Competition & Antitrust

Mușat & Asociații offers you the services of one of the market’s most experienced team of attorneys specialized in competition law. Drawing upon a first rate theoretical expertise and unparalleled track record, the members of our competition practice offer stand-out legal assistance regarding both national and EU competition law in a practical, comprehensive manner, fully fulfilling our clients’ expectations.

Our competition & antitrust practice provides the full range of competition services, assisting clients in all stages of antitrust proceedings and investigations carried out at both national and European level, concerning both cartel-type behaviour and alleged abuses of dominant position. We offer assistance during dawn raids, in relation to drafting answers to questionnaires from the Romanian and European competition authorities and structuring the defense against a Statement of Objections or an Investigation Report. We represent our clients during the Hearings procedure and we provide assistance when challenging the relevant decisions in Court. We offer legal advice and representation during merger clearance procedures as well, at both national and European level.

We work together with our clients in an attempt to ensure that their activity does not breach competition rules and we provide extensive competition law trainings and audits. We have built extensive knowledge and practice in designing, implementing and monitoring tailored compliance programs, and provide specific training, including simulated dawn raids, in order to mitigate the risks associated with unannounced inspections. Additionally, we advise on all competition aspects of commercial contracts, including joint venture agreements, distribution agreements, franchising and services agreements in a wide range of industries including, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals, telecom, household appliances, retail, fast moving consumer goods, automotive, banking, insurance, energy, private pensions.

Practice Highlights.

A selection of our deal highlights includes advising:

A leading global appliance company, through its local subsidiary, with a complex due diligence procedure of its Romanian distribution relations, focusing on the Competition Council’s decisions and the EU and Romanian case law on distribution agreements.
An international shipyard group, in connection with the acquisition of joint control over a heavy industries company by the client and a company controlled by the Romanian State.
The Romanian subsidiary of a Swiss global healthcare corporation, in relation to the first investigation in Romania dealing with an alleged abuse of dominance in the pharmaceuticals industry. After advising the client in all stages of the investigation procedure and following a landmark decision by the Competition Council ruling out any abuse of dominance, we assisted the client in a voluntary secondary intervention in favor of the Competition Council’s position in litigation initiated by the complainant, as well as in a direct court action initiated by the respective distributor.
The subsidiary of one of the largest manufacturers of telecom equipment in the world, in a series of court actions concerning the alleged infringement of a standard essential patent (SEP) held by a patent troll. Our work covered both IP and competition aspects, focusing on the abuse of a dominant position by a SEP holder when requesting an interim injunction.
The largest retailer of FMCG in Romania, part of a major global retail group, with respect to the Competition Council’s investigation of potential anticompetitive agreements concluded between several retail chains and their suppliers of food products. The investigation was closed without sanctions against our client.
One of the leading weaponry and war ammunition producers worldwide, in an antitrust investigation regarding alleged bid rigging in a tender procedure for the purchase of infantry ammunition and optical devices organized by the Ministry of National Defense of Romania.
A leading energy company, in connection with an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council for an alleged abuse of dominant position via an alleged refusal to grant access to the upstream pipeline system administered by the client, following the privatization of the Romanian gas distribution and supply system. The investigation was closed without any findings of infringement against the client.
An insurance holding company, in connection with a complex price-fixing cartel investigation on the privately administered compulsory pensions market. The investigation also aimed at establishing whether an infringement of Art. 101 TFEU was perpetrated by the participants to the cartel, due to the Community liberalization of pension fund adhesions.
An international pharmaceutical company, on the distribution agreements put in place in respect of Romania and the competition law aspects derived from the new structure of distribution, taking into account the recommendation of the Romanian Competition Council’s comprehensive sector inquiry report on the pharmaceutical sector.

