Gecic Law

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.  

Gecić Law, in collaboration with Clifford Chance, is honored to announce its role as local lead legal advisor to Telekom Srbija in the landmark issuance of its $900 million Eurobond. This historic transaction not only marks the Western Balkans’ first-ever corporate bond issuance in international markets but also represents one of the largest inaugural high-yield bond offerings in the TMT sector in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa since 2014.  Additionally, it stands out as the largest single-tranche inaugural issuance from any corporate entity in Central and Eastern Europe since 2011. Listed on the Dublin Euronext Exchange, Telekom Srbija’s bond offering was met with overwhelming global investor interest, signaling deep trust in the company’s innovative corporate strategy.  This groundbreaking deal empowers Telekom Srbija to reinforce its investment capabilities and expand its infrastructure, demonstrating the solid confidence prominent international investors place in the Group’s visionary growth under its dynamic leadership. As Telekom Srbija’s local legal advisor, Gecić Law’s Banking & Finance, Corporate, and Regulatory teams provided robust support across all aspects of this sophisticated issuance.  Our legal experts ensured seamless cross-border compliance, navigated multi-jurisdictional regulatory requirements, and coordinated extensively with global financial institutions, including BNP Paribas, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Erste Group, Raiffeisen Bank, UniCredit, and MUFG, to support Telekom Srbija’s entry into the international capital markets.  Our team was also instrumental in helping Telekom Srbija achieve its first-ever credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, paving the way for increased corporate governance and transparency aligned with global standards. Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner at Gecić Law, remarked: “We are privileged to support Telekom Srbija in reaching this unprecedented milestone.  The Group’s journey has been transformative, illustrating its evolution into a formidable corporate player on the international stage.  This landmark issuance is not only a testament to Telekom Srbija’s progressive strategy but also a significant step forward for the entire region.  We are proud to have contributed to a project of such groundbreaking scope and vision, helping set new standards for companies across the Balkans seeking to explore global capital markets.” Miloš Petaković, Counsel at Gecić Law and lead on this transaction, added: “This project represents a historic achievement not just for Telekom Srbija but for the region’s corporate landscape as a whole.  Spearheading such a pioneering effort required extraordinary collaboration, involving hundreds of stakeholders across the Group’s departments, advisors, and international partners.  We are immensely grateful to Telekom Srbija’s dedicated finance, treasury, regulatory, corporate, and technology teams, whose commitment and expertise were essential to achieving this complex objective.” The Gecić Law team, including partners Bogdan Gecić, Ognjen Colić, and Miodrag Jevtić; counsels Miloš Petaković and Nemanja Sladaković; senior associates Vuk Leković and Žarko Popović, and associates Vasilije Bošković, Nikola Ivković and Marko Jović, worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this issuance.  Their legal precision and unwavering dedication were pivotal in navigating the multifaceted challenges of the transaction, reinforcing Gecić Law’s commitment to supporting the region’s most ambitious projects. As Telekom Srbija continues its transformative growth, Gecić Law remains proud to be part of a project that not only reflects the Group’s commitment to corporate governance and innovation but also sets a powerful example for companies across Southeast Europe.  This landmark deal underscores our shared dedication to fostering economic growth, global partnerships, and long-term value creation for our clients and their stakeholders.  

