EU and competition in Lithuania

Cobalt

Cobalt is home to a robust EU and competition team adept at handling the full range of regulatory and state aid disputes and merger filings. The team represents a broad range of clients, operating in industries as diverse as aviation, healthcare, energy and retail, and is well-regarded for its strong Competition Council record. Rasa Zaščiurinskaitė, praised by clients for her ability to ‘translate complex legal matters into practical, actionable advice’, leads the practice. She is closely assisted by Manvydas Borusas and Simona Liuimienė, as well as Edvinas Einoris, a recent hire from Ellex Valiunas. Former Ellex Valiunas practice co-head Lauras Butkevičius joined the team in November 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rasa Zaščiurinskaitė


Autres avocats clés:

Manvydas Borusas; Simona Liuimienė; Edvinas Einoris; Justinas Sileika


Les références

‘Exceptional attention to the client’s problem, deep market knowledge, ability to adapt best practices to the client’s situation, a broad team of specialists ensures a broad approach to the situation.’

‘Cobalt is known for its deep legal expertise, client-centric approach, and strategic insight across a wide range of industries. Lawyers are not only legal experts but also understand the business context of various sectors. Cobalt also offers proactive legal risk management and strategic planning, not just reactive legal services.’

‘Lawyers are not only technically brilliant but also strategic thinkers; they understand commercial drivers and tailor legal strategies to support broader business goals—not just legal compliance. I also would note the team’s accessibility, speed, and consistency. I would mention Rasa Zasciurinskaite, Manvydas Borusas, Justinas Sileika.’

Principaux clients

Rheinmetall


Mehilainen


MBWS Distribution LT


Vilniaus degtinė


Conres


ESSPO


Investuok Lietuvoje


Tenko Baltic


Bigbox


Vilniaus viešasis transportas


Nepi Rockcastle


Softeq


Pro Bro Group


Roche


SEB


Hanner


ORLEN Lithuania


Orlen Baltics Retail


Kalnapilio-Tauro grupė (RoyalUnibrew Group)


Alma Littera Group


Parkdema


Green Factory Baltic


Practice Venture Capital


Schindler


Jumbo Transport


Tele2


15min


Merck Sharp & Dohme


Scandagra


Gitana


Compensa Life


Wolt


Karcher


Eugesta


Woodline


Hollister Lietuva


Atea


Air Baltic Corporation


Moller Auto


G4S


Dojus agro


Estrella Baltics (part of Intersnack Group)


Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways)


Kesko Senukai Lithuania


Bayer


Lidl


Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry Association (IFPA)


Lietuvos paštas (Lithuanian Post)


4bees


Benu, Tamro (Phoenix group)


Tolimojo keleivinio transporto kompanija


Lithuanian basketball league


AkzoNobel Baltics


Concretus Group


Pieno žvaigždės


Elektrum (Latvenergo AS subsidiary)


Schindler


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented the Lithuanian Basketball League and the basketball club Pasvalio “Pieno žvaigždės” in the antitrust investigation of the Competition Council in relation to an alleged cartel between basketball clubs and the League regarding the conditions of payment of salaries to basketball players related to the quarantine declared because of Covid-19.
  • Represented Citus, Resolution and Lendor Estate, three real estate brokerage companies, in an investigation by the Competition Council regarding alleged market sharing with regard to clients and employees.
  • Represented the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in submitting multiple merger filings: (i) regarding its 100 million euro investment into Green Genius, a renewable energy infrastructure developer, (ii) regarding its 50 million euro investment into Releven, an office developer.

Ellex Valiunas

The EU and competition team at Ellex Valiunas is part of the broader commercial practice group, focusing on merger control, antitrust and state aid matters. The latter is a particular standout for the firm, which handled state aid cases before the highest instance of the EU court system. The firm is also known for its strong record before the Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania (LCC), often achieving annulment of large fines. Its clients come from a wide range of industries, with healthcare, energy and retail being the most prominent. The team, praised by clients for ‘competence’ and ‘trustworthiness’, is led by esteemed professionals: Marius Juonys and Karolis Kačerauskas. Former team co-head Lauras Butkevičius departed in October 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marius Juonys; Karolis Kačerauskas


Les références

‘The first and most important – how competent the team is. I don’t think there is such a team in Europe where all tier 1 experts would be under the same roof.’

I think that Ellex has a unique competition practice team which consists of many high-level professionals. Therefore, you can address them with any kind of question, and they can manage a large workload. They are agile, responsive, and deeply embedded in the Baltic business ecosystem.’

‘A decades-long history of collaboration speaks for itself – they are trustworthy and always setting the bar high.’

