Croatian retailer Studenac has secured a €40-million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support its growth strategy.
The funds will be used to acquire additional food retail chains and implement advanced digital solutions to improve efficiency and profitability.
The €80 million project also includes plans to enhance energy efficiency in Studenac's stores by installing high-efficiency lighting, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment in existing and new locations.
This investment builds on the EBRD's long-standing partnership with Studenac. Previous loans have supported the company's expansion through the acquisition of Pemo and Lonia (€38.13 million) and energy efficiency upgrades and job creation initiatives for Ukrainian refugees (€17.75 million).
New Distribution Centre
Recently, Studenac announced plans to open a new distribution centre in Velika Gorica next year. The 36,000 square metre facility will create approximately 500 new jobs and support the company's continued expansion.
Over the past six years, Studenac has more than tripled its store network. The new distribution centre will enhance logistics efficiency, reduce delivery times, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
Studenac operates a central distribution centre in Dugopolje and regional warehouses in Zadar, Dubrovnik, Pazin, Zagreb, and Kutina.
The chain is owned by Poland’s Enterprise Investors and is one of the largest food retailers in Croatia with over 1,000 stores.
In July of this year, the retailer announced the acquisition of Slovenia's Kea retail chain. This strategic move marks Studenac's first foray into international markets, offering new opportunities for growth and development in the region.
The transaction is now pending approval from the Slovenian Competition Agency. Once approved, Studenac will gain control of Kea's network of 31 stores located in the Celje, Maribor, Prekmurje, and Primorje regions of Slovenia.
