For the first time, CEE Legal Matters turns its spotlight on Georgia, examining a market that has changed dramatically over the past three decades. From the early days of small local offices to today’s mix of international and domestic players, we look at what has shaped Georgia’s legal landscape.

An in-depth look at Sandro Bibilashvili of BGI Legal, covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer, as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.

BLC, working with Baker McKenzie, has advised J.P. Morgan and UBS on Silk Road Group’s USD 400 million Eurobond issuance, which has been listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. 

Hogan Lovells, working with Gvelebiani, has advised the Government of Georgia on a USD 6 billion urban development partnership with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Dentons reportedly advised Eagle Hills.

Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, working with its Turkish affiliate Gedik & Eraksoy, BGI Legal, and Boyanov & Co have advised J.P. Morgan as the sole initial purchaser and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation as trustee on Energo-Pro’s EUR 300 million regulation S private placement of 6.45% guaranteed notes, marking the issuer’s debut on the Vienna MTF. White & Case advised Energo Pro.

As the region rounds the summer bend, Kinstellar Partner in Serbia Milan Samardzic, Avellum Managing Partner Mykola Stetsenko in Ukraine, and PwC Director and Head of Legal Practice in Georgia Vano Gogelia unpack what moved and why in terms of summer levels of activity, the macro and political levers at play, and what they expect to drive closings into year-end.