In the last year and a half, a line of Russian court decisions has been actively developing on the forfeiture of shares (interests) of companies “strategic to national defense and state security” by the Russian Federation due to non-compliance by their shareholders (controlling persons) with the requirements of Federal Law No. 57-FZ dated April 29, 2008 “On the Procedure for Making Foreign Investments in Business Entities of Strategic Importance to National Defense and State Security” (hereinafter, “Law No. 57-FZ”). The development of this line of court decisions was reflected in the amendments to Law No. 57-FZ, which entered into force on May 9, 2023. According to the amendments, invalidity of void transactions (actions) executed by a foreign investor intentionally in violation of Law No. 57-FZ may result in direct forfeiture by the Russian Federation of shares (interests) of the “strategic” company and its fixed production assets, or income derived by the parties as a result of such transactions (actions).
Marat Mouradov is a partner in Nextons' Moscow office and head of Competition and Compliance practice. For over 20 years, Marat has advised clients on Russian antimonopoly regulation and compliance, advertising, trade, state procurement, and strategic investments law. In particular, he represents clients in antimonopoly investigations and disputes against the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia (FAS) relating to abuse of dominance, anticompetitive agreements, unfair competition practices and other violations, and also advises clients on product distribution structures and commercial contracts, develops internal antimonopoly compliance systems and various external policies and procedures relating primarily to relationships with business partners. Marat regularly conducts internal audits and investigations for his clients aimed at revealing, assessing and curing antimonopoly risks. His experience covers a range of industry sectors, including information and digital technologies, pharmaceuticals, medical products and equipment, automotive, fashion and entertainment, transportation, consumer products and retail.
From 2012 to 2022, Marat was a partner in Dentons’ Moscow office where he established a top-notch Russian Competition and Compliance practice, one of the strongest in the market, which has now become part of Nextons and which Marat continues to lead. Prior to joining Dentons (formerly Salans) Marat worked at international law firm Baker & McKenzie and managed his own law firm.
Marat has advocate status and is a member of the Moscow Region Bar Association.
Market Recognition
- Chambers Europe, 2013-2021: Leading lawyer in competition/antitrust in Russia (Band 1). “Marat Mouradov is a seasoned professional with great expertise."
- Kommersant, 2020-2023: Leading lawyer in competition and compliance in Russia.
- The Legal 500, 2013-2021: Leading lawyer in competition in Russia. “Dentons’ competition department is led by ‘competition superstar’ Marat Mouradov.” “Marat Mouradov is a charismatic leader with a perfect knowledge of practical solutions and approaches.”
- Best Lawyers, 2020: “The Lawyer of the Year in Corporate Governance and Compliance in Russia” Award.
- Best Lawyers, 2014-2021: Leading lawyer in competition/antitrust law, corporate governance and compliance, corporate law, M&A, and litigation in Russia.
- Global Competition Review 100, 2017-2021: Leading lawyer in competition in Russia.
- Who’s Who Legal, 2019-2021: Leading expert in competition in Russia.
- Pravo-300, 2019-2022: Leading lawyer in competition and compliance in Russia.
- Thomson Reuters Acritas Stars, 2021: Featured as a ‘standout lawyer’ based on client recommendations.
- Leaders League, 2020-2022: Top lawyer in antitrust in Russia.
- 2022 – present
- Partner and Head of Competition and Compliance practice – Nextons, Moscow
- 2012-2022
- Partner and Head of Russian Competition and Compliance practice – Dentons (formerly Salans), Moscow
- 2007-2011
- Partner – Baker & McKenzie, Moscow
Activities and Affiliations
Prior and Present Employment
News and Events
On August 4, 2023, Federal Law No. 470-FZ “On the Specifics of Regulation of Corporate Relations in Companies That Constitute an Economically Significant Organization” (hereinafter, the “Law”) was published. The Law introduces mechanisms to exclude “unfriendly” foreign holding companies from the chain of ownership of Russian Economically Significant Organizations (ESOs). The Law comes into force on September 4, 2023.