CMS has advised Chint/Astronergy on a supply agreement for the supply of photovoltaic panels and high-voltage transformers for the renewable energy market in Bulgaria.

A popular practice among consumers under the age of 30 is to purposely search for better-value alternatives to items from well-known brands. Started to gain followers on social media, this idea has become a phenomenon, with entrepreneurs setting up e-stores, boldly claiming to sell dupes (short for "duplicates"). Others sell their own products "inspired" by current trends. And while supply is generally justified by demand, it raises the question of whether duplicates are an innocent more affordable alternative or an unfair profiting on the back of another. Public opinion is divided, but we are going to examine what the law says.

The Energy & Climate Change practice of CMS has been booming in Bulgaria, according to Sofia Managing Partner and CEE Head of Energy & Climate Change Kostadin Sirleshtov, with work ranging from project, acquisitions, and financing mandates on renewables, to oil and gas, nuclear power, and a significant number of disputes.

Boyanov & Co. Partner Kina Chuturkova highlights progress made in Bulgaria in terms of reforming the judicial system but areas where improvements are still needed remain.

The Supreme Court of Cassation of the Republic of Bulgaria recognized under "exceptional circumstances," the right of an active partner in a limited liability company to act as an ad hoc representative. This decision references to Articles 6 and 13 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECPHRFF) and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Kinstellar has advised the United Bulgarian Bank on its merger with UBB Factoring.

Wolf Theiss has advised Lion’s Head Investments on its acquisition of a significant portion of logistics company BPD in a transaction valued at EUR 71.4 million.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. Given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the legal profession, we asked: What is the one critical skill that you’re investing time and energy in to develop within your team, and why?

In September 2022, CEE Legal Matters reported on Bulgaria’s outstanding legislative packages caused by three parliamentary elections being held in the span of eight months. Nearly two years later, Hristov & Partners Partner Dragomir Stefanov, Kambourov & Partners Partner Veronika Hadjieva, Penkov, Markov & Partners Associated Partner Nikolay Voynov, Peterka & Partners Partner Plamen Peev, and Schoenherr Bulgaria Co-Head of Real Estate Elena Todorova discuss the progress made after the extended legislative hiatus.

After years of preparation, Bulgaria’s integration into the Schengen area marks a significant moment, with the lifting of border controls at air and sea entry points as of March 2024. Boyanov & Co Managing Partner Borislav Boyanov, Dinova Rusev & Partners Managing Partner Ivelina Cherneva, Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov Partner Anton Krustev, and Gugushev & Partners Senior Partner Victor Gugushev discuss Bulgaria’s pursuit of Schengen integration.

An in-depth look at Diana Dimova of Kinstellar covering her career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about her as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.

Although 2024 is just beginning, below we have summarized the trends and projects expected to have an impact on the development of the real estate market in Bulgaria:

Boyanov & Co, working with Gianni & Origoni, has advised UniCredit Bulbank and the United Bulgarian Bank on their financing for Plastchim-T's acquisition of Manucor.

Historically and statistically, most joint ventures and business combinations have short and difficult lives. Lawyers can assist with preparation and negotiation of best of class, workable and practical corporate and legal structures and agreements. But only the parties, the would-be partners, can make the combined business work and succeed.

Taylor Wessing has advised the shareholders of the international Denkstatt Group on its integration with EY in Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. EY Law reportedly advised EY.

Komarevski Dimitrov & Partners has advised Witte Automotive on its accelerated buy-out of the minority stake in Witte Injection Molding Bulgaria – previously operating as Forez BG – from FH holding. PwC Legal reportedly advised FH Holding.

On the evening of April 25, 2024, the Deal of the Year Awards Banquet brought together, under the same roof, top-tier lawyers from Central and Eastern Europe's leading law firms in the region in Warsaw.