Firms To Watch: EU and competition

EU and competition in Romania

Clifford Chance Badea

Clifford Chance Badea offers expert advice regarding merger and foreign direct investment clearance, led by corporate law specialist Nadia Badea and competition expert Eleonora Udroiu.

Highlight-Mandate


KPMG Legal - Toncescu & Partners SPRL

The team at KPMG Legal - Toncescu & Partners SPRL focuses on merger clearance, FDI screenings, and day-to-day competition advice, led by Alexandru Mocănescu and Mona Banu.

Praxisleiter:

Alexandru Mocanescu; Mona Banu


D&B David si Baias SCA

With an established reputation in the Romanian legal market, D&B David si Baias SCA can support clients with the full gamut of competition issues, including state aid, merger control, foreign direct investments, and public procurement. The team presents particular expertise in investigations conducted by the Romanian Competition Council, handling various procedures, namely abuse of dominant positions, suspected boycotting activities, sectoral inquiries, and price fixing. The practice is jointly steered by Sorin David, who has notable experience in handling disputes against competition authorities, and Lucian Bozian, adept at enforcement proceedings. Other key members are Sonia Voinescu, who regularly manages state aid projects, and Gabriela Ifrim, recommended for restructuring aid matters.

Praxisleiter:

Sorin David; Lucian Bozian


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sonia Voinescu; Gabriela Ifrim


Referenzen

‘Team members are very well prepared and they have an excellent understanding of the business and in this context, they can provide useful legal advice. They are very supportive,  flexible, and client oriented.’

‘They have a solution each time no matter the complexity of a certain task. They are very calm and hands on.’

‘Availability and knowledge.’

Kernmandanten

CEC Bank


Altex Romania


Fildas-Catena Group


City Grill Group


OMV Petrom


Asociatia Editorilor din Romania (AER)


Romanian Board of Dental Physicians (CMSR)


Angelini Pharmaceuticals


Fan Courier


Lidl Romania


TAROM


Signal Iduna Asigurare Reasigurare


Zabka Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Altex Romania on its strategic acquisition of Brico Depot store network in Romania.
  • Advised CEC Bank on securing the European Commission’s state aid clearance decision for a new €200m recapitalisation.
  • Advising City Grill Group on competition and public procurement matters relating to commercial leases in an airport.

DLA Piper Dinu SCA

Drawing on the firm’s international reach, DLA Piper Dinu SCA is a key port of call for local and foreign clients that conduct their activities in highly regulated sectors, with a focus on pharma, energy, and FMCG. The team is praised for its ability to ‘stay ahead of developments in the field’, presenting in-depth compliance expertise on a domestic and European level. Based in Bucharest, the department benefits from the leadership of Livia Zamfiropol, who is particularly adept at handling matters involving FDIs and unfair competition practices, and Alina Lacatus, who presents significant experience representing companies before the Romanian Competition Council. Razvan Pele is also a name to remember, offering regulatory advice and fair competition expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Livia Zamfiropol; Alina Lăcătuș


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Razvan Pele


Referenzen

‘I have been working with the team on competition and regulatory matters, and what makes this practice stand out is their consistent ability to provide high-quality, timely, and effective advice. They are always available, respond quickly to calls and emails, and are flexible in adapting to our needs. The team offers reliable, tailored guidance, even in complex situations. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to providing an exceptional experience—whether in the way they approach each challenge or how they stay ahead of developments in the field.‘

‘I work with a truly exceptional team, and each individual brings a unique strength to the table. Alina Lacatus, the competition partner, stands out for her deep legal expertise and ability to provide insightful, strategic advice. She is highly responsive, always available when needed, and her guidance is always spot-on. Razvan Pele is equally outstanding—his legal acumen and attention to detail are impeccable, and I know I can always count on him for clear, effective support.‘

‚What I truly appreciate about all of them is not just their excellent legal backgrounds but also their willingness to go above and beyond. They make themselves available whenever I need them, and I particularly value the fact that they answer calls promptly and are always there to assist, even with quick, verbal guidance in urgent situations. This approach has been invaluable to me, and it feels like a breath of fresh air to have their support, knowing that help is just a phone call away.’

Kernmandanten

Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG


Tema Energy SA


Romanian Association of the Self-care Industry (RASCI)


Believe International S.A.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Takeda Pharmaceuticals in an annulment case before the Bucharest Court of Appeals of a EUR 22m fine imposed by the Romanian Competition Council for alleged collusive behaviour.
  • Assisting Tema Energy in court proceedings for the annulment of a fine applied by the Romanian Competition Council for an alleged boycott between competitors in a public procurement procedure organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • Advised Believe with the acquisition of joint control over Global Records.

Filip & Company

Recommended for its ‘combination of deep legal expertise, commercial understanding, and a highly collaborative approach’, the EU and competition practice at Filip & Company regularly supports local and international clients operating in highly regulated industries such as FinServ, tech, and pharma. The members can assist with compliance, client agreements, and transactions, with standout strength in anti-competitive investigations, handling claims of public tender rigging, price fixing, and abuse of dominant position. Leading the Bucharest-based group is Cătălin Suliman, experienced in cross-border matters before various competition authorities, including the European Commission. Other names to remember are Silviu Vasile, an EU law expert, Roxana Rosca, who has great sectoral regulatory acumen, and Ruxandra Tenea, who brings expertise to commercial law matters.

