Best Private Equity Lawyers in Bulgaria

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P&N law
Sofia, Bulgaria

Founded in 2023
4 people in their team
Bulgarian
English
Italian
Corporate & Commercial Private Equity Government Relations & Lobbying +4 more
A boutique law firm in Bulgaria specializing in corporate, commercial, and intellectual property (IP) law offers personalized legal services to businesses and individuals. This firm provides expert advice on company formation, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and compliance with...
Georgiev & Petrov Law Firm
Sofia, Bulgaria

Founded in 2018
30 people in their team
Bulgarian
English
Corporate & Commercial Private Equity Administrative +14 more
A cornerstone of our services lies in Company and Corporate Law, encompassing company, association, and foundation registrations; mergers; acquisitions; splits; spin-offs; changes of legal form; share or stock transactions; and company liquidation and insolvency proceedings.We are a Bulgarian team...
Geffen Law Firm

Geffen Law Firm

15 minutes Free Consultation
Sofia, Bulgaria

Founded in 2010
2 people in their team
Bulgarian
English
Russian
Hebrew (modern)
Corporate & Commercial Private Equity Business Registration +7 more
Geffen Law Firm - Legal Support in Bulgaria for Real Estate, Business & ResidencyGeffen Law Firm is a Sofia-based boutique law practice providing practical and results-driven legal solutions to international clients-especially from Israel, Germany, and the UK-looking to invest, live, or expand...

Founded in 2010
English
Green Light Business Consult, established in 2010, is a distinguished law firm based in Sofia, Bulgaria, specializing in migration law, investment services, and comprehensive business support. The firm's team comprises seasoned attorneys and legal experts proficient in Bulgarian and EU legislation,...
Weknowthelaw
Dobrich, Bulgaria

Founded in 2019
3 people in their team
Bengali
German
Dutch
Weknowthelaw is a legal consulting practice. We are aiming and investing our efforts to be trusted adviser to the Bulgarian and International business. Weknowthelaw provides a broad range of integrated services with particular strength in M&A, Corporate and Commercial, Banking & Finance,...

Founded in 2005
English
Dinova Rusev & Partners Law Office, established in 2005, is a full-service law firm based in Sofia, Bulgaria, offering a comprehensive range of legal services to both corporate clients and individuals. The firm is recognized for its results-oriented and personalized approach, delivering...

Founded in 2005
10 people in their team
Bulgarian
English
Vassilev & Partners Law Firm is a dynamic and business-oriented law practice that provides high quality legal services to local and foreign corporate clients. We support entities already established in the Bulgarian market, as well as foreign investors who strive to start and develop their...
Lawyer Plamen Kirilov
Sofia, Bulgaria

English
Lawyer Plamen Kirilov is a distinguished legal professional based in Bulgaria, offering comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele. With a strong foundation in various areas of law, the firm is committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. The firm's...
Ivanov&Yonkova Law Firm
Sofia, Bulgaria

Founded in 2019
2 people in their team
English
German
French
Bulgarian
Ivanov & Yonkova Law Firm has been established in January 2019 by Doychin Ivanov, attorney-at-law, and Tsveta Ivanova-Yonkova, attorney-at-law after every one of them acquired more than 10 years of legal experience. For the past years since then Ivanov & Yonkova Law Firm established itself...
Legal Frame

Legal Frame

15 minutes Free Consultation
Sofia, Bulgaria

Founded in 2019
5 people in their team
English
Bulgarian
Russian
Legal Frame Law Firm was established in 2019. Since then, he has been successfully protecting the interests of his clients, offering complex legal services. Our range of services is in the fields of company and financial law, data protection, property and family law, civil and administrative law....
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About Private Equity Law in Bulgaria

Private equity involves investing in private companies or public companies with the intention of delisting them from stock exchanges to restructure, grow, and eventually sell at a profit. In Bulgaria, private equity has become increasingly significant as the country’s business sector matures, opening attractive opportunities for both foreign and local investors. The legal framework for private equity in Bulgaria is shaped by both local legislation and European Union regulations, ensuring transparency, investor protection, and compliance with global standards. Private equity transactions in Bulgaria typically involve various stages, such as deal structuring, due diligence, negotiations, drafting of contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Private equity investments can be complex, involving multiple layers of legal and financial risk. Common situations where you may require legal help include:

  • Structuring and negotiating private equity deals
  • Conducting due diligence on target companies
  • Drafting, reviewing, and amending investment agreements and shareholder agreements
  • Securing regulatory approvals from Bulgarian authorities
  • Managing disputes between stakeholders or with regulatory bodies
  • Ensuring compliance with local and EU regulations
  • Assisting with cross-border transactions or joint ventures
  • Facilitating exit strategies, such as sales, buyouts, or IPOs

A lawyer with expertise in Bulgarian private equity law can safeguard your interests, minimize risks, and ensure the transaction complies with all applicable legal requirements.

