“We wanted to specifically thank you and your whole team who have been an absolutely brilliant support throughout this transaction – at every hour of the day or night. We were thoroughly impressed by how proactive and responsive the team was on the due diligence exercise and the thoroughness of your work, especially given the ask”.

BANKING AND FINANCE

Leveraging the knowledge of a number of highly experienced partners, the ‘responsive and knowledgeable’ team at BGI Legal has the critical mass and level of expertise to handle a broad range of mandates for lenders and borrowers. The firm is ‘an ideal choice on cross-border transactions involving a Georgian element’ because of its ability to effectively meld strong local knowledge with an international mindset. Dual New York and Georgian qualified Lasha Gogiberidze has the ‘ability to effectively handle challenging legal issues that financial institutions in Georgia may encounter,’ including capital markets and project finance work. Unana Gogokhia is adept at handling debt and equity capital markets work for issuers and underwriters, which she combines with a more general finance offering. The team is rounded out by Sandro Bibilashvili, who excels at handing project and energy financing transactions.

COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A

The ‘highly experienced’ team at BGI Legal is popular among large international corporates on transactional and day-to-day commercial work. The scope of the work is broad, encompassing joint venture structuring, reorganisations, commercial contract drafting and M&A activity, with clients spanning a myriad of industry sectors. Lasha Gogiberidze 'can effectively handle challenging legal issues,' including a plethora of work for foreign investors in privatization deals vis-à-vis the Georgian government. Zaza Bibilashvili co-heads the team alongside Gogiberidze and has excellent credibility among TMT and energy clients. Sandro Bibilashvili is dual US and Georgian qualified and is also extremely well-versed at handling work for international clients, particularly within the energy sector. Recognised as an ‘excellent problem-solver,’ Tamara Tevdoradze has niche expertise advising international corporates on data protection matters. Unana Gogokhia is also recommended.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The team at BGI Legal provides ‘detail-oriented and effective’ advice to a primarily international roster of corporate clients across the full scope of their litigation requirements, including as it relates to commercial, IP, real estate, white-collar and employment disputes. Dovetailing with his own compelling transactional practice, team head Zaza Bibilashvili is particularly adept at handling high-profile corporate/commercial disputes. He is also one of many in the team with significant ADR experience, and has himself served as an arbitrator on numerous ICC arbitration cases. Sandro Bibilashvili has argued cases at all levels of the Georgian court hierarchy and is noted for his mediation skills, as is Giorgi Sarajishvili, who is ‘great at negotiating settlements on mediation’. Davit Kakoishvili excels in white-collar and extradition cases, while the ‘very diligent and hardworking’ Lika Topuria has recently handled some high-profile cases for creditors in the airline industry, as well as IP disputes for large food and beverage companies.

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (AND PROJECTS)

Instructed by a diverse array of stakeholders, including investors, banks and developers, BGI Legal has an excellent perspective of the commercial and legal requirements required to successfully conclude real estate and construction matters. Under the guidance of Zaza Bibilashvili and Tamara Tevdoradze, the team has gained particular acclaim for its work in the energy space and as part of its multi-disciplinary approach regularly advises on the real estate-related matters associated with facilitating large-scale fossil fuels and renewables projects. Lasha Gogiberidze's work in the space spans both “brick and mortar” matters, as well as corporate real estate mandates, to include M&A and asset deals involving shopping malls. Sandro Bibilashvili is also a key member of the team, regularly advising investors and financiers on hydropower projects and also regularly engaged by foreign diplomatic missions on their real estate requirements in Georgia.

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW -

BGI Legal is a highly reputed team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. The law firm is well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in major Georgian energy and infrastructure projects. It is noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. BGI Legal remains a popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. The law firm is also instructed by large clients from the gambling and shipping industries.

"BGI Legal is focused on addressing clients' needs rather than only setting forth the local legal framework."

"They are problem-solving lateral thinkers."

"The lawyers are tenacious, dedicated and straightforward."

Lasha Gogiberidze is a market-leading practitioner who handles corporate and financing matters within industries including banking, construction and energy. Lasha Gogiberidze offers significant experience in project finance and capital markets. His clients include international financial institutions and investment funds. "Lasha has been one of the leading lawyers in the market for many years. It is well deserved."

