Eversheds Sutherland combines with Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners in Bulgaria

Extending client coverage in Central and Eastern Europe

Eversheds Sutherland is pleased to announce the firm’s combination in Bulgaria with long-standing, relationship firm Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners (TBP). The firm’s four partner office in Sofia is led by partner Irina Tsvetkova, an M&A, commercial and corporate law specialist and partner Nikolay Bebov, who specialises in capital markets, banking, financial services and M&A.

The addition of Bulgaria to the firm includes four partners and a further 15 lawyers, with a national and international client base.

Irina and Nikolay are supported by partners Damyan Leshev, who specialises in capital markets and banking, and Victoria Tzonkova, who advises clients on commercial transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, insolvency, and employment law matters.

Ian Gray, Chair, Europe, comments:

“The firm is committed to growing across Europe and is now present in 23 countries. We are delighted to be working more closely with the Bulgarian practice which will expand our Central Eastern European presence. The team is a highly-ranked full-service firm with an excellent reputation and diverse client base in banking and financial services, pharma and life sciences, energy, manufacturing and technology. Our clients will benefit from greater strength in depth both locally and across the wider CEE region.”

Irina Tsvetkova, Managing Partner, Eversheds Sutherland Bulgaria comments:

“By joining forces with Eversheds Sutherland, and having the weight of a global brand behind us, we will be able to drive further growth of our practice across the CEE. This is a very important step for us. Our people, our clients and our communities will all benefit from our more visible presence in the market. Our lawyers will be able to further develop their skills and knowledge across multi-jurisdictional sectors, our national and international client base will benefit from inbound and outbound opportunities in new markets, and the feedback from our community is one of huge excitement that Eversheds Sutherland, with its strong global brand and reputation, will be established in Sofia.”

Bulgaria’s economic and tax environment, and the aim of the country to attract foreign investment requires highly qualified local and international legal knowledge. Bulgaria has a simple flat rate tax system, with a low, business-friendly rate and has plans to adopt the Euro in early 2024. This will provide further opportunities for investment and economic growth. Sectors which are poised to grow include energy, tourism, technology, digital, fintech, and IT - specifically in software development, technical support, and business process outsourcing.