Praxisleiter:

Cătălin Suliman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Silviu Vasile; Roxana Rosca; Ruxandra Tenea


Referenzen

‘We recommend Catalin Suliman, an expert in competition law who has very good understanding of the business and the sector. The advice Catalin gives is always clear and fits the needs of the clients.’

‘Filip & Company is our main legal advice provider in competition matters in Romania. We are closely working with them on all matters, such as contract review, abuse of dominance, horizontal matter and mergers. We are relying on their work for the entirety of our business. They have expertise on various industries and have been involved in high-profile cases. This gives them a huge advantage.’

‘Catalin is the head of the team and his expertise is highly appreciated. Skilful, business-oriented and with a solid knowledge, he is the go-to person for all competition questions. Silviu Vasile is also a very seasoned lawyer, with good skills and very solid experience.‘

Kernmandanten

VIG Group


Edenred Romania S.R.L.


CIT One S.A.


Dendrio Innovations SRL


Zentiva Romania


BT Leasing


Tiriac Leasing


Dendrio Innovations SRL


Pro TV SRL


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting the VIG entities throughout the entire administrative procedure before the Romanian Competition Council, from dawn raids to hearings.
  • Assisting Edenred Romania in the investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council regarding the issuance and sale of vouchers.
  • Providing Zentiva with competition and regulatory assistance on a variety of topics, ranging from day-to-day advice to support with client agreements.

GNP Guia Naghi & Partners

Praised by clients for combining ‘deep knowledge with a collaborative and approachable style, making complex projects easier to navigate’, the members of GNP Guia Naghi & Partners‘s competition practice are a key choice for companies facing allegations of anti-competitive practices or those looking to avoid such claims. The group provides comprehensive services regarding mergers and FDIs, state aid, and sectoral investigations. The department is based in Bucharest, and benefits from the leadership of seasoned duo Manuela Guia and Otilia Vîlcu; both are able to provide end-to-end regulatory support. Other standout members are Tudor Nacev, an expert in public procurement law, Andreea Ivăniș, who is experienced in administrative proceedings, and Tudor Pasat, who is adept at compliance matters; Alina Stoica offers key support.

Praxisleiter:

Manuela Guia; Otilia Vîlcu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Tudor Pasat; Andreea Ivăniș; Tudor Nacev; Alina Stoica


Referenzen

‘GNP Guia Naghi & Partners’ EU and competition practice stands out for its deep technical expertise combined with a practical, business-oriented approach. The team demonstrates an impressive ability to distil complex regulatory issues into actionable advice, making it easy for clients to understand and implement solutions. Their work is characterised by thorough legal analysis, responsiveness, and a proactive attitude, which helps clients stay ahead of regulatory challenges.’

‘The individuals at GNP Guia Naghi & Partners are approachable, highly knowledgeable, and consistently reliable. They go beyond simply providing legal advice and act as trusted advisors, offering commercially sound recommendations and anticipating potential risks. They are particularly skilled at strategic thinking and negotiation, often finding innovative solutions that balance regulatory compliance with business objectives. Associates stand out for their attention to detail, responsiveness, and ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.’

‘We have a long-standing collaboration with GNP competition team and we have always appreciated that they provide great technical skills, are consistently responsive and treat urgent and sensitive matters with the highest degree of care and professionalism. What makes them unique is their ability to adapt seamlessly to the dynamics of our industry and they have always invested time to understand the specifics of our energy business and tailor their advice accordingly.‘

Kernmandanten

Delhaize ‚The Lion‘ Nederland B.V.


Mega Image S.R.L.


Profi Rom Food S.R.L.


Agricola International S.A.


Arhivatorul S.R.L.


Arhivatorul Cbms S.R.L.


Global Archive Management S.R.L


Patronatul Întreprinderilor De Arhivare (Piafer)


Novartis Pharma Services Romania S.R.L.


Geco Power Company Green Energy Corridor Power Company S.R.L.


Defic Globe Group


Inchcape Motors S.R.L.


Autoklass Center S.R.L.


Danone – Producție Și Distribuție De Produse Alimentare S.R.L.


Toyota Romania S.R.L.


Mini-Farm S.R.L.


Pkf Finconta S.R.L.


Mini-Farm S.R.L.


Wolt Romania S.R.L. (Tazz)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Delhaize Nederland B.V. in its EUR 1.3bn acquisition of Profi Rom Food.
  • Secured a final ruling from the High Court of Cassation and Justice annulling a sanctioning decision issued by the Romanian Competition Council against a supplier in the food sector.
  • Advised Agricola International Bacău S.A. in securing the closure of an antitrust investigation into the Romanian poultry meat production market through a commitments procedure before the Romanian Competition Council.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

The professionals at Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen have established their reputation by representing clients from industries highly regulated by competition and EU authorities, having particular proficiency in sectoral investigations; some of the claims it regularly handles are poaching, market access limiting, and abuse of dominance, including challenging the fines imposed by regulatory bodies. The team also has experience in FDI and merger clearance, dawn raids, and state aid, offering comprehensive competition law support. Praised for being ‘a trusted advisor for Romanian competition law’, Anca Diaconu  leads the practice from Bucharest; she collaborates closely with Oana Popescu-Mitricoaia, an expert in complex transactions, and Andra Grozavu, a supporting force in most of the team’s matters.

