Privatisation, projects and energy in Croatia

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

Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) stands out for its expertise in this arena, and counts major domestic and international corporations, banks and lenders among its key roster of clients. The team is noted for its demonstrable experience advising on matters concerning renewable energy and conventional energy, in addition to handling mining and infrastructure development-related cases. Marija Mušec  leads the practice, handling the full range of advisory and regulatory work in the renewable energy sector, while Hrvoje Bardek assists on various financings and investments in the conventional and renewable energy industries. Other key contacts in the group include Jelena Nushol Fijačko, who recently assisted on a major winder farm financing transaction, Šime Dujmović Maruna and Marija Zrno Prošić.

Practice head(s):

Marija Mušec


Other key lawyers:

Hrvoje Bardek; Jelena Nushol Fijačko; Šime Dujmović Maruna; Marija Zrno Prošić


Testimonials

‘Business-oriented, friendly approach, always providing their clients with the best service and are flexible in finding solutions. The partners are committed and active on the deals.’

‘Jelena Nushol Fijačko provides clear guidance, is a problem solver, flexible and thinks outside of the box with a very friendly approach.’

Key clients

Consortium of lenders (ZABA, EBRD, HBOR)


Yildirim Group


Logexpert


Comcast and Paramount Global


Aspect Energy / Aspect Holdings, LLC


The Walt Disney Company


Telepass


Ionity


Neoen


Shell


Work highlights


  • Advised a consortium of lenders, including UniCredit’s Zagrebačka Banka, the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), on a EUR 126 million package to build two onshore wind farms in Croatia.
  • Advised Yildirim in acquiring majority shareholding rights in Croatia’s Petrokemija, a leading agricultural fertilizer manufacturer.
  • Advised Telepass on their successful collaboration with Croatian Motorways (Hrvatske autoceste Ltd) to enable toll payment on Croatian motorways using their devices.

Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka

Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka acts for a range of domestic and international investors, developers, and lenders on project development and financing mandates, in addition to providing regulatory and competition law advice to manufacturers, and advising on equity financing for renewable energy projects. Managing partner Emir Bahtijarevic jointly leads the team alongside Mario Krka and Marina Kovac Krka, regularly handling energy-related M&A, while Sanja Novoselić, assists with due diligence and deal structuring for large-scale real estate and project development matters.

Practice head(s):

Emir Bahtijarević; Mario Krka; Marina Kovač Krka


Other key lawyers:

Sanja Novoselić


Testimonials

‘On top of their professionalism, dedication, proactive and commercial approach, we feel that they support our business beyond the strictly legal topics.’

‘Marina Kovac has considerable expertise and experience not just in the energy sector, but also in many other fields related to the energy and privatisation. She is quick-thinking, pragmatic and to the point.’

‘Mario Krka is resourceful and thinks outside the box to provide the support we need.’

‘Marina Kovač Krka and Mario Krka are both excellent professionals.’

‘Top-notch service with a strong business acumen.’

‘Sanja Novoselić is always available and practical.’

Key clients

Akuo Energy Central Europe LLC


GTC


RC Samobor Logistics


AAT Geothermae


Riva’s Hotel and Resorts


Hanzekovic & Partners

Noted for its expertise in public procurement procedures, the team at Hanzekovic & Partners advises the Republic of Croatia on the EU sanctioned National Recovery Plan, in addition to a broad range of related maritime matters and infrastructure projects. Jasminka Corda Truhar leads the team, frequently advising on joint venture agreements in BOT and PPP projects, with demonstrable experience in handling commercial disputes, while Melani Polinčić Baković focuses on litigation and administrative procedures. Other key members of the team include Tamara Lachowski and Mateo Podoreški, who assist on EU regulatory and financing matters.

Practice head(s):

Jasminka Čorda Truhar


Other key lawyers:

Melani Polinčić Baković; Tamara Lachowski; Mateo Podoreški


Testimonials

‘The service was excellent, proven by an excellent team and delivery.’

‘We work with Tamara Lachowski and Jasminka Čorda Truhar, who are both excellent in topics and communication.’ 

