Privatisation, projects and energy in Croatia

Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria)

Drawing upon expertise from across the firm’s corporate, finance, real estate  and tax practices, Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria)‘s multidisciplinary offering is very effective handling work for a range of stakeholders throughout the life cycle of energy and infrastructure projects, in particular. Team head Marija Mušec combines regulatory and transactional expertise and frequently takes the lead on major conventional and renewable energy projects. Banking and finance head Jelena Nushol Fijačko is also regularly engaged in new money and refinancing mandates for both borrowers and lenders in the context of project financing mandates. Other key practitioners include Marija Zrno Prošić, whose EU and competition law expertise combines effectively with her corporate transactional prowess; Tamara Jelić Kazić , for tax structuring advice; and Ana-Marija Skoko who has a focus on the real estate and construction issue facilitating major development projects (particularly as it relates to the development of shopping centres).

Practice head(s):

Marija Mušec


Other key lawyers:

Jelena Nushol Fijačko; Marija Zrno Prošić; Tamara Jelić Kazić; Ana-Marija Skoko


Key clients

Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA


EBRD


LOG EXPERT


ORPEA / SENECURA


Privredna banka Zagreb


Work highlights


  • Advising PBZ on financing of the acquisition of the WP Danilo and Rudine.
  • Advising Shell on gas trade licensing and booking capacities in Croatia, including advice on the tax implications of gas business in Croatia and on client fuel cards model.
  • Advising Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA on a hydroelectric power plant project in Varaždin.

Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka

Combining strong transactional expertise in real estate, corporate and financing with a deep understanding of the regulatory framework underpinning the sector, Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka is a popular choice among stakeholders in the context of major energy projects. Managing partner Emir Bahtijarević is central to the firm’s success in the area and provides key real estate and financing advice to investors, developers and construction companies, not only on key energy mandates but also as it pertains to projects in the tourism sector. Drawing upon strong M&A and real estate transactional expertise, Mario Krka is also a key member of the team and regularly provides input to core clients, including Akuo Energy, on its renewables activity throughout the value chain. Marina Kovac Krka rounds out the team at a partner level and combines both regulatory and transactional expertise.

Practice head(s):

Emir Bahtijarević; Mario Krka; Marina Kovač Krka


Other key lawyers:

Sanja Novoselić; Lea Mužić


Key clients

AKUO Energy


Hanzekovic & Partners

Hanzekovic & Partners regularly advises domestic and international clients in the oil and gas, transport and utilities sectors across a broad array of transactions, from financing and obtaining concessions, through to public procurement and regulatory advice. Team head Jasminka Čorda Truhar has deep knowledge across a range of project delivery methods, including build-operate-transfer (BOT) and public-private partnerships (PPP), and is also an expert at drafting construction contracts incorporating FIDIC forms. Much of Truhar’s work is on the public sector side and as legal adviser to several Croatian ministries, not only has she drafted public procurement documentation for the delivery of major projects, but she has also participated in the preparation of several Acts, including her role alongside recently promoted partner Tamara Lachowski , in relation to drafting the new or amending the existing legal regulations in transport sector.

Practice head(s):

Jasminka Čorda Truhar


Other key lawyers:

Tamara Lachowski; Melani Polinčić Baković; Mateo Podoreški


Key clients

Ministry of Traffic of Sarajevo Canton


Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia


LNG CROATIA LLC


Macesic & Partners LLC

The 'outstanding' team at Macesic & Partners LLC 'delivers top-notch advice' to a range of international and domestic stakeholders on energy and transport-related projects throughout the value chain. Although the team continues to pick up a growing amount of renewable energy instructions, the firm's core maritime sector focus looms large in many of the mandates, including work on LNG projects and its high-profile recent work establishing a joint venture for the 50-year concession for development and economic use of the Zagreb Deep Sea Container Terminal in the Port of Rijeka. Team head Ivana Manovelo 'has great legal and industry knowledge', ensuring that she is a popular choice among

Practice head(s):

Ivana Manovelo


Other key lawyers:

Zrinka Buzatović


Testimonials

‘The outstanding team always delivers top-notch advice to any query we may have.’

‘Ivana Manovelo is an outstanding lawyer; she has great legal and industry knowledge and her advice provides additional value to our business. The level of her professionalism is exceptional.’

Key clients

Bureau Veritas Croatia d.o.o.


APM Terminals


Work highlights


  • Assisted MAERSK – APM Terminals in setting up a joint venture with Enna Logic for the 50-year concession for development and economic use of the Zagreb Deep Sea Container Terminal in the Port of Rijeka.
  • Assisted one of the most important energy enterprises which is now committed to the development of clean energy, in their project of entering the Croatian renewable energy market.
  • Assisted the Client with an LNG project; converting of an LNG (liquefied natural gas) ship into an FSRU (Floating Storage Regasification Unit) ship.