Praxisleiter:

Anca Diaconu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Oana Popescu-Mitricoaia; Andra Grozavu


Referenzen

‘NNDKP’s competition team is assisting us in several ongoing investigations before the Romanian Competition Council. Our decision to collaborate with the team was based on their strong track record in high-profile investigations, deep specialisation, and extensive knowledge of the local market. From the outset, they demonstrated a deep understanding of the local regulatory landscape and took the time to understand our business and industry-specific challenges, tailoring their approach accordingly. Also, they are approachable, highly responsive, and consistently clear in their communication, which makes the whole process much more manageable.’

‘Anca Diaconu is the partner leading the projects, and I have complete confidence in her judgment and expertise. She brings deep experience in high-scale competition investigations, being able to propose effective strategies that account for potential hurdles. She is exceptionally well organised, maintains full oversight over every detail and leads with confidence and precision. Under her leadership, the whole team operates with remarkable coordination and efficiency. I would also like to mention the insightful support provided by Oana Popescu-Mitricoaia. She is an excellent professional with in-depth legal knowledge, strong work ethics, and exceptional attention to detail. The guidance she has provided so far has been consistently valuable.’

‘While very young, this practice impresses through their ability to prioritise and come up with coherent alternatives, and well documented and clear, consistent thinking. They are versatile in both technical approach and accommodating the clients‘ expectations in terms of timing, cost and team structure. They are impressive in every aspect!’

Kernmandanten

Renault Technologie Roumanie


Automobile Dacia


PepsiCo


The Romanian Brewers Association


DKV Mobility Services


Kedrion SpA


Grupo Bimbo


Auchan


Selgros


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Kedrion SpA in challenging the competition authority’s sanctioning decision concerning certain companies on the immunoglobulin market.
  • Assisting the Romanian Brewers Association with various complex EU and competition aspects related to the implementation of the deposit-return system for primary non-reusable packaging in Romania.

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA

Praised for combining ‘strong legal capabilities with a nuanced understanding of market regulation’, Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA is a key choice for clients engaged in FDI matters, cross-border mergers, and sectoral inquiries from the Romanian Competition Council. The members present broad expertise in RCC investigations, advising on vertical restrictions, potential abuses of dominant positions, and bid rigging. Spearheading the practice, Georgiana Badescu has in-depth knowledge of competition law, which she combines with data privacy and foreign trade acumen to implement a comprehensive service-offering. Other names to remember are Cristiana Manea, who is proficient in compliance matters, and Darius Trusculete, who is able to support with due diligence analyses and good practice policies.

Praxisleiter:

Georgiana Bădescu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Cristiana Manea; Darius Trusculete


Referenzen

‘Transparent, professional, always prepared for proper answers.’

‘Georgiana Badescu stands out because she does so much more than legal work. She did everything possible to help us succeed including things you would not expect from a law firm. Georgiana is incredibly knowledgeable, effective and hard-working. She is one of the most impressive lawyers and individuals I have ever worked with.’

‘Efficient, knowledgeable, creative, very good understanding of commercial and industrial aspects, responsive, good interpersonal skills.’

Kernmandanten

EssilorLuxottica


Medicover


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Medicover on merger control and foreign direct investments (FDI) proceedings in Romania in connection with its cross-border acquisition of the operations of Synlab in Croatia, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia and Türkiye.
  • Advised EssilorLuxottica on merger clearance in connection with its acquisition of Optical Investment Group from Innova/6 and a group of individual minority shareholders.
  • Advised various clients in antitrust investigations initiated by the Romanian Competition Council (RCC).

360Competition

360Competition is a boutique firm specialising entirely in fair competition practices, regularly advising on FDI screening processes, merger clearance approvals, and sectoral inquiries carried out by the Romanian Competition Council, particularly regarding cartel and abuse of dominant position claims. Based in Bucharest, the practice is led by founder Adrian Ster, who has standout proficiency in RCC investigations and sectoral probes. Other core members are Andrei Georgescu, an expert in EU regulation and competition disputes, and Raluca Maxim, adept at state aid schemes and FDIs.

Praxisleiter:

Adrian Şter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrei Georgescu; Raluca Maxim


Referenzen

‘360Competition is the go-to boutique for competition law in Romania. They combine the precision and depth you would expect from a top international firm with the agility and focus of a boutique. Every matter I’ve seen them handle is approached with speed, clarity, and real strategic vision. What sets them apart is that they are not only technically outstanding, but they are also consistently trusted with the most high-stakes and precedent-setting mandates, from cross-border merger control to sensitive FDI screenings and landmark investigations. They have that rare mix of being an elite, highly specialised team while still remaining approachable, business-minded, and very much on the front edge of the market’s most interesting cases.’

‘Adrian Ster is the person we rely on most for competition matters. because he has been involved in so many discussions around our sector over the years we feel he really understands not just the legal framework but also the commercial dynamics we deal with. He combines deep legal knowledge with a real understanding of our sector, which makes him our trusted advisor.’

‘The team is senior-led, with partners directly involved in all mandates, ensuring hands-on, strategic advice. Founding partner Adrian Șter brings extensive experience in high-stakes cartel, merger control, and state aid cases, complemented by partner Andrei Georgescu and rising star Raluca Maxim. Clients value their responsiveness, intuitive communication style, and the ability to simplify complex issues. Despite their boutique size, they are highly effective in cross-border projects and collaborate seamlessly with international firms. Their expertise spans investigations, merger filings, FDI screening, digital markets, and compliance programs, making them versatile across industries.’

