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Recognition
Legal 500:
- The extensive international client base at TARK GRUNTE SUTKIENE will now benefit from increased cross-border capability following the firm’s pan-Baltic merger in 2010. The client list includes HSH Nordbank, Swedbank, Deutsche Bank and SEB Enskilda, advising the latter two on the aborted IPO of Eesti Energia, potentially the largest ever offering in the Baltics. The focused practice is led by Hannes Vallikivi, who is ‘always ready to help’ and ‘willing and capable of solving even the ‘lost’ case’. (edition 2011)
- In the banking and finance sector, the firm advises a number of significant foreign players, such as Danske Capital, Fortis Bank and Swedbank, advising the latter on the restructuring of distressed assets. Senior associate Andra Rubene is ‘very dedicated’. (edition 2011)
- ‘Financial services advice delivered from people tuned in to your wavelength’. The team at Tark & Co (predecessor in Estonia) provides a ‘solid, appropriate, and highly competent service’ with experience in handling distressed assets, enforcing securities, and extensive debt restructuring. (edition 2010)
- Grunte & Cers (predecessor in Latvia) is ‘responsive to international clients, understanding their needs and expectations’. Ivars Grunte and Gundars Cers are particularly recommended for complex corporate restructuring of financial institutions. The firm’s associates Andra Rubene and Inese Hazenfusa are also praised for ‘professionalism and accuracy’. (edition 2010)
- The firm’s ’strengths are professionalism of service, engagement, availability, and creativity’. Sutkiene, Pilkauskas & Partners (predecessor in Lithuania) team was boosted by the arrival of Vilija Nausedaite, former chair of the Lithuanian Securities Commission, and two other experienced associates. Investment finance work for the EIB, debt workouts on distressed assets for SEB Bank, alongside restructuring advice for JPMorgan, were among the highlights in 2009.” (edition 2010)
Chambers Europe:
- Estonian department head Hannes Vallikivi is universally praised for his client-oriented approach and handling of complex international transactions. (edition 2011)
The sizeable banking and finance team at Tark & Co (predecessor in Estonia) enjoys a stellar reputation in Estonia. High-end capital markets and financing transactions for both domestic and international clients are the team's bread and butter, but it also offers significant expertise on the regulatory and compliance aspects of banking and finance. (edition 2010)
- "The lawyers here are “strong negotiators with great analytical insight," say clients about Sutkiene, Pilkauskas & Partners (predecessor in Lithuania); "it is a pleasure to work with them.” Vidmantas Drizga is known for his securities work, while Jonas Pilkauskas' M&A finance expertise lends weight to the team. Group head Vilius Bernatonis is “always available, dedicated and highly skilled," and also offers experience in arbitration. The team has advised the European Investment Bank on the JESSICA Holding Fund. Other clients include DEPFA Bank and the Ministries of Economy and Finance. (edition 2010)