BDK Advokati AOD > Belgrade, Serbia > Firm Profile
BDK Advokati AOD Offices
BULEVAR KRALJA ALEKSANDRA 28
11000 BELGRADE
Serbia
BDK Advokati AOD > The Legal 500 Rankings
Serbia > Banking and finance Tier 1
Acting for sponsors, government authorities, contractors and lenders, BDK Advokati AOD‘s full-service finance department is sought out for the Serbian market’s largest financing projects, and the group is also able to leverage the firm’s membership of the South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal), which facilitates the assembling of regional teams for cross-border transactions. The practice is co-led by managing partner Tijana Kojović
, who takes a leading role in the team’s transactional work, and greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure project expert Dragoljub Cibulić. Counsel Dragoljub Sretenović is ‘an excellent lawyer‘.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The banking and finance team is extremely professional and responsive.‘
‘They are very aware of the local laws and procedures, and are well respected by the authorities and other firms in the market.‘
‘The team has been extremely responsive and very professional.‘
‘Dragoljub Sretenović is an excellent lawyer, who is well versed in Serbia’s procedures and regulations.‘
Key clients
JPMorgan
UK Export Finance
EBRD
IFC
OeEB
Proparco
Bank Zachodni WBK
BC Partners
Société Générale
EFET
Bank of Cyprus
Payoneer
MoneyGram
Frontier Pharma
Volkswagen Payments
Binance
Clearstream
DUAL Deutschland
Work highlights
- Advised JPMorgan and UK Export Finance on the €430m guaranteed loan to the Republic of Serbia for the construction of a 110km motorway from Pojate to Preljina.
- Advised the EBRD and Enterprise Expansion Fund on a secured credit facility loan to High Tech Engineering Center (a software developer and technology research and development service provider).
- Advising Binance on the regulatory requirements for both foreign cryptocurrency exchanges and the acquisition of virtual assets that are issued abroad by Serbian and Montenegrin residents.
Serbia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
BDK Advokati AOD‘s full-service corporate group is consistently sought out by clients establishing a presence in Serbia, while the M&A team routinely assists with transactions, along with advisory and contentious work. The practice also advises on corporate governance, corporate finance, capital increases, debt-to-equity swaps, capital reductions and liquidations. M&A practice head Vladimir Dašić has longstanding experience in prominent regional deals; Tijana Kojović is a transactional expert; and Tomislav Popović is a key counsel. Associate Jelena Zelenbaba‘s experience includes acquisition deals involving both listed and private companies as targets.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The team is very responsive and dedicated to its projects.‘
‘Individuals who are knowledgeable, bright and solutions oriented.‘
‘Exceptional approach, with forward-thinking and practical solutions for commercial matters and M&A deals.‘
‘Recognised market leaders.‘
‘I love the team’s practical and efficient approach to managing projects, and they are quick and proactive in proposing solutions – I think that these are their key strengths and what every client looks for.‘
‘Vladimir Dašić has great experience in M&A transactions, and is excellent at leading and supporting his team.’
‘Vladimir Dašić is an exceptional dealmaker, and a solutions-oriented and forward-thinking lawyer with in-depth knowledge of both the market and people.‘
‘Jelena Zelenbaba is a wonderful and dedicated team member, who is excellent at co-ordinating complex multi-jurisdictional projects.‘
Key clients
British American Tobacco
BBC
Froneri
Nestor Advisors
Refisa
Clearstream
DUAL Deutschland
BIC Slovakia
Augmenta
Nomad foods
ADM
Embracer Group
Frontier Pharma
Affidea Diagnostic
Ellis Enterprises East
China Road and Bridge Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisted Refisa with various corporate governance matters.
- Advised Nomad Foods on the acquisition of Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group.
- Advised ADM, an American multinational food processing and commodities trading corporation, on the acquisition of Sojaprotein, a soybean processing company.