Kernmandanten

APS Group


Bolt


Datanet Systems


TeraPlast


DP World Romania


Bursa Română de Mărfuri (Romanian Commodities Exchange)


Therme Group


URBB – United Romanian Breweries Bereprod


Muller Dairy Romania


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Therme Group on its EUR 1bn joint venture with CVC Capital Partners, involving merger control and FDI screening procedures.
  • Advised APS Group on multiple recent transactions involving merger control and FDI screening, including the acquisition of IMO Property Investments Bucharest S.A. from Eurobank S.A.
  • Advised Bursa Română de Mărfuri in filing a complaint that led to a reasoned opinion from the European Commission against Romania for breach of EU energy market rules.

Biris Goran SPARL

Biris Goran SPARL presents notable expertise in market entry and exit strategies, regularly supporting clients with acquisitions, merger control, and foreign direct investments. The team also frequently advises on sectoral investigations launched by the RCC into potential unfair competition practices. Gelu Goran is the department leader, recommended for cartel investigations, while key members Răzvan Bardicea and Radu Jianu focus on litigation and compliance, and information exchanges respectively.

Praxisleiter:

Gelu Goran


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Răzvan Bardicea; Radu Jianu


Referenzen

‘The team is able to provide both theoretical advice and practical experience, illustrating advice with case studies, either Romanian or European.’

‘The practice presents lawyers with vast experience covering numerous fields of activity and also colleagues with specific, applied expertise for various areas.’

Kernmandanten

La Cocoș


Morphosis


Prutul


CTPark


UniCredit Leasing Corporation


Procter & Gamble


ASLO


Schweitzer-Mauduit International


Toneli Holdings


Highlight-Mandate


  • Providing assistance in the sale of MedEuropa to Affidea, handling all sell side merger control, ancillary restraints, and foreign direct investment matters.
  • Assisting Prutul in an investigation commenced in spring 2023 by the Competition Council focused on alleged price fixing.
  • Assisting CTP in connection with the merger filing for the acquisition of an industrial and logistic parks portfolio from Globalworth.

Bondoc si Asociatii SCA

The professionals at Bondoc si Asociatii SCA specialise in advising companies activating in highly regulated industries such as pharma, healthcare, and energy on competition matters. Some of the issues the team frequently supports with are merger control, FDI clearance, and sectoral investigations carried out by the Romanian Competition Council. The department is jointly led by Lucian Bondoc, a competition law expert, and Raluca Nadejde, proficient in cross-border transactions. They receive key support from Ionut Lechea and Calina Pavel.

Praxisleiter:

Lucian Bondoc; Raluca Nădejde


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ionut Lechea; Calina Pavel


Referenzen

‘Lucian Bondoc is simply great! Extensive experience from regulatory matters. Realistic estimates. Business minded, effective, cooperative and pleasant person.’

‘Bondoc și Asociații’s EU and competition team stands out for its deep expertise, strategic clarity, and exceptional responsiveness. What makes this practice truly unique is its ability to combine rigorous legal analysis with a pragmatic understanding of business realities—delivering advice that is not only legally sound but commercially actionable. The team is composed of highly skilled professionals who bring both local insight and international perspective to complex competition matters. Their collaborative approach ensures that clients benefit from a seamless integration of legal disciplines, especially in multi-jurisdictional cases or regulatory investigations.‘

‘What truly sets Bondoc și Asociații’s team apart is the calibre of its people. The individuals I’ve worked with consistently demonstrate a rare combination of technical excellence, strategic foresight, and genuine client commitment. They are not only highly knowledgeable in EU competition law, but also deeply attuned to the practical implications for business—making their advice both precise and impactful. Among the standout professionals, I would particularly mention Lucian Bondoc for his exceptional leadership and clarity in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. His ability to distil intricate legal issues into actionable guidance is invaluable. The associates I’ve interacted with are equally impressive—proactive, detail-oriented, and always prepared to go the extra mile.’

Kernmandanten

CVC Capital Partners


Mehilainen Oy


Inspire Asset Management


Lightspan Management LTD


RetuRo Sistem Garantie Returnare


Corteva Crop Solutions Romania


Pioneer Hi-Bred Romania


Engie Romania SA


Nod Network SRL


Merch, Sharp Dohme (MSD) Romania SRL


Mazars Romania SRL


Pfizer Romania SRL


Sanofi Romania SRL


Clubul Fermierilor


OPELLA BIOSCEINCES ROMANIA SRL


Organon Biosciences SRL


Distrigaz Sud Retele


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising CVC Capital Partners and Mehiläinen Oy on merger control and FDI aspects in connection with their acquisition of Regina Maria, spanning both Romanian and Serbian jurisdictions and involving complex regulatory issues.
  • Advising RetuRo on a wide range of new complex competition law matters related to the implementation and modifications.
  • Assisted RetuRo in connection with several enquiries made by the Competition Council following third party complaints concerning the operation of the guarantee-return system (SGR).

Kinstellar

The competition practice at Kinstellar features a team of lawyers with in-depth expertise of state aid, FDI clearance, merger control, and investigations into anti-competitive practices, frequently representing local and foreign clients before regulatory authorities. The group is headed by Iustinian Captariu, co-lead of the firm’s FDI screening taskforce, and Iulian Sorescu, a specialist in state aid matters. Other names of note are Cătălin Graure, who is the other co-lead of the FDI taskforce, and Marc Barabas, praised by clients for his strategic advice.

