Karanovic & Partners o.a.d. is consistently mandated by international financial institutions and companies for sizeable regional matters, particularly in relation to real estate, energy and infrastructure projects. The group also comprises experts in syndicated loans, regulatory issues, derivatives transactions, NPL deals and payment services. Senior partner Darko Jovanović is ‘a go-to partner for top-quality projects work’; Maja Jovančević Šetka’s workload encompasses large-scale financings, regulatory matters, structured finance and distressed deals; and Katarina Gudurić is an expert in project finance, refinancing, securities and derivatives trading. Tijana Arsenijević is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A firm that handles a wide range of legal matters in a constantly excellent manner, with all lawyers from different departments and jurisdictions working together on a deal as one team.’
  • ‘The fact that Karanovic & Partners operates across the Balkan markets is immensely helpful and they are always a go-to choice for reliable legal advice.’
  • ‘The knowledge and capabilities of the team members are truly remarkable.’
  • ‘They can handle any situation, no matter how complex it is, and the value for money is very good.’
  • ‘Maja Jovančević Šetka showcases her remarkable sector-specific knowledge and navigates complex issues effortlessly.’

  • ‘Maja Jovančević Šetka is a true professional, and someone clients can entrust with complex and demanding projects. Her dedication, resourcefulness and extraordinary work ethic can serve as an example to everybody.’

  • ‘Darko Jovanović is a go-to partner for top-quality projects work.’

  • ‘Katarina Gudurić is extremely dedicated to her clients - she is always present, proactive and willing to assist and deliver results successfully and on time. She handles complex issues with care and ease, so clients do not feel the pressure or tension that usually arises in such circumstances.’

Key clients

  • Pannonia Bio (ClonBio Group)
  • OTP Fund Management Hungary
  • OTP Bank Serbia
  • The European Fund for Southeast Europe
  • Green for Growth Fund
  • The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE)
  • District Centre doo Beograd
  • PKS-LATEX-HLC doo Čačak
  • Fori
  • Piraeus Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised CEE BIG on EBRD’s provision of a senior secured loan to finance the development, upgrade and/or acquisition of modern retail parks and shopping centres in Serbia and the Western Balkans region.
  • Advised Pannonia Green (ClonBio Group), as sponsor, on the development and financing of six biogas power plants in Vojvodina, Serbia.
  • Advised OTP Fund Management, Hungary and OTP Banka Srbija on the joint acquisition of ILIRIKA DZU in Serbia.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Darko Jovanović, Maja Jovančević Šetka, Katarina Gudurić

Other key lawyers

Tijana Arsenijević