CMS' Croatian affiliate Bardek, Lisac, Musec, Skoko, and Partners has advised Privredna Banka Zagreb as the leading mandated arranger, coordinator, and agent on a EUR 283 million club loan, which also included Erste & Steiermaerkische Bank, Zagrebacka Banka, and OTP Banka, for Podravka's acquisition of companies from the Fortenova Group. Podravka also received a EUR 50 million equity investment from the EBRD, following the acquisition. Miskovic & Miskovic, BDK Advokati, and Gugic, Kovacic & Krivic advised Podravka. Mamic, Peric, Reberski, Rimac advised Fortenova Group. Wolf Theiss advised the EBRD. DLA Piper reportedly advised Podravka as well.
Podravka and Fortenova are food companies.
According to Bardek, Lisac, Musec, Skoko, and Partners, "Podravka has acquired companies from Fortenova Group’s agriculture division including Belje, Pik Vinkovci, Vupik, Energija Gradec, Belje Agro-Vet, and Felix, with a total valuation of EUR 333 million. As the parent company of all Podravka Group subsidiaries, Podravka will oversee the agricultural segment through its newly established company, Podravka Agri."
Moreover, Bardek, Lisac, Musec, Skoko, and Partners reports that the EBRD investment financially supports Podravka in acquiring Fortenova Group’s agricultural segment. Podravka will hold an 84.99% stake in Podravka Agri, while the EBRD will own 15.01%."
The Bardek, Lisac, Musec, Skoko, and Partners team included Partner Jelena Nushol Fijacko, Senior Associate Relja Rajkovic, and Lawyer Alen Ivanovic.
The Mamic, Peric, Reberski, Rimac team included Partner Natalija Peric and Junior Partner Nina Ovcar.
The Wolf Theiss team included Partner Luka Tadic-Colic and Senior Associate Mateja Jelacic.
The BDK Advokati team included Partner Bisera Andrijasevic, Associates Jelena Skoric and Marija Ksenija Popovic, and Junior Associate Nina Railic.
Editor's Note: After this article was published, DLA Piper confirmed its involvement to CEE Legal Matters. The firm's team included Vienna-based Partner Marcell Nemeth, Senior Associate Christian Lielacher, and Associate John Hennenfent.