Serbia > Competition Tier 1
BDK Advokati AOD fields ‘a team that delivers excellent quality‘. The practice is highly rated for its advice on the competition law aspects of commercial contracts, commercial policies, business models and transactions, including state aid issues. Other key areas of strength include assisting clients with competition law infringement proceedings, individual exemptions, dawn raids, and leniency and compliance matters. The full-service department also has notable specialisms in relation to the life sciences and telecoms sectors. Managing partner Tijana Kojović heads the group, which includes state aid specialist Bisera Andrijašević, who was promoted to counsel in January 2021.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘A team that delivers excellent quality.‘
‘They have the ability to assess clients’ needs, propose the best solutions, listen to clients’ comments, and deliver within defined timelines.‘
‘The communication is professional, and they respect you as a client no matter the size of the company.‘
‘They deliver first-class quality opinions and documentation.‘
‘Clients can sense from the first meeting that they have come to the right place to resolve the issues that are on the table.‘
‘Good communication, availability, efficiency and good quality make them highly valued.‘
‘Full-service, relevant and realistic advice.‘
‘Delivered as promised.‘
Key clients
Fortenova
Nomad Foods
Magna International
LEDO
Frontier Pharma
XLS
EBRD
IFC
OeEB
S-Leasing
Work highlights
- Represented Fortenova in a gun-jumping investigation before the Serbian Competition Authority, as well as in a series of merger filings in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Successfully represented LEDO doo Podgorica in proceedings before the Misdemeanour Court in Podgorica, which were initiated at the request of the Montenegrin Competition Agency for the alleged late filing of a merger notification.
- Advised Magna International on the merger control aspects surrounding the creation of a joint venture with LGE.
Serbia > Dispute resolution Tier 1
BDK Advokati AOD houses ‘highly experienced and skilled lawyers in various dispute resolution fields‘. The practice is well known for its commercial and construction arbitration credentials. It also handles criminal law cases and has a significant track record in representing plaintiffs in defamation litigation. In 2020, the firm launched a human rights protection and litigation practice. International arbitration expert Tijana Kojović has ‘an impressive record of case wins‘, and senior associate Aleksandra Đurđević handles commercial litigation. Attorney at law Relja Radović is a public international law and international dispute resolution specialist.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘An extraordinary team that is approachable, constructive, and always has a clear goal to pursue regardless of the difficulties encountered along the way.‘
‘The team is very professional and always very responsive, with very clear and targeted feedback that includes solutions and proposals.‘
‘Highly experienced and skilled lawyers in various dispute resolution fields.‘
‘Tijana Kojović is a brilliant and creative lawyer, who is always oriented towards the best possible solution for the client.‘
‘Tijana Kojović is a superb professional with great experience, knowledge and an impressive record of case wins.‘
‘Tijana Kojović has great experience and wide legal knowledge that allows her to lead the team in the desired direction.‘
‘Milan Dakić is a wise, efficient, precise, reliable lawyer, who always thinks a few steps ahead.‘
‘Aleksandra Đurđević works very diligently on high-profile litigation.‘
Key clients
NDM Asset Resolution
Sade Serbia
Fresenius Medical Care Srbija
BIC Slovakia
Gunes Sigorta
Ellis Enterprises East
China Communications Construction Company
Fortenova
Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem
Hilton
Froneri Adriatic
Serbia > Projects and energy Tier 1
Clients especially benefit from BDK Advokati AOD‘s membership of the South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal), an organisation comprising independent law firms from 12 SEE jurisdictions, which has developed a regional practice group for energy and renewables, utilities and natural resources. Heading up the practice, senior partner Dragoljub Cibulić is a greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure projects expert. Also integral to the team is Milan Dakić, who is experienced in International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) contracts and construction arbitration. Finance specialist Dragoljub Sretenović was recently made counsel.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘They are very precise and available.‘
‘The solutions and their views are clear and well explained.‘
‘It was a pleasure to have Dragoljub Cibulić on our project.‘
‘Dragoljub Cibulić is an outstanding lawyer.‘
Key clients
China Road and Bridge Corporation
Metito Utilities
JPMorgan
UK Export Finance
EBRD
IFC
Proparco
DEG
OeEB
Government of Montenegro
Enlight Renewable Energy
The European Federation of Energy Traders
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing support to China Road and Bridge Corporation in relation to the period between the signing and closing of a transaction involving the development of an industrial and high-tech park.
