Žurić i Partneri (in cooperation with Kinstellar) > Zagreb, Croatia > Firm Profile

Žurić i Partneri (in cooperation with Kinstellar)
SAVSKA CESTA 32/13
10000 ZAGREB
Croatia

Croatia > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

The ‘very experienced and extremely responsive’ team at Žuric i Partneri provides ‘solutions-oriented’ advice to lenders and borrowers across a broad swathe of financings, including those relating to M&A, project finance and real estate. Edin Karakaš offers ‘practical advice and never fails to provide a seamless client experience’, in transactional and regulatory settings. Duško Žurić ‘possesses strong legal knowledge and displays a friendly approach’, particularly in the context of energy-related mandates, including working alongside senior associate Marija Vuchetich for OTP Banka on the financing of the acquisition of a biomass-fired co-generation plant. Mihovil Granić is also recommended.

Testimonials

‘The entire team at Žurić i Partneri consists of very experienced, highly determined, educated and friendly attorneys.’

‘Excellent team, great collaboration, expertise, extremely responsive and solutions-oriented.’

‘Žuric i Partneri’s team was available all the time, which was very helpful and sped up the process. All requested information was concrete and delivered on time. The Žurić i Partneri team are professionals covering a wide range of legal services. In one sentence, it was a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Edin Karakaš provides practical advice and never fails to provide a seamless client experience.’

Vedran Kopilović is professional, competent and reliable. He is a forward-thinking attorney with loads of knowledge by his side.’

Duško Žurić possesses strong legal knowledge and displays a friendly approach.’

‘Marija Vuchetich and Duško Žurić are very pleasant to work with. They are focused on finding solutions in order to reach the targeted goal.’

Key clients

OTP banka d.d.

OTP Bank NYRT

Primex Payments d.o.o.

EBRD

SberBank

Work highlights

  • Advised OTP banka d.d. on the long-term loan agreement to Adriatic Structured Equity Fund for its acquisition of Keindl Sport, a leading regional sports equipment wholesaler and retailer.
  • Advising EBRD on the development of a legal and regulatory framework for covered bonds in Croatia, including assisting the Ministry of Finance.
  • Advising Hong Kong-based creditor parties with respect to a sale and leaseback transaction involving three Croatian-flagged ships.

Croatia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

At the pinnacle of the Croatian legal market for many years, domestic heavyweight Žuric i Partneri has developed longstanding and deeply-rooted ties with many leading domestic and international corporate clients, which are appreciative of the firm’s ‘great understanding of different business cultures’ and ‘excellent command of English’. In addition to providing day-to-day corporate/commercial advice and M&A-related matters, it is also a go-to firm for advice on important governance projects, including its work for the EBRD in relation to improving the disclosure practices of Zagreb Stock Exchange-listed companies. Edin Karakaš took the lead on the aforementioned mandate and is appreciated for his versatility, which also encompasses competition law expertise. Duško Žurić has ‘excellent legal knowledge’ and co-heads the team alongside Daniela Mayer.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team is proactive, efficient, precise and well organised.’

‘I really appreciated the efficiency of Zuric i Partneri. They summarised the legal situations, provided alternative solutions and recommended the best way forward. I never got the impression that they are trying to sell a solution that has limited success chances.’ 

‘They have a great understanding of different business cultures, an excellent command of English, very thorough and detailed in all aspects. Very flexible to work with customers in all different areas/matters.’

‘Duško Žurić has good managing skills and excellent legal knowledge.’

Key clients

FORESIGHT Energy Infrastructure Partners 1 S.À.R.L.

Phoenix farmacija d.o.o. (Phoenix International Beteiligungs GmbH group)

Dviation Training Services (DVIATION GROUP GmbH)

ButterflyMX Inc.

Biogen International GmbH

Adriatic Basketball Association – ABA LEAGUE

OTP banka d.d.

ĐURO ĐAKOVIĆ GROUP Plc

EBRD

Hungarian Gas Trade Ltd.

