Koutalidis Law Firm > Athens, Greece > Firm Profile
Koutalidis Law Firm Offices
The Orbit, 115 Kifissias Ave.
Athens 115 24
Greece
- Go to...
- Rankings
- Firm Profile
- Main Contacts
- Lawyer Profiles
- Meet The Teams
- Diversity
- International Capabilities
- Interviews
- Comparative Guides
Koutalidis Law Firm > The Legal 500 Rankings
Greece > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Koutalidis Law Firm covers all aspects of banking and finance, capital markets and project finance. This includes advice to both borrowers and lenders regarding securitisations and asset and structured finance, as well as advice to issuers, underwriters, arrangers and financing advisors on IPOs, and debt and equity products. In the sphere of banking, finance and capital markets, the team has been active with advice on securitisations of non-performing loans, the financing of acquisitions, syndicated common bond loans, share capital increases and the issuance of senior preferred notes, and in project finance, key matters concern various secured and unsecured common bond loans, as well as refinancing of project financings. Nikos Salakas, Nikos Koritsas, Ioannis Kaptanis and Effie Papoutsi head the banking and finance, capital markets, project finance and corporate finance teams respectively.Practice head(s):
Nikos Koritsas; Nikos Salakas
Other key lawyers:
Ioannis Kaptanis; Effie Papoutsi; Chrysanthi Karlou; Dimitris Kalyvas; Ioanna Sereti
Testimonials
‘Readiness to review questions.’
‘Expert legal knowledge.’
Key clients
Alpha Bank S.A.
Eurobank S.A.
National Bank of Greece S.A.
Piraeus Bank S.A.
Partners Group Limited
Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 6 SCSp (member of Macquarie Asset Management group)
Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator S.A. (DESFA)
GMR Airports Limited (parent company) / GMR Airports Greece Single Member Société Anonyme (Greek subsidiary)
McArthurGlen Hellas S.M. LLC
Aktor Concessions S.A. (sponsor) / Development of New Alimos Marina Concession Single Member S.A. (concessionaire)
Aegean Motorway S.A.
Waterwheel Capital Management LP
B2Kapital Holding S.á.r.l.
Intrum Investments Greece S.M.S.A.
Waterfall Asset Management LLC
DenizBank
Attica Bank S.A.
Hellenic Financial Stability Fund
Costamare Inc.|Costamare Participations PLC
Safe Bulkers Inc.|Safe Bulkers Participations PLC
Barclays Bank Ireland PLC
BofA Securities Europe SA
Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft
Morgan Stanley Europe SE
Société Générale
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft
BNP Paribas
Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE
HSBC Continental Europe
Capital Product Partners L.P.|CPLP Shipping Holdings PLC
J.P. Morgan AG
AXIA Ventures Group Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Macquarie Group on the financing of its Greek subsidiary for the acquisition of a 49% ownership interest in the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator.
- Advised Alpha Services and Holdings S.A. on its growth-share capital increase.
- Advised HELLENIC GAS TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATOR S.A. on the issuance of a common bond loan of up to €435m, with the four Greek systemic banks acting as arrangers of the bond loan, and Eurobank S.A. as bondholder agent and administrative agent.
Greece > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Koutalidis Law Firm regularly advises on some of the largest and most impactful privatisation and M&A matters in Greece. With a large and diverse client base that spans industry sectors including telecoms, energy, and insurance, the team offers its clients the ability to handle complex, cross-border M&A with antitrust and financial elements. Advising large domestic corporations as well as major multinationals looking to expand into the Greek market, the team further benefits from working closely with the firm’s wider practices in the banking, finance, and antitrust areas. Managing partner Nikos Koritsas regularly acts on notable privatisation matters and co-leads the practice with Katia Protopapa, who is especially recommended for M&A matters that require ancillary antitrust expertise. At the associate level, Yiannis Loizos is also a key contact for transactional work.Practice head(s):
Nikos Koritsas; Katia Protopapa
Other key lawyers:
Yiannis Loizos; Chrysanthi Karlou
Testimonials
‘Koutalidis Law Firm has one of the best teams locally. People are results-oriented and have offered an outstanding performance in all cases that I have crossed roads with them.’
