01 About Legelata
Legelata has a rich history of providing legal services to clients in a wide range of industries. We act as consultants for businesses involved in Banking and Finance, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology and Telecommunications, Retail and Wholesale, Construction and Infrastructure and others.
We advise over highly complex issues connected with Antitrust and Competition, Banking and Finance, Foreign Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax and Corporate matters, Customs and Regulatory compliance issues, Intellectual Property etc. Legelata represents clients in litigation and arbitration, including investment arbitration, involving most vital issues.
OVERVIEW
Antitrust and competition issues are increasingly complex and important to the success of the business. To that end, we offer our clients a one-stop shop with clear, strategic, and commercially aware advice on a broad range of local and multi-jurisdictional competition law issues, including legal advice on all types of anti-competitive behaviours and antitrust issues, compliance policies, as well as representation of client’s interests before competition authorities and with courts. Our lawyers possess the relevant knowledge and expertise for rendering advice on the most innovative areas, such as algorithmic collusion and compliance policies, in combination with advice on more traditional areas, such as dominant or monopolistic positions, anti-competitive agreements/behaviour and other forms of infringement of competition.
INFRINGEMENT OF DOMINANT/MONOPOLISTIC POSITION
Legelata’s team consists of lawyers who are well versed in regard to Dominant and monopolistic position-related cases and have high commercial, theoretical and practical awareness of what they do. They easily highlight the possible threats for the clients and provide possible solutions and action plans for the structuration of the business activities in a manner to avoid infringements. Legelata’s competition
and antitrust team provide the best possible strategy and solutions regarding the infringement of dominant position/monopolistic position-related proceedings initiated by the Competition Protection Commission to protect and serve the clients best interest.
ANTICOMPETITIVE AGREEMENTS
Anticompetitive agreements are agreements between competitors that seek to limit competition, distort market dynamics, or harm consumers. Anticompetitive agreements encompass various collusive practices among competitors or between businesses and suppliers, distributors, or customers, aimed at distorting competition in the market. Traditionally complex proceedings regarding anticompetitive agreements or behavior, including tacit collusions as well as the innovative areas of those such as algorithmic collusion-
related proceedings, are supported by Legelata’s team. Here we offer
our clients local legal knowledge, know-how, and expertise in various legislations, such as the EU, US and Russia.
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Finding the right fit of advisors for guiding you smoothly through the regulatory and transactional labyrinths for mergers and acquisitions among corporates is a challenge many non-resident players face.
We have specifically positioned Legelata and its team to act as advisors and local counsel to multinationals and non-resident organizations, and other non-resident players who would like to enter the market through equity (direct) investments – Legelata offers the absence of conflict of interest in the small market and a very skilled and professional team to address all most complex transactional matters to avoid competition legislation related complications.
Our services include, but are not limited to: Legal Consultation; Compliance Review; Enforcement Defense; Leniency Program support; Compliance Training & Education
COMPLIANCE POLICIES
Legelata’s legal team specializes in providing expert guidance and services tailored to ensuring compliance with competition law through the development and implementation of robust compliance policies. Our professionals are well prepared to commence internal due diligence of the company operations, design and assist in the implementation of the antitrust compliance policy protecting the company interests and guiding respective departments to avoid the infringement of competition legislation. Compliance policies are crucial for businesses to adhere to legal standards and maintain ethical conduct in the competitive marketplace. Overall, our legal team is dedicated to assisting clients in establishing and maintaining effective compliance policies within the framework of competition law.
With our expertise and guidance, businesses can mitigate legal risks, foster a culture of ethical conduct, and thrive in the competitive marketplace.
Our services include but are not limited to: Policy Development; Legal Compliance Assessment; Training and Education; Ongoing Compliance Monitoring, Risk Management Strategies.
