CMS remains a prime destination for clients requiring corporate and commercial law advice at the highest level in Romania and is a regular fixture in the foremost M&A transactions in the jurisdiction. As part of the wider firm’s global network, the team is accomplished in multi-faceted cross-border work but retains a strong domestic focus and presence; its depth of English law capabilities is another differentiator. Particular areas of strength have recently included work in the energy, retail, and agribusiness sectors. Managing partner Horea Popescu is the team’s figurehead and also leads the firm’s CEE group in corporate law. Rodica Manea is a further experienced contact to note, with a strong track record in M&A, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. Mircea Moraru is a go-to for the entire spectrum of corporate concentrations, and ‘knowledgeable dealmaker’ Claudia Nagy is a further example of the team’s bench strength. Raluca Ionescu and Elena Andrei are additional key contacts.

‘Distinguished by its comprehensive expertise, proactive approach, and deep market understanding’, the corporate law practice at Filip & Company is one of the most recognisable names in the market, acting on the full spectrum of matters, from transactions to support for operations in Romania. Practice head Alexandru Bîrsan is a vastly experienced figure in major M&A and capital markets deals, and Cristina Filip is a further experienced name to note, with strong knowledge of the energy sector. Monica Statescu has established herself as a key contact across a range of business law matters, and further depth in the transactional offering is seen in the practice of Alina Stancu Bîrsan. For restructuring projects, due diligence investigations, and general advisory work, Roxana Diaconu has been a crucial more junior member of the firm’s team of counsel.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen is one of the heavyweight names in the market, recognised by clients for its ‘extensive experience in M&A’. It acts in the full range of Romania’s foremost industries and is adept in both major transactional matters, as well as day-to-day advisory and shareholder disputes. Among the experienced partnership, key names in the practice include Adriana Gaspar, who has worked in the field for over three decades; Adina Chilim-Dumitriu, who has a notable track record in high-profile TMT deals; specialist in domestic and cross-border M&A and corporate restructuring, Gabriela Cacerea; and Ruxandra Bologa, who stands out in highly regulated sectors. At a more junior level, Corina Dumitru and Razvan Vlad are figures to note, and Mirela Preda has also played a key role in recent public transactions.

The ‘outstanding know-how’ of the corporate and commercial law offering at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is a boon to its broad client base, which includes both international and Romanian household names. Major M&A is a regular feature of the team’s workload, and the practice has a notable focus on private sector and foreign investment work. Its client base also includes a wealth of private equity players. Leadership of the team is jointly coordinated between one of the country’s most experienced M&A lawyers Florian Nițu; ‘outstanding professional’ Bogdan Stoica; and Silviu Stoica, who is particularly active in the investment funds space. Irina Ivanciu adds transactional real estate expertise, and Vlad Ambrozie is a regular figure supporting the partners.

RTPR | Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA is well-equipped to handle the full suite of corporate law matters at the highest level in the Romanian market, including significant M&A transactions, restructurings, joint ventures, and commercial and contractual issues. The sizeable team is managed jointly by Costin Tărăcilă, who assists various private equity funds on acquisitions and add-on acquisitions, restructurings, and the sale of companies; and Mihai Ristici, a reliable choice across M&A, mainstream corporate, energy-related, and capital markets matters. Alina Stăvaru comes with client recommendation and is also head of the firm’s employment team. For M&A and particularly competition aspects, Roxana Ionescu is a further important contact.

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA is a key office in the wider firm’s significant presence across the CEE region and continues to advise on both local and cross-border transactions of note. The team stands out for its reliable support to clients operating in some of the jurisdictions most highly regulated sectors, and also has strength in private equity and venture capital transactions. Three lawyers share leadership responsibilities: Mădălina Neagu, who has a strong track record on the buy and sell sides of major M&A involving Romanian law components; fellow experienced M&A practitioner Monica Cojocaru, who is well-versed in energy, insurance, manufacturing, and healthcare; and the ‘proactive’ Markus Piuk, who divides his time between the firm’s Austrian and Romanian offices.

