Rankings 2010
D&B David and Baias – a successful partnership.
In a partnership, the success belongs to the partnership. The team wins and with it, each one of its members.
Chambers Global 2010
TAX – BAND 2
David & Baias benefits from its association with PwC and provides clients with a broad spectrum of tax expertise. The practice was recently boosted by the addition of four lawyers to the tax litigation group. The outfit’s prowess in both contentious and non-contentious matters ensures its loyal following of clients including RBS Bank Romania, Michelin Group and Delamode Group. Sorin David heads the practice and is the main contact partner.
EMPLOYMENT – BAND 2
This group of three benefits from the firm’s co-operation with PwC and client referrals from its vast network. The team’s aptitude for advising on tax-related employment matters is another of its distinguishing features. Key highlights include assisting clients such as Omniasig, A&S International and Michelin Romania on dismissals, employee transfer and collective bargaining. Sources say Dan Dascalu’s extensive tax know-how has been particularly useful.
BANKING & FINANCE – BAND 3
At this correspondent firm of PwC, the nine-strong banking and finance team wins increasing market recognition. Predominantly focused on borrowers, the group also advises a number of banks, particularly on regulatory matters. Among recent highlights, the team acted for GE Money in relation to establishing GE Garanti Bank, and for ProCredit Bank on a bonds issue, valued at approximately RON 91.3 million. Sorin David is the key contact for the practice.
Clients Testimonials:
- The team is “solid, dedicated and confident in its handling of significant matters; it is both technically apt and client-focused.”
CORPORATE/M&A – BAND 4
This correspondent firm of PwC acts for both international buyers and local sellers, and earns praise for its impressive track record on due diligence projects. Highlights for the 12-strong group include advising Orange Participations on the acquisition of a telecommunication services retailer, and acting for Avrig 35 on the EUR147 million sale of Iris Shopping Center Titan Bucuresti to DEGI. In addition to his academic credentials, Sorin David is recognised as an established practitioner with an “even-handed approach.”
Legal 500
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS – TIER 4
Within Banking, finance and capital markets, tier 4 “Clients are impressed with the ‘very good technical knowledge’ of D&B David si Baias and say the banking and finance team is ‘street smart’. Laura Toncescu heads the practice. The firm assisted TBI Leasing IFN in the transfer abroad of a portfolio of defaulting lease agreements worth €3m, identifying the most suitable solutions for the transfer of the leasing portfolio and in the preparation of specific contractual documentation.” (2010)
IT, TELECOMS AND MEDIA – TIER 2
Within IT, telecoms and media, D&B David si Baias SCA is a second tier firm, “Sorin David heads a team of six lawyers at D&B David si Baias, which has expertise in technology issues. The firm assisted Orange Participations with the sensitive acquisition of shares in a retailer of telecom products and services, as well as working with Orange Telecom in changing the legal framework under which the company cooperates with GSM retail companies. Clients comment on the firm’s ‘professional approach’.“(2010)
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A – TIER 3
Two partners and 11 associates have expertise in the retail sector, as well as in corporate activity in which employment matters are at stake. The firm assisted Mega Image with its acquisition of four stores from the Romanian company Mialan Comimpex, located in Bucharest. Valued at €5m, the firm also assisted the client in notifying the Competition Council of the deal. On the restructuring side, the practice provided legal advice and assistance for the merger of five Romanian entities in the Michelin group with the purpose of optimising the management of its Romanian operations. Managing partner Sorin David is ‘a real expert on Romanian law’.
