Rising Stars

Firms in the Spotlight EU and competition

VAINANIDIS ECONOMOU & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

VAINANIDIS ECONOMOU & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM logo

Vainanidis Economou & Associates is a dynamic law firm with offices in Athens providing high level services to national and international clients. Its practice covers multiple areas of law and a variety of business sectors.

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EU and competition in Greece

Bernitsas Law

Bernitsas Law regularly acts for multinational clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission and European Commission on matters involving merger control mandates and anti-competitive practices. Its strengths span a number of key areas, including cartel work, compliance advice, damages actions and state aid matters. Marina Androulakakis heads up the practice; she assists with antitrust issues and risk and strategy assessments. Managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas and senior associate Tania Patsalia are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Marina Androulakakis


Other key lawyers:

Panayotis Bernitsas; Tania Patsalia


Testimonials

‘Team does deep legal work analysis and is accurate with a pragmatic practice.’

‘Marina Androulakakis and Tania Patsalia conduct themselves with leadership and competence on an important case.’

‘The team knows the field well and is always available to assist.’

‘Marina Androulakakis is always available for assistance and understands the client’s needs.’

‘Marina Androulakakis and Tania Patsiala supported our company with their knowledge in competition matters and a high standard of professionalism.’

‘Very high competence and very fast in understanding requests by a customer and replying.’

‘Marina Androulakakis: reactivity, speed, competence, knowledge of the market, straight to the point.’

‘Long-term cooperation and commitment, understanding of client’s needs, outstanding lawyers.’ 

Key clients

Attica Group


Bristol Myers Squibb


BMW Hellas SA


CVC


Euronet


Hellenic Fuels (formerly BP Hellas)


Hellenic Petroleum SA


Hellenic Republic


MBC Group


Motor Oil Hellas


Vivartia Group


Work highlights


  • Assisted CVC with obtaining Phase 1 unconditional clearance from the European Commission for its acquisition of Ethniki Insurance from the National Bank of Greece.
  • Advised the Greek subsidiary of an international engineering and technology company on the Hellenic Competition Commission’s ex officio investigation.
  • Advised Vivartia, now part of CVC, on obtaining Phase 1 merger clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission.

Dryllerakis & Associates

Dryllerakis & Associates’ competition practice spans a number of key workstreams, including merger control issues, the recovery of incompatible state aid and litigation before the Greek and EU courts. The team also has vast experience in handling abuse of dominance claims and overseeing cartel matters before the Hellenic Competition Commission. Emmanuel Dryllerakis heads up the team; he has expertise in handling antitrust cases and regularly advises on M&A and competition law matters. Other notable members include managing senior partner John Dryllerakis and senior partner Cleomenis Yannikas.

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Dryllerakis


Other key lawyers:

John Dryllerakis; Cleomenis Yannikas


Testimonials

‘The team is very effective at describing simply and accurately where procedures may have gone wrong.’

‘Emmanuel Dryllerakis and his sharp/fresh approach in examining troublesome cases offer effective solutions.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the legal field and the key legal areas. Fast response times to the clients need perfect cooperation/collaboration with persons of great ethics and good morals.’

‘The team has a deep knowledge of competition law and practice.’

‘The team has experience in handling competition cases.’

‘A great team with seasoned counsels that are well known to advise and litigate on competition law-related matters in Greece for many many years – a team that understands the client’s needs and delivers accordingly.’

‘John Dryllerakis is one of the patriarchs of competition law in Greece and is widely figured as one of the most influential counsels in competition issues before the Hellenic Competition Commission. Cleomenis Yannikas has great expertise in competition law both at an academic and practitioner level. He is a very easygoing counsel.’

‘Cleomenis Yannikas combines an outstanding understanding of the industry sector with top-class quality advice. He is reliable, available, and an ideal business partner to in-house counsel.’

Key clients

ELAIS-UNILEVER HELLAS S.A


Olympic Brewery (Carlsberg Group)


MONDELEZ EUROPE SERVICES GmbH – Greek Branch


Beiersdorf Hellas S.A.


Resoul Hellas S.A.


Attica Bank


GlaxoSmithKline Hellas S.A.


Hellenic Petroleum S.A.


