Business success depends not only on a good idea and a quality product, but also on solid legal foundations. Clearly defined relationships between founders, carefully drafted contracts, and compliance with applicable regulations provide the best protection against disputes, losses, and unwelcome surprises.
Budimir / Panjković Zlatić Law Firm specialises in providing comprehensive legal assistance in commercial law. We work with sole traders, small and medium-sized businesses, and large domestic and international companies. We treat every client as a long-term partner, developing a thorough understanding of their business.
Company Formation and Corporate Governance
Our legal team can assist you with establishing all types of business entities, including limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, as well as branches and representative offices of foreign companies in Serbia and the region. We draft founding documents and articles of association, paying particular attention to regulating relationships between company owners through shareholders’ agreements.
A well-drafted shareholders’ agreement addresses in advance the issues that most commonly lead to disputes: decision-making procedures, profit distribution, rights of first refusal on transfers of ownership interests, an owner’s exit from the company, non-compete obligations, and procedures for resolving decision-making deadlocks. We also handle all procedures for updating registered particulars with the Serbian Business Registers Agency, including changes to directors, registered offices, business activities, share capital, and ownership structures.
Corporate Restructuring and Changes of Legal Form
Business growth and restructuring often require corporate reorganisations, including mergers by acquisition, mergers by formation of a new company, divisions, and spin-offs, as well as changes of legal form. These procedures involve preparing a range of legal documents, protecting the rights of creditors and company owners, and strictly observing statutory deadlines. We guide clients through the entire process, from planning the transaction structure to registering the changes.
Contracts and Business Cooperation
Contracts are a fundamental tool of every business. We draft and legally review all types of commercial agreements, including sales, supply, distribution, agency, business and technical cooperation, lease, licence, construction, and services agreements. We also represent clients in negotiations with business partners. Our role is to ensure that each contract accurately reflects the agreed terms, clearly allocates risks, and provides effective remedies if the other party fails to fulfil its obligations.
Due Diligence and Transactions
Before purchasing ownership interests or shares, acquiring a company, or entering into a significant business arrangement, it is essential to understand exactly what is being acquired. We conduct legal due diligence, thoroughly reviewing corporate records, assets, contractual obligations, litigation, employment matters, and regulatory compliance, and provide clients with a clear report on the risks involved. Based on our findings, we represent clients in negotiations and provide comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction, through to completion and registration with the relevant registers.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulations change, and non-compliance can result in substantial fines and reputational damage. We advise clients on issues arising in day-to-day corporate operations and help them comply with applicable laws, including competition law, trade secret protection, and personal data protection requirements. We draft internal policies and governing documents, confidentiality agreements, and other policies designed to protect your company’s know-how, client relationships, and market position.
Bankruptcy, Reorganisation, and Liquidation
Winding up a business entity, whether through liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings, can be complex and difficult to navigate without legal expertise. We assist with voluntary company liquidations, the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings, the preparation of pre-packaged reorganisation plans, and legal advice throughout the implementation of those plans.
Debt Recovery
Do You Need to Recover a Debt in the Republic of Serbia?
Unpaid invoices pose a serious threat to any business’s liquidity. Budimir / Panjković Zlatić Law Firm can provide legal assistance at every stage of debt recovery, from formal pre-action demands and attempts to reach an amicable settlement, through litigation, to enforcement proceedings before the courts and public enforcement officers.