01 Feb 2024

Another Triumph for Arena Channels Group in BiH Antitrust Case

Gecić Law is pleased to announce yet another win in an antitrust law case in collaboration with Marić & Co Law Firm Ltd.  Together, we have obtained a favorable judgment for our esteemed client Arena Channels Group (ACG).

In October, we shared news on the case focused on premium football broadcasting within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).  The Competition Authority of BiH (CA) initiated an investigation, prompted by Telemach, alleging abuse of market dominance by ACG.  After a thorough investigation, the CA dismissed the complaint, concluding ACG’s equitable engagement within the market.

The dispute persisted as the initial claimant challenged the CA’s decision.  However, the Court of BiH (Court) ultimately affirmed ACG’s innocence, validating the CA’s findings.  Telemach however filed a request for review of the Court’s judgment.  They asserted that the Court did not adequately consider the allegations made in the lawsuit.

The Appellate Division of the Court found that the extraordinary legal remedy unfounded.   It also upheld its prior ruling, affirming ACG’s innocence of market abuse allegations.  This decisive affirmation validated ACG’s adherence to fair competition practices.

The Appellate Division of the Court again affirmed the factual and legal findings rendered by the CA and the Court in the first instance.  The Appellate Division of the Court underscored that ACG did not abuse its alleged dominant market position for the distribution of sports channels with football content.

The highlighted case exemplifies our steadfast dedication to navigating the complexities of antitrust law.  Through meticulous legal practice, we consistently ensure our clients comply with legal standards and thrive within the bounds of propriety and regulation.

The Gecić Law team comprised Founding Partner Bogdan Gecić, Senior Associate Vuk Leković, Associate Milica Novaković and Associate Nikola Ivković.