Regency Entertainment S.A.


Barilla Hellas


Work highlights


  • Represented Unilever Hellas in a complex dominance and anti-competitive agreement case heard before the Hellenic Competition Commission in which the HCC issued a fine of approx. €27m.
  • Represented Attica Bank in the Hellenic Competition Commission investigation in the Greek banking sector.
  • Advised GlaxoSmithKline on the drafting and hearing of the petition for annulment filed before the Supreme Administrative Court.

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm handles phase I and II mergers before the national competition authorities and the EU Commission, along with collusive and unilateral behaviour matters before the Hellenic Competition Commission. The team also advises on all regulatory and competition compliance law matters across a varied range of industries. Anastasia Dritsa, who has a particular focus on Greek and EU merger control and abuse of sole and collective dominance matters, co-heads the practice with Victoria Mertikopoulou, who focuses on all kinds of antitrust issues including cartels, merger control mandates and state aid challenges. The arrival of Marina Myzithra and Agia Stasinopoulou at the associate level further strengthened the team.

Practice head(s):

Anastasia Dritsa; Victoria Mertikopoulou


Other key lawyers:

Violeta Panagiotopoulou; Marina Myzithra; Agia Stasinopoulou


Testimonials

‘Highly skilled professionals, efficient and flexible, outstanding performance, kind and responsive, very quick and efficient in a tight timeline.’

‘Anastasia Dritsa is an excellent professional with high expertise, working long hours and never losing her smile and kindness.’

‘High-quality professional advice is always provided. Kindness and prompt communication of the team even on stretched deadlines. Solution-oriented approach with robust/up-to-date legal background as a basis and clear communication of risks.’

‘Victoria Mertikopoulou is a top competition law and pharma law expert with solid legal knowledge and versatile business understanding. Her experience in working in demanding cases during the last years gives added value to her team’s legal opinions and overall contribution to the projects. Her ability to inspire and guide the associates to keep a high standard of work in the final outputs, combined with her gentle and elegant personality, is remarkable.’

‘Violeta Panagiotopoulou is a rising star with future potential to become a partner, as she has a very thorough and mature knowledge of competition law requirements, exposure and a winning attitude to diverse industry projects. Her high quality of work combined with her polite behaviour regardless of the pressure is remarkable.’

Key clients

DESFA S.A


Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company


Allianz SE


“The Standard Club Ltd”, “The North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association Limited” and “The North of England Mutual Insurance Association (Bermuda) Limited”


SIEMENS ENERGY AG


Gambro Lundia AB


Delivery Hero SE


i) DRITSA-KAGLI S.A, ii) ELVIEX G.P. PANAGIOTOU S. AND ETETH S.A


Work highlights


  • Assisted DESFA S.A. with securing unconditional clearance in Phase I of the client’s acquisition of a controlling stake in GASTRADE.
  • Advised Delivery Hero on its acquisition of four companies, which are members of the Mouhalis Group.
  • Advised a number of protection and indemnity mutual maritime insurance clubs on their merger and securing clearance before the HCC in Phase I.
     
     
     
     

Metaxas & Associates Law Firm

Metaxas & Associates Law Firm regularly represents clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission and the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission in matters involving abuse of dominance and anti-competitive behaviour. The team also advises on antitrust compliance issues, the establishment of state aid schemes and state aid cases. Antonis Metaxas jointly leads the team with Stathis Kakounis, who focuses on the full scope of issues relating to investment projects. Polyxeni Gkaintatzi is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Antonis Metaxas; Stathis Kakounis


Other key lawyers:

Polyxeni Gkaintatzi


Testimonials

‘Our cooperation with Metaxas & Associates took place in the context of handling complex EU law cases demanding expert legal advice. I am very satisfied with the overall professional and client-oriented approach. They always have a straightforward mentality and make me feel secure for cooperating with one of the best law firms in the EU and Competition Law in Greece. Also, all means of digital communication are available at all times, which is very important for me.’

‘Antonis Metaxas leads a team of associates characterized by experience and academic excellence. The team manages to combine true expertise with Metaxas’ strong academic background.’

‘Metaxas & Associates have provided us with expert advice regarding EU and Competition Law, and we were very satisfied with the results.’

