Next Generation Partners

Firms in the Spotlight EU and competition

Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC

Chryssafinis & Polyviou L.L.C was established as a partnership in 1903 by the late N.G. Chryssafinis. Today it is one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms in Cyprus.

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EU and competition in Cyprus

Antoniou McCollum & Co. LLC

Antoniou McCollum & Co. LLC fields a team which is consistently trusted by the big multinational corporations and global private equity funds to advise on their EU regulatory and competition law matters. The skilled team regularly advises on cases before the Commission for the Protection of Competition and has considerable strength in the technology sector as it advises some leading technology companies. The group enjoys considerable niche expertise in the non-performing loans market and continues to advise on large public concessions in Cyprus. Head of department Anastasios A. Antoniou is a leading practitioner who is a member of the European Commission Lawyers Forum.

Practice head(s):

Anastasios A. Antoniou 


Key clients

Cablenet


GO


Altamira


Yamaha


Tetralaval


Sainsbury’s


AkzoNobel


doValue


Fluidra


AerCap


Work highlights


  • Advising Hermes Airports on EU public procurement and regulatory issues in respect of the concession of the airports of Cyprus by the Republic of Cyprus, and the extension of the concession.
  • Advising doValue on the competition law aspects of the acquisition of the entire share capital of Altamira Cyprus from the state-owned Cyprus Asset Management Company.
  • Acting for Cablenet on the EU electronic communications framework in respect of its network sharing arrangements with Cyta, which is the first of its kind in Cyprus and involved significant regulatory and EU law issues.

Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants

George Mountis, Anna Rossides and Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis co-head the specialised EU and competition law offering at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants. Clients include national government departments, European Commission Directorates, multinational companies from a wide range of sectors, leading international law firms and their clients, as well as domestic businesses. The group has considerable experience in advising on European business grant schemes, as well as other matters such as the submission of proposals relating to research and innovation. It regularly advises significant international investment institutions on the provision of investment services in accordance with applicable laws. Another core area of focus is advising on competition disputes and competition matters that arise in many corporate and commercial transactions. At associate level, Alexandros Efstathiou  plays a key role in the department.

Practice head(s):

George Mountis; Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis; Anna Rossides


Other key lawyers:

Alexandros Efstathiou


Testimonials

‘High skilled lawyers in competition law’.

‘Anna Rossides is an excellent professional with a busines oriented mindset’.

‘It is one of the leading and most established firms in Cyprus with enormous experience in litigation and very strong commercial law and public law profile. They are very responsive, diligent and able to work under extreme pressure; highly experienced in conducting complex litigation’.

‘They have strong commercial awareness and all-round expertise at all levels of seniority. The have excellent experience in representing clients in both domestic and diverse international fora (CJEU, Strasbourg, arbitration tribunals). It is one of the two ‘go to’ firms in Cyprus’.

‘Mrs Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis is extremely capable combining legal expertise, good judgment and efficiency’.

‘The team is proactive and prompt in their communication. They work in partnership with their clients and help navigate complex issues. They were helpful in navigating and guiding through the obtaining of approval from the CPC’.

Key clients

Wargaming Group Limited


Daimler AG


The North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association Ltd


The Standard Club Ltd


Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA


Wolt Cyprus Ltd


Work highlights


  • Brought two EUR multi-million claims (totalling EUR500m) before the Court of Justice of the European Union on behalf of both natural and legal persons for damages suffered thereby as a result of the imposition, on the Republic of Cyprus, of the 2013 “bail-in” measures by the European Union Institutions.
  • Represented Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG) in an anti-trust investigation of the national competition authority against the company and its Cyprus distributor, in relation to foreclosure in the market for spare parts.
  • Successful in obtaining the issuing of a pan-European interim injunction in a case of infringement of European Trade Marks (EUTMs) for the first time by a court in the Republic of Cyprus, prohibiting a competitor of its client, Wargaming Group Limited, from using anywhere within the European Union, in relation to the specific products covered by its clients’ EUTM registrations, signs that are identical with and/or confusingly similar to their EUTMs.

Elias Neocleous & Co LLC

The outstanding team at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC excels in advising on all aspects of EU and competition law and regularly assists on key M&A assignments. The practice is led by partner Nikos Korogiannakis in Brussels and in Cyprus by senior associate Ramona Livera. The group has considerable sector expertise in areas such as shipping and more recently betting, and frequently advises on cybersecurity, data privacy and GDPR compliance.  It is well-placed to deal with the local law aspects of pan-European projects and often advises clients on European grant and funding opportunities, state aid issues and procurement. The team often undertakes EU and competition litigation in the Cyprus venues, in addition to various EU courts and tribunals. Elias Neocleous is also recommended, as is senior associate Elena Christodoulou.

Practice head(s):

Nikos Korogiannakis; Ramona Livera


Other key lawyers:

Elena Christodoulou; Maria Kozakou; Elias Neocleous


Testimonials

‘What makes this team very strong is the importance it gives to each client separately’.

What makes them stand out is the immediate response to all the questions I ask them about my subject. Especially Mrs. Maria Kozakou is very helpful’.

