Pepeliaev Group - the leader in 2009 under the version of the rating Chambers Europe

According to one of the leading international ratings of law firms Chambers Europe, Pepeliaev Group is the top provider of legal tax advisory services in Russia in 2009.

Managing Partner Sergey Pepeliaev was recognised as the best tax lawyer in Russia, or Band Star (meaning ‘absolute leader’). Chambers Europe describes Sergey Pepeliaev as “the father of Russian tax law; he’s absolutely the top man and will continue to be for a long time to come.”

Sergey Pepeliaev notes: “Rapidly changing Russian tax legislation remains to a large extent contradictory, allowing for different interpretations of law. Non-payment of tax results in significant fines, while ambiguities in legislation often cause companies to incur financial losses and pay too much tax.” Sergei Pepeliaev is confident that “against this backdrop, investments or the day-to-day activities of companies cannot be carried out without regular professional legal support”.

In recent years, attorneys at Pepeliaev Group generated tax savings of over USD 5 billion for clients in both in- and out-of-court settlements of tax disputes. The firm’s main clients include such majors as Gazprom, Shell, Transneft, Schlumberger, Alrosa, VimpelCom, Svyazinvest, Danone, Metro Cash&Carry, Ford, Volkswagen and other 800 clients.

In addition, Chambers Europe has recommended Pepeliaev Group as a reliable legal partner for doing business in Russia.

The firm is ranked in the top three law firms in the following practice areas:
• Antimonopoly Regulation;
• Dispute Resolution (St. Petersburg);
• General Law Issues (St. Petersburg);
• Intellectual Property;
• Corporate Law and M&A;
• Real Estate;
• Employment Law.

In 2008, the total value of 10 major M&A transactions and other forms of business consolidation conducted with the assistance of attorneys fr om Pepeliaev Group generated USD 28 billion (including global transactions worth USD 25 billion wh ere the firm’s attorneys were appointed joint advisers for leading international businesses, such as Alcoa, Eaton, Ashland, AIG Russia Century Fund and Equifax, a leading global food manufacturer, as well as other internationally renowned companies).