‘Antonis Metaxas’ academic and professional expertise in both EU and Competition Law is impressive. His strong academic background coupled with a profound commercial understanding makes a true difference in the quality of the services provided.’

‘All members of Metaxas & Associates Law Firm remained extremely direct and efficient. Our digital communication is always on point, and the whole team is accessible. It was also reassuring that the whole team, under the supervision of Antonis Metaxas, has high-level expertise in State Aid and Competition Law.’

‘Metaxas and Associates Law Firm is one of the most valuable partners. Two main competitive advantages for this company: are Antonis Metaxas’ academic background and his associate’s deep expertise in Competition Law. They are always well informed about the current landscape and remain close to their customers to help them in any difficult case.’

‘Polyxeni Gkaintatzi has combined excellent communication skills (we may communicate digitally in an excellent and efficient way, and she can explain all the needs and the facts in an easy and understandable way), as well as has deep knowledge of Competition Law.’

Key clients

GEN-I Athens


DESFA S.A. – Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator


Municipality of Megalopolis


ENTEKA S.A.


Schur Flexibles S.A


Hellenic Petroleum


Hellenic Association of Energy Suppliers


ELPEDISON S.A.


Synergia Management Consulting


Selected Textiles S.A.


MIL OIL Hellas S.A.


Work highlights


  • Advised Hellenic Association Of Energy Suppliers members on the high-profile case of implementing adjustment clauses.
  • Represented SELECTED TEXTILES S.A. in a high-profile Competition/State Aid case before the Hellenic Supreme Court.
  • Acted for ELPEDISON S.A., a major electricity supplier in Greece, in a complex case regarding an important grant towards the incumbent electricity supplier presenting severe EU Law implication.

POTAMITISVEKRIS

POTAMITISVEKRIS advises clients on a range of matters, including cartels, compliance issues, damages actions, merger control work and state aid mandates. The practice regularly represents multinational clients from  a range of sectors, including the energy, pharmaceuticals and retail industries, before Hellenic Competition Commission in antitrust investigations and other infringement matters. Dimitris Loukas leads the practice and is further supported by Xenophon Paparrigopoulos and Vassilis Stergiou. Athanasios Taliadouros and Kostas Manikas are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Dimitris Loukas


Other key lawyers:

Xenophon Paparrigopoulos; Athanasios Taliadouros; Kostas Manikas; Vassilis Stergiou


Testimonials

‘The team is responsive and has a business-oriented mindset.’

‘Dimitris Loukas is highly experienced in competition law matters.’

‘Full professionalism, excellent knowledge of their subjects, continuous availability, team spirit, technological sustainability.’

‘We work closely with Dimitris Loukas, who has a unique specialisation and hardworking spirit, providing us with state-of-the-art legal services.’

‘The team has a proven track record in EU competition matters and is adept at competition litigation. It has built a strong name in the market due to its work and is known for providing a personalised service.’

‘Dimitris Loukas is an extremely good lawyer, very precise in his advice and always available. He works in a very efficient and client-friendly way and communicates very clearly.’

Key clients

WORLDLINE SA


UNITED Group – NOVA Telecoms


Hellenic Development Bank


Autohellas – Hertz


LAFARGE HOLCIM Cement


TERNA Group


Nestlé


AEGEAN Airlines


BLACKSTONE Group Inc.


FARALLON Capital Investments


Vernicos Tugs


CHINA ENERGY


Nikas


COCA COLA Hellenic


MOTOR OIL


FCC Construccion SA


MASOUTIS


KLEEMANN Hellas SA


Gregory’s


Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund


FAIRFAX


Oaktree Capital & IASO General Hospital


WIND Hellas


Grivalia Properties REIC


PROCTER & GAMBLE


ASTRAZENECA


PIRAEUS Bank


Work highlights


  • Represented AEGEAN Airlines in Ryanair’s action for annulment of the EU Commission’s decision approving a state aid compensation measure of €120m before the General Court of the EU.
  • Advised WORLDLINE SA on its acquisition of the merchant acquiring business of EUROBANK.
  • Advised COCA COLA Hellenic on the HCC’s investigation into alleged abuse of dominance infringements in the Greek market for carbonated soft drinks.

