ZAGREB, CROATIA — Private equity firm Mid Europa Partners (MEP) has acquired a majority stake in Mlinar, a Croatian retail and wholesale bakery. The company’s founder Mato Škojo will retain a stake in the business.

Mlinar produces pastries, bread, sandwiches, salads and beverages. One of the largest retail bakery networks in Southeast Europe, the business operates 220 stores in locations such as Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary while also serving hotels and restaurants.

MEP has worked with a variety of food retailers in the past. It hopes to leverage this experience and help Mlinar grow in new regions.

The firm said the bakery will benefit from its work with Polish c-store chain Zabka and Rpmanian supermarket chain Profi, where it accelerated expansion for both companies. In addition to developing the company’s retail operations, MEP will focus on building brand equity, increasing product development and capitalizing on synergies between Mlinar and the firm’s other food companies.