Madirazza & Partners

Madirazza & Partners is at the vanguard of the renewable energy market and its involvement in some of the earliest projects has enabled it to gain excellent exposure and knowledge of market trends and norms. The scope of the work is broad and includes activity at all phases of projects, including advice on permitting and regulatory issues, and involvement for developers and investors, either in the context of a greenfield site or acquiring SPVs that were developing projects. The firm's deep regulatory knowledge in the renewables space adds value to clients on transactional mandates and has led to a flurry of instructions on the implications of the recently enacted Electricity Market Act. Josip Madirazza and Marinka Kovačić co-head the team.  

Practice head(s):

Josip Madirazza; Marinka Kovačić


Other key lawyers:

Tamara Jakšić


Testimonials

The legal services, availability and knowledge of the subject matter make it a strong partner.’

Key clients

DTEK RENEWABLES LLC


PETROL d.d.


wpd Adria d.o.o.


RP GLOBAL PROJEKTI d.o.o.


wpd europe GmbH


Vjeroelektrana Trtar Krtolin d.o.o.


Vjetroelektrana Orlice d.o.o.


Vjetroelektrana Ponikve d.o.o.


Vjetroelektrana Katuni d.o.o.


RP GLOBAL DANILO d.o.o.


Vjeroelektrana Rudine d.o.o.


MET Croatia Energy Trade Ltd.


wpd windmanager d.o.o.


SES Spar European Shopping Centers GmbH


wpd windmanager d.o.o./VJETROELEKTRANA TRTAR-KRTOLIN d.o.o.


Work highlights


  • Advised DTEK RENEWABLES LLC, a RES developer, in contemplated acquisition of several renewable energy projects located in Croatia.
  • Advised wpd Adria in relation to development of RES projects in Croatia, legislative changes under Electricity Market Act, including grid connection issues and energy approval procedure for RES projects.
  • Advised RP GLOBAL PROJEKTI in relation to development of RES projects in Croatia and legislative changes under Electricity Market Act.

Mamic Peric Reberski Rimac Law Firm LLC

Led by Natalija Perić and Vladimir Mamić, Mamic Peric Reberski Rimac Law Firm LLC's multidisciplinary team, which effectively combines regulatory expertise alongside transactional prowess, is well-positioned to advise stakeholders in relation to the development of renewable energy facilities and on their subsequent operational needs.

Practice head(s):

Natalija Perić; Vladimir Mamić


Other key lawyers:

Luka Rimac; Jurica Reberski; Nikola Kokot; Frano Belohradsky; Inja Štajduhar


Key clients

ERSA


GITONE Kvarner d.o.o.


Unit Investment N.V. & Uni Viridas d.o.o. (Unit Group)


Dalekovod jsc


HOPS (HEP Group member)


Calcit Group


AAT Geothermae d.o.o.


Ready to build solar d.o.o.


Terra Energy Generation Company Ltd


Work highlights


  • Provided overall legal assistance in the process of incorporation of the Branch Office of the Turkish construction company specialized for infrastructural and building construction.
  • Advising GITONE Kvarner in public procurement proceeding project of construction of biggest marina in Republic of Croatia along with ACI-GITONE d.o.o.

Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic, Law Firm

Energy law remains a cornerstone practice area for Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic, Law Firm, chiefly as a result of founding partner Josip Marohnic ’s deep regulatory expertise in the area. Indeed, his vast knowledge in the area is not only appreciated by private sector stakeholders in the development of various renewables projects in the country, but also in relation to drafting legislation and standard documentation - including his advice to Croatia Green Building Council on the formulation of a template agreement for obtaining a DGNB certificate to be introduced serves as a proof of sustainability in construction.

Practice head(s):

Josip Marohnić


Other key lawyers:

Ivona Zagajski


Key clients

Croatian Green Building Council


Poslovni Park Zagreb d.o.o.


Rigi Real Estate


Danske Commodities A/S


Mauthner d.o.o.


Work highlights


  • Advised long-term client Poslovni park Zagreb on the development of the 2.4 MWh integrated photovoltaic power plant.
  • Advised Croatia Green Building Council, part of the World Gren Building Council, in preparing the template agreement for DGNB certificate and adapting DGNB certificate system to Croatian market.
  • Advised Danske Commodities A/S in drafting and executing the first Croatian private power purchase agreement.