- Advising Metito Utilities on the development of a wastewater treatment facility in northern Serbia.
- Advising JPMorgan and UKEF on a €430m UK Export Finance guaranteed loan to the Republic of Serbia for the construction of a 110-km motorway from Pojate to Preljina (the Morava Corridor).
Serbia > Real estate and construction Tier 1
BDK Advokati AOD ‘s ‘perfectly co-ordinated team‘ has extensive experience in Belgrade’s commercial real estate market. The firm also houses experts in regional construction matters, and has an enviable track record in construction-related arbitration. Co-leading the group are senior partner Dragoljub Cibulić, who is well known for his advice on greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure projects, and real estate and construction specialist Milan Dakić, who ‘always thinks a few steps ahead‘. At associate level, Đorđe Zejak assists with greenfield developments, commercial leases, and the sale of individual assets and real estate portfolios.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘A perfectly co-ordinated team that works like clockwork, from partner to associate level.‘
‘Always ready to push the boundaries, whenever it is in the best interest of the client.‘
‘Knowledge, timely responses and dedication.‘
‘A highly professional team with excellent knowledge of the local market.‘
‘Very responsive and very reliable.‘
‘Easy to communicate with.‘
‘Always gives well-founded advice – a great combination of sophisticated legal knowledge and understanding of business.‘
‘Milan Dakić is a wise, efficient, precise, reliable lawyer, who always thinks a few steps ahead.‘
Key clients
Indotek Group
Niksen
Nomad Foods
China Road and Bridge Corporation
Decathlon
Aviv Arlon
Harper Properties
Grivalia
Netconomy
Frontier Pharma
Froneri
SADE Serbia
DUAL Asset
Work highlights
- Advising Hungarian real estate investor Indotek Group on the acquisition of 11 office buildings from Globe Trade Centre.
- Advising Niksen on the sale of a retail project to an international real estate investor.
- Advising Aviv Arlon on the completion of residential complex Moj Aviv and the sale of apartments.
Serbia > Employment Tier 2
BDK Advokati AOD‘s employment team provides assistance with the full range of labour law-related matters, including data protection and privacy issues, as well as employment litigation. The group can also leverage the firm’s expertise in tax, including advising on the tax regimes applicable to various incentives and other hiring arrangements, and immigration law. Leading the practice is founding and managing partner Tijana Kojović, while attorney at law Marija Gligorević, who ‘provides a great service‘, advises on a broad spectrum of employment law matters.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The BDK team always provides a high-quality service – they are very responsive, and the advice they provide is comprehensive and reasonable.‘
‘Marija Gligorević provides a great service. She is always quick to respond to our queries, which is very much appreciated, and gives comprehensive and reasonable advice.‘
Key clients
BIC Slovakia
Adient Interiors
British American Tobacco
Decathlon
Sanne Group
Froneri Adriatic
Regional Youth Cooperation Office
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Valvoline
Enlight Renewable Energy
Smith Micro Software
Krosaki Harima Europe
Roche
PPG Balkans
CRBC
Oximio
Frontier Baystone Pharma
Paycor
Nomad Foods
Work highlights
- Represented BIC Slovakia in three employment litigation proceedings initiated by an ex-employee, as well as advising on employment termination options (among other matters).
- Assisted Adient Interiors with a wide array of employment-related issues and labour litigation, including Covid 19-related issues such as vaccination, and sensitive terminations, excessive sick leave, staff leasing, outsourcing and trade union matters.
- Assisted Roche with restructuring matters, including drafting both the annex to an employment agreement and a rulebook.
