Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: TMT

Deloitte Legal Law Firm is particularly active in advising various technology companies and telecoms providers on data protection matters in digitalisation projects.
The TMT practice at Ernst & Young Law Partnership focuses on cross-border agreements and regulatory requirements in this space, primarily acting for software and IT consultancy clients.
Toncheva & Partners/Modus Consult/ stands out for its emphasis on the media, film and radio spaces, where the team has advised on the registration of national and European trade marks.

TMT in Bulgaria

Boyanov & Co.

Boyanov & Co. has a stellar client roster of telecoms service providers, cable operators, and TV and radio stations, as well as international tech companies, including names such as Meta and Apple. The firm is sought out by clients for support with financing large M&A transactions as well as the rolling-out of innovative technologies and services on the Bulgarian market. Further fields of focus for the practice are fintech, cybersecurity, data protection, AI and recently matters at the intersection of telecoms, technology and the automotive sector. Practice head Nikolay Zisov has various specialisms in this sector, including in IP, software licensing, cloud computing projects, fintech and cybersecurity matters. Ralitsa Nedkova provides support with various M&A and financing mandates in this space.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nikolay Zisov


Autres avocats clés:

Ralitsa Nedkova


Principaux clients

Accenture Holdings B.V.


Cariad SE


Meta Platforms, Inc.


Apple Inc.


Motorola Solutions Germany GmbH


Cleversoft Group GmbH


GTT Bulgaria EAD


EXA Infrastructure


Vonage B.V.; Vonage Business Limited


Denuvo Software Solutions GmbH


KDDI Europe Limited


Storytel Sweden AB


FLIP TECHNOLOGIES SRL


Commerzbank AG


Mastercard


Citi


Momenta Europe GmbH


Phillip Morris Bulgaria


Vienna Insurance Group – VIG Holding


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Accenture Holdings B.V. in relation to the Bulgarian legal aspects of the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Sentia Group B.V.
  • Provided detailed advice to Cariad SE regarding the commercial feasibility of the rollout and the high-level prerequisites for the technical refinement of several bundles of connected vehicle services.
  • Providing ongoing advice to Meta, including on matters related to personal data protection and the usage of various types of innovative technology, including in the context of employment.

Dimitrov, Petrov & Co

Clients regularly turn to Dimitrov, Petrov & Co for its team of ‘leading legal experts in the country in technology, data protection, telecoms and media law’. Digital services, data protection, cybersecurity and e-commerce are just some of the areas where the firm has extensive experience, meaning the team is well placed to advise on the implementation of digital transformation projects, commercial and regulatory disputes, compliance with data protection legislation and day-to-day matters in the TMT sector. The team is co-led by George Dimitrov, Hristo Nihrizov, Desislava Krusteva-Doncheva and Nikola Stoychev, who advise a wide-ranging client roster which includes both global corporations, namely Google, and some of the largest Bulgarian telecoms and internet providers.

Responsables de la pratique:

George Dimitrov; Hristo Nihrizov; Desislava Krusteva-Doncheva; Nikola Stoychev


Autres avocats clés:

Martin Zahariev


Les références

‘In addition to her legal knowledge, Desislava Krusteva also keeps an eye on the business challenges of her clients. She is extremely well connected throughout the region. We would also like to make a special mention of her team, who have also supported us for some time with exemplary commitment and very good results.’

‘George Dimitrov, Hristo Nihrizov and Desislava Krusteva have long been household names in Bulgarian TMT law. Nikola Stoychev and Martin Zahariev from the younger generation of partners follow closely.’

‘We have worked with Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. on different TMT projects and training. They definitely have the leading legal experts in the country in technology, data protection, telecoms and media law and I would recommend them to anyone seeking expertise in any of these areas.’

