Reff & Associates successfully represented Spanish constructor Viales in an international commercial arbitration regarding a road infrastructure project

The litigation team of Reff & Associates, the law firm representing Deloitte Legal global network in Romania, successfully represented a consortium of construction companies, led by the Spanish firm Viales Y Obras Publicas SA Cuenca, in an international commercial arbitration file regarding the execution of construction works for road infrastructure of national interest, based on a FIDIC contract.

The dispute regarded the decision of the contracting authority to terminate the contract signed with the consortium led by Viales Y Obras Publicas SA Cuenca, as well as the execution of both parties’ contractual obligations and the damages caused by the contracting authority’s failure to observe its contractual obligations.

The Court of International Commercial Arbitration attached to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania obliged the contracting authority to pay damages of approximately EUR 3.5 million and has fully dismissed its claims, consisting of approximately EUR 1.5 million. The decision favorable to the consortium represented by Reff & Associates is final and enforceable, but it can be challenged by way of an annulment claim in front of Bucharest Court of Appeal.

“We are glad that we were able to represent our client in this complex project and that the court’s ruling has repaid our client’s trust to initiate and go through the proceedings for solving the dispute in front of Bucharest Court of Arbitration (CCIR). The entire project team, of which Raluca Rusu-Oana, Senior Associate, and Lorena Slevoaca, Senior Associate, were part, worked very hard and therefore deserves congratulations,” said Mihnea Galgotiu-Sararu, Senior Managing Associate with Reff & Associates and coordinator of the commercial litigation division.

“The result of this project shows once again the consolidation of our commercial litigation practice, as well as the expanding experience of our team in international arbitration cases. Our team is now simultaneously managing numerous arbitration proceedings in front of the Bucharest (CCIR), Vienna (VIAC) or Paris (ICC) Arbitration Courts, thanks to the trust our clients put in us,” said Andreea Artenie, Partner with Reff & Associates and leader of the litigation practice.

Reff & Associates’ litigation practice, which consists of over 20 lawyers, covers all types of business disputes, from fiscal, to commercial and administrative litigation.