Slovenia

Corporate and civil law firm AZ Attorneys is based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has experience in both financial and corporate, M&A and project development practice, though it is more well known for its projects work. In financial and corporate practice, the team participates in public and private acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers. It also represents borrowers in corporate financing and refinancing matters.

Key clients

The firm’s key clients include Avtonet, GEN energija, GARNOL among others.

 Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Throughout the research period, most of the firm’s financial and corporate work was related to asset finance deals and private acquisitions for clients in the banking, consumer goods and services, and media industries.

In project development, the firm was actively involved in concessions and procurement deals for clients connected with transport, energy, oil and gas, construction and materials.

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Project development: Infrastructure

“They are good consultants on public tender topics.”

Restructuring

“They are very effective, professional and reliable.”

Tanja Bratina

“She is good at consulting with public tender member.”

Jadek & Pensa is an independent full-service law firm established in 1958. The firm is known for employing digital automation technology to its M&A practice. The firm has an integrated tax advisory and labour law practice, giving it an edge in complex restructuring cases.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm uses its experience and expertise to serve clients across different industries. It has strong record of advising on significant M&A transactions.

The firm has experience in public procurement, real estate and infrastructure projects, as well as experience advising in project financing. The firm broadly works with Slovenian firms or those working across the Balkans.  

Key clients

Some of the firm's clients include Petrol d.d., Ljubljana, DP JUB d.d., JUB, Poslovni sistem Mercator, Slovenian railways.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the financial and corporate practice of the firm participated in acquisition finance, private acquisition, joint venture and derivatives deals for clients in the energy, construction and materials, technology and logistics sectors. 

In project development, the team represented clients in the infrastructure and energy sectors on procurement deals.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Allterco €5million acquisition of Goap

Planet $60 million acquisition of assets of Sinergise

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

M&A

“All that was necessary to be done, they did well, with due care and in a timely manner. Communication between us was excellent. I would like to highlight their 'no nonsense' approach.”

“Very responsive, professional and hands-on.”

“Throughout our work, we have found Jadek & Pensa to act in a professional and business-like manner. We have had the opportunity to observe the professional performances of the lawyers at Jadek & Pensa while they have successfully carried out their duties providing legal, corporate and consulting services to our client in the acquisition transaction of a company in Slovenia. The lawyers have deep knowledge of Slovenian law and EU law. They have excellent research and analytical skills and are able in a very short time to analyse complicated issues and give solutions.”

“Deep understanding of legal and financial aspects of M&A deals. Excellent negotiation skills. Strong commercial, business mindset.”

“Extremely professional, accurate, reliable.”

“Responsive, knowledgeable and client orientated.”

Private equity

“They are extremely knowledgeable of various aspects of Slovenian Legislation, not only in private equity but also tax and litigation and are a very well-known and respected firm.”

Project development

“In general, everything is done well.”

“They are highly professional with a wide range of knowledge and experience.”

Ana Bokalič

“Responsive, professional, solution orientated.”

Andraž Jadek

“Extremely professional. Very likeable. You can count 100% on his work.”

“Andraž has many good qualities, very knowledgeable, thorough, available and most of all creative and a lateral thinker which I found a rare quality and helps a lot in critical situations.”

“Mr Andraž Jadek is a person of good name, integrity and character. Throughout our association, we have found Mr Jadek to act in a professional and business-like manner. We consider Mr Jadek trustworthy, and we believe that he would not take any commitments that he would not be able to fulfil.”

Srečo Jadek

“Can listen well and see beyond the legal perspective.”

Nastja Merlak

“Very responsive, professional and hands-on.”

“Great all-around M&A lawyer.”

“Nastja is a client-orientated lawyer with a proactive approach and to-the-point legal advice.”

“She is a great practitioner, knowledgeable, reliable, results orientated.”

Pavle Pensa

“Very experienced, precise, detail-orientated, great negotiator.”

Anja Strojin Štampar

“Good lawyer, very professional, extremely good in corporate governance.”

Kavčič Bračun & Partners is an independent Slovenian law firm, established in 2009. The firm advises on all aspects of corporate and financial law and uses AI software to assist its team of efficient lawyers to achieve results. The firm is a founding member of the Adriala network, which connects it to law firms in 9 other jurisdictions in South-eastern Europe. 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is well known for its aptitude in all areas of business law. It has a strong corporate team, which has enabled the firm to advise on a number of mergers and acquisitions for local clients, often acting on buy side but by no means exclusively, particularly in highly regulated industries such as insurance. The corporate capacity has worked closely with the firm's banking team, enabling the firm to complete a number of NPL (Non-Performing Loans) portfolio sales. The banking and finance team has also been active in corporate financing matters.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Over the research period the firm worked on private acquisitions, mergers, asset acquisitions, banking, financing, and project development deals for clients connected in energy, industrials and manufacturing, investment management, financial services, real estate and technology sectors.

Novak Law (NLaw) was established in 2016 in Ljubljana by Nejc Novak. Beginning in Slovenia, the firm has expanded into Croatia, establishing an office there. The team consists of six lawyers, two partners and four attorneys and associates.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is well known for its corporate and commercial work particularly in venture capital funds and technology industries. It mainly advises on M&A transactions, acting for both buyers and sellers.

Many of the firm’s clients are venture capital funds, angel investors, startups and founders.

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include ACH Invest, Pullus Wines, Gamanza Group Ltd, Magnus Lindberg, Contrade, Ernst & Young Svetovanje, Modra Jagoda (mediately), Fil Rouge Capital, Fishing Points, Iconomi, Palo Alto and Silicon Gardens Fund.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)   

During this research period, the firm is particularly active in investment funds, including fund raising and structuring, and M&A transactions. A larger amount of the firm’s M&A work includes financial investments by venture capital funds.

