Despite this, hundreds of Bulgartabac workers staged several protests shortly after the deal was announced in early September, arguing the competition for Bulgartabac's sale was manipulated in favour of BT Invest, which was the only remaining candidate.
Cu toate acestea, sute de angajaţi ai Bulgartabac au organizat o serie de proteste la scurt timp după anunţarea tranzacţiei la începutul lunii septembrie. Ei susţineau că vânzarea Bulgartabac a fost manipulată în favoarea BT Invest, ultimul candidat rămas.