ZAGREB — Rud Pedersen Group has expanded to Croatia with the acquisition of public affairs consultancy EuroNavigator in Zagreb, solidifying the firm’s presence across South, Central and Eastern Europe and extending its capabilities across the Western Balkans.

The group has acquired a majority stake in EuroNavigator, which has been supporting clients with advice on Croatian and EU public affairs since 2018. Co-founders Milly Doolan (pictured, right) and Daniel Mondekar (left) will continue running their operation in Zagreb under the Rud Pedersen brand.The seven-strong team includes Neven Mimica, Croatia’s first commissioner to the EU.

As well as direct employees transferring to Rud Pedersen, the company has built a network of local representatives covering Slovenia and the Western Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and North Macedonia) who will provide further support to clients across the high-growth region.

Croatia's economic output grew by 6.3% in 2023, and energy companies are looking to expand their operations in the EU member country, since its goal is to reduced CO2 emissions by 45% before 2030.

Rud Pedersen Croatia is the group’s 20th office across Europe; other recent acquisitions include Dutch strategic communications firm Issuemakers in September. Group director for strategic development Jon Aarons told PRovoke Media: “Dan and Milly have been running a successful independent firm with a great reputation and are well-connected in a relatively small market. Part of our strategy is to build out across the EU, as when we have clients who need support across EU matters, coalition across member states can be very important.

“The Western Balkans are developing rapidly and increasingly clients have been saying why aren’t you there? EuroNavigator had reached a point of development where they wanted a partner in Brussels, and while Croatia wasn’t top of our priority list as we are moving into larger economies, it naturally came together and they fit our culture very well.”

Rud Pedersen Group founder and CEO Morten Rud Pedersen (pictured, centre) said: “Opening an office in Zagreb builds on the strategy we have been working towards over the last few years. We have embraced European markets that other international firms have shunned, and we have enjoyed great success. Croatia is no different – with more than €13 billion of foreign investment between 2019 and 2023, it’s clear that businesses see growth potential in Croatia and we’ll be there to support them.

“Our clients expect us to handle complex EU regulatory matters which we can also support locally. Having an integrated team in offices throughout the EU, and with added expertise in countries working towards EU membership, Rud Pedersen provides a platform for both our international clients and independent market leading consultancies to continue their strategic growth.

He added: “Our new colleagues in Zagreb work with some of Croatia’s most successful export-minded businesses and, similarly, many of our existing group clients seek opportunities to double down on their European growth, navigating the twin challenges of EU regulation and local markets. We are the only consultancy with such breadth across the EU and a well-connected base of consultants that can provide local and international solutions. I look forward to our new colleagues working with the rest of the Group and supporting each other to deliver success for a growing portfolio of clients.”

Doolan, now managing partner of Rud Pedersen Croatia, said: “In just over five years, we have transformed EuroNavigator into a public affairs agency that stands alongside Europe’s most respected leaders in the field. Becoming Rud Pedersen Croatia signifies a pivotal step in our evolution, enabling us to bring globally benchmarked public affairs expertise to companies in Croatia and the wider region. For our clients, this means enhanced access to markets and a stronger foothold in Brussels, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels”.

Mondekar, now also managing partner of Rud Pedersen Croatia, said of the deal: “EuroNavigator has set the standard for public affairs in Croatia, enabling Croatian companies to have their voices heard in Brussels as well as becoming an extension of their strategic development. Becoming a part of the Rud Pedersen Group, we will leverage their expertise to strengthen our position in Croatia and the region, which is increasingly aligning with the European Union. This is a pivotal milestone for our team, clients, and the public affairs industry.”