Key clients

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


Lng Croatia Llc


City of Karlovac


Vodoopskrba i odvodnja d.o.o.


Ilej & Partners, in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners

Ilej & Partners, in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners acts for a range of energy companies, active in the renewables, biomass electricity production and mining arenas, on corporate transactions, project developments, financing deals and real estate-related mandates. Large-scale solar power projects and majority shareholder acquisitions in renewable energy are other core strengths of the team. Practice leaders Goran Ilej and Ivana Sverak advise on energy-related M&A, joint ventures, equity investments and restructurings, while Iva Tokić Čuljak, who assist on debt financings for newly acquired energy companies and related regulatory issues, are also key contacts in the group.

Practice head(s):

Goran Ilej; Ivana Sverak


Other key lawyers:

Boris Dvoršćak; Iva Tokić Čuljak


Testimonials

‘Understanding our ideas and challenges and finding the most favourable solutions.’

‘The team responds quickly and efficiently to our requests. They are always available.’

Key clients

UniCredit, Intesa, Erste, OTP, SocGen, et al.


Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd.


E.ON


Hive Energy


BayWa / ECOwind


PEARL Infrastructure Capital


CEE Equity Partners


HPL Hotels & Resorts


European Energy A/S


Zagreb International Airport


Work highlights


  • Advised the mandated lead arrangers in connection with the restructuring of the existing facilities granted for the Istrian Y concession motorway project.
  • Advising Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. after the acquisition and joint development of a 525 MW portfolio of renewable energy projects in Croatia, across various stages of solar and wind plant developments.
  • Advising PEARL Infrastructure Capital and their Croatian targets on all day-to-day matters, including on a Greenhouse project in Babina Greda.

Madirazza & Partners

Madirazza & Partners acts for domestic and international clients in energy-related, cross-border M&A, share purchase and joint development agreements, as well as due diligence matters. Land registration rights in relation to renewable energy projects, grid and infrastructure-related regulatory advice are is another key area of expertise. Founding and managing partner Josip Madirazza advises lenders, sponsors and development financing institutions, while Marinka Kovačić acts for energy companies on corporate and regulatory mandates. Tamara Jakšić, whose work centers on secured finance transactions, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Josip Madirazza; Marinka Kovačić


Other key lawyers:

Tamara Jakšić


Testimonials

‘The quality of deliverables is excellent.’

‘Madirazza & Partners are professional and have a pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

WPD ADRIA d.o.o.


RP GLOBAL PROJEKTI d.o.o.


Vjeroelektrana Trtar Krtolin d.o.o.


Vjeroelektrana Rudine d.o.o.


MET Croatia Energy Trade Ltd.


SES Spar European Shopping Centers GmbH


DTEK RENEWABLES INTERNATIONAL B.V.


MET Austria Energy Trade GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised DTEK RENEWABLES INTERNATIONAL 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 the 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

Mamic Peric Reberski Rimac Law Firm LLC acts for domestic and international clients on renewable energy project developments and EU regulatory mandates. Jointly led by Natalija Peric and Vladimir Mamic, the team assists with real estate purchases, geothermal and solar energy plant projects, in addition to public procurement proceedings. Head of real estate Jurica Reberski further bolsters the team’s strengths, advising on infrastructure development matters.

Practice head(s):

Natalija Perić; Vladimir Mamić


Other key lawyers:

Jurica Reberski


Testimonials

‘Excellent team, experienced in privatisation and M&A. Great experience and market visibility in the projects and energy arena.’

‘Experienced, focused, proactive and agile.’

Key clients

ERSA


GITONE Kvarner d.o.o.


