M&A advisory firm Marktlink opens new office in Zagreb

Marktlink, a renowned M&A advisory firm based in Europe, has recently expanded its operations by opening a new office in Zagreb. This marks the 19th office for Marktlink and the second in the Adriatic region, following its expansion into Slovenia. The decision to establish a presence in this region was driven by several factors, including the increasing demand from local businesses, growing interest from foreign investors, and an upcoming wave of ownership successions in family businesses.

Niek Derks, a partner at Marktlink, emphasized the attractiveness of the Adriatic region as an emerging economy with stable economic growth. He highlighted the strategic location of Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia between Western and Eastern Europe, making it an appealing market for companies looking to expand their presence in the region. Moreover, Derks pointed out that the region is poised to witness a significant number of family successions in the coming years, presenting opportunities for M&A deals.

With its headquarters in the Netherlands, Marktlink specializes in assisting mid-market owners with selling their businesses, acquiring other entities, and managing generational successions. The firm also caters to financial investors such as private equity houses and family offices. With a team of around 200 dealmakers spread across its 19 offices in Europe, Marktlink has established a reputation for facilitating successful cross-border transactions.

In particular, the Adriatic region offers significant prospects for cross-border deals due to the evolving business landscape and the increasing interconnectedness of European markets. Derks emphasized the potential for expansion through cross-border collaborations, especially in countries that may not traditionally be considered for M&A activities. This region presents ample opportunities for Marktlink to leverage its expertise in facilitating cross-border transactions.

Leading the newly established office in Zagreb is Dino Bendeković, who brings a wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the CEE region. Having previously served as a senior leader and Head of M&A business at Grant Thornton in the Northern Adriatic region, Bendeković is well-positioned to drive Marktlink’s growth initiatives in Croatia. He expressed enthusiasm about the untapped potential in the region and the opportunities for facilitating deals in Croatia and neighboring European markets.

Overall, Marktlink’s expansion into the Adriatic region underscores its commitment to serving the evolving needs of businesses in the mid-market segment. By establishing a presence in Zagreb and appointing experienced professionals like Dino Bendeković, Marktlink is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the M&A landscape in Croatia and capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities in the region.