"Prodati ili predati – obiteljski izbor"conference: Igor Čičak on the role of investors in successful business transitions

At the Prodati ili predati – obiteljski izbor conference, held on May 13 and organized by PwC Croatia and Poslovni dnevnik, Igor Čičak, CEO and Managing Partner of Provectus Capital Partners (PCP), took part in a panel focused on how to successfully implement ownership transition decisions in family businesses.

Speaking from the perspective of a financial investor, as well as ex successful business owner, Igor emphasized that building mutual trust and establishing a partnership based on transparency is key to a successful transition. “Fear is the most common emotion when selling a company, and the only way to address it is with transparent approach and a proven track record.

He noted that PCP invests exclusively in successful companies with clear potential for further growth, almost always taking a majority ownership stake. Each investment is accompanied by a clearly defined five-year growth plan and a two-to-three-year management transition process. “Chemistry between the founders/management is just as important as future perspectives. We start every collaboration with a clear shareholder agreement, and everything must be set up in a way that ensures the relationship remains fair, even when challenges arise,” Igor added.

Commenting on changes in the market, he highlighted that he increasingly meets a new generation of founders – especially in the IT and private healthcare sectors – who aren’t focused solely on succession within the family, but rather on how to ensure sustainable growth and development for future. “These are people who understand that the market is changing and that they need a strong partner. And that’s exactly what PCP offers – we think long-term, and through partnership we open new perspectives, both for the company and the founders.”

In closing, Igor welcomed the organization of the conference and emphasized the importance of having open conversations on these topics at a time when more and more business owners are thinking about the future of their companies.