Praxisleiter:

Iustinian Captariu; Iulian Sorescu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Catalin Graure; Marc Barabas


Referenzen

‘Deep sector expertise, collaborative approach and delivery of tailored, efficient solutions. We really valued the responsiveness of the team.’

‘The team was very supportive in all steps of the process. Great technical expertise, pragmatic advice and very strong client focus. The ability of the team to anticipate issues, by combining strategic insight and hands-on-approach was very appreciated, in particular Catalin Graure and Marc Barabas.‘

Kernmandanten

Puma


Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)


Saint-Gobain


Stada Group


Schwarz Group (Lidl & Kaufland)


Advent International


EMMA Capital


I Squared Capital


Boehringer Ingelheim


Chiesi Group


Lesaffre


Perrigo


Alpha Leasing (Alpha Bank Group)


Universal Alloy Corporation Europe (UAC Europe)


Mutares


Maisadour Semences Romania


Soceram


Vrancart Recycling


Maresi Austria


Artesana International


Autoliv


W. P. Carey


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Maisadour Semences Romania on an antitrust investigation by the Romanian Competition Council concerning alleged resale price maintenance and restrictions on distributor sales.
  • Advised Advent International on the acquisition of TBI Bank across Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, handling all merger control and FDI screening aspects.
  • Advised EMMA Capital on the multi-jurisdictional acquisition of Diamedix with operations in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

Presenting standout capacities for transactions and economic concentrations, the team at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii regularly advises on corporate projects, with a focus on merger control and FDI clearance. The members also have experience handling unfair competition investigations, overseeing internal investigations, advising on dawn raids, and implementing remedial measures. Mihaela Ion heads the practice with extensive compliance expertise, supported by core members Laura Ambrozie and Vanessa Nistor.

Praxisleiter:

Mihaela Ion


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Laura Ambrozie; Vanessa Nistor


Referenzen

‘PNSA has proactively stepped in and found creative ways to provide support.’

‘They adjust their legal language to make it understandable for everyone.’

‘This practice is unique due to its specialized legal expertise and commitment to high-quality client relationships. Clients will appreciate the team’s strong analytical skills, clear communication, and innovative mindset, which drive efficient and effective results compared to more traditional firms. The practice stands out by ensuring both transparency and a collaborative work environment that fosters creativity and tailored solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Hewlett Packard INC Romania


PPC


Ameropa


Kontron Services


Orange


Albalact


Covalact


Dorna Lactate


Parmalat


Eco Fire Systems


Akzo Nobel


ADRFR


Medtronic Romania


Medist


Verdino


Prefera


Roca Energy Investments


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting Albalact, Covalact and Dorna Lactate in the context of the investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council, in court actions to annul the investigation order, the dawn raid orders, the fines for refusal, the coercive fines, and several actions to suspend the effect of the above until the courts judge the annulments.
  • Assisting Bunge in connection with an investigation launched by the RCC with respect to alleged breaches of competition law.
  • Assisting PPC in connection with the investigations launched by the RCC into possible abuses of dominant position by PPC group’s electricity distribution operators in the areas where they hold licenses.

Reff & Associates SCA

Leveraging access to an international network of clients, Reff & Associates SCA regularly advises foreign companies on their activities in the Romanian market, with a focus on FDIs, merger clearance, RCC investigations, and state aid. The practice operates under the leadership of seasoned attorney Florentina Munteanu, praised for her ‘pragmatic, hands-on approach’ and attention to business needs. Other standout members are Andrea Grigoras, whose experience spans a variety of industries, and Mihnea Radu, proficient advisor on unfair competition matters.

Praxisleiter:

Florentina Munteanu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mihnea Radu; Andreea Grigoras


Referenzen

‘Good organisation, rapid feedback and excellent competencies.’

‘Florentina Munteanu is a true leader.’

‘The team shares the same core values: honesty and dedication.’

Kernmandanten

Avon Cosmetics


IKEA Romania


Nepi Rockastle


BT Leasing


Orkla Foods


Tinmar Energy


Fildas Trading


Sport Time Trade


Endurance Overseas


Knauf Insulation Holding GmbH


Polski Standard Płatności S.A. (PSP)


Baxi S.p.A.


Yongyi (Hainan) Investment Consulting Co. Ltd.


Aaylex ONE


Logicom Distribution


Smart ID Dynamics


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Smart ID Dynamics on merger control and FDI notification procedures, in the context of acquiring control over AB SYSTEMS.
  • Providing ongoing assistance to Logicom Distribution on contracts and other commercial law matters such as drafting and reviewing commercial contracts concluded or contemplated to be concluded with various contracting partners.
  • Assisted Endurance Overseas throughout the merger control notification process before the Romanian Competition Council in connection with the planned acquisition of sole control over Stöferle GmbH and Stöferle Automotive GmbH.

RTPR | Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA

RTPR | Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA has a longstanding reputation for handling EU and competition matters, with particular expertise in merger control and investigations before the Romanian Competition Council. The clientele spans a variety of industries, including actors from highly regulated sectors such as energy, insurance, banking, and FMCG. The team is jointly steered by Valentin Berea and Roxana Ionescu, who specialise in litigation and transactions respectively. Andrada Rusan is geared to support with unfair competition, while Serban Halmagean is proficient in due diligence processes.

