Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) > Zagreb, Croatia > Firm Profile

Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria)
ILICA 1
10000 ZAGREB
Croatia

Croatia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Benefiting from ‘good coverage of corporate law, contractual relations and tax’, Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) advises on complex transactional work for both domestic and international clients, which are also appreciative of its ‘ability to find creative solutions for very atypical business transactions’. Now headed in Croatia by the ‘responsive, creative and tenacious’ Marija Zrno Prošić following Hrvoje Bardek’s move to a counsel role, the firm is particularly well-positioned to advise on multi-jurisdictional M&A mandates by virtue of its ability to leverage the firm’s broader network of CEE offices. This capability recently manifested itself prominently as a result of the office’s involvement (advising on the Croatian law aspects) on behalf of Lone Star private equity fund in its multi-jurisdictional €3.17bn acquisition of BASF's construction chemicals business.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

The team demonstrated good coverage of various areas such as corporate law, contractual relations and tax aspects with the ability to find creative solutions for very atypical business transactions.’

The very dedicated Marija Zrno Prošić is responsive and creative and fights for her client.’

Key clients

Porsche AG

Porsche Digital

Lone Star

Alef Nula

Naos International, LLC

DIV

CA IMMO

LOG EXPERT

ORPEA

NEOEN

VSB Holding GmbH

Work highlights

  • Advising Porsche on its joint venture entered into with Croatian electric vehicle maker Rimac.
  • Advising Porsche on its €70m investment in Croatia’s Rimac Automobili.
  • Advising Lone Star on its €3.17bn acquisition of BASF Construction Chemicals.

Croatia > Dispute resolution Tier 1

The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ team at Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) provides ‘commercially-oriented’ advice to foreign entities in particular, where it not only understands their business needs/expectations but can also effectively advise on the local law specific issues they may face. While the firm is more than capable of taking a case to trial, it is also noted for its willingness and aptitude to look at out-of-court solutions and thereby save the client time and money on what can be often very lengthy proceedings in Croatia. Team head Sandra Lisac has broad litigation expertise across a range of substantive areas of law, and also ‘has good insight into the pharmaceutical industry’, which is particularly useful in relation to product liability matters. Other key practitioners include Tamara Jelić Kazić, for her tax expertise, and Ana-Marija Skoko, who is the go-to-person for all contentious employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

The dispute resolution team is on the one hand knowledgeable and experienced, and on the other, pragmatic and comprehensive when dealing with and explaining complicated legal issues.’

Being commercially-oriented, they try to find an out-of-court solution, to save their clients’ time and money usually spent on lengthy court proceedings.’

Their experience in representing mainly foreign investors allows them to understand their clients’ expectations and to better present local particularities.’

Aside from her legal knowledge Sandra Lisac has good insight into the pharmaceutical industry and market in Croatia, helping me to come to the best decision taking into consideration the particular legal circumstances of the case and the current situation on the market.’

‘Tamara Jelić Kazić has a deep knowledge of international transactional taxes, especially European VAT legislation.’

Key clients

HETA ASSET RESOLUTION AG (former Hypo-Alpe-AdriaBank International AG)

Johnson & Johnson

Erste Group Bank AG

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG

Erste Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

PATRIZIA

Ecowind

DePuy International Ltd

Work highlights

  • Representing Erste Group Bank AG, Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG, Erste and Steiermärkische Bank d.d. in an investment claim, pursued through international arbitration, against the Republic of Croatia, under the bilateral investment treaty between the Republic of Croatia and Austria.
  • Representing a European real estate investment fund in litigation brought against group members of Agrokor for an outstanding multimillion-Kuna debt.
  • Continuing to represent DePuy International in negotiations concerning the claims of almost 100 Croatian patients following the recall of a hip implant product.

Croatia > Employment Tier 1

Acting on its own, as well as often in a co-ordinated fashion with colleagues throughout its international network on multi-jurisdictional mandates, the ‘very professional, practical and results-oriented’ team at Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) is a popular choice among domestic and international corporates for ad-hoc employment queries and as an adjunct to M&A handled by the firm. The firm is also appreciated for its dedication ‘to being up-to-date with trends and developments in the employment sector’ and regularly provides well-received articles and webinars on trending and interesting topics. Ana-Marija Skoko and newly promoted Mia Kalajdžić are the main contacts and are praised for their ‘willingness to listen and tailor their advice to the needs of the client, and, most importantly, to go the extra mile in getting things done’.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

The team is very dedicated to being up-to-date with trends and developments in the employment sector. They have the ability to recognise the needs of the market, as well as the trending and interesting topics.’

The team is very professional and practical in its approach, and is very result-oriented. Instead of just saying “this is what the law states” they always provide you with information on how a parcticular paragraph or regulation is usually interpreted by the officials or the court, and what could be done to influence such interpretation.’

The whole employment team is knowledgeable, has expertise and is able to apply it in the practice.’