The firm also advised clients in other industries such as technology, investment management and real estate.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Iskraemeco €50 million acquisition of 70% shares in GL charge

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking

“We work internationally, namely in the last years we worked in Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Australia. Nlaw can cover all this, either themselves, or with their partners.”

“We have been working with the firm in relation to various matters in different legal fields and we can always be certain that they will provide advice we can rely on.”

Financial services regulatory

“Speed, effectiveness and professionalism in communication.”

“As a blockchain based company we require unique expertise to navigate unclear regulatory water.”

Investment funds

“Professional, friendly, understanding, fast, effective, knowledgeable, actionable advice.”

“In the past years, we have developed a partner-level relationship, based on knowledge, experience, responsiveness and trust. Novak Law is the leading legal firm in the regional VC ecosystem.”

“They are one of rare Slovenian law firms with the capacity and experience to execute complex cross border deals. They have collected some unique experience in this field, and it is great to work with them.”

“Novak Law provided excellent legal guidance regarding the process in question.”

M&A

“Full-service Law office.”

“They advise on the best structure and listen to us (the client) in what we want from the deal. They are on time and always engaged.”

“Nlaw is really good and helps agree or negotiate the terms. In our case, it wasn't really a negotiation, but it was a challenge for founders and key employees to figure out the right balance of shares in the capital and distribution of rights and powers. Nlaw mastered it by analysing our relationship and proposing a balanced solution.”

“Very professional and responsive with extensive knowledge and experience. Additionally, always looking for alternative solutions and having substantial business acumen.”

Private equity

“They are very knowledgeable, reliable and try to help us in any aspect.”

Project development

“Market insight, broad knowledge.”

Project finance

“The most positive attribute is that they solved all the challenges so far. I would say that they are very clear on what are the goals and how to reach them.”

Restructuring

“Straight forward communication. Knowledgeable staff which leads to results quickly.”

“Very responsive, fast thinking, solution oriented, professional, knowledgeable, see the big picture and take into consideration impacting factors which are not always necessarily linked to pure legal steps.”

Ambroz Arko

“Knowledgeable, reliable.”

“Responsive, knowledgeable, creative, problem solver, is able to provide meaningful and tailor-made solutions to verity of client profiles, very easy to work with.”

“Ambroz is very diligent and structured. He covered the majority of the work that was done with us. He is super flexible at finding ways to make it work and is able to offer multiple possible options to go with. He is also very easy to understand, and he explains legal language in commercial terms.”

“Very deep knowledge and understanding of corporate and M&A matters. Fast thinker and very versatile.”

Urška Cujnik

“Speed, excellence of deliverables and professional communication.”

“Urška is efficient, knowledgeable, and pragmatic. She is our go-to person for anything Management Rules & legislation related. Great attitude and seamless collaboration.”

“Urška covers compliance and finance. She took over some cases from Nejc related to meeting compliance requirements, mostly AML. We sometimes transfer large amounts of money back and forth, as part of the transactions or refinancings, and naturally banks ask for clarification. Urska services the banks to provide all necessary data and correctly fill in the forms. Also, in cases of lending, she typically structures the facility agreements. Very good work from here!”

“Knowledgeable, responsive, creative, solution orientated, easy to work with.”

“Urska is a partner at Nlaw and covers financial contracts, real estate and generally project finance. She is super on top of things. Gets things done, understand the problems, including peculiarities of real estate development. She is very knowledgeable and has a structured approach. Great lawyer to work with!”

Nejc Novak

“Attention to detail, sharp mind, focused on finding solutions.”

“Friendly, extremely knowledgeable, hands-on approach, effective, best value for money.”

“Nejc has very deep expertise in all things related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, besides the regular law expertise. Moreover, communication is great, and we always find a good solution. Without Nejc, it would be impossible to achieve goals we reached in the past.”

“Competent and cool lawyer.”

“He is very good in communicating with the client.”

“Nejc has unmatched knowledge of/insight into venture capital investing, which helps him stay pragmatic and oriented in problem-solving with his legal solutions and advice.”

“Nejc is the founder and absolute leader of the team. Ambroz Arko is now stepping in a lot and seems to be covering the majority of Slovenia corporate work. Nejc is very experienced and a good strategist. He understands very well how to identify challenges and in what order to deal with them.”

“Nejc is the founder and we have been working on numerous projects for a very long time. Nejc is very well connected. Even when I ask him for non-legal advice, he has a good recommendation of what to do or who can help. He is also very stubborn in a good way. He keeps hustling until it’s done.”

“Nejc does most of the work for us. He is very confident in negotiating and running the deals. We typically only agree on the main or core commercial terms of the investment and leave almost everything else to him. Probably we do not even know of many problems he solves on the fly. He is also comfortable orchestrating transactions in different jurisdictions, and we are assured all will be in order.”

“Nejc is an exceptional lawyer with immense knowledge and strong analytical skills. His advice is always clear and well structured, plus he always looks at things from all angles and is great at predicting any potential issues and coming up with a plan on how to avoid or tackle them. At the same time, he has a very pleasant personality, and a calm and kind approach.”

“Very intelligent and going beyond legal framework by considering overall business and financial implications.”

“Nejc is the founder, and he gets involved in our project when and if things get complicated. He does not work on the case, but he joins meetings to discuss it. He is very good at planning and coming up with a strategy for how to address problems. He takes into account a wider picture of the story. Super experienced. Knows how to relax us when we are concerned.”

“Nejc Novak is the lead partner of the firm who handled our case. His attitude and approach was very professional, forthcoming and transparent. Nejc Novak demonstrates and exceptional understanding of the legal field in question (Directive 2011/61/EU).”