Praxisleiter:

Valentin Berea; Roxana Ionescu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrada Rusan; Serban Halmagean


Referenzen

‘The team stands out through its business and solutions-oriented mindset. We consistently benefit from its responsiveness, adaptability, and strong understanding of commercial realities. The team is known for delivering legal services with remarkable speed and precision, always aligning their approach with strategic goals. What sets this practice apart is its ability to combine legal excellence with a pragmatic, client-centric attitude. The team is not only highly competitive in terms of legal expertise and service delivery, but also agile in navigating complex and fast-evolving business environments.’

‘RTPR is indeed a powerhouse firm in terms of EU & Competition law practice, being highly reliable for delivering innovative advice in a timely manner with exceptional skill, speed and responsibility. What they really stand out for is their ability to understand the complexities of the client industry, the intricacies at play in such a fast-paced economy coupled with so many legislative changes, and deliver advice which perfectly adapts legal comfort with an in-depth commercial understanding of its implications. They are also open to pioneering new routes and ready to deliver one-stop-shop competition & EU advice from day-to-day advice to early stage investigations, up to court cases before the High Court and even the ECJ, where they already have solid experience in competition cases.’

‘Valentin Berea showcases an impressive mix of a corporate and dispute litigation background, and has proved a really impressive understanding of our business and exceptional insight into always understanding, anticipating and delivering the most efficient, market-adapted solutions to our queries. Andrada Rusan works closely with Valentin Berea and showcasing exceptional tenacity, robust legal knowledge and exceptional creativity in rendering intuitive solutions the most intricate competition law matters. She is also an exceptional pleading lawyer, with solid experience before the Authority and the courts of law. ’

Kernmandanten

Cisco


MidEuropa


Groupama Asigurari


Asirom (VIG) Group


Bookster


Zabka Polska


Electrica


Zenith Media


Maspex Romania


Ursus Breweries


Henkel Romania


British American Tobacco


Regina Maria


Profi Rom Food


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Cisco on all antitrust, investigative, and litigious aspects of a case regarding suspected public tenders in the IT sector with a total value exceeding EUR 600m.
  • Advised MidEuropa on the merger clearance process and FDI notification procedure in the context of the sale of Profi to Ahold Delhaize.
  • Represented Groupama in court proceedings concerning the reduction of a fine imposed by the Romanian Competition Council.

Wolf Theiss

The EU and competition practice at Wolf Theiss is praised by clients for its expertise cross-border transactions, with notable experience in FDI clearance and merger control proceedings. The team also supports with sectoral investigations carried out by the Romanian Competition Council, often acting in appeals against fines imposed by the RCC. Operating out of Bucharest, the department is spearheaded by Anca Jurcovan, a seasoned litigator, while Maria Popescu and Claudia Andreescu provide essential support.

Praxisleiter:

Anca Jurcovan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maria Popescu; Claudia Andreescu


Referenzen

Anca Jurcovan and Maria Popescu provide capable and focused competition law advise and did a great job for the Romanian part of a multi-jurisdictional merger filing.’

‘Anca Jurcovan is highly accessible, with good command, but also delegates relevant parts of the work to the knowledgeable Maria Popescu.’

‘Very business-oriented and pragmatic approach.’

Kernmandanten

Vel Pitar


Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association


Lingemann Beschaffungssysteme


Lucsor Impex


Metso Corporation


BNP Paribas


Embryos Fertility Clinic


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Vel Pitar on various competition law matters, including preparing and submitting multiple FDI filings to the Romanian FDI Screening Commission in relation to planned investments for expanding local production capacities.
  • Advised Metso Corporation on the acquisition of a plant and equipment related to the Oradea site of EMSIL Techtrans SRL, including FDI clearance, merger control assessment in connection with the asset deal, and advice on the potential applicability of state aid schemes in Romania.

act legal

act legal presents strong transactional abilities, with standout skills in merger control and FDI clearance, supporting clients with due diligence, notifications to the authorities, dawn raids, as well as challenging fines imposed by the RCC. Stefan Botezatu leads the practice, praised for his expert case management across multiple jurisdictions. Andrei Petre is also a core member, adept at enforcement matters.

Praxisleiter:

Stefan Botezatu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrei Petre


Referenzen

‘The competition practice at act legal is proactive and prevention oriented. Their trainings, internal assessments, and strategic guidance are built to reduce risk, not just react to it. I appreciate that they also bring in knowledge from related areas – such as disputes or regulatory – when advising on competition matters, making their input more practical.’

‘Ștefan Botezatu is a solid strategic resource, especially in investigations or sensitive contexts. He has the ability to anticipate implications and support our decision-making without creating unnecessary alarm. His advice always comes in a format that’s easy to work with and adapted to internal reporting structures. Andrei Petre brings structure and sharp legal analysis. He’s reliable, professional, and keeps a close eye on developments.

‘Stefan Botezatu helps frame issues in a clear way that makes internal decision-making easier. Andrei Petre is consistent and knows how to handle layered projects without losing sight of deadlines.’

