Firms To Watch: EU and competition

Kinstellar's strength in the M&A field includes competition aspects of transactions, namely merger control proceedings, FDI and FDR compliance. Managing partner Diana Dimova leads the practice.
Arsov Natchev Ganeva advises on merger control cases, cartels, unfair trade practises and antitrust issues in the field of competition law, next to which they support public and private clients on the EU legal framework.

EU and competition in Bulgaria

Boyanov & Co.

Boyanov & Co. fields an ‘agile team’ that is able to handle matters across the entire spectrum of competition law, including merger clearance, day-to-day advice on competition law compliance and dawn raid responses as well as antitrust and cartel investigations. The firm is also well versed in contentious matters, and acts in a range of unfair competition and abuse of dominance proceedings. Peter Petrov leads the practice and is an expert in unfair competition, comparative advertising, merger control and antitrust matters. Leading disputes lawyer Kina Chuturkova handles competition litigation and at associate level is Adriana Bakalova with extensive experience in merger control and clearance matters.

Praxisleiter:

Peter Petrov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kina Chuturkova; Adriana Bakalova


Referenzen

‘The main teams’ strength is their dedication to client’s needs. They act quickly and professionally, they study each case by all its aspects.’

‘Great and agile team, understanding the business.’

‘An exceptional law firm with an absolute professional knowledge and attitude. Great collaboration and understanding. The best in class on the market.’

Kernmandanten

Procter & Gamble


AbbVie/Allergan


Novartis


Merck


Philip Morris


Bayer


Unilever


Mondelēz


Siemens


Medtronic


adidas


LEGO


Pfizer


KBC


Duvetica


Jacobs Douwe Egberts


Estée Lauder


Inditex/Zara


Sameday


Flip


CVC Capital Partners


Publicis


Boehringer Ingelheim


Devin (Spadel)


Lidl


Fluidra


Villeroy & Boch


Datasiders


Teak Capital and Tangor Capital


Ted Bed


NAVIBULGAR


HSH Chemie


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised and represented Villeroy & Boch in relation to obtaining unconditional merger approval for its acquisition of its rival Ideal Standard Group.
  • Advised and represented Teak Capital and Tangor Capital in obtaining a negative merger clearance for its acquisition of sole control over Vetrerie Riunite (VR Group).
  • Advised and represented CVC Capital Partners in obtaining Bulgarian merger clearance for its increased investment (and acquisition of control) in Aleph Group, Inc.

CMS

Bulgarian and European corporates in the energy, consumer products, insurance, agriculture and finance sectors comprise the client base at CMS. The firm handles merger control matters, investigations and cartels, advice and court representation related to misleading advertisements and labelling, as well as providing ongoing advice and training to clients on diverse competition compliance matters, often in collaboration with their ‘extensive international network’. Jointly leading the practice are Nevena Radlova and Ivan Gergov, with the former handling merger clearance, antitrust and unfair competition mandates, and the latter specialising in competition compliance in M&A transactions. Anna Tanova is a key name in the department.

Praxisleiter:

Nevena Radlova; Ivan Gergov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anna Tanova; Desislava Anastasova; Maxim Hristov; Anna-Maria Spasova


Referenzen

‘Reliable law firm.’

‘CMS has an extensive international network. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to competition law due to the possibility of dawn raids. We know we can rely on CMS to delivered standardised top quality support across our network of offices.’

‘The individuals we have worked with so far, including Nevena Radlova, have demonstrated great commercial acumen, responsiveness and creativity when it comes to providing legal products.’

Kernmandanten

EKO Bulgaria


Smartcom Bulgaria


Avon Bulgaria


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advice to a multinational bio-industrial company on compliance with competition law of a number of promotional campaigns, contracts and practices.
  • Advice to EKO Bulgaria (part of HelleniQ Energy group) on merger clearance advice in relation to renting of various petrol stations; advice in relation to advertising campaigns.
  • Smartcom Bulgaria on the preparation and filing of an appeal with the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition against a decision for opening a public tender in the area of IT and telecommunications.

