Did you know that, using the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, you can look up the 2023 deal leaderboards in each CEE market, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia?

The concept of a digital workplace, characterized as an employment environment allowing employees to complete tasks, collaborate, and function as part of a team, irrespective of location, has been around for some time but has gained significant traction in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in popularity can be substantially attributed to the measures enacted by the Macedonian Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

The end of September 2023 not only marked the close of the month but also heralded the replacement of Macedonia’s previous Law on Advocacy with a new substantially amended law. The new law, which entered into force on 3 October 2023, introduced significant amendments designed to elevate the level of practice of law in Macedonia.

Bosnia & Herzegovina has experienced a major government change leading to a focus on aligning with the EU, while a significant human rights ruling challenges the country’s ethnic-based voting system – potentially triggering constitutional reform and reshaping its political landscape – according to ODI Law Partner Mia Civic.

In the era of digital technology, it is natural to contemplate the potential effects of the digital revolution on various aspects of life. Generative AI, although still in its development stage, is already causing the anticipated revolution in the markets. Generative AI is beginning to revolutionize the delivery of services and products and has already made significant strides in transforming how markets operate. It is not yet clear whether generative AI will cause competition law issues; however, based on experience with digital revolutions, it is worth noting that a few scenarios are possible that will disrupt the current competition law framework everywhere, including in North Macedonia.

ODI Law has advised the owner of Macedonian supermarket chain Kit-Go on its sale to Kosovo-based company Viva Fresh. The Zeqiri Law Office reportedly advised Viva Fresh.

ODI Law has advised Makedonski Telekom Skopje on insourcing 150 employees from the Macedonian subsidiary of Ericsson. Karanovic & Partners advised Ericsson.

ODI Law has advised Slovenian diagnostic company MESI on the EUR 18 million investment received from SHS Capital's SHS VI Healthcare Investments fund. Wolf Theiss advised the investor. 

Contributed by ODI Law.

Kinstellar and ODI Law, working with Morgan Lewis London, have advised TAWAL on its bid to acquire the Bulgarian, Croatian, and Slovenian tower assets of the United Group for EUR 1.2 billion. Jadek and Pensa and Bradvica, Maric, Wahl, Cesarec advised the United Group. Paul Weiss and Kambourov and Partners reportedly advised United as well.

Did You Know that, according to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, only eight Croatian lawyers have worked on more than one reported TMT/IP deal in the country since January 1, 2020?

Did You Know that, according to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, two CEE lawyers have already authored or co-authored eight thought leadership articles published on the CEE Legal Matters website this year, more than anyone else in the region?

CEELMDirect Profile Pick: A series of interviews with partners and firms with Premium profiles on the CEELMDirect legal directory. Today’s interview: Gjorgji Georgievski, Partner at ODI Law in Skopje. 

In today's world, businesses realize the importance of incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into their operations for long-term sustainability. This is important not only for running the business but also for investors who consider these factors in their investment decisions. Stock exchanges play a key role in promoting sustainability for both corporations and investors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are a combined range of technologies, including machine-learning techniques, robotics and automated decision-making systems used to improve prediction, optimize operations and resource allocation, and personalize service.

Former Senior Associate Primoz Mikolic has been promoted to Partner at ODI Law and Partners Branko Ilic and Matjaz Jan have become Senior Partners at the firm.

ODI Law has advised the state-owned Slovenian Bank Assets Management Company – now merged with the Slovenian Sovereign Holding – on the restructuring of Fori and its related companies. Ketler & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners reportedly advised Fori.

Law Office Korotaj and ODI Law have advised Croatian travel agency Gaveia on the acquisition of Slovenia's Avtokampi.