Mykola Podpalov

Mykola is the Managing Partner of Koziakov & Partners with over 20 years of experience in competition, corporate law, and litigation. Recognised by leading Ukrainian and international directories, Mykola is known for deep regulatory insight, and consistent results in precedent-setting competition matters.

Language: German, Ukrainian

general info
notable experience
thought leadership
education

general info

Mykola Podpalov is the Managing Partner of Koziakov & Partners with more than 20 years of experience advising Ukrainian and international clients on antitrust and competition, corporate law, litigation, financial instruments, and privatization. He is a member of the Ukrainian Association of Lawyers and the National Bar Association of Ukraine, and is widely recognised by leading Ukrainian and international legal directories, including Chambers Global and Chambers Europe, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers.

Mykola has extensive advocacy experience, having represented clients in more than 200 economic, civil, and administrative court cases, and for two decades has acted in complex proceedings before the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine. His work covers merger control and strategic transactions, cartel and dominance investigations, unfair competition matters, and high-stakes AMCU litigation, including precedent-setting cases for major industrial and consumer-sector clients. He also regularly advises on privatization projects and the establishment of joint ventures, and has supported the creation and registration of numerous public associations and charitable organisations in Ukraine.

notable experience

Recognition & Professional Achievements

・Recognized as a Top Legal Expert by Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, and The Legal 500 in Antitrust & Competition Law and Litigation.

・Ranked among Ukraine’s Best Lawyers in the “Client’s Choice. 100 Best Lawyers of Ukraine” list from Yurydychna Hazeta (2018–2021).

・Featured in Best Lawyers (2020–2022) as a leading specialist in Antitrust Law.

・Acknowledged for broad experience in Antitrust and Competition Law by The Legal 500 EMEA (2019–2021).

Notable Legal Cases & Experience

Competition & Antitrust Law

・Successfully represented General Motors Company in securing AMCU approval for the acquisition of assets from Delphi Corporation, a transaction exceeding $3.2 billion.

・Represented Delphi Automotive LLP in obtaining AMCU approval for corporate acquisitions involving Radclive Holdings Limited (UK) and Hartridge Limited (UK), valued at €3.22 billion.

・Defended Budhouse Group Limited in securing antitrust clearance for a cross-border acquisition of construction and real estate businesses.

・Led legal defense for Odessa Port Plant, one of Ukraine’s most strategic chemical enterprises, in three precedent-setting antitrust cases.

・Represented a leading Ukrainian tobacco distributor in challenging the largest financial penalty in AMCU history amounting UAH 0.5 billion.

Litigation & Regulatory Challenges

・Represented State Enterprise “Ukrspirt” in contesting a UAH 33 million fine imposed by the AMCU for alleged market dominance abuse.

・Defended Lactalis Ukraine in a UAH 34 million fine appeal related to unfair competition.

・Provides ongoing legal counsel to one of Ukraine’s leading energy holdings, ensuring full compliance with Antimonopoly Legislation during corporate restructuring.

Corporate & Privatization Transactions

・Advised on over 40 privatization projects, including the sale of state assets, corporate share transactions, and joint ventures with state-owned enterprises.

・Assisted Ukrainian and foreign investors in obtaining AMCU approvals for banking acquisitions and financial sector investments.

・Represented international clients in the restructuring of assets and compliance with Ukrainian privatization laws.

thought leadership

Beyond his legal practice, Mykola is deeply engaged in shaping Ukraine’s corporate and non-profit legal landscape. He has provided legal structuring and state registration for numerous public associations and charitable organizations, including:

・European Business Association

・Fulbright Association

・The Fund of Assistance to the Institute of International Relations

・The Fund of Valeriy Vasylovych Lobanovskiy

・The Creative Center “Counterpart”

・The Fund of Development of Transplantology and Gene Therapy

His proactive role in structuring legal frameworks for public interest organizations underscores his commitment to advancing Ukraine’s legal and business environment.

education

Master’s Degree in Law, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

Master’s Degree in International Relations, Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.