What the team is known for Represents local and international credit and financial institutions in syndicated facility arrangements. Assists clients with banking and capital markets regulation. Acts on public takeovers, private equity transactions, and financial litigation. Well versed in financial restructuring mandates. Continues to expand its client portfolio with the recent addition of Crowdcredit, Ecadis, and Visa Europe.
Strengths Clients praise the team for its commercial awareness and client service, with one interviewee also noting its "prompt and high-quality services where both the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly expressed."
Work highlights Acted as local counsel to Proparco on its USD8.6 million facility agreement for Hydrolea, a Georgian power developer.
Notable practitioners Vladimir Rangeloff frequently assists with restructuring, financing and regulatory issues, undertaking instructions from a range of clients.
Corporate/Commercial
What the team is known for Standout team advising local and international clients on commercial issues, acquisition and corporate restructurings. Maintains a stellar client list made up of prominent domestic and international corporations. Also provides day-to-day corporate governance advice. Wide-ranging sector expertise encompasses TMT, automotive and banking.
Strengths Interviewees praise the lawyers' commercial awareness. One states: "The team is business-savvy, with good understanding of client needs and precise evaluation of the business implications of any decision The team is reported to be "fast, knowledgeable, flexible and solution-oriented" by market sources.
Work highlights Assisted private equity fund Francisco Partners with its acquisition of a majority stake in Dynamo Software.
Notable practitioners Veronika Hadjieva moves up the rankings this year following extensive feedback. She regularly assists clients with multi-jurisdictional acquisitions and restructuring mandates. She is also experienced in foreign investment. Sources commend her for "her can-do attitude, efficiency, commercial know-how, and negotiation abilities."
Vladimir Rangeloff has a well-established presence in the Bulgarian corporate market, frequently assisting domestic and international corporate clients with transactional mandates. He enjoys extensive praise from market sources, who say he is a "very reputable M&A lawyer," and noting his "impeccable negotiation abilities."
Competition/Antitrust
What the team is known for Strong Bulgarian outfit that advises on a wide range of matters, including merger control notifications and domestic compliance mandates relating to advertising or distribution agreements. Handles significant cases that test Bulgarian law on the abuse of a stronger bargaining position. Defends key clients in cartel proceedings. Also has experience on the complainant side of state aid private enforcement actions. Acts for automotive, TMT, food and retail sector clients.
Strengths Clients point to the firm's pragmatic and commercial approach as its key strength. One interviewee explains that "they have a business-oriented approach and offer solutions that take not only the legal but also strategic and economic implications into consideration." Another source highlights the team's "strict evaluation of risks and straightforward advice on which road to choose."
Work highlights Represented Wizz Air in a claim heard before the Bulgarian courts relating to the alleged unlawful state aid afforded to Bulgaria Air.
Notable practitioners Practice head Stefan Tzakov advises significant European clients on domestic merger control and compliance matters. He also earns considerable praise for his handling of contentious matters, including court appeals against CPC decisions. Sources say that "he is smart and pays great attention to detail," adding: "He has vast expertise and is dedicated." "He is a very intelligent lawyer and is proactive," notes another interviewee.
Dispute Resolution
What the team is known for Strong team dealing with claims for domestic and international clients across various industries, including construction and telecoms sectors. Offers comprehensive coverage of a variety of issues including commercial litigation. Has a strong track record in disputes over receivables and remuneration. Also has a developing corporate criminal law practice.
Strengths Sources relay their complete satisfaction with the services rendered by the lawyers, with one remarking: "No areas for improvement. Everything is spot-on in how they represent us and keep everything up to date." Interviewees also praise the team's attentiveness to its clients' needs, noting that " timelines were respected and feedback was clear and efficient."
Work highlights Represented a regional construction group, STRABAG, in two public procurement disputes against a consortium partner and the municipality of Chirpan.
Notable practitioners Head of department Emil Emanuilov is recognised as one of the leading practitioners in the dispute resolution sphere. He represents clients in a wide array of cases, from domestic arbitration to cross-border litigation. Market sources say that he is "enthusiastic and understanding of the full scope of work."
Founding partner Yavor Kambourov is lauded by market sources for being "good at finding solutions." His expertise spans commercial litigation, including insolvency-related disputes and debt collection. He also has experience in handling white-collar crime investigations.
Employment
What the team is known for Highly regarded domestic firm advising on all areas of labour and social security law, representing clients in both contentious and non-contentious cases. Expertise includes terminations, contract drafting, and data protection. Well versed in immigration matters concerning non-EU citizens. Particularly notable for its representation of major local supermarket chains and international retailers. Recently increased its presence in the global transport and technology sectors by acquiring Wizz Air and French Retail as new clients.
Strengths Sources regularly praise the team for its commercial awareness, with one highlight its "ability to translate legal requirements into customised solutions that fit our business," before going on to laud the lawyers' "efficiency, flexibility and adaptability."
Work highlights Represented bTV Media Group in a case relating to the termination of employment contract.
Notable practitioners Renowned practitioner Andrey Aleksandrov is held in high regard by market commentators, who describe him as an "extremely good and experienced employment lawyer." Clients also emphasise his "clear strategic vision, understanding of business needs and strong technical capacity." Aleksandrov is also well versed in employment litigation.
Energy
What the team is known for Well-reputed energy practice, offering noteworthy experience in litigation and non-contentious matters. Stands out for significant activity in the electricity sector, with an impressive client list that consists both of electricity trading companies and the Bulgarian system operator. Regularly assists with contentious-administrative appeals. Also advises on arbitration proceedings, including highlight commercial arbitrations on behalf of contractors for oil and gas infrastructure projects.