‘Katia Protopapa is the go-to person. Great experience in M&A and a problem-solver. Runs a well-coordinated team with timely deliverables.’
‘The team is great, very prompt, highly professional and working under tight deadlines.’
‘We work with Nikos Koritsas, Katia Protopapa, and Yiannis Loizou. They are all very committed to their clients, they know their stuff very well and can safely guide you through legal issues and inspire complete trust.’
‘They offered full service on multiple transactions, including a large financing and a corporate sale. The services included contract preparation and negotiation, tax planning and practical application for both Greece and international cross-border tax items.’
‘Katia Protopapa and Effie Papoutsie brought strong experience of the local regulatory environment and great relations with authorities.’
‘Ms Katia Protopapa is one of the best attorneys in Greece, especially in M&A’s. She has the privilege to work as a director of a dynamic team of excellent colleagues, having the ability of successful administration and effective management.’
‘Koutalidis is an excellent law firm that I often work with. They provide excellent quality and are super-responsive. They are a pleasure to work with and very reliable.’
Key clients
Alpha Bank
Piraeus Bank
Eurobank
National Bank of Greece
Macquarie Group Limited
NN Group
United Group B.V.
Doordash Inc.
Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp.
Viva Wallet
Agrofert A.S.
Nexi S.p.A.
Southbridge Europe Investment Fund
Hellenic Financial Stability Fund
Goldman Sachs
Space Hellas S.A.
Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund S.A.
SIA Group
Deutsche Telekom AG
Hellenic Petroleum S.A.
Dell Technologies Group
Fraport
WPP Group
ADAC Hellas
Hermes Hellas
Hellenic Post SA
Bloomberg
Bluehouse Capital
Mcarthurglen Hellas
Reggeborgh Invest B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised Macquarie Group in completing the acquisition of a 49% ownership interest in Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A. (“HEDNO”), valued at €2.116bn.
- Advised United Group B.V. on its €980m acquisition of Wind Hellas S.A..
- Advised NN Group in its €584m acquisition of MetLife’s business activities in Greece and Poland.
Greece > Dispute resolution Tier 1
‘First-rate’ Koutalidis Law Firm is involved in numerous arbitrations and court cases, with a particular focus on matters such as procurement, construction, concession contracts and energy. The ‘prestigious’ team is led by Gregory Logothetis, while Ioannis Kaptanis strengthens the team with great expertise in commercial and financial disputes.Practice head(s):
Gregory Logothetis
Other key lawyers:
Ioannis Kaptanis; George Naskaris; Manolis Kasotakis; Athina Xinopoulou
Testimonials
‘A first-rate team and one of the leading firms in Greece for many decades now.’
‘Gregori Logothetis is the driving force of the dispute resolution group. He is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable counsel I have every worked with in Greece. He commands respect and has an outstanding strategic nous.’
‘The firm has built over the years a solid reputation of being one of the most prestigious and successful Greek law firms. The team is providing expert services to individuals, as well as major corporations both in Greece and abroad across various sectors.’
‘Gregory Logothetis has been an invaluable collaborator and has handled all our cases of dispute resolution. He is a tireless negotiator whose expertise, coupled with his unique personality and dominating presence, have always produced excellent results.’
‘The dedication and care they show for the client are unparalleled, as they work tirelessly and rise to every challenge, even under short time constraints.’
‘Their extensive experience and knowledge in arbitration and litigation places them amongst the top of their field, while their profound understanding of the market is, I think, the added advantage that distinguishes them.’
‘They are always meticulously prepared and their work is diligently researched, which I suppose is why I have never seen them caught off-guard by any opponent. They treat every case with personal interest and the same level of skill and professionalism.’
‘They always deliver top-quality performance, both in strategic and scientific terms, presenting researched and solid arguments, both in their written submissions and during hearings. Theirs is a hand-picked team that is exceptionally skilled.’
Key clients
Fraport Greece
Aegean Motorway S.A.
Athens Concert Hall
Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund S.A. (HRADF)
Hellenic Petroleum S.A. (HELPE)
ANEK S.A.
