Successfully advised Agrotex, a leading agricultural company and one of the last family-owned agri-businesses in the local market, on the sale of a significant stake to Promat, Romania’s top agriculture player now controlled by Ameropa. The value of the transaction remains confidential. This complex transaction involved multiple steps and extensive coordination. The team prepared the transaction documents and led negotiations with both the buyer and sellers, bridging differing perspectives from Agrotex’s founders and a larger corporate entity. The deal underscores Romania’s growing agribusiness potential, a notable trend in the current local market.

Successfully advised Perficient, one of the world’s largest digital consultancies, on its expansion into Eastern Europe through the acquisition of SMEDIX, Inc.; the transaction value remains confidential. This acquisition strengthens Perficient’s healthcare industry capabilities with enhanced software development, data analytics, and IoT applications, and expands its global footprint with a new base in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The team conducted due diligence on the Romanian target, advised on local transaction aspects, and provided structuring guidance to address Romanian-specific elements. The team is honored to have contributed to a mandate that enhances patient care innovation in the med-tech sector across the region.

Successfully advised PDQ, a global leader in software and IT asset management, on the acquisition of CODA Intelligence, a Romanian provider of next-gen cybersecurity solutions. This acquisition enabled PDQ to launch PDQ Detect, a vulnerability scanning and management solution that helps IT, MSPs, and security teams worldwide identify and prioritize high-risk vulnerabilities. The team supported the entire process, including due diligence, preparation of transaction documents, and assistance with stock option plans and other ancillary matters. This mandate highlights their expertise in advising major corporations on transactions with local entrepreneurs, enhancing digital security across the region.

Successfully advised I Squared Capital, a Miami-based global infrastructure investment manager, on its multi-jurisdictional acquisition of the Arriva Group, an international transport business of Deutsche Bahn. The transaction value remains confidential. The team provided extensive legal services, including due diligence and regulatory advice across several Central and Eastern European countries – including Romania. The team also assisted with SPA negotiation, local law requirements, and W&I insurance. This mandate underscores I Squared’s commitment to sustainable growth and supporting Arriva’s mission to enhance passenger services and advance low-carbon transportation solutions across the region.

Successfully advised Nielsen Consumer, a portfolio company of Advent private equity fund, on the Romanian law aspects of its acquisition of GfK SE, a leading market research provider, from KKR & Co. and other shareholders. This acquisition creates a global leader in consumer and retail analytics with an unmatched footprint and industry coverage, driving innovative client solutions and growth opportunities. Their expertise in private equity was instrumental in this transaction, leading to further engagements with Advent’s lead counsel, Ropes & Gray, on additional cross-border acquisitions.

Successfully advised GLS – General Logistics Systems B.V., a leading pan-European provider of parcel logistics and delivery solutions, on its competitive bid for a 100% stake in Packeta, a global e-commerce platform with subsidiaries in six European countries, including Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The transaction value remains confidential. The team managed all legal aspects across multiple jurisdictions, including due diligence, transaction documentation, and merger control. This complex, multi-tiered auction process involved six sellers with differing interests and highlights their expertise in crossborder coordination and seamless transaction support for their clients. 

Specialist lawyers: Zsuzsa Csiki, Claudia Popescu, Madalina Perte, Mihai Stan, Cosmin Vasilescu, Ioana Popescu, Teodora Nicoschi.

Successfully advised a consortium of lenders led by Banco Santander as agent, including Bank Polska Kasa Opieki, Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski, Ceska sporitelna, ING Bank, BBVA, BNP Paribas, and Rabobank, on the Romanian, Czech, and Hungarian legal aspects of an €800 million financing agreement with fastfood operator AmRest. This financing supports the expansion of AmRest, a leading restaurant operator in Europe with a portfolio including KFC, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. The Romanian team led coordination across jurisdictions, showcasing their deep sector knowledge and ability to manage high-stakes, multi-country transactions.

Advised a consortium led by ING Bank and including: Citigroup Europe, UniCredit Bank, BRD – Groupe Societe Generale and Raiffeisen Bank on a new €150 million senior facility agreement granted to DIGI Romania, the country’s leading television and telecommunications provider, part of Digi Communications N.V. The three-year term loan will refinance DIGI Romania’s €450 million senior guaranteed bonds due in 2025. ING Bank N.V. acted as arranger and original lender, with ING Bank N.V. London Branch serving as facility agent. The team, having advised on similar facilities for DIGI in previous years, managed financing documentation, security matters, and local compliance requirements, underscoring their sustained role in supporting DIGI’s growth and refinancing strategy.