Principaux clients

Google


Yettel Bulgaria


Cetin Bulgaria


LucidLink


Pfizer


Roche Bulgaria


Bulgarian Registry Agency


Jobs.bg


Arkrod


Allianz Bulgaria Group


Evrotrust Technologies


Arelion (Telia CompanyCarrier)


Svilen Maximov/Networx-Bulgaria


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as exclusive legal counsel to Google in Bulgaria, providing complex services with a specific focus on media content, privacy and data protection, and other TMT law matters.
  • Representing Yettel in proceedings before the Bulgarian competition watchdog related to the sale of one of the biggest cable TV and internet service providers, Bulsatcom.
  • Advised CETIN in relation to a regulatory and commercial dispute before the Communications Regulation Commission with a competitor regarding the unilateral increase of prices for access to passive infrastructure.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov covers a whole host of TMT-related matters, supporting clients with corporate and M&A advice, regulatory guidance across the sector, and data protection advice. Furthermore, the firm's experience extends to advising on the entry of newer technologies, such as IoT, cloud and software-based communication services, and connectivity and digital platforms-based services, into the Bulgarian market, primarily acting for growing global technology companies and service providers. Practice head Violetta Kunze focuses on telecoms and media regulatory matters and has been involved in landmark TMT projects in Bulgaria.

Responsables de la pratique:

Violetta Kunze


Les références

‘Very responsive and helpful.’

‘Violetta Kunze has a practical approach to legal issues.’

‘Violetta Kunze has excellent knowledge of the Bulgarian ICT market and knows how to combine local law expertise with the business model of global companies.’

Principaux clients

BMW i Ventures


INTEGRAL Venture Partners


PPF Group


Hexacorp


TI Sparkle Bulgaria EOOD


PCCW Global B.V.


Fuze B.V.


TNS/Towerhouse Ltd.


Google Ireland Ltd.


VMware Bulgaria EOOD


Cognyte Technologies Israel LTD


The administrators and senior secured lenders of Bulsatcom UH Holdco Limited


Bianor Holding AD


Equinix (Bulgaria) Data Centres EOOD


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised BMW i Ventures on the Bulgarian law aspects of a financing round, including carrying out legal due diligence of its Bulgarian subsidiary, Ampeco Bulgaria EOOD.
  • Advised PPF Group on the Bulgarian regulatory law aspects associated with the sale of a 50%-plus-one-share stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets in Bulgaria (Yettel Bulgaria) to e&.
  • Advised Bianor Holding AD on agreements for the acquisition of software companies Itido Technologies OOD and Databreathe EOOD.

CMS

Matters across the media sector are the core focus of CMS‘ TMT practice. The team has extensive knowledge regarding IP and media regulations, positioning it well to advise clients on licensing rights, contract design, outsourcing with regard to data protection, and entry into the Bulgarian media market, in addition to compliance with local regulations. Four lawyers jointly lead the practice - Gentscho Pavlov, Atanas Bangachev and Veliko Savov focus on TMT-related corporate and commercial matters and M&A deals, and Anna Tanova is an expert in media and IP matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gentscho Pavlov; Atanas Bangachev; Veliko Savov; Anna Tanova


Autres avocats clés:

Eva Petrova


Les références

‘The media and telecoms team at CMS is exceptional. The unique advantage of CMS lawyers is their in-depth knowledge of the media and telecoms industry, and their involvement in the legislative process and the development of the regulatory framework. Anna Tanova and Eva Petrova are very responsive, always ready to help and provide excellent ideas and solutions.’

‘Anna Tanova is an outstanding lawyer with significant expertise and experience in media and IP. She is dedicated to her work for us and has achieved great results for the industry. We see her as a leading professional in the TMT sector.’

‘Eva Petrova is a great support, with experience in the media sector and a deep understanding of the creative industries.

Principaux clients

Miracle Mill


Revetas Capital Advisors


Smartcom Bulgaria


B2 Holding


DNEG


Barin Sport


HMD Global Oy


Lumen Technologies


Alliance of the Technology Industry


Association of Bulgarian Radio and TV Broadcasters


National Council for Self-regulation in Advertising


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising ATI on media and IP matters and assisting with complex negotiations with the collective management organisations of copyright and neighbouring rights holders, Prophon and Musicauthor.
  • Performed a legal due diligence of the Bulgarian subsidiary of Miracle Mill, a Swedish-owned and operated cloud-first company.
  • Advising ABBRO as an exclusive legal services provider, including representation before the regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Culture and other ministries, and before parliamentary committees.

