Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: EU and competition

EU and competition in Croatia

Hanzekovic & Partners

Hanzekovic & Partners

Praxisleiter:

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Ms Tamara Lachowski


Referenzen

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‘The team is completely dedicated to the subject matter, shows great expertise and reliability. Collaboration is excellent, making them partners through support they are providing. ’

‘The individuals that have their unique brand in EU and competition practice are Tamara Lachowski and Mateo Podoreški. They are completely dedicated to the subject matter, shows great expertise and reliability. Collaboration is excellent, making them partners through support they are providing. High integrity is what I value most in their approach.’

Kernmandanten

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JADROLINIJA, MARITIME LINER COMPANY for the Carriage of Passengers and Goods


City of Zaprešić, Croatia


Split-Dalmatia County


Croatian Post d.d.


Highlight-Mandate


Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners

Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners

Praxisleiter:

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Iva Tokić ČuljakDora Horvat


Kernmandanten

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Media Development Investment Fund


Mid Europa Partners


Pfizer


Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. DE C.V.


E.ON Group companies


Wolt Services


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    Advised Media Development Investment Fund in the merger filing process concerning their investment via its Amsterdam-based affiliate Pluralis B.V., into Telegram Media Grupa d.o.o., a Croatian digital media outlet producing premium original content, investigative journalism, and in-depth analysis.
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    Advised Mid Europa Partners in the merger filling process concerning a transaction that shifts control of Mlinar from sole control by Mid Europa Partners to joint control by Mid Europa Partners and BOSQAR Invest Group.
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    We continuously provide strategic legal support to Pfizer on antitrust matters in Croatia, advising on a broad spectrum of competition and regulatory matters, particularly within the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

Macesic and Associates

Macesic and Associates

Praxisleiter:

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Miran MacesicLeonela Gorgievski


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Law Firm ČOLIĆ DOROTIĆ Ltd.

Law Firm ČOLIĆ DOROTIĆ Ltd., established in January 2023 by Luka Čolić and Luka Dorotić, supports clients in the technology and science industries with a wide range of EU and competition law matters.

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Babic & Partners Law Firm

Led by Iva Basarić, the EU and Competition practice at Babić & Partners Law Firm is known for its ‘responsiveness, deep expertise, and practical advice’. With notable clients in the hospitality, pharmaceutical, and technology sectors, the team has experience advising on cross-border merger control filing requirements and providing guidance regarding competition law compliance. Basarić is a competition law specialist, with strong expertise in abuse of dominance investigations. Other notable members of the team include Marta Telebuh, who supports clients with cartel investigations, and Matija Skender, who handles cross-border compliance assessments.

Praxisleiter:

Iva Basarić


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marta Telebuh; Matija Skender


Referenzen

‘Babić & Partners Law Firm is an example of outstanding cooperation whose responsiveness, deep expertise, and practical advice consistently advance our business. Their value lies in collaborative approach, clear communication, high expertise, and precise advice.’

‚Iva Basarić combines technical mastery of the law with astute commercial judgment, delivering clear and practical solutions. Her meticulous attention to detail and thorough preparation consistently produce high-quality, well-reasoned documents and she communicates complex legal issues in plain language, ensuring our team understands the implications and can make timely decisions.‘

Kernmandanten

Beiersdorf


Globallogic (Hitachi group company)


Magyar Suzuki Corporation


Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.


Highlight-Mandate


Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria)

Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) is known for advising international and domestic clients on cross-border merger filing before the Croatian Competition Agency. The practice is praised for its ‘extensive experience’ in the field and acts for clients in the pharmaceutical and energy sectors, supporting with due diligence reviews, transaction structuring and dawn raid training. Marija Zrno Prošić leads the team with strong expertise in antitrust compliance and cartel investigations, while Dina Čeliković assists on major transactional mandates.

Praxisleiter:

Marija Zrno Prošić


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marija Mušec; Dina Čeliković


Referenzen

‘The team possesses extensive experience and is well-equipped to support day-to-day business operations. They are fully capable of contributing to larger-scale projects that require an innovative and strategic approach.’

‘Marija Mušec and Marija Zrno Prošić are reliable and highly professional partners who actively listen and take the time to fully understand each request. They consistently deliver well-structured and legally sound responses within the agreed timeframe. What stands out in particular is their ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and accessible way, which is especially valuable for colleagues without a legal background.‘

Kernmandanten

Erste Asset Management


Inter Europol S.A.