Advised BIG Mega Renewable Energy on a financing transaction with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and OTP Bank to build and operate the Urleasca wind farm, one of the largest wind farms in Romania. This milestone project represents BIG Mega’s first renewable investment in Romania, with the financing agreement serving as a critical step in its expansion strategy in Romania and the Balkans. The Urleasca wind farm is expected to contribute significantly to Romania’s renewable energy goals, generating approx. 292 GWh per year. The law firm has been advising BIG Mega Renewable Energy on all its renewable projects in Romania since its market entry and early development stages.

Advised the European Investment Bank on the Romanian law aspects of a €50 million loan to the state-owned Exim Banca Romaneasca, aimed at sub-lending to SMEs in the Romanian market. The team provided comprehensive counsel on the financing agreement and the complex banking regulatory aspects related to the borrower. This transaction is particularly significant due to the team's detailed analysis of the banking regulations, considering that Exim Banca Romaneasca operates as both a commercial bank and an agent of the Romanian state in various transactions, including state guarantees and incentives for external trade. The financing coincided with the acquisition of Banca Romaneasca by EximBank Romania, marking EximBank’s entry into the local retail market and its rebranding as Exim Banca Romaneasca.

Advised CCC, the leading Polish footwear manufacturer, and its Romanian subsidiary Shoe Express on all Romanian aspects of the Group’s recent refinancing transaction. The team provided a comprehensive range of legal services tailored for cross-border financing arrangements, including assistance with the security package, release and deregistration of existing financings, preparation of mandatory documentation, corporate approvals, and transaction management. This deal is noteworthy as the financing was structured in accordance with Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles and involved major lenders, including EBRD, BNP Paribas Bank, Santander Bank, and mBank. The complex structure required alignment across multiple jurisdictions and streams, addressing both refinancing needs and the release of existing financing.

Specialist lawyers: Magdalena Raducanu, Razvan Constantinescu, Alexandra Sofineti, among others.

Advised Danish developer Jantzen Renewables ApS on its transaction with OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy company in Southeast Europe, for the purchase of the Helios 1 photovoltaic cluster in Romania – one of the largest renewable energy transactions in Romania in 2023 (the deal enjoyed large media coverage). With the installed power estimated to be approx. 710 MW, the cluster will be one of Southeast Europe's most significant photovoltaic projects, powering around 280,000 Romanian households annually. The team advised on all matters including the restructuring of the land acquisition financing and the guarantees aimed at offering comfort to future project buyer (as well as data room set-up assistance, vendor due diligence, drafting project memos, reliance letters, SPA review, negotiations assistance). The team has also become day-to-day advisor for Jantzen Renewables on all the matters concerning their projects in Romania, including title insurance as new product in Romania for renewables projects, covering land title and permitting, untested land development regulatory advice and guidance, with focus on bankability.

Advised Canadian Nuclear Partners, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, on the framework agreement for refurbishing Unit 1 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, operated by Nuclearelectrica. Valued at approx. €240 million, this agreement marks a crucial milestone in the refurbishment project. Canadian Nuclear Partners will provide project management services, technical assistance, and professional training specific to the CANDU power plant's refurbishment. The team supported the client on all participation aspects, including nuclear liability, regulatory compliance, public procurement law, and corporate matters, ensuring a comprehensive approach since their entry into the Romanian market.

Continues to advise European Energy, a leading Scandinavian green energy firm, on over 10 projects in Romania, aiming for a total capacity exceeding 2,000 MW across various stages of development. The assistance includes documentation and tender management for solar farms in various locations. The team provides comprehensive support on development permitting, EPC contracts, public tenders, and project financing. The team bridges gaps with local developers, navigates permitting challenges, and implements innovative solutions to incentivize stakeholders, ensuring successful project execution and protecting the client's interests.

Advising Enery Element GmbH on vendor due diligence for four solar farms under development in Romania, totaling approx. 1,300 MW across various locations. Their support includes vendor due diligence, title insurance for land title and permitting risks, and securing project lands while addressing landowner claims. They also assist in resolving land title issues and navigating zoning regulations, ensuring bankability amid new legislative challenges. Their involvement extends to project structuring and preparing for sale or joint ventures, providing sensitive regulatory advice to facilitate financing and compliance with evolving sector requirements.