A leading investment fund in the CEE, in connection with the acquisition of the most important Romanian producer of medical software. The mandate covered an in-depth antitrust due diligence procedure aimed at identifying potential risks in connection with the target company’s commercial practices, scrutinized through the lens of the Competition Council’s recent decision-making practice and the standards it has suggested for the Romanian pharma market.
A major automotive company, on the possible risks of infringement of competition law in Romania by the implementation of a system of bonuses/rebates, taking into account the recent practice of the Romanian Competition Authority and Romanian courts on abuse of dominance and the tests employed to determine such.
A leading worldwide producer of innovative medicines, in connection with the compliance with competition rules of a project concerning the distribution of a specific medicine on the Romanian market.
An international pharmaceutical company, in connection with a significant number of competition law-related matters with a premier focus on the competition aspects entailed by its distribution relationships, such as special offers, discounts, exclusivities, selective distribution agreements, participation in tenders, and the setting up of an emergency distribution system related to one of its products, in such a manner as to comply with the competition law requirements.
The largest French pharmaceuticals producer and its Romanian subsidiary with day-to-day competition-related matters ranging from discounts and promotional activities to distribution agreements and including the setting up of an emergency stock system in such a manner as to comply with the competition law requirements.
A major European investment fund, on the EUR 300 million acquisition of the largest pharma distribution conglomerate in Romania by means of one of the biggest pharmacy chains in CEE owned by the fund. The competition component of the transaction implied assessment of the main distribution and supply agreements concluded by the pharma group companies, assessment of any other activity component involving competition law (not only vertical but also horizontal) implications and in complex merger control assessments of turnover and other eligibility conditions for the determination of the EU and/or national level notifications required to competition authorities. The challenge of merging the largest pharma distribution group in Romania with one of the largest pharmacy chains in Europe in the largest pharma transaction ever undertaken in Romania was uniquely well-suited for our team’s ability to investigate and identify not only immediate risks but also potential risks and to map for the minimization thereof on the medium and long term.
A leading pharmaceutical company, with respect to providing assessments on both the Preliminary and the Final Reports of the European Commission on the pharmaceuticals market, with special attention to its impact on the Romanian market, as well as in connection to sensitive competition law aspects of an envisaged protocol to be concluded with the Ministry of Health, so as to provide breakthrough medicines in one of the most important national health programs. Our work also covered providing legal assistance and representation in connection with a complaint against an alleged abuse of dominant position by the client, filed with the Competition Council by a generic company, and eventually dismissed by the Competition Council as ungrounded.
Appointed by the Competition Council as the monitoring agent in relation with the implementation of the commitments undertaken by a leading telecommunications service provider and approximately 100 distributors following the investigations carried out by the Competition Council in relation with potential anti-competitive agreements between the most important telecommunications service providers and their respective distributors. The competition concerns of the Competition Council that had to be alleviated as a result of the commitments referred mainly to the area of resale price maintenance through recommended maximum prices, market sharing, and non-compete obligations.

Other representative mandates of our competition & antitrust practice includes advising:

A Romanian construction company, in an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council into an alleged anticompetitive agreement (i.e., bid rigging) in relation to a public procurement procedure organized by a town hall with respect to the planning, organization, and operation services for public parking lots located in the city. Our mandate covers assistance and representation in administrative proceedings before the competition authority, as well as in court proceedings concerning the annulment (and/or suspension of execution) of various administrative acts of the competition authority, including the Competition Council’s dawn raid order and a potential sanctioning decision.
A financial services provider, regarding the Competition Council’s investigation on the financial leasing and consumer credit markets. Recently, the Competition Council exonerated our client of any involvement in the investigated anticompetitive practice.
A national subsidiary of a global electronics company, in connection with an investigation launched by the Competition Council, alleging that WEEE collecting campaigns in the form of “buy-back” programs undertaken by EEE producers, their retailers, and the WEEE collecting associations infringe the provisions of the Competition Law and those of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. At present, our activity within this mandate includes the assistance and representation of the client before the Romanian courts with respect to the annulment of the decision issued by the Competition Council.
A leading poultry and meat producer, with respect to the Competition Council investigation of potential anticompetitive agreements concluded between several retail chains amongst which were Auchan, Carrefour, and Kaufland, and their suppliers of food products. The investigation was closed without sanctions with respect to our client.
A multinational corporation, related to matters concerning group integration and its consequences in Romania. We have provided advice with respect to antitrust compliance of such an integration process, including several assessments of eventual obligations triggering merger control.
A large pharmaceutical company, in various competition law matters triggered by a series of complaints filed with the Competition Council by its Romanian distributors, as well as in providing competition law training and mock dawn raids.
A pharmaceuticals importer and distributor, during an extensive investigation by the Competition Council following the decision of pharmaceuticals distributors to stop delivering medicines to pharmacies and hospitals during February-October 2008. The investigation was closed without a finding of infringement against the client.
An international pharmaceutical company, in relation to the court proceedings initiated against the decision of the Romanian Competition Council issued as a result of the investigation carried out on the insulin drugs market. Our work included assistance during the dawn raid investigations, submitting written observations to the authority, representing the client’s interests during the hearings held before the Plenum of the Competition Council, training for employees, and elaborating compliance programs designed to mitigate the risks associated with unannounced inspections.
A major entertainment, sports, and content company, with the assessment of liability in respect of a possible infringement of competition law in Romania and to then pursue an innovative procedural strategy to mitigate such possible liability in respect of Romania. The matter is relevant as this is the first abridged leniency application in Romania.
A major European retailer, in what concerns the Romanian Competition Council’s analysis of the Romanian market for eggs and butter, launched following an impressive increase in the prices of such commodities in Q4 2017, as well as the authority’s analysis on the bread market. Also, we are conducting an in-depth competition law due diligence of the client’s purchasing practices, including contracts, direct relations with suppliers and the client’s downstream behavior in relation with consumers and its other competitors.
A Germany-based provider of medicines, with a chain that extends from pre-clinical and clinical development to worldwide marketing and distribution, specialized in clinical immunology, hematology, and intensive care medicine, in connection with a complex change in the structures of carrying out of its activities on the Romanian market.
An international airport, one of the fastest growing and dynamic airports in Romania, in the investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council in relation with the client’s alleged abuse of dominant position on the market for access services to the airport infrastructure necessary for the provision of ground handling services on the airport. The alleged abuse of dominant position consisted in the refusal to grant access to airport infrastructure to a private ground handling services agent. In addition to the assistance provided in the administrative procedure before the national competition authority, our activity within this mandate includes assistance and representation in judicial proceedings dealing with the annulment of the Competition Council’s letter rejecting the proposed commitments and the temporary suspension, suspension, and annulment of the Competition Council’s investigation order and sanctioning decision.
A Romanian distributor of medicines, in connection with the acquisition of one of the largest Romanian distributors of pharmaceutical products. The mandate covered an in-depth antitrust due-diligence procedure aimed at identifying potential risks in connection with the target company’s commercial practices, scrutinized through the lens of the Competition Council’s recent decision-making practice and the standards that it has set for the Romanian pharma market.
The largest retailer of FMCG in Romania, a part of Schwartz Group (the 4th largest retailer in the world), in connection with a possible major acquisition of a rival retail chain.
A Germany-based provider of medicines, specialized in clinical immunology, hematology, and intensive care medicine, in connection with the investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council into alleged horizontal agreements on the immunoglobulin market.
A former Romanian distributor and repairer of vehicles, in administrative proceedings before the Romanian Competition Council and in litigation proceedings concerning damages for breach of contract, i.e., unauthorized direct sales carried out by Renault Trucks/Volvo and other anticompetitive behavior of the latter in connection with the selective distribution system put in place by the parties. We also assist and represent the client in the appeal phase of a claim concerning unfair competition practices.
A national agricultural vehicles and equipment producer, in an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council into an alleged anticompetitive price-fixing agreement. In addition, we also assisted the client in connection with a parallel procedure against the national Agency for Rural Investment Financing (AFIR) before the Romanian Competition Council for behavior that limits, distorts, or impedes competition in the market.