Šavoric & Partners

Combining strong corporate and finance transactional nous, alongside significant regulatory expertise, Šavorić & Partners regularly advises energy companies, developers and investors across the life cycle of renewable energy projects in the country. Team head Mia Lazić has an excellent reputation in the market and regularly helps international stakeholders facilitate their Croatia-related renewables projects, including general regulatory advice, helping to secure relevant permits and licenses, as well as corporate and finance assistance. Boris Šavorić has a strong historical track record for privatisation work and also regularly helps bidders tendering for major infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Mia Lazić; Boris Šavorić


Other key lawyers:

Andrea Ruba


Key clients

ALP Partners


Work highlights


  • Advising ALP Partners in connection with a golf, marina and villas development project Prukljan covering 1.600,000 m2 and winning a public tender of the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets for the sale and concession of land near Prukljan Lake, for the purpose of development of a golf course, hotels and 100 exclusive villas, as well as a nautical port and marina.

Wolf Theiss

As well as displaying ‘great knowledge of the energy regulatory framework in Europe’, Wolf Theiss has ‘the competency to understand the actual technology solutions and their difference’, ensuring that it is a popular choice on some big-ticket energy projects. The firm’s international network is also an advantage, ensuring a ‘degree of versatility’ and an ability to provide a one-stop-shop service on cross-border mandates. Team head Saša Jovičić   combines M&A, regulatory and public procurement expertise to good effect, ensuring that he is not only well-placed to advise on energy mandates but also through the value chain on major transport-related infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Saša Jovičić


Other key lawyers:

Ana Slovenec


Testimonials

‘The team has great knowledge of the energy regulatory framework in Europe and it seems that apart from the legal framework they have the competency to understand the actual technology solutions and their difference – which is a rare attribute in the legal firms that are involved in energy-related activities. Furthermore, their presence in many countries makes them more versatile in policies recommendations.’

Key clients

Adriatic Gate / International Container Terminal Services


Algoma


Astaldi


E2 Hungary Energiakereskedelmi


Erste Group Bank


European Commission


European Federation of Energy Traders


Global Ports Holding


IC Içtaş


Otok Krk Energija


Optimum Solar


ROCA Croatia


Sita Aeronautics BV


UBER


Vermilion Exploration


Otočna Razvojna Agencija d.o.o.


Zadruga NOVI OTOK


Vodoopskrba i odvodnja Cres Lošinj d.o.o.


Dubrovnik development Agency (DURA)


Lipik Glas


Vitol


Work highlights


  • As a part of an international consortium consisting of economic and financial experts (SINLOC, NBG, HAEE) and technical experts (RINA-C, CERTH, CIRCE), we are advising the European Commission in relation to the NESOI (New Energy Solutions Optimised for Islands) project, which is aimed at supporting energy transition on islands of EU Member States.
  • Assisting Otok Krk Energija d.o.o. with the implementation of the procurement procedures for the first large solar power plant on the island of Krk.
  • Advising the public utility for water supply and wastewater disposal, Vodoopskrba i odvodnja Cres Lošinj d.o.o., on setting up the governance structure for an effective direction of the floating solar power generation project in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, as well as performing the financial, legal and technical coordination of the project.

Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar

Combining impressive M&A and financing expertise, with deep industry and regulatory expertise – developed over many years acting for financial institutions, developers and investors – Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar has a role in many of the highest profile energy, transport and infrastructure projects throughout the country. In this context, the firm is also conversant with PPP, PFI and concession-based project delivery techniques ensuring that has the flexibility to meet the demands of the client. Duško Žurić has longstanding expertise in the space, both during his tenure at the government in the ministry of finance (where he served as Assistant Minister for Privatisation and Industry), and in private practice across a range of energy mandates, including as they relate to LNG and renewables projects. Miroslav Plašćar co-heads the team alongside Zuric and is adept at handling the real estate and financing aspects of energy projects, including greenfield sites. Senior associate Marija Vuchetich is also a key member of the team and regularly provides due diligence on energy and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Dusko Zuric; Miroslav Plascar


 


Other key lawyers:

Edin Karakaš; Marija Vuchetich; Andrijana Kaštelan


Key clients

OTP banka d.d.


OTP Bank Nyrt


Ilej & Partners, in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners

Strengthened by the relatively recent arrival of energy specialist Ivana SverakIlej & Partners, in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners is particularly accomplished at advising international funds on their Croatian renewable energy M&A. Goran Ilej  co-heads the team alongside Sverak.

Practice head(s):

Goran Ilej; Ivana Sverak


Other key lawyers:

Boris Dvoršćak; Antun Skansi;


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive and to the point.’

‘Ivana Sverak is excellent at negotiating with the other party and has a very good overview of the entire transaction.’