Zepos & Yannopoulos

The antitrust and competition team at Zepos & Yannopoulos advises on all matters, including cartels, merger control work, state aid issues and vertical restraints. On the contentious side, the firm regularly acts before European Commission and Hellenic Competition Commission. Practice head Stamatis Drakakakis has expertise in handling all kinds of antitrust compliance matters and represents clients in cases before the Greek administrative courts. Stefanos Charaktiniotis and Iraklis Tsakopoulos are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Stamatis Drakakakis


Other key lawyers:

Stefanos Charaktiniotis; Iraklis Tsakopoulos


Testimonials

‘The competition law team provides outstanding service and is very well organised. The team is very dedicated to its work, and nothing gets overlooked. They are efficient and quick to respond and always deliver sound advice. The team is very detail-focused while still seeing the bigger picture and being pragmatic.’

‘Partner Stamatis Drakakakis stands out with his thorough analysis and sound judgement of competition law risks, which allows him to find creative and pragmatic solutions.’

‘The team has very capable competition lawyers with relevant experience in investigations by the Hellenic Competition Authority. Very responsive and pragmatic team.’

‘Stamatis Drakakakis is polite, responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘The competition team of the office is very efficient and effective, thinking out of the box, being experienced and versatile.’

‘Stamatis Drakakakis is an excellent professional, very skilled and effective, and catering for the customer and working hard to meet the requests of the customer.’

‘The firm is well organised and puts client’s needs in the centre. Legal and paralegal professionals support clients’ requests end to end.’

‘Team lead, Stamatis Drakakakis, is a very experienced and knowledgeable lawyer with a great sense of the business, its dynamics and pain points.’

Key clients

Stanley Black & Decker Hellas


Gastrade S.A.


OPAP – Greek Organisation of Football Prognostics S.A.


adidas Hellas S.A.


ONEX Technologies Group


Municipality of Athens


Hellenic Republic – Recovery and Resilience Facility


Colgate-Palmolive Company


Alpha Bank


Zouros group, Michalaros group


Work highlights


  • Represented Stanley Black & Decker Hellas in the settlement procedure of the Hellenic Competition Commission’s ex officio investigation.
  • Advised Gastrade S.A. and its existing shareholders on securing merger clearance from the European Commission for the acquisition of joint control of Gastrade by DESFA, DEPA Commercial, GasLog and BTG.
  • Advised the Hellenic Republic on the State aid clearance of a €2bn scheme to support investment towards a sustainable recovery before the European Commission.

BallasPelecanos Law

BallasPelecanos Law advises on all competition law compliance matters, including public procurement processes and horizontal and vertical distribution agreements. The practice covers a range of industries, including the energy, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals sectors, with a particular focus on automotive mandates. Gregory Pelecanos heads up the practice and is further supported by associates Dimitrios Giannimaras and Maria Papageorgiou.

Practice head(s):

Gregory Pelecanos


Other key lawyers:

Dimitrios Giannimaras; Maria Papageorgiou


Testimonials

‘We work closely with Senior Partner Gregory Pelecanos, who has unique specialization and hardworking spirit, providing us with state-of-the-art legal services.’

Key clients

Amer Sport Exports Gmbh


Volvo Greece SA


Ford Motor Greece SA


Mercedes Benz Greece S.A


Association of Motor Vehicle Importers and Representatives


Aeroservices SA


De’longhi SpA-De’ Longhi Kenwood Greece SA


Mega Disposables SA


Prenecon SA


Allergan–Viatris


Lafarge AGET Heracles SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted GEK-TERNA SA- MOTOR OIL HELLAS – REFINERY SA with the notification of the Joint Venture between GT and MOH to establish an electricity production plant in Komotini.
  • Acted for Aeroservices SA in a dispute concerning a procurement run by the NATO SUPPLY AND PROCUREMENT AGENCY on behalf of the Hellenic Ministry of Merchant Marine and the Hellenic Coast Guard.
  • Advised Amer Sports Export and affiliate Suunto OY on an investigation into allegations of vertical price fixing, market partitioning et al in the Greek wristwatch market before the Hellenic Competition Commission.