Dimitrov, Petrov & Co

TMT and life sciences companies turn to Dimitrov, Petrov & Co for their ‘deep understanding of competition law, combined with a strategic and client-focused approach’. The team provides day-to-day competition advice on the launch of new products, distribution agreements, marketing and promotional compliance, while also frequently handling merger control and competition investigations before the authorities. Zoya Todorova, who has extensive experience appearing before the commission for protection for competition, and Donka Stoyanova, who is well versed in abuse of dominance, collusive agreements and cartel investigations.

Praxisleiter:

Zoya Todorova; Donka Stoyanova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Radina Tomanova; Rositsa Vasileva; Yana Georgieva


Referenzen

‘Donka Stoyanova is great team leader. She has super strong knowledge of competition law. She can easily brief our team on the problem and deliver efficient solutions.’

‘What sets this practice apart from others is their deep understanding of competition law, combined with a strategic and client-focused approach. Their team is skilled at anticipating sector-specific competition issues, from mergers and acquisitions to vertical agreements and abuse of dominance cases.’

‘The team operates in a highly collaborative manner, not only within their firm but also with their clients. They are known for building close, trusting relationships, ensuring open lines of communication, and delivering clear, actionable advice promptly. I would single out Radina Tomanova and Zoya Todorova.’

Kernmandanten

Google Inc


Yettel Bulgaria


Pfizer Luxemburg SARL, Bulgaria Branch


Pepkor Europe GmbH (Pepco chain)


New Capital Management


Helikon


Johnson & Johnson / Janssen Group


Hell Energy


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting New Capital Management in complying with the merger clearance regime as part of a high-value deal in the agricultural sector.
  • Advised Google in assessment of the competition risks related to the launch of new services in Europe.
  • Assisting and representing the mobile operator Yettel in a series of lawsuits with regard to challenging the acquisition of the TV distribution provider Bulsatcom by Vivacom.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov

At Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov, the team has extensive experience across the entire spectrum of competition law, making it an advisor of choice for complex proceedings before the competition authorities, including on antitrust, abuse of dominant position, prohibited vertical and horizontal agreements and merger control proceedings. The team also handles many ongoing advisory mandates regarding clients’ promotional activities, new product launches and general competition compliance. Nikolai Gouginski, who handles proceedings before the authorities, namely antitrust, cartel investigations and unfair trade practices, while Violetta Kunze, who is adept at EU regulatory and competition advice, and together they lead the practice. Dessislava Iordanova has expertise in this area due to her previous experience working in the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition.

Praxisleiter:

Nikolai Gouginski; Violetta Kunze


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Vladislav Antonov; Dessislava Iordanova; Katina Petrova


Referenzen

‘Very well prepared for compliance topics we put on them. Fast in reaction and thorough explanation.’

‘A nice bunch of talented lawyers with great service mentality.’

‘Nikolai Gouginski: very bright lawyer, great to work with, always available and pragmatic.’

Kernmandanten

OMV Bulgaria EOOD


Froneri Bulgaria EOOD


Nikon Europe B.V.


Visa Europe B.V.


Mayoral Moda Infantil S.A. and Mayoral Bulgaria EOOD


Miele Center Max Group EOOD


Beiersdorf Bulgaria


British American Tobacco Trading EOOD


Traton SE and its subsidiary MAN Truck & Bus


Quadrant Beverages AD


Bunge Romania SRL and Kaliakra AD


Carlsberg Bulgaria AD


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing and advising Froneri Bulgaria in an investigation launched on complaints of two smaller competitors.
  • Advised OMV in a CPC investigation against Lukoil Bulgaria EOOD for alleged abuse of dominant position.
  • Antitrust assessment and advice to Miеle Center Max Group EOOD with respect to practices of their exclusive supplier Miele Bulgaria EOOD.

