The Legal 500

Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC’s banking and finance practice continues to draw local and international clients, and is noted for its ability to work at ‘the highest professional level’. Led by the highly recommended Kyriacos Georgiades, the team has seen a marked increase in refinancing and restructuring work, including advising German lenders HSH Nordbank and KfW IPEX-Bank on the restructuring of a $65m facility for Ortanio Holdings. The team also advised CITIC Ka Wah Bank and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation on new term and revolving loan facilities of $40m for China Fisheries International.

One of the oldest law firms in Cyprus, Antis Triantafyllides & Sons sits comfortably among the larger practices on the island. Stelios Triantafyllides’ depth of expertise and the firm’s well-established boutique style has attracted clients such as Hellenic Bank. Providing ‘high-quality services meeting the market standards’, the firm’s work receives recognition across the board from clients and peers.

Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC has longstanding experience in assisting domestic and international banking institutions. Polis Polyviou is well respected for his banking and finance work.

With key individuals such as the highly esteemed Chris Georghiades, Chrysses Demetriades & Co Law Office remains the preferred firm for many prominent clients requiring a full spectrum of banking and finance advice. Christos Mavrellis is notable for his wealth of expertise in foreign investment.

Though a relatively young firm, Aristodemou Loizides Yiolitis LLC continues to play a major role in financing projects. The team recently advised the Archean Group in a $75m acquisition finance project, involving Bank of India and AXIS Bank, under the leadership of Pavlos Aristodemou.

George Y Yiangou & Co has seen an increase in both restructuring and high-value financing transactions. Highlights included advising a leading Russian investment bank in relation to the $3.4bn financing of a stake acquisition in JSC Uralkali, as well as acting as special counsel to a leading Austrian bank regarding the amendment and restatement of a $321m facility agreement.

The small but technically strong team at Georgiades & Pelides includes name partner Marcos Georgiades and maintains an international focus, with experience including multi-currency loan facility agreements and syndicated project finance transactions.

Underpinning Dr K Chrysostomides & Co’s banking and finance practice are both its international orientation (representing clients such as Barclays Bank and RBS) and its solid local client base (including the Bank of Cyprus and Marfin Laiki Bank). The team recently advised on a $222m syndicated finance agreement, and also advised German bank BHF on revolving finance of €250m. Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris and Dr Kypros Chrysostomides are recommended.

Headed by Tonia Antoniou, Michael Kyprianou & Co. LLC’s finance practice receives a high volume of referral work, and recently advised Onexim, the Russian investment group, on the debt restructuring of RBC Media Group, in collaboration with Herbert Smith LLP. Lambros Soteriou is recommended.

Mouaimis & Mouaimis draws clients and collaborators of a high calibre, thanks largely to the reputation and expertise of name partner Panayotis Mouaimis. The ‘prompt, discreet and professional’ firm regularly advises in relation to high-value international, bilateral and syndicated finance deals.

Pamboridis LLC’s finance practice, led by George Pamboridis, attracts a steady flow of high-value work. It advised a global banking institution on the restructuring of two defaulted loan facilities valued at $160m.

Stavros Pavlou’s experience in cross-border projects enhances Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC’s ability to draw both international and domestic clients. Notable work included advising the facility agent in relation to a €650m bid credit facility, as well as advising on loan facility agreements to the value of $3bn.

Tasos Coucounis and Dimitria Coucouni are the driving forces behind Andreas Coucounis & Co’s banking practice. Refinancing and restructuring matters have been a staple part of the firm’s recent work, including advising on a $300m loan restructuring involving foreign banks. Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland are clients.

Kinanis LLC’s banking and finance work branches from the firm’s corporate practice, headed by Irene Christodoulou. It handles debt finance matters for key clients Alfa Bank Group, Probusinessbank and Avangard Bank on an ongoing basis.

L. Papaphilippou & Co maintains its well-established name in the banking and finance market. Clients include leading local and international commercial banks and financial institutions. Loukis Papaphilippou is recommended.

Montanios & Montanios receives a steady flow of finance work especially in the shipping sector. Name partner Eric Montanios is singled out for his expertise in asset finance, particularly in the aviation and shipping fields.

Papadopoulos, Lycourgos & Co LLC has a strong presence in the domestic market, advising banks including Hellenic Bank on matters including secured loans and the hypothecation of assets. Associate Adamos Georgiou is recommended.

Clerides, Anastassiou, Neophytou LLC recently assisted with the restructuring of a $15m bi-currency loan, involving multiple jurisdictions and collaboration with Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Effie Anastasiou is noted for her ‘quick, efficient manner’ and ability to ensure that ‘the deal moves on’.

Georgiades & Mylonas Advocates & Legal Consultants acts for a number of international as well as domestic clients. The firm’s banking practice is bolstered by its litigation expertise.

Ioannides Demetriou LLC is new to the ranking, with Pambos Ioannides enjoying an enviable reputation in the area. Standout work included advising Hermes Airports in relation to a project involving investment of more than €800m, and Orites Wind Farm in relation to a €170m project.

Stelios Americanos & Co has particular expertise in inward investment to the CIS and Eastern Europe. The banking team advised Eurohypo AG in connection with a loan facility for over $740m.