Clients Testimonials:
- The corporate team at D&B David si Baias is praised for its ‘good overall understanding of the M&A process’ as well as ‘high levels of responsiveness and organisation’.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION TIER 3
Within Dispute resolution, D&B David si Baias is a third tier firm, “Dan Dascalu heads the dispute resolution team at D&B David si Baias which has particular strength in tax litigation within a broad offering. Clients are impressed by the way the firm provides ‘suitable solutions to very difficult and delicate issues’. The firm represented real estate developer Avrig 35 on various issues, including claims against the Land Registry, with an aggregate value of €20m. The practice is also acting for the Romanian Red Cross on the recovery of property donated at the beginning of the 20th Century by the royal family and confiscated by the Communist Regime. The value of the disputes amounts to €10m.” (2010)
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES – TIER 3
Within Energy and natural resources, D&B David si Baias is a third tier firm, “Anda Rojanschi heads the energy team at D&B David si Baias. Clients describe the firm as ‘very professional’. The practice assisted a major investment banking subsidiary with obtaining an energy license to distribute wholesale on the local market.” (2010)
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION – TIER 4
“Commercial leases are an important part of the real estate practice at D&B David si Baias where the team is headed by managing partner Sorin David. On the construction side, the firm has worked with the Irish developer Mivan on large retail projects.” (2010)
ISI Deal Watch
In the M&A top advisors, published by ISI Deal Watch at the beginning of 2010, D&B has been ranked 6th (sixth) by the number of deals (with 4 deals at the end of 2009) on the Romanian market.
PLC Which Lawyer
COMPETITION / ANTI-TRUST
D&B David si Baias is ranked as a leading law firm.
TAX
D&B David si Baias is ranked as a leading law firm.
CORPORATE / M&A
D&B David si Baias is ranked as recommended law firm.
PRIVATE EQUITY / VENTURE CAPITAL
D&B David si Baias is one of the recognised law firms.
BANKING AND FINANCE
D&B David si Baias is one of the recognised law firms.
CONSTRUCTION
D&B David si Baias is one of the recognised law firms.
Ziarul Financiar
In 2010, Ziarul Financiar awarded D&B David si Baias the special prize “The Lawyer of the Romanian Entrepreneur” for the sell-side transactions in which D&B David si Baias assisted its clients.
In 2010, Ziarul Financiar nominated D&B David si Baias for the financial transaction of the year 2009.
In Top Romanian Transactions (2010 edition), published by Ziarul Financiar, D&B was ranked as the 6th (sixth) M&A Law firm, considering the number of accomplished transactions where it assisted its clients.
„Avocaţi de Top” (Finmedia)
In 2010, D&B David si Baias was awarded the prize “Best tax project of 2009” for an important tax litigation file.
In 2010, D&B David si Baias was awarded the prize “Best capital markets project in 2009” for a project where it assisted its client during a landmark issue of bonds.
Legal 500
EU AND COMPETITION – TIER 1
The depth of the team D&B David si Baias SCA is a major plus, not just in terms of associates such as Lucian Bozian, who attracts huge client praise, but also in the presence of managing partner Sorin David who remains a leading figure in the market. The versatile practice covers the full range of issues, including antitrust and unfair competition claims on the contentious side, and merger clearance and compliance training on the advisory front.
Sorin David – Leading individuals
Lucian Bozian – Rising stars
Clients Testimonials:
- “We were extremely pleased with their expertise and know-how in EU Funds/ State aid and Competition and built a strong relationship from then onward.”
- “Very professional attitude, good understanding of client’s objectives, hands-on approach, clear and structured legal opinions, first-class defence of client’s interests.”
- “Puts its clients first and focuses on providing extraordinary service to those clients.”
- “They provided seamless advice on our daily business and performed several compliance tasks on competition issues.”
- “Sorin David is one of the best known lawyers in the market.”
- “Lucian Bozian, was always available for our needs and we received valuable help and advice every time it was necessary. His commitment and great knowledge on complex matters was always treasured by us. Lucian Bozian has a past experience as a competition inspector, which enables him to provide practical insight into the authority’s way of handling investigations. He also has a strong hold of our business and understands the intricacies of the market.”
TAX – TIER 1
D&B David si Baias SCA has a top-notch reputation for contentious and non-contentious tax advice, and related administrative and white collar crime proceedings. The firm regularly represents clients before the regulatory authorities, and provides strong corporate support on M&As, financings, real estate deals and restructurings. Other areas of strength include VAT, transfer pricing, social contributions, excise duty and environmental tax. The firm’s membership of the PwC network makes it popular with clients seeking a one-stop-shop.
