KN - Karanovic & Nikolic is the leading commercial law firm serving corporate clients in Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and through cooperation with a local law office also in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With almost 70 lawyers and 15 years of experience in these dynamic markets we are proud to have worked on in some of the largest and most successful transactions.

Today with over 70 service providers working throughout the region, the values of the firm remain an integral part of our philosophy and approach to work and our clients.

Our commitment to recruiting and training the best local talent combined with international experience remains one of our guiding principles, providing our clients with an open minded professional team. Our commitment to hard work and a proactive approach is appreciated by our clients, ensuring them that their work is placed in good and highly competent hands.

The leading independent legal guides Legal 500 and Chambers Europe present the following review on Karanovic & Nikolic in edition for the year 2010.

»Karanovic & Nikolic stands apart from other domestic law firms by virtue of its size and ambition. November 2009 saw the firm expand from being one of ‘the top three firms in Serbia’ to becoming a major regional player by opening offices in Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to complement its existing Serbian and Montenegrin bases. Karanovic & Nikolic now comprises 70 lawyers. Recent highlights for Dragan Karanovic and Dejan Nikolic include advising RWE Power on various issues pertaining to investment in the region’s energy sector.

Within Competition, Karanovic & Nikolic is a first tier firm,

With a fully specialised department of six lawyers led by Rastko Petakovic, Karanovic & Nikolic are recognised as one of the leading firms in Serbia for competition law advice. In 2009, the firm advised the UK government on its acquisition of control of RBS; Philip Morris was successfully defended in proceedings for an alleged abuse of dominant position; and Pfizer received advice on a merger filing concerning its acquisition of Wyeth.

Within Real estate, Karanovic & Nikolic is a first tier firm,

Practice head Milos Vukovic supervised the advice to five different clients by Karanovic & Nikolic in relation to Montenegrin tourism and resort developments. Following the establishment of its own branded offices in Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the firm has capitalised on its reputation for quality in specialised legal advice to funds and real estate developers.

Banja Luka

Stevan Dimitrijevic Law Office in cooperation with Karanovic & Nikolic has a strong reputation for smaller-scale banking and finance work, having advised clients such as the local subsidiary of Volksbank and the domestic microcredit organisation Sinergija on financing and regulatory issues. The five-fee-earner team is led by experienced local lawyer Stevan Dimitrijevic, and is based in Banja Luka. The firm’s client base includes companies from manufacturing, trading, and professional services, as well as international organisations. In M&A, the practice acted for PepsiCo on the acquisition of local snack company Marbo. Clients praise Mr Dimitrijevic’s ‘understanding, depth of knowledge and attention to the needs of the customer’.

Chambers Europe:

Despite the recent departure of a number of senior lawyers, this large domestic outfit remains ahead of the competition in terms of size, and enjoys a steady reputation for high-level, internationally flavoured work. Recent examples have included advising pharmaceutical distribution company Pharmanova on its sale to Phoenix Pharmahandel, and acting for the government of Montenegro on the privatisation of Duvanski Kombinat AD Podgorica. Dragan Karanovic is described as a "highly capable manager, who tends to get involved when matters become really complicated." Dejan Nikolic is particularly skilled in pharmaceutical matters, and "one of the most active and visible lawyers in the Serbian market." The firm's tax expertise is particularly valued by clients.

This domestic firm maintains its reputation for outstanding competition work in both Serbia and the surrounding jurisdictions. It is frequently instructed regarding merger control, compliance work and competition litigation, and acts on behalf of a number of leading multinationals. Sources appreciate the group's provision of specialist advice and quick responses. Rastko Petakovic comes highly recommended for his competition work and is the primary contact for the department.

Real Estate

The departure of a number of associates from the real estate team at this prominent local firm has not gone unnoticed, but interviewees say the firm’s long history in this practice area, together with its sterling reputation, means it remains an active player in the market. Its services are wide-ranging, encompassing related project finance, due diligence, real estate litigation and environmental matters. Dragan Karanovic is skilled in a variety of practice areas and also comes recommended for real estate know-how.

KN Podgorica

One of the largest and most prominent Serbian firms, this outfit is frequently instructed by Belgrade-based international corporate clients such as Microsoft and Philip Morris. The team has also acted on multiple real estate projects and is focusing increasingly on mandates within the burgeoning renewable energy sector. Examples include advising CEZ on the acquisition of a hydropower plant. Commentators agree the team can be trusted to solve complicated issues and stand up for its clients. Clients further benefit from access to extra resources from Belgrade when required. Belgrade-based Dejan Nikolic is praised by clients for his availability and solution-oriented approach.