Principaux clients

Unit Invest


NDX Group


Iglu tech


Vikonda Grupė


Urban hub


Lithuanian Pharmacies Association


Lithuanian Chamber of Notaries


Lithuanian Association of Real Estate Agencies


Cgates


MV Group


Ermitažas


ACME Group


AVAD Baltic


MAXIMA LT


AS Express Grupp


AS Dobeles dzirnavnieks


Eurovaistinės


EVRC


Siromed pharma


EVD


LIT EGG


Snowball.xyz


Piletilevi AS


The Republic of Lithuania


UAB Diginet LTU


Telia Lietuva


Klaipedos Nafta


Creditinfo


JTI Baltic


Rivona


Norfos Mažmena


The Association of Online Media


RIMI Lietuva


Orlen Lietuva


The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania


The Lithuanian branch of Ergo Insurance SE


Principaux dossiers


  • Representation of the Lithuanian Pharmacies Association and its member – the largest pharmacy retailer in Lithuania Eurovaistinė and its related companies – in the largest cartel litigation case in Lithuania against the Lithuanian Competition Council.
  • Advised ERGO International AG on its acquisition of ADB Gjensidige, a major insurance undertaking in the Baltics, on all merger control matters. The transaction significantly expands ERGO’s presence in the Baltics and stands out as one of the largest Pan-Baltic mergers in 2024/2025.
  • Represented the Internet Media Association and leading private media companies in challenging the Commission’s decision to refuse to initiate an investigation into the legality of funding (state aid) provided to the national broadcaster.

Sorainen

Sorainen hosts a strong EU and competition team that operates jointly with the general regulatory department. It covers all aspects of the practice area, with a particular focus on merger control and antitrust investigations. Notably, the firm represented a major pan-Baltic supermarket chain in two competition law investigations, achieving a successful verdict and enabling its sale to a Danish retail group to come into effect. The firm is also active in the defence, digital commerce and energy sectors. The team is led by three capable lawyers – Daivis Švirinas, Miglė Mainionytė and Monika Mališauskaite-Vaupšiene – who are praised by clients for ‘providing strategic direction’ and anticipating regulators’ next moves.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daivis Švirinas; Monika Mališauskaitė-Vaupšienė; Miglė Petkevičienė


Autres avocats clés:

Tomas Kontautas; Linas Petronaitis; Auridas Litvinas


Les références

‘I would recommend Tomas Kontautas, Daivis Svirnas, Linas.’

‘The firm possesses deep and professional expertise in competition law. They demonstrate a clear understanding of our business and its practical realities, offering legal solutions that are suitable with competition law and commercial logic.’

‘Monika Mališauskaitė-Vaupšienė, Daivis Švirinas and Auridas Litvinas are real professionals in the competition law field, deeply understanding law requirements and business needs. ’

Principaux clients

Limedika


Gintarinė vaistinė


IKI Lietuva, Lastmile


Bitė


Mezon


TV Play


Salling Group


Gjensidige Forsikring ASA


Forum Cinemas


VšĮ Žalgirio Krepšinio Centras


Sandoz


Entafarma


Saferoad Holding AS


Vinted


Volfas Engelman


Biovela Group


Pigu


State Enterprise Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority


Novo Nordisk Pharma UAB


Giraites ginkluotes gamykla AB


Eurovia Lietuva UAB


Ignitis, Ignitis Renewables


Amber gaming


INVL Invalda


Cgates


Mondelez


EIKA


PRO BRO


LibraVitalis


Heidelberg Cement


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented the pharmaceutical wholesaler Limedika and the pharmaceutical retailer Gintarinė Vaistinė in first instance court proceedings regarding a decision of the Lithuanian Competition Council (LCC). The court annulled the LCC’s fines of EUR 24 125 000.
  • Represented Saferoad Holding AS with the acquisition of UAB GATAS, a leading Lithuanian road construction and maintenance company, a transaction that was only cleared with commitments.
  • Represented Salling Group, the largest retailing group in Denmark, in its acquisition of RIMI Baltic, one of the largest transactions (in terms of value) in the Baltics this decade, worth EUR 1.3 billion.

