News Archive 2017

Starting with September, MPR Partners is the Romanian independent member of GGI in Bucharest, one of the top ten international accounting, consulting and law firm alliances.

GGI (Geneva Group International AG) is a global Alliance of independent professional firms that reunites experts around the world who are able to give advice on local regulations, compliance and go-to market strategies. GGI’s broad international presence opens up a gateway to the global marketplace, providing access to high quality firms in nearly every major financial and commercial centre worldwide.

Founded in 1995 by Claudio G. Cocca, co-partner of an Accounting and Tax Consulting Firm in Switzerland, GGI was initially an international alliance for tax consultants and accountants. As members urged the management of the alliance to accept law firms and consulting firms as members in order to handle more complex joint transactions, in 1997 GGI became a truly multidisciplinary alliance.

GGI currently counts 566 carefully selected members worldwide, in 123 countries, acting globally without losing their independence.

“We are pleased to be part of a reputed international association that grants access for global companies to quality Romanian legal service. This facility applies whether you are looking for business opportunities beyond national boundaries, or need international support in addition to services in your home market. We have confidence in our new international affiliation with GGI and we are happy to be able to welcome new clients and bring added value to our existing portfolio, through quality referral options, at a global scale.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

“We are pleased to welcome MPR Partners as a new GGI member in Bucharest. The firm will strengthen the presence of our global alliance in the region and will provide an important reference for legal services to all the GGI members worldwide. We send our personal congratulations to all the partners and staff at MPR Partners and we look forward to a long cooperation.” Marco Izzo, COO of GGI.

More information about GGI can be accessed on the alliance’s official website at https://www.ggi.com/.

Our dispute resolution team provided another comprehensive compilation of litigation related provisions and practicalities within the Romanian jurisdiction. From laws and regulations to international conventions and bilateral treaties that govern the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Romania, competent courts and distinction between recognition and enforcement, as well as conditions for recognition and enforcement, opposition and related procedures and timeframes, the guide provides a complete picture and constitutes a very useful material for any interested party. Lexology’s Navigators contain high quality information on various legal topics in multiple jurisdictions, delivering the most comprehensive legal updates, analysis and insights. Lexology’s Romanian chapter of the Litigation Navigator can be accessed here and users can compare the answers to the Litigation: Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Q&A for multiple jurisdictions here.

MPR Partners represented Chimcomplex Borzești S.A. in the tender for the assets of Oltchim, one of the leading players in the Romanian and Central Eastern European chemical industry.

The complex legal assistance comprises all transaction related aspects, including due diligence, preparing the tender, assistance in relation with the financers, negotiation of the transaction documents, liaising with the environment and competition authorities.

MPR Partners’ team assigned to the project consists of over 10 lawyers. Gelu Maravela and Dana Rădulescu provide assistance regarding the due diligence process, tender preparation, transaction documents’ drafting and financing, whilst Alina Popescu and Magda Grigore assist with regard to competition aspects, including complex State aid analysis and merger control related aspects. Insolvency matters are coordinated by Dana Rădulescu and Mirela Metea, Dana Rădulescu and Daniel Alexie ensured the environment related assistance, whilst Daniel Vinerean coordinated the real estate matters advice.

Chimcomplex was equally assisted by the Brussels office of the German law firm Gleiss Lutz in defining the strategy as well as in the relationship and liaison with the European Commission regarding State aid. The lawyers from Gleiss Lutz were coordinated by Dr. Ulrich Soltész, prominent European figure in the field of competition, together with his colleague Dr. Thomas Pflock.

The bid for the acquisition of Oltchim’s assets has been submitted and the finalization of the selection process is currently expected.

MPR Partners assisted the Amercan Group Standex International Corporation regarding its first investment on the Romanian market, namely the acquisition of the Romanian branch of Piazza Rossa Group. The transaction was completed at the beginning of the current month, being reported on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where the group is listed (SXI).

Founded in 1995 and currently employing over 5,400 people in the U.S. and numerous other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Europe, Mexico, India, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, Malaysia and Singapore, Standex group holds 12 operating units, organized into five reporting segments: Food Service Equipment Group, Engraving Group, Engineering Technologies Group, Electronics Group and Hydraulics Group. The Engraving Group took over the Romanian subsidiary of Piazza Rossa Group.

Piazza Rosa Group, founded in 1983 near Venice, Italy, has market leading capabilities in polishing, laser welding, laser hardening, laser cladding and repair / maintenance services. Piazza Rossa Group operated three facilities: one in Italy, one in Romania and another one in Mexico.