Continuing its longstanding advisory role for DXT Commodities in the Romanian natural gas sector. The team provides insights on trading, legislation, and various regulatory matters, conducting a comprehensive analysis of the gas market in Romania. They also liaise with the regulatory authority ANRE to ensure compliance and navigate evolving regulatory frameworks, supporting DXT Commodities in maintaining its operational effectiveness within the market.

Specialist lawyers: Iustinian Captariu, Victor Constantinescu, Catalin Dinu, Sandra Gheorghe, Denisa Constantin, Catalin Graure, Madalina Perte, Diana Istov, Ioana Criste, Ioana Popescu, Dana Sarbu, Corina Stanciu, Cosmin Vasilescu, Lidia Zarnescu.

Advises Perrigo, a manufacturer of private label over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, on day-to-day competition advice in Romania, including on a competition law compliance audit and in a sector inquiry from the Competition Council.

Advised a new client, Lesaffre, a leading manufacturer of food products and a leader in fermentation, on the review and rollout of its local competition compliance system. Additionally, they are delivering competition training to key local personnel to ensure adherence to regulations and best practices in the industry.

Advising a longstanding client in the banking sector on various matters, including a newly launched antitrust investigation by the local competition authority concerning the functioning of the national credit bureau and an alleged anti-competitive agreement with other shareholders. The assistance included reviewing internal documents and those seized during the authority's dawn raid, conducting interviews with relevant personnel, and drafting a comprehensive memorandum outlining conclusions from a competition law perspective and suggested defense strategies in response to the investigation.

Advised numerous clients across various sectors, including energy (renewables), IT and telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, real estate, on FDI filings and clearance processes in Romania. Their comprehensive services encompass navigating regulatory frameworks, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with local laws and EU regulations. The team assists clients in preparing the necessary documentation, addressing potential competition concerns and facilitating discussions with relevant authorities. Their team's expertise in FDI matters enables us to provide tailored solutions that support their clients' strategic objectives while mitigating risks associated with foreign investments in the Romanian market.

Advised their long-standing client, Canadian Nuclear Partners, part of Ontario Power Generation, on various competition and FDI matters. This includes navigating the necessary filings with authorities related to the framework agreement concluded with the state-owned power producer SNN Nuclearelectrica for the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. Their comprehensive support encompasses compliance with applicable regulations, ensuring a smooth process in aligning with the legal requirements essential for this significant infrastructure project in Romania's energy sector.

Specialist lawyers: Iustinian Captariu, Catalin Graure, Cristina Costin, Andreea Vladareanu.

Successfully advised Globalworth, an AIM-listed leading office investor in Poland and Romania, on its exit from the logistics real estate market in Romania through the sale of part of its logistics portfolio to CTP, the largest owner and developer of logistics and industrial spaces by gross leasable area in Central and Eastern Europe. The transaction was signed in March 2024 and closed in May 2024. The portfolio included nearly fully let logistics and light-industrial facilities located in Chitila and Afumati (near Bucharest), Oarja (near Pitesti), Giarmata (near Timisoara), Oradea and Arad. The law firm handled all transactional matters, including the drafting, negotiation, and execution of transaction documents, along with all ancillary matters. This deal showcases the law firm's considerable resources and expertise in the sector.

Continued to advise Globalworth on the sale of a logistics portfolio in Romania to WDP, a logistics real estate specialist focused on developing future-proof and sustainable warehousing facilities across key locations in Europe. The portfolio sold to WDP was a joint venture with Global Vision and included lettable logistics and industrial facilities located in Chitila, Constanta, and Targu Mures, encompassing a combined surface area of 136,374 sqm and over 300,000 sqm of additional land for future developments. The law firm provided comprehensive support on all aspects of the transaction, including the drafting, negotiation, and execution of transaction documents, as well as addressing all related issues.

Advised the hospitality division of the House of Julius Meinl on the acquisition of Hotel Ambasador, an iconic Bucharest hotel operating since 1937. The client plans to invest tens of millions of EUR to refurbish the hotel to meet the standards of its “The Julius” brand. The transaction involved multiple owners and both share and asset components, requiring several months of negotiation. The law firm supported all aspects, including real estate due diligence, regulatory clearances, and drafting and executing transaction documents. They have also been retained to advise on day-to-day legal matters related to the hotel's operation and modernization.