British Petroleum

Findos Investor GmbH

Siemens Mobility Austria GmbH

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES d.o.o.

Work highlights

  • Advising Hungarian Gas Trade, a leading Hungarian gas supplier and distributor, in relation to activities regarding the LNG terminal on the Krk island in Croatia.
  • Advising leading basketball association ABA League in relation to various corporate and commercial matters.
  • Advised the EBRD on two significant corporate governance projects: i) revision of the Zagreb Stock Exchange and Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency’s corporate governance code; and ii) analysis of the corporate governance framework of state-owned enterprises in nine countries of Southeast Europe.

Croatia > Dispute resolution Tier 1

The ‘highly skilled’ team at Žuric i Partneri displays ‘comprehensive knowledge of the Croatian judicial system’, which informs its expertise and ability to provide ‘user-friendly’ advice across the gamut of commercial disputes, including a large number within the financial services sector. Praised for his ‘superior research and analytical skills’ and ability to ‘process large volumes of information quickly’, Miroslav Plašćar is pivotal to many of the highest-profile commercial and property related disputes handled by the team. Mihovil Granić ‘is valued for his strategic thinking, business-oriented advice and ability to think outside of the box when it comes to high-profile litigation’. The ‘very hard-working and smart’ Maja Skansi has developed particular expertise in relation to enforcement law and bankruptcy and pre-bankruptcy proceedings. Edin Karakaš co-heads the team alongside Plašćar.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Zuric & Partners’ dispute resolution team is highly skilled and has comprehensive knowledge of the Croatian judicial system. In addition, it provides the clients with a simple and clear, “user-friendly” picture on litigation procedures in Croatia along with its outstanding advice on litigation strategy.’

‘The team has excellent knowledge in proceedings for collection of claims and they are always up to date with all recent legislation changes which are of relevance for such job. Moreover, the team is very proactive and always tries to find the best solutions which are time and cost-effective. They are very pleasant in communication and provide timely responses.’

‘Know-how, experience, out-of-the-box thinking, openness, flexibility, team player, dare to do things differently, face challenges, very open-minded with an attitude that nothing is impossible.’

‘Miroslav Plascar has superior research and analytical skills, and is able to process large volumes of information quickly and formulate an effective strategy for each case that is assigned to his workload.’

‘Mihovil Granić is a well-known name in litigation in Croatia and is valued for his strategic thinking, business-oriented advice and ability to think outside of the box when it comes to high-profile litigation.’

‘Mihovil Granić is an excellent lawyer who is very studious in his work.’

‘Miroslav Plašćar – apart from being a great lawyer his personality and way of behaving makes him an unique partner.’

‘Maja Skansi is a young, hard-working and very smart lawyer who has been delivering outstanding work and results together with Mr. Plašćar.’

Key clients

OTP BANKA d.d.

SBERBANK d.d.

GEOPROJEKT d.o.o.

P.P.K. NEKRETNINE d.o.o.

PODRAVSKA BANKA d.d.

AMWAY

Municipality Tomislavgrad, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Saponia d.d.

Kandit d.o.o.

ADRIATIC BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – ABA LEAGUE

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented OTP BANKA d.d., one of the largest Croatian banks, in multiple materially interconnected and long-lasting litigation cases of high value which were initiated by certain public water companies seeking the annulment of various contracts including monetary claims arising thereof.
  • Represented AMWAY, an Asia-based direct selling company, in a dispute initiated against the Croatian travel agency for the return of an advance payment arising from termination of agreement on organisation of an event due to force majeure, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Represented Municipality Tomislavgrad from Bosnia and Herzegovina in three pieces of litigation against a company from the Croatian national energy group for increase of fee for usage of artificial accumulation lake Buško jezero located in Municipality Tomislavgrad.

