A.G Erotocritou LLC > Limassol, Cyprus > Firm Profile

A.G Erotocritou LLC
1 ARCH. KYPRIANOU & AYIOU ANDREOU CORNER
LOUCAIDES BUILDING, 6TH FLOOR
3036 LIMASSOL
Cyprus

Cyprus > Real estate and construction Tier 1

The ‘very responsive and professional’ team at A.G Erotocritou LLC is praised for its ‘personal and friendly approach’ and ‘quick problem solving skills’. The group handles a broad range of complex real estate transactions, and  frequently oversees the implementation of large-scale projects, for example the construction of five-star hotels, industrial parks and shopping malls. In addition, the practice often acts for UHNWI and HNW individuals from around the world. Other key clients include foreign conglomerates, international law firms, and banking institutions. The practice is also noted for its strength in supporting the firm's litigation department with contentious real estate matters. The highly regarded practitioner Alexis Erotocritou heads up the practice; senior associate Georgia Demou is singled out for her contributions.

Practice head(s):

Alexis Erotocritou

Other key lawyers:

Georgia Demou; Charis Theodosiou

Testimonials

‘The team is very specialised and has inside-out knowledge of all real estate matters and a very high commercial awareness. I was impressed by the responsiveness but also how each department cooperated so smoothly with each other during our tasks.’

‘There is great quality. Lawyers work on the highest professional standards (those that you can find from a large firm in US/UK). They have high ethics, are very responsive, and very transparent in terms of billing. You are in safe hands.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou’s knowledge in real estate and construction matters is exceptional and his commitment to the client’s needs and best interests is commendable. He conducts himself with the highest ethical standards and is transparent to everyone he works with. ’

‘They’re very thorough, which is crucial for making sure our legal documents and contracts are accurate. Particularly, Alexis Erotocritou and Georgia Demou -their dedication, expertise, and ability to find creative solutions have greatly improved our legal strategies and overall success.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou is the head of the department and an exceptional lawyer with very deep knowledge of real estate law. Alexis is very commercially minded.’

‘Their deep expertise and client-centric approach. They are very flexible with client needs. Staff is very friendly and pleasant to talk to.’

‘Alexis is the leading authority in the Cyprus real estate arena and is to be trusted for any deal, which he can accomplish. He is the preferred lawyer of many of the wealthiest investors who bought real estate in the island. Georgia and Charis are very reliable.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou: A great attorney who is devoted to his clients’ cause. He is sympathetic, honest, and independent thinking. It is clear that he has deep experience in practicing law, and uses his experience to guide his clients. He is always accessible despite being the partner of the firm.’

Key clients

YIOUPIS GROUP

RPT Group

Pandomus Group

Anastassiades Group

Capital.com

Globe Visa

Alter Domus

Iktinos

Grecian Group (Hotels)

Eureka

JD Sports

AAS

Match Trade Technologies

Primetel

Tactics Group

OUSAI Construction

Orphanos Group

Patroclos Group

Svaleno Properties

Kaleide Group

Generation Partners

Embria

Aksioma Tech

Habanay Contractors

Jordan Kuwait Bank

Cyprus Shipping Association

ItSimple art

Work highlights

  • Assisting a leading construction company and a HNW with the implementation of the set up a large-scale project in Paphos, which will comprise a shopping mall, hundreds of residential units and common areas.
  • Represented one of the largest global hospitality groups in relation to the purchase of a five-star hotel in Cyprus.
  • Assisted JD Sports with all real estate matters in relation to the establishment of the client’s presence in Cyprus and expansion into several shopping malls around the country.

Cyprus > Banking and finance Tier 2

The 'very professional, dedicated and expert' team at A.G Erotocritou LLC is praised for its ‘broad and deep knowledge of national and international finance’. Practice head Alexis Erotocritou has extensive experience in advising on banking and finance transactions and security structures. The team regularly works with leading international law firms, large local and international corporations and banks. The group continues to advise on the restructuring of large groups of companies. Grigoris Sarlidis has a particular focus on financial services matters, and acts for large international banks, investment firms, asset managers, funds and other market participants in the space.