WALLESS

The EU and competition practice at WALLESS is active in public procurement, merger clearance, state aid matters and proceedings before the competition authorities; it has a strong record before the Competition Council of Lithuania (CCL). The team’s due diligence and compliance capabilities are also noteworthy, and the firm is prominent in the retail, healthcare, construction, media and food industries. Darius Miniotas, praised by clients for his ‘professionalism, clarity, and genuine client focus’, co-heads the team with Laura Ziferman, an esteemed professional in competition law and public procurement.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Ziferman; Darius Miniotas


Autres avocats clés:

Alina Makovska; Povilas Zukauskas; Marius Dobilas; Renata Jatuzyte-Muleviciene; Giedre Cesiulyte-Megine; Migle Jeremiciute


Les références

‘This competition law team impressed us with their professionalism, responsiveness, and deep legal expertise. They represented us in a Competition Council investigation and in court, handling both stages with clarity and confidence. Clients will appreciate their quick reactions, clear communication, and ability to simplify complex legal matters. Advocate Darius, in particular, took the time to understand our case in depth and showed genuine dedication to helping us. While we didn’t observe specific innovations, the entire process was smooth, efficient, and highly professional. The team’s personal approach and commitment truly set them apart.’

‘Advocate Darius stood out for his professionalism, clarity, and genuine client focus. He was quick to respond, communicated in a clear and human way, and always kept a realistic yet optimistic outlook. His ability to explain complex legal matters in understandable terms and his commitment to helping us made a real difference.’

‘The lawyers at Walless approach problems effectively and are focused on the client’s needs. The main areas in which the firm consults and works with Walless are: public procurement, corporate law, labour law, and environmental law.’

Principaux clients

ICA Gruppen, AB


Carlsberg Group


ŠVYTURYS-UTENOS ALUS


REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG


Tamro / BENU Group


Affidea Group


Topo centras


Lidl


Lithuanian National Radio and Television


Artea AB


Lithuanian Airports


Bolt


Modus Group


SANITEX


HISK


Aljansas Aibė, UAB


Filmai ir kvapai, MB


Multikino


Vilniaus baldai


Conference of Directors of Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions


Vilnius City Municipality Administration


Capital Realty


Media Traffic


Grinda, UAB


CarVertical (CV Group)


Principaux dossiers


  • Helped ICA Gruppen secure maximum value in its landmark EUR1.3billion sale of Rimi Baltic Group to Salling Group – one of the highest value transactions in the Baltic region in a decade.
  • Successfully defended wholesale pharmaceuticals supplier UAB Tamro and its retail pharmacy chain BENU Lietuva in the first instance court against unprecedented fines totalling EUR 72 million in Lithuania’s largest cartel case.
  • Successfully advised Vilnius City Municipality before the European Commission during the notification procedure for the modification of state aid granted to one of the largest projects in Lithuanian history – Vilnius multifunctional complex – and obtained respective state aid clearance.

Motieka & Audzevicius

Motieka & Audzevicius has developed a wide competition practice, covering merger control cases, cartel investigations and public procurement matters. The team is best known for its record in regulatory litigation. Recently, it represented one of the country’s largest waste management companies in the Constitutional Court of Lithuania and, later, before the Competition Council, achieving a desirable outcome for the client. The team is also prominent in the energy, manufacturing and transport sectors. Henrikas Stelmokaitis and Laurynas Ramonas co-head the competition department.

Responsables de la pratique:

Henrikas Stelmokaitis; Laurynas Ramonas


Les références

‘The team quickly assesses risks, is flexible, listens to clients, and finds effective solutions. They are also strong in disputes, in both national courts and EU institutions.’

‘They are very attentive to their clients and the progress of each case, highly knowledgeable, and pay close attention to details, which makes clients feel secure. Most importantly, they explain complex issues in clear and practical language instead of only using legal theory.’

‘Experienced and in good connection with authority representatives.’

Principaux clients

Ekonovus


Labas Gas


Wolves Basketball Club


Genys Brewing


ELKO Group AS


Šviesa


Akola Group


Kietaviškių gausa


OBER-HAUS nekilnojamas turtas


Užstato sistemos administratorius


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Ekonovus before the Constitutional Court of Lithuania regarding the lawfulness of amendments to the law that resulted in the annulment of part of the Competition Council’s investigative competence.
  • Advised ELKO Group AS on obtaining unconditional merger clearance for its strategic acquisition of Deltaco Baltic, UAB.
  • Represented Labas Gas in the Competition Council’s investigation with successful termination of the investigation.