Highly acclaimed Unana Gogokhia is widely recognised for working on bond issuances and senior secured loans. She is also adept at handling corporate transactions and restructurings. "Unana is a very experienced lawyer with a client-oriented approach. She has an excellent grasp of our needs and provides tailored advice." "She's very capable in handling financing and international capital markets transactions."

Sandro Bibilashvili regularly advises on a range of corporate matters and has significant expertise in advising investors on financing of energy construction projects. He is also well versed in handling various commercial disputes. "Sandro Bibilashvili is detail-oriented and easy to work with."

BANKING AND FINANCE

The banking and finance team at BGI Legal assists large domestic banks, international financial institutions and investment funds with a range of high-value transactions including the issuance of bonds, the financing of large-scale infrastructure projects and regulatory capital deals. Founding partner Lasha Gogiberidze heads the team alongside Unana Gogokhia; both are highly experienced in project finance and capital markets. Sandro Bibilashvili  is also recommended for his work with IFIs on various energy projects.

COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A

Praised for its ‘understanding of both Georgian legislation and international practices’, BGI Legal remains a key player in high-value multi-jurisdictional transactions, advising a diverse range of domestic and international corporate clients from sectors including energy, technology and telecoms. The practice has expertise on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters, including numerous corporate restructurings and the drafting of complex shareholder agreements. Lasha Gogiberidze and Zaza Bibilashvili lead the department, with the former highly experienced in project finance. Sandro Bibilashvili is well-versed in the financing of energy infrastructure projects. Tamara Tevdoradze and Unana Gogokhia are also noted.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Praised for ‘providing strong commercial and legal advice’, the team at BGI Legal are active in local and international arbitration, insolvency proceeding and divorce litigation, in which the firm handled the largest case ever heard in Georgia. The practice also has a strong focus on IP and has represented blue-chip multinational corporations in several high-profile disputes in this sector. Experienced litigators Zaza Bibilashvili , Sandro Bibilashvili  , ‘very detail-oriented’ and Giorgi Sarajishvili  head the team. Davit Kakoishvili is also recommended for his experience in white-collar crime and extradition cases.

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (AND PROJECTS)

The significant transactional expertise at BGI Legal enables the firm to advise major developers, numerous foreign embassies and commercial clients on matters including real estate acquisitions, lease arrangements and foreign ownership rights. Headed by Zaza Bibilashvili and Tamara Tevdoradze, the practice regularly handles large scale infrastructure and energy projects for clients from, among others, the oil and gas, renewable energy and agriculture sector. Founding partner Lasha Gogiberidze is recommended for his real estate M&A expertise. Sandro Bibilashvili and Unana Gogokhia are noted for their experience in hydropower projects and local housing project financings respectively.

BGI Legal houses a highly reputed team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. The law firm is well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in major Georgian energy and infrastructure projects. The legal practice is noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. BGI Legal remains a popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. The law firm is also instructed by large clients from the gambling and shipping industries.

"All team members are supportive and understand client requirements."

"They are very experienced and savvy lawyers who can be trusted to produce thoughtful and practical solutions."

Lasha Gogiberidze is a market-leading practitioner who handles corporate and financing matters within industries including banking, construction and energy. Lasha Gogiberidze offers significant experience in project finance and capital markets. His clients include international financial institutions and investment funds. "He's a well-known professional in the market."

Unana Gogokhia climbs to the top tier this year as a result of exceptional market support. She is highly regarded for working on bond issuances and senior secured loans. She is also adept at handling corporate transactions and restructurings. "She has done a lot of work in capital markets and international financing. She is one of the most distinguished practitioners."

Sandro Bibilashvili regularly advises on a range of corporate matters and has significant expertise in advising investors on financing of energy construction projects. He is also well versed in handling various commercial disputes.

Zaza Bibilashvili is experienced in transactional matters and corporate restructurings for clients from industries including energy and TMT. He also has a strong reputation in litigation for handling commercial disputes. "Mr Bibilashvili is an important senior expert."

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW -

BGI Legal houses a highly reputed team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. The law firm is well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in major Georgian energy and infrastructure projects. The legal practice is noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. BGI Legal remains a popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. The law firm is also instructed by large clients from the gambling and shipping industries.

"All team members are supportive and understand client requirements."

"They are very experienced and savvy lawyers who can be trusted to produce thoughtful and practical solutions."