Steel Corporation of the Philippines
Vodafone
Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF)
Genesis Pharma
Crete Golf S.A.
McArthurGlen Group
Netcompany – Intrasoft S.A.
SPIE GmbH
John Vardinoyannis
ELTA S.A. (Hellenic Post)
Credit Suisse Group
Listed company Kekrops S.A.
New Alimos Marina Concession Single Member S.A.
Steel Corporation of the Philippines
Proteus Equity Holdings Ltd
Matrix Pack UK Ltd
Prime Equity S.A. Ltd
SEA STAR CAPITAL PLC
Aegean Art
Margaro
Home Concept
Work highlights
- Represented Fraport Greece in ICC arbitration against the Greek government concerning a multimillion claim and counterclaim in relation to the pavement of the regional airport of the island of Mykonos.
- Represented Athens Concert Hall in arbitration proceedings under the Greek Code of Civil Procedure involving a claim of €41 million of the supervising engineers for the construction of the Athens Concert Hall and services rendered.
- Represented Aegean Motorway S.A. in arbitration proceedings against the Greek State concerning a rockfall event in the Tempi Valley which caused damage on the pavement and led to the closure of the motorway for several days.
Greece > Projects and privatisation Tier 1
Koutalidis Law Firm has extensive experience in assisting clients with navigating government regulations and policies and structuring contractual relationships with market participants and public authorities. The team advises on all tendering processes, including public procurement issues and concessions and acts for the sellers, bidders, targets, financial investors and lenders in infrastructure and energy assets privatization projects and PPPs. Nikos Koritsas , Gregory Logothetis , Effie Papoutsi and Ioannis Kaptanis head the practice. Yiannis Loizos was promoted to partner in January 2022, further strengthening the team.Practice head(s):
Nikos Koritsas; Gregory Logothetis; Ioannis Kaptanis; Effie Papoutsi
Other key lawyers:
Yiannis Loizos
Testimonials
‘The team is always results-oriented, being extremely creative and efficient, and acting in a very timely manner. Top class service provision and senior attention in all cases I have worked with Koutalidis Law Firm.’
‘Nikos Koritsas provides top class and impeccable legal advice.’
‘The team’s overall co-operation is always very successful. The services provided are prompt and of high quality. At the same time, they have deep knowledge and unique expertise in public law/public procurement law and project practice. Overall, a strong, devoted team of professionals who care about client’s needs.’
‘Gregory Logothetis is an excellent lawyer and litigator. He has substantial experience in public procurement law issues, on issues related to Requests For Proposals related to public contracts, as well as on issues related to the execution of Public Contracts/Projects. He is hard-working, very professional, timely in his responses, exceptionally helpful and reliable.’
Key clients
Fraport AG and Fraport Greece
Copelouzos Group
GMR Group Limited
Aegean Motorway S.A.
Avialliance GmbH (member of the PSP Group)
Aktor Concessions S.A.
Lamda Development
Hellenic Petroleum S.A.
Deutsche Telekom AG
National Bank of Greece
Piraeus Bank S.A.
Alpha Bank S.A.
Eurobank S.A.
Macquarie Infrastructure Real Estate Assets Sàrl
Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund
Abertis Infraestructuras S.A.
Aktor Concessions S.A.
Work highlights
- Advised HRADF on matters of Greek Law, in relation to the tender process for the lease of the Larymna and Loutsi mines.
- Advised Macquarie Group on completing the acquisition of a 49% ownership interest in Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A., valued at € 2.116 bn.
- Advised Abertis Infraestructuras S.A. on the recently launched tender process for the new concession concerning financing, operation, maintenance, and exploitation of Attica Motorway.
Greece > Real estate and construction Tier 1
Koutalidis Law Firm covers a wide sweep of real estate work including leasing tender, acquisitions, financing and construction-related arbitration claims. The firm is highly recommended for its contentious work and is regularly involved in administrative disputes, with many such cases reaching Supreme Court level. The firm acts for clients in a wide variety of sectors, from entertainment to mining and banking to transport, thereby demonstrating broad industry expertise. The practice is jointly led by experienced litigator Gregory Logothetis, who is also qualified to practice law in Germany, and transactional and financing side expert, Ioannis Kaptanis. Senior associate Theodora Karagiorgou, experienced in real estate M&A and asset deals, is also key.Practice head(s):
Gregory Logothetis; Ioannis Kaptanis
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
KEKROPS S.A.