Last year, the team advised Indotek, one of Hungary's largest real estate owners, on developing industrial logistics parks in Alba and Calarasi counties, Romania, including establishing a Romanian joint venture. They assisted the joint venture in acquiring the Aiud Industrial Park project in Alba County from leading developer ILD, while the Calarasi project was aborted. The future industrial park will span approx. 18 ha with four buildings ranging from 13,200 sqm to 36,000 sqm and will have access to the A10 motorway. Their support included due diligence, transaction documentation, public acquisition matters, and FDI filings. The team is now the client’s day-to-day advisor on asset management in Romania.

Advised Zabka, the leading Polish retailer, on various expansion matters in Romania. The assistance included negotiating the lease agreement for its main warehouse at MLP Bucharest West, a new logistics and production park in Western Bucharest, along with addressing permitting issues. They also provided advice on logistics services agreements for the storage and transportation of frozen foods with Whiteland Logistics, the market leader in integrated logistics, and tackled permitting matters related to food regulatory compliance, transport, and import taxes. Additionally, the team addressed numerous regulatory aspects, including environmental considerations. Zabka operates over 12,000 stores in Poland and is aggressively expanding in Romania.

Specialist lawyers: Victor Constantinescu, Catalin Dinu, Corina Stanciu, Denisa Constantin, Diana Istov, Sandra Gheorghe and others.

Advising and representing one of the richest Romanian businessmen in more than 90 ongoing complex and high value civil, insolvency and criminal cases.

Currently advising and representing a new client in the gaming sector, specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, and sales of computerized gaming equipment and related software. Their assistance encompasses over 30 prelitigation and litigation cases focused on the recovery of slot machines and associated amounts from various Romanian debtors. These cases involve intricate issues related to civil, criminal, and contractual law, as well as enforcement and insolvency matters, highlighting their expertise in navigating the complexities of this highly regulated industry.

Currently advising their confidential client, one of the world's largest global automotive suppliers, on a cross-border contractual dispute with 2 suppliers relating to breach of contractual clauses and defective products. This matter involves international, EU, contractual and civil law matters.

Currently advising and representing the client, a confidential financial institution, in a series of Romanian court cases with a former contractual partner in connection to various damage claims, as well as other contractual matters.

Advising and representing a confidential client in the digital games industry on a series of employment litigation matters. These cases involve claims for moral damages and challenges to collective dismissal decisions made by the client regarding former employees. The team is providing comprehensive legal support, including case analysis, preparation of defense strategies, and representation in court proceedings to safeguard the client's interests in these complex employment disputes.

Specialist lawyers: Remus Codreanu, Vlad Simion, Andrei Covaliu, Raluca Constantin, Lidia Zarnescu.

Provide comprehensive tax advisory services to a STADA M&D regarding their daily business activities in Romania, addressing all tax areas, including profit tax, income tax, withholding tax, and VAT. Their team is also assisting the company with tax advice related to a state-aid funded investment in Turda. Their strategic guidance ensures the client remains compliant while maximizing potential tax benefits in their operations.

Provide day-to-day tax consultancy services to Accord Healthcare, offering guidance on various tax implications related to profit tax, withholding tax, VAT, and business structuring. The team ensures that clients navigate the complexities of tax regulations effectively, helping them optimize their tax positions while maintaining compliance with applicable laws. This ongoing support is tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients, enabling them to  make informed decisions that align with their business objectives.

Have assisted the client, a prominent manufacturer of agricultural machinery and equipment, in maintaining the suspension of enforcement for the fine issued by the Romanian Competition Council. Additionally, they have supported the client with various matters related to cross-border transactions, specifically involving the dispatch of employees from Romania to Ukraine for maintenance and repair services concerning specialized equipment. The team provided comprehensive legal guidance to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and facilitate the smooth execution of these crossborder operations.

The law firm has been appointed as an expert party in a court dispute involving their client, a major player in the pharmaceuticals sector, and the local tax authorities concerning specific profit tax and VAT issues. Their role includes providing specialized analysis and insights to support their client's position in this legal matter.

Provide tax advice related to transactions in Romania to a leading international defense and technology company, focusing on matters such as profit tax, VAT, personal income tax and social contributions. Their support ensures compliance with local tax regulations and optimizes the client's tax position in their business operations.

Specialist lawyers: Rusandra Sandu, Luiza Bedros, Theodor Artenie, Carmen Mazilu, Andrada Popescu, Cristina Stamboli.