Erste Group Bank, Erste Securities Polska S.A., Erste Steiermärkische Bank, J.P. Morgan, Jefferies, Santander Bank Polska


Synlab International


Newzoo Group B.V.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Inter Europol S.A. on its acquisition of 100% of PAN-PEK d.o.o., acting on all stages of the transaction, including cross-border merger control.
  • Advised Erste Asset Management GmbH on its acquisition of 100% of Intercapital Asset Management d.o.o., handling cross-border merger filings and regulatory approvals in Croatia.
  • Advised Erste Group Bank AG, Erste Securities Polska S.A., ERSTE&STEIERMÄRKISCHE BANK d.d., Jefferies GmbH, J.P. Morgan SE, Santander Bank Polska S.A. – Santander Biuro Maklerskie, and Banco Santander, S.A. as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners on the proposed IPO of Studenac d.o.o. and managed competition and unfair trading practices aspects of the transaction.

Law firm WAHL & partneri, Llc

Based in Zagreb, Law firm WAHL & partneri, Llc‘s team represents clients across the advertising, construction, telecommunications and retail sectors in EU and competition mandates. It is known for handling matters related to the abuse of dominant position, merger clearance procedures, and compliance with unfair trading practices. Mislav Bradvica leads the team, with experience representing clients in competition proceedings initiated by the Croatian Competition Authority. Bradvica is joined by Kristina Rudec, who has strong knowledge of competition compliance, and Ivan Luetić, who supports clients during dawn raids.

Praxisleiter:

Mislav Bradvica


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kristina Rudec; Ivan Luetić; Marko Kapetanović


Referenzen

‘They combine deep expertise with the flexibility you would expect from a modern firm. What sets them apart is their ability to follow how business really works today and to stand beside you as a genuine partner. Depending on your own appetite for risk, their lawyers can walk you through a range of approaches, from highly secure solutions to more creative strategies that involve a calculated risk.’

‘Marko Kapetanović brings a new-look and analytical precision. He is often the first to raise new questions and forces us to think outside the box. His proposals can be quick and direct, sometimes even challenging, but it is precisely because of this that we often find the solution that proves to be the best for the client.‘

‚Mislav Bradvica is the pillar of experience and composure, and most importantly knowledge. After years of practice, he has developed a sense for risks that others might not notice. His caution and legal certainty give us extra assurance in every procedure, and give clients the feeling that their matters are in safe hands.’

Kernmandanten

Agronom d.o.o.


Bjelin Group


Wienerberger Group


Zagreb Plakat d.d.


SPAR Hrvatska d.o.o.


BAT / TDR – British American Tobacco


Nexe d.d.


Atlantic Group


Beko Group


Securitas Hrvatska


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Bjelin Invest AB on obtaining merger clearance from the Croatian Competition Agency (AZTN) in connection with its acquisition of sole control over Välinge Innovation Sweden AB, and its Croatian subsidiaries.
  • Represented Zagreb plakat d.o.o. in proceedings initiated before the Croatian Competition Agency (AZTN) following a competitor’s complaint alleging abuse of dominance related to access to public land for advertising.
  • Advising SPAR Hrvatska on a wide range of compliance matters with a core focus on competition law and Unfair Trading Practices (UTP).

Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka

‘Highly capable and dedicated competition’ lawyer Mario Krka leads the EU and Competition practice at Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka. The team has notable experience acting for clients across the tobacco, IT, and energy sectors, on matters consisting of EU data protection guidance, cross-border merger filing, and merger clearer analysis. Krka is joined by Dominik Glavina who is known for strong experience advising clients on unfair trade practices in the food supply chain, and regularly assists with M&A due diligence. Ana-Maria Sunko Perić left the firm in May 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Mario Krka


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dominik Glavina


Referenzen

‘Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka is my preferred boutique law firm for competition law matters in Croatia, with Mario Krka standing out as my primary contact and trusted competition lawyer.‘

‘Mario Krka is a highly capable and dedicated competition and commercial lawyer, who consistently delivers practical and insightful advice.’

‘A superb team, have known them for years, never hesitate to recommend them.’