Practice head(s):

Alexis Erotocritou

Other key lawyers:

Grigoris Sarlidis; Maria Papatheodoulou; Dafni Loizou

Testimonials

‘The team has deep understanding of financial transactions and regulation, as well as commercial understanding of the related matters. Alexis Erotocritou is a brilliant lawyer, he is very commercially aware.’

‘Working on projects with A.G Erotocritou LLC has been great, they were always proactive with consultations and guidance. The team has highly qualified people that are efficient and pay attention to the small details. We felt it was part of our team and we had a great rapport with all their members.’

‘Grigoris Sarlidis -his knowledge of the legislation concerning the financial services has been a significant plus. He is exceptional in all aspects of legal advice and I always reach out when needed. He always finds the time and that was really appreciated.’

‘Clear advice in often a difficult jurisdiction to navigate. Accessible, and strong connection with a major law firm in the UK meant that advice was also coordinated for cross-border projects.’

‘Grigoris is outstanding for clear, pragmatic and precise advice. Compared to peers, he has good knowledge of his subject matter (cryptocurrencies and blockchain work) and does not then fill his advice with meaningless repetition of law/regulation. He cuts to the key issues that need answering, is clear about where the grey zones are, and offers practical risk adjusted advice on how to manage those issues.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou is exceptional to work with, as with his experience, expertise and highly professional way of leading projects it is of great reassurance to have him on board as an adviser. It is of great pleasure to work with Maria Papatheodoulou, as her in-depth knowledge and thorough work is of most support to our cases.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou – responsive, efficient, accommodating, pleasant to work with on a personal level. Grigoris Sarlidis – very punctual, efficient, able to work under pressure.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou has the ability to think outside the box. Together with his wide experience, and deep knowledge, is what every client would wish for. He and his exceptional team, all UK qualified lawyers, are most responsive and always have their clients best interests at heart. Dafni and Grigoris are equally excellent lawyers and professionals.’

Key clients

Eureka

Cyprus Shipping Association

Gevorest

RPT Group

Primetel

Skywell Capital Partners

Kuehne + Nagel

Grecian Group

Johnsof

AAS

Match Trade

Iliaktida

Wojnar

Alibaba

Unicredit Bank

Ancora, sro

Equity – i

Orphanos Group

IKTINOS

CapitalXtend

Kitendo Capital

Tactics Group

Kaleide Property Group

AWS

JD Sports

Pandomus Group

Aksioma Tech

Finstella

Alter Domus

Work highlights

  • Advised on the local regulatory considerations pertaining to an investment in units of alternative investment funds, structured and facilitated through personal investment vehicles in Cyprus, worth more than EUR400m.
  • Advised one of the largest hotel groups on a global level on the acquisition of a hotel in Limassol, Cyprus.
  • Advised large banks, investment firms, assets managers, funds and other market participants in the financial services sector doing business in Cyprus on a range of banking and regulatory matters relating to financial services and products in Cyprus.

Cyprus > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

The ‘highly professional' team at A.G Erotocritou LLC is led by the ‘responsive and reliableAlexis Erotocritou. The group routinely handles a wide range of corporate, commercial and M&A transactions, and continues to advise on a steady flow of instructions from large international law firms, national and foreign corporations, and banks. Grigoris Sarlidis and Dafni Loizou are key names in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Alexis Erotocritou

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at A. G. Erotocritou is a unique blend of talents that are always ready to deliver in the most sophisticated projects and transactions. Alexis Erotocritou heads the team with fantastic care and understanding. Dafni Louizou is a senior associate that is always ready to resolve any matter in a practical and professional way.’

‘Personal attention, highly commercial approach and the ability to simplify complex issues and challenges. Alexis Erotocritou is an excellent lawyer, extremely commercially astute and can come up with creative solutions when needed. I always felt he was aligned with our objectives and not just a lawyer clocking time.’