‘In my experience Elias Neocleous & Co LLC comprises of competent, hardworking, young professionals that inspire a feeling of trust to the client. In addition, they are always by your side throughout the tedious cases whenever you need them’.

Maria Kozakou convinced us that we stood a fighting chance if we submitted our case in front of the European Committee, a feat that many other attorneys before them did not pursue. This resulted in our case (gender discrimination lawsuit), finally being taken seriously by the employer and the Cypriot judicial system’.

Key clients

Avanti Communications Group


British High Commission, Nicosia


Volkswagon Group


Akzo Nobel


Allwyn Group


Tencent


Credit Suisse


Cyprus Tourism Development Corporation Ltd


Cyprus Public Transport Limited


European Investment Fund


Huawei Technologies


Invel Real Estate Partners


Jordan Kuwait Bank (Cyprus Branch)


KKCG Group


Google


Limassol Marina


KPS Capital Partners


SOLEK Holding SE


Mitsubishi Motors


Mall of Cyprus


OPAP S.A


Zynga Inc


Stoiximan


Samsung Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Volkswagen Group Services GmbH on Cyprus law merger control and competition law obligations concerning a proposed acquisition of EVAG Emder Verkehrs und Automotive GmbH.
  • Provided competition law advice to Akzo Nobel, and undertook the merger control filings for their proposed acquisition of the Slovenian companies DP JUB d.d. and JUB d.o.o.
  • Acted for Tencent in its acquisition of an interest in 1C Group of companies which included a number of companies in Cyprus, including providing all competition law advice on the transaction and attending to merger control filings.

Harris Kyriakides

The ‘cooperative, friendly and helpful’ team at Harris Kyriakides is led by Michael Kyriakides  and Constantina Hadjianastasi; their department advises on all aspects of national and European competition law and supports clients faced with allegations of anticompetitive behaviour. Clients include companies from different sectors, though the team has particular strength in energy, infrastructure, transport, technology and innovation. In addition, the group has represented clients in civil claims for infringement of competition and state aid laws.

Practice head(s):

Michael Kyriakides; Constantina Hadjianastasi


Testimonials

‘The firm has large experience in this sector. Michalis Kyriakides and Constantina Hadjianastasi’.

‘Professional and very attentive people. Our experience with this office has been very good. Friendly approach, professionalism, the people are very attentive, they follow up in time and respect the customer’.

‘This practice is unique as it offers excellent and well documented legal service through a well-structured approach. It keeps abreast with all current legislation and relevant court cases and also uses modern technology in a very efficient way. Its clients should expect a very professional and reliable service’.

‘I mainly cooperate with Mr. Michalis Kyriakides, Partner. His contribution on a rather complex competition case has been catalytic towards a successful outcome. He always seeks all necessary industry related information and commercial knowledge to assist him in preparing the case in the most efficient way’.

‘Both individuals who comprised the team were well-read and to the point. They understood our position and confidently quided us to the right direction for our case. They well-read and to the point. Constantina Hadjiznastasi was especially decisive and effective’.

‘The law firm has a highly reputable competition law department comprised of a dedicated team of legal specialists in the field, of different levels (from partners to junior lawyers). The department is known for handling high-profile competition law cases both before the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition (the “CPC”) and Courts’.

‘The department is prone to excellence in handling disputed competition law-related issues with efficiency and is recognised for its commitment, professionalism, diligence, and excellent organisational skills’.

‘The law department’s experience and expert legal background in the field, is reflected by the long-established tradition of participating in a variety of cases, involving major clients, before the CPC, Courts and other sector-specific authorities’.

Key clients

Metrica AE


Association of Cheesemakers Cyprus


NCR (Cyprus) Ltd


European Dynamics


Municipality of Limassol


Sewerage Council of Ayia Napa


Municipality of Dromolaxias-Meneou


Municipality of Larnaca


Primetel PLC


Petrolina(Holdings) Public Ltd


AGS Agrotrading Ltd


Arkia Airlines Ltd


Lellos P Demetriades Law Office

The accomplished team at Lellos P Demetriades Law Office handles all aspects of competition and antitrust practices, with considerable expertise in EU and national competition law. Areas of focus include advising on abuse of dominance, cartel investigations, merger notification filings, judicial review applications against decisions of the CPC, and private actions for damages.  The key names to note are the joint heads of department Achilleas Demetriades and Haris Satsias. The group has particular sector expertise in pharmaceuticals, insurance, aviation, food and beverages, as well as tobacco, and is sought after too for its work on dawn raid manuals and for its advice on a host of antitrust compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Achilleas Demetriades; Haris Satsias


Testimonials

‘We have been working with Lellos P. Demetriades Law Office for many years. The team at the firm has a deep knowledge of the subject, is very responsive, friendly and always willing to assist. They have an excellent understanding of the business and always provide legal advice which is sound, practical and commercially sensible’.

‘They have recently handled two cases before the Commission for the Protection of Competition and secured a successful outcome for us while they have supported us super efficiently in the establishment of our new entity in Cyprus, from legal but also practical point of view’.

