360Competition — Romania

About

360Competition is Romania’s first boutique law firm exclusively specialising in competition law and state aid. The firm provides expert legal services across the full spectrum of these fields, including antitrust investigations, merger control, foreign investment screening, compliance, state aid, and unfair competition. With a senior-led approach, 360Competition ensures strategic, tailored solutions for clients ranging from multinational corporations to domestic market leaders and emerging startups. The firm’s lawyers have played pivotal roles in shaping Romania’s competition law landscape and frequently collaborate with top-tier international law firms on cross-border matters. Maintaining a deliberately streamlined structure, 360Competition prioritises agility, efficiency, and bespoke service, positioning itself as the first choice for clients facing complex competition law challenges. - Main Areas of Practice - Antitrust Investigations ### Notable work Assisting a key IT integrator in Romania, during a high-profile investigation by the Romanian Competition Council (RCC) into an alleged bid-rigging scheme linked to Cisco, the global tech giant, involving the country's largest IT procurement worth EUR 560 million. Assisting the Romanian subsidiary of a global engineering and technology consulting group during an investigation by the RCC, the first of its kind in Romania involving a 'no-poach' agreement, and the related court proceedings Assisting the largest private rail holding in Southeast Europe during an investigation and the subsequent court challenge of the sanctioning decision, navigating complex issues in both competition law and railway regulatory legislation - Merger Control ### Notable work Assisting on alternative asset management firm on the merger and foreign investment clearance aspects of acquiring several target companies in Romania Advising a multinational food company on the merger and foreign investment clearance aspects of acquiring several target companies in Romania Assisting a subsidiary of a major investment vehicle, in the takeover of Romania-based assets in the soy products market - Foreign Investment Screening ### Notable work Assisting the subsidiary of a multinational logistics company with the notification of two foreign investments in maritime facilities at a major port and one foreign investment in a logistics hub at a key rail hub, the largest private investment in the port, enhancing trade connections between mainland Europe and the Black, North, and Adriatic Seas Assisting the European subsidiary of a leading Chinese industrial and clean energy company with the notification of its second foreign direct investment in Romania, amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese investors in the EU Assisting the largest polymer processor in Eastern Europe on the foreign investment clearance aspects of acquiring several target companies in Romania - Other Key Areas: Compliance, State Aid, Competition Litigation, Unfair competition Beyond its core competition law services, 360Competition provides expert guidance in general competition law compliance, competition litigation, and state aid. In state aid matters, the firm advises both private sector clients and public authorities on structuring projects in line with EU and Romanian state aid rules. It has successfully represented clients in securing state aid approvals for major investment projects and in European Commission investigations concerning unlawful aid. 360Competition also acts in competition litigation, representing clients before Romanian courts in cases involving cartel fines, abuse of dominance, and follow-on damages claims. ### Notable work Representing a leading commodities and energy exchange in a competition law challenge against a state-owned incumbent, involving a referral to the ECJ regarding market access restrictions under EU law Advising a public entity on the prenotification process for multiple state aid measures supporting Romania’s first newly built airport in over 50 years Assisting a global technology and security solutions provider in an extensive overhaul of its distribution network Assisting two leading delivery platforms with daily to day compliance, including competition law, DMA, and P2B rules across partnerships, user engagement, and platform operations - Offices - Romania - Head Office - Bucharest - Tiriac Tower, 82-94 Buzesti street, 7th floor, District 1, Bucharest, Romania - Web: www.360competition.eu - Tel: +40 743 185 065

Office locations

Practice areas

Lawyers in this office

Adrian Ster

Adrian Şter is a preeminent figure in Romania’s competition law arena, and the founder of 360Competition, the nation's first dedicated competition law boutique. With over 20 years of experience, Adrian is celebrated for his sophisticated, strategic handling of high-stakes competition matters, delivering exceptional counsel to clients across diverse industries. Renowned for his skilful navigation of complex investigations by national and European competition authorities, Adrian excels in cases involving cartel arrangements, vertical agreements, abuse of dominance, and merger control. His recent highlights include advising Southeast Europe’s largest private rail holding in a significant competition probe, acting for a European engineering consulting leader in Romania’s pioneering “no-poach” investigation, and defending a prominent IT integrator in a landmark bid-rigging inquiry featuring global tech giants such as Cisco. Before establishing 360Competition, Adrian led the Competition & State Aid practices at top-tier regional law firms, where he honed his expertise on some of Romania’s most prominent competition cases. His career is distinguished by his pivotal role in crafting legal strategies, leading cross-border teams, and achieving successful resolutions in challenging, multijurisdictional disputes, cementing his status as a trusted advisor in the field. · Competition / Antitrust

Andrei Georgescu

Andrei Georgescu is a highly experienced lawyer specializing in competition, antitrust, intellectual property law, and M&A transactions, with a particular focus on the energy and oil and gas sectors. With a broad skill set encompassing data protection, corporate law, and contract law, Andrei provides comprehensive legal solutions to both national and international clients. He is recognized for his expertise in both advisory and litigation roles, offering strategic counsel across various industries. Andrei has significant experience handling complex antitrust matters, including investigations, dawn raids, and high-profile litigation. His work spans all levels of jurisdiction, including referrals to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJUE) on the application of EU competition rules. In the energy sector, Andrei has become a trusted advisor for clients navigating the intersection of competition law and sector-specific regulations. He provides tailored legal advice on market entry, pricing, and anti-competitive practices. Additionally, his expertise extends to state aid issues, particularly regarding regulatory approval processes and the competition law implications of government interventions. Andrei’s deep knowledge of the energy market allows him to help clients balance compliance with operational needs, securing their competitive position while adhering to regulatory requirements. · Competition / Antitrust

Raluca Maxim

Raluca Maxim is recognized as one of Romania’s leading senior associates in competition law, praised by clients for her exceptional knowledge and practical expertise. She combines an LL.M. with Distinction from Queen Mary University of London, where she topped her class, with extensive experience gained at two prestigious regional law firms, specializing in competition and state aid matters. Raluca’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including digital & IT, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, transport, telecom, FMCGs, retail, financial services, automotive, media, agriculture, and construction. She has been instrumental in managing complex antitrust investigations, merger control proceedings, state aid matters, and compliance issues. With significant experience in national and cross-border merger control, Raluca has successfully secured merger and FDI clearances for major transactions over the past decade in Romania. As a leading expert in foreign investment screening, she frequently coordinates sensitive foreign investment notifications. Her state aid expertise includes contributions to Romania’s first new airport in 50 years and securing aid for Romania’s flag carrier. · Competition / Antitrust