MISLEADING THE PUBLIC
Legelata’s professionals specialize in providing comprehensive expertise and services in addressing cases involving the misleading of the public. In the realm of competition law, misleading the public can encompass a variety of deceptive practices aimed at gaining an unfair advantage in the marketplace. Our team is well-versed in identifying and addressing such practices, ensuring that our clients comply with legal standards and maintain ethical business conduct.
Our services include but are not limited to: Legal Consultation; Compliance Review; Enforcement Defense; Litigation Support, Risk Management Strategies.
02 Competition & Antitrust
Issue: Application of regional blocks on Samsung products has been treated as an act of unfair competition by the State Commission on the Protection of Economic Competition (the “Commission”).
Outcome: Legelata has successfully defended the case and reached a reversal of decision from the Commission.
Value: Thus the penalty composed of 1% from the annual turnover of the Company has been dispensed with.
Issue: Application and defense of concentration of undertakings connected with the acquisition of software assets exceeding the thresholds triggering the concentration permit regime with the Commission.
Outcome: Legelata has succeeded in its submissions that the concentration would be to the benefit of the consumers as it would foster the competition in the given market for services.
Value: A multi-million-dollar acquisition took place and gave the client further opportunity to market the product for further economic benefit.
Issue: Certain elements of Marketing and Advertisement campaign of the well-known brand as an act of unfair competition by the State Commission on the Protection of Economic Competition (the “Commission”).
Outcome: Legelata has successfully defended the case and reached a reversal of decision from the Commission.
Value: Thus the penalty composed of 1% from the annual turnover of the Company has been dispensed with.
Issue: The structure of the rebates deployed by the client has been argued to be breaching the special obligations that the dominant players have towards the market participants.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully defended the case and reached a reversal of decision from the Commission.
Value: Thus the penalty composed of up to 10% from the annual turnover of the Company has been dispensed with.
Issue: It has been argued that the client was breaching the special obligations that the dominant players have towards the market participants.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully applied and defended in front of the Commission reaching an affirmative action from the Commission and released the company from a penalty in the amount of up to 10% of company's previous year turnover
Value: The client continues to operate in the market without changing prices and conditions of its services.
Issue: Cartel agreement-related competition case representation
Outcome: Legelata has successfully applied and defended in front of the Commission reaching an affirmative action from the Commission and released the company from a penalty in the amount of up to 10% of company's previous year turnover
Value: The client continues to operate in the market without changing prices and conditions of its fservices.
Issue: Unfair competition related representation connected with discounts regulations.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully applied and defended in front of the Commission reaching an affirmative action from the Commission and released the company from a penalty in the amount of up to 5% of company's previous year turnover
Value: Release of the client from obligation to pay the penalty in the amount of 5% of the preceding year turnover.
Issue: Representation of defense with regard unfair competition in the form of misleading the public
Outcome: Legelata has successfully applied and defended in front of the Commission reaching an affirmative action from the Commission and released the company from a penalty in the amount of up to 5% of company's previous year turnover.
Value: Release of the client from obligation to pay the penalty.
Issue: Representation of defense with regard to non-provision of the requested information
Outcome: Legelata has successfully applied and defended in front of the Commission reaching the result of application of the discounts on the fine to be applied in the total amount of more than 10000000 AMD.
Value: 46794000 AMD (instead of potential 82578439 AMD).
Issue: Representation of defense with regard to non-provision of the requested information
Outcome: Legelata has successfully applied and defended in front of the Commission reaching the result of application of the discounts on the fine to be applied.
Value: 13398000 AMD (instead of potential 23644902 AMD).
Issue: Consultation and representation in the process of alleged non-declaration of the declarable concentration or enaction of the prohibited concentration.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully consulted the Client and prepared grounded initial position with regard to the allegations of the Commission. The positive outcome is expected.
Value: From 5 million AMD to 8% of the company’s previous year turnover.
Issue: Provision of the assistance and consultation with regard to the intragroup M&A transaction of participation, competition risk assessment.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully consulted the Client and supported the process of the smooth transfer of participation in the company.
