Serbia

This year, we are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Karanovic & Partners marks its 30th anniversary. Over three decades, we established cooperation with local lawyers across Southeast Europe, having more than 150 attorneys at law cooperating across Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, all working together to provide legal services to the clients. Our journey has been defined by persistence, excellence, and vision – we have built a reputation for being a trusted partner in tackling complex legal matters, offering innovative solutions, and staying ahead of the curve in legal developments across the region. Our commitment to pioneering new legal practices in Southeast Europe has driven us to remain at the forefront of the industry throughout these years. Reflecting on the past 30 years, Miloš Vučković, Managing Partner at Karanovic & Partners, shares: “From the very beginning, we had a clear vision – to reshape the legal market and establish new standards in legal practices. Now, after 30 years, we can confidently say that we are wiser, stronger, and more prepared to face the new challenges ahead. In the next chapter, we remain committed to delivering exceptional results while staying true to the values that have made us who we are today.” In celebration of our 30th anniversary and as a lasting legacy, we stay true to our commitment to giving back to the community and nurturing the next generation of talent in both the legal and creative sectors. As we reflect on our 30-year journey, we express our gratitude to our clients, partners, and dedicated team members for walking alongside us. With such a strong foundation, we look forward to continuing this journey with you for the next 30 years and beyond. The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.

Karanovic & Partners is proud to announce the new promotions to Partners. Milica Filipović With 14 years with our team, Milica has consistently showcased dedication, expertise, and leadership. Her in-depth knowledge of commercial and healthcare law, combined with her business and client-focused approach, has significantly strengthened our practice. A key driver behind the growth of our Food Law practice, she has been instrumental in dealing with complex legal matters while shaping long-term strategic growth. A natural mentor and team player, Milica fosters a collaborative environment that inspires those around her. Marko Ćulafić Over the past decade, Marko has demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of business strategy. Since stepping up to lead our Montenegrin team of cooperating lawyers, he has fully embraced the role: of building strong client relationships, spearheading business development, and setting a clear vision for the practice. His ambition, resilience, and ability to inspire others make his promotion a natural next step. We do no doubt that Marko will continue to drive our team to new heights. Sava Drača Having spent more than a decade with the team, Sava has not only refined his legal expertise but has also embraced the broader responsibilities of business development and leadership. His strategic vision for developing the High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) practice, both in Serbia and across the region, reflects his forward-thinking approach and dedication to innovation. In addition, his continued focus on private equity, defence, and gambling industries further cements his role as a key contributor to our team. Their legal careers testify to their hard work, adaptability, and leadership. This well-earned recognition reflects their remarkable contributions, and we look forward to seeing them shape the future of our practice. Partner refers to Independent Attorney at Law in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners. The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.        