Bluehouse
McArthurGlen Group
Fraport Greece
Abertis Infraestructuras S.A.
Lamda Development
GMR Group Limited
GMR Airports Greece Single Member S.A.
HOCHTIEF Solutions AG
Aktor Concessions S.A.
REDS S.A.
Development of New Alimos Marina S.A.
Aegean Motorway S.A.
Maliakos Kleidi Construction Joint-Venture
Hellenic Petroleum S.A. (HELPE)
Athens Concert Hall
National Bank of Greece
Piraeus Bank S.A.
Alpha Bank S.A.
Eurobank S.A.
DESFA S.A.
Avialliance GmbH
Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF)
Frank E. Basil S.A.
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets
Home Concept Limited Liability Company
Aegeon-Naxos-Oceanis Private Limited Company
Ms Tsernou Glykeria
Nexi Payments Greece SA
IRO Greece
Work highlights
- Appointed by HRADF to advise the latter on matters of Greek Law, in relation to the tender process for the lease of the Larymna and Loutsi mines owned by the Hellenic Republic and operated by LARCO S.A..
- Advised MGE Hellenic Investments S.à r.l., an SPV owned jointly by McArthurGlen and Bluehouse S.A., with respect to the sale of its 100% participation to the capital of McArthurGlen Hellas MEPE, owner of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens, to a 100% subsidiary of Lamda Development S.A..
- Acted in arbitration proceedings for Athens Concert Hall in a claim against the client for over €41 million by the supervising engineers for the construction of the concert hall and services rendered.
Greece > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
Koutalidis Law Firm is very strong in debt restructuring, a field in which the firm has focussed much energy since the Greek financial crisis. Indeed, the firm has previously advised the Greek government itself in the context of Eurogroup’s bailout package to Greece. The group continues to advise major Greek banks, including the central National Bank of Greece, and liaises on behalf of these with EU financial institutions. Corporate reorganisation and restructuring for specific industry groups, mostly notably the steel industry, is a specialism of the firm. Managing partner Nikos Koritsas leads the practice jointly with project financing lawyers, Ioannis Kaptanis, and Effie Papoutsi. Senior associate Chrysanthi Karlou, an NPL (non-performing loan) transactions expert, is also key.Practice head(s):
Nikos Koritsas; Ioannis Kaptanis; Effie Papoutsi
Other key lawyers:
Chrysanthi Karlou; Dimitris Kalyvas
Testimonials
‘Readiness to review legal questions.’
‘Very experienced team.’
Key clients
Alpha Bank S.A.
Eurobank S.A.
National Bank of Greece S.A.
Piraeus Bank S.A.
Waterwheel Capital Management LP
B2Kapital Holding S.á.r.l.
Intrum Investments Greece S.M.S.A.
DenizBank
Attica Bank S.A.
Work highlights
- Advised National Bank of Greece S.A., Eurobank S.A., Piraeus Bank S.A., Alpha Bank S.A. and Attica Bank S.A. on the corporate reorganization and debt restructuring of Sidma and Bitros.
- Advised Waterwheel Capital Management as purchasers of a 95% stake of securitisation notes, issued in the context of the securitisation of a portfolio of residential mortgage loans, small business loans and consumer loans with a gross book value of €3.2bn by Eurobank S.A..
Greece > Energy Tier 3
Koutalidis Law Firm stands out for its involvement in major privatization transactions in the Greek energy market, as well as groundbreaking renewable energy projects. The firm has regulatory expertise and advises clients from the investment phase to the mature stages of operation. The team regularly advises developers, contractors, investors, consultants and lenders on a wide range of energy projects, such as large-scale pholtovoltaic, wind and waste to energy projects. Practice head Evangelos Courakis has vast experience working with major players in renewable energy.Practice head(s):
Evangelos Courakis
Other key lawyers:
Evangelos Mylonas-Tsoumas; Dimitrios Andriopoulos; Pavlina Bozini
Testimonials
‘The team was very proactive and willing to help at all times, despite the tight deadlines imposed by the client. It is a team with whom it is very easy to work with.’