MPR Partners’ team was coordinated by Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner, Felix Tapai, Tax Partner and the specialist Stelios Savva, Of counsel. Complex assistance consisted of all tax related aspects of the transaction, including tax related due diligence and U.S. GAAP reporting of all Romanian jurisdiction tax records. Other firms advising the buyer were Sinescu & Nazat, Mondini & Resconi (Italy) and Lazzari Law Firm (Italy).

Further information about Standex is available on the group’s official website at http://www.standex.com/

MPR Partners’ TMT specialists are the exclusive Romanian contributors of The Legal 500’s In-House Lawyer’s Technology Comparative Guide, alongside big names of the international legal landscape such as CMS, DLA Piper, Noerr LLP, etc.

The aim of the guide is to provide its readers with a pragmatic overview of the law and practice of technology law across a variety of jurisdictions. The Romanian chapter provides information about the current issues and addresses topics such as communications networks and their operators, databases and software, data protection, AI, cybersecurity, as well as personal insight and opinion as to the future of the market over the next five years.

The Q&A template for each chapter has been provided by Kit Burden of DLA Piper. Each chapter of the Technology Comparative Guide has been written exclusively by firms ranked within The Legal 500, sound warranty regarding the quality and accuracy of the content.

“We pride ourselves with our publishing activities. This year alone we have had exclusive contributions to global guides of great reputation in key practice areas such as competition, dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, arbitration, employment and now technology, whilst real estate and taxation are soon to follow. We feel deeply rewarded by first-hand information we provide to the general public on these interesting topics.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner of MPR Partners

The Romanian chapter is available here and the complete guide (all available jurisdictions) here.

Ever since the firm`s inception, MPR Partners’ lawyers have contributed to international and national publications edited by prestigious organizations and publishing houses, such as (in alphabetical order) the Global Legal Group, International Bar Association, Sweet & Maxwell, Thomson Reuters, World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, etc. and are constantly invited to speak at various professional conferences and events.

Besides the firm`s involvement in external resources, MPR Partners publishes regularly the ELKB (Emergency Legal Kit for Business) and the Legal Prompts bulletins, containing valuable information, comments, as well as legal updates and amendments.

As of July, MPR Partners’ team grew stronger with the addition of Ms Alexandra Rîmbu to its partner ranks.

With over 9 years of experience in business law, Alexandra assisted numerous high profile clients in important international business law firms such as J&A Garrigues SLP (over 2000 attorneys, with offices in 13 countries, on 4 continents) and in reputed local firms such as Mușat & Asociații. She was previously equity partner with the local firm Almaj & Albu.

Alexandra’s expertise covers corporate/M&A, contracts, employment, PPP, construction & infrastructure as well as competition and IP matters, in various sectors. Furthermore, Alexandra was involved in many complex litigations and international arbitrations. Her client portfolio consists of large corporations and private investors.

“We have known Alexandra for over 6 years, since we were a team within Mușat & Asociații and she actually was amongst the first lawyers to have followed us at MPR Partners. Throughout the years, Alexandra acquired essential professional abilities, for both dealing with complex legal matters as well as client management and development. These qualities make Alexandra an excellent choice for partner within a firm with high standards, such as MPR Partners. We are therefore happy on several levels: firstly, due to the human plus value and secondly because we have added an excellent professional to our team, thus strengthening our firm’s management ranks.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

“Alexandra represents an important added value to our team: she holds uncontested expertise, international exposure, fluency in several foreign languages and most importantly, we are already aware of her skills. We are happy to have her join us again and eager to achieve great things together.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

“The firm’s yearly growth, its complex projects and awards received are certainly reasons to rejoice and for me to be sure that I have made the right move. I am happy to be part of the team again and I am confident that I will consistently contribute to its growth.” Alexandra Rîmbu, Partner of MPR Partners.

Already a tradition for firm’s specialists, MPR Partners equally contributes to this year’s World Bank publications. As lead counsel for Romania, MPR Partners coordinated 40 Romanian legal professionals based in 9 different cities and over 90 filled in questionnaires covering the three areas of practice concerned. In addition, we have revised and edited the template questionnaires used for the research.

Structured in 11 categories, World Bank’s collections of publications comprise, among others, annual reports, independent assessments, journals, technical guides, economic and sector focused guides (tourism, education, justice, climate change) and specialized articles.

Doing Business guides, concentrated on certain jurisdictions or areas, provide an in-depth analysis of economy and legal related matters, measuring regulatory aspects that impact the business environment.

This year, MPR Partners’ specialists contributed to two of World Bank’s Doing Business guides, namely: (i) Doing Business: Equal opportunities for all 2017, covering 190 economies, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and (ii) Doing Business in the European Union 2017: Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, covering 22 cities in the aforementioned countries and regulations pertaining to the 5 stages of small to medium sized businesses, underlining the region’s potential.