Gecić Law is proud to announce that it served as lead legal advisor to Telekom Srbija Group in a landmark telecommunications transaction in the Western Balkans.  Telekom Srbija Group has agreed to acquire NetTV Plus, DTH in Serbia/North Macedonia and Western Balkans Sport Klub rights licenses from United Group​.  The acquisition is part of a broader deal with a combined enterprise value of €1.5 billion​, representing one of the largest telecom sector transactions in the region’s history.  As part of the broader transaction, e& PPF Telecom—majority-owned by e& and Czech Group PPF—will acquire SBB and integrate it with Yettel. This deal significantly bolsters Telekom Srbija’s market position and expands its digital content offerings for consumers across the Western Balkans and Southeast European diaspora​. Key Deal Highlights:  Transaction Value: Combined enterprise value of €1.5 billion for the two concurrent transactions, marking a historic high for the region’s telecom sector​. Assets Acquired: Telekom Srbija will acquire Eon TV International Ltd (the holding company for the NetTV Plus platform), its direct-to-home businesses in Serbia and North Macedonia (DTH), and certain Sport Klub rights in the Western Balkans. This acquisition will enhance Telekom Srbija’s digital television services and premium content portfolio. Gecić Law’s Role: Gecić Law acted as lead counsel to Telekom Srbija, providing comprehensive legal support (corporate/M&A, regulatory, finance and competition) throughout the process. The firm coordinated closely with Clifford Chance as international counsel to navigate the deal’s cross-border complexities and high-value negotiations. Regulatory Approvals: The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2025​ Gecić Law’s team continues to advise Telekom Srbija through the closing process, including guidance on competition clearance and other closing conditions. This milestone deal underscores the increasing prominence of the Western Balkans in large-scale telecom and media investments.  Gecić Law’s multi-disciplinary team leveraged deep regional expertise to ensure a smooth execution of the transaction from start to finish.  The firm’s mandate covered all facets of the deal – from due diligence and structuring to addressing sector-specific regulations and antitrust requirements – exemplifying its capability to handle complex cross-border transactions.  Throughout the process, the firm collaborated closely with Clifford Chance, aligning local strategy with international best practices to structure the acquisition for a successful closing. Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner of Gecić Law, remarked: “We are thrilled to have supported Telekom Srbija Group in achieving this milestone.  This landmark acquisition is a testament to the Western Balkans’ potential and Telekom Srbija’s visionary approach to growth.  We are proud to be part of an endeavor that not only elevates Telekom Srbija’s strategic position but also signals a new era for the region’s telecommunications landscape.” Ognjen Colić, Partner and Head of Corporate/M&A at Gecić Law, added: “This complex deal required strict focus and precision.  Our team navigated a dynamic regulatory and contractual landscape and coordinated multiple workstreams to ensure an efficient process.  The successful outcome underscores Gecić Law’s commitment to delivering pragmatic, effective legal solutions in high-value corporate transactions.” As Telekom Srbija Group’s lead legal advisor, Gecić Law’s Corporate/M&A, Administrative & Regulatory, Competition Law, EU Law and Banking & Finance practices played a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth execution of this complex cross-border transaction. The Gecić Law team, led by partners Bogdan Gecić, Ognjen Colić, and Miodrag Jevtić; counsel Miloš Petaković; senior associates Vuk Leković and Žarko Popović, and associates Dušan Jablan, Vasilije Bošković, Nikola Ivković, Marko Jović, and Aleksa Stojanović worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this deal. In addition to Gecić Law, Telekom Srbija Group’s legal advisors were Clifford Chance (International Counsel), Fellner Wratzfeld & Partner (Austria), Kaimakliotis & Co (Cyprus), Lalive (Switzerland), and Zdolšek (Slovenia).  Sullivan & Cromwell LLP was the legal adviser of e& PPF Telecom, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP for United Group. As Telekom Srbija integrates these new assets, Gecić Law stands ready to support the client through the closing and beyond.  The firm’s involvement in this historic transaction reaffirms its position as a market leader, building on a series of high-profile deals that continue to drive growth and innovation across the Western Balkans and beyond.  

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our law practice into yet another Western Balkans jurisdiction. Following our establishment in Montenegro last year, this October, we are now extending to North Macedonia with full office presence by integrating the localhost Tosic & Jevtic Attorneys and Counselors at Law, the firm that is present for 13 years at the market of North Macedonia into JPM Partners. We are especially happy to welcome Ms. Ana Tosic Chubrinovski and Mr. Ivica Jevtic into JPM Partners, who both will continue in future as JPM Senior Partners. We are expanding our legacy of delivering cutting-edge service to our clients and integrating top-tear legal professionals from the region. By participating in the latest trends of innovation and transformation in the legal services sector and building our own regional growth, we are looking to the future expansions with an ambitious vision for our firm. Last year, we refreshed our heritage Jankovic Popovic Mitic brand to JPM Partners. This rebranding was aimed at facilitating regional expansion by integrating young and dynamic full-service local law firms with growing experience and aspirations. Now, as part of JPM Partners, these firms continue to grow and thrive as an integral part of our team. Our new expansion is the continuation of 33 years of our history and experience, reflecting the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit of JPM Partners today. We are committed to continuing our expansion throughout the Western Balkans region by integrating promising young and dynamic full-service law firms that excel in local service delivery. As JPM Partners, we continue to set new standards at the forefront of the regional legal market, supported by our Lex Mundi global reach, giving our clients the edge as their needs evolve and businesses become more complex. On behalf of all of us at JPM Partners in Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, we thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to our continued relationship. Kind regards,