Croatia: Schoenherr advises AikGroup on acquisition of Podravska banka

This transaction marks AikGroup's first investment in the Croatian market. The closing of the deal is subject to customary banking regulatory and merger control approvals in Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Upon closing, AikGroup will launch a mandatory takeover bid for the remaining shares in Podravska banka.

AikGroup is a leading financial holding company in Southeast Europe, comprising the subsidiaries AikBank, AikLeasing and MV Investment in Serbia, Gorenjska Banka and GB Leasing in Slovenia, and Hipotekarna Bank in Montenegro.

Podravska banka is a long-established financial institution with over 150 years of history, distinguished by its strong regional presence, dedicated focus on SMEs, and enduring commitment to supporting the local community.

The Schoenherr team was led by Vojimir Kurtić (Partner) and Matija Vojnović (Partner) and further included Vice Mandarić (Partner), Lucija Krznar (Attorney at Law), Luka Milošević (Attorney at Law), Aleksa Bošnjović (Attorney at Law), Sara Jarić (Associate) and Stefan Dobraš (Associate). The regulatory aspects of the transaction were covered by Dušan Obradović (Of Counsel), Zoran Šoljaga (Partner), Ana Mihaljević (Attorney at Law) and Zoran Kobal (Attorney at Law).

Komnenić and Partners advised several groups of the family sellers. Šavorić and Partners advised Generali.