Kambourov & Partners

Kambourov & Partners advises clients across a broad range of sectors on matters before the Bulgarian commission on protection of competition, including those related to unfair trading, misleading advertising and merger clearance. The firm is also provides ongoing advice on antitrust, advertisement and vertical agreement compliance, recently acting for a number of major retail and ecommerce clients. Practice head Plamen Yotov is hailed for his ‘exceptional expertise in EU legislation and competition matters’. Stefan Tzakov is adept in both contentious and non-contentious competition matters and is a highly regarded practitioner in this space.

Praxisleiter:

Plamen Yotov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Stefan Tzakov


Referenzen

‘The team provides prompt and high-quality services where the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly expressed. We assess the level of service as excellent and we emphasize that the answers to the legal questions were provided by Kambourov & Partners law office in due time. Responses were accurate and always provided in close cooperation with in-house lawyers of the company.

‘We can mention Plamen Yotov because his exceptional expertise in EU legislation and competition matters. He always demonstrates problem-solving attitudes and he is extremely devoted to the results in client’s interests due to his excellent knowledge of the industry.’

‘Their team provided outstanding EU and competition legal support. Their attention to detail, responsiveness and proactive approach ensured that our interests were always well-protected.’

Kernmandanten

Kaufland Bulgaria


ClaimCompass


United Group


Elica Yard


Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany (Bosch)


Vivacom


Wizz Air


Kamenitza AD/Starbev Netherlands B.V./Molson Coors


Prestige-96


Lidl Bulgaria


Zora


Maxima Bulgaria


Highlight-Mandate


  • Obtained unconditional Phase II merger clearance for United Group’s acquisition of Bulsatcom.
  • Successfully defended United Group in proceedings before the Bulgarian competition authority regarding alleged gun-jumping.
  • Assists Kaufland as a respondent in a proceeding before the Bulgarian competition authority regarding alleged unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain.

Andrey Delchev and Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria

Andrey Delchev and Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria is known for its strength in the oil, gas and natural resources fields, where they act for private clients such as Lukoil and Gazprom and public entities, namely the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, on a number of contentious and non-contentious competition matters. Their advisory offering in this area includes representing before the authorities in cartel investigations, abuse of dominant market position, price fixing and market manipulation proceedings. The firm also offers ongoing compliance advice on advertising and promotional campaigns, due to the specialist expertise of practice head Severina Liubenova, while co-head Boriana Chotekova handles complex abuse of dominant position cases before the commission for protection of competition and the supreme administrative court.

Praxisleiter:

Severina Liubenova; Boriana Chotekova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrey Delchev


Referenzen

‘We highly appreciate the team’s professionalism and commitment.’

‘The representatives of the firm are outstanding for their professionalism, flexibility and willingness to go into detail in a complex matter such as energy regulations. They are available whenever deadlines need to be met.’

Kernmandanten

Lukoil


CEZ Group Bulgaria/ Electrohold Bulgaria EAD


Energy and Water Regulatory Commission


Radioplay Media (Fresh Media Group)


Gedeon Richter


Gazprom


Competence Alliance LLC – Mondelez Bulgaria


National Trust EcoFund


Treger LTD


Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advises the Lukoil Group in Bulgaria in two sets of national investigations regarding alleged abuses of dominant position on the market in the form of refusal to grant access to essential infrastructure and margin squeeze.
  • Advises Mondelez Bulgaria, the national subsidiary of Mondelēz International, in connection with its advertising campaigns, initiatives, etc. and their compliance with the requirements of the prohibition of unfair competition.
  • Advises Radioplay Media Group – the Bulgarian radio group – on competition and regulatory issues related to broadcasting of radio programs in Bulgaria.

