PracticesCompetition Law
Practice area

Competition Law

Merger control, cartel and abuse investigations, state aid and compliance programmes — for companies of every size operating in Serbia and the region.

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Serbian competition rules are not yet fully aligned with the European framework, which leaves market participants operating under shifting expectations.

That environment brings obstacles, but also opportunity for those who read the trends and prepare for the stricter standards that come with EU integration.

A common misconception, particularly among smaller market participants, is that competition rules concern only large industrial groups. In practice, seemingly harmless arrangements between smaller firms — on prices, market allocation or trading conditions — can have serious consequences: high fines, reputational damage and, in extreme cases, a ban on trading.

Our work combines academic expertise with practical experience across industries, giving clients comprehensive and timely advice on how to build the business on solid ground.

Key practice areas

What we handle

Nine areas of work, from preventive compliance to defence in proceedings.

01

Compliance with competition rules

  • Review of contracts, commercial policies and internal acts for potentially restrictive provisions.
  • Compliance programmes with written policies, procedures and industry-specific manuals.
  • Regular updates as legislation and case law develop.
  • Day-to-day guidance on pricing, marketing and distribution so the business stays within what is permitted.
  • Training and simulations for staff, particularly in sales and procurement where the risk is highest.
02

Merger control and exemptions

  • Guidance through the full concentration control process, from the notification assessment to final clearance.
  • Analysis of market shares, financial thresholds and the potential effects of the transaction.
  • Applications for exemption where a restrictive agreement has positive effects such as innovation or consumer benefit.
  • Coordination where a cross-border concentration requires several regulators.
  • Timetables that let transactions close without delay.
03

Investigative proceedings

  • Representation before the Competition Commission where a breach is suspected.
  • Strategic advice and defence plans in cartel, price-fixing, market allocation and dominance cases.
  • Preparation for dawn raids and legal support while they are under way.
  • Analysis of the evidence gathered and argument built on EU and domestic practice.
  • Negotiation of settlements and measures that reduce the consequences.
04

State aid and subsidies

  • Advice on the rules governing the grant and use of state aid in Serbia and the EU.
  • Preparation of applications and documentation so aid is approved and correctly used.
  • Analysis of the conditions and obligations that follow from a subsidy.
  • Representation where the lawfulness of granted aid is questioned.
  • Planning advice for long-term projects supported by the state, to avoid later recovery of funds.
05

Distribution and franchise agreements

  • Review of distribution, franchise, licence and other vertical arrangements for problematic clauses.
  • Guidance on permitted exclusivity, territorial restrictions and rebate policies.
  • Alignment of agreements with domestic and EU rules on vertical agreements.
  • Advice on protecting commercial interests without restricting competition.
  • Support in negotiations so agreements are transparent and sustainable.
06

Antitrust investigations and dawn raid support

  • Preparation for unannounced inspections by the Competition Commission.
  • Internal protocols and staff training on how to respond.
  • On-the-spot legal support during an inspection, protecting the client’s rights.
  • Analysis of seized material and the strategy that follows.
  • Communication with the regulator towards the best available outcome.
07

Competition compliance programmes and training

  • Design and implementation of comprehensive competition compliance programmes.
  • Internal rulebooks, manuals and procedures for sales, procurement and management.
  • Practical workshops with case studies and simulations.
  • Continuous monitoring and updating as the law and practice change.
  • Development of an internal compliance culture that lowers risk at every level.
08

Private damages claims

  • Representation of companies harmed by prohibited agreements or abuse of a dominant position.
  • Evidence gathering, economic analysis of the loss and construction of the legal argument.
  • Coordination of legal strategy with economic expert evidence.
  • Proceedings before domestic and international courts.
  • Negotiation of out-of-court settlements where that serves the client.
09

Public procurement and competition

  • Advice to bidders on competition rules and the risk of prohibited arrangements.
  • Review of tender documentation for discriminatory conditions.
  • Representation before the competent authorities in procurement proceedings.
  • Bidding strategies that comply with the law.
  • Advice on EU procurement rules for cross-border business.
How we work

What working with us looks like

Five stages, from the first assessment to continuing support.

01

Initial analysis

We assess the business model and contracts for competition risk.

02

Strategy

We set the plan for compliance, filing or defence, depending on the situation.

03

Documentation

We prepare filings, compliance programmes and submissions to the Commission.

04

Representation

We act before regulators and courts and in negotiations with other market participants.

05

Ongoing support

Continuous advice and staff training so the business stays compliant.

Track record

Selected matters

A sample of recent work in the sector.

Merger control

Retail sector acquisition

Ran the concentration clearance procedure before the Competition Commission.

Compliance

Programme for a pharmaceutical group

Developed a comprehensive competition compliance programme in line with EU practice.

Defence

Alleged cartel agreement

Represented the client in investigative proceedings and secured a favourable outcome.

State aid

Manufacturing subsidies

Advised on the application for and use of state subsidies, in full compliance with the rules.

What Clients Ask Us Most

Do competition rules apply only to large companies?

No. They apply to every market participant regardless of size. Even small arrangements between small firms can amount to restrictive agreements if they limit the market or harm consumers.

When must a concentration be notified?

Notification is mandatory where the parties exceed the financial thresholds set by the Competition Act. We help clients assess whether a filing is required and prepare the documentation.

What happens in an abuse of dominance case?

The company can face investigative proceedings before the Commission, with high fines and restrictions on its operations among the possible sanctions.

We represent clients in those proceedings, prepare the defence and negotiate the measures that may apply.

Can competitors cooperate?

Cooperation between competitors can be permitted in certain circumstances, particularly where it benefits consumers through innovation or better product quality.

Every arrangement has to be analysed carefully to avoid it being treated as a prohibited cartel.

How does a company prepare for a dawn raid?

Through clear procedures and staff training. We prepare internal protocols and run simulations so employees know what to do during an unannounced inspection, which reduces the risk of mistakes and additional sanctions.

Next step

Let’s talk about your competition matter

Tell us what you are notifying, defending or reviewing and we will map the process and the risk.

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