Tax litigation head Dan Dascălu, Ana-Maria Iordache and Mihail Boian are highly recommended for disputes. Sorin David and Anda Rojanschi are active on the advisory side.
Dan Dascălu – Leading individuals
Ana-Maria Iordache – Next Generation Partners
Clients Testimonials:
- “D&B David si Baias SCA are a great team and we trusted them with our tax litigation.”
- “In our opinion, Dan Dascalu is the best Romanian lawyer specialised in tax litigation, with extensive knowledge and experience in tax matters.”
- “The tax team is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to choosing the best possible lawyers in this domain. They can handle even the most difficult and complex cases, due to their exceptional technical skills doubled by the most practical approach.”
- “They are always available, even in short notice, and when you work in a fast changing industry you learn to appreciate this. I usually need answers yesterday, because this is how things work, so I know that I’ll get it when I ask D&B. We’ve worked together for so long they understand the business, so I don’t need to prepare pages of business understanding for them; I just ask the question.”
- “Puts its clients first and focuses on providing extraordinary service to those clients. Stability of representation team.”
- “Responsive lawyers who ask great questions and actively listen to answers.”
- “They have that connection to the reality that is given by years of practice, I guess – they provide a straightforward answer, not an open one. As a practitioner in the industry I do not need an array of possibilities to choose from, but a yes/no answer. Dan Dascalu and Ana Maria Iordache are remarkable to me.”
- “Dan Dascalu, being both a very persuasive practitioner and also an exceptional theorist, is definitely one of the best advocates to which anyone can entrust in full confidence even the most sensitive cases. He is a proficient lawyer, coordinating a team of genuinely professional individuals, of which I would mention Mihail Boian as a young lawyer on the rise.”
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A – TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA offers an all-embracing corporate practice that is as comfortable on the transactional side as it is on day-to-day matters. The one-stop-shop nature of its offering is cemented by its membership of the PwC network, and clients appreciate having the ability to access the full range of services.
Highly rated partner Anda Rojanschi leads the team alongside managing partner Sorin David. Clients include major multinationals, entrepreneurs and investors, and the firm is especially active in the healthcare sector.
Clients Testimonials:
- “A highly dedicated team with many years of M&A experience proven by several completed deals. The legal team benefits from the association with PwC (easy to assemble cross-disciplinary teams with financial, tax, corporate finance experts).”
- “Anda Rojanschi is a seasoned lawyer with strong M&A experience gained in several successfully closed transactions. She has the ability to smoothly convey her knowledge to the client achieving effective results in time-pressured situations.”
DISPUTE RESOLUTION TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA fields a strong team of litigation experts with experience across a range of disciplines. Tax disputes feature high on the agenda, but the firm also handles claims linked to heavily-regulated industries such as telecoms, as well as broader commercial, real estate, employment, banking and insolvency related disputes.
The versatile Dan Dascălu leads the team, which includes tax and administrative litigation expert Ana-Maria Iordache and Mihail Boian. Managing partner Sorin David is also highly experienced in this area.
Clients Testimonials:
- “We have been collaborating with D&B for many years within a sensitive and complex case; have a relationship based on trust, given the quality of legal opinions, the promptness of their submission, and considering our needs as clients.”
- “The capability of the team to handle difficult and complex litigations puts them to the top of practitioners in the dispute resolution area. They hold impressive skills in managing tax, competition, and administrative proceedings.”
- “I totally recommend Sorin David and Ovidiu Bold as very professional, rigorous, innovative lawyers.”
- “Sorin David is a really prestigious professional who can be trusted with the most sensitive competition cases, as he holds great experience and extensive knowledge in competition matters. Dan Dascalu is widely known for managing tax and administrative disputes on the highest possible standard, combining a very strong know how with the eloquence of a brilliant barrister.”