Georgiev, Todorov & Co

Publishing companies, telecoms operators (mostly notably Vivacom) and IT companies regularly turn to Georgiev, Todorov & Co for day-to-day legal advice across various matters, including but not limited to commercial issues, M&A transactions and project financing, as well as IP matters and the revision and negotiation of contracts. The firm is also highly regarded for its litigation strength and is frequently called upon to act in disputes in the TMT sector before Bulgarian courts. Practice head Alexander Pachamanov is praised by clients for his 'exceptional' understanding of local and EU regulatory issues in the TMT sector. He is supported by key IP lawyer Tsvetelina Dimitrova.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexander Pachamanov


Autres avocats clés:

Tsvetelina Dimitrova; Dobrina Pavlova


Les références

‘They are open to discussion, sharing opinions and brainstorming. Their willingness and ability to discuss and focus on specific details are useful and contribute to finding solutions.’

‘All of them are friendly and approachable. We appreciate their promptness when we need assistance on urgent matters. Tsvetelina Dimitrova and Dobrina Pavlova particularly stand out for both their fast responses and their expertise.’

‘We like to work with Georgiev, Todorov & Co. because of their particular strength in TMT. The services we receive are very professional and delivered on time. I cannot recommend Georgiev, Todorov & Co. and their TMT practice more highly.

Principaux clients

Alliance Print


BALKANTEL Ltd.


Vivacom


BORICA


Ciela Norma


Experian Bulgaria


Fleet Services, Bulgaria


GPS Bulgaria


Hill Clinic


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing daily legal consultancy to Experian Bulgaria, including in relation to intellectual property, copyright protection, the revision and negotiation of contracts, and employment issues.
  • Advised Vivacom on the procedure for the provision of additional radio frequency spectrum in the range of 1800 MGz for the construction of a 5G network in Bulgaria.
  • Providing full legal support to Ciela Norma with regard to election voting machines.

Kambourov & Partners

Kambourov & Partners' client list is made up of major companies across the TMT sector, among which are traditional print media groups, digital services companies and some of the leading Bulgarian telecoms operators, including Bulsatcom. The team covers matters ranging from day-to-day regulatory, compliance, competition and data protection issues to complex M&A transactions and support in disputes. Margarita Guigova leads the practice and focuses on media and telecoms cases. She is supported by Mario Arabistanov and Yana Todorova.

Responsables de la pratique:

Margarita Guigova


Autres avocats clés:

Mario Arabistanov; Yana Todorova


Les références

‘The team is highly qualified, with excellent skills and character. Their knowledge of telecommunications regulatory matters is outstanding.’

‘The team and individuals share a common culture which is focused on supporting clients and solving issues. Competitors are mostly interested in billing and educating their clients.’

‘Margarita Guigova has the excellent ability to prepare the most successful strategy in the client’s favor. She always demonstrates a problem-solving attitude and is extremely devoted to achieving results in the client’s interests. Margarita is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced TMT and IP lawyers on the market and pursues the client’s goals with persistence.’

Principaux clients

Globant


Nexo


United Group


Entain


Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment


Viva Corporate


Nova Broadcasting Group


Balkansat


SMSBump


Broadcom


Voxbone


Vivacom


Bulsatcom


Regiocom


Schwarz IT


GoDaddy


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised United Group on the Bulgarian law aspects of the sale of its tower assets across Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia by Tawal.
  • Assisted Vivacom, the largest telecoms company in Bulgaria, with its fixed network carve-out.
  • Representing Bulsatcom in civil litigation relating to the authorship of middleware used in satellite TV receivers supplied to its television clients.

Kinstellar

The Kinstellar TMT team impresses clients with its ‘level of understanding of the industry and ability to anticipate and adapt to new developments in the sector’, covering large, complex telecoms-related transactions across the SEE and CEE regions and offering comprehensive advice on telecoms regulations, and media, advertising and digital services, as well as data protection issues and GDPR projects. Practice co-head Georgi Kanev has expertise in IP and IT matters, as well as in the emerging fields of entertainment and gaming. Anita Borisova and Debora Dineva are also key lawyers in the TMT team, which was further bolstered by the arrival of co-head Milka Ivanova from Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov in November 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Georgi Kanev; Milka Ivanova


Autres avocats clés:

Anita Borisova; Debora Dineva


Les références

‘The team demonstrates the highest level of professionalism. Their flexible approach makes any challenging process much more manageable. Their ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide clear guidance is invaluable. Furthermore, given the time-sensitive decisions that need to be made in this sector, their quick and effective communication is very useful. They have a strong commitment to client success. Their focus is always on finding innovative and practical solutions that best meet the client’s needs.’