‘Very capable and knowledgeable team of lawyers with a vast expertise in most of the practice areas delivering high quality advice for a competitive price. Alexis Erotocritou- very hardworking, efficient, accommodating and responsive.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou -his competence in commercial and corporate matters is top-notch, focusing on delivering high-quality work combined with strict attention to detail. It is a pleasure to work with him because of his firm commitment to results that are in the client’s interest and his openness and high ethical standards. ’

‘They are immediately available, very responsive. Their commercial approach to matters gives value to their advice. They are fresh and have also the depth required to handle big projects. Alexis Erotocritou-  very positive and eager to help.’

‘We consider that the ability of AG Erotocritou to complete transactions efficiently and quickly gives our firm a value added benefit. Not only are they problem solvers but they do it in the most cost effective way. Their ability to think outside the box and form a strategy, is a most valuable service to us.’ 

‘AG Erotocritou have in place a highly professional team, with deep knowledge of corporate matters. Alexis Erotocritou is always responsive, but above all is an excellent negotiator. He has the ability to come up with solutions, especially in complex situations. He and his team provide our firm with first class support.’

‘Alexis Erotocritou, Grigoris Sarlidis and Dafni Loizou are very knowledgeable in their respective fields and extremely approachable and accessible. All of the team members have a deep understanding of the key issues that may arise on a matter and are always willing to go out of their way to assist and advise us.’

Key clients

Gevorest

RPT Group

Primetel

Skywell Capital Partners

Kuehne + Nagel

Grecian Group

Johnsof

AAS

Match Trade

Iliaktida

Wojnar

Alibaba

Unicredit Bank

Ancora, sro

Equity – i

Orphanos Group

IKTINOS

CapitalXtend

Kitendo Capital

Tactics Group

Kaleide Property Group

AWS

JD Sports

Pandomus Group

Aksioma Tech

Finstella

Eureka

Cyprus Shipping Association

Work highlights

  • Assisting a ultra-high-net-worth individual with a joint venture with a local partner, with the aim to set up and construct a large development in Cyprus comprising a shopping mall, residential units, and other facilities.

Cyprus > Dispute resolution Tier 2

At A.G Erotocritou LLC, the 'highly accessible, efficient and responsive' team is led by Andreas Erotocritou, who fields expertise in advising on international disputes and the Cypriot law aspects relating to international arbitrations and court proceedings. The group's workload takes in cross-border corporate / commercial disputes, asset recovery proceedings, and significant injunctions. Andreas Koualis is a key name in the department.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Erotocritou

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is working with us on several projects, always professional very responsive and meeting deadlines. We feel in safe hands. Responsive and attentive to clients needs, work together as partners practical, skilled, experienced.’

‘Andreas Erotocritou is the name to know for anyone who seeks high quality legal advice in Cyprus, thorough strategy planning and strong court representation. He is such a strong litigator. Andreas literally exceeded our expectations.’

‘The work undertaken by AG Erotocritou is always of outstanding standard and meets our requirements every time we use them.’

‘We have worked with Andreas Erotocritou and Andreas Koualis, both of whom are very competent and knowledgeable in their field. The whole team led by Andreas and Andreas is very responsive and approachable and is available to the clients at all times.’

‘The advice provided by the team shows their legal experience in the field and their capabilities in assisting in disputes, irrespective of their complexity. The team always “thinks outside the box” which is essential when discussing the strategy for a complex matter.’

The team is a dynamic litigation team that excels in every aspect. The team is reliable and prompt. The team is outstanding in dealing with interim orders and has a good reputation in this market.’

‘Andreas Erotocritou is a true leader and one of the best lawyers we have ever worked with. ‘

‘Very detailed research, well prepared for every step. Large team of experienced people on the job.’

Key clients

Primetel PLC (Cyprus)

Nostira Renewable Energy (Mediterranean Region)

Grecian Group

KPMG (Cyprus)

Cyprus Shipping Association

Fluence Corporation (Israel)

Generation Partners

Alter Domus

Quantum Pacific Group (Global)

Finstella

Fattal Group

Kroll

Orphanos Group

Pandomus Group

Alibaba Group

Eureka

Wojnar / FA Foodart

JD Sports

Kuehne + Nagel

Work highlights

  • Representing one of the leading developers of renewable energy projects in the Mediterranean, in relation to a high-profile, EUR400m dispute, which spans across various jurisdictions, and which relates to a banking scandal in Greece, in the context of which the firm successfully opposed interim freezing injunctions of the same value that had been issued on an ex-parte basis.
  • Acting for one of the individuals in a highly publicised, cross-border probate case of an estimate value exceeding $4bn, which has given rise to proceedings across various jurisdictions by several persons claiming to be beneficiaries of the deceased, in an attempt to claim substantial assets, some of which are in Cyprus.

