In August 2019, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration (MRDPA) has organized the first consultation meeting on dysfunctionalities at the level of the normative and institutional framework in the fields of territorial planning, urbanism and construction and related fields, with the aim that the entire legislation in this matter be reorganized under the rule of a single normative act complying with the current needs of digitalization, simplification and professional responsibility.

Former Musat & Asociatii Partner Liviu Togan has joined Dentons’ Bucharest office as Head of the newly launched White Collar practice. Also joining together with Togan is Senior Associate Cosmin Cretu.

Suciu Popa has successfully represented Strabag before the ICC International Court of Arbitration in three construction and infrastructure disputes with claims exceeding EUR 20 million in total. 

As the main arbitration body in Romania sees an increase in disputes caused by the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent financial crisis, claimants and respondents who file arbitration claims/counterclaims may need to turn to third-party funding for the disputes to cover the arbitral expenses.

2018 saw the introduction of the Romanian movie production cash rebate system and a subsequent uptick in movie productions seeking to develop in Romania. The ambitiously outlined rebate system seemed quite appealing, initially. However, over the past three years, it failed to live up to its original goals.

The QuickLegal online marketplace was launched in 2021 in Romania, aiming to provide answers to legal questions for individuals and small businesses by effortlessly connecting them with relevant lawyers. CEE Legal Matters spoke with two of QuickLegal’s three Co-Founders – Iulia Caizer and Luminita Busuricu – to learn more about their project, progress, and plans.

BPV Grigorescu Stefanica has advised Innoship Technology, its shareholders, and investor Gapminder on an investment by Abris Capital Partners portfolio company Alsendo. Filip & Company advised Alsendo.

Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu has advised Multimedia Est on its acquisition of the Hotnews group from Media Bit Software and Smile Media. Solo practitioner Oana Coroian reportedly advised the sellers.

Wolf Theiss has advised the Dr. Max Group on the acquisition of Gedeon Richter's pharma retail and wholesale operations in Romania. Filip & Company advised Gedeon Richter.

Schoenherr has advised Eurobank Greece on the sale of the Eliade Tower office building in Bucharest to One United Properties in a share deal. The Law Chamber advised One United Properties on the acquisition.

Deloitte Legal affiliated firm Reff & Associates has advised NEPI Rockcastle on its acquisition of Carrefour's stake in Ploiesti Shopping City. Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii advised Carrefour.

EY-associated firm Bancila, Diaconu si Asociatii has advised the Revolut Bank on the launch of its first lending product in Romania.

Law no. 53/2003 - Labour Code (the “Labour Code”) will be amended by Law no. 283/ 2022 for amending and supplementing Law no. 53/2003, as well as by Government Emergency Ordinance no. 57/2019 regarding the Administrative Code, which was published in the Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 1013 of 19.10.2022 (“Law 283/ 2022”).

Stratulat Albulescu has advised GapMinder Venture Partners on its investment in OutThink. Cooley reportedly advised OutThink on its USD 10 million funding round.

Law No 265/2022 on the Trade Registry and on the amendment and completion of other acts of law affecting the registration with the Trade Registry (“Law No. 265/2022”) was published in the Romanian Official Gazette on 26 July 2022 and will enter into force on 26 November 2022.

On August 30, 2022, CEE Legal Matters reported that Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii had advised Meta Estate Trust on its IPO and listing of shares on the AeRO market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. CEE In-House Matters spoke with Raluca Dragan, CFO at Meta Estate Trust, to learn more about the matter.

A joint order of the Ministers of Finance and of Research, Innovation and Digitization, No 3.265/21.453/2022, published in Official Gazette No 967 on 4 October 2022, (the “Order”) amends and supplements joint order of the Ministers of Public Finance and of National Education and Scientific Research No 1.056/4.435/2016 to approve norms on de-ductions for research and development expenses when calculating the taxable result for profit tax purposes.

Adrian Fenesan, Andrei Zamfirescu, and Tudor Oancea have been appointed as Associated Partners at BNT Gilescu Valeanu & Partners.