Our member firms Maric & Co and Zivkovic Samardzic Law Office advised Olvi Oyj on its acquisition of Banja Luka Brewery (Banjalučka Pivara), including its Serbian branch. Banja Luka Brewery, best known for its flagship brand Nektar, is one of the most established breweries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with operations also in Serbia and sales across the wider region.
Olvi Group is a Finnish beverage company founded in 1878, known for offering a wide product range including beers, non-alcoholic drinks, long drinks, mineral water, juices, energy drinks, and RTD cocktails. In 2024, Olvi’s net sales amounted to approximately EUR 656.9 million, with operations in Finland, the Baltic Sea region (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark), and Belarus. The transaction represents a significant step in Olvi Group’s multi-local growth strategy and strengthens its presence in Southeast Europe.
The firms provided comprehensive legal advising throughout the transaction, supporting Olvi in its regional expansion and continued growth in the beverage sector. Maric & Co was acting as the buyer’s lead legal advisor for Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Zivkovic Samardzic Law Office advised on Serbian law aspects of the transaction.
Financial/tax advisory was provided by Forvis Mazars.