The firm: A.G. Erotocritou LLC is a dynamic law firm advising on non-contentious, advisory and litigation matters. The firm has firmly established itself as a “top tier” leading law firm in Cyprus, having cultivated an unrivaled reputation for excellence, with an impressive track record and an all-embracing legal service capability, underpinned by an acute sense of commercial awareness. The firm’s achievements have been duly recognised and endorsed by selected international legal directories such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, IFLR, WhosWhoLegal and Client Choice / International Law Office. Among others, the firm has been recognised as “an exception in the Cyprus market where everyone does everything”, a firm which “is always there for the client” and has “all the professionalism you would expect from a large international firm”.

A.G. Erotocritou LLC offers specialist services, embracing diverse legal disciplines and practice areas, with regard to which all work is executed in a flawless and transparent manner. Unlike many of the firm’s larger-in-size counterparts in the legal domain, A.G. Erotocritou LLC adopts a refreshingly personalised approach and is geared to achieving effective co-ordination and planning. This in turn ensures timely turnaround/delivery times, cost-effective strategies, reliability and client accessibility – key factors which contribute and are crucial to the firm’s overall operational efficiency.

A.G. Erotocritou LLC strives to cultivate close working relationships with those to whom it renders legal or associated services, ranging from large international law practices, banking institutions, multinational corporations, non-profitable associations, private individuals, public/private companies, partnerships, sole proprietorship, joint ventures, clubs, trusts, funds and other industrial/commercial entities and business structures which constitute the firm’s varied and extensive client portfolio.

In alignment with the constantly developing international legal environment, we have intentionally developed our specialisation towards providing high-quality, comprehensive legal support to specific legal sectors with a strong focus on corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration, banking and finance, corporate and M&A, corporate restructuring and insolvency, shipping, real estate, data protection, tax planning and private client (including citizenship law and immigration) professional services.

In an effort to remain at all times conflict-free, maintain its specialisation and be able to act in complex commercial disputes and transactions, A.G. Erotocritou LLC does not act as a trustee company by way of provision of corporate administration or nominee services. This is in contrast with the vast majority of law firms that are active in the sectors of dispute resolution, corporate, and banking and finance. Moreover, the firm does not act for and on behalf of local banking institutions on fix retainer agreements, in order to ensure it remains conflict-free and so as to focus on purely legal work.
In order to be able to provide service of the highest qualitative standards, A.G. Erotocritou LLC does not “deal with every case”; hence, only a limited number of engagements are accepted, to ensure that the exclusive clientele of the firm enjoys responsiveness and service  consistent with leading international firms and the highest standards of the profession.

Awards
Over the recent years, A.G. Erotocritou LLC has been singled out and recognised by all leading directories, including Legal500, Chambers & Partners, IFLR and Who’sWhoLegal, for providing legal services of outstanding quality and for delivering efficient, practical legal advice.

The Legal 500: The firm has been recognised for various consecutive years (in dispute resolution, real estate, corporate, commercial, banking and finance) as a leading firm in Cyprus and special praise was made to selected individuals within the firm.

Chambers & Partner The firm has been recognised as a Tier 1 firm in Cyprus in HNW and a leading firm in dispute resolution and real estate. At the same time, individuals within the firm have also been recognised among the leading practitioners in Cyprus at the above-mentioned sectors.

IFLR: For many consecutive years, the corporate/commercial department of the firm has been recognised by IFLR as one of the 16 leading firms in Cyprus.

WhosWhoLegal: Our team members have been consistently recognised among the leading practitioners in Cyprus and, inter alia, in the sectors of litigation, banking, finance, real estate and asset tracing.

Client Choice/ ILO (International Law Office): We have been recognised as a leading firm in Cyprus and team members as leading litigators in the country.

