Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers > Zagreb, Croatia > Firm Profile
Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers Offices
HR-10000 Zagreb
prilaz Gjure Deželića 19
Croatia
Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers > The Legal 500 Rankings
Croatia > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers handles a wide range of cross-jurisdictional matters, focusing on core banking and finance work, including derivatives and financings. Team leader Krešimira Krušlin Ćurić advises on structured debt financing and investment fund mandates, in addition to acting for lenders in syndicated loans. Lea Mužić spearheads the regulatory practice, focusing on restructuring and project financing in the renewable energy industry.Practice head(s):
Krešimira Krušlin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Schoenherr Croatia responded quickly and provided supportive legal advice in complex banking matters.’
Key clients
Nexi S.p.A.
OTP Bank Plc.
ISDA
Work highlights
- Advised NEXI S.p.A., a leading European PayTech company, on purchase from Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. and PBZ Card d.o.o., Croatian companies indirectly controlled by Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., PBZ Card’s merchant acquiring business in the Croatian market
- Advised CAREL INDUSTRIES S.P.A and the investors in connection with the issuance and sale to the purchasers of €20,000,000 Senior Notes, Series A, due 2032 and €20,000,000 Senior Notes, Series B, due 2032, in connection with Private Shelf Facility to be entered into with PGIM, Inc.
- Advised the ISDA counsel for Croatia and is the author of all of the published Croatian industry opinions.
Croatia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers stands out for its capability in handling M&A transactions, frequently advising financial institutions and corporate clients, with demonstrable experience in the tourism, real estate and infrastructure industries. The team is co-led by Ivan Einwalter, who specialises in domestic and cross-border inbound acquisitions and energy-related sales, and Vice Mandarić. Krešimira Krušlin Ćurić handles day-to-day advisory matters, while Dina Vlahov Buhin handles transaction structuring and partakes in SPA negotiations, with notable experience in the TMT and tourism sectors.Practice head(s):
Ivan Einwalter; Vice Mandarić
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Schoenherr provided support in a multi-jurisdictional M&A transaction, and their experience and understanding of market standards was of huge help.’
‘Vice Mandarić is professional, knowledgeable and, at the same time, very patient and flexible.’
‘Quick response, good understanding of the matter and high quality of delivered legal products.’
‘Krešimira Krušlin Ćurić always responds very promptly on each question and is always prepared to explain the matter.’
Key clients
ANDRITZ AG
HOF Capital
BlackPeak Capital
Unconditional d.o.o.
Thales EUROPE AS
Nexi S.p.A
Wienerberger
Cementos Molins
Fressnapf
Greiner Packaging
CRH
TUI Group
Phillip Morris
ANDRITZ AG
TELIA COMPANY AB
S IMMO
Johnson & Johnson S.A.
Nexi Croatia d.o.o.
Weinhandl & Co
Runs Like Butter
ALCA ZAGREB d.o.o.
B.S.A. International
AVS GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised NEXI S.p.A. on purchase from Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. and PBZ Card d.o.o., Croatian companies indirectly controlled by Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., of PBZ Card’s merchant acquiring business in the Croatian market, for a consideration of EUR 180 million and on establishing a new business model in the card-based payment transactions acceptance in the Croatian market.
- Advised ANDRITZ on acquisition of Croatia-based boiler manufacturer ĐURO ĐAKOVIĆ TERMOENERGETSKA POSTROJENJA d.o.o. (DD-TEP).
- Advised UniCredit SpA in relation to acquisition of 11.72% of Zagrebacka Banka dd, the Croatia based commercial bank, from Allianz SE.
Croatia > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers' practice is spearheaded by Vice Mandarić, and acts for major banking and finance clients on minority shareholder disputes, squeeze-out procedures, breach of consumer rights and spin-off-related disputes. Assisted by Ivan Einwalter and Lucija Krznar, Mandarić handles debt disputes and litigation related to EU regulations and legislation.Practice head(s):
Vice Mandarić
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are agile, prompt and professional.’
Key clients
PHILIP MORRIS
B.S.A. International S.A
JOHNSON & JOHNSON S.E.
DS SMITH UNIJAPAPIR CROATIA
ALCA ZAGREB
Daimler AG
Sberbank of Russia
Sberbank EUROPE AG
Sberbank d.d. Croatia
Sberbank banka d.d. Slovenia
Privredna banka Zagreb d.d.
RE Finanzierungs, Raiffeisen Evolution
Bramac, Monier Group
AGRAGOLD Brcko, Pig Improvement Company (UK)
TUI Travel House
Team System Infocom
PRINTEC
GASFIN S.A.
VELIT INSTALACIJA d.o.o.
