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.
02 Awards
03 Testimonials
“We are very pleased with assistance of Legalata. The team in Legelata has been very proactive and available any time of the day, working to meet the tight deadlines for regulatory permits. We are likewise very satisfied with the competence and polished negotiation skills that Legelata contributedto the transaction”
Mr. Jan Dewijnaert,
Chief Investment Officer, Incofin Investment Management (Belgium)
"Legelata always gives us prompt and professional legal opinions in both contract negotiations and compliance issues. More importantly, Legelata’s team understands the business request and gives practical solutions instead of just doing legal analysis."
Ms. Tianyuanxin,
General Counsel of Huawei International Co CIS
“Legelata are experienced, professional and very responsive. Their team I worked with is also dedicated and reliable. I have enjoyed working with Legelata and would recommend them to others looking for legal service in Armenia, especially in banking and finance transactions”
Ms. Maggie Cheung,
Partner at Mayor Brown
"Legelata’s team has been invaluable in providing practical and solution oriented legal advice on antitrust, Intellectual Property and other various issues within the frames of the multi-jurisdictional acquisition. They have been very proactive and easy to communicate with."
Michael Hanna,
Partner, Kirkland and Ellis LLP
“The direct and effective work of your company contributes to the improvement and development of our activities. We are grateful for the conscientious approach and look forward to further cooperation.”
Giorgi Dalalishvili,
Regional CEO, LC Waikiki Retail AR LLC
04 Banking and finance
OVERVIEW
Legelata provides legal services to public and private financial institutions in a range of transactions such as equity and non-equity investments, acquisitions and divestitures of stakes in banks and financial institutions, interbanklending, project finance and corporate finance. Our lawyers possess the relevant knowledge and expertise for rendering advice on most innovative financial products such as derivatives in combination with advice on more traditional instruments such as syndicated and plain-vanilla loans.
PROJECT FINANCE
Lelelata offers lawyers who are well versed in project finance transactions and have high commercial awareness in what they do. They easily sketch the structure of the project finance and assist in making it bankable at the beginning of the process. Our lawyers have the skills of negotiation and knowledge to connect all the project finance documentation and shift the risks to corresponding parties. Whether we serve a bank, a financial institution, the government or the company with the project, we always think in an innovative way to offer highly effective solutions, which address the most critical concerns of the parties.
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS FINANCE
Finding the right fit of advisors for guiding you smoothly through the regulatory and transactional labyrinths for mergers and acquisitions among financial institutions as well as corporates is a challenge many non-resident players are facing. We have specifically positioned Legelata and its team to act as advisors and local counsel to multinationals and non- resident banks, investment managers, funds, investors and other non-resident players who would like to enter the market through equity (direct) investments – Legelata offers absence of conflict of interest in the small market and a very skilled and professional team to address all most complex transactional matters.
PLAIN-VANILLA SYNDICATED LOANS
Traditional instruments of financing such as plain vanilla and syndicated loans are supported by Legelata’s team. Here we offer to our clients not only local specific legal knowledge and know-how but also expertise in the supporting legal systems of international transactions mostly subject to English law. Our qualified attorneys will act as a one-stop shop for resolving the any matters connected with the application of the foreign law to the transaction. It goes without saying that any security arrangement will be tightly constructed and arranged for by our team in Legalata.
INTERNATIONAL TAXATION
Whether you are a foreign resident extending a loan to a resident bank, financial institution or a corporate entity, investing in equity, convertibles, directly or indirectly through pass through, contractual and other funds, you will be advised thoroughly on the international taxation aspects of your transaction, including on issues of capital appreciation, taxation of dividends, interest and other fees and charges under the relevant transaction. Advising on transfer pricing matters as well as recommendations on most efficient taxation structures is a know-how we are proud to add value with for our clients.
DUE DILIGENCE
Specifically positioned as a law firm with least conflict of interest connected with local large participants of the market, Legelata acts as a reliable gatekeeper for any lender or a potential investor for scanning the legal, compliance and corporate governance risks of the target company, the bank or other financial institution. With thorough understanding of the business models of companies involved in different industries, our team specialises in constructing and executing the most complex due diligence plans in any most operationally demanding and complex industry.
TRADE & EXPORT FINANCE
Whether you are a financier extending finance for the sale in international trade context or a purchaser for the same our team in Legelata will offer you sophisticated advice and solutions for a wide variety of instruments used in international trade starting from usual security arrangements, bills of exchange, letters of credit, bank guarantees and other documentaries. Our vase practical experience in the field has rightly prompted us as one of the main partners for the largest international transactions.
05 Representative Transactions
Transaction: Extension of a EUR 75 million credit facility (the “Facility”) to the Government of Armenia for the construction of Vedi dam and other water infrastructures.