Clientele
The firm is proud to count some of the largest international law firms and banking institutions, high-net-worth individuals and various notable conglomerates around the world as its clients. On a domestic level, the firm also advises and regularly represents various banking institutions and corporations, public authorities as well as prominent non-profitable associations.

Business growth
The firm has managed to launch itself strongly in the Cypriot market and through the reputation, expertise and the dedication of its members, it has been involved in a considerable number of cross-border transactions and cases of significant magnitude and scale. This is not only a testament to the calibre of our services and the hard work we put into every individual case, but also to the trust our clients place in us and the quality of our work.

Recruitment
The firm has rigorously implemented a business model similar to that of the most prominent U.S. and U.K. international law firms; hence, A.G. Erotocritou LLC has allocated significant resources in recruiting and maintaining talented lawyers in order to secure its ability to deliver the same level of services in the long-term. A structured multi-stage selection process is undertaken for all candidates, evaluating merit and ethos as key criteria for recruitment. All members of the A.G. Erotocritou LLC legal team are US or UK graduates, have outstanding academic credentials and possess exceptional research, communication, negotiation, organisational and interpersonal skills, which not only complement their in-depth knowledge of Cyprus law, but serve as indispensable resources in their ability to undertake complex international/cross-border legal issues.

Areas of practice
Banking and finance: the firm has consistently maintained an impressive track record in dealing with high-profile transactional, regulatory and dispute resolution issues and is systematically geared to offering specialist banking and finance services to a dedicated client base which embraces multinational organisations, institutional investors, commercial, retail and investment banks and high net-worth individuals.

Corporate/M&A: the firm provides comprehensive, accurate, and specialised legal advice on all aspects of domestic and international business. A.G. Erotocritou LLC is proud to count some of the largest multinational organisations and financial institutions whom we advise on an impressive variety of corporate and M&A transactions (both domestic and international cross-border).

Data protection: the firm provides data security, sophisticated data management and related advice. A.G. Erotocritou LLC is conscious of the fact that a robust and systematic policy for safeguarding information is an invaluable requirement for inspiring the trust and confidence of those persons whose data has been made available for a designated purpose and who have an unequivocal legal right to pre-empt its unauthorised use. The experienced team members of A.G. Erotocritou LLC are actively involved in their local compliance culture and have successfully worked together in recent years to assist a plethora of local and international clients.

Dispute resolution: constantly ranked by leading international directories, the firm’s litigation team has particular expertise in handling high-value, complex cross-border disputes, injunctions and other interim measures, and regularly represents multinational corporations, financial and banking institutions and individuals in a wide range of cross-border commercial and corporate litigation. A.G. Erotocritou LLC is equally active in international and domestic arbitration.

Financial services and products: the firm, having worked with some of the largest players in the industry, both from the legal and international stage, is highly experienced on all matters relating to the regulatory compliance of banks, investment firms, asset managers, funds and other market participants, whether dealing on a client or counter-party basis. A.G. Erotocritou LLC’s specialist team’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the markets, combined with its relationship with the regulators, allow it to assist in proactively advising on the regulatory horizon in Cyprus.

Immigration: the firm’s specialised immigration team has an outstanding and impressive record of successfully dealing with all aspects and types of immigration law, and in particular on citizenship applications (as a result of an investment in Cyprus pursuant to the Naturalisation Scheme but also, on the basis of the years of residence in the Republic). Moreover, A.G. Erotocritou LLC has expertise in dealing with other immigration issues such as temporary and permanent residence permits, employment permits and visas.

Private client: the firm’s multi-awarded department offers an all-embracing range of services to HNW and UNHW individuals, encompassing a broad cross-section of contentious and non-contentious matters, which may require the intervention and involvement of several legal disciplines. A.G. Erotocritou LLC has advised a plethora of high-net-worth individuals in relation to their investments in Cyprus, including investments in real estate and financial assets.

Real estate: the firm is actively engaged in all aspects of legal work pertaining to the real estate sector. A.G. Erotocritou LLC provides advice to real estate companies and developers, private and public bodies, private individuals, investors, lenders, contractors and property-owning institutions and assists and advises in the purchase and sale of both commercial and residential property and of other development projects.