Advised a consor tium of international companies including China Communications Construction Company Ltd. International, on the Metrorex tender for the Metro line phase 1:1 Mai – Tokyo stations valued at approx. €265 million. Assistance on the matter required (i) in order to prepare all the documents in response to the clarification request issued by Metrorex as contracting entity, regarding the public procurement of design and execution services for the first lot of metro which will connect current metro lines with Henri Coanda Airport, (ii) for any other matters that may occur after submitting the response.

Regularly advising Siemens on various public procurement aspects in connection with public tenders in which Siemens participates either as bidder or as subcontractor and/or third supporting party (industrial infrastructure projects focusing on engineering, IT and development services acquisition). These are all complex, cross-border and ongoing matters involving expertise from several areas, such as Public Procurement, Administrative, Infrastructure and Projects, Construction and Civil Procedure law matters as well as the need of understanding complex technical aspects relating to the matters.

Advising one of the leading oil and gas companies with respect to petroleum concession aspects involving its local affiliate.

Advising a consortium of international companies on the preliminary phases for the Sibiu – Pitesti highway valued at over €1 billion.

Advising a confidential company actively bidding on large areas of real estate concerning solar energy production, on no less than 25 projects in Romania with all of the matters involving massive assistance on documentation (including tenders), with envisaged capacity of upwards to 1,000 MW.

Specialist lawyers: Iustinian Captariu, Remus Codreanu, Vlad Simion, Catalin Dinu, Catalin Graure, Ioana Criste, Dana Sarbu.

Advising and representing its client, confidential high net-worth individual in Romania, in more than 90 ongoing complex and high value civil, insolvency and criminal cases.

Currently advising and representing their client, a confidential chemicals company, in an ongoing complex and cross border civil case against a Romanian agricultural company.

Currently advising and representing a client in the gaming industry, specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of computerized gaming equipment and software. This client is engaged in over 30 cases related to the recovery of slot machines and outstanding amounts from multiple debtors in Romania. Their involvement spans various legal aspects, including civil, criminal, contractual, enforcement, and insolvency law, ensuring a comprehensive approach to navigate the complexities of these recovery efforts.

Currently advising and representing a confidential logistics and services provider in Romania in several complex and sensitive cases involving administrative and contractual law aspects.

Advising and representing a confidential client, a reputable chain of major shopping centers in both Bucharest and Brasov, in a criminal case involving complex and high value tax evasion and other criminal offences such as embezzlement, forgery and money laundering.

Specialist lawyers: Remus Codreanu, Vlad Simion, Raluca Constantin, Andrei Covaliu and others.

Advising Samsung, a leading client in the electronics industry, on day-to-day legal matters in Romania, including corporate and employment issues, as well as other in-house matters not involving third parties. The team is committed to providing comprehensive legal support, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and addressing any legal challenges that may arise. This engagement highlights their strong reputation in the tech sector and their ability to handle cross-practice matters effectively.

Currently advising Avalara Inc. in Romania on various day-to-day employment law matters. This client specializes in providing solutions related to sales and use tax, global commerce, and integration services, working closely with accountants and technology partners. The team is focused on ensuring compliance with local labor regulations while addressing the complexities associated with a potential global reorganization. They are committed to providing tailored legal support that aligns with Avalara’s operational objectives and enhances their business effectiveness in the region.

Last year, the law firm reported on their assistance to a prominent energy provider regarding labor litigation involving a former employee who contested a disciplinary dismissal decision. The team represented the client in the Romanian courts, ensuring robust legal support throughout the process. This year, they have been engaged again to provide legal opinions on various human resources matters, as well as to assist with a pre-litigation employment dispute concerning cumulative job positions and associated salary rights. Their ongoing collaboration underscores their commitment to addressing the client's evolving legal needs in the employment sector.

Advising and representing the client, a company offering various payment solutions, on various employment law matters, including several cases related to the termination of employment relationships. The team is assisting the company with policy development, employee handbook revisions, on-call policies, and updates to internal regulations. Additionally, they are providing support in a complex and sensitive case involving allegations of moral harassment and non-performance issues. Their comprehensive legal assistance aims to ensure compliance with applicable laws while safeguarding the client’s interests in these challenging situations.

Currently assisting HCL Technologies Romania, an Indian multinational information technology company, on various day-today employment law matters such as staff hiring, dismissal procedures and employment termination, negotiation of collective bargaining agreement, internal regulation and other internal policies (e.g., electronic signature policy), transfer of employees, services agreements etc.

Specialist lawyers: Remus Codreanu, Lidia Zarnescu, Rena Saftencu and others.