Local Laws Overview

Several key aspects of Bulgarian law are particularly relevant for private equity transactions:

  • Commercial Act: Governs the formation, management, and dissolution of companies in Bulgaria. This is fundamental for private equity, as it outlines shareholder rights, transfer of shares, and company governance.
  • Law on Public Offering of Securities: Applies if the target company is public. It regulates takeovers, disclosure obligations, and delisting procedures.
  • Foreign Investments Act: Regulates foreign direct investments and ensures protection of investor rights, while also providing transparency requirements.
  • Competition Protection Act: Addresses issues around mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions that may affect market competition or require clearance from the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition.
  • Tax Legislation: Sets the rules for corporate taxation, capital gains, and double taxation treaties, especially important for structuring and evaluating the profitability of private equity investments.
  • Employment Law: Relevant in cases involving restructuring or workforce changes following an acquisition.
  • EU Regulations: Many aspects of Bulgarian private equity are affected by European Union directives and regulations on financial markets, anti-money laundering, and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity and how does it function in Bulgaria?

Private equity refers to investing in private companies or taking public companies private, usually with the intention of improving their value and eventually selling them for profit. In Bulgaria, this sector is regulated to ensure transparency and protect investors.

Can foreign investors participate in private equity deals in Bulgaria?

Yes, Bulgaria welcomes foreign investment in private equity. There are few restrictions, but compliance with anti-money laundering, tax, and competition regulations is mandatory.

What are the typical legal risks in private equity transactions?

Risks include misrepresentations during due diligence, unresolved liabilities, regulatory compliance issues, and disputes among stakeholders. Legal advice helps mitigate these risks.

What due diligence is required before investing in a Bulgarian company?

Due diligence involves reviewing financial statements, legal structure, contracts, intellectual property, employment matters, debts, and potential legal liabilities of the target company.

Are there restrictions on repatriating profits from private equity investments?

There are no significant restrictions on repatriating profits, provided all tax obligations are met. Double taxation treaties may apply, reducing withholding taxes for foreign investors.

What regulatory approvals are necessary for private equity deals?

Depending on the size and nature of the transaction, approvals may be required from the Commission for Protection of Competition, the Financial Supervision Commission, or other sector-specific regulators.

How is a private equity exit normally structured in Bulgaria?

Common private equity exit strategies include trade sales, secondary sales, management buyouts, or public listings (IPOs). Each option involves distinct legal steps and documentation.

What protections do minority shareholders have?

Bulgarian law and shareholder agreements can provide minority shareholders with specific rights, such as tag-along rights, veto rights, and access to information, protecting them from unfair practices.

How does corporate governance work in Bulgarian companies?

Corporate governance is primarily outlined in the Commercial Act and company bylaws. This covers the structure of management, board duties, shareholder meetings, and reporting requirements.

What are the key tax considerations in private equity?

Tax considerations include corporate tax rates, capital gains tax, withholding tax on dividends, and the potential application of double taxation treaties. Proper structuring is essential to optimize tax efficiency.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking further information or support, the following organizations and governmental bodies may be helpful:

  • Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency
  • Bulgarian Investment Agency
  • Commission for Protection of Competition
  • Financial Supervision Commission
  • Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
  • Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Bulgaria
  • National Revenue Agency (for tax matters)

Your lawyer may also guide you to specific private equity associations or networks suitable for your business goals.

Next Steps

If you are considering investing in or engaging with private equity in Bulgaria, it is important to seek legal advice early. Here are the recommended steps:

  • Identify your objectives and desired outcomes for the investment or transaction.
  • Consult a qualified Bulgarian lawyer with expertise in private equity and M&A matters.
  • Gather all relevant documentation concerning your intended investment, partnership, or target company.
  • Discuss your lawyer’s proposed due diligence and structuring options to tailor the process to your needs.
  • Ensure compliance with all local and European regulations throughout the transaction.
  • Stay informed about your legal rights and obligations at every stage of the process.

Taking these steps with the support of a legal professional will help ensure your private equity venture in Bulgaria is structured effectively and in compliance with the law.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Bulgaria through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Equity, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Bulgaria - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.