Work highlights
- Advised B.S.A. INTERNATIONAL in a dispute with former minority shareholders following the squeeze-out procedure.
Croatia > Privatisation, projects and energy Tier 2
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:
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
Croatia > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Led by Ksenija Šourek, who is praised as ‘reliable, dedicated and has vast knowledge and understanding of the market’, the ‘top-notch’ team at Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers represents domestic and international clients in transactional and advisory matters arising out of the commercial and retail real estate sectors. Bolstering the team’s strength, Ivan Einwalter has considerable experience in real estate-related M&A, advising on acquisitions in the tourism sector and due diligence. Vice Mandarić is another key member of the team, assisting with sales, purchase and long-term lease agreements.Practice head(s):
Ksenija Šourek
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The real estate team is top-notch. They are reliable and with them you are simply in good hands.’
‘Ksenija Šourek is proactive, dedicated and has excellent legal and people skills.’
‘Schoenherr is simply brilliant. Excellent knowledge, commercial background and around the clock availability. It hardly gets better than that.’
‘Ksenija Šourek is reliable, dedicated and has vast knowledge and understanding of the market.’
‘Commitment and transparency.’
‘Ksenija Šourek is reasonable and down to earth with great interest in learning how things work in other professional fields that become part of the project she works on (e.g. architecture, urban zoning, cadastral procedures etc). She is one of the most reliable lawyers that I have worked with.’
‘The Schoenherr team has excellent legal knowledge, but also deep understanding of the market. What makes them stand out is their modern and very human approach.’
‘Ksenija Šourek is absolutely brilliant. She is very sharp and hard-working, but brings a very personal touch to the table.’
Key clients
Omar Zawawi Group
HAVI Group
ANDRITZ AG
LIDL
S IMMO Group
FACC Operations GmbH
Hyatt International LLC
UNIQA Real Estate GmbH
Hilding Anders
Fressnapf Tiernahrungs GmbH
AmRest Adria
Xprimia AG
TUI Group
Studenac d.o.o.
Mirova
RP Global
Work highlights
- Advising LIDL since its market entry in 2001 on various real estate aspects of development of 107 LIDL stores in Croatia.
- Advising S IMMO Group’ on several aspects of their day-to-day business related to ‘Zagrebtower’ and ‘HOTO tower’.
- Advised FACC on its second expansion phase in Croatia, with a third one to follow.
Croatia > Employment Tier 3
The employment practice at Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers is seated in the firm's wider corporate and commercial department. Team leader Dina Vlahov Buhin handles a broad range of employment matters arising from M&A transactions, including contentious and non-contentious work. The team’s core strength includes employee incentive programs, related administrative proceedings, unilateral terminations and dismissals, and employment-related due diligence processes. Ivan Einwalter advises international businesses on inbound employment-related matters, and assists with representing clients in labour law proceedings.Practice head(s):
Dina Vlahov Buhin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Easy to work with and responsive.’
‘The team is professional, creative, time management aware and nice to cooperate with.’
‘We worked with Dina Vlahov Buhin and Ivan Einwalter and the cooperation was excellent. In meetings, they were on time, focused, always proactive and stuck to deadlines.’
‘The practice is very experienced in cooperating with a multitude of stakeholders and ensuring quick, seamless communication internally and externally, even in extremely complex situations.’
‘Dina Vlahov Buhin’s support regarding cooperation and communication with authorities proved to be invaluable. Her support hugely contributed to a very successful outcome. Availability and responsiveness were outstanding.’
‘Professional approach to various topics and potential legal problems and finding a legal solution with quick responses to clients’ needs.’
‘I believe that Dina Vlahov Buhin understands the topic and has great experience, which is reflected in her quick reactions and advice. The exceptional kindness that comes from Dina, as well as her patience, has a positive effect on the overall cooperation.’
‘Very supportive and customer friendly, high level of flexibility and quality of work.’
Key clients
Omar Zawawi Group and Zara Turist d.o.o.
Cloud Linux Software, Inc.
Alfa Energy Group
Entain plc.
Bosch Adria Group
Jabil Inc.
Uniqa Ag
H.I.G. Capital
Porsche Holding GmbH
Tesla Inc
Nexi Croatia d.o.o.
Andritz AG
Philip Morris Zagreb d.o.o.
FACC AG / FACC Solutions Croatia d.o.o.
Work highlights
- Advised Erste Group Bank and, inter alia, its subsidiary Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d. on implementation of the employee incentive program.
- Advised Nexi Croatia d.o.o., part of the NEXI group, a leading European PayTech company, on employment aspects of the transfer of a business unit and ex lege transfer of employees (TUPE), as a part of a transaction of purchase of merchant acquiring business in the Croatian market from Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. and PBZ Card d.o.o., and establishment of a long-term cooperation in merchant acquiring business in Croatia.
