Leading firms in Montenegro
BDK Advokati
BDK Advokati's 'very precise, to-the-point and accommodating' practice fields experts in finance, corporate and M&A transactions. The team advised Société Générale on the €3.05bn financing of PPF Group's acquisition of the telecom assets in Central and Eastern Europe of mobile operator, Telenor. Luka Popović in Podgorica is highly rated for M&A, corporate and commercial law, and real estate deals. Associate Jelena Bogetić focuses on litigation, employment law and employment disputes, and IP, including counterfeiting-related administrative procedures.
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are thorough experts, committed and willing to co-operate.‘
Key clients
Société Générale
BC Partners
Government of Montenegro
CCEC Investments
DCE Investments
European Investment Bank
Iberostar
Signature Investments Montenegro
Work highlights
- Advised private equity firm BC Partners on the successful acquisition of a majority stake in Balkan triple-play operator, United Group, from KKR.
- Advised CCEC Investments on the financing of the acquisition of a land complex.
- Provides ongoing legal support to Iberostar on various corporate and commercial matters, which involve its local subsidiaries.
Harrisons Solicitors
Led by Serbia-based Mark Harrison, Harrisons Solicitors is an English law firm with additional offices in Montenegro and London. The firm 'combines the best of international expertise on large, cross-border transactions with the best local lawyers'. The practice advises on major tourism projects and stands out for its real estate market expertise. In recent work, the team advised IFC and Erste Bank AD Podgorica on a long-term debt financing for the City of Podgorica; and acted for Deutsche Bank (Hong Kong) on a €69.5m facility agreement for Spic Ronghe International (Montenegro) Financial Leasing. Also in Serbia, consultant Goran Martinovic is noted for high-profile foreign investments in the tourism sector. Senior associate Milan Keker is now Podgorica office head.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The lawyers not only know the local laws and practice, but have often been the leading local force in developing the local laws and practice for 21st Century transactions.‘
‘They offer the best legal input when compared to other legal firms. They are also honest and fair and communicate throughout the process so that there are no hidden fees.‘
‘Mark Harrison is internationally trained and gained his experience and expertise in international transactions while developing a keen interest in the Balkan region where he set up his firm and where he has dedicated the last 20-plus years of his professional career. He knows everyone there is to know and can agree deals and open doors closed to other less experienced and less impressive individuals.‘
‘Goran Martinovic is the best local lawyer in the Balkans by far. His in-depth knowledge of local law and the respect he has from other local lawyers means that Goran can find solutions to what other less experienced lawyers may raise as insurmountable problems.‘
‘Senior associate Milan Keker’s commitment is admirable and his advice is very important and appreciated.‘
Key clients
Adriatic Marinas (Porto Montenegro)
China Development Bank
Agrokor
La Roche (Switzerland)
EU Delegation Montenegro
Deutsche Bank (Hong Kong)
West of England Insurance
Credit Suisse
Melia Hotels International
EBRD
Starwood Hotels
Dahlem (Germany)
Royal Group (UAE)
IFC
Hilton Group
OTP Group
Yapi Kredi Bank
EDC – Export Development Canada
Work highlights
- Advised Credit Suisse on a €250m loan facility provided to the Republic of Montenegro.
- Assisted China Development Bank with its loan to the Investment Development Fund of Montenegro.
- Acted for Yapi Kredi Bank on its loan to Cokyasar Wire Industries (Montenegro).
Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr
Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr's 'concise, accurate and efficient' full-service practice is led by Serbia-based Slaven Moravčević. It covers corporate and M&A deals involving the media, food, telecoms, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors; finance, capital markets and debt securities; and energy-related privatisations and construction and development matters. Other key areas are the real estate aspects of major infrastructure and energy projects, merger control proceedings, multi-jurisdictional IP issues, and international arbitration and litigation. Highlights included advising Enemalta and Shanghai Electric Power on the development of a wind park. Based in Podgorica, attorney-at-law Ana Vukčević is particularly focused on corporate matters in the telecoms and financial services sectors.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The team provides high-quality advice, interfacing very well with the regulators, local management and local counterparts. They understand very well the needs of very sophisticated and highly demanding clients, enabling successful closing of deals in the contemplated timelines, despite numerous regulatory constraints and unexpected business issues.‘
‘They have been pioneers in advising bulge-bracket banks on the local law implications surrounding English law documents, and they know the framework inside out .’
