Opened in 1998, Tsvetkova Bebov
& Partners is a leading full-service Bulgarian firm based in Sofia. The firm is a member of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, ISDA.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong banking and finance team and expertise in capital markets transactions. It is well-versed in debt capital markets deals, having advised on bond issues and IPOs. In lending transactions, it acts for both the borrowers and the lender. Banks work with the firm on banking and regulatory matters under Bulgarian and European law.
In M&A the firm often acts as Bulgarian counsel on cross border transactions.
In project development the firm is active in the power sector, often advising its clients on electricity supply agreements. It also has experience advising clients on public procurement matters and EPC-contracts in oil and gas and transport sector projects.
Key clients
Among its clients are Energo-Pro, Dronamics Global
First Investment Bank, Transact Europe Bank, KBC Asset Management, EnduroSat, MK Brokers, Raiffeisen Asset Management Ferratum Bank, Ferratum Group,KBC, PVB Power, Ergana Films, Kone, Transact Europe and Mercuria.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research cycle the firm was active in banking and finance, capital markets, and corporate and M&A.
In banking and finance the major areas of focus for the firm have been regulatory issues, fund formation, payment services and transfer of business.
In the M&A field the firm has been advising both acquirers and sellers in areas such as banking, healthcare, industrials and manufacturing, as well as retail.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Energo-Pro $435 million bond issue
Government of Bulgaria $1.6 million bond issue
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking and finance
"Nikolay Bebov and Petar Ivanov are highly competent on the matter, very responsive and very efficient. The legal opinion that we received addressed the relevant issues up to the point and in a clear, well-written manner, without including irrelevant aspects. Each agreed deadline was kept."
"They are always available, they have great problem-solving skills, they are very experienced, apply an out-of-the-box thinking approach. They give the client a positive feeling of being well taken care of."
Capital markets
"All services provided by lawyers are distinguished by very high quality, consistency, clarity and high professionalism. Services are always performed within the agreed time frame and expected satisfactory quality. Their advice/guidance has been aimed at the progress and interest of the company and their opinion is extremely valuable. With our knowledge and the kindness of the team, we have built a high degree of trust and confidence."
"They are very commercial – they are well connected in both the latest legal developments and the various political thinking in Bulgaria. They are cost-effective, striking the right balance between making themselves available and being responsive and not overly exerting themselves to the point of incurring unnecessary fees."
"Excellent knowledge of the matter, extremely effective collaboration."
"Professional and quick response and advice."
Financial restructuring
"They are involved in preparation of all legal and regulatory documentation, mentoring the whole merger project and make a valuable contribution to business decisions."
Financial services regulatory
"Prepare documents, provide legal advice."
"The level of experience and their willingness to always find a practical solution to our problems."
"Team of exceptional professionals with deep understanding of industry specifics and legal and compliance regulations."
"Our main business activity is related to operating the capital markets. They have exceptional experience in this field. They manage to show us very precisely where we are from a regulatory point of view in a business that is truly unpopular in our country. They outline precisely all the 'traps' we can encounter and all the rules we should follow. As always, they are our indispensable partner."
"TBP is very solution-orientated, always proactive, and have a great hands-on mentality."
"Always reachable, always have answers to questions, very competent, great hands-on mentality."
"Team is very knowledgeable on this matter and the flexibility of the team to find solution."
Insolvency
"They are proactive, straight to the point, very knowledgeable and easy to access."
Investment funds
"Very deep field knowledge and professional attitude."
M&A
"Quick, practical, friendly."
"The team was always available and very responsive, especially in view of the tight deadlines we were working with. The work the team did was also at a very good level."
Nikolay Bebov
"Nikolay is an experienced lawyer, has all the necessary seniority, gives a great feeling of being taken care of, and has a profound knowledge of Bulgarian and EU banking regulations. The BEST external lawyer to work with."
"Knowledge, practice."
"Extremely well-mannered and ordered, with a high sense of responsibility. We have always received careful and individual attention."
"He is very personable, very capable and very responsive. Just a nice guy who gets the job done within budget and deadlines."
"Very professional."
"Professional, knowledgeable, diligent."
"Very calm, extremely well prepared in the field of capital markets, with many years of experience. His advice is always balanced and spot on."
"Quick thinker, down to earth, hands-on, expert lawyer."
"He gives you a straightforward opinion, is very deep into matters, and has a clear view of the legal regulations."
Petar Ivanov
"Very responsive, very comprehensive and an excellent professional."
Philip Kiossev
"Philip is a very competent Bulgarian lawyer. He (together with the team) was always able to provide legal advice ad hoc and/or within the tight deadlines."
Damyan Leshev
"Effective communication, problem-solving, effectiveness, good planning and meeting deadlines."
"Always looking for solutions, very well organised and the perfect professional."
"Very good communication, high responsibility, teamworking, very good knowledge of legislation."
"His vast experience with the regulatory framework, his willingness to take on challenging projects, his focus on finding solutions to problems."
"Very deep sector and jurisdiction knowledge. Willingness to take on challenging problems even when a clear legislation is missing. Very professional attitude and responsiveness."
"Hard-working , knowledgeable about financial/banking legislation."
"Practical and helpful."
Victoria Tzonkova
"Very knowledgeable, delivered correct advice and help throughout the bankruptcy and the recovery process."