Croatia > Employment Tier 1

Led by Miroslav Plašćar, the ‘experienced and professional’ team at Žuric i Partneri provides ‘commercially savvy’ advice to foreign companies, in particular on domestic employment matters pursuant to running businesses in the country. The scope of the firm's work includes litigation, HR advisory matters and work in the context of large restructuring exercises. Senior associate Maja Skansiis highly technically competent, precise and proactive’ and is particularly effective at handling employment disputes.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team is very experienced and professional. From our experience we have always received very commercially savvy responses, delivered on time and with clarity.’

‘They are extremely capable and give first-class opinions and advocacy work.’

‘When working with them, you always feel confident that the key issues will be addressed in the shortest possible time. Every lawyer from their team responds in a timely manner, is pleasant to work with and their advice is always on point.’

Vedran Kopilovic is an excellent attorney, with great legal knowledge and natural confidence.

‘They are a brilliant group of experts in this field. I really appreciate their passion, dedication and professionalism. They always try to match the service to the proposed budget.’

Maja Skansi is highly technically competent, precise, proactive, and gives her best for every case she is working on. She always has a client-oriented mindset and goes beyond their expectations.’

‘Maja Skansi is extremely accommodating of clients’ expectations, has a genuine enthusiasm for working in a wide range of areas, and is very skillful.’

Key clients

OTP BANKA d.d.

KANDIT d.o.o.

TBG BETON d.o.o.

Rockwool Adriatic d.o.o.

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES d.o.o.

KRAFTMONTASJE AS

Three Doctors of Medicine

Work highlights

  • Advising KRAFTMONTASJE on the collective redundancy of numerous Croatian employees, due to restructuring of the Croatian-based subsidiary.
  • Provided extensive legal opinion to a Croatian automobile distribution company regarding the sensitive issue of a severance payment to a former board member.
  • Provided answers to a legal questionnaire regarding the applicability of the Whistleblowers Directive in Croatia.

Croatia > Privatisation, projects and energy Tier 1

Drawing upon banking, corporate and real estate expertise from across the firm’s full-service offering, Žuric i Partneri’s multi-disciplinary team is well-placed to advise investors, lenders and sponsors in relation to the investment and financing of energy and infrastructure projects. In this context, as well as being conversant with regulatory concerns, the team is also praised for its ‘out-of-the-box thinking and flexibility’, enabling it to effectively adapt to the necessary transactional structure, including as it relates to PPP, PFI and concession-based projects. Energy-related work accounts for a significant amount of Duško Žurić’s M&A and finance deal flow, while his previous role as Assistant Minister for Privatisation and Industry at the Ministry of Economy, ensures that he is able to provide excellent insight to clients on privatisation mandates. Zuric co-heads the team alongside the ‘knowledgeable and open-mindedMiroslav Plašćar, who is particularly adept at advising on the real estate aspects of energy projects. ‘Solutions-oriented’ senior associate Marija Vuchetich is also recommended and has recently taken the lead on the bank side in relation to several biomass-fired cogeneration plants.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Žuric i Partneri team was available all the time, which was very helpful and sped up the process. All requested information were concrete and were delivered on time.’

‘Marija Vuchetich and Mr. Duško Žurić are very pleasant to work with. They are focused on finding solutions in order to reach targeted goal; respected defined time frame.’

‘Know-how, experience, out-of-the-box thinking, openness and flexibility are key traits of the team.’

‘Miroslav Plašćar – except from being a great lawyer, his personality and way of behaving makes him a unique partner.’

‘Miroslav Plašćar is knowledgeable and open-minded.’

Key clients

OTP banka

Work highlights

  • Advised OTP banka with respect to long term loan agreement granted for financing acquisition of a 13MW biomass-fired cogeneration plant in Slatina.
  • Advising a UAE-based private equity fund regarding a 5* tourist resort development project on the island of Hvar.
  • Advising a Norwegian investment group with respect to exclusive tourist resort development project in Sućuraj, on the island of Hvar.