Kernmandanten

Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd


Morphosis Capital


E.ON Energie Romania


Pluxee Group


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


CEECAT Capital


Groupe Genoyer


FCC


E.ON Asist Complet


Delgaz Grid


Evryo


Distributie Energie Oltenia


E.ON SE


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised EBRD, CEECAT Capital and Morphosis Capital Fund II on acquiring a majority stake in La Cocos S.A., securing Romanian merger control and FDI clearances.
  • Advised Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. on the Romanian aspects of its acquisition of industrial land, buildings and production machinery in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, obtaining national FDI clearance.
  • Advised Pluxee Romania on FDI procedures for its acquisition of MyBenefits Digital SRL, including preparation of filings and engagement with the competent Romanian authority.

bpv Grigorescu Stefanica

bpv Grigorescu Stefanica advises local and international clients on their activities in the Romanian market, regarding FDI and merger clearance, unfair competition practices claims, and compliance. The team is led by capable duo Cătălin Grigorescu, a registered insolvency practitioner, and Cristina De Jonge, an expert in cross-border transactions. Denisa Kopandi offers key support.

Praxisleiter:

Catalin Grigorescu; Cristina de Jonge


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Denisa Kopandi


Referenzen

‘bpv Grigorescu Ștefănică is a long-lasting partner of our business. The EU and competition team covers all antitrust and merger control matters for us. They show each time in-depth knowledge of EU and local competition law and they are exceptionally skilled with great understanding of our business and the market trends, enabling them to offer customized and comprehensive advice and develop the best strategies and solutions tailored on our needs, actively supporting our decision-making process. Their high standards legal service, responsiveness and accessibility make them a trusted and invaluable partner for us in addressing the most complex legal challenges.’

‚Cătălin Grigorescu is not only a great technical competition law expert, but also an exceptional business-oriented lawyer and manager with a pragmatic approach. He has a remarkable ability to find the core legal issue and provide the appropriate and innovative solution considering both the legal and the economic implications, in our interest.‘

‚Cristina de Jonge is an excellent competition lawyer and team leader providing us the highest level of service. She always demonstrates deep expertise and knowledge in both antitrust and merger control cases, as well as great soft skills in sensitive matters. I highly appreciate her responsiveness and dedication to put forward creative and comprehensive business-oriented solutions to the challenges encountered in achieving our goals, in full compliance with the legal framework and in consideration of the industry trends.‘

Kernmandanten

RWA


Smart ID


APET


Techem


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised RWA eGen on securing Romanian FDI clearance in connection with its EUR 176m acquisition of RWA AG from BayWa AG.
  • Provided full legal assistance, including competition and FDI clearance, in connection with Smart ID’s acquisition of a Romanian IT company.
  • Advised APET on competition law matters with a cross-border dimension, including designing and delivering competition compliance training for all jurisdictions in which APET members operate.

CMS

The team at CMS presents strong proficiency in merger control and FDI clearance, supporting in all phases of the transaction – from due diligence and negotiations, to signing and obtaining approvals from regulatory authorities. Advising clients from a variety of industries, Horea Popescu and Cristina Popescu jointly lead the practice; they receive key support from Claudia Nagy and Laura Capata.

Praxisleiter:

Horea Popescu; Cristina Popescu


Kernmandanten

M Core (L&C Properties)


OTP Group


Entek Elektrik


Alior Bank


Agır Global


Buildcom EOOD


SYNLAB International


Mars Inc


EBRD


Dentons

Leveraging the firm’s global presence, the team at Dentons can support international clients with FDIs, state aid, and merger clearance. The Bucharest-based practice is headed by Raul Mihu, who brings forth data privacy and consumer protection expertise. Alexandra Radulescu can support with investigations and disputes, while Iulia Titirisca and Argentina Rafail have significant experience in transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Raul Mihu


Referenzen

‘Raul Mihu and his team stand out for their ability to truly listen to clients and ask the right questions. They combine a deep understanding of the client’s business with extensive subject-matter expertise, providing advice that is always pragmatic, flexible, and tailored to each case. Highly competent and customer-focused, the team consistently delivers solutions that meet our needs. Their tech-savvy and collaborative mindset, coupled with an innovative, technology-driven approach, further enhances the value they bring.’

‘Dentons‘ team combines responsiveness, dedication, technical reliability, and fee transparency at the highest standards. Raul Mihu is a trusted advisor, with broad industry expertise and strong negotiation skills before competition authorities, helping clients manage risks effectively. Iulia Titirisca is an invaluable asset — proactive, highly organised associate, and consistently delivering sharp, high-quality work with impressive speed.’

Kernmandanten

DTEK


Metro Cash and Carry


Convergint


REEEP III Holdings S.à r.l.


Hartmann Packaging A/S


Highlight-Mandate


GG Law Office

GG Law Office features a team equipped to support with various competition and EU law matters, including mergers and FDIs, compliance, and investigations. The practice is based in Bucharest and is headed by Georgeta Gavriloiu, who has over a decade of experience at the Romanian Competition Council; she receives core assistance from Andreea Prepelita, who joined the group in June 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Georgeta Gavriloiu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andreea Prepelita


Referenzen

‘Working with GG LAW OFFICE on competition law and state aid has been highly valuable for our firm. Their expertise consistently delivers strong results, offering clear advice on complex legal issues. The practice understands clients‘ businesses and provides solutions that are both legally sound and commercially practical. Georgeta Gavriloiu and her team are detail-oriented and proactive, making them dependable partners for navigating antitrust and state aid matters.’