Value: Release of the client from obligation to pay a penalty.
Issue: Provision of consultation aimed to the implementation of the procedures for the company to comply with the legislative requirements with regard the Retail Price Maintenance as well as relations with the Distributors.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully consulted the Client and supported the process of the relation distributor.
Value: Release of the client from obligation to pay a penalty.
Issue: Compliance to the regulatory norms with regard to the concentration.
Outcome: Legelata has successfully consulted the Client and supported the share transfer procedure.
Value: Multi-million transaction and connected amount of fine.
03 Lawyers
Managing Partner
Gor Margaryan
Partner
Arthur Buduryan
Senior Associate
Aleksandr Egibyan
Associate
Artyom Poghosyan
Associate
Emma Petrosyan
Associate
Gagik Balayan
Gor
Margaryan
Managing Partner
Prior Experience
2010-Present
Legelata, Managing Partner
2014-2018
Fawaz Alhokair Group,General Counsel
2008-2010
AM Law Firm, Senior Associate
2007-2008
Foreign Financing Projects Management Center, Lawyer
Education
2015-2017
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – University of Manchester Business School, UK
2008-2010
LL.M in Law and Finance (with merits), - Goethe University, Institute for Finance, Germany
2006-2007
LL.M in International Trade Law (with distinction), - University of Essex, UK
2000-2004
B.A in Law – Yerevan State University
Field of Expertise
Banking and Finance, Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate and Tax, Foreign Investment, Arbitration.
Admissions and Qualifications
Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia.
Languages
Armenian, English, Spanish, Russian
Representative Matters
- agRIF Cooperatief of Netherlands in acquisition of stake in Inecobank CJSC.
- Incofin Investment Management in acquisition of stake in Araratbank OJSC.
- Agence Française de Développement in extension of a loan to the Government of Armenia.
- Proparco in extension of a loan to Ameriabank CJSC.
- Danish Export Credit Fonden in extension of export finance.
-Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio.
- Estero – SACE in extension of export finance loan.
- Alhokair Group in issuance of sukuks.
- Alhokair Group in tax and corporate restructuring of the group.
- Amber Capital in due diligence of “Walnut Farms” CJSC, preparation of Investment documents
(including share purchase agreement and shareholder’s agreement).
- Burberry plc. in litigation over IP related issues.
- Government of Republic of Armenia in arbitration over a multi-million-dollar procurement contract.
- RCF Holding Management LLC over ICSID arbitration against the Government of the Republic of
Armenia.
- GGG LLC in multi-million-dollar arbitration in the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce arising out of an
international trade agreement.
- Makur Erkati Gortsaran (Pure Iron Plant) OJSC in the procedure of alleged undeclared concentration
through contractual relations.
- Yandex Eats and the Yandex Group in the procedure with regard to the alleged infringement of the
dominant position.
- ECOSENSE LLC in the anticompetitive agreement-related proceedings initiated inter alia against the
company.
- Amber Capital during M&A related procedure with regard to the competition and regulatory matters.
- IMEX GROUP LLC in the proceeding against the company regarding possible unfair competition.
- INTERACTIVE CORP of USA Advising on multi-million USD M&A transactions and representing the
concentration with the state authority
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CENTRAL EURASIA LLP in the field of unfair competition.
- SEMUR & Co LLC in the proceeding initiated related to the infringement of a dominant position.
Arthur
Buduryan
Partner
Prior Experience
2021-Present
Legelata LLC, Partner
2018-2021
Legelata LLC, Senior Associate
2016-2018
Legelata LLC, Associate
2016-2017
IU Networks LLC, Junior Lawyer
2016
Rule of Law NGO, Lawyer-Expert
Education
2018-2019
LLM European & International Business,
Competition and Regulatory Law:
Freie Universität Berlin
2015-2017
Yerevan State University (YSU) –MA
2009-2013
Yerevan State University (YSU) –Bachelor’s degree in law
Field of Expertise
Antitrust and Competition, Corporate and Tax, Construction and Infrastructure, Renewable Energy.
