Salans and Belarusian firm SPP sign a cooperation agreement

The bilateral cooperation agreement between the law firms covers investment projects in Belarus itself as well as Belarusian investment projects in the Russian Federation and Central and Eastern Europe, including initial public offerings of Belarusian companies. Both firms will remain independent.

Salans and SPP have previously cooperated, among others, on transactions involving companies from the IT sector and representation of Belarus in the delivery of a nuclear power plant project. The agreement will enable the firms to provide more efficient services to clients as well as engage in joint training sessions and marketing projects.

Glenn Kolleeny, Salans partner in St. Petersburg and member of Salans’ Global Board noted: “We regard the Belarusian market as very promising and SPP is the largest and – we believe – the best law firm in Belarus. Thanks to the cooperation agreement Salans will extend its network of partner law firms in the Russian Federation which, combined with our leading position in neighbouring countries, i.e. Poland, Russia and Ukraine, will benefit our clients to a great extent.”

Alexander Stepanovski, managing partner of SPP added: “Thanks to the cooperation agreement we will be able to offer first-rate international legal assistance to Belarusian companies and broaden our client base. This tie-up will set SPP apart from its competitors on the Belarusian market. Additionally, our firm will take advantage of joint marketing and training programs, including secondment opportunities for our lawyers in Salans offices in London, Paris and New York.”

Marcin Bartczak, Salans Warsaw partner, commented: “Warsaw is a good place for companies in the Russian Federation to issue shares, in particular due to the lower costs and higher recognition. Russian and Belarusian companies are showing greater interest in gaining a presence on the Warsaw Stock Exchange after the success of Ukrainian companies which are already listed or are preparing to float in Warsaw. This agreement with the leading Belarusian law firm, combined with Salans’ experience in IPOs in Central and Eastern Europe, will further enhance our firm’s capacity in capital markets.“