Serbia > Intellectual property Tier 2
BDK Advokati AOD‘s ‘IP expertise is excellent‘. The practice stands out for fielding five data protection law experts, and in May 2020, Google appointed the firm as its data protection representative in Serbia. In addition, the department is sought out for complex trade mark law issues. Leading the firm’s IP practice since 2012, Bogdan Ivanišević also heads the media and entertainment sector group, as well as the data protection and privacy team. Senior associate Milica Basta is a well-regarded data protection expert.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The team’s IP expertise is excellent.‘
‘In data protection, they have shown the highest levels of expertise.‘
‘They went the extra mile, going beyond the required legal advice.‘
‘Always thinking ahead of all the possible legal risks – an approach that my firm highly values.‘
‘I would highly recommend them to all businesses where data protection and other IP matters are highly relevant.‘
‘They are available and extremely professional.‘
‘They find solutions to all our issues, and they suggest the best possible paths.’
‘Bogdan Ivanišević and Milica Basta are a good team and very experienced in IP. We highly value both their analytical approach and business-friendly solutions in this very complex area.‘
Key clients
Decathlon
Nomad Foods
Museit Network
Bambi
British American Tobacco
BBC
Logo
Maple Bear CEE
Ellis Enterprises East
Joinder
Work highlights
- Assisted Decathlon’s Serbian subsidiary with putting an end to further sales of Decathlon’s products through non-authorised distribution channels in Serbia.
- Successfully acted for Google in two high-profile, right-to-be-forgotten cases before the Serbian Data Protection Authority.
- Advised Nomad Foods on the acquisition of Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group, including Fortenova Group’s large ice cream trade mark portfolio.
Montenegro > Leading firms
Acting for sponsors, government authorities, contractors, lenders, buyers and sellers, BDK Advokati routinely advises on the region’s most significant financing and M&A projects. Clients also benefit from the firm’s membership of the South East Europe Legal Group. Managing the firm’s Montenegrin operations, Luka Popović has hospitality and gaming sector expertise; competition specialist Bisera Andrijašević was recently promoted to counsel; and Jelena Brajković is an experienced associate. Based in Belgrade, Dragoljub Cibulić is a greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure project expert, and Tijana Kojović is a transaction, antitrust and disputes specialist.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The team is highly co-operative and resolves issues.‘
‘During the pandemic, in addition to email and online meetings they were able to hold physical meetings at their office with all the necessary health measures.‘
‘Professionalism, availability and problem-solving skills.‘
‘Luka Popović is always practical and reacts quickly.‘
‘Luka Popović is openminded, business oriented, and has a pragmatic approach to work.‘
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
NDC Asia
Nomad Foods
Ecomed Eastern Europe
BL Harbert International
Société Générale
ING Bank (Belgian Branch)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Binance
The European Federation of Energy Traders
Fusion Capital
UniCredit (Czech Republic and Slovakia)
Net Holding
Eni
Work highlights
- Advised Nomad Foods on the acquisition of Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group.
- Assisted Ecomed with structuring a joint venture deal with local company Hemosan, so as to provide complex waste management services for the operator of an offshore oil exploration project in Montenegro.
- Provided regulatory advice to Binance in relation to Montenegrin regulatory requirements.
Bosnia & Herzegovina > Commercial, corporate and M&A
The ‘proactive, commercial and on the ball’ corporate team at BDK Advokati advises foreign investors on Bosnian acquisitions. With offices in Montenegro and Serbia, it has particular expertise in matters involving all three countries. Belgrade-based Vladimir Dašić and Tijana Kojović lead the team. Banja Luka-based associate Dijana Pejić Šinik is another key name for her cross-border transactional work.
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Testimonials
‘The team is proactive, commercial and on the ball.’
‘They work on some of the most innovative deals in their market.‘
‘Tijana Kojovic is always present on deals and anticipates issues that will be of importance to her clients, and is a strong advocate for her client’s interests.’
