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.
EU and competition in Bulgaria
Boyanov & Co.
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.’