Kambourov & Partners’ Banking and Finance department has a well-established presence in the Bulgarian market. It is well-known for its assignments related to restructuring, insolvency and dispute resolution. It recently advised Emporiki Bank Bulgaria on its internal restructuring, financing of real estate developments and other ongoing matters. Sources say: “Excellent team”, “Trustworthy and always available.” Practice head Vladimir Rangeloff acted for Tennenbaum Capital Partners in relation to the restructuring of BTC. "I have a marvellous impression of him," one source commented.
Corporate/Commercial
This gifted team is described as "fast, flexible and business-oriented." Key mandates include assisting CVC Capital Partners with the acquisition of the Bulgarian business of InBev, comprising the brewery Kamenitza. Stefan Tzakov is the key contact for the practice.
Corporate/Commercial
This practice is recommended for its client-focused approach and flexibility. It recently assisted the Lithuanian group Maxima with the EUR40 million acquisition of the food store chain Kaleya in Bulgaria. Sources say “considerable knowledge of the local business environment”. Vladimir Rangeloff is a “highly responsible and experienced practitioner” say clients. He led the team advising Luigi Lavazza on the EUR1.2 million acquisition of the coffee shop chain ONDA Coffee Break in Bulgaria. Founding partner Yavor Kambourov is a prominent practitioner and well-known for his assignments related to insolvency.
Dispute Resolution
According to clients this team is "always available and has in-depth knowledge and thorough understanding of the Bulgarian market and legislation." It recently acted for the Bulgarian Privatization and Post Privatization Control Agency in two multiparty ICC arbitration proceedings against both the former and the current proprietors of a majority stake in the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company. Managing partner Yavor Kambourov led the team advising bondholders of Kremikovtzi AD in EUR320 million proceedings. Commentators agree that Emil Emanuilov is a "gifted litigator." Stefan Tzakov is highly regarded for his energy expertise and is praised as "extremely diligent, thorough and attentive." He advised E.ON Bulgaria on a number of dispute resolution matters, including civil, commercial, administrative and labour cases.
Employment
This compact team is praised for its high-quality advice on complex issues. Recent highlights include advising Lidl Bulgaria on labour law matters, and assisting WITTE Automotive Bulgaria with drafting employment contracts in Bulgarian and German.
Sources say: "A prominent local practice with a strong market presence."
Andrey Aleksandrov is noted for his "strong academic background and excellent expertise." He has acted for the European Trade Centre (partners of Carrefour in Bulgaria) on ongoing labour law matters.
Intellectual Property
Clients praise this solid team for its "business-oriented approach, fast reactions and efficiency." A key mandate saw it represent bTV Media Group in various trade mark matters. Group head Mitko Karushkov is noted for his "prompt and clear advice." He acted for Pernod Ricard on a number of IP issues. Margarita Guigova is "thorough, precise and flexible," interviewees confirmed. She recently assisted StarBev Netherlands and its Bulgarian subsidiary Kamenitza with trade marks and industrial designs.
Real Estate
This esteemed full-service firm houses a "fast, flexible, reliable and business-oriented" group of real estate practitioners who handle the complete spectrum of related matters. In a recent highlight, the lawyers advised IC Içtas Insaat on the construction of two new international terminals at Varna and Burgas airports. Other clients of note include City Gas, Kaufland and Landmark Logistics. The "experienced and innovative" Atanas Shopov leads the team. Real estate and construction specialist Radosveta Kojuharova is admired for her hands-on approach.
TMT
Market observers confirm the increased presence of this able TMT team on the market. Assignments from the broadcasting sector feature prominently for the team, and it acted for bTV Media Group on a variety of issues. In addition, it assisted OGER Telecom with the planned acquisition of BTC. Sources say: "It is very strong in TV and broadcasting and has an excellent position in the market." Group head Mitko Karushkov is recommended as a strong adviser on TMT issues.