‘Tijana Kojovic is a strong technical lawyer who also understands the commercial nuance and strategic considerations of deals.‘
Key clients
Syndicate of banks led by Société Générale
BC Partners
Nomad Foods
The European Federation of Energy Traders
UniCredit Czech Republic and Slovakia
Mahler Projekt GmbH & Co.
Work highlights
- Advised the joint lead managers led by Societe Generale, on Republika Srpska’s offering of €300m in global eurobonds.
- Advising Nomad Foods on the acquisition of Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group.
- Advising UniCredit Czech Republic and Slovakia on APS’s refinancing of public bonds issue.
BDK Advokati AOD > Firm Profile
The firm: BDK Advokati (BDK) was established in 2004 by the current managing partner, Tijana Kojovic, in Belgrade. The firm quickly grew in terms of fee-earners (currently 30+), as well as territorial coverage. From the outset, the firm has also been active in transactions, regulatory advice and litigation taking place in the neighbouring markets of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This experience was strengthened with the opening of offices in Podgorica in 2009 and Banja Luka in 2013.
Areas of practice: BDK Advokati is a full-service law firm for corporate, institutional and white-collar/HNW clients, with offices in Belgrade (Serbia), Podgorica (Montenegro) and Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The firm’s work is team-based but partner-led, and organised around various practice areas: banking and finance; competition; consumer protection; data protection and privacy; dispute resolution; distressed situations and insolvency and restructuring; employment; immigration; intellectual property; mergers and acquisitions, corporate and commercial; real estate and construction; tax; and industry sectors: energy and natural resources; gaming; information and communications technology (ICT); infrastructure; life sciences and healthcare; media and entertainment, payment services.
The firm takes pride in combining legal expertise with the knowledge of EU law and EU-level regulatory trends, commercial awareness and premier standards in legal services business. The firm’s approach assumes specialisation in different areas of laws and knowledge of specific industry regulations. Lawyers are required to be broad-minded and knowledgeable in inter-related fields and equipped to recognise legal issues and trends in clients’ industries.
BDK is a member of the South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal), an organisation assembling leading independent law firms from 12 jurisdictions in South East Europe, which allows the team to assemble quickly regional teams for cross-border transactions involving jurisdictions outside the firm’s direct coverage.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and finance | Tijana Kojovic | ||
| Competition | Tijana Kojovic | ||
| Compliance & Internal Investigations | Branko Gabric | ||
| Consumer protection | Bogdan Ivanisevic | ||
| Corporate and commercial | Tomislav Popovic | ||
| Data protection and privacy | Bogdan Ivanisevic | ||
| Dispute resolution | Tijana Kojovic | ||
| Distressed situations/insolvency and restructuring | Tijana Kojovic | ||
| Employment | Tijana Kojovic | ||
| Energy and natural resources | Dragoljub Cibulic | ||
| Gaming | Luka Popovic | ||
| Immigration | immigration@bdkadvokati.com | ||
| Information and communication technologies (ICT) | Pablo Perez Laya | ||
| Infrastructure | Dragoljub Cibulic | ||
| Intellectual property | Bogdan Ivanisevic | ||
| Life sciences and healthcare | Bisera Andrijasevic | ||
| Mergers and acquisitions | Vladimir Dasic | ||
| Media and entertainment | Bogdan Ivanisevic | ||
| Payment services | Dragoljub Sretenovic | ||
| Real estate and construction | Dragoljub Cibulic | ||
| Real estate and construction | Milan Dakic | ||
| Tax | Tomislav Popovic | ||
| Spanish desk | Pablo Perez Laya |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 33 at this office : 26Languages
Bosnian Croatian English French German Italian Montenegrin Russian Serbian SpanishMemberships
International Bar Association South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal)Other
Other offices : Banja Luka Other offices : PodgoricaNotable Cases
Morava Corridor Financing: Advising, alongside Ashurst as the international legal advisor, J.P. Morgan and UK Export Finance (UKEF) in relation to the EUR 430 million loan to the Republic of Serbia guaranteed by an ECA for the construction of 110-km motorway from Pojate to Preljina (Morava Corridor). The loan is scheduled to mature in 2034 and bears interest at a margin of 0.5% over EURIBOR. It is one of the first sovereign loans granted by a commercial lender for development of infrastructure. It is also the first export credit deal concluded by UKEF for projects in Serbia.