The largest Romanian retailer, part of Schwartz Group (4th largest retailer in the world), regarding the possible anticompetitive behavior in the market for pickles. The matter is highly sensitive due to the interplay with ongoing criminal investigations and the use of evidence from criminal investigations in competition law cases and vice-versa.
A major alliance of DIY retailers, to assist with an assessment of their full business model with regard to its compliance with EU and Romanian competition law.
A well-known fast-food restaurant chain in Romania, in connection with a complex, multi-jurisdictional litigious problem involving the highly intricate interplay between competition law and intellectual property law. The matter has required our team to analyze from both an intellectual property and competition law standpoints the issues and to research, design, and implement an innovative but balanced solution. We assisted the client to successfully negotiate with the counterparty.
A major provider of airline catering services, regarding a court claim originating in an acquisition via which the client entered the Romanian market. Specifically, we are litigating on behalf of the client, who claims that the non-compete and non-solicitation clauses of the acquisition agreement entered into alongside two Romanian persons were infringed by the latter via the setting up and operation of a competing business. The matter is challenging both due to the complex network of claims and counterclaims between the parties and because it involves an assessment of which proprietary data and information was unlawfully used and with what consequences.
A large pharmaceutical company, on an innovative mechanism meant to enhance the distribution of a new innovative pharmaceutical product in Romania. The matter involved a complex market definition exercise that required us to analyze the substitutability of pharmaceutical products based on complex pharmacological mechanisms and review specialist scientific data on pharmacokinetics of several classes of potentially substitutable products.
An international airport, in the activity of assessment and structuring of staged opening to competition of its handling services market and the management of the potential restriction of competition acceptable based on specific and general legislation.
A pharmaceutical company, through its local subsidiary, with respect to the Romanian Competition Council market analysis regarding the manufacturing and trade of medicines released without medical prescription, as well as the food supplements.
A leading global producer of calcium carbonate, and a worldwide distributor of specialty chemicals, in connection with the acquisition of one of the most important Romanian distributors of chemicals, set up after 1989.
An Indian conglomerate, holding leadership positions in aviation, hospitality, and travel-related services, on merger control procedural rules before the Romanian Competition Council for the purpose of a potential economic concentration resulting from the change of control over the company’s Romanian subsidiary.
A media group, in a claim to annul the Romanian Competition Council’s decision dealing with enactments of the National Audiovisual Council with respect to conditions for retransmission of audiovisual broadcasts.
The world’s largest cosmetics company, through its local subsidiary, in connection with structuring and implementing several distribution agreements, entailing selective distribution systems and online sales of cosmetic products within the EEA, in order to assure compliance with the competition legislation.
The main distributor of electricity meters, in an investigation procedure undertaken by the Competition Council on the market for electricity meters in Romania with a view to identifying eventual bid rigging and other collusive practices. Currently, our activity consists in assisting the client in court in order to annul the decision issued by the Competition Council.
A reputed producer of electronic apparatus, in a litigation against the Competition Council, who applied fines to Hidroelectrica and 11 energy traders for having entered into allegedly anticompetitive long-term electricity sale-purchase/supply contracts. The litigation regarding the annulment of the Competition Council’s decision is complex, entailing energy market-related assessments and matters relating to the correct standard of proof and application of the law.
The local subsidiary of a European dairy producer, in an antitrust litigation (final appeal phase) against a Competition Council decision, with a view to annulling the fine imposed in connection with the first investigation started by the Competition Council with respect to anticompetitive agreements in the food retail sector in Romania.
A leading software developer, in an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council in relation to procurement procedure held by the National Agency for Financing the Agricultural Sector with respect to the acquisition of software aimed at managing the allocation of non-reimbursable funds and subsidies for farmland and farming activities in Romania. The Romanian Competition Council finalized the investigation and cleared our client of all charges while imposing fines for bid rigging on two other investigated companies.
A reputed producer of electronic apparatus, in an investigation procedure undertaken by the Competition Council on the market for electricity meters and energy measuring systems in Romania with a view to identifying eventual bid rigging and other collusive/market sharing practices on the respective market, between suppliers of measuring systems to electricity distribution operators in Romania. Currently, our activity consists in assisting the client in court in order to suspend and annul the decision of the Competition Council.
A major alliance of DIY retailers, in matters concerning the compatibility with competition rules of the potential implementation in Romania of a joint purchasing agreement with a local DIY chain of stores. This type of joint purchasing structure, though widely used in Western Europe, has not been implemented in Romania so far, and the competition law implications of such are numerous and raise difficult questions as to the compatibility with Romanian Competition Law and the practice of the Romanian Competition Authority.
An energy company, in connection with two separate sector inquiries on the Romanian energy and heat production markets. Legal work includes extensive competition law due diligence of all relevant documents and correspondence, with a view to acknowledging the compatibility thereof with the current competition law framework, in which respect, we have set up an extensive Competition Law Compliance Program to be implemented by the client in its internal proceedings, as well as in its contacts with third parties, including public authorities.

