Kinstellar's competition and antitrust group has recently taken a larger share of the market’s investigations work, building on its slate of merger control mandates in Romania. Its client roster is largely international and covers various industries. Practice head Iustinian Captariu and Cătălin Graure are praised for their ‘deep expertise, combined with their meticulous attention to detail’, and after the September 2024 acquisition of Noerr by Kinstellar, the office gained Rusandra Sandu and Iulian Sorescu who have competition and state aid expertise, respectively.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kinstellar has provided us with exceptional service, demonstrating remarkable thoroughness and attention to detail in their analysis. Their ability to break down complex legal issues and present clear, actionable advice has been invaluable to our decision-making process in complex and sensitive competition law investigations. What sets them apart is their commitment to provide high standards service and availability to support us. They make us feel like a top priority on top of delivering excellent legal services. We value all the support we received from them throughout the years.’

  • ‘Iustin Captariu and Catalin Graure's deep expertise, combined with their meticulous attention to detail has resulted in a top-tier analysis that consistently provides us with clear, strategic guidance. Each lawyer is highly responsive and ensures that we receive timely advice. Their dedication, professionalism and collaborative approach have made working with them an absolute pleasure.’

  • ‘They have extended knowledge not only of the local market and legal environment but thanks to their presence in different countries of the region they have broader view of the questions raised to them and know how to present the case for clients from other countries - which aspects should be highlighted to them (which might be obvious to local clients). They are responsive, adapt to clients' needs regarding the timing and the budget. They offer not only strictly legal advice but are able to combine it with the specificities of the market and more commercial approach.’

  • ‘Kinstellar's EU and competition practice's key capability is its people. The team is outstanding, with prompt and well-documented responses. They have a deep knowledge both of the EU and competition regulations, as well as the business environment. Our collaboration has always been a strong one based on the understanding of the business needs beyond the purely legal matters at hand. Transparency has always been another important aspect of our collaboration.’

  • ‘It has always been a pleasure to work together with the team, as they are strong professionals, very prompt and with a deep knowledge and passion for the EU and competition law. They answer to all of your concerns, as there is no irrelevant question or concern to them. Definitely, the team you want to rely on!'

  • ‘Kinstellar Romania team stands out for its exceptional expertise and dedication in the field of competition law. The team of highly skilled professionals delivers insightful legal strategies and solutions tailored to complex antitrust matters. They offer combination of years of practical expertise with a deep understanding of industry trends and regulatory landscapes. We have been provided with well-informed advice that is both strategic and commercially viable.’

  • ‘I am working with Cătălin Graure and Iustinian Captari both from Kinstellar Romania. Their business approach and responsiveness are highly appreciated. I recommend cooperation with the team.’

Key clients

  • Alpha Leasing
  • Maïsadour Semences
  • Lesaffre
  • Trivium Packaging
  • Maersk Romania
  • Perrigo
  • Big Mega Renewable Energy
  • W. P. Carey
  • BRD – Groupe Société Générale
  • BRD Asset Management
  • PDQ Corporation
  • Perficient
  • Yanolja Cloud
  • I Squared Capital
  • Canadian Nuclear Partners
  • Miele Appliances
  • Mastercard
  • France Valley Europe
  • Indotek

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.

Iustinian Captariu

Other key lawyers

Cătălin Graure