‘Georgeta Gavriloiu has demonstrated to be an invaluable partner to our firm in the areas of competition and state aid law. She brings a distinctive blend of technical proficiency, strategic insight, and the ability to provide tailored guidance aligned with clients’ business objectives. Her advice is always clear and solution-focused. This high standard of professionalism is especially beneficial for addressing the sensitive and strategic nature of competition matters faced by companies.’

‘Fairness, honesty and good communication.’

Musat & Asociatii

Musat & Asociatii presents particular specialism in challenging the competition authority’s investigation findings. Some of the other services the team provides are dispute resolution and support with state aid schemes, led by seasoned litigator Paul Buta. Other names to remember are Manuela Lupeanu, Diana Panoiu, and Constanta Duta, all praised by clients for their competition law expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Paul Buta


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Manuela Lupeanu; Diana Panoiu; Constanta Duta


Referenzen

‘The projects were managed and completed successfully within a short time frame.’

‘Lawyers have immediate solutions without prior documentation; extensive case law is a strong point.’

‘The competition law team at Mușat & Asociații provides clear, well-structured advice and demonstrates a strong understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of our industry. We value their reliability, collaborative approach, and ability to handle complex matters efficiently. Their work has consistently met high professional standards and has been an important support in our projects.’

Kernmandanten

SNGN Romgaz S.A.


Servier Pharma


Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport


ECRO S.R.L.


Eli Lilly


Rewe


Octapharma AG


Electrolux Romania S.A.


Electromagnetica S.A.


Damen Shipyards Group


Biotest AG


Friesland Campina


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Romgaz with all competition aspects in the implementation of an EMTN program with a total value of EUR 1.5bn and the issuance of the first tranche of bonds worth EUR 500m.
  • Assisting Octapharma AG in connection with a Romanian Competition Council investigation regarding a concerted practice allegedly developed on the Romanian market for human normal immunoglobulins and with various subsequent litigation proceedings stemming from this matter.
  • Assisting the Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport with challenging the Romanian Competition Council decision regarding the airport’s alleged abuse of a dominant position.

Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law

The EU and competition practice at Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law presents standout expertise in FDI matters and merger clearance, supporting with risk assessments, financing screenings, and notifications to the Romanian Competition Council. Leading the team is Ana Maria Kusak, experienced in state aid projects, working alongside Victor Iacob, proficient in investigations, and Alexandru Lazar, adept advisor on claims of anti-competitive practices.

Praxisleiter:

Ana Maria Kusak


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Victor Iacob; Alexandru Lazar


Referenzen

‘Stratulat Albulescu combines deep legal knowledge of EU competition with personal engagement and hands-on approach.‘

‘We worked with Ana Kusak and Victor Iacob. I commend both for expertise, but also for patience in their interactions and willingness to explore the appropriate legal avenues, beyond the obvious. Victor deserves a mention for his analytical skills and engagement in the heavy lifting of documenting a case.’

‘We are mainly working with Ana Kusak, who always finds the best and quickest solutions to our needs. She is very proactive, offers responses quickly and is extremely reliable.’

Kernmandanten

Prime Label Investment Company S.A.


Cordia Group


Catalyst Romania Fund II SCSP


Indra Sistemas, S.A.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Cordia Group on multiple FDI matters in Romania, including the acquisition of a plot of land for a residential project with an estimated value of EUR 100m, as well as the acquisition of a centrally located plot from a constructing company.
  • Advised Indra on the acquisition of indirect control over a company active in a strategically sensitive sector, conducting a FDI risk assessment, managing filing obligations, and securing unconditional clearance to ensure full compliance.
  • Advised Prime Label on the acquisition of two print and packaging companies, managing merger control and FDI regulatory requirements in Romania.

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners provides various competition law services, including litigation against the Romanian Competition Council, merger and FDI clearance, and notifications to the competition authority, with standout experience in regulatory analysis. The practice is led by Elena Iacob, proficient in state aid matters. Other key members are Catalin Micu, Madalina Marineanu, and Ioana Racoti.

Praxisleiter:

Elena Iacob


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Catalin Micu; Madalina Marineanu; Ioana Racoți


Referenzen

‚ZRVP has been advising us for many years, providing high-calibre advice on competition law matters directly affecting large industrial energy consumers. Over the past year, their assistance has been critical in shaping our positions on several legislative and regulatory initiatives in the energy sector with major implications for energy-intensive users.‘

‚We value their deep understanding of both regulatory frameworks and market dynamics, as well as their ability to translate technical competition issues into clear, strategic guidance for our members. ZRVP combines legal precision with a strong grasp of the industrial realities of the energy market.’

‘Our main contacts are Ioana Racoți and Elena Iacob. Ioana brings outstanding strategic insight and a strong command of EU and national competition rules, particularly in how they interact with the energy sector. Elena stands out for her thorough understanding of regulatory matters and her ability to manage complex interactions with public authorities.‘

Kernmandanten

TTS (Transport Trade Services)


Romaqua Group SA


Romanian Association of Banks


Kronospan Trading


Menzies Aviation Romania


Association Of Business Services Leaders In Romania


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted TTS on all matters related to competition law in relation to potential acquisition projects, water transport services, cabotage and ferry transportation services.
  • Advising Menzies Aviation Romania in all competition law matters, including assessment and advice on potential abuse of dominance by airport operators in the market for management and operation of airports.
  • Representing the Romanian Forestry Association in a challenge against a decision of the Romanian Competition Council.