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Chambers Europe 2010 ranks Tark & Co among leading Estonian law firms

03.06.2010

Recently published Chambers Europe 2010 gives Tark & Co the highest ranking (band 1) in the area of banking and finance, corporate and commercial, real estate and employment law and also recognises its work in the area of competition and antitrust, dispute resolution and intellectual property law.

Chambers Europe 2010 comments:

The sizeable banking and finance team at Tark & Co 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. Hannes Vallikivi continues to consolidate his reputation as one of the country's foremost banking and finance experts. "I would recommend him to anyone; he is very knowledgeable and always delivers on time," commented a client. He is a member of the Tallinn Stock Exchange Listing & Surveillance Committee and publishes extensively in his field of expertise. Risto Vahimets also wins strong recommendations from both peers and clients.

As one of the largest and best-established firms in the country, this outfit is well known for its strong corporate and commercial practice. The group has traditionally served international companies with operations in Estonia, but has placed more emphasis on advising premium domestic entities of late. Clients highly appreciate the lawyers’ flexibility and diverse expertise in general corporate, M&A and restructuring matters. Hannes Vallikivi is strongly recommended for M&A transactions, regulatory and finance-related questions. Risto Vahimets is in charge of the firm’s M&A section and named as one of the market’s best transactional experts. “Vallikivi and Vahimets are clearly top lawyers in their fields,” interviewees agree. Managing partner Aare Tark co-ordinates the firm’s projects and is known for his expertise in corporate matters. Rolan Jankelevitš is recommended by clients as "responsive, clear in his advice and very much to the point.”

Employment law is an increasingly significant practice area in Estonia. With its impressive client base Tark & Co maintains its prominent position. The team has been active assisting companies with preparations for Estonia's new employment legislation, and authored a number of commentaries on the new Employment Contracts Act. Toomas Taube has impressive experience in labour law and advises both employers and employees on litigious and non-contentious matters. Market sources comment: "He is very knowledgeable and one of the top lawyers in this area."

Tark & Co draws on its expertise in financing and M&A to form a winning real estate practice. It is well equipped to handle the largest and most complex matters in hotels, shopping centres, offices and road building. The turbulent economy has shifted the firm's focus from financing and acquisitions to refinancing, as well as acting in litigious and bankruptcy cases. Risto Vahimets heads the team and is a renowned and acclaimed figure in Estonian real estate. One client said of him: “He is very business-oriented in his approach and always works with you to find the best solutions."

Tark & Co's team offers advice across the full spectrum of competition law on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including merger control, prohibited agreements and abuse of dominance. The firm also offers expertise on public procurement and state aid, and provides training courses in competition law and competition due diligence. Senior associate Margit Lahevee is a widely published lawyer and the former deputy head of the merger control department at the Estonian Competition Board.

Tark & Co intellectual property team is integrated into the firm's corporate and commercial department, reflecting its transactional approach. It offers significant strength in trade marks and assists with both applications and disputes. An impressive track record in litigation allied with close co-operation with some of Estonia's leading patent agents has allowed the firm to amass an enviable portfolio of clients. IP guru Toomas Taube wins effusive praise from clients.

Although Tark & Co is best recognised for corporate expertise, its dispute resolution practice is steadily growing in prominence. Erki Kergandberg, who was previously a partner in Aivar Pilv's dispute resolution group, is in charge of the new team. He specializes in litigation and arbitration proceedings concerning administrative and civil matters, PPP and white-collar crime.

 

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