An international pharmaceutical company, on the new distributorship agreements put in place in respect of Romania and the competition law aspects derived from such new structure of distribution, taking into account the new issues identified by the Romanian Competition Council following its comprehensive sector inquiry into the pharmaceutical sector.
A Romanian subsidiary of a large international supplier of in vitro diagnostic equipment, in the assessment of their distribution system in Romania of in vitro diagnostics equipment and related supplies (reagents) and of potential anticompetitive practices that could result from the behavior of their clients, private and public entities.
A large pharmaceutical company, with respect to a distribution relation to be entered into with one of the most important Romanian distributors of medicines. Our mandate covered the entire negotiation procedure for the client and included legal advice on compliance with antitrust and pharma regulatory rules.
A telecommunications corporation, providing legal assistance in relation to the integration of several companies in the corporate structure of the new group of companies, following the acquisition by the corporation by way of a public exchange offer of more than 90% of the shares of a French global telecommunications equipment company.
A leading company in the wood and flooring products industry, in relation to the acquisition of an entity owning a wood storage facility based in Hungary and its subsidiaries. Our work concerned obtaining the merger clearance from the Romanian Competition Council within a short deadline.
A local subsidiary of a major discount retailer, in antitrust matters raised by the daily activities of the company and in its dealings with its suppliers and other business partners.
The largest retailer of FMCG in Romania, regarding a complex project involving joint purchasing with its sister company.
A leading logistic services provider, in connection to unfair competition law implications that may result in case of poaching of competitors’ employees.
A strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations services provider, through its local subsidiary, with respect to unfair competition law aspects and risks related to the transfer of a contract and the potential transfer of employees.
An investment fund, in its acquisition of the largest fast-food chain of Restaurants in Romania. Our work covered the extensive due diligence process in respect of the chain of restaurants’ own business, and that of its numerous franchisees and in tailoring the system via which all such businesses could be brought under the same umbrella following the merger process.
A leading tobacco producer, for providing advice in respect of agency and distribution agreements, in a larger market-prospecting action developed by the client, with a view to entering the Romanian tobacco market.
A leading investment fund, regarding merger control implications resulting from the spin-off of a series of holdings into corporate structures in Romania active on the market for pawn shops.
A major operator of TV channels in Romania, in its dispute with the operator of the main cable network in Romania, concerning the discriminatory refusal of the cable network operator to enter into negotiations regarding the re-broadcasting of the client’s TV channels.
A leading international player active in the construction products manufacturing and distributing sector, in connection with the acquisition of certain companies belonging to Lafarge Romania, the largest Romanian corporation in the construction sector, in the divestment procedure approved by the European Commission in connection to the Lafarge/Holcim case. Carrying out a due diligence exercise to identify any existing competition concerns.
A major player in the printing industry in Romania, in an investigation launched in 2013 by the Competition Council concerning alleged cartel-type behavior in the form of bid rigging in connection to certain acquisition procedures taking place on the market for printing services.
A premier provider of a wide range of logistic services, regarding the analysis and restructuring of its relationship with some of its main customers worldwide and at national level, such as McDonald’s and a Romanian integrated oil company, the largest corporation in Romania and the largest oil and gas producer in Southeast Europe.
A major TV group, in connection with an antitrust investigation launched by the Competition Council regarding the abuse of dominance carried out by the operator of the main cable network in Romania in refusing to rebroadcast a must-carry TV channel operated by the group and in connection with the court challenge of a Competition Council decision addressed to the sector authority recommending a change in legislation pertaining to the status of must-carry TV channels.
A national subsidiary of a worldwide road construction giant, in relation to an investigation launched by the Competition Council regarding alleged bid-rigging for certain road maintenance works. The investigation was closed without any finding of infringement against the client.
A leading automotive manufacturer, with a novel and innovative project regarding certain functionalities for its cars, involving an analysis of the possible risks and opportunities provided by competition law rules to implement the company’s commercial innovative strategy.
A worldwide brewing company, regarding the merger control analysis of a number of contemplated acquisitions of certain beer brands present on the Romanian market as well as during the full merger control and clearance proceedings triggered by the EUR 10,000,000 acquisition of the majority stake in one of Romania’s oldest and most reputed breweries.
A national subsidiary of an important producer of dairy products, in connection with an investigation launched by the Competition Council regarding the vertical relationship between suppliers and a number of retail chains. The investigation was closed without any findings of infringement being made against the client.