Clients of Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii appreciate its ‘commercial and business sense, professionalism and dedication to clients’. The corporate and M&A department regularly acta in substantial M&A deals, and the firm also has strength in its multi-practice teams of counsel that provide rounded advice on deals and corporate governance issues. Stefan Damian is one of the most experienced contacts to note, well versed in major deals; and Cătălin Băiculescu is equally renowned, an expert in due diligence, negotiation of assets and share-purchase agreements, and post-acquisition restructuring. Horia Ispas is a younger partner with expertise in coordinating private M&A, as well as privatisation projects, while Razvan Gheorghiu-Testa has a number of key international clients, particularly in the construction sector. Silvana Ivan and Dragos Apostol are further partners to note, both with practices covering a broad range of sectors.

Bondoc si Asociatii SCA is a familiar fixture in the Romanian transaction landscape and fields a corporate and commercial law practice that is well integrated with the firm’s other business law-related teams, facilitating a one-stop shop service. Banking and mining have been recent areas in which the team has acted on standout matters. At the helm of the practice, Lucian Bondoc is a veteran of some of the market’s most complex deals and projects across a variety of sectors. He leads a team that includes Bogdan Bunrău, who is accomplished in share and asset mandates, joint ventures, stakeholder activity, and restructurings, and TMT and energy expert Monica Iancu.

When it comes to cross-border deals in Romania, Clifford Chance Badea makes for a strong choice among the international firms represented in Bucharest. The corporate and M&A department is accomplished in assisting with Romanian law aspects of complex, region-spanning deals and has a notable list of clients that spans various industries. Clients admire the ‘very strong business acumen’ of Nadia Badea, and ‘brilliant strategist and negotiator’ Loredana Ralea, who jointly lead the department. Radu Costin has a focus on matters in the financial services and healthcare sectors, and Ecaterina Burlacu has a broad practice assisting with corporate, private equity, M&A, and employment work.

Dentons's Bucharest office is well regarded for its transactional strengths in the real estate, technology, and agribusiness sectors, and handles a range of cross-border work across other areas too. Among its stellar client list are a host of the key players in Romania’s burgeoning renewable energy space. Practice head Perry Zizzi is a three-decade veteran, particularly well-known for his work advising private equity clients and on real estate M&A. His team includes Cristian Popescu, an accomplished advisor on complex domestic and cross-border M&A, and capital markets practice head Loredana Chitu. Doru Postelnicu, Argentina Rafail, and Cristina Marcu are further names to note. The team saw the departure of Cristina Daianu in June 2024.

Showcasing ‘a depth of knowledge that stands out in the market’, the practice at DLA Piper Dinu SCA has a robust presence in the domestic market, as well as utilising the DLA international network in assisting with Romanian components of international deals. Venture capital work and acting for start-ups are two areas of standout expertise for the group. Marian Dinu, ‘a key figure in Romania’s legal landscape’, leads the team, and Paula Corban-Pelin is a further contact to note, specialising in M&A in the energy and financial services sectors. Clients admire Oana Dutu-Buzura's ‘proactive mindset’ and she is a key contact for private equity matters. M&A and venture capital lawyer Cristina Bucur is an up-and-coming figure to note.

‘The driving force for tackling complex and sophisticated matters’, Zsuzsa Csiki spearheads the corporate law offering at Kinstellar‘s Bucharest office, coordinating a team that assists with the gamut of transactional matters and corporate reorganisations. Agribusiness and TMT are two sectors of particular strength, and the team is equally capable in international matters as domestic. Csiki, a dedicated corporate and M&A practitioner, leads a team that includes Mădălina Perțe, Mihai Stan, and, as of January 2024, Claudia Popescu, who joined from CMS.

The multidisciplinary team at Musat & Asociatii is equipped to assist its clients at every stage of a company’s lifecycle, drawing together experienced experts in corporate law and M&A transactions, as well as collaborating closely with related practice areas. Sizeable M&A and joint ventures, divestments, corporate governance, and business transfers are all in the wheelhouse of the department. Key contacts include veteran partner Gheorghe Muşat; Razvan Stoicescu, who is well versed in various top-level projects; and Iulian Popescu, a go-to advisor for privatisations, PPPs, concessions, and cross-border M&A. Monia Dobrescu is a further key contact with a strong M&A track record, and Andrei Ormenean focuses his practice on M&A, joint-ventures, and negotiating various commercial contracts.