Key clients

PEARL Infrastructure Capital


CEE Equity Partners


HPL Hotels & Resorts


BayWa / ECOwind


Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised Pearl Infrastructure Capital, a French investment fund specialized in investments into the renewable energy sector, in successful closing of three acquisitions in Croatia in a year.
  • Advising Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. on the acquisition and joint development of a 525 MW portfolio of renewable energy projects in Croatia, across various stages of development, comprised of five projects.
  • Advising HPL Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality management company, in connection with the acquisition from Avenue Group of majority shares in the project company Avenue Ulaganja d.o.o. (now Kupari Luxury Hotels d.o.o.), a developer of Kupari tourist complex near Dubrovnik to be operated by Four Seasons.

KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC

Leveraging the firm's strong broader transactional skills, KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC is regularly involved in corporate and finance-related transactions for stakeholders within the renewable energy space. Team head Dinka Kovacevic regularly handles due diligence exercises related to the construction and development of wind farms, biomass power plant and cogeneration power plants.

Practice head(s):

Dinka Kovačević


Other key lawyers:

Danijela Simeunović; Ana Novaković Stipaničev


Key clients

Kreditanstalt für Wideraufbau (KfW)


Ivicom Consulting d.o.o.


BUTAN PLIN d.o.o.


Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. and Energija project d.d.


EBRD


PRIVREDNA BANKA ZAGREB d.d.,


BANCA IMI S.p.A.


LONDON BRANCH


CREDIT INDUSTRIEL ET COMMERCIAL


OTP Bank Plc.


OTP banka d.d.


SIEMENS BANK GMBH


LONDON BRANCH


ZAGREBAČKA BANKA d.d.


OPTIMA ENERGIJA d.o.o.


PROFESSIO ENERGIA d.d.


TrailStone Renewables GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising the first Croatian publicly listed renewables company developing wind power projects in Croatia in the process of acquisition of 100% shares in two Croatian companies, holding wind power plants with a capacity of 77 MW.
  • Advising the client in aligning EFET template of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Croatian legislation and compliance of balancing agreement and other relevant energy agreements with Croatian law.
  • Advising a Croatian subsidiary of LIQUIGAS S.P.A., a leading LPG distributor in Italy in respect of its LPG and LNG distribution networks in Croatia.

Ostermann Ivancic Attorneys-at-Law LLP

Drawing upon real estate, finance, regulatory and corporate strength Ostermann Ivancic Attorneys-at-Law LLP provides ‘precise and thorough’ advice to developers, lenders, developers, sponsors and contractors across a range of projects in the renewables and oil and gas sectors. Mojmir Ostermann and Vjekoslav Ivančić co-head the team.

Practice head(s):

Mojmir Ostermann; Vjekoslav Ivančić


Other key lawyers:

Ana Vrsaljko Metelko; Marijana Soldo Kubat; Janko Havaš


Testimonials

‘They are very responsive and their legal work is precise and thorough.’

‘Ana Vrsaljko Metelko is very responsive and her legal advice is detailed and on-point.’

Key clients

Globe Trade Center (GTC)


Telemach


Connecting European Broadband Fund (CEBF)


BLT


Rune Crow (Connecting Europe Broadband Fund-CEBF)


Kamen Psunj


Epsilon Građenje


Aether-signum d.o.o.


Work highlights


  • Advised GTC, a leading regional real estate investor and developer, on the construction of a commercial building in the business park Matrix Office Park in Zagreb, designed and constructed in line with prestigious LEED Platinum certification for green construction.
     
  • Advised RuNe Crow (owned by Connecting Europe Broadband Fund) since the beginning of the RuNe Project implementation. The project is developed with the aim of ensuring broadband optical infrastructure in the rural areas of Slovenia and Croatia.
  • Advised Zorlu Enerji, with respect to the roll-out of their energy business in Croatia by providing charging station services for electrical vehicles.

Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers

Energy and infrastructure projects are a focal point of Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers' regulatory department - which is headed by Petra Šantić . Santic regularly teams up with practitioners from the firm’s M&A and finance practices on renewables-related transactional work, as well as recently forming part of a multi-office team (along with Serbian and Austrian lawyers) to help the Government of Serbia and the EBRD in designing a new legal and regulatory framework in relation to the promotion of renewable energy in Serbia.

Practice head(s):

Petra Santic


Key clients

Mirova


RP Global


European Federation of Energy Traders (EFET)


Montenegro’s Electrical Power Company’s (EPCG)


Work highlights


  • Advised Mirova and RP Global on (i) the sale of two among largest onshore wind farms in Croatia, Danilo (44MW) and Rudine (34MW), to Professio Energia and (ii) the refinancing of operating companies’ existing debt.
  • Advising EPCG on entering into a joint venture with Austrian Ivicom for developing a 50MW wind power project Green Gvozd.
  • Advised the Government of Serbia and the EBRD in designing a new legal and regulatory framework in relation to the promotion of renewable energy in Serbia.