Romania’s economic landscape has shown both growth and resilience this year, driven mostly by public and private investments and domestic consumption. Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii Managing Partner Florian Nitu, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Partner Gabriela Cacerea, and Tuca, Zbarcea & Asociatii Managing Partner Gabriel Zbarcea report on the pulse of the Romanian economy, focusing on key sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, IT, and automotive, that are leading this growth despite challenges like inflation, labor shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties.

The competitive landscape in Romania is marked by rigorous enforcement and alignment with EU regulations, making it a challenging, dynamic environment for businesses. Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii Partner Andreea Oprisan discusses recent legislative developments and the Romanian Competition Council’s proactive measures in an effort to shed light on this complex legal framework.

Microsoft Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs Head for Central Europe Gabriela Popescu talks about her career and her passion for navigating complex legal landscapes.

Bogdan Plesuvescu has worked in both Moldova and Romania’s banking sectors, progressing from a legal role at Banca Transilvania to CEO of Viktoriabank to Deputy CEO back at the “mother organization.”

An in-depth look at Paul Buta of Musat & Asociatii covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.

On January 11, 2024, Romania enacted significant amendments to its legislation on public-private partnerships (PPPs). While the country has had a dedicated PPP legal framework since 2002, no major infrastructure projects have been developed through this mechanism. To attract private investors and international financial institutions to participate in such projects in Romania, Government Emergency Ordinance no. 39/2018 on PPPs (GEO no. 39/2018) has been amended substantially.

RTPR has advised Romcim on its acquisition of Tehno World. Schoenherr advised Romcim on the associated merger clearance and FDI filing and Popovici, Nitu, Stoica & Asociatii advised TehnoWorld on the deal.

Greenberg Traurig has advised CCC Group on the up to PLN 1.8 billion term and revolving facilities provided by a consortium of banks and finance institutions. Clifford Chance and Lakatos, Koves and Partners advised the lenders.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen has advised Aaylex One on a EUR 20 million loan facility granted by a syndicate of banks.

Albota Law Firm has advised OX2 on the construction contracts with two undisclosed contractors of the company's first wind farm in Romania as well as on permitting and regulatory matters.

Clifford Chance has advised PPC Group on its acquisition of Evryo Group's renewable energy portfolio in Romania, including 629 megawatts of renewable energy sources in operation and 145 megawatts in pipeline assets. RTPR and, reportedly, Jones Day advised Evryo on the deal.

Filip & Company has advised the Digi Group's Portuguese subsidiary on its acquisition of 100% of the shares issued by Cabonitel, S.A. at a value of EUR 150 million.

A&O Shearman and RTPR have advised OX2 on its sale of a 99.2-megawatt onshore wind project in Romania to Nala Renewables in a transaction valued at approximately EUR 214 million. CMS reportedly advised the buyer.

Baciu Partners has promoted Andrei Cosma and Corina Roman to Partner.

Filip & Company has advised Simtel Team S.A. on the transfer of its shares to the Main Market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. 

Schoenherr has advised BlackPeak Capital and Catalyst Romania Fund II on a EUR 10 million Series B funding for Leanpay.

Albota Law Firm has advised Nor Real Estate S.R.L. on a EUR 21 million loan agreement and related security package with OTP Bank Romania to support the development and leasing of Phase I (B1/B2) of the @Expo office project.

Stratulat Albulescu has advised International Chemical Investors Group on the acquisition of a dormant bioethanol production site in Podari from Clariant Group.