Admired for its ‘excellent capabilities to manage big M&A projects’, the corporate and M&A practice at Reff & Associates SCA has experience assisting with high-value transactions and is distinguished by its integration into the Deloitte network, meaning its transactional advice goes hand-in-hand with tax law support. The team also has a comprehensive corporate governance offering. Georgiana Singurel regularly coordinates high-complexity and multi-jurisdictional mandates, and she leads the practice alongside Diana Fejer, who assists both sell-side and buy-side clients with M&A; and Alexandru Reff, one of the most recognisable tax and business law practitioners in the market. Ștefan Cărămidă stands out among the support team to the practice heads.

Regional powerhouse Wolf Theiss is the firm of choice for several prominent international entities, private equity clients, and software developers seeking advice on Romanian corporate law. The practice handles the gamut of transactional matters and is present in Romania’s key industries. ‘Outstanding strategist’ Ileana Glodeanu coordinates the department and is highly regarded in the energy, TMT, PE funds, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare sectors. US-qualified Bryan Jardine is the name to note for US clients operating in Romania, while Mihai Coada is well versed in assisting clients with group restructurings and reorganisations. George Ghitu and Cornelia Postelnicu come with client recommendation.

Bancila, Diaconu si Asociatii SPRL's ‘very reliable, very well trained and prepared’ team is active in the Romanian transaction market, acting on the seller and buyer sides of deals, as well as a variety of asset and share deals. Clients include PE funds, strategic investors, and entrepreneurs. The key contacts and joint heads of the department are seasoned transactional lawyer Radu Diaconu, and the ‘pragmatic, pro-active, solution-oriented’ Stefan Mantea.

Biris Goran SPARL fields a corporate and M&A practice whose sell-side portfolio has grown in recent times, with significant matters in the energy, construction, and real estate markets. Corporate governance shareholder disputes are also a standout strength of the department. ‘Consummate professional’ Teodora Moțatu leads the team and regularly represents domestic and foreign clients in transactions, both seller-side and buyer-side. Daniela Lazea is particularly strong in construction and real estate deals, and Kira Bujduveanu stands out from a deep pool of more junior lawyers.

A reliable choice for cross-border deals involving Romanian stakeholders, Boanta, Gidei & Asociatii SCP (in association with CEE Attorneys)'s offering in corporate and M&A has recently grown its presence in fintech and energy, and assists frequently with tech start-up and venture capital investments. Nicolae Ursu has broad corporate and M&A experience, while excelling in the energy space; he co-leads the group with Sergiu Gidei, an accomplished advisor on diverse M&A with strong financing and investment components.

bpv Grigorescu Stefanica offers multidisciplinary counsel to its clients on transactional and advisory matters, and stands out for its presence in the TMT area. Alongside sizeable M&A, the practice is also well equipped to assist with restructurings and reorganisations, mergers and demergers, and corporate governance. Founding partner of the firm and experienced corporate and insolvency lawyer Alexandru Rusu co-leads the department with Catalin Grigorescu, who concentrates on transactional and TMT matters. A sizeable group supports the practice heads, including Cristina De Jonge and Iulia Dragomir, who both have broad practices that dovetail with the central corporate and M&A work. The team was further bolstered by technology transaction expert Cristina Daianu's arrival from Dentons in July 2024.

Deemed ‘exceptional in both expertise and client care’, D&B David si Baias has an active transactional practice on both seller and buyer sides, working on mandates for a client base that includes multinationals operating in Romania. Anda Rojanschi advises on corporate and real estate deals, as well as drawing on employment and environmental law expertise. She co-leads the team with Sorin David, whose competition law strengths complement his robust corporate law practice. Cristina Păduraru is a more junior lawyer that excels in M&A, commercial, and corporate law, along with joint ventures and partnerships. Adina Oprea also stands out.

‘Excellent across the board’, the corporate and M&A team at Volciuc-Ionescu makes for a strong choice in M&A and private equity transactions, regularly acting in sectors ranging from energy and construction, to technology and automotive. Clients of practice co-head Ramona Volciuc-Ionescu appreciate her ‘vast knowledge of the market’. Her fellow department head is Ana Sandu, specialist advisor in this field to corporate clients, PE funds, and investment banks. Sabin Volciuc-Ionescu is a further name to note in this area and receives client praise for his pragmatism.

Adept at assisting with inbound investments and share transfers, the team at Buzescu & Tomescu SPRL is a reliable choice for cross-border work in a variety of Romania’s busiest sectors. The corporate and commercial law practice is spearheaded by Corina Papuzu, who was promoted to partner in 2024. Managing partner of the firm, Adrian Tomescu, is a further key figure in this area.