TEGOS (Formerly TGS Baltic)

TEGOS (Formerly TGS Baltic)‘s robust EU and competition practice is active in audits, disputes and regulations. It is also well regarded for its advisory role in relations with the European Commission. Clients include domestic and foreign companies operating in the energy, investment, telecom and tobacco industries. The firm is particularly visible in Lithuania’s public sector, often representing government bodies and major service providers in regulatory restructuring. Dr. Lina Darulienė, praised by clients for her ‘competence and experience’, leads the EU and competition team. She is closely assisted by Jonas Šalna and Auguste Linauskaite.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lina Darulienė


Autres avocats clés:

Jonas Šalna; Auguste Linauskaite; Triinu Järviste


Les références

‘TEGOS is my preferred competition law firm in the Baltics, with whom we collaborate regularly through the Distribution Law Centre, where they serve as the contributor for the Baltic States. The team combines deep expertise with a practical and no-nonsense approach, consistently delivering clear, actionable advice. Their responsiveness and efficiency make them an exceptionally reliable partner to refer clients to.

‘During the audit mentioned above, I had the pleasure of working closely with Lina Daruliené and Triinu Järviste, both of whom are outstanding professionals—each excelling in their own right. I want to give a special shout-out to Triinu for her exceptional communication skills. Auguste Linauskaite also made a strong contribution in her role as senior associate.’

‘Lina Darulienė was leading the team with the main concept and ideas of what to expect from the competition council regarding the M&A in question and how to overcome the possible challenges. She had competence and experience, which was obvious during communication.

Principaux clients

Rickman Trade OU


Energy cells UAB


Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania


LRT


LITGRID AB


Electrolux


MS Galleon GmbH


Lords LB Asset Management


WYG SAVJETOVANJE


Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania


Philip Morris Baltic


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Rickman Trade OU, the distributor of market-leading European coffee machines in the Baltics, in a landmark investigation by the Lithuanian Competition Council.
  • Advised Energy Cells, Lithuania’s designated operator of the national electricity storage system, on the legal and regulatory structuring of a €100m state aid scheme.
  • Advised the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania on securing the European Commission approval for a €193m state aid scheme to support the development of offshore wind parks in the Baltic Sea.

Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)

The EU and competition team at Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) handles a broad range of antitrust matters, cartel investigations, merger clearance and general competition advice. The firm is best known for its strong record in advising on regulatory aspects of M&A transactions. A capable duo of Rimtis Puišys and Tomas Rymeikis leads the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rimtis Puišys; Tomas Rymeikis


Autres avocats clés:

Ana Čepinskienė


Les références

‘This practice stands out for combining sector knowledge with practical, business-oriented advice. Clients can expect a responsive team that is experienced in handling both local and cross-border matters with efficiency. Key strengths include clear communication, reliable delivery on complex tasks, and the ability to work collaboratively across different practice areas. Compared with larger firms, the team offers a more agile and personalized service, while maintaining professional standards. These elements contribute to steady client satisfaction and consistent service quality.’

‘The individuals we have worked with stand out for their accessibility, clear communication, and ability to balance legal expertise with commercial awareness. What makes them different from competitors is the way they combine technical accuracy with a pragmatic approach, ensuring that advice is not only correct but also workable in practice. We have particularly valued their responsiveness and commitment to deadlines, as well as the collaborative spirit they bring to each matter. Among them, Ana Čepinskienė has been especially noteworthy for her attention to detail, strategic insight, and client-oriented mindset. Her ability to quickly grasp complex issues and provide clear solutions has been a real advantage.’

Principaux clients

MM Grupp


G4S


Magnum Medical


Everfield UK


CGI Lithuania


Nestle Baltics


Apotheca Pharma


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing MM Grupp, a major holding company that operates a prominent cinema chain, in the Regional Administrative Court and the Supreme Administrative Court against the Lithuanian Competition Council regarding the decision of the Council to extend application of Interim Measures.
  • Overall assistance to Everfield UK in acquisition of Lithuanian IT systems developer Frontu, including advice in relation to competition clearance.
  • Represented Apotheca Pharma, an operator of one of the biggest pharmaceuticals chains in Lithuania, in the investigation carried out by the Lithuanian Competition Council in relation to the alleged cartel agreement with one of the cosmetics product suppliers.

GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners

The EU and competition team at GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners is particularly active in state aid matters, public procurement cases and cartel investigations. It currently represents a large-scale transport logistics company before the Lithuanian Competition Council, assessing compliance with EU competition regulations. Feliksas Miliutis leads the team, closely assisted by Gediminas Zaranka.