EMPLOYMENT TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA has a solid team led by partner Dan Dascălu, who divides his time between tax and employment law. The practice also contains several specialised associates who come highly recommended by clients, including Ioana Cercel. The practice is especially strong on the employment aspects of complex restructuring projects and business transfers. More recently it has been active on the litigation front and advised clients on COVID-19 related issues.
Clients Testimonials:
- “Very professional team, responsive and supportive. Pro active approach from their side, flexible and customer oriented.”
- “D&B David & Baias communicates very effectively with the client’s internal teams, even if they are not people from the legal department. D&B team members are talking in the same language, more precisely if they are working with teams outside from the legal area, for example the HR department, they can explain the request or they can give advice that can be understood by non-legal teams. Moreover, D&B deliver their works in due time to be reviewed / approved from the point of view of the client’s commercial policy and they maintain a professional working environment.”
- “Ioana Cercel – Managing Associate – I appreciate that Ioana is very pragmatic and also informs me about the estimation of the chances of losing the litigation, in case the case is not solid. Unlike other competitors, she gives us a clear and balanced picture of the strengths we have but also of the weaknesses in labor disputes. She is very organized, has well-structured works and respects the deadline.”
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA made strong inroads into the market through its absorption of the energy boutique Pachiu & Associates, including partner Laurentiu Pachiu and well-regarded consultants Marius Nita and Delia Pachiu. The new arrivals add depth to an energy practice, where managing partner Sorin David and corporate partner Anda Rojanschi also have strong experience. The group now provides a full service offering, encompassing transactional, infrastructure, regulatory and tax issues.
Clients Testimonials:
- “The team has an extensive and in-depth knowledge and experience in the energy sector in Romania. It provides thorough information at once and full support. The team is very responsive. The cost estimates and billings are correct.”
- “Key strengths and capabilities are: Extremely knowledgeable of the Energy Market in Romania, including applicable law and regulations. In-house expertise on various specialist topics. Very well connected with official organizations in the energy industry in Romania, as well as the private sector, including investors.”
- “The firm seems to have a strong focus on innovations in people and technology. It has an easy and user friendly system of organising online meetings, even with large groups, and connecting to our team of attorneys by electronic means is very simple and a straightforward process.”
- “Professional, creative, pro-active and solution oriented: a true partner in all business dealings. Reliable, flexible, pleasant and professional co-operation, quick response times and excellent availability.”
- “We have been working with Marius Nita and Delia Pachiu for many years and have been accompanied through many regulatory changes. They respond within a short term, answer questions completely and handle all topics to our full satisfaction.”
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION TIER 4
D&B David si Baias SCA has a strong transactional offering, regularly advising on the real estate aspects of major corporate acquisitions, as well as the corporate structuring of property investments and joint ventures. The firm’s membership of the PwC network also gives it a significant edge on the tax side, as well as related financings and regulatory issues.
Managing associate Georgiana Balan leads the practice, which has strong involvement from managing partner Sorin David and corporate head Anda Rojanschi.
Clients Testimonials:
- “The team is composed by lawyers with awareness of the legal and business environment. We have been working mainly with Georgiana Balan. Georgiana has been very motivated and responsive and has offered solutions whenever necessary.”
- “A very competitive team, with very good communication from the team members with the client and a strong understanding of the client’s needs.”
Legal 500
EU AND COMPETITION – TIER 1
The depth of the team D&B David si Baias SCA is a major plus, not just in terms of associates such as Lucian Bozian, who attracts huge client praise, but also in the presence of managing partner Sorin David who remains a leading figure in the market. The versatile practice covers the full range of issues, including antitrust and unfair competition claims on the contentious side, and merger clearance and compliance training on the advisory front.
Sorin David – Leading individuals
Lucian Bozian – Rising stars
Clients Testimonials:
- “We were extremely pleased with their expertise and know-how in EU Funds/ State aid and Competition and built a strong relationship from then onward.”
- “Very professional attitude, good understanding of client’s objectives, hands-on approach, clear and structured legal opinions, first-class defence of client’s interests.”
- “Puts its clients first and focuses on providing extraordinary service to those clients.”