Lasha Gogiberidze is a market-leading practitioner who handles corporate and financing matters within industries including banking, construction and energy. Lasha Gogiberidze offers significant experience in project finance and capital markets. His clients include international financial institutions and investment funds. "He's a well-known professional in the market."

Unana Gogokhia climbs to the top tier this year as a result of exceptional market support. She is highly regarded for working on bond issuances and senior secured loans. She is also adept at handling corporate transactions and restructurings. "She has done a lot of work in capital markets and international financing. She is one of the most distinguished practitioners."

Sandro Bibilashvili regularly advises on a range of corporate matters and has significant expertise in advising investors on financing of energy construction projects. He is also well versed in handling various commercial disputes.

Zaza Bibilashvili is experienced in transactional matters and corporate restructurings for clients from industries including energy and TMT. He also has a strong reputation in litigation for handling commercial disputes. "Mr Bibilashvili is an important senior expert."

BGI Legal is a full-service law firm in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm advises domestic and international clients on a range of corporate transactions including banking, M&A and project development.

Key clients

Key clients are JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, ICBC Standard, TBC Capital, Galt & Taggart, IFC, EBRD and ADB, Korea Water Resources Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Company, BP Georgia, CT Park, Sarnia Holding and Finance, Yenigun Construction Industry and Citigroup Global Markets.

Client feedback: 32^nd edition (2021/2022)

Banking and finance

"Client and solution oriented, professional knowledge, easy communication, transparent billing and fees."

M&A

"They know the local oil and gas sector and regulations very well, with inside to local politics, so it helped in decision-making during the divestment process."

BANKING AND FINANCE

The banking and finance team at BGI Legal is a popular choice for foreign development associations and international banks, funds and financial institutions, where it handles high-value banking and finance transactions. Capital markets expert Lasha Gogiberidze heads the team. Unana Gogokhia is another key name; a recent mandate of hers was advising the IFC with respect to an investment in JSC Isbank Georgia. Gogokhia also handles corporate transactions and restructuring. Zaza Bibilashvili is also noted.

COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A

The offering at BGI Legal includes an extensive range of services but the practice continues to be a key destination for multijurisdictional M&A matters. In recent trends, the team has seen a considerable amount of work within the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. The department is led by Lasha Gogiberidze and Zaza Bibilashvili. Sandro Bibilashvili is noted for his transactional expertise. Tamara Tevdoradze and Unana Gogokhia are also highly regarded and internationally recognised lawyers.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The team of ‘exceptionally knowledgeable‘ lawyers at BGI Legal are frequently sought out by large corporations active in a variety of sectors including construction and financial services to assist with local and international arbitration. The practice is led by Zaza Bibilashvili , Sandro Bibilashvili and Giorgi Sarajishvili . Notable recent mandates include a high-value divorce litigation in Georgia involving assets worth approximately $0.5bn. ‘Multitalented lawyer‘ Davit Kakoishvili leads on criminal law matters.

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (AND PROJECTS)

The team at BGI Legal is led by Zaza Bibilashvili and Tamara Tevdoradze; it handles the full spectrum of real estate and construction matters including acquisitions, leasing, land registration and privatisations. The practice has also been involved in a number of energy and infrastructure projects, including work on oil and gas pipelines operated by British Petroleum (BP). Clients include major foreign investors and lending institutions, national companies, joint ventures, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Founding partner Lasha Gogiberidze and experienced real estate specialist Sandro Bibilashvili are also names to note.

WHAT THE TEAM IS KNOWN FOR

STRENGTHS

NOTABLE PRACTITIONERS

Client feedback: 

Bank lending: Borrower side

"Flexibility. Precise and timely answers to our inquiries. Always showing that they care."

Banking

"Excellent expertise, client-oriented relationship, easy and understandable communication."

Project development: Energy

"Quick response, thorough analyses and creativity."

"They provide good pieces of advice on the preparation of the charter and the partnership agreement while establishing the new LLC."

BANKING AND FINANCE - The banking and finance practice at BGI Legal is led by Lasha Gogiberidze a leader when it comes to capital markets transactions in Georgia. The firm assists foreign development associations and international banks, funds and financial institutions with high-value banking and finance transactions. Unana Gogokhia is another key name; she recently advised on landmark transactions which brought $425m worth of investment to the country within a two-week period. Counsel Ekaterina Aleksidze is another name to note.

COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE & M&A - The team at BGI Legal specialises in major cross-border M&A deals that span a variety of different sectors. Despite unusual market conditions, the firm has taken on several new important clients this year who have subsequently brought a series of significant deals. The group has seen a considerable amount of work within the renewable energy sector and continues to be a key destination for multijurisdictional matters. The department is led by Lasha Gogiberidze and Zaza Bibilashvili. Sandro Bibilashvili and Unana Gogokhia are also highly regarded.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION - The team of 'consummate professionals' at BGI Legal handle local and international arbitration for large corporations active in a variety of sectors including oil and gas and social media companies. The practice is led by the 'intelligent and motivated' Zaza Bibilashvili, Sandro Bibilashvili and Giorgi Sarajishvili. In headline work, the firm is defending the former president of Georgia in a criminal case.  In addition, it represented a European bank and a large foreign conglomerate in a dispute worth circa $100m, which concerned the assets of one of the largest industrial enterprises in Georgia. Associate Davit Kakoishvili leads on criminal matters.

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (AND PROJECTS) - The team at BGI Legal assists with a full range of real estate and construction matters including acquisitions, leasing, land registration and privatisations. Clients include major foreign investors and lending institutions, real estate and infrastructure developers, national companies, joint ventures, diplomatic missions and international organisations. The firm has also advised on a number of energy and infrastructure projects, including work on several hydro-power plant and wind farm developments. Zaza Bibilashvili is the practice head; Lasha Gogiberidze and Sandro Bibilashvili are also key names in this area.

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW DEPARTMENT

Highly reputed team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Particularly well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in major Georgian energy and infrastructure projects. Noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. Popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. Also instructed by large clients from the gambling and shipping industries.

Lasha Gogiberidze is praised by sources for his "depth of insight, out-of-the-box thinking and commercially oriented" approach. He enjoys a market-leading reputation for handling corporate and financing matters within industries including banking, energy and construction. Offers significant experience in project finance and capital markets. Clients include international financial institutions and investment funds.

Zaza Bibilashvili offers significant experience in transactional matters and corporate restructurings for clients from industries including energy, TMT and social media. He is also a leading litigator with particular expertise in representing high-profile individuals in politically sensitive cases.

Sandro Bibilashvili receives praise for his attention to detail and responsiveness. He offers advice across a range of corporate matters and has significant experience in advising investors on financing of energy construction projects. He is also a strong litigation lawyer handling varied commercial disputes.

Unana Gogokhia offers significant experience in working for banks and financial institutions on matters including bond issuances as well as senior secured loans. She also handles corporate transactions and restructurings.

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW -

Highly reputed team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Particularly well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in major Georgian energy and infrastructure projects. Noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. Popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. Also instructed by large clients from the gambling and shipping industries.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT - 

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW -

Highly reputed team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Particularly well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in major Georgian energy and infrastructure projects. Noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. Popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. Also instructed by large clients from the gambling and shipping industries.

BGI Legal is one of the leading names in Georgia’s legal market and has strength across the board, often playing a role in the country’s largest transactions.  

The firm is also renowned for its capital markets work, a rarity in the jurisdiction, and recently represented clients on eurobond issues and listings on the LSE. 

During the research period the firm had buy-side roles on large Georgian M&A deals across the financial services, food and beverage, and gaming industries.  

In project development the firm represented parties on several of Georgia’s biggest ongoing infrastructure projects, and assisted the government in improving the concession framework for large-scale hydro power plant developments. 

Client feedback

"It's a pleasure working with the firm. Their availability and flexibility are the main strengths." – Banking

"Very professional, solution-oriented and efficient." – Banking

BANKING AND FINANCE - The banking and finance team at BGI Legal is led by experienced capital markets partner Lasha Gogiberidze, and handles corporate bond issuances, listings and project finance. Clients include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and J.P. Morgan; the firm advised the latter and Citigroup on issuing €370m corporate bonds on the Irish Stock Exchange. Gogiberidze led the advice on the matter alongside newly promoted partner Unana Gogokhia, who also worked with a UK-headquartered law firm to advise the European Investment Fund on guaranteed SME loans in Georgia. Associate Tamar Morchiladze is heavily involved in investment matters, and assisted on a proposed $10m investment by the International Finance Corporation in BasisBank.

COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A - BGI Legal has an especially strong corporate presence in the energy sector, where it advises both traditional and renewable energy clients. Corporate veterans Zaza Bibilashvili and Sandro Bibilashvili are active in this field, and have represented local and foreign investors. Unana  Gogokhia advised CapGrowth on the acquisition of a spa centre in a multi-use complex, while Zaza assisted broadcasting giant Rustavi 2 with various matters, including corporate restructuring. Lasha Gogiberidze is also recommended for his expertise in resolving corporate and employment matters.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION - BGI Legal's dispute resolution practice is led by Zaza Bibilashvili, who acts on corporate and commercial disputes. The firm handles both local and international litigation, and has experience in white-collar crime cases; Bibilashvili and associate Davit Kakoishvili defended the former President of Georgia against criminal allegations by the new government. Kakoishvili also defended the former Justice Minister and Prime Minister in similar white-collar crime cases. Giorgi Sarajishvili assisted Bibilashvili in representing an Israeli-owned operator of parking services in Tbilisi in a $50m dispute with the government. He was also the key name on a trade mark litigation case, in which the firm successfully represented Ferrero. Experienced litigator Sandro Bibilashvili recently acted for Vialis Belgium in a breach of contract dispute.

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (AND PROJECTS) - BGI Legal handles large-scale real estate developments and construction projects in the energy sector. Lasha Gogiberidze and Zaza Bibilashvili are the key names, and advised a group of international investors on a $250m secured loan to finance the construction of the Adjaristsqali hydropower project. Unana Gogokhia advised another financier on the $7m financing of a new hotel construction project in Tbilisi.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT - Excellent team known for acting on high-profile civil and criminal disputes. Serves prominent individuals and corporations, often representing international companies in local litigations. Further capabilities include litigation related to trade mark infringement as well as employment law cases. Also assists with recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards in Georgia. 

Satisfied clients highlight their positive experience, with one noting that the lawyers "are a good team and are doing an amazing job."

Represented Facebook in a dispute concerning an unauthorised use of its trade mark as a domain name.

Sandro Bibilashvili is widely praised by sources, who appreciate his tenacity and detailed advice. "He has a very proactive approach and investigates all possible ways and routes to solve our problems," notes one interviewee. He regularly represents international corporate clients in domestic disputes. He is also active in trade mark cases.

Founding partner Zaza Bibilashvili is recognised as one of the leading litigators in the Georgian market, regularly acting on high-profile corporate and commercial disputes. Clients are full of praise, noting his expertise and describing him as an "excellent" practitioner.

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW DEPARTMENT - Solid team with extensive experience in handling a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Particularly well versed in project finance and boasts an impressive track record in some of the country's biggest energy and infrastructure projects. Noted for its experience in capital markets mandates, frequently assisting with bond issuances and IPOs. Popular choice for prominent international and local companies, including financial institutions and corporate clients. Assists international law firms with deals relating to Georgia, particularly in regulated sectors.

One client praises the team for its constructive advice: "Their service was very solution-oriented and to the point."

Advised J.P. Morgan and Citi on the issuance of EUR370 million corporate bonds by Energo-Pro.

Lasha Gogiberidze is a standout practitioner best recognised for his expertise in capital markets and project finance. He often acts for international banks and corporates as well as major domestic clients. One source describes him as a "very good, knowledgeable and experienced" lawyer. He advised IFC on its USD23 million financing of an affordable housing project.

Sandro Bibilashvili moves up the rankings this year due to positive market feedback. Interviewees characterise him as a "sharp, thorough and extremely responsive" practitioner. He regularly advises on project finance mandates. He advised Korea Water Resources Corporation on implementing the Nenskra hydroelectric power project in Georgia.

Tamara Tevdoradze has a wide-ranging practice that encompasses both domestic and cross-border mandates.

According to sources, Unana Gogokhia is an "extremely thorough and very diligent" lawyer and has considerable experience in corporate transactions and capital markets mandates. She often acts for banks and financial institutions on project finance and bond issuances.

Zaza Bibilashvili is a highly esteemed lawyer with noteworthy expertise advising on complex corporate transactions and litigations. Clients particularly appreciate his solution-oriented approach.