Kernmandanten

Heineken Hrvatska


Google


Japan Tobacco International (JTI)


Nomad Foods


Končar group


Douglas


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Law Office Mucalo

Demonstrating ‘exceptional professionalism, integrity, and a client-centred approach’, the team at Law Office Mucalo specialises in competition law, and regularly handles matters concerning allegations of concerted practices and abuse of dominant position. The team regularly represents clients in proceedings before the Croatian Competition Agency, and has expertise spanning the telecommunications, oil and gas, and food and beverages industries. Igor Mucalo leads the team and handles merger filings and cartel cases. Kruno Kolak has strong knowledge of the telecommunications sector, while Ivan Kaliterna supports clients in competition compliance assessments.

Praxisleiter:

Igor Mucalo


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kruno Kolak; Ivan Kaliterna


Referenzen

‘This firm distinguishes itself through its exceptional professionalism, integrity, and client-centered approach. What truly sets them apart is the ability to combine top-tier legal expertise with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. Clients know they can rely on the firm for clear, strategic advice that adds real value to their business.‘

‘Igor Mucalo is an outstanding lawyer and a highly respected leader. He combines deep legal expertise with strategic vision, guiding both clients and colleagues with professionalism and integrity.‘

‘Law Office Mucalo stands out for its personalized, partner-led approach, combining legal expertise with clear, practical advice. Clients value their responsiveness, efficiency, and modern use of legal tech and flexible billing. Their collaborative and client-focused culture sets them apart from other firms.’

Kernmandanten

Coca-Cola Hellenic


The Coca-Cola Company


Croatian Telecom (member of Deutsche Telecom group – Croatian telecom incumbent)


INA (Croatian oil and gas incumbent – member of MOL Group)


Croatian Post (HP – HRVATSKA POŠTA – Croatian postal incumbent)


Philip Morris


Phoenix Group (pharmaceuticals distribution)


Pet Network (leading regional pet equipment retailer)


Podravka group (FMCG and pharmaceuticals manufacturer)


Pan-Pek (leading Croatian bakeries chain)


Spar (FMCG retailer)


HD-WIN ARENA SPORT (member of Telecom Serbia group)


Comtrade Group (tech equipment manufacturer and distributor)


Profil Group (one of the leading Croatian book and textbook publishers and bookshops)


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Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar

Edin Karakaš leads Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar‘s practice with focus on matters related to abuse of dominant position. The team advises clients across the oil, gas, media, and pharmaceutical sectors. It provides support on compliance and competition law, including cross-border merger filings for transactions. Vedran Kopilović has experience representing clients in merger control proceedings before the Croatian Competition Authority, and stands out for a ‘proactive approach and ability to anticipate regulatory developments’. Andrijana Kaštelan is known for expertise in reviewing and drafting transaction documents in competition law mandates.

Praxisleiter:

Edin Karakaš


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Duško Žurić; Miroslav Plaščar; Vedran Kopilović; Andrijana Kaštelan


Referenzen

‘Žurić i Partneri stands out for its combination of deep expertise across multiple practice areas and a highly client-focused approach.’

‘Business-minded, responsive, and efficient. Outstanding price–performance across complex mandates. Top-tier professionalism with standout responsiveness.’

‘Edin Karakaš stands out as an exceptional partner in the field of competition law. What sets him apart from competitors is his ability to combine deep technical expertise with a practical, business-oriented approach. He navigates complex regulatory and competition matters with clarity and precision, providing advice that is both actionable and strategically aligned with our commercial objectives.’

Kernmandanten

E&


INA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised E& in relation to their bid to acquire certain assets of United Group B.V., addressing FDI and merge control requirements in Croatia.
  • Advised INA on acquisition of rights in an oil and gas exploration well owned by Vermilion (“farm in”), handling regulatory approvals and merger filing.

BDV Law Firm LLP

BDV Law Firm LLP routinely advises clients spanning areas consisting of the technology, media, retail and energy sectors. It is known for handling both cross-border and domestic competition law mandates. Laurenz Vuchetich and Tomislav Sadrić co-lead the team, which is praised for its ‘deep experience in EU and competition law’. Vuchetich specialises in merger control and merger filings and advises clients on unfair trading practices. Sadrić has experience repaneresenting clients in cross-border administrative disputes before the Croatian Competition Agency.

Praxisleiter:

Laurenz Vuchetich; Tomislav Sadrić


Referenzen

‘BDV team excels at risk assessment and regulatory compliance, but what truly sets them apart is their ability to find workable solutions that balance legal requirements with business objectives. They stay current with evolving EU regulations and competition authority decisions, providing us with timely and relevant guidance.’