Restructuring and insolvency: the firm is highly specialised in complex multi-jurisdictional restructurings and insolvencies with dedicated resources in the key European jurisdictions. A.G. Erotocritou LLC offers practical and commercial advice on a full range of contentious and non-contentious issues encountered in restructurings and insolvencies. The firm’s team has acted as trusted advisors and has regularly represented high profile stakeholders, corporate debtors experiencing financial difficulties to lenders, insolvency officers, lender creditors, leading multinational financial institutions, accountants and financial advisers.

Shipping, Admiralty and marine insurance: the firm has played a key role in dealing with a broad range of matters associated with the shipping industry, a vibrant domain wherein the firm’s advice and expertise is sought by a diverse client base which includes banks, financial institutions, ship owners/managers, charterers and insurers/P&I clubs. Aside from undertaking litigation work which entails the representation of clients such as ship owners, importers, charter parties, insurance companies and others, A.G. Erotocritou LLC’s specialised areas of practice in this domain entail the provision of advice in relation to matters concerning ship management, the building and sale of vessels, registration requirements, shipping finance and marine insurance.

Technology and E-commerce: the firm is highly experienced in the technology and e-commerce sectors, having  worked with some of the biggest names in the e-commerce industry including retail platforms in fashion, technology giants and luxury goods manufacturers. A.G. Erotocritou LLC’s specialised team acts as a one stop shop for all that is technology and e-commerce relation, and is often instructed to offer guidance on how to best structure clients’ digital presence to address their particular commercial needs and ensure compliance with e-commerce and other relevant legal frameworks.

Department Name Email Telephone
Dispute Resolution Andreas Erotocritou andreas.erotocritou@erotocritou.com +357 25370101
Corporate & Commercial Alexis Erotocritou alexis.erotocritou@erotocritou.com +357 25370101
Number of lawyers : 17
At this office : 15
English
Greek
Chinese
Russian
Ukrainian
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators MCiArb
Cyprus Bar Association
European Employment Lawyers Association
International Association of Young Lawyers
International Bar Association
International Lawyers Association (AEA)
Commercial Litigation Association
ILO
Youngship
Shiparrested
Other offices : Athens

Litigation nature

– Representing a company involved in the bankruptcy of the largest independent physical bunkers supplier and bunkering tanker owner. Proceedings, in the context of which interim freezing orders for over $310million have been issued in Cyprus, while also tackling and disputing the recognition of foreign-Court-appointed receiver.

– Advising and defending HNW individuals and their groups in the context of a cross-border dispute, of which interim freezing and other injunctions have been issued and which involve allegations related to severe capital-control violations, as well as large-scale fraudulent transactions that have allegedly resulted in the alienation of assets of value of €400million.

– Representing the former spouse of a billionaire, leading name in the oil&gas sector, in the context of the largest matrimonial dispute ever to be ruled in England, through the enforcement of the £450million maintenance award of the English Court in Cyprus by a Court-appointed receiver over a Cyprus company controlling valuable assets in Russia, with a view to enforce an English judgment over those assets, through Cyprus.

– Instructed to prepare and promoted the highly contested and largest in the country $700million debt restructuring while simultaneously defending 14 high-value court cases brought by opposing creditors, the majority of which entailed opposing high value injunctions and setting-aside a receivership order.

– Instructed to oppose the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award in Cyprus, issued by the LCIA in London, in relation to a global dispute between a Russian energy company and a German utility provider, in relation to an investment the value of which exceeds $1.4billion. The case was described by the Financial Times, as “the biggest oligarch legal battle in the US”.

– Instructed to act in the $840million dispute over the privatisation of a large Ukrainian telecom provider, which involved parallel proceedings in London, Cyprus and Ukraine.

Corporate/commercial nature

– Instructed to prepare, structure and promote a $700million debt restructuring (scheme of arrangement) for and on behalf of leading group owning, inter alia, a bank institution and various other valuable assets. The scheme is considered the largest ever in value and complexity that has ever been carried out in Cyprus.

