COMPETITION / ANTITRUST
BAND 1: This well-established firm maintains its reputation for top-quality work across the competition sector. The seven-lawyer team handles anti-trust and state aid matters, but has been particularly active in competition investigations on behalf of clients in the telecoms, retail and pharma sectors. For example, the team assisted Relad, a major Romanian distributor of pharmaceutical products, regarding two investigations undertaken by the competition council. Interviewees applaud the lawyers’ proactive approach, saying: “You can really count on their support.” Sorin David is regarded as a leading name for competition matters and heads the department. Clients say he “always looks at the context of a matter and provides concise advice.” Working alongside him is Manuela Guia, who is also singled out for her competition expertise.
TAX
BAND 2: David & Baias benefits from its association with PwC and provides clients with a broad spectrum of tax expertise. The practice was recently boosted by the addition of four lawyers to the tax litigation group. The outfit’s prowess in both contentious and non-contentious matters ensures its loyal following of clients including RBS Bank Romania, Michelin Group and Delamode Group. Sorin David heads the practice and is the main contact partner.
EMPLOYMENT
BAND 2: This group of three benefits from the firm’s co-operation with PwC and client referrals from its vast network. The team’s aptitude for advising on tax-related employment matters is another of its distinguishing features. Key highlights include assisting clients such as Omniasig, A&S International and Michelin Romania on dismissals, employee transfer and collective bargaining. Sources say Dan Dascalu’s extensive tax know-how has been particularly useful.
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS
BAND 3: At this correspondent firm of PwC, the nine-strong banking and finance team wins increasing market recognition. Predominantly focused on borrowers, the group also advises a number of banks, particularly on regulatory matters. Among recent highlights, the team acted for GE Money in relation to establishing GE Garanti Bank, and for ProCredit Bank on a bonds issue, valued at approximately RON 91.3 million. Commentators describe the team as “solid, dedicated and confident in its handling of significant matters; it is both technically apt and client-focused.” Sorin David is the key contact for the practice.
CORPORATE/M&A
BAND 4: This correspondent firm of PwC acts for both international buyers and local sellers, and earns praise for its impressive track record on due diligence projects. Highlights for the 12-strong group include advising Orange Participations on the acquisition of a telecommunication services retailer, and acting for Avrig 35 on the EUR147 million sale of Iris Shopping Center Titan Bucuresti to DEGI. In addition to his academic credentials, Sorin David is recognised as an established practitioner with an “even-handed approach.”
IT, TELECOM AND MEDIA
TIER 2: Within IT, telecoms and media, D&B David si Baias SCA is a second tier firm, “Sorin David heads a team of six lawyers at D&B David si Baias, which has expertise in technology issues. The firm assisted Orange Participations with the sensitive acquisition of shares in a retailer of telecom products and services, as well as working with Orange Telecom in changing the legal framework under which the company cooperates with GSM retail companies. Clients comment on the firm’s ‘professional approach’.“(2010)
CORPORATE/M&A
TIER 3: “The corporate team at D&B David si Baias is praised for its ‘good overall understanding of the M&A process’ as well as ‘high levels of responsiveness and organisation’. Two partners and 11 associates have expertise in the retail sector, as well as in corporate activity in which employment matters are at stake. The firm assisted Mega Image with its acquisition of four stores from the Romanian company Mialan Comimpex, located in Bucharest. Valued at €5m, the firm also assisted the client in notifying the Competition Council of the deal. On the restructuring side, the practice provided legal advice and assistance for the merger of five Romanian entities in the Michelin group with the purpose of optimising the management of its Romanian operations. Managing partner Sorin David is ‘a real expert on Romanian law’.”(2010)
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
TIER 3: Within Dispute resolution, D&B David si Baias is a third tier firm, “Dan Dascalu heads the dispute resolution team at D&B David si Baias which has particular strength in tax litigation within a broad offering. Clients are impressed by the way the firm provides ‘suitable solutions to very difficult and delicate issues’. The firm represented real estate developer Avrig 35 on various issues, including claims against the Land Registry, with an aggregate value of €20m. The practice is also acting for the Romanian Red Cross on the recovery of property donated at the beginning of the 20th Century by the royal family and confiscated by the Communist Regime. The value of the disputes amounts to €10m.” (2010)
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
TIER 3: Within Energy and natural resources, D&B David si Baias is a third tier firm, “Anda Rojanschi heads the energy team at D&B David si Baias. Clients describe the firm as ‘very professional’. The practice assisted a major investment banking subsidiary with obtaining an energy license to distribute wholesale on the local market.” (2010)
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS
TIER 4: Within Banking, finance and capital markets, tier 4 “Clients are impressed with the ‘very good technical knowledge’ of D&B David si Baias and say the banking and finance team is ‘street smart’. Laura Toncescu heads the practice. The firm assisted TBI Leasing IFN in the transfer abroad of a portfolio of defaulting lease agreements worth €3m, identifying the most suitable solutions for the transfer of the leasing portfolio and in the preparation of specific contractual documentation.” (2010)
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION
TIER 4: “Commercial leases are an important part of the real estate practice at D&B David si Baias where the team is headed by managing partner Sorin David. On the construction side, the firm has worked with the Irish developer Mivan on large retail projects.” (2010)
COMPETITION / ANTI-TRUST
D&B David si Baias is ranked as a leading law firm.
TAX
D&B David si Baias is one of the leading law firms.
CORPORATE / M&A
D&B David si Baias is ranked as recommended law firm.
PRIVATE EQUITY / VENTURE CAPITAL
D&B David si Baias is one of the recognised law firms.
BANKING AND FINANCE
D&B David si Baias is one of the recognised law firms.
CONSTRUCTION
D&B David si Baias is one of the recognised law firms.
In 2010, Ziarul Financiar nominated D&B David si Baias for the financial transaction of the year 2009.
In Top Romanian Transactions (2010 edition), published by Ziarul Financiar, D&B was ranked as the 6th (sixth) M&A Law firm, considering the number of accomplished transactions where it assisted its clients.
In 2010, D&B David si Baias was awarded the prize “Best capital markets project in 2009” for a project where it assisted its client during a landmark issue of bonds.