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VEGAS LEX has improved its ranking in traditionally strong categories of The Legal 500 EMEA 2019. In particular, the firm ranks first in PPP and infrastructure projects category.

VEGAS LEX's activities are recognised within the following categories:

• Competition (tier 3)

• PPP and infrastructure projects (tier 1)

• Dispute resolution: Litigation (tier 2)

• Commercial, corporate and M&A: Moscow (tier 4)

• Real estate and construction (tier 3)

• Tax (tier 3)

• TMT (tier 4)

• Transport (tier 3)

• Energy and natural resources (tier 5)

Many experts of VEGAS LEX have been recommended in the ranking. The following experts have been named in the individual ranking in the PPP and infrastructure projects category:

• Denis Shtirbu (leading individual)

• Irina Dolgikh (next generation lawyer)

Below are some quotes about experts and firm.

Commercial, corporate and M&A: Moscow

VEGAS LEX has a strong focus on M&A and joint venture deals in the PPP and infrastructure space, and recently advised Fortum on a joint venture with a major Russian investment fund to build wind farms. Other clients include Russia Post and Sberbank Capital. Alexander Garmaev and Alexandra Vasukhnova are the main practitioners.

Competition

VEGAS LEX focuses on anti-monopoly cases, compliance projects and regulatory advice. Alexander Sitnikov heads the practice, which handles work for key clients such as pipe producer TMK and Roche Diabetes Care Rus.

Dispute resolution: Litigation

At VEGAS LEX, managing partner Alexander Sitnikov’s extensive experience in the corporate space covers conflicts relating to investment projects, the protection and recovery of business assets, corporate governance and restructuring. Department head Victor Petrov has a strong track record in commercial, corporate, insurance and bankruptcy disputes. Evgeniy Rodin is recommended for energy disputes. The practice represents a mix of clients from the aerospace, energy, life sciences and retail sectors.

Energy and natural resources

Specializing in power generation projects, VEGAS LEX regularly represents clients such as OGK-2 and Irkutsk Electric Grid Company in contractual, commercial and tax-related disputes. Evgeniy Rodin and Alexander Sitnikov are the main practitioners.

PPP and infrastructure projects

According to one client, VEGAS LEX has ‘the leading practice in the Russian PPP sector’; the team is known for its strong focus on large-scale PPP projects in the energy, transportation, ports and healthcare-related areas. The ‘highly reputable’ practice is led by ‘industry expert’ Denis Shtirbu and is well known for advising federal and regional governmental agencies and state-owned companies including Russian Railways and the Ministry of Transport of the Novosibirsk region. Irina Dolgikh ‘demonstrates exceptional knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail’.

Real estate and construction

Headed by the ‘diligent and responsible’ Igor Chumachenko, the real estate department at VEGAS LEX provides ‘high-quality and cost-effective legal services’ and is recommended for its ‘deep familiarity with the Russian regulatory framework and the local implementation of EPC projects’. The team supported the Development Corporation of Kamchatka with the implementation of the modernisation project concerning the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Yelizovo) airport.

TMT

The TMT practice at VEGAS LEX is headed by Alexandra Vasukhnova and advises on regulatory, contractual and e-commerce matters. Natalia Abtseshko is also noted. Clients include animation studio Sky and creative digital marketing agency Jami, among others.

Tax

VEGAS LEX has expertise across a broad range of tax matters including domestic and foreign tax structuring, tax support for major infrastructure projects and M&A transactions and customs. Yuriy Ivanov specializes in contentious tax and tax planning; he recently advised Russian Post on taxation and customs clearance matters pertaining to international mail and cargo operations. Denis Kozhevnikov assists Ivanov with contentious tax matters.

Transport

At VEGAS LEX, Denis Shtirbu heads the transport practice, which assists clients with major railroad infrastructure projects. The team advised the Ministry of Transport of the Novosibirsk Region during negotiations with government agencies regarding a high-value railway concession initiative. Dorogi Rossii is another notable client, among others.

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The full ranking table is available on the official Chambers Europe Awards website at https://www.legal500.com/firms/16019/offices/16763.

For more information on recognitions and awards won by VEGAS LEX, please visit our recognition and ratings page here.