Dinova Rusev & Partners

Dinova Rusev & Partners handles a diverse workload which spans competition compliance advice in relation to commercial agreements, as well as representation before the authorities in claims on abuse of dominant position, unfair competition, misleading advertising and promotional campaigns and merger control proceedings. Practice head Milen Rusev has extensive experience advising on the competition aspects of M&A transactions. Ivelina Cherneva is a key name in the department and provides ongoing competition advice, including on misleading advertising.

Praxisleiter:

Milen Rusev


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ivelina Cherneva


Referenzen

‘High level of knowledge and efficiency.’

‘Highly experienced individuals.’

Kernmandanten

3M Bulgaria


AP Retail I


Sofia South Ring Mall


Imerys Minerals Bulgaria AD


Daskalantonakis Group of Companies


Eko Bulgaria EAD


CRD Sport


Crown-95 Ltd.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised CRD Sport in the successful acquisition of a Bulgarian first-division professional football club.
  • Represented Hellenic Dairies before the Bulgarian Merger Authority in a merger clearance procedure involving phase 2 (in-depth investigation) and helped them to obtain unconditional merger clearance by the Bulgarian merger regulator, of the acquisition of United Milk Company.
  • Advised Crown-95 Ltd. before the Bulgarian Competition Authority in two cases for imitation (unfair competition), as well as in court appeals.

Georgiev, Todorov & Co

Georgiev, Todorov & Co advises leading Bulgarian pharma, retail and telecoms clients in complex disputes related to exclusionary distribution practices, abuse of dominant market position and recently in public procurement disputes. The team also supports clients in remaining compliant with new EU legislation and regulations, such as GDPR compliance. Alexander Pachamanov leads the practice and is hailed as ‘an outstanding lawyer in the field of competition law’ and specialises his practice on the telecoms and transport sectors. Miglena Peneva and Tsvetelina Dimitrova are key members of the department.

Praxisleiter:

Alexander Pachamanov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Miglena Peneva; Tsvetelina Dimitrova


Referenzen

‘Georgiev, Todorov & Co. stands out because of its excellency both in competition rules and ability to lead complex administrative proceedings. The strong commercial awareness and the ability to dive deep into the problem, so to avoid any potential future ones, also makes the firm a preferred legal and business advisor.’

‘Alexander Pachamanov is the lead partner we have been working with and I would say that he is an outstanding lawyer in the field of competition law. His commercial awareness and creative problem solution approach make him an excellent part of the team.’

‘Georgiev Todorov is a very important law firm with many partners and associates. Several partners are professors of law and have strong connections in the country.’

Kernmandanten

Viva Corporate Bulgaria


BORICA


METRO Cash & Carry Bulgaria EOOD


Real Systems


Roche Bulgaria


CONSORTIUM STORGOSIA 2023


PATPERFECT-T LTD


Viastroi AD


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Viva Corporate Bulgaria EOOD in the merger control clearance procedure before the Commission for Protection of Competition when the company acquired 100% from the Bulsatcom shares in a deal worth EUR 122m.
  • Advises METRO Cash & Carry Bulgaria on competition and consumer protection issues in the course of their advertising campaigns, as well as on their commercial sales and promotions.
  • Represented CONSORTIUM STORGOSIA 2023 in three proceedings before the Commission for Protection of Competition, in an appeal filed by other participants against the decision of the Chairman of the Management Board of Road Infrastructure Agency, by which the client was appointed as the contractor of a public procurement contract.

Hristov & Partners

Hristov & Partners is particularly well regarded for its proficiency in all antitrust and competition matters related to M&A transactions, leveraging the firm’s international referral network to advise international clients on merger control clearances. The teams’ other capabilities include compliance advice on promotional campaigns and distribution agreements and day-to-day advice on competition compliance. Pavel Hristov leads the practice with the support of Dragomir Stefanov in the team and are praised as ‘very responsive and highly competent lawyers’.

Praxisleiter:

Pavel Hristov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dragomir Stefanov


Referenzen

‘They demonstrate exceptional responsiveness and a personal approach, treating each client matter with genuine care. I truly feel they are a real business partner.’

