The deal, which received official approval from Slovenia’s competition authority, marks Studenac’s first foray into foreign markets after six years of continuous growth at home.
Kea operates 32 stores across the regions of Celje, Maribor, Prekmurje, and Primorje, with an average store size of 250 square metres. Headquartered in the town of Šentjur, Kea reported revenues of nearly €50 million in 2023.
Speaking on the acquisition, Michal Senczuk, CEO of Studenac, highlighted the shared values between the two companies and their strong track records. “Entering the Slovenian market is a logical first step for Studenac as we venture beyond Croatia’s borders, where we have been thriving for over 30 years,” Senczuk said.
He expressed confidence that this move would open up new opportunities in Slovenia’s retail sector and deliver strong results. “We are excited to introduce our business philosophy to the Slovenian market, with a focus on customer-centricity, innovative experiences, and specially curated product lines tailored to modern consumer needs,” he added.
Studenac’s acquisition of Kea is seen as a bold strategic move aimed at leveraging the strengths of both companies, with hopes of boosting Slovenia’s retail landscape while continuing its impressive growth trajectory.