- Advised H.I.G. Capital on the acquisitions of comcross Croatia, a company that plans, builds, implements and optimizes infrastructures in mobile and fixed networks. Acted as Croatian legal counsel on the transaction, performing legal due diligence with the strong focus on employment and social security matters, as well as HR post-structuring and cross-border posting.
Croatia > EU and competition Tier 3
Noted for its strong merger control fillings offering, Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers regularly represents domestic and international clients before the Croatian Competition Authority. With a strong track record in M&A, Ana Mihaljević (Marjančić) leads the team, handling cross-border competition and antitrust matters. Christoph Haid assists on distribution policy changes related to EU law, while Zoran Soljaga advises on a range of contentious antitrust issues.Practice head(s):
Ana Mihaljević (Marjančić)
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Haid; Zoran Šoljaga
Testimonials
‘Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers for the EU and the competition team stands out due to their expertise and experience: the team comprises highly skilled lawyers with extensive experience in competition law, both in Croatia and within the broader European context. They also have a client-centric approach, since the the team prioritizes the needs and objectives of its clients.’
‘Ana Mihaljević (Marjančić) is excellent; down to earth and pleasant to work with. And most importantly, she really does know how to get things done fast and efficiently without over complicating.’
‘The team is co-ordinated, experienced and very reliable.’
‘Ana Mihaljević (Marjančić)’s powerful and effective written and verbal communication is crucial. The ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively is a key asset. Also, she is very adaptable and her adaptability and willingness to learn and grow are much appreciated.’
Key clients
GTC Group
Kraft Heinz Company
Philip Morris Zagreb d.o.o.
HRANA-TEC d.o.o.
TUI AG
Intersnack
SIMMO AG
Polleo Adria d.o.o.
Work highlights
- Aadvised Nexi/ISP on long-form merger control filing before the Croatian Competition Authority related to the acquisition of ISP’s EUR 180 million worth of merchant acquiring business.
- Advised Wienerberger Vargon on long-form merger control filing before the Croatian Competition Authority.
- Advised GTC on implementation of a set of group compliance policies and procedures.
Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers > Firm Profile
The firm: Schoenherr is a leading full service law firm, with 15 offices and several country desks in the Central and Eastern Europe. As one of the first international law firms to move into CEE/SEE, the firm has grown to be one of the largest firms in the region.
Schoenherr commenced its activities in Croatia in 2001. Initially with a strong focus on M&A, the office profited from the thriving economic activity in Croatia at the beginning of the millennium. Schoenherr, together with independent Croatian lawyers, was involved in most of the headline deals, including privatisations in the insurance and energy industries (gas utilities), private to private transactions in the insurance and banking sectors, and foreign investment in the pharmaceuticals and food trading industries. Building on this early success, Schoenherr has acted for many of the large real estate investors attracted to Croatia in recent years. In line with market developments, the office has recently experienced a rapid expansion of its banking & finance practice.
Areas of practice: The firm’s main practice areas are corporate, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, real estate and construction, dispute resolution, competition, labour and employment, intellectual property, insolvency and restructuring and privatisation projects and energy.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking, finance and capital markets | Kresimira Kruslin Curic | ||
| Commercial, corporate, M&A | Luka Lopicic | ||
| Commercial, corporate, M&A | Ivan Einwalter | ||
| Dispute resolution | Vice Mandaric | ||
| Employment | Dina Vlahov-Buhin | ||
| EU and competition | Ana Mihaljevic (Marjancic) | ||
| Intellectual property | Dina Vlahov-Buhin | ||
| Privatisation, projects and energy | Petra Santic | ||
| Real estate and construction | Ksenija Sourek |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ivan Einwalter | Partner | View Profile |
|
Krešimira Krušlin Ćurić | Attorney at law | View Profile |
|
Vice Mandarić | Partner | View Profile |
|
Ana Mihaljević (Marjančić) | Attorney at law | View Profile |
|
Petra Šantić | Attorney at law | View Profile |
|
Ksenija Šourek | Attorney at law | View Profile |
|
Dina Vlahov Buhin | Attorney at law | View Profile |
Staff Figures
:Languages
Bosnian Croatian English SerbianOther
Other office : Austria (HQ) Other office : Belgium/EU Other office : Bulgaria Other office : Czech Republic Other office : Hungary Other office : Moldova Other office : Montenegro Other office : Poland Other office : Romania Other office : Serbia Other office : Slovakia Other office : Slovenia Other office : Turkey Other office : Albania Other office : Bosnia & Herzegovina Other office : North Macedonia Other office : UkraineLegal Briefings
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