An in-depth look at Nina Radic Kuzik of Savoric & Partners covering her career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about her as a person outside the office.
Career:
Savoric & Partners LLC, Partner, 2018-present
Savoric & Partners LLC, Junior Partner, 2015-2017
Savoric & Partners LLC, Senior Associate, 2013-2015
Savoric & Partners LLC, Associate, 2010-2013
Education:
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Law, Postgraduate
Doctoral Study, Corporate and Commercial Law – ongoing
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Law,
Graduate Jurist (dipl.iur.), 2010
Favorites:
Out of office activity: Spending time with my kids, travelling, running and working out
Quote: “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”
Book: The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Movie: Intouchables by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano
Top 5 Projects:
Acting for SoftBank for the EUR 350 million investment in Croatian Unicorn Rimac, in a EUR 500 million funding round that gives this leading electric vehicle manufacturer and technology group a valuation of more than EUR 2 billion;
Acting for Enterprise Investors in the acquisitions of the Studenac, Istarski Supermarketi, Sonik, Pemo, and Lonia retail chains;
Acting for Invera Equity Partners as a head coordinator in multi-jurisdictional acquisition of 65% stake in Metamorfoza d.o.o. – engaged in the international franchising business under the name Museum of Illusions – including negotiation of shareholders’ agreement and exit rights;
Acting for Erste Bank Group AG, Erste&Steiermarkische Bank d.d., Societe Generale SA, Societe Generale Splitska Banka d.d., and Eksport Kredit Fonden in financing of the construction, equipment, and placement into operation of the 42-megawatt Wind Farm Ogorje, valued at approximately EUR 115 million;
Acting for IKEA and Inter IKEA in the start up of business operations in Croatia, which included resolving all property-related legal issues for the overall area of development of approximately 300,000 square meters and the IKEA store itself, of approximately 38,000 square meters; and in the subsequent development of the fashion outlet by Designer Outlet Croatia, indirectly held by IKEA Centers Europe and Mutschler Outlet Holding.
What is one thing clients likely don’t know about you?
Radic Kuzik: I do not usually share with my clients the fact that music was important part of my life and that I play two instruments (flute and guitar).
What would you say was the most challenging project you ever worked on and why?
Radic Kuzik: The acquisition of a 65% stake in Pan-Pek, a leading bakery producer and retailer in Croatia, by Enterprise Investors is certainly one of the most demanding projects I have worked on. This was the first investment by Enterprise Investors in Croatia and our first collaboration, which is always challenging. The transaction included extensive due diligence, negotiating transaction documents – including share purchase agreement and shareholders’ agreement – obtaining merger clearance, and negotiations of financing. As the transaction included multiple streams, it was quite intense. Due to the fact that, at the same time, I was working on a separate acquisition deal for the same client, and due to my personal circumstances (being pregnant), I would qualify this project as one of the most challenging in my career so far.
And what was your main takeaway from it?
Radic Kuzik: The main takeaway was that the organization of work and delegating tasks is crucial. In addition, the finalization of this project confirmed that hard work and commitment pay off.
Name one mentor who played a big role in your career and how they impacted you.
Radic Kuzik: When it comes to that one person who played a big role in my career, it would most certainly be Boris Savoric, Senior Partner at our law firm. Seeing his commitment, availability, and overall support to the clients was inspirational and pushed me towards the partner track in the early stage of my career.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give yourself fresh out of law school?
Radic Kuzik: Everything will turn out OK – trust your judgment.
This article was originally published in Issue 9.11 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