MPR Partners’ partners are invited today, July 13, 2017, in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the Doing Business in the European Union 2017: Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania Guide is officially launched. The event welcomes as speaker Mr. Arup Banerji, Regional Director, European Union, World Bank Group. The 22 reviewed cities will be ranked regionally and globally, and potential reforms and pending challenges will be discussed by a panel of experts (state and municipal officials and private sector representatives).

All of the event’s materials are available starting with the day of the launch on the official webpage, here.

“It is fourth year in a row that we are contributors of World Bank. We appreciate the usefulness, quality, detail and accuracy of these publications and we are glad to be a part of their making.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

Partners Mirela Metea and Dana Rădulescu published an article about insolvency, presenting its advantages when legal provisions and reorganization plans are applied correctly and in a timely manner. A set of aspects to be taken into consideration is equally revealed, helpful when dealing with insolvency, from both debtor and creditor perspectives. Entitled Successful reorganizations: between companies’ identity and reinvention, the article was published in the Economy’s biggest players e-paper, edited by Ziarul Financiar and it can be read (Romanian) here, or directly in the e-paper here.

MPR Partners is, starting with this year, the exclusive Romanian contributor of the international platform Change Board Member (CBM), having provided the chapter containing an overview and requirements for changing board members in Romania.

The main focus of CBM is to promptly solve the current coordination issues between law firms when changing board members. Taking into consideration that coordinating board member changes in several jurisdictions with different rules, timing and documentation requirements (e.g. following a takeover of a company group) is often troublesome, bureaucratic and time-consuming, CBM provides an overview of the requirements for changing board members, including timelines and checklists, in currently 47 global jurisdictions. To ensure the material is of top quality and always up to date, the content is delivered by top tier local law firms (for instance Allen & Overy in Germany, CHSH – Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten – in Austria, Cobalt in Lithuania and Latvia, Estudio Echecopar – member firm of Baker & McKenzie International – in Peru and Plesner in Denmark).

The service is free to use and the Romanian chapter, provided by MPR Partners, can be accessed here.

”We welcomed and gladly accepted the invitation of Change Board Member to provide, as exclusive contributor, the Romanian chapter. Myself and my equally contreibuting colleagues – Mihai Buciuman, Managing Associate and Magda Grigore, Associate, consider CBM a useful and easy to use tool, handy and very well structured.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner

The official webpage of CBM can be accessed at http://www.changeboardmember.com

Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Senior Associate Alexandra Ichim published the Romanian know-how chapter of Commercial Arbitration of Global Arbitration Review (GAR). GAR know-how provides reliable cross-jurisdictional insight to help cement the building blocks of international practice. Select experienced practitioners answer commonly asked questions for key jurisdictions so allowing readers to be better-placed to solve the challenges of their working days. Full chapter is available here.

Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Associate Magda Grigore published a useful list of aspects to consider when involved in M&A transactions, in order to avoid harsh consequences of competition antitrust provisions’ infringement. The competition antitrust provisions are often overlooked due to a lesser knowledge of the competition field and to wrongful practice turned common within the business environment. The article, entitled Elephant in the room: M&A transactions and competition antitrust provisions, was published in the Top Transactions e-paper edited by Ziarul Financiar. The article (Romanian) can be read here, and directly in the e-paper here.

Managing Associate Daniel Vinerean in an article regarding the latest public procurement legal framework updates, often encountered obstacles in public acquisition procedures as well as several recommendations for the parties involved, both investors and public authorities. Full article (Romanian) available here.

Our professional, friendly and internationally recognized consultancy team’s client portfolio is growing, so we are looking for a(nother) talented and experienced associate/senior associate with 1-5 years of experience, post final Bar qualification. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: SA/A Consultancy.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• elegant and modern office premises.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 1-5 years (ideally within a medium/large law firm);
• knowledge of corporate, commercial and M&A matters is required; further experience in regulatory & compliance including competition matters is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Our diverse, friendly, repeatedly awarded, internationally recognized and very busy team is searching for a new colleague. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Associate – Litigation & Insolvency.

We are looking for:

• advanced English (written and spoken) including legal English terms and terminology;
• practical experience of minimum 1-3 years since Bar admission, ideally as part of a team within a business law firm;
• knowledge of and prior experience in commercial litigations, restructuring and bankruptcy;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• law degrees awarded by a reputed foreign university represent a plus.

We are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• elegant and modern office premises.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Managing Partner Gelu Maravela shares insight regarding the current business climate in Romania, with an inside note related to firm’s activity. Interviewed by CEE Legal Matters about the Buzz in Romania, Gelu expresses his opinion about the development of the private sector, and discloses general information about ongoing major projects in various practice areas and industries. Complete interview can be accessed here.