‘Both Dragomir and Pavel are very responsive and highly competent lawyers.’

Kernmandanten

GEP


Reckitt Benckiser Inc.


DanubeTruck Bulgaria


Notino


Fujitsu General


ALD Automotive


IWG


DMG Bulgaria


Enterprise Investors


Integrity Capital Investments


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Renters.pl on the acquisition of the largest property manager in Bulgaria, Flat Manager.
  • Worked as a national expert contributor for Bulgaria to a World Bank’s competition law screener.
  • Advised Notino on competition compliance matters in Bulgaria.

Jordanov, Ignatov, Ivanov Law Firm

The EU and competition law team at Jordanov, Ignatov, Ivanov Law Firm ‘stands out for its exceptional expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and delivering strategic, business-oriented advice’. The team covers contentious unfair competition matters, including breach of distribution networks, before the competition authorities as well as ongoing compliance advice for companies across various sectors, on campaigns and initiatives and the application of various EU regulations. Practice head Dimitar Ivanov continues to lead on a series of competition matters and is supported by Svetlana Valeva in the team who is a strong advocate, often representing clients before the Bulgarian commission for protection of competition and the supreme administrative court.

Praxisleiter:

Dimitar Ivanov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Svetlana Valeva


Referenzen

‘JII Law Firm offers exceptional legal services across a wide spectrum of legal areas. Their EU and competition legal practice is unrivalled, encompassing a broad range of expertise in competition law, including antitrust, merger clearance, compliance and litigation.’

‘With a robust academic foundation, Svetlana Valeva consistently exhibits a remarkable level of legal acumen. She thrives in high-pressure situations, consistently delivering work within established deadlines. Moreover, her exceptional client relationship skills have greatly contributed to our positive experience.’

‘This EU and competition law practice stands out for its exceptional expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and delivering strategic, business-oriented advice. Potential clients will value their responsiveness, strong advocacy in regulatory proceedings and their ability to manage cross-border matters effectively.’

Kernmandanten

Plesio Computers


Didis Kitchen


Ministry of Energy


Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company


Xella Bulgaria


Leader 96


Mundus Services


UVI United Vision


Aqua Lens


Lenses BG


Effect 2002


Genik Kafe Reshenia


SP Rentals


Smart Organic


Tavilog


BPD Ring Road


Varna Logistics


BPD Industrial Real Estate Fund


BRS Balkans AD


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented BRS Bolkans in a significant anticompetition case before the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition.
  • Successfully advised Mundus Services regarding unfair competition practices before the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court.
  • Advised the acquisition of Varna Logistics EOOD by an investment, insurance and banking group, including on all acquisition clearance aspects before the Commission for Protection of Competition.

Penkov, Markov & Partners

Penkov, Markov & Partners maintains a good relationship with a series of industry leading clients and their Bulgarian subsidiaries, including Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Heineken Group and Klett Bulgaria, who frequently turn to the team for support on competition law enforcement and compliance matters. This includes antitrust and unfair competition compliance regarding distribution systems, agreements and marketing activities and representation in court cases. The firm’s Chairman Vladimir Penkov leads the competition practice alongside Smilena Hrusanova, who brings her extensive experience in merger clearance proceedings to the department.

Praxisleiter:

Vladimir Penkov; Smilena Hrusanova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Boris Lazarov; Vyara Tomova; Ana Krusteva; Patrizia Foffo; Roman Stoyanov


Referenzen

‘Penkov, Markov & Partners are confident through the whole process, show great knowledge of EU and national competition law. Their team impressed us with its speed of reaction and effectiveness.’

‘Smilena Hrusanova proved to be a very well-prepared, reliable and competent lawyer during our communication on the handled matters.’

‘We have had the pleasure of working with Penkov, Markov & Partners on several complex transactions within the banking, finance and capital markets sectors. Their team consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of expertise, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Penkov, Markov & Partners possesses a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and market dynamics.’