‘Slaven Moravčević is available 24/7, with advice perfectly timed to benefit the transaction, providing satisfaction to all stakeholders.‘
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
Enemalta
Shanghai Electric Power
KKR
Montenegro’s Privatization and Capital Investment Council
Azmont Investments
Novi Volvox
Raiffeisen Bank
Uniprom Energy
Fortum
Sucafina
EBRD
Deutsche Bank
Direct Media
Enel Global Trading
Abu Dhabi Capital Group
Work highlights
- Advised Fortum Finland and EPCG on the land lease and development of a solar power plant.
- Advised KKR on the sale of United Group, a telecoms and media provider in South East Europe.
- Advised Société Générale, Deutsche Bank and Erste Group Bank, as joint lead managers, on Montenegro’s issuance of a €500m bond.
CMS
CMS' 'experienced and thorough team' is a go-to adviser for energy matters, and regularly assists with the development of tourist resorts, major dispute resolution cases, M&A deals and competition law matters. Other areas of strength are banking and finance, real estate, public procurement and labour-related issues, and telecoms-related matters. Radivoje Petrikić heads the Belgrade and Podgorica offices, while Milica Popović leads the banking and finance teams in Belgrade and Podgorica.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The lawyers respond in a timely manner and give concise, clear and comprehensive answers, leaving no space for uncertainty regarding the understanding of the subject matter.‘
‘They are experts with broad experience and knowledge in legal matters.‘
‘It is very responsive, pays attention to detail and provides clear advice.‘
‘Easy to communicate with and ready to respond to any given task with high levels of professionalism and agility.‘
‘Skilled individuals who are reliable, precise and open to different views.‘
‘The team has good understanding of clients’ requests, addresses points in a clear manner, is capable of summarising complex issues while moving forward, and can deliver under tight deadlines.‘
Key clients
OTP Bank Group
Luštica Development
Fortum Corporation
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
ZTE Corporation
EVN
Ocean Montenegro
Erste Group
Barclays Bank
Fragomen Global
Specure
Zumtobel Group
MoneyGram
NLB Bank
Capital Plaza
Work highlights
- Advised OTP Bank Group on the acquisition of Société Générale Bank Montenegro.
- Acted for EVN (and its affiliate WTE Group) in court proceedings surrounding its Montenegrin wastewater treatment and desalinisation facilities.
- Advised Fortum Corporation on its participation in a tender bid for the construction of a solar power plant.
Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners
Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners fields highly regarded Belgrade-based specialists in corporate, real estate, and tourism law, as well as dispute resolution. The practice is particularly noted for its experience in large-scale projects. The Montenegrin practice is led by experienced senior partner Petar Stojanovic, who, in addition to M&A and foreign direct investment, is widely respected for his assistance with major privatisation projects in Montenegro. Providing strong support is attorney at law and key corporate team member, Goran Vucic .
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘They are very professional and competent, and they provide their legal services in a timely manner. Therefore, my assessment of JSP in commercial law and litigation is as high as it could be. What I like in particular is the readiness of JSP to present objective legal opinions to clients, without any dubious promises whatsoever (which is not the case with some other prominent legal firms from Serbia). This way of practising has helped me co-operate with JSP without any misunderstandings with our mutual clients. Whenever their particular legal points were more valid than mine it was easy for me to accept them, because I knew they were honest and well thought out. By co-operating in this manner, we recently jointly resolved a very complicated and long-lasting dispute.’
‘They are experts in cases of great value and significance.’
‘JSP has a strategic approach to complex legal issues, and a high level of legal expertise, which enables the realisation of set goals. Their creative and multi-disciplinary approach brings results in matters that seem lost.’
‘They are great for loyalty, knowledge, experience, professionalism and availability!’
‘Petar Stojanovic is an expert for case management and monitoring, M&A, and a wide range of commercial contract issues.’
‘Petar Stojanovic is exceptional in attending to client’s interests. He combines in-depth knowledge of many key fields of law with a pragmatic, goal-driven approach to settling issues. He is capable of combining and utilising his team’s expertise to achieve the best results. He is always available and accessible, and does everything possible to protect his clients.’
‘I can single out Petar Stojanovic for his flawless professional conduct, competence and punctuality.’