“He has very good international connection, innovative, correct.”

Nejc Setnikar

“Attention to details.”

“Setnikar got involved in one of our cases, which got complicated. One of our financiers withdrew their funding for no good reason (their liquidity problems), and one rejected us in their tender for wrong reasons. Setnikar has experience in dispute resolution and he was the right guy for both cases. He had a strategy of taking both cases to court, and then settling when a good deal was put forward. And it worked as he planned!”

Established in 2005, ODI Law Firm is a Slovenian law firm with offices in other jurisdictions -Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia and North Macedonia. The firm is led by managing partner Uroš Ilić and is based in Ljubljana. 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has extensive regional experience of M&A transactions, with lawyers experienced in advising large multinational corporations, sponsors, shareholders and lenders on all aspects of acquisitions and governance matters. 

The firm is also experienced in advising on project development work as legal counsel, specifically in infrastructure and energy projects. Its work relates to the power, transport and utilities sectors. 

Key clients 

Key clients include SDH, Acron, MSIN, Hidria, Bank Assets Management Company, MHP SE, WE Trade, Veolia Environment, EU Poultry, nChain, FedEx Corporation, B2 Kapital Holding, Kompas, Xpediator, PerutninaPtuj, Knapp AG, Telekom Slovenije, Banka Intesa Sanpaolo and SIEMENS Healthcare. 

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

The firm’s banking work was mainly refinancing of financial debt for both lenders and borrowers. In the M&A practice, the firm did a mix of buyer and seller side work on private and asset acquisitions. It was also active in restructuring and insolvency proceedings. 

On the project front, the firm acted for investors, lenders and sellers on real estate projects. The firm was active in real estate, technology, industrials and manufacturing, automotive and energy. 

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

CCC S.A. €196 million refinancing

Svarog €160 million financing

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking

“Professional services with excellent knowledge of corporate laws and regional specifics.”

“The team consists of exceptional lawyers with a very broad spectrum of experience, so they can provide appropriate advice on various issues their clients face on complex matters. They have an in-depth understanding of business reality and, besides providing specialist legal advice, they always take into account the whole commercial framework of a case and consider all the needs of the client. As a corporate client we particularly value them being goal focused.”

M&A

“All the involved experts from ODI Law Firm were reliable, fast, dedicated in providing their services and at disposal for cooperation, while always giving advice with the 'human touch' and kindness.”

“Very responsive, with high business acumen and to-the-point advice.”

Project development: Energy

“ODI Law did not only have strong legal expertise, but also delivered a great understanding of business and hence the commercial advice we needed in order to get the required results. They were really proactive and flexible.”

Project development: Infrastructure

“Very open-minded, goal-orientated and full of specific knowledge in the area.”

“Prompt and competent.”

Klemen Eržen

“Agile, competence.”

“Klemen is a very goal-orientated adviser with a great knowledge of the legal market. He is dedicated to details as well as the overall picture.”

Eva Hafnar

“Thorough responses, including a risk assessment and business alternatives.”

“Fast, reliable, responsible and precise.”

Branko Ilić       

“Punctual, goal-orientated, very in-depth knowledge, high responsiveness.”

Matjaž Jan

“Skilled; great knowledge; understanding of social environment.”

Suzana Bončina Jamšek

“Ms Bončina Jamšek is highly experienced and focused on the relevant details of the matter at hand. She is used to working under pressure and always provides excellent service, even under tight deadlines. Her exceptional production of arguments in negotiations, even in complex cases, is logical and concise. She is swift to respond to any request and provides prompt and meaningful feedback to any new developments. A brilliant lawyer from any perspective.”

Primož Mikolič              

“Primož is the most responsive and commercial lawyer that I have met. He was very pleasant to work with, smart, and focused on getting the deal done in a way that is commercially best for our company.” 

“Reliable, friendly and kind approach, fast, orientated on problem solving, thinking one-step-ahead.”

“Business lawyer with holistic legal knowledge.”

Odvetniška družba Lukman is a Slovenian law firm established in 2012. The firm is led by its founder Tomaz Lukman and is based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on financial and corporate, banking and finance, project development work.

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Wienerberger Group, IMCD, Trimo Group, Sava RE Group, Novo Nordisk Group and Celtra.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Throughout the research period the firm’s financial and corporate work was related to acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, demergers, divestments, funds formation and restructuring deals for clients in the energy, food and beverage, insurance, healthcare, investment management, financial service, consumer goods and services, real estate and construction sectors.

In project development, the team represented joint ventures in project development deals for clients in the construction, real estate and automotive sectors.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

ALFI PE acquisition of Veterinary Hospital Lenart

MERIT HP €12 million acquisition of KRAŠ products

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Investment funds

“Good understanding of the fund's activities and ability to find applicable legal ground for the desired transaction. Responsive and very focused on the client's needs.”

M&A

“Very responsive, pragmatic, and commercially orientated. They reminded us of important aspects that might seem a legal barrier but are not obstacles in practice. This was beneficial in our case, which enabled us speed up procedures in negotiations.”

“Given that we use them regularly, that we have carried out many transactions with them and that we have a lot of experience with them, I can say that they are excellent and extremely capable of managing and carrying out even the largest and most complex transactions. In transactions, we always meet top-tier law firms on the opposite side, and I also used to work with several top-tier law firms in my previous position. And from my experience, I can say that Odvetniška družba Lukman is completely equivalent to the top-tier law firms and in my humble opinion they deserve to be a top-tier law firm. We will continue to use their excellent services. The partners and associates are all well-prepared, client-focused and provide superb legal services in an efficient way. Their entire team is committed to delivering excellent legal advice. They monitor projects with detailed checklists and are proactive. We often need documents quickly, and the services are always provided in a very short time, but without any compromise on quality. They are highly competent and very responsive.”