The third Romanian player on the privately administered private pensions market, in the investigation proceedings undertaken by the Competition Council regarding a market-sharing cartel on the privately administered compulsory pensions market, as well as regarding a possible infringement of the rules under art. 101 TFEU. Our work covered the entire range of competition law tailored assistance, from dawn raids undertaken immediately after the launch of the investigation, providing assistance in respect of subsequent requests for information and other ancillary investigation-specific activities, up to the hearings held by the Competition Council based on the findings recorded in the Investigation Report. We further represented the client during the court proceedings against the decision rendered by the Competition Council.
A major automotive manufacturer, on competition law aspects with respect to a new innovative business model regarding car functionalities, including an analysis of the possible risks and opportunities provided by competition law rules to implement the company’s commercial innovative strategy.
A leading Croatian pharmaceuticals producer, in respect of an investigation conducted by the Romanian Competition Council related to an alleged infringement of competition rules at both national and EU levels, via the impairment of parallel trade.
A major pharmaceutical company, in connection with the investigations and dawn raids conducted by the Romanian Competition Council on certain drug markets, as well as with various competition issues deriving from the distribution agreements concluded with their wholesale distributors, employee training, and elaborating compliance programs, as well as in relation to the full range of competition-related matters in connection with the acquisition of the largest private pharmaceutical group of companies in Romania.
A major Danish pharmaceutical company, before a number of public authorities, including an extensive analysis of the relevant Romanian regulations and case law related to the protection of the company’s rights against the generic companies, within the context of the European Commission’s sector inquiry on the pharmaceutical market and the Preliminary and Final Reports thereof.
A leading diagnostics company, on the whole array of antitrust aspects related to the EUR 17,500,000 acquisition of a diagnostic health business, including filing the merger control notification with the Romanian Competition Council and obtaining clearance from the latter.
A pharmaceuticals association, and several major pharmaceutical companies with respect to the Competition Council’s sector inquiry conducted on the wholesale pharmaceuticals distribution market in Romania, including trainings, designing, and implementing specific compliance programs and representing the client before the Competition Council.
Several major media companies, in an investigation launched by the Romanian Competition Council on the market for media services procurement.
The local producer and distributor of international beer brands, during a sector inquiry launched by the Competition Council on the beer market as well as with the restructuring of its commercial contracts following the completion of the sector inquiry.
A leading real estate developer and operator of malls, related to a sector inquiry on the cinema theatre operation market in Romania.
A meal ticket issuer on the Romanian market, in connection with a complaint to the Competition Council regarding the existence of an anticompetitive agreement between the three main players on the meal vouchers market. Following the filing of the complaint, the Competition Council launched an investigation on the respective market.
The national subsidiary of a major Turkish investment group, regarding merger control issues related to the acquisition of three poultry farms.
A leasing company, regarding a complaint filed by a competitor with the Competition Council, alleging an abuse of dominance in respect of the client’s market behavior.
A major Romanian-based bank, in connection with the investigation undertaken by the Competition Council on the banking services market in Romania.
A major Swiss energy group, with regard to merger control proceedings triggered by its acquisition of a Romanian energy provider. Legal work covered the entire transaction, from the initial discussions and negotiations, including drafting and finalizing the SPA, drafting and submitting the merger control notification form to the Competition Council, and obtaining the latter’s clearance with regard to such transaction.
A company in the escalator and elevator market, in its relationship with the Romanian Competition Council, and counseling the client in respect of the market survey proceedings undertaken by the Competition Council on the Romanian escalators and elevators market, in line with the proceedings undertaken at the EU level by the European Commission.
The Romanian subsidiary of a global brewing company, in a significant number of competition law-related matters, ranging from distribution agreements, discounts, and promotion activities to compliance policies, also preparing a tailored Competition Law Compliance Program.
A leading motors company, in connection with the implementation of a new machinery distribution system and assessing the compatibility thereof with the rules of the Romanian competition legislation and proper implementation of the agreement.
Several major consumer brands, in connection with structuring and implementing several distribution agreements, entailing either exclusive or selective distribution systems, or franchise agreements, the compliance thereof with competition laws and regulations, including representation before the competition authorities.
A brewers’ association, with respect to compliance with the EU and Romanian competition rules regarding the exchange of information concerning the activities of the members thereof.
A major energy company, following the acquisition of two of the subsidiaries of the largest electricity distribution company of Romania in relation with obtaining the Competition Council’s clearance, as well as drafting the notification to the Romanian Competition Council and representing the company’s interests in all notification ancillary issues before the competition authority.
A company in the construction sector, in connection with all the competition matters arisen from the acquisition of two Romanian companies belonging to a Czech group, including the preparation of the merger control notification and obtaining the clearance from the Romanian Competition Council.
A large investment fund, on a wide array of competition matters (merger control and State aid included) arisen in the context of the fund’s continued acquisitions in Romania, among others, in the hotel construction and utilities sectors, with a total value of more than EUR 200 million.