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


  • Advised ERSA İNŞAAT PROJE TURİZM SANAYİ VE TİCARET ANONIM ŞİRKETİ in the process of incorporation of the Branch Office of the Turkish construction company specialized for infrastructural and building construction.
  • Advised GITONE Kvarner d.o.o. 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

Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic, Law Firm represents clients in the renewables, oil and gas, and conventional power sectors, advising on the full range of project development mandates, including financing, lending and borrowing. Praised as an ‘exceptional individual with significant experience’Josip Marohnic jointly leads the team alongside Tena Tomek, who handles renewable energy mandates and related regulatory issues. Lauded as a ‘key contributor to the firm’s success’Ivona Zagajski advises on energy-related sales and acquisitions, in addition to disputes, and Filip Majcen is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Tena Tomek; Josip Marohnić


Other key lawyers:

Ivona Zagajski; Filip Majcen


Testimonials

‘The MTG team is brilliant. Their synergy can be felt. Agile, bigger picture thinkers and versatile.’

‘Ivona Zagajski is highly knowledgeable and professional in the energy business.’

‘They are unique because of their approach to the client, which aligns with the market’s developments.

‘The team are focused on the development process of projects, knowing how to approach the resolution of issues.’

‘Josip Marohnić is an exceptional individual with significant experience in the energy sector.’

‘Ivona Zagajski is a key contributor to the firm’s success. Her responsiveness, problem-solving attitude, and commitment to close the project enhances the firm’s quality of service.’

Key clients

Rigi PV d.o.o.


BR Bioplin Crnac 1 d.o.o.


Rigi Real Estate


Danske Commodities


Enet Energy


Vjetroelektrana Bruvno d.o.o.


Desol d.o.o.


Helector Energy and Environmental Applications


Croatian green energy d.o.o.


Aspect Croatia


Solveo Energies


Poslovni Park Zagreb d.o.o.


Mo-Bo energija d.o.o.


SE Benkovac d.o.o.


Aureus Solis d.o.o.


Work highlights


  • Advising Aspect Croatia Kft. regarding their up-stream activities on the licence exploration block in central Croatia.
  • Advising developer during development of portfolio of 5 renewable energy projects with total of 525 MW (solar and wind), including grid connection matters, energy approval issuance, land rights, and regulatory framework changes.
  • Represented Danske Commodities and Rigi Real Estate before Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency and during public consultation in the process of enacting legislation introducing excess revenue taxation.

Wolf Theiss

Counting domestic units of international companies among its key roster of clients, Wolf Theiss advises on large-scale rail and motorway development projects and crowd-investment project financing mandates. Saša Jovičić leads the team, handling the full range of renewable energy matters, while Ana Slovenec advises on cross-border energy-related transactions and financings. Sara Pavlović, who focuses on fuel regulation issues, due diligence and energy transition mandates, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Saša Jovičić


Other key lawyers:

Ana Slovenec; Sara Pavlović


Key clients

European Commission


Vermilion Energy


Algoma Central Corporation


Adriatic Gate Container Terminal


Global Ports Holding


Work highlights


  • 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.
  • Advising Algoma Central Corporation on securing its rights under ship building contracts with the Croatian shipyards, Uljanik and 3. Maj, in the context of the pending insolvency of the shipyards.
  • Advising Vermilion Energy on their successful participation in a tender for onshore oil and gas concessions in Croatia (exploration and production).

Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar

Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar provides the full range of transactional support to domestic and international clients, and advises on long-term loan structuring, minority stakes acquisitions, due diligence, and share purchase agreements. With previous experience serving as Assistant Minister for Privatisation and Industry, Duško Žurić boasts considerable expertise in regulatory reforms in the energy sector, and frequently handles major infrastructure-related debt restructuring and bond issuances. Senior partner Miroslav Plašćar advises on energy-related M&A, in addition to acting for real estate investors on PPP and PFI transactions. With a focus on renewable and LNG-related energy deals, Marija Vuchetich is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Duško Žurić; Miroslav Plašćar


Other key lawyers:

Marija Vuchetich; Edin Karakaš


Testimonials

‘Highly professional team, providing useful advice in the field of energy.’

Key clients

OTP banka d.d.


OTP Bank Nyrt


MVM CEEnergy Croatia d.o.o.