Karatzas & Partners

Under the leadership of Anna Manda, the competition team of Karatzas & Partners represents clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission and European Commission in all antitrust matters, along with merger control clearance processes. The team also advises on competition compliance work, investigations carried out by the HCC and state aid matters. Marina-Sofia Chronaki and Maria Kallidopoulou are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Anna Manda


Other key lawyers:

Maria Kallidopoulou; Marina-Sofia Chronaki


Testimonials

‘The team is very well structured and qualified to give excellent support and guidance to all related to EU and Greek competition legal issues. The team has a deep and thorough understanding of business practice and needs.’

‘The whole team led by Anna Manda was cooperating as one, being in a position to follow up on every single issue in a timely and constructive way. Anna Manda and Maria Kallidopoulou had a deep knowledge of the EU and Greek competition law and practice providing our business with excellent support and guidance.’

‘The firm has a very good competitive team. They are knowledgeable and always on top of things.’

‘Anna Manda is a very capable and experienced competition lawyer. She is very responsive and very cooperative.’

‘Competent team, fully on top of the subject matter, providing excellent support.’

‘The team has flexible thinking, proposing solutions and practical advice to the point.’

‘The team has professionalism, in-depth knowledge and effectiveness.’

‘The EU and completion team of the firm consists of top lawyers with a depth knowledge of the EU and Competition Law. They are always available to provide their services.’

Key clients

National Bank of Greece – Ethniki insurance


algas S.p.A.


Eurobank S.A


BC Partners


Mouchalis S.A


Bespoke SGA Holdings S.A.


Prodea Investments REIC (former NBG PangaeaREIC)


Hellenic Public Properties Company SA (ETAD)


Public Power Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Eurobank on all antitrust law matters involved in the disposal, through a tender process, of 80% of its merchant acquiring business to Worldline.
  • Advised BC Partners in obtaining unconditional merger control clearance by the HCC for the acquisition of the sole control over PET CITY S.A.
  • Advised BESPOKE SGA HOLDINGS S.A. on obtaining unconditional merger control clearance from the HCC.

KLC Law Firm

KLC Law Firm advises clients on the competition aspects of regulatory issues, privatisations and private projects and represents companies before the Hellenic Competition Commission in anti-competitive conduct matters. Vassilis Karagiannis heads up the practice, and Xenofon Papayiannis and Alexandros Tsirigos are also notable contacts.

Practice head(s):

Vassilis Karagiannis


Other key lawyers:

Xenofon Papayiannis; Alexandros Tsirigos


Testimonials

‘In each project, the team appointed consisted of experts in the relevant legal field, as well as sector-oriented professionals (life sciences), something which is pretty unique in Greece. They set up and implemented an effective strategy to prevent the threat with outstanding results.’

‘Vassilis Karagiannis provided solid legal advice on theory and case law.’

‘KLC Law Firm offers expertise and years of relative experience in large law firms. It is considered one of the country’s leading law firms in EU and competition law practice. In the course of the last decade, as far as I know, this law firm gained substantive experience by participating in major and complex competition law matters both in the context of energy markets and in other sectors of the Greek economy.’

‘This law firm consists of lawyers with expertise in handling demanding cases of their significantly large clientele ranging from multinational corporations to regional or local businesses. It also embodies considerable competition law experience, including complex litigation and class actions. As a remarkable quality of the individuals involved, I would highlight their commitment to retaining 100% professional attitude and flexibility even when difficulties arise in reaching their goal and serving the client.’

Key clients

Specifar SA


PCS Hellas SA


Halyvourgiki S.A.


Edison Group


Hellenic Republic Assets Development Fund


National Commission for Gambling


Attiko Metro SA


Regional Buses Associations


First State Investments


Excelya


Nikolinakos & Partners Law Firm

Nikolinakos & Partners Law Firm handles all matters involving competition law, including mandates with intellectual property and data protection aspects. The ‘standout antitrust team’ has a particular focus on the technology and pharmaceuticals sectors along with the telecoms and life sciences industries. Nikos Nikolinakos and Dina Kouvelou jointly lead the practice, which also includes Alexis Spyropoulos.