I highly recommend Ana-Marija Skoko and Mia Kalajdžić because of their great engagement with clients, their willingness to listen and tailor their advice to the needs of the client, and, most importantly, to go the extra mile in getting things done.’

Tamara Jelić Kazić has been assisting us with legal issues for many years and if the issue is not her speciality, she always makes sure that the colleague which takes over the project is up to date with the big picture.’

Key clients

Porsche AG

ERA Holdings B.V.

Österreichische Post AG

Canon Croatia d.o.o.

Becton Dickinson Croatia d.o.o.

DAI Group

Electrolux Professional

WABCO Austria GesmbH.

Porsche Digital

Work highlights

  • Represented LEISTRITZ Turbinentechnik in an elaborate employment restructuring in Croatia.
  • Providing employment law advice to Porsche pursuant to its investment in Rimac.
  • Providing employment law advice to Österreichische Post.

Croatia > Privatisation, projects and energy Tier 1

Well-versed in the underlying regulatory strictures, and also able to leverage expertise from lawyers within a multi-disciplinary offering which draws together corporate, finance, tax and real estate competences, Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) is well-placed to advise a diverse roster of stakeholders engaged in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects throughout the country. Key contacts include team head Marija Mušec, who has niche expertise advising governmental bodies on public procurement matters relating to energy efficient projects; ‘extremely responsive’ corporate/M&A partner Marija Zrno Prošić, who regularly assists renewable energy companies in their efforts to enter the Croatian market; and banking partner Jelena Nushol Fijačko, who regularly advises development banks providing the financing on large infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

Marija Zrno Prošić is extremely responsive.’

Key clients

Aspect Energy / Aspect Holdings, LLC

EBRD / The City of Split

LOG EXPERT

ORPEA / SENECURA

Maren Maras Elektrik Üretim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S

FATA SpA / Part of DANIELI Group

Erste Group Bank AG

Work highlights

  • Advising the exploration and energy investment company, Aspect Energy/Aspect Holdings, in connection with the second licensing round in Croatia.
  • Providing full support to LOG EXPERT regarding the  development, construction and lease of logistic centres in Croatia, including due diligence, sale and purchase acquisition, lease agreements, construction and construction related agreements, support with permit issuance for several locations in Croatia.
  • Supporting EBRD on its Croatian WBIF (REEP) projects and providing legal aspects of the technical support for preparing pipeline of ESCO projects in the public sector.

Croatia > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Led by Ana-Marija Skoko, the ‘professional and business-oriented’ two-partner team at CMS provides ‘flawless legal advice‘ to funds, investors and end-users across the life-cycle of real estate and construction projects within the logistics, retail, hotels and leisure space. As well as regularly handling domestic matters, the team is also regularly engaged in regional CEE-based mandates, which it seamlessly handles by dint of its strong network in the region. ‘Extremely intelligent and well-informed’ recently promoted partner Mia Kalajdžić plays a key part in the transactional real estate work, as well as on day-to-day property management.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

The team is readily accessible to the client, and represents its interests in court hearings, making the team ideally suited for international non-resident clients. The team is fully bilingual, providing maximum efficiency for international clients.’

The team is extremely professional and flexible and is always eager to provide the client with the best legal advice possible or to strengthen the position of the client in the business meeting.’

They are professional, business-oriented and provide flawless legal advice.’

The ability of Mia Kalajdžić and Ana-Marija Skoko communicating in English on matters for commercial and legal is unique for the region, setting them apart from other practices and competitions, including in much larger CEE offices.’

Mia Kalajdžić is extremely intelligent and well-informed on legal precedents in Croatia, while also able to appreciate international client’s perspectives, from an Anglo Saxon common law background.’

Key clients

PATRIZIA

ORPEA

BAUHAUS

LOG EXPERT

ATRIUM

EMAC

NAOS

Work highlights

  • Advising PATRIZIA on real estate matters emanating out of the Agrokor collapse.
  • Assisted ORPEA/SENECURA on due diligence reviews over several targets, and successfully concluded the acquisition of DRUGI DOM, including post-closing support.
  • Advised LOG EXPERT on the  acquisition, development, construction and lease of a logistic centre in Croatia, including due diligence, acquisition support, drafting and negotiating of lease agreements, construction and construction related agreements, and support with permit issuance.

Croatia > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2

Working on its own and also able to leverage expertise across its extensive European network, the ‘exceptional’ team at Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) provides ‘high-quality advice’ to a lender-focused client base across a range of transactional and regulatory matters. As well as her core financing work, team head Jelena Nushol Fijačko remains very active advising financial institutions as sellers of non-performing loans (NPLs), including for Zagrebacka banka on the disposal of several NPL portfolios. ‘Very knowledgeable and hardworking’ senior associate Ivan Ivandić has ‘an ingenious, yet very practical approach to legal issues’, particularly in the context of project, acquisition and real estate financing.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

The exceptional team demonstrated swiftness and proactiveness in their responses, which were to the point and without unnecessary legal gibberish.’