‘As mentioned, it is a pleasure to work with individuals that, besides being very knowledgeable of the law (which is something you assume), are always friendly, responsive and happy to help. I would like to highlight the work carried out by partner Evangelos Courakis and, in particular, associate Dimitrios Andriopoulos.’
‘A team of excellent lawyers and business-oriented professionals constitutes the combination much required to a business client. Collaboration, expertise, business thinking, attentive to business needs, valuable legal solutions are only some of the qualities that make the law firm a top choice.’
‘Evans Courakis is one of the most intelligent and knowledgeable business lawyers we have worked with. Highly experienced, a critical thinker, highly available and always open to discuss and provide valuable solutions to complex business cases. His hands-on and can-do attitude makes the complicated possible.’
‘The KLF team has strong academic background, business and commercial approach in all matters and is always available to serve client needs.’
‘Strong work ethics. Commercial approach in all matters, supported by strong legal background and sector knowledge. Excellent project management skills by key partners and associates involved.’
‘Team is well managed and very cohesive and is dedicated to meeting targets and committed to delivering results. Collaboration with them is smooth and communication is direct and flexible using all technological means available. The billing policy is quite flexible, and it follows the risk/reward principle.’
‘Very competent and can arrange a large team at short notice’
Key clients
AllOptimal
China Three Gorges Corporation
Elmya
Enel
Entricity
Macquarie Asset Management
Valorem
Green Tech
RECOM
Claritas
United Green
Goktekin Enerji
Fensol Development Ltd
AAA Green Energy
Enerta
CUBICO
Work highlights
- Advised Macquarie Asset Management, in a consortium with British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) and MEAG, on the Greek elements of its recent €2.5bn acquisition of Reden Solar from Infravia Capital Partners and Eurazeo.
- Advised Macquarie Group in completing the acquisition of a 49% ownership interest in Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A., valued at €2.1bn.
- Advised Entricity in the sale of a 2.7 GW portfolio of PV and PV+ storage projects to a major US investor.
Greece > EU and competition Tier 3
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
Greece > TMT Tier 3
Koutalidis Law Firm excels at helping its clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and successfully representing them before the top domestic courts. The firm regularly drafts telecommunication contracts and has been involved in multiple due diligence exercises. The team is strengthened by the addition of Dimitrios Andriopoulos who has expertise with software and licensing agreements as well as technical know-how in renewable energy related matters. Nikitas Fortsakis leads the team and has over 35 years of experience. Konstantinos Kritsotakis is a key contact and has vast experience in GDPR compliance, digital healthcare, and network security matters.Practice head(s):
Nikitas Fortsakis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘What makes Koutalidis Law Firm unique is that they fully understand how our business is run, and which wider social, political and economic issues may affect us. Our business proposals are strategically evaluated so we are provided with pragmatic, business-minded legal advice when necessary.’
‘Through our long-standing cooperation, it is obvious that the firm does pay attention to the recruitment process and has created an engaging workplace emphasizing on the recognition and progress of its employees.’
‘We highly appreciate the responsiveness and confidentiality of the people we work with. We feel that our time and work is respected, and our professional relationships are based on trust. Avoidable delays and mistakes on projects can be prevented and in general our mutual values lead to a better team collaboration and performance.’
Key clients
United Group BV
NOVA SA
WIND SA
Vodafone-Panafon SA
Mobile Operators’ Association
Digea SA
Fraport Greece (Airports)
General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Ministry of Development and Investments
Work highlights
- Advised United Group B.V. in its acquisition of WIND Hellas, one of Greece’s three mobile operators with a total of 4.2 million users and revenues in excess of EUR 500 million annually. Transaction value 980,000,000 euros.
- Represented Vodafone (Greece) before the Administrative Court of Appeal for a dispute valued €10,773,602.53.
- Advised Greek Mobile Operators’ Association on regulatory initiatives re Framework of Coordinated Network Operation; Digital on Boarding Project; improvement of the base stations licensing legal framework etc.
