Capital Markets

The capital market is in a continuous development in Moldova and is of major interest not only for national and foreign private investors, but also for the Government. Equity transactions with multinational implications require experience and knowledge in multiple areas of law. At ACI Partners, you will benefit from the necessary expertise and commitment to complete the most challenging projects, in the most efficient manner possible. We advise on the whole range of transactions with securities in Moldova, helping our clients to comply with often intricate regulatory requirements, including but not limited to:

Shares issuance process on primary markets including legal support to issuers and shareholders when drafting, adopting and observing the relevant resolutions and registering share issuance results with National Financial Market Commission Advising major shareholders during all stages of Takeover Bids processes Advising national and foreign investors during shares acquisitions on secondary market, including but not limited to acquisitions in banks and insurance companies Representing investors during clearing and registration of equity transactions with Moldovan financial sector regulators Advising national and foreign investors in order to create a better understanding of Moldovan capital market regulations

Competition
Competition law and practice in Moldova are currently undergoing dramatic and quick development. The need for innovative yet reliable legal advice in the field of competition has never been greater. We take pride in offering high-quality services concerning competition/antimonopoly legislation, including EU and domestic competition legislation; merger control; abuse of dominant position and unfair trade practices; antitrust agreements; sales, agency, distribution, and marketing agreements; franchising and licensing agreements; public procurement; and consumer protection. Our competition practice encompasses such activities as:

Cross-border and national merger clearances Performing antitrust due diligences and feasibility studies preceding acquisitions Reviewing, preparing and enforcing distribution, license and cooperation agreements Assistance with cartels, dominant position and abusive conduct situations Antitrust opinions issuance Appearing before competition authority, including required filings and inquiries Defending against administrative fines and sanctions and resolution of other disputes

Investment
Prior to making any investments, one has to decide on the strategy, weigh the benefits against the potential risks, determine investment vehicles and take care of all other issues that might impact the project's success. We steer and guide our clients through the complexity of investment process, starting with feasibility and due diligence studies and going all the way down to the practical implementation of the project. Clients are advised on all issues that bear on the positive outcome of their investment goals, including, inter alia, optimal investment structures, threats and opportunities, and risk mitigation. Our lawyers have been involved in significant foreign investment projects and have advised many of the country's major foreign investors. Services provided to investors include:

Setting up legal and economic presence Structuring investment vehicles Incentives and tax benefits advice Acquisition of commercial interests, assets and property Acquiring businesses Agreements negotiation Tax implications of investments Investor's rights protection Public procurement and concessions Employment and immigration law Compliance and regulatory issues

Business Operations and Commerce

We advise on all matters concerning international and domestic trade. Our lawyers provide flexible support for day-to-day business needs, as well as assistance in specific situations and transactions on a case-by-case basis. Combining our drafting and negotiation skills with our knowledge of the regulatory, tax, finance and customs issues and local business environment, we provide a service meant to produce better outcomes. Our company has had considerable experience in providing advice on a wide range of commercial contracts across various industries and jurisdictions. Our experience includes contracts in manufacturing, distribution, constructions and engineering services, leasing, marketing, maintenance, outsourcing, etc. Business operations and commerce service line covers such activities as:

Drafting of agency, franchising, development and supply agreements Review and drafting of general terms and conditions of business (standard clauses) Product liability law advisory Advice on payment securities, particularly in connection with cross-border deliveries Assisting in compliance with product safety and labeling requirements Review of and advice on E-commerce structures and operations Data protection and commercial secrets dispute resolution Advice on foreign trade law and export controls Consumer protection requirements advisory Advice on construction and a wide range of services agreements Insurance law claims

Real Estate
The real estate market is continuously evolving. Nowadays the goals and structure of realty transactions become ever more complex and sophisticated. Clients demand lawyers with technical expertise and a hands-on approach, in line with modern trends in the real estate and abiding by applicable business requirements. With an acknowledged ability to conclude complex deals, we handle the whole property 'life-cycle', from initial acquisition to final exit. We have the commitment, resources and know-how to advise our clients on privatization, concessions, acquisition of real estate, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, identification of proper business vehicles, financial and tax issues, assistance in negotiations, drafting of deal documentation, securing payments, real estate development, leases, mortgages, construction and demolition permits and authorizations. Our service line includes the following subareas:

Contract Preparation, Interpretation, and Enforcement Real Estate Legal Due Diligences Commercial and Retail Leases Mortgages Zoning and Urban Planning Issues Environmental Concerns Land Acquisition and Development Construction Projects and Liens Landlord - Tenant Law

Employment
Human resources are the key to anyone's business. The employment legislation in Moldova is complex, confusing and at times failing to address the present-day needs. We help businesses to structure and develop mutually beneficial employment relations and stay in full compliance with the applicable legislation. Our clients have come to trust and rely on the integrated experience of our lawyers in this field. We advise on various employment and social security issues, including drafting and negotiation of individual and collective employment contracts, internal regulations and policies, confidentiality, data protection, management contracts, benefits programs, hiring of foreign citizens, work and resident permits, individual and collective dismissals, and employment-related disputes. In addition, we conduct comprehensive due diligence review of employment contracts and related issues. The employment law practice area comprises of the following subareas:

Immigration and Expatriate Staff Legal Issues Employment Documentation, including Contracts, Policies and Handbooks Non-compete, Confidentiality and Severance Arrangements Regulatory and Compliance Employment Disputes and Employer Protection Litigations

Intellectual Property
Companies have started to increasingly acknowledge the importance and value of intellectual property in Moldova. They see the competitive advantage it provides and the opportunities to build upon it. We work to secure appropriate national and international IP protection and defend such if necessary . We represent and advise national and international clients in all aspects of intellectual property, including local registration, and enforcement of patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights and trade secrets, technology and know-how transfer contracts. Our law firm conducts intellectual property due diligence and audits, and represents clients in complex cases on violation of intellectual property rights.

Our intellectual property practice covers such major specialties:

IP Rights Registrations Licensing and Technology Transfer Trademark Defense Copyright Infringements Managing Intellectual Property Assets Law of Press and Media Employment Related Intellectual Property Rights IP Due Diligences Domain Names Disputes