Practice head(s):

Nikos Nikolinakos; Dina Kouvelou


Other key lawyers:

Alexis Spyropoulos


Testimonials

‘The absolutely impressive competition law team. A standout antitrust team due to its high responsiveness, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the area. It is the absolute best to go firm, especially in the field of regulated industries. Their antitrust team distinguishes itself through its expertise and consistently exceptional results. It engages and communicates clearly and produces high-quality deliverables. It is extremely professional, exceptionally hardworking and very commercial. In addition, they are fantastic in balancing business interests against legal risks.’

‘Nikolinakos and Partners is a leading practice in the competition law area and has unmatched expertise and experience. They provide an outstanding level of service and comprehensive advice and have a deep understanding of industry matters. The whole team is extremely professional and hardworking.’

‘Nikos Nikolinakos is an impressive antitrust counsel. He has cutting-edge knowledge, a strong strategic vision, and excellent judgement.’

‘Dina Kouvelou is supremely knowledgeable, creative, and responsive. She provides excellent advice and a high level of specialist expertise. She is highly skilled, thoughtful and pragmatic. She brings an enormous breadth of experience and perspective.’

‘The key partners bring a unique blend of experience to legal TMT sector issues, with all of them having had experience as regulators and in industry. The team has very strong litigation credentials, which means they can represent a client from the period of policy formulation to the outcome.’

‘Nikos Nikolinakos is a shrewd strategist on all the “big ticket” policy issues who understands how all the pieces to a problem fit together. He is realistic and strategic in pursuing clients’ aims. Dina Kouvelou is a super performer as a technical lawyer on anything that relates to data protection, privacy and security, as well as being very capable in the competition law field. An outstanding litigator with a persuasive air and calm manner. Alexis Spyropoulos is an expert on spectrum policy and related matters.’

‘The competition law practice of Nikolinakos & Partners Law Firm is effective, solution-oriented and extremely experienced. It is detail-oriented, has superb litigation skills and provides excellent strategic advice. They have successfully represented our company in various competition litigation cases.’

‘Nikolinakos & Partners has one of the leading competition law practices in Greece with deep specialisation, expert knowledge and practical experience. In addition, their partners deliver personalised, tailor-made, and to-the-point advice.’

Key clients

Vodafone S.A.


Airbnb Inc.


Vantage Towers Greece


Victus Networks S.A.


Huawei Technologies S.A.


GRID Telecom Greece S.A.


Innovis Pharma S.A.


AHI Carrier Fzc


Agro Selections Fruits Edition Sarl


Profile Software S.A.


Volton Hellenic Energy S.A.


Intrakat S.A. / Rural Connect S.A.


D.N. Tzouganatos & Partners

D.N. Tzouganatos & Partners acts for clients in the banking, gaming, energy, food, mining and retail industries before the Hellenic Competition Commission on anti-competitive and abuse of dominance matters. The team also handles cases involving cartels, vertical restriction issues and other civil law claims. Dimitris Tzouganatos heads up the practice along with Nikos Kosmidis.

Practice head(s):

Dimitris Tzouganatos; Nikos Kosmidis


Testimonials

‘The firm offers the expertise and experience of large law firms with the personal treatment, efficiencies and economies a boutique law firm can offer.’

‘This boutique law firm consists of lawyers who have in practice developed and implemented compliance programs for clients ranging from multinational corporations to regional or local businesses. It also embodies considerable competition law experience, including complex litigation and class actions.’

‘D.N. Tzouganatos & Partners law firm is a highly respected and efficient law firm, especially in commercial and antitrust law matters.’

Key clients

OPAP SA


Eurobank SA


Imerys SA


Argos SA


Toi Toi Hellas SA


INTERAMERICAN SA


Hellenic Petroleum


COSMOTE Group


Vivartia SA and DELTA FOODS SA


COSCO SA and Piraeus Port Authority


Seajets SA


DEPA SA


Germanos SA


Public SA/ Olympia Group


Unilever SA


Nissan Hellas SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted OPAP SA with an investigation by the Hellenic Competition Commission following complaints by agents of OPAP and an association of agents for abuse of dominance.
  • Defended Imerys Bauxites SA in complaint brought by Mytilineos SA before the Hellenic Competition Commission for abuse of dominance (refusal to supply and excessive pricing).
  • Represented Argos SA in Ex officio investigation before the HCC for abuse of dominance (unfair terms) and imposition of exclusivity clauses.

