The European automotive industry is in the midst of a profound transformation. Traditional dealership networks are being redefined, with manufacturers increasingly weighing direct-to-consumer, agency, or hybrid sales models. While such innovations can enhance brand control and customer engagement on the part of manufacturers, they also raise complex contractual law issues related to commercial and legal sustainability. At the centre of these challenges is the reality that altering hitherto existing distribution models requires substantial changes to existing contractual relationships. After all, most dealership agreements contain detailed provisions on exclusivity, termination rights, and non-compete obligations. Failure
The automotive industry is entering a new era – not only in terms of technology and electromobility but also in terms of how vehicles are sold. Certain manufacturers are shifting away from the traditional dealership model towards alternative sales models, such as agency system, while many others remain wary about the viability of such alternatives. Traditionally, manufacturers would sell cars through dealerships, who acted both as buyers and as agents. Dealers would typically purchase vehicles, hold inventory, and then sell cars to customers, earning profits from sales margins and commissions. Under the new agency model, dealers will act as sales agents directly for manufacturers. They will thus no longer purchase
Kinstellar is pleased to announce it has advised Park Lane Developments, a leading commercial property company in Bulgaria and its joint venture with Mitiska REIM, a major real estate investor, on the acquisition of a sizeable land plot of nearly 22,000 sq. m in Varna, Bulgaria, for the development of a new retail park. The retail park will feature a variety of national and international brands and represents a significant addition to the region’s commercial infrastructure. This marks Mitiska's third retail park investment in Bulgaria, reinforcing its growing presence in the market. The Kinstellar team was led by Antonia Mavrova (Partner) and Atanas Mihaylov (Counsel), with key support from Denitsa Kuzeva (Senior
We are pleased to announce that Kinstellar advised First Big Orange Garden, a special purpose vehicle, on one of the largest office building acquisitions in Bulgaria to date - the FairPlay Business Hub. First Big Orange Garden acquired the FairPlay Business Hub from Fairplay International AD, one of the biggest real estate investors on the local market. Strategically located in Lozenets, Sofia, the FairPlay Business Hub is a highly valuable asset, built to premium standards to provide an exceptional environment for modern business. Real estate advisory firm Avalant supported the buyer throughout the process of identification, analysis, and selection of the investment property. Our Sofia team advised the client throughout
Kinstellar has successfully advised TSH Investment, the joint venture between the real estate investment companies Trinity Capital and HUS Invest, on the acquisition of Park Center shopping mall, strategically located in the heart of Sofia. TSH Investment acquired Park Center from Revetas Capital Advisors, a European real estate investment advisor focused on distressed opportunities and value-add investments. The purchase is set to enhance the potential and attractiveness of the mall. Kinstellar advised on all aspects of the acquisition, including transaction structuring, debt restructuring elements, and real estate acquisition, by providing multidisciplinary support to the in-house team of TSH. The team was led
Kinstellar has advised the Mitiska European Real Estate Partners 3, a real estate fund managed by Mitiska REIM, on its entry into the real estate market in Bulgaria through a joint venture (JV) with Park Lane Developments. Mitiska REIM, the leading specialist investor in European convenience real estate, and Park Lane Developments, a leading commercial property company developing and managing prime office, logistics/light-industrial, and retail park assets in CEE, plan to develop and open at least five prime retail parks in Bulgaria over the next five years. Kinstellar advised on the structuring and implementation of the JV. The team was led by Partner Antonia Mavrova (Head of Real Estate, Construction &
Kinstellar has successfully advised 52 Entertainment, a worldwide leader in bridge online (BBO, Funbridge) and e-sailing (Virtual Regatta), on its expansion into strategy and mind games by the acquisition of Casualino (also known as Zariba Group), the largest independent gaming studio in Bulgaria. The purchase of Causalino, a prolific creator of live games and highly popular brands, will help 52 Entertainment to continue its contribution to shaping the future of mobile and web gaming. The HLD-backed 52 Entertainment is scaling its operations to create new genre-defining top-grossing games for millions of new players. Kinstellar’s team was led by Antonia Mavrova (Partner) and Atanas Mihaylov (Counsel) and
Kinstellar’s team in Sofia has advised Remix Global on the long-term lease of nearly 2,300 sq.m. office space in Business Garden Office X located in one of Sofia’s most attractive business areas, as well as on the multi-stage leasing of a warehouse of more than 30,000 sq.m. in the vicinity of Sofia. Having assisted thredUP, one of the largest online resale platforms in the world, with the acquisition of its European peer, Remix Global, we continue to provide local support on the expansion of Remix Global’s operations. Kinstellar’s team included Antonia Mavrova (Partner) and Simeon Vachev (Senior Associate). For more information please contact Antonia Mavrova, at.