Greece > Insurance
Greece > Intellectual property
Koutalidis Law Firm > Firm Profile
Koutalidis Law Firm was founded in 1930 and is regarded as one of the most prestigious top-tier law firms in Greece. The firm is well known for its in-depth understanding of clients’ businesses, which enables it to deliver the quality of advice and service they expect.
The firm has advised on most of the high-profile and groundbreaking transactions in Greece and is privileged with an excellent and varied client list that includes leading Greek and foreign corporations, major investment and commercial banks and financial institutions.
Koutalidis Law Firm’s work and commitment to providing excellent service and finding innovative solutions covering a variety of law and business sectors has been recognised by its clients and independent commentators.
Areas of practice: Koutalidis Law Firm specialises in the following areas:
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Administrative & Environmental Law | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Administrative & Environmental Law | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Agency & Distributorship | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Agency & Distributorship | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Arbitration, Litigation & Mediation | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Arbitration, Litigation & Mediation | Evangelos Courakis | encourakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Arbitration, Litigation & Mediation | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Aviation Law | Katia Protopapa | kprotopapa@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Banking, Finance & Restructuring | Effie Papoutsi | epapoutsi@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Banking, Finance & Restructuring | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Banking, Finance & Restructuring | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Capital Markets | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Capital Markets | Effie Papoutsi | epapoutsi@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Capital Markets | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Corporate & Commercial Law | Katia Protopapa | kprotopapa@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Corporate & Commercial Law | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Data Protection | Evangelos Courakis | encourakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Employment & Immigration | Evangelos Courakis | encourakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Employment & Immigration | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Energy Law | Evangelos Courakis | encourakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
EU, Antitrust/Competition & State Αid | Katia Protopapa | kprotopapa@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
EU, Antitrust/Competition & State Αid | Alexandra Mikroulea | amikroulea@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Intellectual Property | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Intellectual Property | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Investigations & White Collar Crime (incl. FCPA) | Evangelos Courakis | encourakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Investigations & White Collar Crime (incl. FCPA) | George Naskaris | gnaskaris@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Investigations & White Collar Crime (incl. FCPA) | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Investment in Greece (Structuring, Protection, Grants, Permits & Operation) | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
M&A | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
M&A | Katia Protopapa | kprotopapa@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences | Evangelos Courakis | encourakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Project Finance | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Project Finance | Effie Papoutsi | epapoutsi@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Project Finance | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Public Procurement, Privatisations, Concessions & Public Private Partnerships | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Public Procurement, Privatisations, Concessions & Public Private Partnerships | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Public Procurement, Privatisations, Concessions & Public Private Partnerships | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Public Procurement, Privatisations, Concessions & Public Private Partnerships | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Real Estate | Nikos Koritsas | nkoritsas@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Real Estate | George Naskaris | gnaskaris@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Real Estate | Gregory Logothetis | glogothetis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Real Estate | Ioannis Kaptanis | gkaptanis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Regulatory & Compliance | Katia Protopapa | kprotopapa@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Regulatory & Compliance | George Naskaris | gnaskaris@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Regulatory & Compliance | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Tax | George Naskaris | gnaskaris@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
TMT | Nikitas Fortsakis | nfortsakis@koutalidis.gr | ++302103607811 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Evangelos Courakis | Evans focuses on energy law, international arbitrations, complicated litigations before the Greek… | View Profile | |