“Compared to other firms and advisers, they proved very good, with excellent expertise and fast response times.”

Project development: Infrastructure

“Buying and selling real estate; personnel matters in company; preparation of commercial contracts in several languages.”

“They are always pretty on the ball and understand the issues. They are very experienced in construction and engineering matters and understand how to get things resolved. When we activate their team in relation to an individual matter, we agree with the firm the composition of a suitable team that will be responsible for the matter, which is immediately addressed. They have a great depth of industry knowledge, and they are good at presenting solutions rather than just finding issues. We have demanding and complex projects that require a lot of communication, good organisation and above all sophisticated legal solutions with practical approach, but they provide all that proactively and on time.”

“They are highly motivated, with extensive legal knowledge and good insight into local and international specifics, which makes them capable of realising the most demanding projects. We trust them.”

“Lawyers from Odvetniška družba Lukman are professional, ethical, understand the business and have in-depth and multidisciplinary knowledge. Their lawyers mostly work together as a team, which guarantees that matters run without interruption, even if one of the lawyers is sometimes absent or detained in another case. At the same time, it reassures us as the client that matters are properly scrutinised and that we are protected from all angles. They are more than capable of handling complex projects. Their team is outstanding, and they always provide an excellent, strategic view and have great knowledge in all the areas that our group needs. They have excellent customer-focused service that is pragmatic and practical. They are very responsive.”

Restructuring

“Clear and diligent guidance through the process of change from the start of the process until completion.”

Gorazd Guzelj

“Gorazd is extremely motivated to provide tailor-made legal advice, is proactive and efficient, with extensive legal knowledge.”

Sanda Južnik

“Sanda Južnik provides the highest level of professionalism and handles the full array of legal services to our group - among others, corporate, HR, GDPR and competition matters.”

“Very good understanding and in-depth knowledge re. legal framework, good in finding alternative solutions.”

“Sanda Južnik constantly gives us top-quality legal services and is very picky with the details of the matters.”

“Sanda Južnik delivers clear advice with a quick judgement of the essence and with attention to detail.”

“Sanda Južnik has the competence to identify the essence of every issue and understands the business.”

Tomaž Lukman

“Tomaž Lukman has quick judgement of the essence of the matter and strategic approach, with attention to detail. He covers corporate, M&A and real estate projects.”

“Good understanding of our business and experience in M&A and related areas; ability to get additional advice from experts in certain areas.”

“He listens carefully, analyses the problem, sometimes together with his team, prepares a proposal for a solution and he warn of dangers.”

“Very personal approach, although he is a partner, he did the work and personally delivered his findings to the opposite side. He has an in-depth knowledge of the M&A field, has a proactive approach, is very pragmatic, and not focused on trivial matters.”

“Tomaž Lukman is easy to work with, constructive, solution-orientated, and very committed. He is an excellent communicator who keeps the big picture in clear sight.”

“Tomaž Lukman goes the extra mile, has strong business understanding and I can recommend him for a wide range of legal support.”

“Tomaž Lukman is experienced and knowledgeable lawyer, always to the point, effective and very business minded.”

“Tomaž Lukman is a hands-on and very responsive principal, who is incredibly good at negotiating and understands complex commercial issues.”

Davorina Stanonik

“Davorina handles highly complex matters with enormous skill. Her immediate attention to the client stands out, taking care of the client’s problems in a decisive and practical way.”

“Calm, diligent, professional, structured and always on time.”

Šelih & Partnerji is one of Slovenia's oldest firms, established in 1961. The firm has a team of around 30 qualified lawyers, and 9 partners. It is part of the Lex Mundi international network, which includes 160 law firms in over 125 countries, which assists the firm to excel in complex cross border transactions.  

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has expertise in all aspects of financial and corporate law. Regarding banking, the firm has a strong grasp of financing and refinancing, as well as expertise in capital markets and bond issuances. In their corporate experience, the firm has advised on M&A for decades, and has experience working regulated industries, such as insurance or pharmaceuticals.  

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include OTP Bank, Tencent, McKesson, Allegro, Archer-Midland-Daniels, AGIC Capital, Ridango and Mytilineos.

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Throughout the research period the firm’s financial and corporate work was related to private acquisitions, project finance, financing, covered bond issue deals for clients connected with the banking, food and beverage, technology and telecommunications and healthcare sectors.

In project development, the team represented projects for clients connected to construction and consumer goods and services.

Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Allegro €881 million private acquisition

Mytilineos Holdings €169 million procurement project

Mercator real property development

OTP Bank private acquisition of all shares in Biser Bidco

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance                                                                                     

"High professional quality; timely delivery of the outcomes; constructive in solution finding; very experienced in the banking and financing field."

"Šelih & Partnerji are very reliable, experienced with sufficient team members to take on any project."

"Šelih & Partnerji's ability to handle extremely urgent queries; their experience in similar transactions made them very thorough in analyzing risks and good at getting the transactions through; also, they were very careful with all of the details and quick in responding to further queries and follow-up questions."

Capital markets: Equity

"Very knowledgeable and efficient."

Investment funds: Real estate funds

"Professionalism, responsiveness, knowledge."

M&A                                                                                       

"Pragmatic, swift and proactive advice. "

"They are very competent and responsive; provide good value for money."                                                                       

"Very resourceful, quick feedback, quality legal solutions, following the timetable, good negotiators."

Project development: Infrastructure

"They know the market very well and therefore what could go wrong."

"Because they work in team, they are responsive and regularly monitor law case and legal changes."

Helena Butolen

"She is analytical and thoughtful."

