stakes competition work.
- ‘GNP Guia Naghi & Partners’ EU and competition practice stands out for its deep technical expertise combined with a practical, business-oriented approach. The team demonstrates an impressive ability to distil complex regulatory issues into actionable advice, making it easy for clients to understand and implement solutions. Their work is characterised by thorough legal analysis, responsiveness, and a proactive attitude, which helps clients stay ahead of regulatory challenges.’
- ‘The individuals at GNP Guia Naghi & Partners are approachable, highly knowledgeable, and consistently reliable. They go beyond simply providing legal advice and act as trusted advisors, offering commercially sound recommendations and anticipating potential risks. They are particularly skilled at strategic thinking and negotiation, often finding innovative solutions that balance regulatory compliance with business objectives. Associates stand out for their attention to detail, responsiveness, and ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.’
- ‘We have a long-standing collaboration with GNP competition team and we have always appreciated that they provide great technical skills, are consistently responsive and treat urgent and sensitive matters with the highest degree of care and professionalism. What makes them unique is their ability to adapt seamlessly to the dynamics of our industry and they have always invested time to understand the specifics of our energy business and tailor their advice accordingly.'
- ‘The lawyers we work with stand out through their ability to combine legal knowledge with genuine commitment. They are always available when needed, react quickly, transparent and explain us the different risks and implications that may impact our business. They are not offering one-size-fits-all solutions, but strategic and practical solutions adapted to our needs and, on a personal level, we greatly value their professionalism, approachability, and collaborative spirit. We have been working with Otilia Vilcu for many years, and she has consistently been a trusted advisor on some of our most sensitive and complex competition projects. Her expertise and judgment inspire confidence, and we know we can rely on her to guide us through challenging situations with clarity and precision. We also see the strength of the team she leads and mentors, ensuring that the same high quality of work and client care is reflected throughout the practice. Tudor Pasat is a highly capable lawyer who has quickly became a go-to person for our day-to-day needs, aiding Otilia especially in regulatory matters and reviewing commercial policies. He is proactive, takes initiative, and communicates seamlessly with us, ensuring that our concerns are always addressed in a clear and timely manner. Andreea Ivanis is a bright lawyer who has provided us with support, particularly on matters related to foreign direct investments.'
Key clients
- Delhaize 'The Lion' Nederland B.V.
- Mega Image S.R.L.
- Profi Rom Food S.R.L.
- Agricola International S.A.
- Arhivatorul S.R.L.
- Arhivatorul Cbms S.R.L.
- Global Archive Management S.R.L
- Patronatul Întreprinderilor De Arhivare (Piafer)
- Novartis Pharma Services Romania S.R.L.
- Geco Power Company Green Energy Corridor Power Company S.R.L.
- Defic Globe Group
- Inchcape Motors S.R.L.
Work highlights
Advised Delhaize Nederland B.V. in its EUR 1.3bn acquisition of Profi Rom Food.
Secured a final ruling from the High Court of Cassation and Justice annulling a sanctioning decision issued by the Romanian Competition Council against a supplier in the food sector.
Advised Agricola International Bacău S.A. in securing the closure of an antitrust investigation into the Romanian poultry meat production market through a commitments procedure before the Romanian Competition Council.
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.
Practice head
Manuela Guia; Otilia Vîlcu
Other key lawyers
Tudor Pasat; Andreea Ivăniș; Tudor Nacev; Alina Stoica