Kernmandanten

Unilink S.A.


Klett Bulgaria OOD


Pierre Fabre Bulgaria EOOD


M Holding, Sila M (US company), Green Line Group, pool of private investors


Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Bulgaria AD


Xella Bulgaria EOOD


Heineken Group and its Bulgarian subsidiary – Zagorka AD


Naturprodukt OOD


Mondi Stambolijski


Andreas STIHL EOOD


Karelia Tobacco Company, Inc.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Unilink S.A. on the acquisition of SDI Group AD.
  • Advised Mania Group and its shareholders on the EUR 45m acquisition of Green Line Group AD.
  • Advised Heineken’s subsidiary in Bulgaria Zagorka AD on the compliance of its system of distribution agreements and arrangements with Bulgarian and EU competition law and court practice regarding the restraints on prohibited agreements and practices and fair treatment of distributors.

Schoenherr

Schoenherr is highly regarded for its M&A practice, with the team specialising in merger control clearances for cross-border transactions, often working in collaboration with their other offices across the CEE region. Further activities include ongoing advice to clients on the implementation and testing of compliance programmes and FDI analyses. Ilko Stoyanov specialises in merger clearance proceedings and leads the practice alongside Galina Petkova, who handles contentious mandates, including antitrust investigations and unfair competition disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Ilko Stoyanov; Galina Petkova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kristina Bozhinova; Ema Stoyanova


Referenzen

‘The competition team at Schoenherr is exceptional in every respect. The team demonstrates impressive depth of knowledge in Ukrainian and EU competition law, consistently providing strategic, high-quality counsel on complex issues. The team’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication to excellence make them a trusted partner for any competition law matters.’

‘Ilko Stoyanov and Galina Petkova are excellent lawyers. They combine technical expertise with sharp strategic insight, delivering clear, practical guidance on complex matters. Their client-centered approach and responsiveness are exceptional; they go consistently goes above and beyond to address business needs with precision and efficiency. I highly recommend Ilko Stoyanov and Galina Petkova for their expertise, dedication and exceptional client service.’

‘The team (Ilko Stoyanov and Ema Stoyanova) is very pleasant to work with and provide clear and structured advice.’

Kernmandanten

Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC


Borealis AG


BC Partners


GTS Ground Transportation System Austria GmbH


EBRD, Beneficiary: Ministry of energy


Smurfit Kappa Bulgaria EOOD


NEPI Project one EOOD


Shimano


Bulstrad Life Vienna Insurance Group


Oiltanking GmbH


IBH S.r.l.


Carrier Global Corporation


Dentatechnika EOOD


Rubble Master HMH GmbH


Bosch.IO EOOD


GTC Bulgaria


Hisense Europe Holding GmbH


Autodesk, Inc.


Vivacom Bulgaria


Bosch Software Innovations


Robert Bosch OOD


Intersnack Bulgaria EOOD


MET Group


OMV Bulgaria OOD


Ringier AG


UNIQA Real Estate GmbH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (e&) alongside Sullivan & Cromwell London on the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia
  • Advised Smurfit Kappa Bulgaria EOOD on the acquisition of Artemis EOOD’s bag-in-box business and certain related production sites owned by Hell Bull Estate OOD.
  • Advised the EBRD and the Ministry of Energy on the implementation of Investment 6 (1.4 GW RES and Batteries Project) and Investment 8 (3 GW storage – RESTORE Project) under the Recovery and Resilience Plan with total value of over EUR 1bn, as well as on improvement of the legal framework to facilitate the RES and storage growth in the country.