Contacted by AvocatNet, a reputed online portal and forum containing legal updates and professional opinion on various matters, Managing Associate Daniel Vinerean provided information regarding the delicate subject of potential abuse an employee returning from parental leave could face from their employer. Full article (Romanian) is available on the official website of AvocatNet, here.

A serious diagnosis rises walls between people. MPR Partners supports and encourages HOSPICE’s Campaign “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible”

Starting with 2016, MPR Partners is honorary patron of the development project of the socio-medical Center of HOSPICE Casa Speranței from Adunatii Copăceni. As such, MPR Partners supports and encourages all the charity endeavours of HOSPICE Casa Speranței, being actively involved in the Foundation’s 2% Campaign, ongoing until May 25, 2017.

About HOSPICE Casa Speranței

HOSPICE Casa Speranței, currently celebrating 25 years of activity, is one of the renowned non-profit organizations in Romania, with national coverage. The organization has developed, over time, two integrated services centres in Brașov and Bucharest, as well as mobile care units in Făgăraș and Zărnești, for the care of those who were diagnosed with incurable diseases. Throughout all this time, the organization has brought hope and relief to over 22.000 children and adults diagnosed with incurable diseases.

The 25th anniversary of the HOSPICE Casa Speranței in Romania received the visit of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, at the Bucharest centre of the Foundation, when he expressed his deepest appreciation for the work done and the support offered by HOSPICE to children and adults diagnosed with incurable diseases.

About the Campaign

Once again in 2017, HOSPICE Casa Speranței launched the 2% Campaign, calling for the sensibility of the public through the slogan: “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible”. The organization encourages taxpayers who have earned in 2016 taxable income in Romania to support free palliative care by redirecting 2% of their income tax to HOSPICE Casa Speranței. The procedure does not involve any costs, the amount redirected being already retained by the fiscal authorities from the 2016 tax return. While employees have the dedicated Form 230, those with income from self-employment (authorized individuals, rents, etc.) can redirect when filling in their income statement (Form 200). Forms containing all necessary information and the Foundation’s details are available at doilasuta.hospice.ro, and may be submitted and/or sent, according to the current legal provisions, until May 25, 2017, to the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF).

“This year’s campaign is not just for fundraising purposes, it is a warning sign related to Romania’s incurably ill people and their need for support in the difficult battle they are fighting. As this is a road nobody should walk alone, our organization addresses the entire community, asking everyone not to ignore a reality that regards us all.”, explained Mirela Nemțanu, CEO of HOSPICE Casa Speranței.

About MPR Partners’ involvement

As honorary patron, MPR Partners supports the “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible” Campaign through various actions as: encouraging employees, clients and collaborators to redirect 2% of income tax to HOSPICE Casa Speranței, fundraising (recently it was placed a ”charity box” at the firm’s headquarters), pro bono assistance, etc.

Moreover, this year for a second time in a row MPR Partners’ team, will join the Bucharest Half Marathon taking place May 13-14, where they will be part of Team HOSPICE and run or give a helping hand with the event, in HOSPICE’s on site tent.

MPR Partners kindly invites friends, colleagues and collaborators who believe that any person diagnosed with an incurable disease must be supported in their struggle to join the “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible” Campaign and get actively involved in the present and future campaigns of HOSPICE Casa Speranței.

”HOSPICE Casa Speranței’s 2% Campaign is one that we believe in and we hope that many collaborators, employees and friends will join us and will support this cause by redirecting 2% of income tax. I truly believe that in front of disease, evermore incurable, we are all sensitive and, by getting involved, we provide hope and highlight the unity of people I encourage any kind of involvement and I am proud, as honorary patron, of all past, current and future achievements of HOSPICE Casa Speranței” said Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

”It is so easy to get involved and do good. The 2% campaign does not involve any costs, as the donated amount has already been declared to and retained by the fiscal authorities. We are happy take part to HOSPICE’s endeavours and projects proud that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales supports the same cause.” declared Alina Popescu, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

More information about the Foundation’s projects and campaigns can be found on the official website of HOSPICE Casa Speranței at https://www.hospice.ro/ and further detail about the “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible” Campaign is available at doilasuta.hospice.ro.

Our consultancy team’s client portfolio is growing, so we are looking for a talented associate with 3-4 years of experience. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Associate Consultanță.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• elegant and modern office premises.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 3-4 years (out of which, ideally, at least 2 years within a medium/large law firm);
• working knowledge of at least two of the following areas: corporate, commercial, M&A, employment and real estate matters; experience in IT & data privacy matters is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Quantum Music Records Romania concluded a strategic partnership with Universal Music France for the development of the musical project of the artist Irina Rimes (equally known as Irina Remesh or Irra), on all French territories, respectively France, Monaco, The French Overseas Territories and Departments, Andorra, Benelux, Switzerland and Canada.