Admissions and Qualifications
Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia.
Languages
Armenian, English, Russian
Representative Matters
- agRIF Cooperatief of Netherlands in Legal Due Diligence for the process of acquisition of stake in Inecobank CJSC.
- Egis International in negotiation of the reconciliation of the court case against the company.
- RGAM Retail Group Armenia CJSC in corporate, tax and lease related matters.
- ABC Pharmacia LLC regarding the implementation of the procedures aimed to unfair competition-
related compliance.
- Alhokair Group in Franchise Agreement Due Diligence.
- AlHokair Group affiliates, with the ministry of Economic Development and Investments with regard to
the product labeling requirements.
- Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & Co. SJSC in the negotiation of the reconciliation and termination of the
Franchise Agreement.
- Corsan-Corviam Construction with the Customs agency on the temporary import extension process.
- ECOSENSE LLC in the alleged anticompetitive agreement-related proceedings initiated inter alia against
the company.
- ECOSENSE LLC in the proceeding initiated regarding possible infringement of the dominant position.
- IMEX Group LLC - Representation with the RA Competition Protection Committee with the settlement
of the infringement related proceeding.
- Coca-Cola HBC Armenia on the legislation of the Republic of Armenia in the fields of corporate and taxation law.
- “Yandex. Taxi” B.V. on the legislation of the Republic of Armenia in the field of Tax Law.
- Makur Erkati Gortsaran (Pure Iron Plant) OJSC in the procedure of alleged undeclared concentration
through contractual relations.
- Elcore Distributions LLC in M&A related competition and regulatory matters.
- Sanofi Russia (Pharmaceuticals) JSC - consultation for the compliance to the retail price maintenance prohibition regulations.
- Yandex.Eats AM LLC in the proceedings against the company regarding alleged non-provision of
information.
- Yandex Eats AM LLC in the procedure with regard to the alleged infringement of the dominant position.
- Foodtech & Delivery BV in the procedure with regard to the alleged infringement of the dominant
position.
- Coca-Cola HBC Armenia in the process of practical implementation of compliance policy and cross-checks.
- LC Waikiki Armenia - regarding the implementation of the procedures aimed to unfair competition-
related compliance.
- Alhokair Group and subsidiaries - regarding the unfair competition-related compliance.
- Samsung Electronics Rus Company LLC - advisory related to unfair competition in the manner of
advertising.
Aleksandr
Egibyan
Senior Associate
Prior Experience
2021-Present
Legelata LLC, Senior Associate
2019-2020
Insurance Foundation for Servicemen
2018-2019
Inecobank CJSC
Education
2020
University of Montpellier - Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Law
2018
University Panthéon - Assas Master 1 in
Business
2017
French University in Armenia (UFAR)
Bachelor of Laws
Field of Expertise
Banking and Finance, Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate and Tax, Foreign Investment.
Languages
Armenian, English, Russian, French, German
Representative Matters
- “Inomma PTE LTD” - assistance in providing due diligence support to the acquirer’s counsel and in restructuring and asset transfer process.
- “EasyDmarc Inc” - assistance in providing due diligence support to the acquirer’s counsel and in
restructuring and asset transfer process.
- Triodos Investment Management Services - assistance to receive subordinated loan.
- “Acotech LLC” - legal assistance in acquisition transactions.
- “Trafigura PTE LTD”- assistance with banking & finance transaction.
- “Eurasian Bank of Development”- assistance with target due diligence and contract matters.
- Amber Capital - assistance with preparation of investment documents.
- agRIF Cooperatief U.A. - assistance with share sales and exit from local bank.
- “Alfa Bank” OJSC - assistance in acquisition of stake in investment fund.
