Rud Pedersen Group has announced the acquisition of the public affairs consultancy, EuroNavigator, in Zagreb, solidifying the firm’s presence across Central and Eastern Europe.

The Group has acquired a majority stake in EuroNavigator in Zagreb, a successful business that has been supporting clients with advice on Croatian and EU public affairs since 2018. Co-founders Milly Doolan and Daniel Mondekar will continue running operations in Zagreb under the Rud Pedersen brand. They bring with them an enthusiastic and experienced team of public affairs professionals to represent Rud Pedersen Group on the ground, including Croatia’s first-ever Commissioner to the EU, Neven Mimica.

In addition to the direct employees transferring to Rud Pedersen, the company has built a network of local representatives also covering Slovenia and the Western Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and North Macedonia) who can provide further opportunities to clients looking for support throughout this high-growth region.

The Group continues to expand to meet client needs in an increasingly global and interconnected world. For example, Croatia's economic output grew by 6.3 percent in 2023, making this a market full of opportunities for international businesses. Similarly, to reduce CO2 emissions by 45 percent before 2030, energy companies are looking to Croatia to expand their operations. Rud Pedersen clients benefit from having local experts who work seamlessly across borders to deliver pan-European solutions.

Morten Rud Pedersen, Founder and CEO of Rud Pedersen Group, commented on the acquisition: “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.

“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.”

Milly Doolan, 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”.

Daniel Mondekar, Managing Partner of Rud Pedersen Croatia, said: "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."