The team of MPR Partners, led by Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Associate Daniel Alexie, assisted Quantum Music Records Romania in reviewing and negotiating the terms of the agreement concluded with Universal Music France.

It is one of the few such transactions on the Romanian music market, requiring a multidisciplinary approach comprising aspects of international law, IP & IT, contracts law, data protection, etc.

Alina Popescu possesses strong know-how in drafting, revising and negotiating complex international contracts, including various IP related arrangements. Alina equally holds sound knowledge and experience related to competition aspects, which are frequently an essential component of contract matters.

Daniel Alexie specializes in IP, data protection, IT and competition, being involved in complex and innovative assignments for sound corporate clients.

“We are thrilled every time we manage to successfully close an important deal, especially when dealing with challenges such as the negotiation of a complex contract governed by the French law. To the same extent, we rejoiced this opportunity to work in French, in a business environment where the English language often has the leading role.” Alina Popescu, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

In the 2017 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa MPR Partners is a recommended firm in the Corporate, commercial and M&A practice area, whilst Managing Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu are recommended individual lawyers. Researchers state that ”MPR Partners is ‘a professional team on all levels’. Gelu Maravela is ‘an excellent professional’, and Alina Popescu is ‘an expert in finding efficient solutions – very professional and knowledgeable’”. The Legal 500 rankings are covering 82 countries and are based on the results of research and the merits of the available evidence – law firms are ranked on merit alone. Firm’s profile on The Legall 500 website available here.

Our repeatedly awarded, internationally recognized and very busy dispute resolution practice’s team is searching for a new colleague.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Senior – Litigation.

We are looking for:

• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• practical experience of minimum 3-4 years since final Bar qualification, ideally as part of a team of at least 5 lawyers;
• sound skills and experience in civil and administrative litigations; Arbitration & ADR expertise is a plus;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university is a plus.

We are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant and modern office premises.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

In a video-interview conducted by George Stoica, Project Manager of BizLawyer.ro, Managing Partner Alina Popescu answers various questions related to the firm’s recent achievements and details MPR Partners’ plans in terms of growth and brand expansion. Last year’s coordinated projects and important mandates are equally discussed, as well as team’s involvement and professionalism. Full video and transcript of the interview (in Romanian) are available in full on BizLawyer’s website, here.

Patron or President of more than 400 charities, His Royal Highness Prince of Wales showed support towards HOSPICE Casa Speranței and visited the Bucharest centre, during the anniversary event of the organization, now celebrating 25 years of activity in Romania. Managing Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu, representing MPR Partners as proud supporter of HOSPICE Casa Speranței`s activity, had the honor to meet His Royal Highness, alongside numerous other important guests, such as Graham Perolls – founder of Hospice Casa Speranței, Paul Brummell – the Ambassador of Great Britain in Romania, Princess Marina Sturdza and many others. Photo gallery of the event here.

In a press release received from The Lawyer European Awards` organizers following the firm winning the Law firm of the year: Romania award, MPR Partners was praised for its client portfolio, HR and CSR initiatives and policies, international recognition and spectacular quality of services. The reputed jury considers MPR Partners to be both a ”true Romanian success story” and a ”very promising law firm”. Full press release available here.

MPR Partners is a strategic partner at the third edition of the National Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, organized by the Romanian National Internal Control Institute, on March 20th, 2017, at Sheraton Hotel in Bucharest.

With the topic Effective Management of the Antifraud and Anticorruption Systems, the professional event aims at increasing the knowledge and contributing to the proper implementation of the adequate measures in order to efficiently and effectively prevent corruption and fraud in both public and private sectors.

Alongside MPR Partners’ law practitioners, the conference speakers are both international and local experts, professionals with extensive expertise in multidisciplinary areas, having top specializations and certifications, having a clear vision of the best ways to implement and monitor the an adequate and effective antifraud and anticorruption management system.

|Currently at its third edition, the National Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, a landmark event of the Institute, aims to organize a debate within a framework of constructive and interactive dialogue, consisting of ideas, interests and topics concerning best practices on antifraud and anticorruption management. The professional event is addressed to all those working in the field or who are interested in these topics, understanding that fraud is a universal phenomenon that can occur at any time, entailing profound consequences, in various forms.” Cosmin Serbanescu, President, Romanian National Internal Control Institute.

“We are attending for the second year in a row the National Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, being convinced from the previous edition about the quality of the event regarding speakers, topics approached and attendees. I am convinced that a good knowledge of corruption prevention and control mechanisms is essential in managing a clean and healthy business, regardless the field of activity. This is why I am happy that MPR Partners is a strategic partner of the Romanian National Internal Control Institute`s Conference.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner, MPR Partners.ii

Further details about the conference, partners, organizers, speakers and topics are available on the official page or the event, here.

