Competition matters hold a key position on a constantly increasing market, with a high impact on how businesses are set up and operated. Given the fact that many major Romanian players are former state owned companies that underwent privatization, the compliance with competition rules and regulations is a constant concern.

We handled complex cases of unfair competition related claims, as well as abuse of dominant position in a variety of business areas, advising claimants and respondents before the regulatory authority and in front of the competent courts of justice.

STM attorneys have advised clients on compliance of business strategies with the competition rules and regulations (e.g. on license and distribution agreements, horizontal and vertical undertakings and other collaborative activities between players on various relevant markets).

We have provided close pre-deal assistance on the competition issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions, acted for clients during investigations and 'dawn raids' performed by the Competition Council's officers, drafted notifications of economic concentrations and represented clients in Competition Council's antitrust proceedings.

Selective list of projects

• Assistance of an important insurance market player in connection to a series of decisions taken in a professional association of the insurers that offer "green card" insurances for abroad travel, from the perspective of compliance with the Romanian competition requirements.
• Assistance of a Romanian company sanctioned by the Competition Council for an alleged anti-competition undertaking, through the administrative proceedings against the regulatory authority.