Wolf Theiss

The competition antitrust practice at Wolf Theiss handles a diverse workload, with a focus on national and cross-border merger clearance proceedings, particularly those before the Bulgarian and North Macedonian Competition Authorities. The team also often advises on compliance with FDI regulations. Anna Rizova leads the practice and has a particular focus on regulatory and competition matters in the energy and telecoms sectors. She is supported by Hristina Dzhevlekova in the team, who is described as ‘one of most renowned competition experts on the market’, and Yana Madzharova, who joined the firm in October 2023, from an inhouse position.

Praxisleiter:

Anna Rizova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hristina Dzhevlekova; Zhulieta Markova; Miroslav Yonov; Yana Madzharova


Referenzen

‘The Wolf Theiss team has deep knowledge and understanding of their competition law, competition economics and how markets work in practice. Hristina Dzhevlekova is top-notch because she combines high quality business and legal advices, is approachable and speaks business language. The team also involves several more junior lawyers which follows Hristina’s good track.’

‘Our main contact and go to lawyer in WT is Hristina Dzhevlekova, who is leading and developing the competition practice there. She is also one of most renowned competition experts on the market. She is able to navigate through an extremely complex legal and business environment thanks to her excellent knowledge, experience and market oriented approach. Hristina has become an integral part of our business solutions, a valuable partner and top tier modern lawyer.’

‘Wolf Theiss has very extensive experience in EU competition law, but also in practicing the national competition legislation of the countries where their offices are based. They have capacity to handle sophisticated matters and broad creativity to provide solutions for unique matters. They are very dedicated, focused and provide practical, business-tailored solutions that are giving certainty and comfort to clients.’

Kernmandanten

Acrisure


Renalfa


Virtusa Corporation


LetterOne


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Acrisure in its strategic expansion into the Central and Eastern European market by acquiring I&G Insurance Brokers and SDI, with both transactions subject to Bulgarian merger control.
  • Advised Renalfa on its acquisition of three companies from Alpiq Group, providing comprehensive legal support that included due diligence and regulatory matters, resulting in the successful deal completion that expanded Renalfa’s portfolio by 72.5 MW.
  • Advised Virtusa Corporation on its acquisition of Bright Consulting, involving due diligence, transaction documentation, and structuring management incentive plans, which enhanced Virtusa’s capabilities and market presence in digital engineering and consultancy, while preserving business positioning through careful analysis of merger and FDI implications.

Bouzeva & Partners Law Firm

Bouzeva & Partners Law Firm has experience delivering strategic competition and antitrust advice, however is best known for its representation of leading industry clients, including Billa in the retail sector and Bulgargaz in the oil and gas sector, before the national and EU competition authorities. Nikolay Daskalov specialises in antitrust, energy and state aid matters, and leads the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Nikolay Daskalov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rumyana Ivanova; Milena Muraveeva


Referenzen

‘Exceptional professionalism, accuracy, correctness, loyalty, discretion.’

‘Nikolay Daskalov and Milena Muraveeva have always shown attention, patience, thoroughness, correctness and high professionalism when developing all cases.’

‘A very well-rounded team with immense experience in virtually all competition-related matters. They handle not only our high-profile cases such as antitrust investigations, but also provide everyday operational support to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Highly skilled in both the advisory and litigation aspects of competition law.’

Kernmandanten

Bulgarian Energy Holding


Bulgargaz


Bulgartransgaz


ICGB (Natural Gas Interconnector Greece – Bulgaria)


Meridiam / SOF Connect


Bulgarian Electricity System Security Fund


REWE Group / BILLA


Ministry of Transport and Communications


Association of Modern Trade


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented the Bulgarian Energy Holding, and its subsidiaries Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz in an antitrust case before the General Court of the EU, resulting in full annulment of the EC’s decision regarding an alleged abuse of dominant position in the energy sector.
  • Advised the Ministry of Transport and Communications on the granting of EUR 25m restructuring state aid and the preparation of a restructuring plan for the Bulgarian postal operator (Bulgarian posts), achieving approval from the European Commission under the R&R Guidelines.
  • Advising BILLA Bulgaria in relation to an antitrust investigation initiated by the Commission on Protection of Competition examining potential anti-competitive practices leading to high food prices.