Last night, during a sparkling ceremony in London, MPR Partners was designated Law Firm of the Year in Romania at The Lawyer European Awards 2017.

Out of more than 120 competing firms for 24 categories and shortlisted for the third time in a row, MPR Partners shared the podium with internationally reputed European law firms such as Herbert Smith, Gleiss Lutz, A&L Goodbody, Wolf Theiss, just to name a few.

This year the Awards recognize strategic vision, particularly focusing on cross-border initiatives, robust partnership culture, strong financial performance and growth, consistent excellence in delivery of legal services as well as outstanding talent management.

The judging panel that designated MPR Partners Law Firm of the Year in Romania was formed by partners of top international business law firms (Chadbourne & Parke, Charles Russell Speechlys, Macfarlanes, Mishcon de Reya, Shoosmiths, Slaughter and May, Travers Smith, Trowers & Hamlins, Walker Morris, Winston & Strawn) and in-house top management representatives of multinational companies (Aviva UK Life, IOC Television and Marketing Services, Moët Hennessy, Osborne Clarke International, Paypal, Sequa Petroleum N.V., Smiths Group PLC, Société Générale, Wolseley plc).

In their 8th edition, The Lawyer European Awards were the first initiative of their kind to reward and celebrate excellence across the European legal market.

”Behind this success lie tens of thousands of working hours and sacrifices from our entire team of professionals, translated into hundreds of satisfied clients and closed assignments and transactions. And although it is said third time lucky, luck had little to do with this achievement. We hereby thank everyone! We promise that MPR Partners’ story, only recently having begun being written, will continue in the same beautiful manner in the volumes to come.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner MPR Partners.

”We are happy and proud of our achievement, for which several credits are due. Without any particular order, we thank our wonderful team, our clients for their trust and our friends for their support! We would also like to thank our peers from other Romanian law firms that keep the market at a very competitive level, which drives us to permanently reinvent ourselves and strive to stand in the top ranks. A special thank you to Musat & Asociatii and its founder, Gheorghe Musat, who consistently contributed to the professional path of MPR Partners’ founding partners as it was the case with many other important law firms.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner MPR Partners.

Further information about the event and winners can be found on The Lawyer official website here or on The Lawyer European Awards website here.

We are expanding our consultancy team and we are looking for a talented and experienced lawyer, with minimum 2-3 years post final Bar qualification.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant and modern office premises.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of minimum 2-3 years since final Bar qualification out of which at least 2 years within a law firm with a team of at least 10 lawyers;
• sound knowledge of corporate, commercial, M&A, banking & finance and competition is required; further experience in regulatory & compliance including competition matters is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university is a plus.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Senior/Managing Consultanță.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Starting this February, Dana Radulescu, formerly Insolvency Partner, is a Partner within the advisory practice group of MPR Partners.

Valedictorian of Bucharest University`s Law School, Dana equally holds a bachelor’s degree in law (Maîtrise en Droit Européen) from Université Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne in France and is a former Partner of reputed Romanian law firms (Vernon David, Borza & Asociații and Rubin Meyer Doru & Trandafir). Throughout her career, Dana was lead counsel in significant privatizations/M&A deals, financing projects as well as restructurings and reorganizations of large companies and corporations.

Currently member of the Bucharest Bar Association, the Romanian Mediation Council and the Romanian Insolvency and Bankruptcy Practitioners Association, Dana started working with MPR Partners back in 2014, as Insolvency Partner, position successfully held until end of January 2017.

”I joined MPR Partners’ team in 2014, within the insolvency & restructuring department. My biggest passion however, always was and remains for legal advisory. It is therefore both a real pleasure and honor for me to join this practice group and to contribute alongside the other partners, to building a new approach in Romanian business law. I fully embrace the firm`s values and vision, that are focused on professionalism, authenticity, creativity”. Dana Radulescu, Partner MPR Partners.

”During our collaboration on insolvency matters we noticed all the special skills Dana possesses and we are extremely glad that we can involve her more and more in the managerial structure of our advisory department. We are equipped to perfectly combine the legal, tax and insolvency services and Dana has the ideal professional and human features for our firm. She is a multifaceted professional.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner MPR Partners.

”I have been friends with Dana for 13 years and we have always wanted to work together on a new business model in legal practice. We have taken a first step towards achieving our goals in 2014, as regards the firm`s insolvency practice. We now hope to further develop this work with her extended management attributions within the advisory department. I am happy that my fellow partners have realized the added value Dana brings to our firm in this new position.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner MPR Partners.

