CEELMDirect Profile Pick: A series of interviews with Premium profile-holders on the CEELMDirect legal directory. Today’s interview: Robert Bachovski Sinkoli, Managing Partner at Bachovski Sinkoli Attorneys in North Macedonia.
North Macedonia: New Consumer Protection Act
A new Consumer Protection Act (the "Act") entered into force in North Macedonia on 15 November 2022.
North Macedonia: Direct Marketing
Direct marketing consists of any marketing that relies on direct communication or distribution to individual consumers, rather than through a third party. Unlike traditional public relations campaigns pushed out through a third party, such as media publications or mass media, direct marketing campaigns operate independently to communicate with target audiences directly.
BDK Advokati Advises Sandberg Capital on Investment in Quantox
BDK Advokati has advised Sandberg Capital on its EUR 20 million investment in Quantox. Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen and Polenak reportedly advised Sandberg as well.
Closing: KKCG and Aricoma Group International Acquisition of Musala Soft Now Closed
On December 20, 2022, PPG Lawyers announced that KKCG's and Aricoma Group International’s acquisition of Musala Soft (reported by CEE Legal Matters on August 22, 2022) had closed.
Lack of Trust and Exceeded Expectations in North Macedonia: A Buzz Interview with Kristijan Polenak of Polenak
Lack of public trust in the legal system together with factors beyond the country's control are adding to the complexity of the challenges in North Macedonia, yet things are going better than expected, according to Polenak Law Firm Managing Partner Kristijan Polenak.
North Macedonia Has Its Work Cut Out: A Buzz Interview with Kiril Papazoski of Papazoski and Mishev Law Firm
Harmonizing national law with EU legislation, implementing sizeable renewable energy projects, and addressing production shutdowns are high on North Macedonia’s domestic agenda, according to Kiril Papazoski, Director, Papazoski and Mishev Law Firm, an independent law firm in cooperation with PwC.
Gugushev & Partners Advises Blackpeak Capital on Acquisition of Stake in Telelink Bulgaria
Gugushev & Partners has advised Blackpeak Capital on its acquisition of a stake in Telelink Bulgaria. Karanovic & Partners’ North Macedonian office, SZA Schilling Zutt & Anschuetz, and Addleshaw Goddard reportedly advised Blackpeak Capital as well.
North Macedonia's Massive Tax Overhaul: A Buzz Interview with Vedran Lalicic of Lalicic & Boskoski
North Macedonia is preparing for far-reaching tax reforms, with updated rules on the profit tax, VAT, personal income tax, and social contributions, while dealing with the economic slowdown and increased prices, according to Lalicic & Boskoski Partner Vedran Lalicic.
One Year of the New Personal Data Protection Law, Where Are We at Now?
Back in February 2020, the new Personal Protection Data Law was published in the official gazette, which meant that North Macedonia was catching up with the European Union on personal data protection.
Dentons, Polenak, Boyanov & Co, and Clifford Chance Advise on Financing for KKCG Group’s Acquisition of Musala Soft
Dentons has advised a syndicate of banks led by Ceska Sporitelna, and including Ceskoslovenska Obchodni Banka and Komercni Banka, on the financing of KKCG Group and Aricoma Group’s acquisition of Musala Soft. Polenak, Boyanov & Co, and, reportedly, Andric and TM & Partners advised the banks as well. Clifford Chance advised Aricoma Group on the deal.
ODI Law Advises Makedonski Telekom on Collective Bargaining Negotiations with Trade Unions
ODI Law has advised Makedonski Telekom on the collective bargaining negotiations with two representative trade unions.
Schoenherr Advises KKCG and Aricoma Group International on Acquisition of Musala Soft
Schoenherr has advised the KKCG Group and its portfolio company Aricoma Group International on the acquisition of Bulgarian software company Musala Soft and its subsidiaries. CMS reportedly advised the sellers.
FDI Screening in North Macedonia
North Macedonia does not have a foreign investment screening regime comparable to those now emerging in the European Union in light of the EU FDI Screening Regulation, but operates a single-sector authorisation system specifically covering the defence sector. Additionally, there is mandatory registration of all direct investments made by non-residents.
Schoenherr Advises Kontron on Sale of Divisions Within IT Services Business for EUR 400 Million
Schoenherr, working with Pinsent Masons and Wenger Vieli, has advised Kontron on selling parts of Kontron Group’s IT services business to Vinci Energies during a competitive auction process, for approximately EUR 400 million. Reportedly, Baker McKenzie’s German office advised Vinci Energies. Loloci & Associates advised Kontron on Albanian matters.
ODI Law Advises Cine Grand on Lease Agreement with East Gate Mall
ODI Law has advised Cine Grand on its long-term lease agreement with the East Gate Mall for a 3,000 square-meter space for operating a cinema within the mall in Skopje. Reportedly, solo practitioner Zekir Zekiri advised the lessor.
North Macedonia: Legislative Updates on Infrastructure Projects
The development of road infrastructure is important for the Macedonian authorities. The Government of the Republic of North Macedonia (RoNM) analyzed and undertook different approaches for the realization of infrastructure projects in the past. During the last few years, the Assembly of the RoNM (Assembly) has adopted two laws that stipulated additional regimes for the realization of infrastructure projects.
Fintech in North Macedonia
Financial technology is in its early stages in North Macedonia. The ability of alternative finance companies to utilize technology and provide products and services to underserved individuals enabled them to successfully penetrate the retail lending market and become the most embedded subsector in the fintech space. Incumbent banks, aware of the growing competition, are developing fintech solutions such as better credit scoring solutions, the digitalization of products and services, and facilitating peer-to-peer payments. Fintech players and incumbent banks alike are also experimenting with big data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. There are no initiatives in blockchain and distributed ledger technology.