Mia Kalaš       

"Mia is a great expert in providing legal advice concerning syndicated credit facilities and M&A transactions. Consequently, she is very resourceful and can tackle any legal issue with ease. She also sticks to the timetable and is a hard worker."

"She is very communicative, resourceful, excellent legal knowledge of the industry, hard working and meets deadlines."

"Problem solver."

Jera Majzelj   

"Extremely knowledgeable and always available."

Natasa Pipan Nahtigal

"Very competent, knowledgeable and responsive."

Blaž Ogorevc 

"Very good communication skills; very experienced and professional in the field of banking and finance; solution oriented."

"Knowledge, responsiveness."

"Blaž is easy to work with, fast and always open to discuss and find the best solution for all parties involved in the transaction. He is reliable, flexible and committed, with strong practical knowledge and a keen understanding of business in general. A top banking and finance lawyer."

Spela Remec

"Spela did a great job keeping the process moving and finding solutions along the way while also taking on the difficult discussions with opposing counsel."

Law Firm Miro Senica and Attorneys is a Slovenian law firm based in Ljubljana and established in 1986 by Miro Senica.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in financial and corporate deals. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in the energy, retail, logistics, automotive industry, manufacturing, transport, hospitality and tourism, telecommunications and IT, insurance, life sciences, healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Oaktree Capital Management, Binder Beteiligungs, Messer GmbH, Notino, Zorlu Enerji Elektrik Üretim Anonim Şirketi, Interblock USA, Hirschvogel Holding GmbH, Argenx BV, Raiffeisen Informatik, Raiffeisen Landesbank Kärnten, Kapsch Group, Corum Origin, DDM Invest, Quantel medical, Medison Pharma Trading and Go Asset development.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

In this research period, the firm is active in both financial and corporate, and project development practice.

The firm advised mostly on mergers and acquisitions, financings, restructurings and financial services regulatory work for clients in the technology, industrials and manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods and services industries, with regard to the financial and corporate practice.

In project development, the firm advised on concession, public procurement and real estate project development often for clients in the real estate, energy, healthcare, construction and utilities industries.

During this research period, Aleš Lunder and Lidija Virant joined the firm while Žiga Kosmatin and Maja Kreča departed the firm.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

KTP HOLDING acquisition of additional 24% share in K2 PAK

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

M&A

“They are an expert in providing legal advisory.”

PPP/PFI
"Honest and factual presentation of the possibilities in the case. Regular briefing and providing explanations in the case, quick responses on the given questions."

Aleš Lunder

“Aleš is great in providing smart and understandable solutions to difficult and complicated problems."

Maja Šubic
Open and clean communication, responsiveness, accessability, honest and factual presentation of the case."

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz is the Slovenian presence of the CMS Network. The firm in Slovenia is led by managing partner Gregor Famira and is based in Ljubljana. CMS is an international law firm established in 1999. The firm has over 5,000 lawyers including over 1,100 partners located in 70 offices in 45 countries.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on financial and corporate and project development deals. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in technology and media, digital platforms, cannabis, crypto, insurance, pharmaceuticals and leisure sector.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Eisenwerk Sulzau-Werfen R.&E. Weinberger, Valji, Sportsdirect.com SLVN, Sportsdirect.com Retail, NLB, Nova KBM, Barings, EIB, UniCredit Bank AG - London Branch, Sberbank, Raiffeisen, ING, ALFI Funds, B2Holding, Groupe B&B Hôtels and Strabag.

Deloitte is the Slovenian presence of the international firm of the same name and is based in Ljubljana. Deloitte Legal is the legal side of the international firm Deloitte.  

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in financial and corporate work.

Client Feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

Project development

"Professional approach and quick response."  

Deloitte Legal is the Slovenian presence of the international firm of the same name and is based in Ljubljana. Deloitte Legal is the legal side of the international firm Deloitte.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in financial and corporate work. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in technology and telecommunications, finance, real estate, construction, manufacturing, insurance and transport sectors.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Always proactive and positive cooperation, giving you peace of mind in legal issues.”

 “They are experts, reliable, providing in time what was agreed.”

FPJR Law Firm Fabiani, Petrovič, Jeraj, Rejc is a boutique law firm based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on M&A work. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in biotechnology, retail, energy, real estate development, telecommunications, financial, automotive and mobility as a service.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Alpe-panon, Goodyear Slovenija, ECP Tac Op, Avant car, Heureka Group and GEN-I.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Insolvency

“They have provided good quality advice and provided the necessary legal documents to win our case.”

M&A

“FPJR is a well-organized law firm with highly skilled attorneys and proactive partners and it is always a pleasure to work with them. They have a wide scope of professionals and therefore each segment of a transaction is covered and done professionally.”

Established in 1994, Glatzová & Co is a Czech firm with a Slovanian office, based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on M&A work and banking and finance. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in the automotive, telecommunication, real estate, retail, insurance, factoring and accounting services group.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Všeobecná Úverová Banka, member of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, Komerční banka, Slovenská sporiteľňa, the Association of German Public Banks VÖB and IAC Group.

Karanovic & Partners is a Slovenian law firm associated with international law firm Karanovic & Partners. The firm is based in Ljubljana. Established in 1995 and based in Belgrade, Karanovic & Partners, originally Karanović & Nikolić, is a large firm by local standards, employing more than 50 lawyers, 16 of whom are partners. It has an international network, working in association with firms in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has strong practice in project development achieving top tier status for Slovenia in this area. The firm is also very active in financial and corporate work.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include HPS Investment Partners, Arx Equity Partners, Invera Equity Partners, Riverside Partners, HPS, Addiko bank, Unicredit and Nova kreditna Banka Maribor.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Investment funds

“Expertise in what they provide, quick response to our demands.”