‘Georgi Kanev’s deep understanding of the TMT sector, coupled with his responsiveness and result-oriented approach, are at the core of his exceptional legal services. We greatly appreciate his ability to deliver creative solutions in a timely manner. His professionalism and ethical standards are inspiring and set a very positive example.’

‘Kinstellar were recommended to us due to their subject matter expertise in European privacy and GDPR matters. We have been thoroughly impressed by the depth of talent we’ve been exposed to at the firm. We always felt appropriately looked after as a client, and never felt they were over-servicing us beyond what was practically needed for the scope of work. A great experience overall.’

Principaux clients

TAWAL


52 Entertainment


UKG


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised TAWAL on the acquisition of the tower portfolio of United Group B.V.
  • Advised UKG on the acquisition of Immedis Ltd.
  • Advised 52 Entertainment on the acquisition of gaming development studio Casualino and its subsidiary Zariba.

Schoenherr

Technology-related M&A transactions lie at the heart of Schoenherr‘s TMT practice, which recently advised global technology group e& on the high-value acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets across Eastern and Southern Europe. Other strengths of the team include advising on the launching of operations and new products on the Bulgarian technology market and the surrounding regulations, as well as day-to-day matters regarding data protection, IP and IT. The team assists mobile operators, telecoms providers, international technology companies and fintechs and is led by Ilko Stoyanov. Privacy lawyer Stefana Tsekova is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ilko Stoyanov


Autres avocats clés:

Stefana Tsekova


Les références

‘The team provides prompt and high-quality services where the motivation of the lawyers and their level of expertise are constantly demonstrated. We consider the level of service to be excellent, and we would like to emphasise that the answers to our questions were provided by Schoenherr law office in due time. Responses were accurate and always provided in close cooperation with the in-house lawyers of the company.’

‘Ilko Stoyanov has exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of TMT legislation and projects.’

Principaux clients

Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)


Hypercapital Inc.


S.A. SPADEL N.V.


SendinBlue


Chaos Software


NTT DATA Business Solutions


Avenue One


ABN AMRO Bank


Coöperative Rabobank


ING Bank


INVESTEC Bank


Bulgarian Telecommunications Company AD


Ringier AG


Robert Bosch GmbH


United Group


Leoni AG


Thales


OMV Bulgaria


Amway


Deutsche Bank


GTS TELECOM


Trivago


KKCG Group/Aricoma Group International AB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised e& on the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets in CEE for EUR 2.15 billion.
  • Advised SpaceX on the introduction of its Starlink satellite internet constellation services to the European market.
  • Advised Hypercapital Inc. on the setting up of a digital currency trading joint venture targeted to wholesale and retail customers.

Wolf Theiss

Wolf Theiss advises on M&A transactions, privacy and data protection matters, regulatory and licensing issues, and compliance and IP matters across the software, telecoms and high-tech industries. Start-ups, funds, IT companies, and fintech and agritech organisations belong to the firm’s client roster. Richard Clegg and Anna Rizova jointly lead the TMT practice, with Clegg specialising in high-profile M&A transactions in regulated sectors, and Rizova frequently leading on IP and IT transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Clegg; Anna Rizova


Les références

‘Strengths of the team include that it takes them a short time to provide insightful answers and advice. They have a deep understanding of the subject matter based on diverse past experience. They are very cooperative and have great attention to detail.’

Principaux clients

Apollo Global Management


Chaos Software


Software Group


EU Shipments


4iG


Eleven


Tempus Ex Machina


FactSet


Glovoapp23


MentorMate


Sellercloud


NIK Electronics


Jagex


POP Global Holdings


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Apollo Global Management on the full acquisition of PHOS.
  • Advising Eleven on the acquisition of minority stakes in four start-ups, BibeCoffee, Metasim, True Insights and Native Teams.
  • Advising on the merger between Chaos Software and Enscape.