- Huawei Technologies Armenia LLC - assistance in ongoing corporate matters.
- Amber Capital during M&A related procedure with regard to the competition and regulatory
matters
- Elcore Distributions LLC during M&A related procedure with regard to the competition and
regulatory matters
- Sanofi Russia (Pharmaceuticals) JSC - consultation for the compliance to the retail price
maintenance prohibition regulations.
- Yandex.Eats AM LLC in the proceedings against the company regarding alleged unfair
competition.
- IMEX Group LLC - regarding the unfair competition-related compliance.
- Coca-Cola HBC Armenia in the process of practical implementation of compliance policy and cross-checks.
Artyom
Poghosyan
Associate
Prior Experience
2021-Present
Legelata LLC, Associate
2020-2021
Legelata LLC, Junior Associate
Education
2014-2018
French University in Armenia (UFAR)
Bachelor of Laws
Field of Expertise
Antitrust and Competition, Corporate and Tax, Construction and Infrastructure, Renewable
Energy, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.
Languages
Armenian, English, French, Russian
Representative Matters
- “LC Waikiki Retail AR” LLC – representation with the tax authority in the elimination of imposed
fines, assistance in ongoing corporate and real estate-related matters and negotiations, legal representation of the Client in criminal proceedings.
- “Magic board” LLC - legal assistance during ownership change as well as contractual matters related to the transaction and representation of the company in the High Tech ministry.
- “AIS Group” LLC - ongoing corporate and contractual assistance, representation during the
work/residency permit procedures.
- AIS Group LLC - assistance during M&A related procedure with regard to the competition and regulatory matters.
- “Armenian branch of the National Democratic Institute” - representation with state bodies, assistance in the development of corporate documents and contracts.
- AS PNB Banka - legal assistance with bankruptcy procedures of subsidiary credit organizations.
- Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company - assistance with corporate and contract issues.
- “ABC Pharmacia” LLC – assistance with health law related regulatory and licensing matters, as well as ongoing advice regarding the relations with counterparties and distributors.
- “ABC Pharmacia” LLC - regarding the unfair competition-related compliance.
- Coca-Cola HBC Armenia in the process of practical implementation of compliance policy and cross-checks.
- Elcore Distributions LLC in M&A related competition and regulatory matters.
- ECOSENSE LLC - assistance in anticompetitive agreement-related proceedings initiated inter alia
against the company.
- Yandex.Eats AM LLC - assistance in the proceedings against the company regarding alleged unfair competition.
- IMEX Group LLC - regarding the unfair competition-related compliance.
- STM LLC – in M&A- related competition and regulatory matters.
- Stanmix Holding Ltd in M&A related competition and regulatory matters.
- 4U.am CJSC in the process of M&A competition-related matters.
- “Samsung Electronics Rus Company” LLC – legal accompaniment in matters related to personal
data protection, contractual relations, and privacy policy.
- “Upstart Lab” LLC – assistance in investment processes.
Emma
Petrosyan
Associate
Prior Experience
2023-Present
Legelata LLC, Associate
2022-2023
"Centre for Legislation Development"
Foundation of Ministry of Justice of RA,
Legal Expert
2021-2022
"Ter-Tachatyan" Legal and Business
Consulting CJSC, Legal Counsel
Education
2021-2023
Master's Degree: Yerevan State University
2017-2021
Bachelor's degree: Yerevan State University, Faculty of Law
Field of Expertise
Intellectual property law, Litigation and Arbitration, Information Technologies and Telecommunications
Admissions and Qualifications
Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia.
Languages
Armenian, English, Russian, German
Representative Matters
- “Vashpatent” LLC - assistance in registering trademarks and protecting clients IP portfolios in
Armenia.
- “C.P.C. Creative Perfume Company Holding SA”-assistance in registration of trademarks.
- “GlaxosmithKline Export LTd, Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare”-assistance in ongoing
matters, contractual relations, advise with regards to relations with distributors.