‘Laurenz Vuchetich provided us with invaluable counsel on complex EU and competition law matters, demonstrating exceptional expertise in this specialized field. His understanding of both EU regulatory frameworks and competition principles is comprehensive, and he navigates these intricate areas with remarkable clarity.‘

‚Tomislav Sadrić has been our trusted advisor on various EU and competition law issues, and his expertise in this area has proven essential to our business operations. He combines technical mastery of competition rules with a pragmatic understanding of how these regulations impact day-to-day commercial decisions.’

Kernmandanten

Rimac Technology d.o.o.


INA – Industrija nafte d.d.


Digital First d.o.o.


Telegram Media Group


Franck d.d.


Lumiss d.o.o.


Levantada d.o.o.


Vatel d.o.o.


Avelant d.o.o.


Motovun Municipality


Motovun Park


Hidrostres d.o.o.


Perrigo Perrigo Poland Sp. z o.o.


E.ON Plin d.o.o.


Galić d.o.o.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Franck d.d. on submitting an application to the Croatian Competition Agency (AZTN) concerning a breach of the Act on the Prohibition of Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain by Tommy, one of the leading retail chains in Croatia.
  • Advised Rimac Technology in a transaction conducted through a public tender procedure for the acquisition of ownership rights over a large land complex accommodating its key research and manufacturing facilities.
  • Advising Telegram Media Group on merger control aspects before the Croatian Competition Authority concerning its acquisition of four companies forming a leading FM radio service provider.

KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC

Led by competition specialist Martina Prpić, and data protection expert Danijela Simeunović, the team at KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC is known for advising clients on compliance with EU regulations and supporting with cross-border commercial transactions. With regards to GDPR compliance, the practice has notable experience in the IT and healthcare sector, assisting with the drafting of internal data protection policies. Its competition highlights include representing clients in misdemeanour proceedings and advising on merger filing processes in the food industry.

Praxisleiter:

Martina Prpić; Danijela Simeunović


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Martina Višnjić


Referenzen

‘The team is professional, customer oriented, detailed, organised.’

‘I have collaborated mostly with Danijela Simeunović and Martina Višnjić. They have the ability to explain legal topics to clients with no legal background in an understandable way.‘

Kernmandanten

Autotechnica Fleet Services LLC


KONZUM plus LLC


Fortenova Grupa


Policlinic Breyer|Cobe LLC


American International School in Zagreb


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


BTA Croatia LLC


mStart plus LLC


Mlin i pekare LLC


Butan plin LLC


BTA Croatia LLC


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Autotechnica Fleet Services LLC in proceedings before the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency.
  • Advising as the appointed Data Protection Officer for Fortenova Grupa.

Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers

Led by Ana Mihaljević, the team at Schoenherr handles matters across the technology, tourism, and fashion sectors and is known for representing clients in infringement proceedings and acting on cross-border merger control proceedings. Mihaljević regularly acts before the Croatian Competition Agency and is described by clients as the ’embodiment of precision and reliability’. Another notable member of the team includes Doroteja Šturm, who specialises in M&A transactions and has strong experience assisting with a range of EU and Competition law matters.

Praxisleiter:

Ana Mihaljević


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Doroteja Šturm


Referenzen

‘Very well connected, reasonable solutions, delivers on time and in superior quality.‘

‘What sets this practice apart is its exceptional blend of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a deeply collaborative culture. The team consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to client success, which makes them a trusted partner in even the most complex legal matters.‘

‚Clients value the team’s ability to provide clear, commercially sound advice, often under tight deadlines and in high-stakes situations. Their strength lies not only in technical excellence but also in their ability to anticipate client needs and tailor solutions accordingly.‘

Kernmandanten

European Commission via Stark Legal Network and Consulting


CRH


Hisense


Gorenje Zagreb


Invera EP


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised CRH in merger control proceedings related to its acquisition of the stone materials production business of Croatia’s Kufner Group.
  • Advised Invera on a competition law analysis of the current business model of Entrio, relevant for the client in deciding on the takeover of Entrio.

Wolf Theiss

Wolf Theiss regularly supports clients in the food and energy sectors with competition law compliance and investigatory proceedings, bringing deep knowledge of merger control proceedings and market behaviour rules in the food and retail industries. Luka Tadić-Čolić leads the team, with notable experience advising international and domestic clients on M&A transactions. Another important member of the team includes Borna Dejanović, who specialises in arbitration and litigation, often representing clients in abuse of dominance proceedings before the Croatian Competition Agency.