Andrey Delchev and Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria

Andrey Delchev and Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria counts terrestrial broadcast media, IT companies and digital media providers among its TMT clients, providing advice on day-to-day regulatory, licensing and compliance matters. Advertising law is another area of expertise for the team led by Severina Liubenova, who is a well-regarded competition practitioner.

Responsables de la pratique:

Severina Liubenova


Principaux clients

Fresh Media Group


Softline


Gedeon Richter Plc.


HabitADD Ltd.


Ucha.se EOOD


Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Fresh Media Group on a wide range of commercial, IP and regulatory matters.
  • Providing full corporate legal services to Softline.
  • Assisted the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works regarding the implementation of an IT system for the management of state and municipal properties in Bulgaria and abroad.

Jordanov, Ignatov, Ivanov Law Firm

Jordanov, Ignatov, Ivanov Law Firm has plenty of experience advising e-commerce platforms and digital businesses on various matters, including software licensing agreements, data privacy and IP matters. The team is also well regarded for its expertise in M&A transactions in the TMT sector. The team is jointly led by senior partner and IP rights expert Rumen Ignatov and data protection and cybersecurity regulations specialist Svetlana Valeva.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rumen Ignatov; Svetlana Valeva


Autres avocats clés:

Dimitar Ivanov


Les références

‘We specifically engaged JII’s TMT department due to their outstanding reputation in the start-up industry. JII Law Firm has consistently delivered an exceptional service to both local and foreign investors, offering support in various languages. All of the lawyers at JII Law Firm are highly skilled professionals with extensive experience and a strong focus on business-oriented legal solutions.’

‘Dimitar Ivanov and Svetlana Valeva have proven themselves to be excellent advisors with extensive experience in the corporate sector and TMT initiatives. Dimitar and Svetlana consistently meet deadlines and excel in providing comprehensive, business-oriented legal solutions. We greatly value their contributions and are confident in their ability to guide us through any legal challenges that may arise.’

‘JII Law Firm has consistently proven to be a trusted and reliable partner for all our legal needs.’

Principaux clients

EcomSolutions


ImmoTech Germany


Aqua Lense


Leader 96


Turk Telekom International BG EOOD


Sciant AD


Speedvalue Ltd, Israel


UVI United Vision


Lenses


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the structuring of a German-Bulgarian partnership, known as ImmoTech Germany, focused on the development and distribution of high-tech facility management software.
  • Advising IQVIA on intellectual property rights related to the promotion of a new medical product on the Bulgarian market.
  • Advising Ecom Solutions with regard to a high-stakes service-level contract with an Indian contractor.

Penkov, Markov & Partners

Penkov, Markov & Partners acts for various telecoms and mobile operators, IT, media and e-commerce companies and diverse start-ups, which it advises on the launch of new digital products and services, data protection and privacy issues, and compliance with Bulgarian and EU regulations. Nikolay Cvetanov leads the practice and excels in the areas of personal data protection, cybersecurity and fintech, and frequently advises start-ups. Boris Strijlev is another key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nikolay Cvetanov


Autres avocats clés:

Boris Strijlev


Les références

‘I really appreciate Penkov, Markov & Partners’ attention to detail and also their creative approach.’

‘Very professional and helpful team.’

‘Excellent professionals.’

Principaux clients

Tiger Technology AD


Naturpodukt


Wealthlock


Mebelmag


Izzi Platform, Klett Publishing house


Ferratum


Mondi Stambolijski


AdminSoft Plus


Association for Responsible Non-Banking Crediting


Nokia Solutions and Networks


Audi AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Tiger Technology AD on the structuring of its relationship and contract base preparation for an assignment from Las Vegas Airport on the implementation of a specific innovative digital surveillance system.
  • Advised Naturprodukt on the legal compliance of its online sales with the European Union acts and regulations being implemented into Bulgarian law.
  • Advised Wealthlock on the organisation of its overall activity.