Koutalidis Law Firm

Under the headship of Katia Protopapa and Alexandra Mikroulea, the competition team at Koutalidis Law Firm assists clients with all the possible competition law risks arising from transactions. The practice also advises on all areas of antitrust law, including merger control issues, state aid claims and litigation before the Greek and EU courts.

Practice head(s):

Katia Protopapa; Alexandra Mikroulea


Testimonials

‘The team has excellent support in establishing a respectful relationship with the authorities.’

Key clients

Hellenic Post S.A. (ELTA)


Nexi SpA (and SIA Hellas S.A.)


Southbridge Europe Investment Fund


Skroutz S.A.


All four systemic banks (Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece)


Hellenic Financial Stability Fund


Lambadarios Law Firm

Lambadarios Law Firm acts for clients in proceedings before the Hellenic Competition Commission, handling claims of alleged infringements related to abuse of dominance and restrictive vertical agreements. The team also advises on all the aspects of designing and implementing state aid compliant projects. Lefkothea Nteka heads up the practice; she has vast expertise in representing clients before the administrative authorities and acting in litigation before courts. Constantinos Lambadarios focuses on handling competition compliance programmes.

Practice head(s):

Lefkothea Nteka


Other key lawyers:

Constantinos Lambadarios


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgable and competent team that has grown significantly.’

‘Constantinos Lambadarios is outstanding. He is very thorough, competent and always there when needed.’

‘Lefkothea Nteka is an outstanding competition expert. She is extremely professional, dedicated and successful.’

‘Lambadarios Law Firm team excels in know-how, cooperation, efficient and timely delivery, as well as in the quality of its members.’

‘Lefkothea Nteka is a great competition law lawyer. She is a great legal mind and a safe pair of hands.’

Key clients

DEPA Public Gas Corporation


Piraeus Bank


Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company


Cardlink


Corteva


Public Power Company


ANT1


Volterra


Work highlights


  • Advised the Recovery and Resilience Facility on future projects of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, from a state aid control perspective, among others.

Politis & Partners

Politis & Partners advises on all the commercial operations in the Greek market, and handles projects entailing a series of commercial and regulatory challenges. The team also represents the European Commission in cases against Greek private companies and public law legal entities. Vangelis Politis heads up the practice and is further supported by Emmanouil Savoidakis.

Practice head(s):

Vangelis Politis; Emmanouil Savoidakis


Testimonials

‘Politis & Partners’ team is always available to help on any matter, replies quickly and is always clear on their explanations.’

Key clients

European Commission


V+O Communication & Consulting S.A.


Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)


Bosch Rexroth


Paul Stricker S.A.


Work highlights


  • Represented the European Commission in cases against beneficiaries of community subsidy programs.
  • Assisted V+O Communication & Consulting S.A. with its growth strategy, public tenders, anti-trust law, business contracts.
  • Advised Bosch Rexroth on EU regulatory and anti-trust matters.

Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership

Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership, which is a member of the EY Law network, regularly acts for clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission in contentious proceedings and market sector inquiries. The team also advises on all competition law compliance work and state aid issues. Julia Pournara heads up the practice and is supported by associate Lia Vitzilaiou.

Practice head(s):

Julia Pournara; Lia Vitzilaiou


Testimonials

‘Well trained, effective and very supportive team.’

‘Very professional with deep knowledge of their practice but at the same time accessible and easy to cooperate.’

‘I was very impressed with the expertise, technical knowledge and results-oriented approach of the Platis-Anastassiadis competition law team. They have an impressive track record, experience, approach complex legal issues with efficiency, competence and always deliver the best results.’

‘I worked closely with Lia Vitzilaiou, who is a very accomplished, competent and reliable legal partner. She combines top-notch legal expertise and experience with a deep understanding of business considerations and a genuine interest in the successful outcome of the case. She has a clear, consistent and positive approach to work and always comes up with constructive and efficient solutions to complex legal issues. She makes an excellent legal adviser and a strategic business partner.’

‘Very helpful team and practical approach.’

