Živković Samardžić acted as Serbian legal counsel to Olvi Oyj, a Finland-based international multi-beverage group, in connection with 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 €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 Živković Samardžić team, led by partner Sava Pavlović, included partners Slobodan Kremenjak and Ivan Ljubisavljević, senior associate Srđan Zerdo, and associates Ilija Milosavljević and Marko Leković.

Marić & Co was acting as the buyer’s lead legal advisor for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Forvis Mazars advised buyer on financial and tax advisors of the transaction.