Marktlink opens a new office in Zagreb: access to the Adriatic market

Today, the first Marktlink office in the Adriatic region has been opened, with Dino Bendekovic at the helm. Zagreb, Marktlink’s 19th office in Europe, is strategically positioned to support entrepreneurs in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia in (cross-border) deals.

Dino Bendekovic, who will launch the Zagreb office, has an impressive track record of over 25 years of M&A and private equity experience in the US and Europe, including in the CEE region. He brings transaction experience from working on deals within industrial, services, tourism, healthcare, distribution, ICT, transportation and other sectors. Dino earned his MBA at Boston University, Questrom School of Business in Boston, Massachusetts. After 9 years as the Head of M&A at multinational Grant Thornton Northern Adriatic, Dino now joined the Marktlink Group.

Niek Derks, Partner at Marktlink: “Marktlink usually selects countries suitable for expansion, but this time it was different; Dino approached us. He has considered the idea of entrepreneurship for years. Now he can realise that ambition, supported by Marktlink.”

Adriatic region: an attractive investment opportunity

The Adriatic region is an emerging economy and has been showing stable economic growth for years. It is rich in family-owned businesses with a strong industrial, services and agricultural tradition. Its beautiful nature and cultural richness also make the hospitality sector an interesting market for mid-market M&A deals. The strategic location of Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia between Western and Eastern Europe is attractive for companies looking to strengthen their presence in this region. Zagreb offers an ideal springboard to the wider European market and the Adriatic region. A region that was previously lacking a service such as Marktlink offers. Niek explains: “Some thirty years ago, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia were still part of the former Yugoslavia. Since then, a large number of companies have sprouted up and are now thinking of a possible succession. This makes it a very interesting market for Marktlink.”

Dino agrees: “The Adriatic market presents a unique and promising opportunity for growth, with its dynamic economies and strategic position within the European Union. With its increasingly sophisticated business environment, it’s a perfect fit for Marktlink's expansion. Partnering with someone who understands the local markets' nuances allows us to offer tailored M&A solutions that are both effective and aligned with regional needs. This addition strengthens our European presence and broadens our ability to support businesses looking to grow, evolve, and succeed in the Adriatic region and beyond.”

Marktlink’s key role

With the opening of our Zagreb office, we look forward to strengthening collaborations with ambitious entrepreneurs in the Adriatic region. This region offers huge opportunities for cross-border M&A deals, and Marktlink will play a key role in connecting these entrepreneurs and strengthening the region’s economies.

Niek envisions a bright future for M&A activity in the Adriatic region. “The blurring of European country borders creates more opportunities for cross-border transactions, especially in countries that are usually less obvious for M&A expansion. But that is precisely where companies with a lot of potential are. This can be particularly interesting for European investors.”

Dino concludes: “Looking ahead, I’m excited about the incredible potential for collaboration with Marktlink. By combining our expertise, we’re well-positioned to unlock new opportunities in the region, especially as the M&A landscape continues to evolve. The growing interest in strategic deals within the region and surrounding European markets offers a wealth of possibilities, and we’re committed to providing the guidance and support owners and businesses need to navigate these transitions. I truly believe this partnership will play a key role in shaping the future of M&A in the region, driving success for our clients and fuelling the growth of businesses across the board.”