Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is one of Romania's well established firms that has plenty of history behind its name. Led by Alexandru Ambrozie and Bogdan Stoica, the firm has attracted some interesting mandates this year....
[more]
Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is one of Romania's well established firms that has plenty of history behind its name. Led by Alexandru Ambrozie and Bogdan Stoica, the firm has attracted some interesting mandates this year.
The firm has been busy advising the Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited on the €450 million buy-back programme to be launched by Fondul Proprietatea. This will be the largest buy-back programme realised on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
The firm also advised ArcelorMittal on the squeeze-out of minority shareholders from Romportmet and the delisting of the company. In fact squeeze outs and delistings proved a lucrative area for the firm which also advised on similar transactions for for Contips to Ventilatorul Real Estate and for Rompetrol Rafinare.
[hide]
Competitors note that Popovici Nitu & Asociatii do not have a specialised banking and finance team. However, the firm is active and attracts interesting mandates, including coming head to head with Gide Loyrette Nouel on a €100 million loan granted by BCR and BRD Société Générale, represented by Gide, for the construction of a new terminal at the international airport....
[more]
Competitors note that Popovici Nitu & Asociatii do not have a specialised banking and finance team. However, the firm is active and attracts interesting mandates, including coming head to head with Gide Loyrette Nouel on a €100 million loan granted by BCR and BRD Société Générale, represented by Gide, for the construction of a new terminal at the international airport.
In another deal, the firm counselled Hidroconstructia on the refinancing of a €60 million syndicated loan by BRD Société Générale.
[hide]
There is no doubt that in terms of volume Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a market leader. The firm chalk ups more M&A deals than any other competitor on the market....
[more]
There is no doubt that in terms of volume Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is a market leader. The firm chalk ups more M&A deals than any other competitor on the market. Acting for local entrepreneurs, strategic investors and private equity funds, the firm has acquired a wealth of experience across a range of sectors. "Popovici had a lot of significant projects, well more projects," says one partner with another adding: "Popovici has the largest number of deals but it is not better than others. But it has been active."
At an aggregate of €3 billion, the firm is advising Filasa and Sanafi on various matters. This includes the acquisition of land plots, setting up of a cogeneration plant, investor's participation to the local electricity market and the development of energy producing capacities using wind based energy resources. With a portfolio exceeding 1,900 MW, it is one of the most important wind energy schemes in Romania and includes over 25 projects in areas such as Caras-Severin, Constanta, Braila, Suceava and Tulcea. Additionally, at €40 million, the firm advised Auchan on the acquisition (in a 50-50 partnership with BelRom) of an industrial platform in Craiova, the Electroputere Industrial Platform, with the goal of developing the largest commercial centre in the region. At €400 million, the firm also advised Autogrill in its joint venture with the Romanian national airport for the operation of food and beverage commercial spaces in the International Airport Henri Coanda.
[hide]
Popovici Nitu & Asociatii retains its place in the second tier this year. "I know Popovici from discussions, conferences....
[more]
Popovici Nitu & Asociatii retains its place in the second tier this year. "I know Popovici from discussions, conferences. I happen to know the team working there, I know they have gained some experience; when negotiating; they are good lawyers," one peer says.
A number of competitors class this firm as weighty on the real estate side. "It is a real estate practice with some real estate clients. They're not on bank's panels," says one such competitor.
Popovici Nitu & Asociatii is also active in the energy sector and has built experience in the development and implementation of national projects of road rehabilitation, construction, airports and water treatment facilities.
The firm is advising Filasa & Sanafi, which is developing wind farms projects and the first private cogeneration plant in Romania. The firm is also advising the same clients on photovoltaic energy projects, which is rare on the market. The firm also acts for Electricité de France, Enel and Romenergo on wind energy projects.
In a project worth €400 million, the firm advised Autogrill in regard to the successful bid and negotiations relating to the extension of Otopeni Airport facilities. The firm has also been supporting Hidroconstructia on its joint venture with Porr Technobau and their joint bid for the construction of the highway Nadlac - Arad and, at €250 million, for the construction of an underground line in Bucharest.
[hide]