Advice: - Review of Facility agreement and the transaction documents with respect to the local mandatory legislation.
- Advising on the sovereign acts required for the Government of Armenia for valid entry into and ratification of the Facility agreement.
- Negotiations with the Government of Armenia with respect to the Facility agreement and other transaction documents.
- Review of performance of the conditions precedent.
Transaction: Extension of a multi-million-dollar credit facility (the “Facility”) to a local commodities producer.
Advice: - Review of Facility agreement and the transaction documents with respect to the local mandatory legislation.
- Drafting, negotiation and execution of pledge documents.
- Checking compliance with conditions precedent.
Transaction: Acquisition of equity stake in Araratbank OJSC of Armenia
Advice: - Drafting and negotiation of the shareholder agreement.
- Drafting and negotiation of the share purchase agreement.
- Extension of legal opinion on tax related matters.
- Performance of extensive tax and legal due diligence of the target.
- Provision of opinion on the valid entry, execution and delivery of the transaction.
Transaction: Establishment of greenfield operations in Armenia Extension of a multi-million syndicated
credit facility (the “Facility”) to a local producer of commodities for financing of its operations.
Advice: - Legal due diligence of the target.
- Review of Facility agreement and the transaction documents with respect to the local mandatory legislation.
- Drafting of the local security documentation for valid entry into and registration of the security assets.
- Advising on the acts required for valid entry into and ratification of the Facility agreement.
- Review of performance of the conditions precedent.
Transaction: Extension of multi-million credit facility (the “Facility”) for construction of greenhouse ecologically friendly project.
Advice: - Review of Facility agreement and the transaction documents with respect to the local mandatory legislation.
- Legal due diligence of the Borrower.
- Review of performance of the conditions precedent.
Transaction: Extension of multimillion-dollar facility to a local corporate
Advice: - Advise on local Armenian laws on securities and execution of payments through promissory notes.
- Review of a purchase agreement for which security was intended.
Transaction: Acquisition of equity stake in Inecobank CJSC of Armenia.
Advice: - Drafting and negotiation of the shareholder agreement.
- Drafting and negotiation of the share purchase agreement.
- Extension of legal opinion on tax related matters.
- Performance of extensive tax and legal due diligence of the target.
- Provision of opinion on the valid entry, execution and delivery of the transaction.
Transaction: Legal Screening of the Environment and extension of facility
Advice: - Provision of comprehensive advice on Armenian finance and tax laws in the form of a guidebook.
- Review of a loan facility extended to Ameriabank CJSC, provision of a legal opinion on the transaction.
Transaction: Trade Finance Instruments Advice
Advice: - Advising Danish Export Credit Fonden on extension of a facility and issuance of trade finance instruments.
- Legal Due Diligence of the Borrower.
- Negotiations with the local bank with regard to issuance of trade finance instruments for securing the credit.
Transaction: Repurchase transactions
Advice: - Provision of legal opinion with respect to enforceability of repo transactions in case of default or bankruptcy of the local bank and credit institution as counterpart.
- Review and amendment to GMRA based transaction documents for compliance with local law.
- Assistance in collecting CPs and closing of transaction.
Transaction: Liquidation of Universal Credit Organisation
Advice: - Management of the credit organization under liquidation.
- Sale of assets and portfolios.
- Representations in courts with regard to pending cases.
- Registrations, reports and other communication with the Central Bank of Armenia.
Transaction: Cryptocurrency trading
Advice: - Provision of legal advice on local qualification and trading status of cryptocurrencies.
- Provision of advice with regard to advertisement and marketing of the services of the client.
Transaction: CFD and Forex trading services
Advice: - Provision of legal opinion with respect to the terms and conditions of the service provisions agreement and coverage.
- Provision of legal opinions with respect to clearing and settlement of the transactions.
- Provision of legal opinion with respect to regulatory matters.
Transaction: Regulatory advice
Advice: - Provision of legal advice on local qualification and trading status of CFDs and options, requirements for regulations.
- Provision of advice with regard to advertisement and marketing of the services of the client.
Transaction: - Allocation of 52 million USD to a local producer of agricultural products for development finance.
Advice: - Due diligence of the Target company,
- Preparation of share purchase agreement.
Transaction: - Legal support in multimillion dollar acquisition of stake in local agricultural project;
Advice: - Legal and tax due diligence of the target and risk profiling;
- Preparation of transaction documents (including share purchase agreement and shareholder’s agreement);
06 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
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
2024 - Present
Legelata LLC, Junior Associate
2024
Fastex Crypto Exchange, Junior Associate
2022 - Present
Margaryan Law Firm, Research Specialist
2023
Minustry of Foreign Affairs, Intern
2024
Ministry of High-Tech Industry, 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.
07 Clients
08 Member Organizations