Macquarie Asset Management


Tawal


KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC

KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC acts for inbound investors and commercial companies on renewable energy infrastructure developments, with additional expertise in wind and solar farm projects. Dinka Kovacevic, who advises on energy-related M&A, due diligence and acquisition of shares, jointly leads the team alongside Danijela Simeunovic, who handles public procurement matters. Ana Novaković Stipaničev is another key contact in the group, assisting on LNG and transport-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Dinka Kovačević; Danijela Simeunović


Other key lawyers:

Ana Novaković Stipaničev


Key clients

PRIVREDNA BANKA ZAGREB d.d.


Ivicom Consulting d.o.o.


BUTAN PLIN d.o.o.


Norinco International Cooperation Ltd.


Energija projekt d.d.


OTP banka d.d.


OPTIMA ENERGIJA d.o.o.


PROFESSIO ENERGIA d.d.


TrailStone Renewables GmbH


E.ON Solar d.o.o.


Work highlights


  • Advised Professio Energia d.d. and its subsidiary, Liburana d.o.o., on the construction of the wind farm MAZIN 2.
  • Advised E.ON Solar d.o.o. on the development of biomass combined heat and power plant at the production facility for wooden flooring of Bauwerk Hrvatska d.o.o. in Đurđevac.
  • Advised Ivicom Consulting d.o.o. within the project of Rijeka Refinery upgrade commissioned by INA-INDUSTRIJA NAFTE d.d.

Macesic & Partners LLC

Servicing a roster of domestic and international clients, Macesic & Partners LLC handles a range of energy-related cross-border transactions and investment projects, the lattermost being a key area of expertise for the practice, with team leader Zrinka Buzatović regularly advising lenders on secured loans, and LNG sales and purchase agreements. Miroljub Maćešić is another key contact in the group, assisting with commercial shipbuilding disputes. Ivana Manovelo left the firm in March 2023.

Practice head(s):

Zrinka Buzatović


Other key lawyers:

Miroljub Maćešić


Ostermann Ivancic Attorneys-at-Law LLP

Ostermann Ivancic Attorneys-at-Law LLP acts for a range of public clients, including inbound lenders, sponsors and suppliers, and boasts demonstrable experience in high-profile energy disputes, PPP mandates and construction litigation, in addition to joint ventures in the shipbuilding, transport and logistics sectors. Managing partner Mojmir Ostermann jointly leads the team alongside Vjekoslav Ivančić, while Ana Vrsaljko Metelko, who advises on a range of energy and transport projects, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Mojmir Ostermann; Vjekoslav Ivančić


Other key lawyers:

Ana Vrsaljko Metelko


Testimonials

‘Ostermann’s team are precise and punctual in providing requested assistance and always respond to further requests for clarification.’

‘Ana Vrsaljko Metelko is able to take both a technical and practical approach to answering clients’ questions and needs.’ 

‘Responsive, hard-working and always on time. They are a joy to work with.’

‘Vjekoslav Ivančić is extremely knowledgeable, very calm in the most stressful of situations and project stages, and you can clearly see his vast experience.’

‘Professional, responsive and engaged.’

Key clients

TelemachConnecting European Broadband Fund


BLT


Rune Crow


Epsilon Građenje


Work highlights


  • Advised several real estate international investors developing projects in Croatia, mostly in the tourism sector.
  • Advised RuNe Crow 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.
  • Advising Zorlu Enerji with respect to the roll-out of their energy business in Croatia, providing charging station services for electrical vehicles.

Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers

The regulatory team at Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers advises on renewable energy sources projects and due diligence proceedings related to energy-concerned transactions, in addition to public procurement mandates and issues arising out of the mining industry. Lea Mužić spearheads the team and boasts expertise in the transactional and regulatory elements of land and project developments. Aleksandra Petrovic is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Lea Mužić


Other key lawyers:

Aleksandra Petrovic


Testimonials

‘Lea Mužić is clear in her advice and solutions-oriented.’

‘Exceptional orientation on clients’ needs, Schoenherr were very keen and supportive to complete the task.’

‘Lea Mužić is very professional.’

Key clients

European Federation of Energy Traders (EFET)


Montenegro’s Electrical Power Company’s (EPCG)


Mirova


RP Global