Croatia > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Led by the ‘knowledgeable and open-minded’ Miroslav Plašćar, Žuric i Partneri has ‘great know-how and is capable of providing out-of-the-box thinking’ to domestic/international investors and developers across a range of major real estate matters, including as it relates to greenfield tourist resorts and renewable energy projects. ‘Hardworking and smart‘ senior associate Andrijana Kaštelan provides an ‘outstanding service‘ and is regularly involved in many of the highest-profile mandates handled by the team.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The experienced team has great know-how and is capable of providing out-of-the-box thinking.’

‘The team is very experienced in relation to the acquisition of real-estate property. As I am a citizen of a non-EU country, the process of acquisition was specific, challenging and needed additional knowledge and efforts, which the firm has fulfilled greatly.’

‘The team is very client-oriented, all needs are addressed in a timely manner in high quality. The solid legal knowledge of each team member is paired with high enthusiasm and the capability to give tailor-made advice. Urgent requests are treated with exceptional efficiency.’

‘Miroslav Plašćar is eloquent, fast, knowledgeable and open-minded.’

‘Andrijana Kaštelan is an experienced, hardworking and smart lawyer, who delivers an outstanding service.’

‘Matea Sekur is a young, hardworking and clever lawyer.’

‘Maja Skansi is kind and co-operative.’

Key clients

MANEVI ZRT.

WALLENBORN CRO d.o.o.

Private Individual from Croatia

Private Individual from Croatia

Private individual from Serbia

Private individual from USA

Work highlights

  • Advising Manevi ZRT as the purchaser of a high-value commercial building in the historical centre of the City of Osijek.
  • Advised the Croatian affiliate of a Hungarian company regarding the preparation of real estate due diligence pursuant to a  potential touristic project on one of the islands in the Croatian archipelago.
  • Advised a Croatian company (owned by UK-residing private investors) on real estate due diligence regarding the potential sale of real estate eligible for the development of touristic project on the island of Vis.

Croatia > EU and competition Tier 2

Co-headed by the ‘experienced and client-orientedEdin Karakaš and the ‘very responsiveDaniela Mayer, Žuric i Partneri has a strong reputation across a range of contentious and non-contentious competition/EU law matters, including the merger control issues associated with domestic and cross-border M&A transactions handled by the firm. The team is also appreciated for its ‘entrepreneurial approach’ and ability to provide ‘tailored and client-focused legal advice’, enabling it to provide very effective compliance advice to the firm’s wide-ranging client base.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team is entrepreneurial and recognises the need for tailored and client-focused legal advice. They respond in the shortest possible amount of time, possess extensive industry knowledge, and their advice is always appropriate and on time.’

‘Edin Karakaš is experienced, client-oriented and willing to go the extra mile regardless of the case and its complexity.’

Edin Karakaš – partner with very good and wide legal knowledge.’

Daniela Mayer is easy to work with and very responsive.’

Key clients

FORESIGHT ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS 1 S. À R.L.

EBRD

European Commission

Findos Investor GmbH

MMK SYSTEMS d.o.o.

Work highlights

  • Advised a German private equity fund on merger clearance advice related to a yacht charter business.
  • Advised a Croatian wholesale pharmacy company on a number of competition law issues due to the fact that the client is under close monitoring from the competition authority.
  • Participated in a multi-jurisdictional study regarding an evaluation of the functioning of the Market Definition Notice and assessment whether developments since 1997 merit an update of the Notice.

Žurić i Partneri has been serving clients in Croatia for over 25 years. We are deeply committed to putting the interests of our clients’ first in everything we do. We always strive to attain the best possible results by providing precise, concise, creative, and efficient legal services in line with the commercial objectives of our clients. Our long-tradition in providing premier legal advice has given us the experience and insight to find the best solutions to business challenges. Our legal teams are assembled to deliver the highest-quality legal advice available in the market and our significant experience gives us the insight necessary to anticipate changes and plan our client’s interests over the long term. We have built our reputation on our commitment to exceptional client service and outstanding expertise combined with our firm values of upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, approachability and professionalism.

As a result of a long-term relationship with Kinstellar, Žurić i Partneri entered into a cooperation and association with Kinstellar on 1 January 2022.