- “They provided seamless advice on our daily business and performed several compliance tasks on competition issues.”
- “Sorin David is one of the best known lawyers in the market.”
- “Lucian Bozian, was always available for our needs and we received valuable help and advice every time it was necessary. His commitment and great knowledge on complex matters was always treasured by us. Lucian Bozian has a past experience as a competition inspector, which enables him to provide practical insight into the authority’s way of handling investigations. He also has a strong hold of our business and understands the intricacies of the market.”
TAX – TIER 1
D&B David si Baias SCA has a top-notch reputation for contentious and non-contentious tax advice, and related administrative and white collar crime proceedings. The firm regularly represents clients before the regulatory authorities, and provides strong corporate support on M&As, financings, real estate deals and restructurings. Other areas of strength include VAT, transfer pricing, social contributions, excise duty and environmental tax. The firm’s membership of the PwC network makes it popular with clients seeking a one-stop-shop.
Tax litigation head Dan Dascălu, Ana-Maria Iordache and Mihail Boian are highly recommended for disputes. Sorin David and Anda Rojanschi are active on the advisory side.
Dan Dascălu – Leading individuals
Ana-Maria Iordache – Next Generation Partners
Clients Testimonials:
- “D&B David si Baias SCA are a great team and we trusted them with our tax litigation.”
- “In our opinion, Dan Dascalu is the best Romanian lawyer specialised in tax litigation, with extensive knowledge and experience in tax matters.”
- “The tax team is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to choosing the best possible lawyers in this domain. They can handle even the most difficult and complex cases, due to their exceptional technical skills doubled by the most practical approach.”
- “They are always available, even in short notice, and when you work in a fast changing industry you learn to appreciate this. I usually need answers yesterday, because this is how things work, so I know that I’ll get it when I ask D&B. We’ve worked together for so long they understand the business, so I don’t need to prepare pages of business understanding for them; I just ask the question.”
- “Puts its clients first and focuses on providing extraordinary service to those clients. Stability of representation team.”
- “Responsive lawyers who ask great questions and actively listen to answers.”
- “They have that connection to the reality that is given by years of practice, I guess – they provide a straightforward answer, not an open one. As a practitioner in the industry I do not need an array of possibilities to choose from, but a yes/no answer. Dan Dascalu and Ana Maria Iordache are remarkable to me.”
- “Dan Dascalu, being both a very persuasive practitioner and also an exceptional theorist, is definitely one of the best advocates to which anyone can entrust in full confidence even the most sensitive cases. He is a proficient lawyer, coordinating a team of genuinely professional individuals, of which I would mention Mihail Boian as a young lawyer on the rise.”
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A – TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA offers an all-embracing corporate practice that is as comfortable on the transactional side as it is on day-to-day matters. The one-stop-shop nature of its offering is cemented by its membership of the PwC network, and clients appreciate having the ability to access the full range of services.
Highly rated partner Anda Rojanschi leads the team alongside managing partner Sorin David. Clients include major multinationals, entrepreneurs and investors, and the firm is especially active in the healthcare sector.
Clients Testimonials:
- “A highly dedicated team with many years of M&A experience proven by several completed deals. The legal team benefits from the association with PwC (easy to assemble cross-disciplinary teams with financial, tax, corporate finance experts).”
- “Anda Rojanschi is a seasoned lawyer with strong M&A experience gained in several successfully closed transactions. She has the ability to smoothly convey her knowledge to the client achieving effective results in time-pressured situations.”
DISPUTE RESOLUTION TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA fields a strong team of litigation experts with experience across a range of disciplines. Tax disputes feature high on the agenda, but the firm also handles claims linked to heavily-regulated industries such as telecoms, as well as broader commercial, real estate, employment, banking and insolvency related disputes.
The versatile Dan Dascălu leads the team, which includes tax and administrative litigation expert Ana-Maria Iordache and Mihail Boian. Managing partner Sorin David is also highly experienced in this area.