Ms Sofia Daskalaki | Sofia has been in our Firm since 1994 and holds the position… | View Profile | |
Mr Nikitas Fortsakis | Nikitas focuses on all aspects of administrative law, with a special focus… | View Profile | |
Mr Yiannis Kantas | Chrysanthi holds a wide range of transactional and advisory experience with a… | View Profile | |
Mr Ioannis Kaptanis | Ioannis focuses on concession projects, project finance transactions, commercial arbitration and litigation,… | View Profile | |
Mr Manolis Kasotakis | Manolis has a wide experience in litigation and commercial arbitration. In his… | View Profile | |
Mr Nikos Koritsas | As the Managing Partner of Koutalidis Law Firm, Nikos leads our team… | View Profile | |
Mr Gregory Logothetis | Partner, Head of the Arbitration, Litigation and Mediation Department and Co-Head of… | View Profile | |
Mr Yiannis Loizos | Yiannis possesses broad expertise in both Greek and cross-border M&A transactions and… | View Profile | |
Dr George Naskaris | Dr. George Naskaris is the head of our Tax Department. George is… | View Profile | |
Ms Effie Papoutsi | Effie heads the Corporate Finance Department of our Firm, advising regularly foreign… | View Profile | |
Ms Katia Protopapa | Katia is an experienced and highly skilled professional and at the same… | View Profile | |
Mr Nikos Salakas | Nikos has extensive experience in Banking, Finance & Restructuring, Capital Markets, Project… | View Profile | |
Mrs Athina Xynopoulou | Athina focuses on international arbitration and complicated litigations in matters of civil… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 70+Languages
Greek English German French Italian ArmenianDiversity
Koutalidis Law Firm strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our fundamental premise is that diversity and inclusion should not be viewed solely as an end in themselves. Aside from their moral imperative, these principles are also crucial for the effective performance and overall strategic goals of Koutalidis Law Firm. We view building an inclusive workplace and setting diversity targets as enhancing meritocracy, being the cornerstone of the operations of our Firm, so both these goals work in tandem.
In this context we continuously place particular emphasis on gender diversity, as evidenced by our increasingly gender-balanced team. In terms of headline figures, the overall percentage of female lawyers in our firm currently stands at 60% (30 out of 50). Women make up almost 40% of our Partners and 50% of our Counsels and Senior Associates, while some of the most instrumental practices for our Firm are led by female lawyers. Conscious of the fact that gender equality is not exclusively a matter of equal representation within our workforce, we also aim to ensure that our female lawyers are involved in high-profile projects and are sufficiently supported to achieve appropriate career development.
International Capabilities
Koutalidis Law Firm is one of the most prestigious top-tier law firms in Greece and a leader in the provision of legal services in Greece in various sectors, including Banking, Finance & Restructuring, Project Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial transactions, Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation and Arbitration, Public Procurement, Concessions, Public Private Partnerships and Privatizations, Real Estate, EU and Competition, TMT, Administrative and Public Law, Employment, Immigration, Tax, Aviation and Energy Law. Our expertise allows us to respond to the needs of a globalized market and to any international demands for assistance. Our in-depth knowledge and extensive experience are a valuable asset in complex cross-border transactions and disputes for clients in all key business jurisdictions worldwide. Our work has been consistently recognised by the Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, International Financial Law Review (IFLR) and Global Competition Review (GCR).
The team
Our team consists of 50 innovative thinking legal professionals with outstanding academic education, diverse skills, awarded professional performance and thorough understanding of client needs. Our lawyers have significant experience dealing with not only domestic clients, but also foreign individuals and corporations, to whom we provide consultancy in regard to international transactions. In this context, we are able to support our clients in connection with any international matter thanks to our lawyers’ expertise, study and work experience in foreign countries and versatile linguistic skills. We are also able to include advice with an international perspective by requesting assistance from law firms abroad with which we collaborate on a regular basis.
The clients
Our firm has a significant number of foreign clients. These include well known multinational companies and institutions from various sectors of industry and commerce, major investment firms and financial institutions, industrial companies, wholesale and retail distributors, real estate developers, as well as public bodies.
The activities
We have participated in a great number of significant deals and transactions offering guidance, consultancy and tailor-made solutions to our clients in regard to their international transactions. Our strong and long-established international connections and cooperation partners allow our firm to support both domestic and international clients in the most comprehensive possible way.
Interviews
Nikos C. Koritsas, Managing Partner
Managing Partner of Koutalidis Law Firm, Mr. Nikos Koritsas, explains what sets the Firm apartWhat do you see as the main points that differentiate Koutalidis Law Firm from your competitors?
