Recent Deals

Acted for the AMUR Gold Prospecting Cooperative, part of the Russian Platinum Group, before the Russian Federal Anti-monopoly Service during examination of a complaint by Norilsk Nickel mining and smelter company concerning a tender for a major nickel deposit licence. The case was examined under the fast track procedure intended for complaints about tender process breaches. The antitrust authority ruled in favour of the Russian Platinum Group.

Advised JSC INTER RAO UES on the loan agreement with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for a 9.6 billion rubles convertible loan.

Participated in drafting laws regulating the preparations for and holding of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, including condemnation and allocation of land plots, infrastructure, construction, environment, town planning and zoning, financing, corporate and immigration.

Advised TomTom, a Dutch producer of navigation equipment entering the Russian market, on compliance with Russian IP and personal data laws.

Setting up a distribution network for the British Debenhams Retails Plc retail chain in Russia. We proposed a supply chain for deliveries to Russia, reflecting the customs, tax, corporate and civil law aspects. We also assisted the client with legal support for conclusion of a relevant franchising agreement.

Advised and supported OAO Sheremetyevo International Airport during its reorganisation by merging with OAO Terminal — the Terminal D operator. The consolidation of assets through merger was initiated by the government and has a high potential of ensuring the efficient development of the airport and significant advantages over independent development of certain terminals by individual operators. As a result of merger Aeroflot – Russian Airlines, VneshEconomBank and VTB became shareholders in the consolidated Sheremetyevo, with the Russian Federation remaining the majority shareholder with a 83.4% stake in the authorised capital.

On the instructions of a major Russian retailer, analysed IPO-related tax implications and risks for the shareholders. Know-how: despite the uncertainties and gaps in the regulatory framework, a tax treatment option was developed, with a statement of reasons, for operations relating to issue and placement of depositary receipts safeguarding the shareholders against tax losses and risks.

Advised Nord Stream AG on the legal aspects of construction of the Russian component of the submarine gas pipeline.Matters advised on included international law, environmental aspects, re-categorisation of forest and agricultural land, liaisons with government authorities, permission documentation, construction, permits, authorisations and licences.

Acted for a major cosmetics firm creditor of the Arbat Prestige retail network during the latter’s bankruptcy;

Legal support for employment matters arising during the reorganisation of Raiffeisenbank and Impexbank. The project involved development of a strategy for creating a unified staff structure, change/termination of employment relations with employees of the reorganised banks, negotiations with employees regarding amendment and termination of employment relations and consulting with respect to project implementation (the project involved amendment and termination of employment relations with over 600 employees).

Nissan, Infiniti, Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi -Comprehensive support within the scope of claim-handling work and during court disputes with customers.

The firm’s lawyers successfully acted for Chernogorsk Mining Company of the Russian Platinum Group in a case regarding invalidation of refusal by the Administration of Norilsk to authorise provisional permitted use of a land plot for construction of a road. The Administration’s negative resolution impeded further development of the Chernogorsk Copper and Nickel Deposit in the north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.

Advised a prominent US hedge fund on various debt restructuring matters following failure by our client’s partner to fulfil its obligations to our client under a put option. Advised our client on various insolvency matters in connection with its portfolio. 

Advising 20th Century FOX on the structure of the customs value of imported films, in particular: should the royalty due for projection of movies in cinemas be included in the customs value of imported films?  As a result of a lengthy litigation, the customs authorities lost and effectively repaid all excessively collected duty to client.

Comprehensive full scale support for Kimberly-Clark in its project for constructing a manufacturing complex in the Moscow Region.