It is well-known that a solid framework for attracting investment is a key strategy for fostering investments in a sector as big and significant as telecommunications are. As consolidation and M&A activities continue to be looked for in the region, there is an idea that the use of new technology and smart solutions is the best way to gain a competitive advantage over other market participants. Similar topics have been touched upon and dissected as Rastko Petaković, a Partner at Karanović & Nikolić, participated in a panel discussion on the said activities at the 2016 SEE Telecoms Forum, which was organised by EEL Events in Belgrade on 17 March 2016.

The event provided a platform for telecom executives, financiers, investors, public officials and advisory firms to discuss the latest opportunities for investment in the South East Europe telecoms sector. Some of the key questions that were sparking the discussion included: How does the role of regulation affect markets across the region? What are the main drivers behind deal making processes in the region? Circumstances surrounding the regional privatisation attempts (Telekom Srbija, Telekom Slovenija, etc.); How to make a telco company more regional? And, will convergence be the key driver of M&A?

Apart from Rastko, the expert panel was comprised of Elvira Berto, Vice President of BAC; Milan Mekić, Head of M&A at Telekom Srbija; Mateusz Cieslak, OSS Solutions Manager at Comarch; and Zoran Perović, CEO and Owner at Serbian Open eXchange. All of the panelists offered a variety of relevant insights based on their industry-specific knowledge, often presenting diverse points of view regarding some of the outlined issues. However, a common sentiment that echoed throughout the discussion has been the recent failed Telekom Srbija privatisation, and its potential impact on M&A and Private Equity activities in the near future – both in Serbia, as well as throughout the region.