News and developments

Mid Europa Partners sells Bambi to Coca-Cola HBC

Coca-Cola HBC announced the agreement to acquire Bambi, the leading Serbian biscuit and confectionary maker, from Mid Europa Partners, the leading private equity investor in Central and Eastern Europe. Karanovic & Partners, working together with White & Case and KPMG, advised Mid Europa Partners in this transaction – which is now subject to customary competition authority clearance and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

The Karanovic & Partners legal team, led by managing partner Rastko Petaković, included partner ⃰  Miloš Jakovljević, Associate ⃰  Sava Drača and Junior Associates Milijana Tomić and Katarina Tomić. Acting as sell-side advisors, the team’s services included a legal due diligence and transaction assistance.

Mid Europa Partners acquired Bambi in 2015, together with Imlek and Knjaz Miloš, the leading regional dairy and natural mineral water players, forming the consumer group – Moji Brendovi. In 2018, Bambi recorded revenues of approximately €80 million.

Based in Switzerland, Coca-Cola HBC is one of The Coca-Cola Company’s largest bottlers; covering 28 countries including Ireland, Italy, Russia and Nigeria.

Karanovic & Partners would like to congratulate Mid Europa Partners on this transaction. Bambi is an industry leader, as well as one of the most recognisable brands in Serbia, and Mid Europa Partners has greatly contributed to its stellar reputation.

*Independent attorney at law in cooperation with Karanović & Partners.