Private equity

“Extremely quick turnaround times on incorporating changes in transaction documents; very efficient and quick in drafting documents.”

Kirm Perpar Law Firm is a Slovenian law firm established in 2012. The firm is led by managing partner Andrej Kirm and is based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on financial and corporate and project development deals. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in the energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, automotive and manufacturing, retail and consumer goods, media and technology and private equity sectors.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Citibank, Mercedez-Benz (Daimler), GlaxoSmithKline, Samsung, E.ON, The Walt Disney Company, Ericsson, Adidas, Austrian Anadi Bank, NAC Aviation and Colgate Palmolive.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Asset finance

“Kirm Perpar is reputable law firm in Slovenia and our partner in SELA network. They are reliable and possess admirable in-depth legal knowledge of the local market. Communication with them is always easy.”

M&A

“They are a highly successful, very reputable law firm in Slovenia and cooperation with them is always easy.”

Kosmac Law Office is a Slovenian boutique law firm established in 2009 by its founder and general manager Marko Kosmac. The firm is based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in financial and corporate and project development work. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry, construction and tourism among other sectors.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Asset finance

“The firm is very responsive and quick to provide both a reply and a reasonable solution to my company's issues. They especially excel at finding innovative solutions to complicated problems.”

Law Firm Fatur Menard is a Slovenian law firm based in Ljubljana and established in 2018 by founder partners Andrej Fatur and Maja Menard.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in financial and corporate deals. The firm’s practice has a significant presence in the telecommunications, automotive, pharmacy and energy industries.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Trimo, Elements Estates, Astellas Pharma, the KGAL Group and its affiliates, in particular Trigal and Trigal Alternative Investment Fund, Zavarovalnica Triglav, Actual IT, Polipanel Group, IGEPA Plana, Svetlik Family, Styria Media and Radeče Papir Nova.

Law firm Sibinčič Novak & Partners is a full-service law firm based in Ljubljana.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s work is focused in both financial and corporate deals.

The firm has experience in both financial and corporate and project development practice, though it is more well known for its projects work. In financial and corporate practice, the team participates in public and private acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers. It also represents borrowers in corporate financing and refinancing matters.

The project development practice represents developers in public procurement and concessions.

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Springwater Capital, Httpool Holdings/Aleph, Intersport, INEA, VLS and Swedish Match.

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Throughout the research period the firm’s financial and corporate work was related to private acquisitions, restructurings, demergers, divestments and financing corporate deals for clients connected with the technology and communications, tourism, investment management, financial services, transport, investment management, consumer goods and services sectors.

During the research period financial senior counsel Matic Novak joined the firm from Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners.

Financial and corporate associate Anja Škof joined the firm from Avbreht, Zajc & Partners and senior associate Manuela Hervatich joined the firm from Šelih and partners.

Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Investment Management Europe two complex acquisitions

Shareholders of INEA €3.5 million private acquisition

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Financial restructuring                                                                                             

"Very proactive, offered alternatives, excellent project management, organized documentation, gathered all required inputs and delivered result as planned/agreed and within pre-set timeframe."

Insolvency                                                                                 

"We very much appreciate their openness and professionalism. We cooperate at the level of partners, they provide us with all the necessary knowledge to solve the issues. We especially appreciate the open communication and exchange of opinions and ideas."

M&A                                                                                       

"As we worked with them two years ago on another sale of one of our other subsidiaries and were amazed by their skills, we did not hesitate to engage them again for this one. The guys at SN really know their business. Always on top of things without losing any time. "

"Diligent, proactive, commercial."

"In-depth experience in M&A transactions in the region; well connected with local experts in other jurisdictions; quick response times."

"Knowledgeable, responsive, well organized."

"Proactive; very knowledgeable; professional.

"They have a deep knowledge so they can advise me well."

"Very fast to react, calm, professional."

"They have a deep knowledge so they can advise me well."

Private equity                                                                                    

"Experienced, super-organized, prompt and knowledgeable."

"The law firm has experience in the field of the ownership and sale of companies."

Project development: Telecommunications networks                                           

"Always received prompt and accurate professionally well-founded answers to our questions. Were provided with a client-oriented, tailor-fitted, very practical approach, which was highly important to us."

Restructuring: Corporate                             

"Professionalism, outside-the-box thinking, finding the best solution, bulletproof solutions, proficiency, responsiveness."

"Since they have been working with us for some time now, they really know us and it was their idea to go into such a restructuring. (We wanted to do something a bit different but are happy we followed their advice.) They really put a lot of effort into customizing their advice for us - it is always beyond expectations. We love working with them."

"SN has a lot of great talents and knows how we can achieve our goals with the least expense. Whenever we need them, they are there for us. Great firm."

"They are very resourceful, innovative, thorough and deliver results. They are always available."

"Wide legal and tax advisory knowledge base with emphasis on business aspects customised to our corporate potential and goals."

Matic Novak

"Matic is a very professional and experienced lawyer. He advised us on a number of deals in the Balkan jurisdictions. He is very practical and communicative, he manages to solve situations without our unnecessary involvement. Very reliable and loyal."

"Very intelligent and deep knowledge, good at understanding the problem, good communication skills and always delivers on time."

"Very experienced, easy to communicate with, he has excellent understanding of the sector where we needed his advice. I would also highlight the practical and strategic solutions we received."

Jan Sibinčič  

"Very proactive, offered alternatives, excellent project management, organized documentation, gathered all required inputs and delivered result as planned/agreed and within pre-set timeframe."

"Always pushing everybody forward. Never splits the difference. We are very at ease when he is negotiating for us."

"Jan is amazing. If you are looking for a lawyer in Slovenia, look no further. Great knowledge, leadership, negotiation."

"Knowledgeable, always acts in the best interest of the client."