We have extensive experience handling some of Croatia’s most significant transactions by combining first-class legal skills with an in-depth understanding of business objectives. By joining forces with Kinstellar, we have broadened our offering in the western Balkans and leverage the resources and expertise of our firm to deliver the exceptional client service.

Our office is comprised of 21 legal professionals whose language capabilities include Croatian, English, French, Italian and German. The practice teams have been consistently ranked in the legal directories.

 

Areas of practice
Banking and finance: As one of our top areas of practice, the firm has an outstanding track recording advising international and domestic clients on a wide range of banking, financial and capital market law issues. The firm has unparalleled experience in bank M&As and has been involved in almost every bank sale, merger or post-privatisation acquisition that has occurred over the past 25 years.

M&A: The depth of experience of the M&A team is unmatched in the market. From sophisticated joint ventures, private M&As, disposals and corporate restructurings, the firm is uniquely equipped to deal with the numerous issues that can arise during M&A transactions. The firm is particularly recognised for its experience in bank M&As.

Energy and natural resources: The firm is at the forefront of the Croatian energy sector and is leading the market with pioneering advice in this area. From electricity sector reform, renewable energy sources and heat and gas distribution, to oil, gas and mineral exploration, energy is one of the most important and fastest changing industry sectors in the country. As a member of ELG, the firm has an extensive network of partners and leads the market in this sector.

Real estate: The firm has a developer-oriented practice with significant experience advising on tourist resort and leisure facility projects. The firm’s multi-disciplinary approach gives the real estate team the agility to take on complex cross-border projects and highly structured developments involving sophisticated financing structures. The team is also particularly recognised for its track record in advising on the real estate aspects of renewable energy projects.

Projects and infrastructure : The firm has significant experience advising on PPP, PFI and concession-based projects. From motorways, stadiums, tourist resorts, harbours, hospitals to energy and transport infrastructure, the firm provides integrated service and pragmatic advice.

Privatisation : The firm has long-standing expertise on privatisation projects. Over the past 20 years the firm has advised on the privatisation of some of the largest state-owned companies. The firm brings together high calibre lawyers and technical expertise to provide insightful advice.

Litigation and arbitration: Litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution, is one of the firm’s strongest practice areas. The firm is known for representing clients in the most important litigation and arbitration proceedings to take place in Croatia and has acted for both plaintiffs and respondents in some of the highest profile arbitrations.

IT and telecommunications: The firm has significant experience advising domestic and international telecom operators and IT companies. Few firms can offer the combination of experience and resources that the firm possesses to handle the most significant deals in the market.

Environment: This practice area is increasingly important in the Croatian market. The firm offers comprehensive advice on regulatory and licensing matters and has unique experience advising on matters relating to soil contamination, pollutions, emissions, waste-water and waste management issues.

Aviation: A dedicated team specialised in aviation law provides representation before the Aviation Agency and assistance in negotiating and drafting agreements on matters such as hypothecation/pledge, repossession, operating lease, sale and lease, engine sale, financing and delivery of aircrafts.

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare: The firm offers insightful advice and risk management for companies and investors active in the pharmaceuticals, biotech, and healthcare sectors. The firm has a strong track record advising on M&A, collaborations and regulatory matters.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
DUŠKO ŽURIĆdusko.zuric@zuric-i-partneri.hr+385 1 5555 630
MIROSLAV PLAŠĆARmiroslav.plascar@zuric-i-partneri.hr+385 1 5555 630
Number of lawyers : 21
English
German
Italian
French
International Bar Association
Energy Law Group
International Distribution Institute
American Chamber of Commerce in Croatia

Excellence of diversity

Diversity fuels our spirit. Multiple approaches and points of view are the core of our business. So, we hire the best, give them first-class training and set them loose. Together, we’re building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. We work fearlessly, learn quickly, improve constantly, and celebrate our wins at every turn. That’s how we grow! That’s how we value the excellence of diversity!