We pride ourselves on taking a business-minded approach to address our clients’ needs coupled with our in-depth knowledge of the Greek market. In this respect, we always strive to communicate even the most complex legal concepts in a simple and straightforward manner as well as to tailor our advice to the commercial objectives of the relevant transaction. At the same time, our multi-disciplinary team allows us to achieve synergies across practices and provide a 360-degree analysis of all transaction-related aspects.
We also take pride in building a culture that translates to a demanding, yet welcoming workplace for our people. Koutalidis Law Firm has remained the professional home to many of our team members for years on end. At the heart of our efficiency as a firm, lies a strong team culture, where individual skills are celebrated and collective value is acknowledged.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
The successful fight against COVID-19 is expected to drive an upward trend of deal volume in the next 12 months across sectors and transaction types. Privatizations should take the stage as the completion of a number of projects was postponed due to the pandemic, bringing lower-than-expected proceeds in 2020 for the Greek State. Banks’ efforts to reduce the stock of non-performing exposures and improve asset quality should spur NPLs transactions, as the sale of portfolios of an estimated total value of EUR 30 billion was also pushed back for 2021.
However, the impact of COVID-19 is not limited solely to the creation of a backlog of deals that is expected to prompt transaction activity in 2021. At the same time, the pandemic served as a market disruptor as well as an accelerant of trends already underway. This was particularly evident in the distribution of deals across industries during 2020 and the relevant trends are expected to continue in 2021. M&A activity should be largely driven by the TMT sector, which accounted for 44% of total deal value in 2020, including high-value transactions in the e-commerce industry.
We also see significant growth prospects in the energy sector supported by Greece’s broader efforts to create a competitive and well-functioning energy market. The Greek real estate market is also evolving as domestic and internal appetite for real estate assets continues to increase both for tourism-oriented and business-oriented investments.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
Growth. Over the last six years we have more than doubled our workforce from 20 to 50 lawyers. This allows us to undertake large-scale projects under strict timelines as well as to advise across a broad range of practice areas. The main strategic goal that guided our expansion was how to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. To ensure excellent working and collaboration conditions for our people as well as for our clients, we have recently moved to a new office building in Athens, The Orbit, which exemplifies modern workspace design and has become the latest landmark in the city.
We place a particular emphasis on gender diversity, as evidenced by our increasingly gender-balanced team. The share of female lawyers in our firm currently stands at 60%. Women make up almost 40% of our Partners and 50% of our Counsels and Senior Associates, while some of our most instrumental practices for our Firm are led by female lawyers. We also strive to create a multi-disciplinary team that will be able to address our clients’ needs. Our hirings cover a broad array of practice areas and industries including financial regulation, energy, pharmaceutical, public procurement, antitrust and state aid, as well as international arbitration.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Undoubtedly. The shift towards advanced digital tools was accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The multitude of platforms and the continuous improvements thereof have contributed significantly to the efficient and secure connection with our clients. At the same time, the frequent use of virtual data rooms facilitates the assessment of transaction documents, the cooperation among legal, financial and technical advisors, and the exchanges between counterparties.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
Greek banks have redoubled their efforts to de-risk their balance sheets, mitigate cost of risk and return to sustainable profitability. This is considered one of the key challenges not only of the financial sector but of the Greek economy as a whole. In this context, we advise one of the four systemic banks on the implementation of a key pillar of its strategic plan, namely its demerger by way of transfer of its banking sector to a new entity. Our role is key both at the level of strategic planning, where our business-minded approach allows us to design optimal solutions, as well as at the level of implementation, where our diverse team provides support on the full array of issues that arise in such a complex and multi-faceted transaction.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
As the market environment becomes increasingly complex law firms are expected to possess an in-depth understanding of everchanging business objectives and market conditions. This should always be coupled with a client relationship built on trust. Our goal is to continue to grow our team and improve its knowledge span and diversity, especially in terms of gender and practice area expertise.
Comparative Guides
-
Greece: Litigation
Published: July 2023
Authors: Gregory LogothetisIoannis KaptanisManolis KasotakisAthina Xinopoulou
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Greece.
-
Greece: Project Finance
Published: January 2024
Authors: Ioannis D. Kaptanis Dimitris KalyvasAris Makripodis Marina Angoura
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Project Finance laws and regulations applicable in Greece.