Ernst & Young Law Partnership

Next to expertise in a plethora of competition mandates, including merger control, abuse of dominant position and unfair competition proceedings, Ernst & Young Law Partnership also advises on the regulatory compliance of company’s internal policies, procedures and strategies, recently those in relation to GDPR and DORA compliance. A partnership trio comprising Svetlin Adrianov, Yura Mincheva and Irina Yaneva oversee the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Svetlin Adrianov; Yura Mincheva; Irina Yaneva


Referenzen

‘The team dealing with EU GDPR matters is perfect. They are professionals with broad hands-on experience and high expertise. Communication goes smoothly and easily. I would be glad to have further opportunities for cooperation projects with such an excellent team.’

‘The individuals I have worked with have been highly competent and very experienced. It is effortless to work with them as they speak clearly and communicate tough matters with simple words that are easy to understand from everyone.’

‘Svetlin Adrianov & Yura Mincheva are excellent professionals.’

Kernmandanten

Mexon OOD


Zlatna Panega Cement AD


COCA – COLA HELLENIC BOTTLING COMPANY BULGARIA AD


Benefit Systems Bulgaria OOD


NEXT LEVEL FITNESS EOOD


America for Bulgaria Foundation


APIS EUROPE


BULSTRAD VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP JSC


BULSTRAD LIFE VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP JSC


DV Asset Management EAD


DV Invest EAD


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising on the establishment of a Deposit Return Scheme Operator in Bulgaria, providing legal analysis on organisational structures and competition law matters, with ongoing support for related operational setup, advising an association of producers that would be affected by the EU regulations on extended producer’s responsibilities.
  • Advises one of the largest beverage companies in the world regarding unfair commercial practices, competition matters and consumer protection cases.
  • Advises a leading financial entity in Bulgaria to ensure seamless compliance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act.

Popov, Arnaudov & Partners

Popov, Arnaudov & Partners has expertise in competition protection procedures, compliance with various EU regulations, including data protection and whistleblowing, administration of state aid and public procurement lawsuits. Hristo Koparanov and Sibina Eftenova jointly lead the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Hristo Koparanov; Sibina Eftenova


Referenzen

‘This practice is distinguished by the strengthened communication between the client and the firm’s team, which alongside their expertise in EU and competition law, plays a crucial role in achieving the final results.’

‘The individuals we’ve worked with deliver high-quality work within a short timeframe. This, combined with the understanding and thoughtfulness put into their work sets them apart from their competitors.’

Kernmandanten

Ministry of Culture


Botevgrad Municipality


Ministry of Transport and Communications


Dicon Group Ltd


Executive Agency Bulgarian National Film Centre


Selectium Bulgaria Ltd


Kenes Group


Commission for Consumer Protection


Aiko Multi Consept / Moemax Bulgaria


Enikom


Megadom


Bricolage


Non-Food Traders Association


Highlight-Mandate


PPG Lawyers

Under the leadership of Mariya Papazova, the team at PPG Lawyers continues to handle a range of merger control, advertising competition compliance and EU and Bulgarian consumer protection mandates. The firm's client base covers a broad range of sectors including telecoms, IT and electronics, pharma and consumer goods.

Praxisleiter:

Mariya Papazova


Referenzen

‘The TMT practice is distinguished by its comprehensive understanding of the technology, media, and telecom sectors, combined with a forward-thinking approach to legal challenges. Clients benefit from the team’s deep industry knowledge and innovative solutions tailored to the fast-evolving EU and competition landscape.’

‘Mariya Papazova’s practice is unique for its tailored, client-focused approach, combining deep sector expertise with innovative legal strategies. Clients appreciate the team’s personalised service and strategic insight, which differentiate it from other firms. Key strengths include specialised knowledge in complex legal areas and a commitment to understanding client needs.’

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