"Very good communication and knowledgeable."

"He is an amazing lawyer with lots of experience. He knows how to explain complex matters in simple language and does not only resolve our legal matters but also proactively advises on anything he sees that can be improved (and that we did not think of)."

"He is very involved in everything we do and has creative solutions. We can reach him at any time. He also has a great team."

"In-depth legal knowledge, very good knowledge of our business and our needs, timely response, perfect solutions."

"Jan is the first lawyer we worked within the firm and he still remains our go-to lawyer. He leads a great team (Nina Čuden, Dinar Rahmatullin) that always gets us what we need. He has a great negotiation approach and tons of experience."

"Wide knowledge, fast thinking, responsive, intelligent."

Law firm Zaman and Partners is a Slovenian law firm established in 2010. The firm is led by its founder and managing partner Marko Zaman and is based in Ljubljana. 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is active in financial and corporate work. The firm is well-known for its focus on insolvency and restructuring matters. Over the past year, the firm is seen advising clients on general corporate matters, banking and finance and M&A transactions.

Key clients

Some of the firm’s notable clients are Nbanka, MAN Truck & Bus Slovenija, BKS Bank, Montecristo and PRIMORJE.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

The firm was notably advising on financial restructurings, mergers, real estate acquisitions and insolvency proceedings for clients in the technology, real estate, construction, industrials and manufacturing and energy sectors.

During the research period, Hana Šrot joined the firm.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Telekom Slovenije €20.6 million acquisition of ACTUAL I.T.

THE-MA €3.3 million acquisition of KOOP Trgovina

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking

“Responsive, interdisciplinary, tailor-made solutions.”

“Very high competence, active, professional, successful.”

“Quick response time. High-quality level of advisory services. Proactive approach in solving open procedures.”

M&A

“Professional, prepared, fast and very collaborative.”

“An extremely professional team that goes deep into the matter and looks for solutions. A wide range of knowledge with decided individuals.”

“The advice of the law firm is always highly professional, and business orientated. They respond promptly and the client gets the appropriate value for the money invested. Their experts are bound to the highest professional standards, with special emphasis on the attorney-client relationship and protection of confidential information.”

“Responsiveness of their team and broad knowledge.”

“Detailed and accurate work. All reports and contracts were delivered in due time.”

Private equity

“Very professional, a lot of legal knowledge.”

Project development: Infrastructure

“All information is straight and correct.”

Restructuring

“Detailed, systematic and very professional.”

“Very professional and prudent advice, reliable and trustworthy partner.”          

Peter Lipoglavšek

“Professional communication, multitasks, meets deadlines, finds best solutions possible.”

“Very professional, resourceful, trustworthy.”

“Responsiveness of their team and broad knowledge.”

“Proactive, highly skilled, professional.”

Dušan Mitrović

“Thorough and professional specialist in energy law.”

Anže Pavšek

“Professional, prepared, fast, and very collaborative.”

“Proactive, great communicator, successfully defending and representing our company.”

“Analytical. Persistent. Not giving up.”

“Anže is highly skilled, proactive, and always positive. He knows how to establish a great communication and relationship with the client, has excellent and broad knowledge in the field, while he also understands the business side of things and is mindful of the business needs and interests of the client.”

“Responsive, precise.”

“Anže has an excellent knowledge of all areas of his work, very client and business orientated. He is a very skilled negotiator.”

Jernej Pusser

“Approachable, capable, reliable, hard-working.”

Marko Zaman

“Highly professional, dedicated to each individual case, great leader.”

“Marko is the founder and the leading lawyer. He has an excellent knowledge of all areas of their work, he is a great team leader, very client and business-orientated, one of the best litigators, top choice for a business client.”

“Marko has excellent knowledge and vast experience in the field. He always comes up with pragmatic and efficient solutions and is not afraid to make decisions on the legal side of M&A procedures.”

MP Law is the establishment of the solo practitioner, Dr. Marko Prušnik. Prior to establishing MP Law in 2018, Dr Marko Prušnik had 11 years of experience, 5 of those at partner level, at Schoenherr in Vienna and Ljubljana, where he worked in its corporate M&A department. Currently the firm works broadly on Slovenian transactions, however due to Dr Marko Prušnik's language skills in English, German and Slovenian, this gives the firm the ability to expand activities with Austrian and German clients. The firm works closely with other Slovenian law firms on larger mandates to cover aspects of due diligence.  

Focusses / specialisms 

Due to Dr Marko Prušnik's prior experience at Schoenherr, the firm focuses on M&A and other corporate matters. The firm has managed these matters in real estate, software and pharmaceuticals. It also navigated acquisitions of multiple casinos, which come with specific regulatory requirements. The firm predominantly, but not exclusively, works on the buy side.  

Key clients 

The firm has worked broadly with Slovenian clients, such as Novo Investicije, a local real estate company. However, the firm has also worked with companies further afield, such as Russmedia a publishing house based in Austria, and RGI a pan European software vender.  

Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021) 

Throughout the research period, the firm represented a mostly equal mix of buyers and sellers in acquisitions. Many of these sales were in the real estate and tourism industry. The team also worked on a couple of carve outs as well as insolvencies.

Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021) 

Valamar acquisition of Hotel Petersbühel

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021) 

Capital markets

“Hands-on approach, business and solution oriented, international experience, language skills.”

Investment funds

“Pragmatic, fast.”

M&A

“Marko Prušnik is experienced in M&A sector and may contribute to the structuring as well performance of the most challenging tasks.”

“Very professional, reliable, diligent. Marko always makes sure that everything is done in agreed time and that all aspects of the mandate are properly considered. We are also happy to suggest them to our clients.”

“Very professional and detailed approach, huge experience and know how.”

