Rankings 2017

COMPETITION/ ANTITRUST – BAND 1

Widely acknowledged as a leader in the competition market which acts on complex contentious and advisory issues. Defends major European corporates in investigations carried out by the Romanian Competition Council into vertical agreements, horizontal price fixing or bid rigging in public tenders. Has further experience in appeals against Council decisions. Strong offering on compliance matters, providing day-to-day assistance or specific advice on the design of distribution models to a variety of large, multinational clients operating in such sectors as retail, pharmaceuticals and telecoms.
Strengths “They provide a good analysis of our matters,” says one client, adding: “They prepare our options and explain everything, including the consequences.”
Other clients particularly value the team’s impressive efficiency and expertise, remarking: “They are responsive to our requests and are very well informed about competition law in Romania.”

D&B assisted Kronospan with an investigation into alleged bid-rigging agreements in the Romanian wood acquisition sector.
Assisted Vienna Insurance Group with a cartel investigation into information sharing between competing insurance companies.
Significant clients: Mega Image, Electrocarbon, LUKOIL, Cargill, Tinmar.

Sorin David – Eminent Practitioner – remains an extremely well-established figure on Romania’s competition market. He is highly regarded by peers for his prominent academic profile and his managerial role within the firm. He has vast experience advising on compliance issues and resolving court disputes, receiving praise from clients for his responsiveness and steady approach.
Clients particularly appreciate working with Manuela Guia – band 2 lawyer, saying that she has “great expertise in antitrust legislation and an outstanding approach to finding solutions.” Her skill in handling major behavioural mandates was showcased in advice to EnergoBit on a Competition Council investigation into bid rigging in tenders for the supply of electricity meters.
Associates to watch – Bianca Naghi receives widespread endorsement from market sources, who report that she “always responds quickly even when we contact her outside of normal hours.” Work highlights include assisting Gorenje with a Competition Council sector inquiry into online sales.

TAX – BAND 1

The team benefits from the superb reputations of key individuals who are highly specialised in contentious tax matters. Has proven expertise in proceedings before Romanian and EU courts to challenge adverse tax assessments. Handles cases relating to VAT, corporate income and environmental tax law. Offers tax advisory services through its strong connection to PwC.
One source says that the team’s “availability stands out; I really appreciate that if I have additional questions all of the lawyers from junior to partner level are available.”
Market commentators note that the firm “has a good success rate in winning tax disputes.”
D&B represented Cargill Agricultura in proceedings to recover interest on the late reimbursement of VAT.
D&B also assisted Romania Hypermarche with its appeal against the tax authority’s decision not to pay EUR1.9 million in interest on the late reimbursement of VAT. The firm also handled a separate case relating to an alleged breach of environmental tax obligations.
Significant clients: BCR Leasing, Nidera, Lear Corporation, Marfin Leasing, Deutsche Bahn Cargo Romania.

Dan Dascălu – band 1 lawyer – is recognised among peers as a leading figure in the market. He is known both for his academic contributions to the field of tax litigation and for his active role in major cases. Sources describe him as a “very technical expert” and highlight his “knowledge and reputation.” He assists with all stages of tax disputes, from pre-litigation tax inspections through to appeals and representation in contentious cases.

CORPORATE/M&A – BAND 3

Increasingly recognised team with strong corporate expertise in areas including acquisitions and financing structures, as well as post-deal integration and intra-group corporate restructuring processes. Supported by strength in competition, regulatory, employment and tax law. Experienced in mandates across such sectors as oil and gas, retail and energy.
The team is praised for making their clients feel completely understood and comfortable throughout the whole process: “The lawyers have a very good understanding of the business and industry and are always available, even at very short notice.”
Another client says: “I was very happy. They have managed to adapt to the tight schedule, and supported me with consultancy in various areas.”
Value for money Clients note that the firm offers proactive and effective advice at the right price: “The value was good, they were efficient and also proactive.”
D&B assisted Octavian Netcu with its sale of medical equipment distributor Gadagroup Romania to S&T AG.
D&B advised Clinica Romgermed on the sale of shares to laboratory services provider Synlab Holding.
Significant clients: Oresa Ventures Romania, Delta Health Care, HeidelbergCement, Warehouses DePauw.

Sorin David, Eminent Practitioner in Corporate M&A, specialises in corporate law and antitrust regulations, and remains active alongside his duties as managing partner of the firm. He is considered to be “a great lawyer; he’s one of the best on the market.”
Climbing the table, Anda Rojanschi – band 3 lawyer – comes recommended by clients for her increasingly noted corporate/M&A practice: “She is a very good project manager, optimistic and energetic, being always able not only to identify problems, but to offer innovative solutions.” Her expertise includes the structuring and negotiation of corporate deals, as well as post-deal integration issues, notably working in the real estate sector.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

DAN DASCĂLU, band 5 lawyer
Dan Dascălu of D&B David si Baias is valued by one client for his “technical knowledge, commercial awareness, effectiveness and client service.” He is well known for his expertise in tax and administrative litigation, and recently advised Cargill Agricultura on obtaining a EUR10 million VAT reimbursement.