CEE/CIS - Bulgaria
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EU and competition

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Penkov, Markov & Partners

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Penkov, Markov & Partners maintains a good relationship with a series of industry leading clients and their Bulgarian subsidiaries, including Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Heineken Group and Klett Bulgaria, who frequently turn to the team for support on competition law enforcement and compliance matters. This includes antitrust and unfair competition compliance regarding distribution systems, agreements and marketing activities and representation in court cases. The firm’s Chairman Vladimir Penkov leads the competition practice alongside Smilena Hrusanova, who brings her extensive experience in merger clearance proceedings to the department.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Penkov, Markov & Partners are confident through the whole process, show great knowledge of EU and national competition law. Their team impressed us with its speed of reaction and effectiveness.’

  • ‘Smilena Hrusanova proved to be a very well-prepared, reliable and competent lawyer during our communication on the handled matters.'

  • ‘We have had the pleasure of working with Penkov, Markov & Partners on several complex transactions within the banking, finance and capital markets sectors. Their team consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of expertise, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Penkov, Markov & Partners possesses a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and market dynamics.’

  • ‘We have been working with the team at Penkov, Markov & Partners for more than 10 years, during which time we have built a long-term partnership and, above all, trust. It is the trust that they take all our problems and challenges to heart that makes their services unique.’

  • ‘The main lawyer we work with is Roman Stoyanov and our impressions of the firm are based on our contact with him. Roman is extremely responsible, dedicated to his clients and a true professional. He always responds promptly and takes our problems to heart.’

  • ‘Strengths: expertise, rigour, willingness to work to tight deadlines, experience in a variety of business areas, high ethical standards, excellent knowledge of the environment.’

  • ‘They have excellent expertise in the area of litigation and sustainability.’

  • ‘Good communication, availability, quick response.’

Key clients

  • Unilink S.A.
  • Klett Bulgaria OOD
  • Pierre Fabre Bulgaria EOOD
  • M Holding, Sila M (US company), Green Line Group, pool of private investors
  • Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Bulgaria AD
  • Xella Bulgaria EOOD
  • Heineken Group and its Bulgarian subsidiary – Zagorka AD
  • Naturprodukt OOD
  • Mondi Stambolijski
  • Andreas STIHL EOOD
  • Karelia Tobacco Company, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Unilink S.A. on the acquisition of SDI Group AD.
  • Advised Mania Group and its shareholders on the EUR 45m acquisition of Green Line Group AD.
  • Advised Heineken’s subsidiary in Bulgaria Zagorka AD on the compliance of its system of distribution agreements and arrangements with Bulgarian and EU competition law and court practice regarding the restraints on prohibited agreements and practices and fair treatment of distributors.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vladimir Penkov, Smilena Hrusanova

Other key lawyers

Boris Lazarov, Vyara Tomova, Ana Krusteva, Patrizia Foffo, Roman Stoyanov