Clients Testimonials:
- “We have been collaborating with D&B for many years within a sensitive and complex case; have a relationship based on trust, given the quality of legal opinions, the promptness of their submission, and considering our needs as clients.”
- “The capability of the team to handle difficult and complex litigations puts them to the top of practitioners in the dispute resolution area. They hold impressive skills in managing tax, competition, and administrative proceedings.”
- “I totally recommend Sorin David and Ovidiu Bold as very professional, rigorous, innovative lawyers.”
- “Sorin David is a really prestigious professional who can be trusted with the most sensitive competition cases, as he holds great experience and extensive knowledge in competition matters. Dan Dascalu is widely known for managing tax and administrative disputes on the highest possible standard, combining a very strong know how with the eloquence of a brilliant barrister.”
EMPLOYMENT TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA has a solid team led by partner Dan Dascălu, who divides his time between tax and employment law. The practice also contains several specialised associates who come highly recommended by clients, including Ioana Cercel. The practice is especially strong on the employment aspects of complex restructuring projects and business transfers. More recently it has been active on the litigation front and advised clients on COVID-19 related issues.
Clients Testimonials:
- “Very professional team, responsive and supportive. Pro active approach from their side, flexible and customer oriented.”
- “D&B David & Baias communicates very effectively with the client’s internal teams, even if they are not people from the legal department. D&B team members are talking in the same language, more precisely if they are working with teams outside from the legal area, for example the HR department, they can explain the request or they can give advice that can be understood by non-legal teams. Moreover, D&B deliver their works in due time to be reviewed / approved from the point of view of the client’s commercial policy and they maintain a professional working environment.”
- “Ioana Cercel – Managing Associate – I appreciate that Ioana is very pragmatic and also informs me about the estimation of the chances of losing the litigation, in case the case is not solid. Unlike other competitors, she gives us a clear and balanced picture of the strengths we have but also of the weaknesses in labor disputes. She is very organized, has well-structured works and respects the deadline.”
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA made strong inroads into the market through its absorption of the energy boutique Pachiu & Associates, including partner Laurentiu Pachiu and well-regarded consultants Marius Nita and Delia Pachiu. The new arrivals add depth to an energy practice, where managing partner Sorin David and corporate partner Anda Rojanschi also have strong experience. The group now provides a full service offering, encompassing transactional, infrastructure, regulatory and tax issues.
Clients Testimonials:
- “The team has an extensive and in-depth knowledge and experience in the energy sector in Romania. It provides thorough information at once and full support. The team is very responsive. The cost estimates and billings are correct.”
- “Key strengths and capabilities are: Extremely knowledgeable of the Energy Market in Romania, including applicable law and regulations. In-house expertise on various specialist topics. Very well connected with official organizations in the energy industry in Romania, as well as the private sector, including investors.”
- “The firm seems to have a strong focus on innovations in people and technology. It has an easy and user friendly system of organising online meetings, even with large groups, and connecting to our team of attorneys by electronic means is very simple and a straightforward process.”
- “Professional, creative, pro-active and solution oriented: a true partner in all business dealings. Reliable, flexible, pleasant and professional co-operation, quick response times and excellent availability.”
- “We have been working with Marius Nita and Delia Pachiu for many years and have been accompanied through many regulatory changes. They respond within a short term, answer questions completely and handle all topics to our full satisfaction.”
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION TIER 4
D&B David si Baias SCA has a strong transactional offering, regularly advising on the real estate aspects of major corporate acquisitions, as well as the corporate structuring of property investments and joint ventures. The firm’s membership of the PwC network also gives it a significant edge on the tax side, as well as related financings and regulatory issues.
Managing associate Georgiana Balan leads the practice, which has strong involvement from managing partner Sorin David and corporate head Anda Rojanschi.
Clients Testimonials:
- “The team is composed by lawyers with awareness of the legal and business environment. We have been working mainly with Georgiana Balan. Georgiana has been very motivated and responsive and has offered solutions whenever necessary.”
- “A very competitive team, with very good communication from the team members with the client and a strong understanding of the client’s needs.”