Praxisleiter:

Luka Tadić-Čolić


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Borna Dejanović


Kernmandanten

European Commission


Steve Madden


Krehic, Fulir & Zornada Law Offices

Co-led by Tarja Krehić and Katarina Fulir, the EU and Competition practice at Krehić, Fulir & Zornada Law Offices specialises in merger control filing matters. It supports clients with navigating merger filing procedures across the IT, hospitality and public sectors, and handles matters concerning market sharing and price fixing. Krehić is experienced in handling cross-border merger filings and structuring acquisition agreements, while Fulir has strong knowledge of the telecoms sector.

Praxisleiter:

Tarja Krehić


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Katarina Fulir


Kernmandanten

HŽ Cargo LLC


Gors Savjetovanje


Eagle Hills LLC


Elka d.o.o.


Iskra d.o.o.


Croatia Osiguranje d.d.


Inter Cars LLC


ILS Adriatic LLC


Atellior LLC


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Eagle Hills on its acquisition of Sunčani Hvar and subsequent 5-year conditional merger approval by the Croatian Competition Agency.
  • Advising the Croatian government, as the sole shareholder, and HŽ CARGO LLC, as a target, on a multi-phase privatisation process involving potential merger-filing aspects and competition issues.

BUTERIN&PARTNERS

The EU and Competition practice at BUTERIN&PARTNERS has vast experience acting for clients in the food and retail sectors. This includes advising on competition law compliance, assisting with cross-border merger control approval, and advising on unfair trading practice guidelines. Joško Perica leads the team with a notable background acting for international and domestic investors. Perica also has experience representing clients regarding infringement allegations before the Croatian Competition Authority.

Praxisleiter:

Joško Perica


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Valentina Kučić


Referenzen

‘They have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication in performing all legal tasks.‘

‚The team is distinguished by its thorough approach to each case, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to provide clear, practical, and well-founded legal advice. Their readiness to efficiently resolve complex legal matters, as well as their constant commitment to protecting the organisation’s interests, make them a reliable partner and a key pillar of the business.‘

Kernmandanten

KNAUF d.o.o.


Ina-Industrija Nafte d.d.


Nestle Adriatic d.o.o.


Kaufland Hrvatska k.d.


Vindija d.d.


KMAG d.o.o.


Vargon d.o.o.


Bonafarm Adriatic d.o.o.


Djelo d.o.o.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented KNAUF in a case on alleged abuse of dominance before the Croatian Competition Agency.
  • Represented KMAG in a case on alleged prohibited agreements and abuse of dominance before the Croatian Competition Agency.
  • Advised Nestlé Adriatic on the setup of a wholesale distribution system for a new product.

MATEKOVIC & Partners Law Firm LLC

The practice at MATEKOVIĆ & Partners Law Firm LLC regularly handles competition law matters in the pharmaceutical, optical trade and healthcare industries. The team advises on cross-border competition law issues concerning procurement proceedings before the Croatian Competition Agency. It also has experience providing legal opinions regarding selective distribution agreements in the retail sector. Krešimir Mateković, Ivan Sabljić, Laura Mateković Botički and David Ožanić co-lead the team.

Praxisleiter:

Krešimir Mateković; Ivan Sabljić; Laura Mateković Botički; David Ožanić


Referenzen

‘Prompt reaction, knowledge, simple explanation providing all relevant information, collaboration in every possible situation.‘

‘The EU and Competition practice at MATEKOVIĆ & Partners Law Firm LLC stands out for its deep understanding of complex regulations and its proactive approach to client needs. Their unique combination of expertise in EU law and competition matters, along with their commitment to staying ahead of market trends, ensures that clients receive insightful guidance tailored to their specific challenges.‘

‚Potential clients would appreciate the team’s strengths in delivering practical solutions quickly and effectively. Ultimately, the dedication and responsiveness of the team set them apart from other firms in the field.’

Kernmandanten

Luxottica South Eastern Europe Ltd.


Novo Nordisk Hrvatska Ltd.


Johnson & Johnson S.E. d.o.o.


Eptisa Adria d.o.o.


Super Igra Ltd.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Luxottica Southeastern Europe Ltd., on the implementation of the PRADA selective distribution system in the Republic of Croatia.
  • Advised NOVO NORDISK Hrvatska Ltd. on the summary of the NIS2 Directive and provided it with relevant obligations stipulated by the Croatian law.