Morava Corridor is one of the largest ongoing infrastructure projects in Serbia. To complete the funding package, the Government has subsequently entered into another loan facility with a syndicate of lenders and a MIGA guarantee. The additional facility will, once fully drawn, increase the total outstanding commitments for this project to EUR 830 million.
The construction of Morava Corridor motorway is undertaken by a consortium comprised of US civil engineering group Bechtel and Turkey’s Enka. 112 km long, it runs east/west in the West Morava River valley, from Pojate to Preljina, connecting central Serbia and Pan-European transport Corridors X and XI. It is expected to bolster the local-to-local and local-to-international supply chains at a time of post-COVID recovery.
The motorway will feature four lanes, each 15 metres wide, two five-metre emergency lanes, 84 bridges and 29 level crossings. Along the motorway route, the plan is to construct the telecommunication cable ducting through which optical cables will be laid, making Morava Corridor the first digital corridor in Serbia. The designed infrastructure includes protection of the motorway and surrounding settlements and existing assets from the flood. The project has been reviewed for alignment against all relevant environmental, health and safety guidelines and standards.
Indotek Group’s Acquisition of GTC’s Belgrade Office Portfolio: Advising, alongside Lakatos, Köves and Partners, Hungarian real estate investor Indotek Group on the acquisition of 11 office buildings from Globe Trade Centre (GTC) for the proposed acquisition price of EUR 267,6 million. The GTC office portfolio is located in New Belgrade, a prime business district in Belgrade, and consists of 11 premium quality office buildings within 5 business parks – Green Heart, FortyOne, Belgrade Business Center, 19 Avenue and GTC House, with total of 122,175 square metres GLA. The transaction involved complex refinancing of the existing targets’ financing arrangements.
Indotek Group is a Hungarian property investment, utilization and development company. Its portfolio encounters more than 1.7 million square metres of buildable and leasable area, 30+ office buildings, 20+ shopping centres and around 100 warehouses, industrial halls and logistics parks.
GTC Group is one of the leading real estate investors and developers operating in Poland, Budapest, Bucharest, Belgrade, Zagreb and Sofia.
This is one of the largest real estate transactions in the last 5 years on the CEE market, and the largest real estate transaction on the Serbian market ever.
Nomad Foods Acquisition of Fortenova’s Frozen Food Business: Acquisition of Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business for an aggregate value of approximately EUR 615 million. BDK covered jurisdictions of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fortenova’s Frozen Food Business Group is a leading European frozen food portfolio operating in CEE markets including Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Hungary. Its two anchor brands, Ledo and Frikom, are the market leaders in these counties, operating across numerous categories including fish, fruits, vegetables, ready meal, pastry and ice cream. Besides that, Ledo and Frikom have strong consumer awareness and #1 market share in many of their respective markets. On the other hand, Nomad Foods is Europe’s leading frozen foods company (with brands such as Birds Eye, Findus, iglo, Aunt Bessie’s, Goodfella’s). With this approximately EUR 615 million worth transaction, Nomad Foods will expand both its portfolio, by entering into ice cream industry, and market presence, by entering into this attractive region within Central & Eastern Europe.
Republika Srpska’s LSE Bond Offering: In April 2021 Republika Srpska, a sub-sovereign entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, offered EUR 300 million global eurobonds on the London Stock Exchange. This was the first foreign currency bond offering by Republika Srpska on the London Stock Exchange and its only second in international markets, following the 2018 eurobond listing on the Vienna Stock Exchange. The bonds have a 5-year tenor and the coupon rate is 4.75%. The transaction is unique not only for the sub-sovereign entity Republika Srpska but also for Bosnia and Herzegovina as the other sub-sovereign entity within the country has not yet had any offering at international markets.