– Instructed and advised a company listed in the Athens Stock Exchange in relation to the acquisition of a multi-million worth asset, from another company listed in the AIM Market of the LSE.

– Instructed and handled the entire procedure by our clients, for the licensing, development and construction of various offices, warehouses/workshops to be used by Halliburton for energy related purposes in Cyprus.

– Consistently instructed by international firms to undertake extensive and complex due diligence exercises on entities with assets of significant value, including companies listed at the LSE, AIM, Athens SE and other regulated markets.

– Currently advising an UHNWI in relation to the establishment of a 5* hotel and the construction of a luxurious residential tower and villas.

– Acted for the lenders on the refinancing of a $600million secured facility to one of the largest agricultural companies of Eastern Europe.

– Advised a leading international bank on its credit facility exceeding $85million to a local entity, a joint venture between two large corporations, which involved, inter alia, an extensive security package under both Cyprus, English and Russian law.

– Promoted in Cyprus a highly complex restructuring – scheme of arrangement on behalf of an Indian multinational conglomerate and construction company, with revenues exceeding $14billion.

– Selected by the Government of Cyprus, to carry out an extensive due diligence exercise on OPAP Cyprus (part of OPAP Group (a listed company in Greece)) in order to assess the suitability of the license to be granted to the latter for the provision of certain services in Cyprus.

– Our firm was instructed by Radisson Group to advise on various corporate and commercial matters.

– Acting on behalf of an UHNWI, we are handling the establishment of the first industrial park in Cyprus.

Financial Services Regulatory nature

– Acted as local counsel to some of the largest investment banks, firms, managers, funds and other market participants in the financial services sector doing business in Cyprus on a range of regulatory matters and issues such as licensing, product registration and public offerings.

– Advised some of the largest UK banks and firms (including EU branches) with the Brexit planning of relationships and business in Cyprus, including on (a) migration of clients and contracts; (b) revision of policies and procedures; and (c) restructuring business models in line with local restrictions.

– Handled the entire set up, licensing and operation of a leading French fintech group’s investment arm in Cyprus and provide advice on (a) how to best structure the business in Cyprus and EU in light of Covid-19 challenges and impact; (b) regulatory and reporting requirements; and (c) corporate, tax and commercial law.


CLIENT: Bowei Lee

COMPANY/FIRM: Chairman of LCY Technology Corp & LCY Chemical Corp

TESTIMONIAL: The firm members are passionate lawyers who really care about the interest of the clients. I am happy to work with the team.


CLIENT: Charles Hewetson

COMPANY/FIRM: Partner at Reed Smith

TESTIMONIAL: I have known Alexis and Andreas Erotocritou for a number of years.  I have always found them to be very easy/pleasant to deal with and knowledgeable on substantive and procedural issues under Cypriot law.  They are my first-choice advisers for corporate, finance or litigation issues arising in Cyprus.


CLIENT: Manuel Lorenz

COMPANY/FIRM: Partner and Head of German Capital Markets Practice Group, Baker & McKenzie

TESTIMONIAL: We worked on a complex corporate matter and were impressed by the responsiveness of the firm and the clarity of the advice we received.


CLIENT: Thomas Trueb

COMPANY/FIRM: Founder/President of Dariu Foundation

TESTIMONIAL: I prefer working with A.G. Erotocritou LLC as they have thorough industry knowledge and are focused in delivering results. They work promptly and efficiently by focusing on the needs of the project and the particular situation.


CLIENT: Costas Joannides

COMPANY/FIRM: CEO at Marsh (Cyprus)

TESTIMONIAL: The dynamic team of legal advisors of A.G. Erotocritou LLC is ready to assist on a 24/7 basis. Their work is excellent and has proven to bring success to their partners and clients.


CLIENT: Paul Donovan

COMPANY/FIRM: Director – Wealth Management International Private Banking at Arbuthnot Latham & Co

TESTIMONIAL: The team at Erotocritou Legal Consultants has been known to Arbuthnot Latham & Co. since opening its Dubai operations in 2013. Our Private Clients often have complex requirements spanning numerous legal jurisdictions. The team at Erotocritou conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and have always provided extremely clear and effective advice when consulted. They tailor solutions specific to the needs of their clients and offer a truly personalised service. Erotocritou are a valuable member of Arbuthnot Latham’s panel of legal professionals.