‘Very experienced law firm, with a significant number of lawyers perfectly positioned to deal with complex legal cases.’

‘I have worked mainly with partner Julia Pournara and senior associate Lia Vitzilaiou. Both are skilful and experienced lawyers with a hands-on approach to their cases.’

Key clients

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Directorate General for Structural Reform Support)


KNC SA / BIONRGWOOD PC


Olympic Commercial and Tourist Enterprises SA (AVIS)


Yara Hellas Société Anonyme Commerce of Fertilizers


Sunlight Group Energy Storage Systems


Dixons South-East Europe SA


DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH


Work highlights


  • Assisted the EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Directorate General for Structural Reform Support) with Greek State Aid Modernisation issues.
  • Assisted KNC SA and BIONRGWOOD PC with an investigation by the Hellenic Competition Commission for bid-rigging in the market of impregnated wooden poles.
  • Advised Olympic Commercial and Tourist Enterprises SA on competition law compliance matters.

Sarantitis

Under the headship of Terina Raptis, Sarantitis‘ practice spans several key work streams, including competition mandates, merger control issues, state aid work and litigation before the Greek Competition Commission, Greek administrative courts and the European Commission. The team also advises on the drafting of distribution and agency agreements, vertical restraints, and commercial policies with Greek and EU competition law.

Practice head(s):

Terina Raptis


Testimonials

‘The team is approachable.’

‘The team is knowledgeable, attentive to your needs and strategises well.’

Key clients

The under Special Administration Hellenic Shipyards SA


Mytilineos Holdings S.A.


Ideal Holdings S.A.


Selenis Europe S.A.


Gartner Ireland Limited


Yama Hellas S.A.


S.I.C.C. Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented the Special Administrator of the Hellenic Shipyards, in litigation involving a claim by Hellenic Shipyards towards the Hellenic Republic, of over €250m.
  • Assisted Mytilineos with its participation in two bidding procedures, one organised by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund and another by the special administration of Larco.
  • Advised Ideal Holdings Group on its negotiations with Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company for the sale of ESM Effervescent Sodas Management Ltd.

Stavropoulos & Partners

Stavropoulos & Partners assists its clients with the implementation of internal compliance programs, along with the structuring of commercial policy and drafting of commercial law agreements. The team also advises on all competition law issues, along with agreements and concerted practices, market dominance work and merger control mandates. Ioannis Stavropoulos and Evanthia Tsiri jointly lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Ioannis Stavropoulos; Evanthia Tsiri


Testimonials

‘The team specialise in all relevant areas of business laws. They show deep interest in our benefits. All their partners/associates show strong engagement to cooperate in an effective way to provide the most suitable advice and the right guidance to all cases they handle.’

‘The team that is assigned each time with a specific project, case or question is always flexible, reacts promptly and efficiently to our requests, and its composition is tailored to our specific needs every time.’

‘All the individuals from Stavropoulos & Partners Law Firm combine extensive legal knowledge and constant awareness of legislation and case law updates with sharp business insight.’

Key clients

Heineken/Athenian Brewery


FrieslandCampina


Hellenic Recycling Company


ECR Hellas


Corteva Agriscience Group


Du Pont Group


Louis Vuitton


Sephora


Work highlights


  • Advised Athenian Brewery on competition law issues related to its distribution and commercialisation in the market.
  • Advised a food and beverage client on competition law compliance issues, drafting and review of commercial agreements and policies in compliance with competition law.
  • Assisted Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation with the submitting memorandum re HCC’s sector enquiry into waste management and in preparing reply to HCC’s respective RFI.

VAINANIDIS ECONOMOU & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

VAINANIDIS ECONOMOU & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM represents clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission in matters related to abuse of dominance, and horizontal and vertical agreements, with anti-competitive aspects. Aida Economou leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Aida Economou


Testimonials

‘Managing Partner Aida Economou is a great lawyer with superb communication skills. Her advice always reaches the top quality.’

‘Aida Economou and her team’s personal service and teamwork are their excellent character and sense of service to clients.’

‘Aida Economou is one of the top competition law experts who combines her outstanding knowledge of the law with a practical and commercial approach which enables clients to understand and benefit from her advice.’