‘We have been working with Achilleas Demetriades and Haris Satsias for some years now and over the time we have developed an excellent cooperation. Both of them have delved into our corporation and have assisted us with very delicate and complex legal issues associated with the highly regulated nature of our industry and the competition law aspects of it’.

Work highlights


  • Advised a major Cyprus company during a dawn raid at their premises by the CPC.
  • Representing a local company in an action launched by the CPC for the recovery of the administrative fine that was imposed.
  • Represented a company before the CPC in a major cartel investigation involving a large number of parties.

Chrysses Demetriades & Co Law Office

Headed by Polyvios Panayides, the team at Chrysses Demetriades & Co Law Office receives a steady flow of instructions on merger control and antitrust work before the CPC. It also frequently works with leading international law firms on a range of transactional and contentious EU/competition law matters, and enjoys in-depth expertise across various sectors such as consumer goods, shipping, hotel, real estate, insurance and energy. GDPR and data compliance matters are also a keystone of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Polyvios Panayides


Testimonials

‘We were very happy with the services provided by Chrysses Demetriades on antitrust work. Polyvios Panayides was very responsive, provided very efficient and clear legal advice. He also had a practical approach’.

‘The team has very strong capabilities in competition and antitrust law in Cyprus. It is well familiar with the CPC’s practice and agenda, and provides good legal advice on merger control in Cyprus’.

‘Polyvios with whom I work very often on merger control filings in Cyprus is an excellent lawyer, he is attentive, responsive and provides good legal advice’.

Ioannides Demetriou LLC

The EU and competition team at Ioannides Demetriou LLC is headed by Pambos Ioannides, Andrew Demetriou and Christina Ioannidou. Its enviable client base spans semi-governmental organisations, public and private foundations as well as major international and national commercial enterprises and businesses. Other key clients include hotels, shipping companies and universities. The group continues to be involved in some key cases before the Committee for the Protection of Competition and in some major advisory work.

Key clients

Pinsent Masons LLP


European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education


Petrolina Holdings Public Co Ltd


Hermes Airports Ltd


Electricity Authority of Cyprus


Cyprus Trading Corporation PLC


Argosy Trading Company Ltd


VLPG Plant Ltd


Vassilikos Cement Works Public Company Ltd


Work highlights


  • Defending Vassilikos Cement Works Public Company Ltd, which is the sole cement producer on the island, in an investigation by the Committee for the Protection of Competition in relation to alleged abuse of dominant position and unfair conditions implemented by the client.
  • Advising the leading petroleum/LPG trading companies in the country (VLPG Plant Ltd) in relation to the creation of a JV for the purpose of constructing new LPG facilities and obtaining clearance from the competition authorities accordingly.
  • Advising KODAP (the Cyprus Organisation for the Storage and Management of Oil Stocks in relation to the obtaining of a €35m loan from EIB for the construction of own storage facilities.

Michael Kyprianou & Co. LLC

The experienced team at Michael Kyprianou & Co. LLC has a dedicated team of advocates that deals with European and competition law. It receives a regular flow of instructions from local and international clients on all aspects of national and EU competition law. Under the joint leadership of Menelaos Kyprianou and Ioanna Solomou it continues to advise on various infringements of competition law when there are mergers and acquisitions of companies as well as advising on anti-competitive practices. In addition, it often advises companies on their GDPR and data protection compliance.

Work highlights


  • Advising the managers of the general cargo and passenger terminal of the Limassol port, on a regular basis on competition law related matters in respect of the dominant position they hold.
  • Members of the team act as Data Protection Officer for the client, a reputable institute in the healthcare research sector.

Georgiades & Pelides

Marios Pelides heads the department at Georgiades & Pelides where he leverages a vast array of experience in representing clients in proceedings before the CPC. In addition, the department routinely submits merger control filings with the CPC, as well as providing more general competition law and antitrust advice to its clients.

Practice head(s):

Marios Pelides


Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Pelides


Testimonials

‘The firm is highly experienced in competition law matters. We have worked with them on many cross-border merger filings and they have always been very efficient, with excellent response time, ensuring that deadlines are met and taking account of the client’s business needs’.

‘We have worked with Nicholas Pelides on several merger filings. He is always accessible and helpful, very effective and responsive and with a deep knowledge of competition law‘.

Key clients

CVC


Blackstone


Temasek


Booking.com


Allianz


KKR


Grunenthal


Cinven


BC Partners


EQT


IKEA


Knauf


LVMH


Bridgepoint


Work highlights


  • Advising on a merger control filing on behalf of KKR in relation to the acquisition of Barracuda Parent, LLC by KKR & Co. Inc via Atlantic Holding Parent Inc, which was part of the broader acquisition of Barracuda Networks by KKR (aggregate deal value c. $3.8bn).
  • Advising on a merger control filing on behalf of Blackstone concerning the indirect acquisition by funds affiliated with Blackstone Inc. of sole control in Kiwi VFS Sub I S.à r.l. (aggregate deal value c. $2bn).
  • Advising on a merger control filing on behalf of Cinven concerning the acquisition of the share capital of think-cell Software GmbH, by Cinven Capital Management (VII) General Partner Limited.