At Gecić Law, we take great pride in recognizing professionals who embody our core values. We’re happy to announce our latest round of promotions and congratulate three of our standout legal professionals.  We are elevating our esteemed colleagues Miloš Petaković and Nemanja Sladaković from Senior Associate to Counsel.  At the same time, Žarko Popović will advance to Senior Associate. “Please join me in congratulating Miloš, Nemanja, and Žarko on their well-deserved promotions.  Our strategy has always focused on nurturing talent and rewarding exceptional contributions within our team.  It’s truly inspiring to watch our team members grow and develop.  We are known for excellence in legal work and impeccable client service.  They will undoubtedly continue to play a leading role in upholding this reputation.” “These promotions, which coincide with our firm’s rapid expansion, reflect the strength of our guiding principles, and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner at Gecić Law. Miloš Petaković Miloš Petaković joined Gecić Law in 2022.  He leads our Real Estate practice and is a senior member of the Banking and Finance team.  Miloš drives strategic initiatives and advises on high-profile matters in these fields.  His dedication, deep understanding, and exceptional expertise consistently benefit our team. Recently, Miloš provided outstanding counsel to JFE Shoji in a landmark greenfield investment in Serbia and advised the EBRD in the ENEF II fund’s first disbursement of funds in Serbia to leading startup Vega IT He also spearheaded our team’s collaboration on the first Real Estate Development Guide, a comprehensive resource for investors in the commercial real estate segment in Serbia.  As an avid communicator, Miloš frequently discusses hot topics in his practice with media outlets, including Bloomberg, CEE Legal Matters, Real Estate Magazine and Lawyer Monthly. Clients appreciate his pleasant personality, professional demeanor, deep expertise, and relentless drive for results, often exceeding their expectations.  For his excellence in client service, Miloš received the 2024 Lexology Client Choice Awards.  This year, Who’s Who Legal also ranked him as a Recommended Lawyer in Real Estate.  He is concurrently the only lawyer in the jurisdiction to achieve a distinction in this practice area. Nemanja Sladaković Nemanja Sladaković joined us in 2021 as an associate and quickly demonstrated his ability to handle complex matters for a diverse client base.  Specializing in Corporate/M&A and Labor Law, Nemanja has also significantly contributed to establishing the firm’s innovative ESG and AI practices. His recent accomplishments include managing the employment aspects of high-profile multijurisdictional transactions, such as the Remus-GLM acquisition, one of the year’s most significant deals in the automotive industry.  He also advises Zijin Mining Group, Serbia’s top exporter, on labor matters across their global network.  Nemanja has also amassed significant legal experience specific to the ICT sector.  He regularly advises global giants, expanding multinationals and innovative startups, including Nutanix, Examroom.ai, NGA911, Gorgias and Alianza. Nemanja actively supports the thriving startup scene through his engagement with the Biosense Accelerator Program, where he leads legal workshops for the ag-tech cluster. In collaboration with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Nemanja developed a comprehensive guide to help IT startups navigate their legal challenges.  He recently co-authored chapters on three Western Balkans jurisdictions for IBA’s Artificial Intelligence guide. In addition, Nemanja is a speaker on ESG regulations, participating in forums such as the CSR & ESG Forum and SmartCities.  He co-authored the TerraLex cross-border guide on ESG and Sustainable Finance and authored numerous articles on ESG and AI legal topics.  Nemanja also contributes to high-level regulatory discussions on AI as part of the government’s legislative working group. Žarko Popović Žarko Popović has been an integral member of the Gecić Law team since 2019, contributing his expertise across various legal fields, including corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, and employment law.  Over the years, Žarko has progressively assumed more client-facing responsibilities, playing a pivotal role in numerous critical matters.  His unwavering dedication and growing expertise have consistently demonstrated his commitment to delivering exceptional legal services. His promotion is well-deserved.  

Gecić Law is immensely pleased to announce that our own Miodrag Jevtić was elected partner at our firm. Over the past five years, Miodrag has played an essential role in driving success of our Banking & Finance and Dispute Resolution practices. His deep understanding of the legal landscape, coupled with client-focused approach, has earned him the trust and respect of both colleagues and clients. As Partner, Miodrag will continue to elevate our practice and contribute to our vision of excellence. A Distinguished Career Miodrag Jevtić has nearly 20 years of extensive experience in corporate law.  His well-rounded expertise and strategic counsel have certainly been crucial in advising some of the most prominent entities across industries.  He has served clients in retail, food, transport, banking and finance, and TMT sectors.  Miodrag’s dedication to excellence has certainly consistently delivered strong results for the firm’s clients. In his time at Gecić Law, Miodrag has further developed his reputation as a leading regional legal expert.  He has taken part in numerous high-profile transactions and complex multijurisdictional disputes.  Miodrag’s insightful advice and effective representation have significantly impacted many client outcomes.  His ability to deliver results in intricate legal challenges and exceed clients’ expectations has earned him high regard. On his appointment, Miodrag said: “Being a part of Gecić Law has undoubtedly been an immensely rewarding journey.  I am deeply honored to step into the role of Partner, where I will continue to support our firm’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and client success.  My heartfelt thanks go to my colleagues and clients, whose trust and collaboration have been vital in every achievement.  Together, we will keep pushing the boundaries of legal practice and making a lasting impact across the industries we serve.“ “Miodrag’s election to Partner is a natural progression, reflecting his immense dedication to our clients, values, and the legal profession,” said Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner at Gecić Law.  “His exceptional expertise, outstanding leadership, and mentoring qualities make him an invaluable asset to our team.  We are confident that Miodrag will continue to drive the firm’s growth and success in his new role.” Mentor and Thought Leader Miodrag is a distinguished legal professional and a dedicated mentor to his younger colleagues.  Known for his approachability and willingness to share knowledge, his peers highly respect Miodrag’s ability to clarify complex legal matters and guide their everyday work.  His leadership style fosters collaborative and supportive environment, further enhancing the firm’s culture of excellence. In Addition, Miodrag Jevtić is a reputable thought leader. He frequently participates in discussions on various topics, including cross-border insolvency, class action lawsuits, and investment strategies for small and medium enterprises. He has also shown a keen interest in digital assets and alternative financing sources, writing extensively on these subjects. Miodrag’s academic credentials are indeed equally impressive.  He holds a Master of Laws degree with distinction from the University of Nottingham, School of Law, UK, specializing in international commercial law.  He graduated from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Law, where he was one of the top students of his generation.  His academic achievements and participation in prestigious programs like the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. At Gecić Law, we congratulate Miodrag on his well-deserved promotion.  We look forward to his continued contributions as a Partner, driving the firm’s mission to provide unparalleled regional legal services.  