“They studied the issues well and, in accordance with the agreement, always gave us quick and high-quality advice or represented our interests.”

“Super fast feedback, precise legal analysis, to the spot advice.”

“MP Law is very experienced and focused. Above all we count on them because of their reliability. We also value their experience and pragmatic approach which oriented towards finding optimal solutions.”

“Very professional, responsive and flexible. Great client focus.”

“Professional, language skills, reliable.”

Private equity

“Very pragmatic, efficient and client oriented.”

Restructuring

“Quick responses, well structured price/value ratio, good coordination.”

“Fast, accurate, diligent.”

“Accurate. Quick. Good network. Enough capacity. Speaks all languages needed on high level.”

Marko Prušnik

“Hands-on approach, business and solution oriented, international experience, language skills.”

“Pragmatic. Accessible. Good problem solver.”

“Marko is demonstrating experience in addressing and solving most comprehensive M&A issues.”

“He is down to earth, calm, very diligent and reliable and he is never ‘bluffing’. If problems come up, he handles them and he is a great team player.”

“Knowledge, very professional approach, availability, industry knowledge, country law knowledge, network.”

“Mr. Prušnik delves into the matter and carefully and in a timely manner prepares the tasks we entrust to them. We trust him 100% and that seems very important to us.”

“Smart, fast and very knowledgeable.”

“Dr. Marko Prušnik is very experienced and also has a pragmatic approach to finding optimal solutions. We value the support he provides us. In addition, he has very clear and concise communication and excellent understanding of all relevant subject matters. In short, it is great to work with him.”

“Client focused, always available, flexible, very competent.”

“Pragmatic, efficient, very responsive.”

“Very much available, problem solving oriented.”

“Fast, accurate, responsive.”

“Accurate, responsive, language knowledge.”

Rojs Peljhan Prelesnik & Partners is a Slovenian law firm established in 1989. The firm is based in Ljubljana and is led by co-leading managing partners Robert Prelesnik and Bojan Šporar.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strong practice in financial and corporate and project development work achieving top tier status in Slovenia in both areas.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Google, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, L’Oreal, Samsung, Canon, Oracle, Amway, Avon, General Electrics, Magna International, Sony–Ericsson, Porsche Slovenia and Fortenova.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Insolvency

“They are a highly experienced law firm with competent attorneys that cover various areas of legal practice. They have a keen eye for what is best for the client and are very successful at finding and offering realistic solutions. They are very quick to respond, efficient in disputes, as well as court work.”

Project development

“They are extremely professional team at par with London or NY based law firms in terms of commercial sense. Very knowledgeable in their jurisdiction but also with a lot of experience in cross-jurisdiction business operations.”

Austrian firm Schoenherr established an office in Ljublijana in 2001. The branch employs 14 lawyers, including four partners. Established in 1950, Schoenherr is a leading Austrian firm with a European network that includes offices in 15 jurisdictions.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s Slovenian branch has a strong financial and corporate offering achieving top tier status in Slovenia especially in cross border banking and M&A.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include OMV, Vitruvian Partners, Liechtenstein Beteiligungs GmbH, Liechtenstein Group, EP Logistics International, VTB Bank, Terme Čatež, Salus and Nova Ljubljanska banka.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Schoenherr is excellent at providing corporate law advice. They are knowledgeable, business savvy, organized and extremely dedicated.”

“In my opinion, they are by far the best firm on the market. They understand all our business needs, provide to-the-point high quality advice, are very responsive and always deliver on time.”

Tilen Terlep Attorney at Law is a Slovenian law firm based in Ljubljana and led by managing partner Tilen Terlep.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm advises on financial and corporate and project development deals in the retail, logistics, finance, real estate finance, developments and telecommunications sectors.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Siemens, Rail Cargo Austria, Amrest (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Italfreddo, Frigologo, AC Lenart, Tajfun Planina, Prva hiša, Nautic Service, Liebherr, Rothenberger, Moja invest and Si Splet.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Super quick response times, easy to understand for client replies.”

Ulcar & Partners is a Slovenian law firm based in Ljubljana founded in 1993 and led by managing partner Matjaž Ulčar.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm advises on financial and corporate deals in the energy, automotive and transportation, banking and finance, pharmaceutical, healthcare, real estate, insurance, hospitality, technology and retail sectors.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Petrol d.d., Ljubljana, Generali investments, GGEF, Volpi Capital, AMZS, Cimos Group, Nestle Adriatic and Hoteli Metropol.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Ulcar & Partners provide excellent commercial and political context to the legal advice that they render. They focus on the important issues, rather than bothering the client with theoretical, unimportant matters. They are also very responsive.”

“Our experience with them is top notch. They are very professional and have superb experience and expertise in corporate, M&A and finance matters, which is hard to match in Slovenian legal market.”

Wolf Theiss is the Slovenian presence of the international law firm of the same name. The firm in Slovenia is led by managing partner Markus Bruckmueller and is based in Ljubljana. Wolf Theiss is an international law firm established in Austria in 1957. The firm has 340 lawyers operating in 13 countries.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strong practice in financial and corporate work achieving top tier status for Slovenia in the banking, financial services, real estate and healthcare sectors.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Bank of America, Nova KBM, Kingspan Group, Goldman Sachs, Gorenje, Hisense Group, Barclays Bank, BNP Paribas, Fintel, UniCredit, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG and Glovoapp23.

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Wolf Theiss Slovenia combines an excellent understanding of the financial industry with extensive local knowledge and applies to delivering high-quality services and documents. The team of WT Slovenia are also excellent team players that contribute significantly to the work of the project team and have always been available at short notice.”

“Professional, precise, reliable, proactive, pragmatic approach, international network, excellent team.”