- “Krka, d.d.” - assistance in ongoing regulatory matters.
- “Lego Juris A/S, Denmark” - assistance in IP-related issues and protection of IP rights.
- Rigo Trading S.A. – assistance with registration and protection of trademark portfolio.
- “Soyuzplodimport Russia” - assistance in ongoing litigation case for protection of brands.
- Liqvor Pharmaceuticals CJSC - assistance in IP-related issues and protection of IP rights.
- “4u.am” CJSC- assistance in IP-related issues and protection of IP rights.
- Sunray Investment CJSC- assistance in ongoing litigation case.
- “AIS Group” LLC - assistance in ongoing litigation case.
- Huawei Technologies Armenia LLC - assistance in ongoing litigation case.
- Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia LLP - assistance in ongoing litigation case.
- “AIS Group” LLC - assistance in ongoing litigation case
- Preluanch Group, Inc. - assistance in IP-related issues and protection of IP rights.
Gagik
Balayan
Associate
Prior Experience
2024-Present
Legelata LLC, Associate
2021-2024
Legal Advisor in "Gazprom Armenia" CJSC
2023-2023
Legal Advisor in "Mentis Legal" LLC
Education
2019-2024
Russian-Armenian University (RAU), Bachelor's degree.
2016-2019
High School of Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi – Historical legal
Field of Expertise
Banking & Finance, Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Corporate & Tax, Mergers & Acquisitions Foreign Investments Health and Pharmaceuticals Intellectual Property.
Languages
Armenian, English, Russian
Representative Matters
- Istok Cuadro - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- Kostanyan Aesthetics - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- Premier Group - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- Krka d.d. - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- Evolut Aesthetics - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- BIOMAPAS - Provision of legal advisory.
- Playrix Armenia – assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- GlaxoSmithKline plc. - Provision of legal advisory.
- GEPHA – Georgia Healthcare Group OJSC - ongoing support in corporate and contract matters.
- Media Solutions (Mamba) Dating platform - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
Mariam
Hovhannisyan
Junior Associate
Prior Experience
2024-Present
Legelata LLC, Junior Associate
2024-2024
The association of rights for children and youth, Toulouse, France - Intern
2023-2023
ELL Partnership Law firm - Intern
2023-2023
Court of Appeal of Armenia - Intern
2023-2023
Court of first instance - Intern
2023-2023
Office of the Human Rights Defender - Intern
Education
2020 - to present
French University in Armenia (UFAR) (Academic partner of Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University)
Field of Expertise
Banking & Finance,
Information Technologies and Telecommunications,
Corporate & Tax,
Mergers & Acquisitions,
Foreign Investments
Intellectual Property .
Languages
Armenian, French, English, Russian
Representative Matters
- "HR agency" LLC - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- MAGAZACILIK TEKSTIL SANAYI VE TICARET A.S - assistance in IP-related issues.
- KOTON TEXTILE LIMITED LLC - assistance in IP-related issues.
Lilit Manukyan
Junior Associate
Prior Experience
2023 - Present
Legelata LLC, Junior Associate
2024
Fastex Crypto Exchange, Junior Associate
2022 - Present
Lumina Law Firm, Research Specialist
2023 - 2023
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Intern
2024
Minustry of High Technologies, Intern
2023
Office of the Human Rights Defender - Intern
Education
2020 - 2024
Russian-Armenian University (RAU)
Field of Expertise
Banking & Finance,
Information Technologies and Telecommunications,
Corporate & Tax,
Mergers & Acquisitions,
Foreign Investments
Intellectual Property .
Languages
Armenian, English, Russian
Representative Matters
- "HR agency" LLC - assistance in ongoing corporate and contract matters.
- MAGAZACILIK TEKSTIL SANAYI VE TICARET A.S - assistance in IP-related issues.
- KOTON TEXTILE LIMITED LLC - assistance in IP-related issues.
