Nihad Sijerčić heads up the group competition practice at Sijercic & Partners. In addition to being involved in the competition aspects of some of the region’s largest and most successful transactions, the firm represent clients in landmark cases before the Bosnian competition authorities and courts, including abuse of dominance and cartel agreement proceedings. The firm’s recent significant ongoing matters have included advising the largest conglomerate of media and telecoms companies in southern Europe on their acquisition of a large number of cable operators in BiH over the last decade, and the team has also worked on merger clearance proceedings for China’s biggest steelmaker in a joint venture with Saudi Aramco, whilst other significant clients include Arcelor Mittal and Philip Morris. The team takes particular pride in its ability to notify and pre-warn clients of any upcoming changes and improvements of the BiH competition legal framework, underscoring its ‘expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm’ for the practice area. Minela Šehović recently arrived at the firm. Nihad Odobadšić departed the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘When it comes to competition law, I believe this is the most knowledgeable law firm in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have extensive experience and have undergone detailed training at an international level. They closely monitor developments in competition law both in the region and the EU, which sets them apart from other firms.’
‘The individuals I work with stand out from competitors due to their expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm for this field, as well as their continuous education and training in this area.’
‘They stand out for the volume and extent of their experience, as well as their regional awareness and support. Not many firms in Sarajevo have the expertise in competition law and business acumen that Nihad and his team bring to the table.’
‘Keen insight into competition law principles, in-depth awareness of the industry, and timely support, with an understanding of the operational pressures on in-house counsel.’
Key clients
- United Media S.à.r.l.
- Telemach BH
- Philip Morris
- OBN
- Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
- Deutsche Lufthansa AG
- Association of cable operators (UDMU)
- Arcelor Mittal
- Flutter Entertainment plc
Work highlights
Advised United Group companies (Telemach, United Media, UDMU etc.) on their acquisitions of 10 cable operators in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from 2014 till present, and in various proceedings before the Bosnian national competition authority in cases that involved the incumbent telecom operators.
Representing Philip Morris in the proceedings before the Bosnian competition authority for individual exemption of their agreements on collaboration with South Korea’s tobacco and nicotine manufacturer KT&G.
Representing Arcelor Mittal in an administrative dispute before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenging the decision of the Bosnian competition authority on alleged cartel agreement in the quality control of coking coal for Arcelor Mittal’s needs.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Minela Šehović
Practice head
Nihad Sijerčić
Other key lawyers
Minela Šehović