Responsables de la pratique:

Feliksas Miliutis


Autres avocats clés:

Gediminas Zaranka


Principaux clients

Ukmergės autobusų parkas


Ukmerge District Municipality


Kėdainiai District Municipality


Šilutė District Municipality


Klaipėda City Municipality


Panevėžio specialusis autotransportas


Panevėžys City Municipality Administration


UAB ,,Klaipėdos paslaugos“


Kupiškio autobusų parkas


Ignalinos butų ūkis


Investuok Lietuvoje


Vilniaus atliekų sistemos administratorius


Klaipėdos keleivinis transportas


Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania


Klaipėda District Municipality Administration


Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant


AB Lietuvos oro uostai


Ministry of Finance


Ministry of Transport


European Energy Efficiency Fund


GRINDA


Vilniaus viešasis transportas


Principaux dossiers


  • Provides legal advice and represents UAB “Panevėžio specialusis autotransportas” on an ongoing investigation of the Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the legality of an existing in-house transaction and compliance with the relevant national and EU law.
  • Provided legal advice on whether Lithuanian municipalities can support regionally significant flight routes under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) model.
  • Provided legal advice for the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant on its restructuring from a state enterprise to a limited liability company, in line with OECD recommendations and Lithuanian government decisions.

Magnusson

Magnusson is home to an active EU and competition team, specialising in contentious and non-contentious matters involving public procurement, sanctions, merger clearance issues, and general competition-related compliance. It is particularly active in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The team has recently been working on a cross-border public procurement dispute in the railway sector, achieving a favourable decision at the pre-trial stage. Marius Endzinas and Ligita Ramanauskaitė co-head the team. They receive key support from Aurimas Černiauskas, a dispute resolution expert.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marius Endzinas; Ligita Ramanauskaitė


Autres avocats clés:

Aurimas Černiauskas


Les références

‘We really trust the the competence and expertise of the EU and Competition team of Magnusson. They evaluate our situations and offer the best solution that can be implemented at the time, focusing not only on the legal aspects, but also the business value. The cases they handle for us (usually related to public procurement) are usually complicated due to the highly technical aspects of the circumstances of the case. Nevertheless, the team of Magnusson seems to manage these issues well.’

‘Partner Marius Endzinas is our contact face for public procurement issues. He is very responsive, very experienced, creative, and client-oriented.’

‘The EU and Competition practice at Magnusson is very competent and experienced. During the past 12 months, they have assisted us with public procurement and competition matters, offering great insights and warning us against certain threats we had not seen ourselves. They are very client-focused, responsive, and proactive.’

Principaux clients

EIKA Construction


Gilmera


Plungės lagūna


Baumista


Transrifus


Sateba Group


Vytautas Magnus University


Telšių keliai


Neurovita


StalCorp


MVP sprendimai


KIKA LT


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Sateba Group in a cross-border public procurement dispute regarding the results of a multimillion public tender for supply of railway sleepers for the construction of a new Rail Baltica railway track.
  • Advising Camelia group in the acquisition of InvestMed, which spanned from the legal structuring of the transaction to obtaining merger clearance from the Lithuanian Competition Council.
  • Advising KIKA LT, one of the largest pet product manufacturers and distributors in Lithuania, on compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Noewe Legal

The EU and competition practice at Noewe Legal handles state aid matters, public procurement and regulation. The firm has notably assisted PUMA SE on competition compliance and has advised a major telecom operator during its sale and subsequent antitrust proceedings. The team is led by Giedrė Dailidėnaitė, an expert in commercial matters, and Vytautas Vicius, with assistance from Robert Juodka.

Responsables de la pratique:

Giedrė Dailidėnaitė; Vytautas Vičius


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Juodka


Les références

‘The team has excellent professional expertise.’

‘I had a chance to work with Giedrė Dailidėnaitė. She is a knowledgeable professional and a very good organiser of complicated processes. ’

‘Noewe’s competition law practice has a unique combination of perfect expertise and a client-focused, collaborative approach. Potential clients would appreciate the firm’s ability to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions, especially in deals that require deep analysis and a good understanding of different business sectors. They are strong in solving difficult problems and have a deep understanding of different market dynamics, providing clients with innovative solutions.’

Principaux clients

POLMLEK


SCHWENK


Akmenės cementas


Solaris Bus & Coach


FAST TRAFFIC


PUMA


Akmenes cementas


Adax


WIDEN

WIDEN has developed an active EU and competition practice, servicing clients in agriculture, energy, and IT, among other industries. The firm is well-regarded for its strong record before the Lithuanian Competition Council (LCC), having successfully defended companies in investigations and merger control proceedings. In 2025, the team was joined by Aistė Mikočiūnienė, an expert in EU law and public procurement. Lina Darulienė continues to lead the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aistė Mikočiūnienė; Lina Darulienė


Principaux clients

Enghouse Systems Limited


Lithuanian Association of Real Estate


Agencies


DS-1


AGC Farm


Vilandra


Kauno liftai


National Centre for General Functions


Ecoranga


Kelmė District Municipality


Ekobazė