“Competition work continues to feature strongly on this outfit’s work roster, with the team advising on both advisory and contentious matters.”

Chambers Europe

“Clients praise the enthusiastic [competition] team, and highlight the firm’s excellent resources and good working relations with the authorities.” Chambers & Partners

Chambers & Partners

Winner of ILO “Client Choice Award” in Competition.

Leading / highly recommended in Competition by the prestigious British guides of the legal profession.

“The lawyers provide solutions, undertake proactive initiatives, provide ongoing support, are quick to answer and are very efficient and knowledgeable.”

Chambers & Partners

Interviewees report that the members of the team are “experienced, responsible and detail-oriented”.

Chambers & Partners

“Reliable, responsive, detailed, and excellent client communication.”

Legal 500

“Highly respected team with excellent knowledge of the field, they offer good solutions and they are able to understand the most complex legal cases.”

Legal 500

Clients say: “A very responsive and solution-oriented team, that applies both western standards and local knowledge.”

Legal 500

Clients appreciate Mușat & Asociații for its “strong, dynamic, professional and loyal” team.

Legal 500

Mușat & Asociații fields a team of “dedicated, efficient, professional” partners.

Legal 500

Sources say: “We choose Mușat & Asociații because of its impeccable service. Prompt, innovative and practical, it always suggests several solutions to fit our business strategy”.

Chambers Europe

“Mușat & Asociații delivers great service in a very tough environment.”

Chambers & Partners

“We have been impressed with the firm's knowledge and responsiveness. The team has further proved to be efficient, dependable and proactive.”

Chambers Europe

“Mușat & Asociații – a firm with international standards and an important local player.”

Chambers & Partners

Lawyers are “pragmatic, well prepared and firmly grounded in our needs”.

Chambers Europe

“This 12-strong team is capable of handling a broad range of advisory and litigation work within the competition /antitrust arena.”

Chambers Europe

“Great work, delivered in a timely and professional way.”

Legal 500

“Clients and peers speak highly of the [Competition] team and are impressed by the large volume of high-level work it handles.”

Chambers Europe

Clients are quick to praise the firm’s flexible service: “They are there when we need them, even at very short notice”.

Chambers & Partners

Clients applaud the team's “innovative preparation of the legal strategy”, asserting that “they take the time to consider all possible courses of action”.

Chambers & Partners

Clients are impressed with “highly competent, serious and reliable” lawyers at Mușat & Asociații.

Legal 500

Clients appreciate the firm's “competence and timely manner”, acknowledging that the “service they provide is excellent and we always feel confident that what we ask from them will be delivered”.

Legal 500

Clients praise the firm for its “quick understanding of the needs of the client, strong competence on Romanian law, and familiarity with international legal practice”.

Legal 500

“Easily compete with any international firm in terms of presence, expertise and vision.”

Legal 500

“Mușat & Asociații - indefatigable Romanian giant [which] retains an impressive list of corporate clients and virtually unparalleled contacts with government agencies.”

Chambers & Partners

Clients believe the firm to be “professional, with a great team of lawyers displaying depth of knowledge”.

Legal 500

A satisfied client notes: “The lawyers always come up with good solutions.”

Chambers & Partners

Mușat & Asociații has “a dominant share of the country's business” and “garners much respect from its competitors and clients”.

IFLR 1000

“Interviewees say they are drawn to the firm for its “responsiveness and client-focused approach”.

Chambers & Partners

One source values the “very smooth and efficient” co-operation with the team, adding that all team members are “responsive and hard-working”.

Chambers & Partners

Interviewees report that the members of the team are “are reliable, never let you down and always find the right solution”.

Legal 500

Clients report that the firm offered “very good legal support”, underlining that the lawyers are “very helpful and very responsive”.

Chambers & Partners

Clients appreciate the firm's comprehensive support, with one highlighting that the lawyers “consistently work extremely well”.

Chambers & Partners

“Very capable, prompt, good knowledge and oriented to fulfill the customer needs.”

Legal 500

Clients say: “The lawyers have a good legal understanding and communicate in a proactive and timely manner.”

Chambers & Partners

“Clients of Mușat & Asociaţii appreciate the firm’s ‘ability to provide efficient legal services but also proactively meet the client’s needs.”

Legal 500

“Clients say they feel confident in the hands of this results-oriented team: We are always on the right track and well looked after. We are regularly updated and consulted on all questions.”

Chambers & Partners

“This firm is involved in some of the biggest cases, which are often the first of their kind.”

Chambers & Partners

Muşat & Asociaţii has a “strong local presence in Romania” coupled with “an impressive ability to coordinate a cross-border deal”.

Legal 500