We are pleased to announce that Gecić Law’s competition law team has contributed to the prestigious Legal 500 Merger Control Guide for 2024. The renowned annual publication offers comprehensive analyses of merger control regulations and practices in jurisdictions worldwide.  This year’s edition, published in collaboration with a contributing editor from Clifford Chance, covers 25 countries. Gecić Law’s experts provided in-depth insights into four crucial regional markets.   This includes Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Their input indeed provides detailed overviews of the merger control regimes in each country.  The guides also highlight crucial procedural aspects, enforcement trends, and the interplay between national and EU regulations.  This approach, above all, ensures that the chapters serve as valuable resources for legal professionals, corporate entities, and regulatory bodies. It provides crucial guidance for navigating the complexities of merger control in the Western Balkans region. With its unparalleled expertise and experience in competition law, Gecić Law was indeed in a perfect position to make this exclusive contribution. The Legal 500 Merger Control Guide’s comparative nature allows readers to quickly understand merger control processes equally across various jurisdictions.  By offering clear, practical insights, Gecić Law’s chapters facilitate the development of effective cross-border legal strategies.  The chapters thus help businesses comply with rapidly evolving competition laws in the region. Gecić Law is proud to contribute to this essential resource alongside leading international law firms, including Cleary Gottlieb, White and Case, and Clifford Chance.  This contribution further cements Gecić Law’s role as a key regional player in competition law. Follow this link to access the full guides to merger control regimes in Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina or download the PDF versions. About Legal 500 Country Comparative Guides The Legal 500 publishes their Country Comparative Guides in association with the world’s leading lawyers.  They provide a practical overview of the laws and regulations in key jurisdictions, for specific practice areas.  Each country chapter is written by a renowned firm in a Q&A format. For over three decades, The Legal 500 has diligently assessed the capabilities of law firms globally, conducting thorough research to provide an unparalleled perspective on the ever-evolving legal landscape.  The Legal 500 highlights the strengths of law firms, recognizing those that offer innovative and cutting-edge advice to corporate counsel.  Its comprehensive evaluation spans over 150 jurisdictions worldwide.  

Gecić Law is proud to announce its role as local counsel in a strategic collaboration with Akin, the renowned and highly regarded international counsel, on Serbia’s largest renewable energy project. Together, we have advised on a landmark agreement that paves the way for the construction of one of the largest solar power plants in Southeast Europe. This project is set to significantly boost Serbia’s renewable energy capacity. It is the result of a collaboration between the Government of Serbia and an international consortium led by Hyundai Engineering and UGTR. The agreement marks a major milestone in Serbia’s commitment to meeting its climate and environmental objectives by increasing the use of renewable energy sources. The deal involves the development of solar power plants across multiple locations in Serbia, with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW. Once operational, the facilities will play a critical role in the country’s energy mix, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and contributing to Serbia’s green transition. Gecić Law acted as local legal counsel, providing comprehensive support throughout the negotiation and execution phases of the agreement. The firm’s team of experts advised on various aspects of the transaction, including regulatory compliance, project structuring, and contract negotiations. Gecić Law’s deep knowledge of the energy sector and extensive experience in advising on large-scale infrastructure projects were crucial to the successful conclusion of the deal. “We are thrilled to have been part of such a transformative project for Serbia’s energy sector,” said Ognjen Colić, Partner at Gecić Law and Head of Corporate and M&A. “This project highlights the importance of international investment to drive forward the country’s energy security and renewable energy objectives. It was indeed a true pleasure to collaborate with Akin, a firm with exceptional global expertise and a reputation for excellence. We were thrilled to collaborate with such an esteemed global firm.” The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including job creation during the construction and operation phases, as well as long-term environmental advantages through reduced carbon emissions. This deal confirms Gecić Law’s leadership in the region’s legal landscape, particularly in complex, cross-border projects. The firm continues to build on its reputation for excellence, offering cutting-edge legal solutions in sectors critical to Serbia’s economic future. The Gecić Law team on the project comprised partners Ognjen Colić and Miodrag Jevtić, counsel Miloš Petaković and senior associate Žarko Popović.