Strengths Clients say that the lawyers are "diligent, proactive and resolve matters in an amicable way." The firm wins further praise for its "strong responsiveness" and handling of energy litigation.
Work highlights Represented Hydroenergy Group in various commercial disputes concerning the enforcement of EFET power agreements.
Notable practitioners Stefan Tzakov focuses his practice on dispute resolution for clients in the energy sector. He represented Società Appalto Lavori Pubblici in commercial arbitration with Bulgartransgaz relating to remuneration for the construction of a gas pipeline between Dobrich and Silistra. Market commentators further highlight his particular experience in electricity trading matters.
IP
What the team is known for Stands out for superb track record in copyright cases on behalf of clients in the media and entertainment industries, including artists, TV and film producers as well as broadcasters. Advises on trade mark registration and infringement mandates. Also well placed to handle trade mark portfolio management. Frequently represents clients before the BPO, EUIPO and World Intellectual Property Organisation.
Strengths One impressed client says: "I like the firm a lot because together with being very solid and experienced, they also have a unique easy-going flow," before going on to describe the department as "savvy, knowledgeable, flexible and delivering fast and favourable results."
Market sources frequently laud the team for its commercial awareness, with one interviewee adding that its advice is "easily applicable to the real world."
Work highlights Advised Alians-DN on the management of its intellectual property portfolio.
Notable practitioners Margarita Guigova is one of the leading figures for IP mandates, regularly assisting clients with trademark registration and IP infringement cases. Also handles opposition mandates before national and European IP authorities. Sources say she is "extremely efficient in litigation," also noting her "strategic way of thinking and perfect communication skills."
Real Estate
What the team is known for Highly regarded team with a reputation for acting on high-value developments. Frequently assists clients with the development of commercial premises. Also advises on construction mandates, including industrial plants and infrastructure projects, as well as on long-term lease agreements. Often assists with real estate M&A.
Strengths Clients single out the team for its commercial awareness: "The team gives well-reasoned and practical advice and is focused on our business objectives."
Work highlights Assisted WING with its acquisition of two office buildings in Sofia.
Notable practitioners Practice head Atanas Shopov is "very shrewd and detailed," according to one satisfied source. He focuses his practice on industrial construction projects, principally representing regional developers.
Radosveta Kojuharova advises domestic real estate developers on commercial issues related to residential, industrial, retail and office development projects. Clients note her "very business-centered, structured and pragmatic" style.
Restructuring/Insolvency
What the team is known for Acclaimed for its prowess in insolvency litigation, the team frequently represents companies active in the retail, TMT, food production and finance sectors. Also recognised for its activity in enforcement and debt collection matters. Provides expertise in domestic and cross-border restructuring mandates. Regularly represents creditors, debtors, and administrators.
Strengths One impressed client notes that the team "always delivers more than what is expected," adding: "The lawyers are constantly ready to run the extra mile for us."
Sources also highlight the lawyers for the level of their expertise, with one remarking: "They understand new trends and know how to use this knowledge to the best of the clients’ interests," before going on to describe the team as "available, efficient, creative and flexible."
Work highlights Advised Vivacom, as creditor, on the EUR11.5 million insolvency proceedings of Techno Residential Park 2.
Notable practitioners Emil Emanuilov is noted for his experience in insolvency and enforcement proceedings. He co-led the team assisting Bulgarian Development Bank with its claim to collect receivables from Corporate Commercial Bank.
Sources regard Hristina Kirilova to be a "talented negotiator and top insolvency and restructuring, expert."She has a wealth of expertise in insolvency litigation and reorganisation. She acted for Bulgarian subsidiary of GEN-I on insolvency proceedings of Enemona.
Tax
What the team is known for Impressive team with particular expertise in corporate tax issues. Double tax treaties, tax-efficient corporate structuring and VAT issues, including VAT-related disputes, are all areas of experience. Additionally, represent clients in contentious tax proceedings. Maintains a client base of significant domestic corporates from the telecoms, food and drink and construction sectors. Additionally acts for international corporates active in Bulgaria.
Strengths Sources appreciate the team's comprehensive support, praising the "genuinely full-service offering, very deep market knowledge and an exemplary level of dedication."
Clients also applaud the team for its pragmatism: "Their assistance has been very business-orientated and easily applicable in the real world."
Work highlights Represented Lidl in appeals before the Supreme Administrative Court regarding tax assessments, as well as providing non-contentious tax and customs assistance.
Notable practitioners Sources enthuse that Todor Todorov is "reassuring, proactive and straightforward, and he is a fantastic litigator as well." He is adept at providing advice on tax optimisation, transfer pricing, investment planning, and VAT matters. He advised Iberdrola Inmobiliaria on tax aspects of its Bulgarian business.
TMT
What the team is known for Advises clients from the TMT sector on data privacy and data transfer. Also has experience acting on transactional mandates, technology acquisitions, regulatory matters, and commercial issues. Provides additional knowledge of technology-related IP protection and software rights.
Strengths Sources appreciate the lawyers' result-oriented approach, with one client also noting: "They explain the matter in an understandable way for people without legal background."
One interviewee says the team is "extremely responsive, knowledgeable and of great assistance with any matters for which I request help."
Work highlights Assisted Broadcom Corporation with its acquisition of a local Bulgarian company.
Notable practitioners Mitko Karushkov advises domestic and international companies on a range of TMT matters, including compliance issues, corporate restructuring, and IP disputes. One client reports: "He always provides clear and sound advice," before noting that he is also "quick to respond."