They have extensive knowledge on banking and finance matters, especially in terms of LMA regulations, and availability on all matters that come up on the way, even if not strictly of legal nature.’

Proactive approach, outstanding risk identification and attention to detail.’

The team is very well co-ordinated and easy to work with. They provide high-quality legal advice in a timely manner. They understand the needs of their clients and have a practical and simple approach to complex legal matters.’

The team displays a flexible, innovative, co-operative and friendly approach.’

Jelena Nushol provides consistently excellent advice.’

‘Ivan Ivandic has an ingenious, yet very practical approach to legal issues, always prioritising the needs of his clients and delivering the legal product of the highest quality. He is very knowledgeable, systematic and a hard worker. He is an exceptional individual, highly-motivated and very responsive.’

‘Ivan Ivandic displays a unique approach, an understanding of finance matters, knowledge and willingness to not only be an external lawyer but a truly legal advisor that you can count on during the entire time of the project.’

Key clients

Norddeutsche Landesbank

EBRD

Bank Pekao

UniCredit

Amsterdam Trade Bank

UniCredit Leasing Croatia

Citibank

Erste Group Bank

Zagrebacka banka d.d. – the Croatian arm of UniCredit Group

Heta Asset Resolution

EIB – European Investment Bank

Work highlights

  • Provided comprehensive restructuring and refinancing support to Norddeutsche Landesbank, in relation to the restructuring of a $50m debt owed by Croatian shipping company Jadroplov.
  • Advised Erste Group Bank on the Croatian aspects of the financing provided to M7 Real Estate to facilitate its acquisition of a portfolio of ten real estate assets in Poland, Hungary and Croatia.
  • Advising EBRD and Bank Pekao in relation to the financing to facilitate Studenac’s acquisition of Sonik.

Croatia > EU and competition Tier 2

At Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria), the three-strong team has ‘a very hands-on approach and provides fresh ideas’ to IT, tech and automotive clients on the competition law matters associated with their commercial contracts (including distribution agreements and supply chains), as well as in the context of transactions. Under the guidance of Marija Zrno Prošić, the team continues to be particularly active advising on the merger control issues associated with international corporates on the competition law ramifications of investments in Croatian start-ups. In addition, Prošić is also appreciated for the ‘very innovative ideas‘ she imparts to clients on training courses which incorporate ‘technology-based solutions’ to ensure that they are compliant and well set up from a risk management perspective to deal with any potential competition law issues, including in the context of dawn raids.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

The team has a very hands-on approach, provides fresh ideas and speedy responses.’

Marija Zrno Prošić as the engagement partner was always at our disposal, ready to discuss at any point, is very kind and open, addresses questions and concerns openly… really good co-operation!’

‘Marija Zrno Prošić had some very innovative ideas when conducting my companies internal training course, combining classic methods with new, modern and technology-based solutions.’

Key clients

Bauhaus K.D.

GOODYEAR DUNLOP SAVA TIRES

Porsche AG

Invest4SEE RE

Ryanair Ltd.

Podravka d.d.

Era Holdings

Bet-at-home

Pentland

Airbnb

INA d.d.

Work highlights

  • Advising on all transactional and competition law aspects of Porsche’s investments in Rimac.
  • Advising a leading Italian pasta producer on competition law risks.
  • Analysing whether a new joint venture in Croatia between Porsche and a Croatian-based IT development company constitutes a concentration and whether merger filing requirements are met (in Croatia and at EU level).
DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Banking and finance Jelena Nushol
Real estate and construction Gregor Famira
Real estate and construction Ana Marija Skoko
Competition, antitrust and EU Hrvoje Bardek
Competition, antitrust and EU Marija Zrno
Compliance Hrvoje Bardek
Compliance Marija Zrno
Corporate and commercial Hrvoje Bardek
Corporate and commercial Marija Mušec
Energy, transportation, infrastructure, PPP Hrvoje Bardek
Energy, transportation, infrastructure, PPP Marija Mušec
Intellectual property Marija Mušec
Labour and employment, pensions Mia Kalajdzic
M&A Gregor Famira
M&A Hrvoje Bardek
Tax Tamara Jelic Kazic
Public procurement, regulatory Marija Mušec
Employment Mia Kalajdžić
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Tamara Jelić Kazić photo Tamara Jelić KazićPartner – Coordinator of Tax Group, CMS CEE
Sanrda Lisac photo Sanrda LisacPartner
Marija Mušec photo Marija MušecPartner
Jelena Nushol photo Jelena NusholPartner
Marija Zrno photo Marija ZrnoPartner
Number of lawyers : 150
at this office : 20
Croatian
English
French
German
Russian
CMS is a global top 10 law firm with over 4
500 professionals in 74 offices and 42 countries worldwide.
Contact : Gregor Famira
Other offices : Belgrade
Other offices : Bratislava
Other offices : Kiev
Other offices : Ljubljana
Other offices : Podgorica
Other offices : Sarajevo
Other offices : Skopje
Other offices : Sofia