Leroy si Asociatii is well versed in transactional matters, both domestic and cross-border, and it stands out in the market for its support to French clients on corporate matters. Bruno Leroy and Andreea Toma are the experienced joint leaders of the department, and they are supported by Adriana Spataru, Ruxandra Manciu, and Anda Tufan.

Well versed in privatisations and transactions, Peli Partners has particular heft in the real estate space wherein it has forged a strong reputation in deals and corporate governance. Carmen Peli oversees the practice group and has a track record assisting with transactions from a competition law perspective. Real estate deals are the focus of Oana Bădărău and Francisc Peli, and further key names include Ana Atanasiu, Oana Bucsa, Delia Dumitrescu, and Cătălina Balan.

Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law has its corporate and M&A strengths in venture capital transactions and has a notable client base within Romania’s burgeoning technology sector. At the helm of the practice are Silviu Stratulat, an accomplished M&A lawyer across various areas, and Cristina Man, a technology sector expert and go-to venture capital counsel. Adrian Hlistei-Muresan comes with client recommendations, and Raluca Gabor has a strong energy M&A practice.

Suciu Partners has a corporate and M&A team of ‘energy experts’ that assists clients with transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters. The team also has a strong base in the real estate sector. A trio of lawyers oversee the department: firm founder Miruna Suciu has vast experience in M&A, energy and natural resources, and related regulatory matters; Cleopatra Leahu acts in acquisitions and project development; and Dan Ciobanu assists with energy sector corporate matters, as well as real estate and construction issues. Mihai Caragui is a further key partner to note.

The energy sector is a particularly rich source of work for the corporate law practice at Bohalteanu şi Asociaţii, which assists with cross-border transactions and the full range of corporate governance matters. Ionuț Bohâlțeanu and Daniela Milculescu jointly coordinate the group, with support from Anda Calin.

KPMG Legal - Toncescu & Partners SPRL has strengths in the retail, real estate, automotive, and heavy industry sectors, assisting its clients with transactions and frequently acting for shareholders of major companies operating in Romania. The trio of Laura Toncescu, Alex Mocanescu, and Dragos Iamandoiu jointly oversee the corporate and M&A offering, and a deep pool of supporting lawyers includes Sandra Frunzulica and Andreea Livita.

Foreign clients requiring assistance with Romanian law make up the bulk of the corporate and M&A work at MPR Partners. Gelu Maravela is well versed in privatisations and excels in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Dana Rădulescu is strong on mandates involving distressed and insolvent companies and Daniel Alexie has a broad international and domestic client list. The three jointly oversee the department.

ONV LAW has an eclectic, international client base for corporate and M&A mandates, supporting on establishing business operations in Romania, as well as assisting with the gamut of corporate governance matters. ‘Natural leader’ Mihai Voicu coordinates the practice group with Lorena Ciobanu, who is adept in corporate, tax, and dispute resolution. Ana Petrescu is a further key figure to note.

Full-service domestic firm Popescu & Asociatii fields a corporate and M&A team that is particularly strong on advising foreign entrants into the Romanian market, including relevant regulatory issues. The team also handles a range of joint ventures and M&A. The multidisciplinary team is managed by Loredana Popescu, Anca Simeria, and Octavian Popescu

Specialising in market entries to Romania for Germany-based clients, STALFORT Legal. Tax. Audit. operates from Sibiu and covers a variety of sectors. At the head of the practice, Raluca Oprisiu, seen by clients as ‘very skilled in finding client-focused solutions’, was joined by Gabriel Popa, who moved from Noerr in January 2024.

Vernon | David is strong in assisting clients from the agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors, and also has notable capabilities in restructuring matters, along with day-to-day corporate governance issues. Practice head Maria Nica has a track record in corporate transactions, and senior figure Charles Vernon is another contact to note. Corina Tiganas offers robust support.

Appreciated for its ‘cross-sector experience’, the corporate law department at Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners is a reliable choice for privatisations and transactional matters in Romania. Domestic and European entities from the energy, oil and gas, aviation, real estate, and construction sectors are among its regular client base. Anca Danilescu heads the group, and Elena Iacob is a further key name.