‘Lawyer Goran Vučić is a young and ambitious lawyer with great experience and expertise in civil and corporate law, with a special focus on civil processes.’
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
Qatari Diar
Mercury Group
Alkemy SPA
Nelt Co. (Neregelia, Montenomaks etc.)
Teknox – Caterpillar
To To Montenegro (Member of Meridian Gaming Group)
Renault Nissan
Montecco
Work highlights
- Advised Qatari Diar’s Montenegrin subsidiary on the development of a major real estate tourism project in Montenegro.
- Advised the Government of Montenegro on the implementation of a contract for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway that is, reportedly, currently the largest infrastructure project in Montenegro.
- Successfully represented Sonuba Montenegro (Mercury Group subsidiary) in a number of disputes in Montenegro, including a procedure before the Constitutional Court of Montenegro.
Karanovic & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers
Karanovic & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers' 'business-oriented approach to each engagement is much appreciated and every piece of advice is tailor made'. The practice is particularly focused on banking and finance, M&A, joint ventures, privatisations, corporate law, real estate and competition law. Other key areas are IP, energy and infrastructure, healthcare, TMT, employment law, taxation, restructuring and bankruptcy, and dispute resolution. Senior associate Milena Rončević Pejović heads the Montenegrin practice and Belgrade's senior partner Milan Lazić heads the regional arbitration and litigation practice.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Clients are grateful for the firm’s co-operation, responsiveness and availability to assist, even on short deadlines.‘
‘Senior associate Milena Rončević Pejović is a real gem among Montenegrin lawyers. Her friendly approach to clients and extensive knowledge of local legislation and practice make clients feel comfortable that their legal matters are in good hands.‘
Key clients
Akuo Energy
PPF Group
Inconfin Investment Management
Philip Morris
Microsoft Corporation
Ernst & Young
Finance in Motion
Work highlights
- Advised Akuo Energy, an independent French producer of renewable energy, on financing the development of a commercial wind power plant.
- Assisted PPF Group, the Czech investment firm, with the €2.8bn acquisition of Telenor’s assets in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Ongoing advice to Ernst & Young Montenegro on corporate, commercial, employment and regulatory matters.
NKO Partners
'Standout law firm' NKO Partners 'delivers excellent advice promptly and the team provides great value for money'. The practice covers a wide range of corporate and transactional work, including M&A, corporate restructuring, takeover bids, management buyouts, joint ventures and privatisation. Podgorica office manager Djordje Ivanovic and Djuro Otasevic in Belgrade jointly head the corporate and commercial department. Ivanovic is focused on corporate and commercial law, M&A, construction and real estate, and dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Their rates are more competitive than other firms in the region, but they still deliver with partner-led, concise advice.‘
‘A standout partner is Djuro Otasevic, who is very intelligent and knows the law inside out. He is also always contactable and gives concise, excellent advice under strict deadlines and time pressures.‘
Key clients
INA Montenegro
Actavis Pharmaceuticals
Japan Tobacco International
Galenika
Cogent Communications
Prysmian Powerlink
Nexans Norway
Solibay Capital Partners
Mtel
Work highlights
- Advised INA Montenegro on the acquisition of a large petrol station chain.
- Assisting Actavis Pharmaceuticals with the legal aspects of its operations in Montenegro.
- Advised Prysmian Powerlink on a submarine power link between Montenegro and Italy.
Prelevic Law Firm
Prelevic Law Firm advises on banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, real estate, energy matters, labour law, IP, and privacy and data security aspects. Managing partner Dragan Prelevic's practice includes major real estate transactions, finance and securities. Aleksandar Vojinovic is a highly regarded litigator.
Law Office Vujacic
Law Office Vujacic is a boutique law firm that regularly advises on corporate and finance law, M&A, competition law, telecoms and media and IP, along with labour law, real estate, taxation, administrative law and dispute resolution. The client base includes individuals, entrepreneurs, companies, governments and financial institutions. The key contacts are name partner Sasha Vujacic and Jelena Vujisic.
Živko Mijatovic & Partners
Živko Mijatovic & Partners is experienced in IP work. The Montenegrin office acts for both international and local clients in prosecution and enforcement matters, including trade marks, designs, patents and copyright. Marija Savic is the key attorney-at-law.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The team is proactive and commercial in its support of brand protection matters in the region.‘