As of January, Felix Tapai was promoted as Tax Partner in charge with MPR Partners’ affiliated tax advisory practice.

Providing tax advisory services to firm’s clients since June 2014, Felix proved remarkable personal and professional qualities that shortly turned him into a most valuable member of MPR Partners’ team.

Felix has over 15 years of experience in the field and is certified by the Chamber of Tax Advisers. Throughout his career, Felix has worked within large international financial services companies listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), within the Romanian National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) and with other reputed local companies.

Through thorough reporting and compliance resulting in impeccably clean audits from the National Bank of Romania (NBR), Felix fiscally optimized transactions of the advised companies, resulting in million Euros saves for his customers.

”We want to provide integrated legal and tax advisory services within the projects we handle, irrespective of our clients` activity sector, whilst preserving the same high standards that we are internationally and locally known for on the business law market. From the firm`s establishment, the activity of our tax advisory practice has constantly increased, thus we are consolidating and growing our team, including as regards tax related crimes such as tax evasion. For high quality tax advisory services, an excellent collaboration between specialized lawyers and tax advisors holding sound economic background is essential. We are thus lucky to have a professional and manager such as Felix by our side.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

”Felix is a professional with an extraordinary ability to evaluate risks, possesses excellent tax advisory knowledge and has a clear overview of the most complex situations. These assets together with Felix`s impeccable management and personal skills make of him a Tax Partner we are proud of.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

MPR Partners’ affiliated tax advisors provide innovative and practical tax advisory and compliance services on a standalone basis and as an integrated part of the services rendered by the law firm. The team of affiliated tax advisors and tax lawyers have the required expertise to provide full support on complex assignments undertaken by firm`s clients, thus being able to provide customized and timely tax advisory services. Furthermore, the experience of MPR Partners’ affiliated tax advisors contributes to the development of international tax structures that may bring a competitive advantage to clients involved in transactions at an international level.

MPR Partners’ tax practice provides tax advisory services (general tax advice on corporate income tax, transfer pricing, VAT, withholding taxes, personal income tax and salary taxes, customs duties, excise duties and local taxes corporate income tax, international tax structuring services for Romanian investors, tax due diligence and tax reviews with a view to identifying tax exposures/risks and solutions to address them, assistance in obtaining advance binding rulings and Advance Pricing Agreements from the Romanian tax authorities, etc.) and tax compliance services (assistance with registration for tax purposes in Romania, tax agent/representation services for VAT and capital gains tax due by non-residents, assistance with the preparation of the transfer pricing documentation file, preparation/review of the corporate income tax/VAT/WHT returns, assistance during tax audits undertaken by the Romanian tax authorities, refund services for excess tax liabilities paid to the Romanian tax authorities, etc.).

Firm`s lawyers involved in tax mandates are multidisciplinary and specialized in areas such as banking & finance, restructuring, dispute resolution, white collar crime (tax evasion, embezzlement, abuse of office, etc.) thus being able to have a comprehensive and complex approach for every mandate.

We are expanding our consultancy team and we are looking for a talented and experienced lawyer, 5+ years PQE.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment based on integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and mandates;
• real career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills through direct access to firm`s development and administrative aspects;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant office premises.

What we are seeking:

• sound knowledge and practical experience in corporate, commercial, M&A, regulatory & compliance; further experience in capital markets, energy & natural resources, public acquisitions and data protection represents a competitive advantage;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as sound knowledge of legal English;
• experience of minimum 5 years since Bar admission, in law firms with teams of at least 10 lawyers;
• rigorousness and impeccable legal reasoning;
• genuine openness to continuous professional formation, adaptability to firm`s policies, coordination of the team of associates in subordination;
• desire and skills to form interns;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university represents an advantage.

To apply, please send your resume and letter of intent briefly describing why you desire to join our team and what motivates you in your legal career, to office@mprpartners.com

Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All, a World Bank Group flagship publication, is the 14th in a series of annual reports measuring the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Already a tradition within our firm, our experts were invited and gladly accepted to contribute to the Romanian chapter of the publication, providing valuable information and insights. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 190 economies—from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe—and over time. Doing Business measures regulations affecting 11 areas of the life of a business. Ten of these areas are included in this year’s ranking on the ease of doing business: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. More information about the publication on the official website here.