Employment

This firm maintains a significant employment team as part of its full-service approach. Clients benefit from its additional synergy with the corporate and commercial group.The team's diverse expertise covers benefits, regulatory compliance, termination of employment and employment relations. Interviewees single out the firm for its top-quality advice and note that it is exceptionally well organised. Ivana Karanovic is the key contact.

Energy

This prestigious domestic outfit remains a top choice for energy matters. Its work covers a range of issues, with oil, gas, electricity and renewable work all featuring on its caseload. Its clientele is equally diverse, spanning developers, contractors, owners, financiers and operators. Sources say they choose the firm for its “commercial, straightforward advice, and approachable and knowledgeable practitioners.” Milos Vuckovic is the contact for this practice area.

Dispute Resolution

Commentators consistently single out this local powerhouse for its litigation expertise. The firm’s size, reputation and investment in dispute work make it an attractive choice for clients seeking assistance with complex disputes. Employment, taxation, IP, competition and bankruptcy litigation are all handled by the five-lawyer team thanks to its close co-operation with the firm’s other highly regarded departments. Partner Ivana Rackovic heads the disputes practice.

Dispute Resolution in Banja Luka

This Belgrade firm opened an office in Banja Luka a few years ago and is winning increasing recognition from market sources. Its recent highlights include representing the government of the Republic of Srpska in a dispute with Raiffeisen Investment. Other clients include Railways of the Republic of Srpska and Bauxite Mine Srebrenica. Clients appreciate the firm’s efficiency, availability and effective management of deals: “We have 24-hour access to the Banja Luka and Belgrade teams, and they have done an outstanding job for us.” The outfit draws on its Belgrade team in larger matters, and also co-operates on some mandates with local firms in Sarajevo. Clients appreciate Stevan Dimitrijevic's expertise and manner of dealing with issues: “He is very patient and always has a solution up his sleeve – people really like dealing with him.”

Intellectual Property

This highly regarded domestic firm’s IP team works closely with the outfit’s corporate division, ensuring clients benefit from its in-depth expertise across a range of industry sectors. In addition to handling general IP work, patent and trade mark matters, the group also covers pharmaceutical regulation, media and advertising law, Internet and domain name issues and consumer law cases. Dragomir Kojic leads the team and is the primary contact for work in this area.

Intellectual Property in Montenegro

This Serbian-born firm established an office in the neighbouring country a few years ago and is frequently instructed by multinational clients. It has advised such names as Microsoft and Autodesk on copyright protection in both Serbia and Montenegro. It has also assisted Labo Europa, Merck doo Srbija and Apple on regulatory issues. Clients appreciate the firm’s quick and to-the-point advice. Belgrade-based Dejan Nikolic is the contact for questions regarding Montenegro.

Real Estate Serbia

The departure of a number of associates from the real estate team at this prominent local firm has not gone unnoticed, but interviewees say the firm’s long history in this practice area, together with its sterling reputation, means it remains an active player in the market. Its services are wide-ranging, encompassing related project finance, due diligence, real estate litigation and environmental matters. Dragan Karanovic is skilled in a variety of practice areas and also comes recommended for real estate know-how.

Real Estate Montenegro

This outpost of a Belgrade firm has also established itself as an important player in real estate. Among its highlight deals has been advising 5 Star International Developments Budva on the development of a major resort. Other client names include V.A.S Invest Company, Boka Fund and Pearl Adria Equity. Commentators agree that the team remains a visible player on ongoing assignments. Commentators describe the firm as a “very worthy opponent.” The Belgrade-based Dejan Nikolic is the key contact for the practice.«

Chambers & Partners 2009 edition, the leading independent review of the legal profession, presents exceptional review on Karanovic & Nikolic Law Office.

This firm is twice as large as its top competitors and is reputed as “probably the best local outfit, benefiting from excellent referrals from global law firms.” Twenty-eight of its 50 lawyers focus on corporate M&A transactions, and market sources confirm that the firm “definitely stands out by deal volume alone.” Recent highlights include advising PepsiCo on the potential acquisition of a leading Serbian food and snacks company and, in line with the more active real estate market, advising Merrill Lynch on its potential acquisition of a stake in large Serbian commercial property company MPC Properties.

On the privatisation front, the firm’s client roster includes Lukoil, CEZ and Allianz. According to sources, the firm is also “leading the way in raising the standard of IP services, for example by organising meetings between industry and government.” “Star lawyer” Dragan Karanovic is lauded for his “exceptionally practical approach and detailed analysis, qualities which are both still rare in the marketplace.” His colleague Dejan Nikolic wins praise as “a tough negotiator.”

Chambers Global Directory, the leading independent review of the legal profession on KN - Karanović & Nikolić: “This outfit is a market leader and probably the most prominent firm on major transactions”