Gugić Kovačić & Krivić Law Firm (GKK) is proud to announce the nomination of the Podravka acquisition of Fortenova Group’s agricultural segment for the CEE Deal of the Year Awards 2025, organised by CEE Legal Matters.

The nomination recognises one of the most significant transactions in the Central and Eastern European region and reflects the scale and complexity of the deal, as well as the extensive cross-border collaboration involved.

A Landmark Regional Transaction

The shortlisted transaction involves Podravka d.d. acquiring the agricultural segment of Fortenova Group, a strategically important deal in the food and agribusiness sector across Southeast Europe.

The transaction brought together a large number of leading regional and international law firms.

Legal advisors to Podravka (buyer):

• BDK Advokati
• DLA Piper
• Gugić Kovačić & Krivić Law Firm
• KALO & Associates
• Mišković & Mišković Law Firm
• PEŠUT GALEKOVIĆ ZGOMBIĆ Law Firm Ltd.
• Polenak Law Firm
• ŠELIH & PARTNERJI Law Firm

Legal advisors to Fortenova Group (seller):

• Mamić, Perić, Reberski, Rimac

Financing counsel:

• CMS – advising Zagrebačka Banka, Privredna Banka Zagreb, Erste Banka and OTP Banka
• Squire Patton Boggs and Wolf Theiss – advising EBRD

Recognition for Cross-Border Collaboration

Reflecting on the nomination, GKK highlighted the collaborative nature of the project:

“This recognition belongs to the entire GKK team, as well as to our colleagues at Mišković & Mišković Law Firm and PEŠUT GALEKOVIĆ ZGOMBIĆ Law Firm Ltd., whose collaboration and commitment made this achievement possible. It is a meaningful recognition of our work and a great achievement for our client Podravka.”

The nomination underscores the importance of coordinated legal expertise across multiple jurisdictions in delivering complex regional transactions.

About the CEE Deal of the Year Awards

The CEE Deal of the Year Awards, organised annually by CEE Legal Matters, celebrate the most significant legal transactions across Central and Eastern Europe. The awards recognise deals that demonstrate complexity, innovation, and regional impact.

CEE Legal Matters is a leading publication dedicated to the legal industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Through its journalism, research, and events, it provides in-depth coverage of law firms, major transactions, and developments shaping the regional legal market.

The winners of the 2025 CEE Deal of the Year Awards will be announced during the Awards Gala on 27 May 2026 in Bucharest, bringing together leading lawyers and firms from across the region.

GKK would also like to extend our sincere congratulations and thanks for the excellent cooperation to Tena Zgombić from PEŠUT GALEKOVIĆ ZGOMBIĆ Law Firm Ltd. and Pavo Mišković from Mišković & Mišković Law Firm, and above all to our client Podravka d.d. for their trust, partnership, and confidence throughout this process.

Strengthening the Legal Network

Legal Netlink Alliance congratulates Gugić Kovačić & Krivić and the collaborating firms for their role in this landmark transaction and for contributing to the continued strength and international reputation of the CEE legal market.