A panel of CEE legal experts were invited by The Lawyer to debate the current M&A landscape, trends in last year`s transactions, forecasts, investment and investor patterns as well as law firm positioning. Co-Managing Partner Alina Popescu comments the context of the Romanian jurisdiction and reveals advantages when dealing with a local specialized law firm such as MPR Partners. The Lawyer is a top rated British weekly magazine and the leading website for the entire legal profession, holding the latest legal industry news, briefings and insight for commercial lawyers and in-house counsel. The complete article is available here or on The Lawyer`s website here

MPR Partners’ Healthcare and Life Sciences practice group has published a comprehensive guide of the Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare legal landscape in the Romanian jurisdiction. Conceived as a Lexology Navigator tool, the guide amounts to a valuable information resource for both legal and business professionals, providing a high-level overview of a large number of aspects, including sector trends and developments, product manufacturing, distribution and marketing regulations, including authorisation related aspects of clinical trials, relationship with healthcare professionals, dishonest practices and data protection aspects. The complete Romanian Healthcare and Life Sciences guide is available (in English) on the Lexology website at http://www.lexology.com.

Lexology is a reputed online platform that collaborates with the world’s leading lawyers and other thought leaders to deliver tailored updates and analysis to business professionals worldwide. It currently comprises over 600,000 articles in more than 30 languages covering 50 work areas worldwide. The Lexology Navigator titles are designed to answer in-house counsel driven demand for an interactive way to research comparative information from reputed contributors across multiple jurisdictions. Current contributors of Lexology Navigator include big names of the business legal market such as Bird & Bird, Dentons, Eversheds, Hogan Lovells, Perkins Coie, Reed Smith and White & Case.

MPR Partners’ Healthcare & Life Sciences practice group amasses significant expertise in advising a large number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology and medical devices manufacturers, including some of the largest companies worldwide, as well as healthcare services providers, regulators and professional associations. The Healthcare & Life Sciences matters MPR Partners frequently advise on span regulatory aspects, M&A transactions, IP protection, advertising, taxation and competition, interactions with government officials and doctors, sponsorships, pricing, clinical and non-interventional trials, etc.

MPR Partners’ lawyers have constantly contributed to international and national publications edited by prestigious organizations and publishing houses, such as (in alphabetical order) the Global Legal Group, International Bar Association, Sweet & Maxwell, Thomson Reuters, World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, etc. and are constantly invited to speak at various professional conferences and events.

In addition, MPR Partners regularly publishes the ELKB (Emergency Legal Kit for Business) and the Legal Prompts bulletins, containing valuable information and updates on the Romanian and European legal frameworks.

Managing Partner Gelu Maravela discusses the changes in the Romanian energy sector and highlights how the firm is adapting to them, in an article published by The Lawyer. As part of a panel formed by reputed local legal players, the entire spectrum of energy-related issues is in debate, including recent legislation changes and entrusted mandates. The Lawyer is a top rated British weekly magazine and the leading website for the entire legal profession, holding the latest legal industry news, briefings and insight for commercial lawyers and in-house counsel. The complete article is available here or on The Lawyer`s website here

For the third year in a row, MPR Partners has been shortlisted by a reputed jury appointed by The Lawyer European Awards 2017 for the Law firm of the year: Romania award.

Now in their eighth year, The Lawyer European Awards were the first initiative of their kind to reward and celebrate excellence across the European legal market. This year the Awards recognize strategic vision, particularly focusing on cross-border initiatives, robust partnership culture, strong financial performance and growth, consistent excellence in delivery of legal services as well as outstanding talent management.

Structured in 24 categories (by country, region, types of deals, but also recognizing the managing partner of the year and holding a distinct global in-house category), the awards showcase the achievements of firms to the rest of the industry.

The judging panel is formed by partners of top international business law firms (Chadbourne & Parke, Charles Russell Speechlys, Macfarlanes, Mishcon de Reya, Shoosmiths, Slaughter and May, Travers Smith, Trowers & Hamlins, Walker Morris, Winston & Strawn) and in-house top management representatives of multinational companies (Aviva UK Life, IOC Television and Marketing Services, Moët Hennessy, Osborne Clarke International, Paypal, Sequa Petroleum N.V., Smiths Group PLC, Société Générale, Wolseley plc).

MPR Partners stands alongside numerous premier European firms, equally recognized for their work. Winners will be announced in March, in London, during the awards gala.

”Our third nomination for this award is a proof of our constant ranking at the top of business law, translated into our presence on the shortlist alongside important names of Romanian and European legal market. We are happy to see the results of our hard work recognized and appreciated at such high levels, by top representatives of the international business environment.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

”We know from the organizers that a record number of firms were taken into consideration for this year`s edition of The Lawyer European Awards. It is therefore a significant achievement, as the bar is set higher every year. We are committed to continuing our ascending path and congratulate our entire team as well as all fellow firms that have been nominated.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

Further detail about The Lawyer European Awards as well as this edition’s jury and nominees can be found on the official website at http://www.thelawyereuropeanevent.com/shortlist