Rankings 2016

COMPETITION/ ANTITRUST – BAND 1

In the 2016 edition of Chambers and Partners Europe, D&B is “universally acknowledged as a leader in the competition market, acting across complex contentious and advisory issues, such as antitrust investigations and appeals, vertical agreements and merger control. Strong offering on compliance matters, providing day-to-day assistance to a variety of large, multinational clients operating in such sectors as retail, pharmaceuticals and finance”. “The team is very client-oriented, with a high level of knowledge and an extensive practice.” “The lawyers always listen and adapt work according to your business model.”

D&B assisted Mega Image, part of Delhaize Group, with the merger authorisation for an acquisition, in addition to assistance with the long-term litigation against sanctioning decisions made by the Competition Council, assisted Gorenje with a variety of day-to-day competition matters, including reworking its distribution model in Romania and acted for Tinmar and Planoil on the investigation into a price fixing agreement between the clients.

Notable practitioners: Sorin David is well respected in the Romanian market, maintaining a good reputation for his competition expertise. Interviewees have highlighted him as “particularly noteworthy, traditional and well established.” Recent activity includes assisting Eni, OMV Petrom and Lukoil with court proceedings for the annulment of fines imposed by the Competition Council.
Sorin David was acknowledged as Eminent Practitioner in Competition/Antitrust. He is well respected in the Romanian market, maintaining a good reputation for his competition expertise.

According to her clients, Manuela Guia “is fantastic. It has been a pleasure working with her.” She is significantly active across competition law matters, including recently lodging a complaint before the Romanian Competition Council for UPC Romania.
Manuela Guia was ranked as a band 2 lawyer.

Associates to watch – Bianca Naghi has a growing presence in the Romanian competition sphere, and has been particularly active on investigations and settlements with the Competition Council. She recently acted for Sole Mizo Romania and its Hungarian parent company, on a Romanian bid-rigging investigation. Clients praise her “good communication skills, prompt reactions and flexibility. She is very knowledgeable.”

TAX – BAND 2

Well versed in assisting clients with complex contentious issues in front of the Romanian authorities, as well as tax advisory services through its connection to PwC, D&B is recommended for expertise in VAT and excise duty matters.

D&B assisted Nidera Romania with a dispute against the tax authorities, claiming the annulment of a tax assessment decision amounting to approximately EUR3 million as denied reimbursable VAT.

Notable practitioners: Department head Dan Dascălu is a widely admired litigation lawyer with particular expertise regarding contentious tax matters. He regularly represents large clients in complex tax disputes with the Romanian authorities. Lately, this included representing BCR Leasing in a dispute concerning the annulment of a tax assessment decision, imposing additional VAT liabilities of approximately EUR6.5 million.
Dan was ranked among tax lawyers, in band 2.

CORPORATE/M&A – BAND 4

D&B is known for corporate expertise supported by strength in competition, regulatory, employment and tax law. Experienced in mandates across such sectors as oil and gas, retail and energy. Clients “We’ve been very happy and the team has been able to provide us with the service we needed. The lawyers have controlled the process, and are very straightforward with us.”

Recent client wins include China Huadian Engineering, Risk Management Corp and SOAG Europe. D&B also acted for Dutch food retailer BPI on the acquisition of ten Romanian companies from Macromex Group.

This year, D&B was ranked as a band 4 law firm in Corporate M&A.

Notable practitioners: Sorin David has long experience of the Romanian corporate market, and is well regarded for his work on mandates such as Altex Romania’s sale of two commercial centres.
Sorin David was acknowledged as Eminent Practitioner in Corporate/M&A.

Anda Rojanschi was ranked as a band 4 lawyer. Clients appreciate Anda Rojanschi for her “focused and dedicated” work on a variety of transactional matters. She recently assisted Riofisa Internacional with the sale of its shares in two Romanian real estate projects.

EMPLOYMENT – BAND 4

D&B, band 4 law firm in employment, provides advice on the full range of employment issues, as well as representation in contentious matters. Offers day-to-day advisory and specific assistance to clients operating in industry areas including food and beverages, technology and transportation.

D&B Advised Coca-Cola HBC Romania on the directors’ obligations to pursue receivables arising out of employees’ actions.

Notable practitioners: Dan Dascălu is particularly appreciated for his expertise in employment disputes, and noted for his general advisory activity on labour law issues. Lately, he has advised a variety of clients on a wide range of day-to-day employment matters, including specific advice on trade union legislation for Wizz Air Hungary.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Dan Dascalu – band 5 lawyer – Dan Dascălu of D&B David si Baias is well known for his expertise in tax and administrative litigation. Clients say: “He is very open and explains things well – it is a good collaboration.” Recent highlights include assisting BCR Leasing with the annulment of a tax assessment decision, concerning additional VAT liabilities valued at EUR9 million.