CLIENT: Tassos Frangou

COMPANY/FIRM: Group Executive Director at Dalbit Group

TESTIMONIAL: I would like to express my gratitude for the services that I had the pleasure of receiving by your firm.  Over and above excellent legal advice, professionalism, and timely support, your services included unprecedented integrity and protected the interests of our organization beyond the standard legal framework.


CLIENT: Costas Zoidis

COMPANY/FIRM: Senior Claims Executive for Thomas Miller (Hellas) Ltd (UK P&I Club)

TESTIMONIAL: A.G. Erotocritou LLC is a fully qualified and reasonably priced boutique law firm combining high expertise, efficiency, and immediate response.


CLIENT: Ilshat Timeryanov

COMPANY/FIRM: Chief Legal Advisor at Lukoil (Iraq)

TESTIMONIAL: A.G. Erotocritou LLC is a dynamic and responsible firm with a good expertise and lawyers are always responsive and ready to help with any complicated issue that may come up.


CLIENT: Cui Bin

COMPANY/FIRM: Deputy General Manager at Kingenta

TESTIMONIAL: We have worked with A.G. Erotocritou LLC and we have impressed by the firm’s responsiveness, industry knowledge, professionalism and dedication; the firm has produced excellent results for our company.


People across the firm strongly believe in fulfilling the obligation to assist through pro bono work. Pro bono work strengthens our lawyers’ abilities to apply their talents in representing individuals and organizations of limited means in a variety of matters.

In addition to handling high-profile cases, such as the massively publicised EOKA case (an action on behalf of former EOKA fighters in a claim against the British Government for torture and other violations of the European Convention of Human Rights which has taken place in Cyprus during 1955-1959), we also represent disadvantaged individuals. Our work covers the full range of our lawyers’ skills, including transactional work, representation in Court and general consultation.

Notable Pro Bono Clients

EOKA Case

Our firm, in collaboration with K.J. Conroy & Co Solicitors and other local law firms, has acted on behalf of former EOKA fighters in a claim against the British Government for torture and other violations of the European Convention of Human Rights which has taken place in Cyprus during 1955-1959. The move was encouraged by the High Court decision in 2011 to allow three Kenyans – who also accused the colonial government of torture – to sue Britain over human rights abuse perpetrated during the Mau-Mau uprising. The case was eventually settled in 2012 with the three Kenyans receiving payouts from the British government. The case is one of most high profile Cypriot cases which have been publicized in BBC, Al Jazeera, other foreign newspapers and TV channels as well as on a plethora of media in Cyprus.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Our firm is the exclusive legal advisor of CWGC in Cyprus. The Commission ensures that 1.7 million people who died in the two world wars will never be forgotten. CWGC cares for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations, in 153 countries. CWGC continues to preserve its cemeteries and memorials and encourage the act of remembrance. Each year around 20,000 headstones are either replaced or repaired by our staff. By preserving the memory of the dead with simple dignity and true equality, the Commission hopes to encourage future generations to remember the sacrifice made by so many. The Commission has established their offices in Cyprus back in 2012 and the same constitute their headquarters in the Mediterranean area.

SAGAPO Foundation

Our firm is the exclusive legal advisor of SAGAPO Foundation. The Foundation is a humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential through education. SAGAPO commits in creating awareness to transform lives and restore hope. The Foundation, being one of the largest foundations in the country, is considerably active and is hosting on an annual basis a number of successful events and programs. Our firm provides constant legal advice to the foundation and its members in various legal sectors and members of our team are also appointed to the board of the directors of the foundation.

Limassol Child Welfare Association

Established in 1936, the Limassol Child Welfare Association was formed from individuals who wished to help and assist underprivileged families and children in Cyprus. The association’s foremost philanthropic priority is to provide support to children with special needs across Cyprus. LCWA commits in creating awareness to transform lives and restore hope. Our firm provides legal advice to the foundation in various legal sectors.


With its highly specialised cross-border practice, A.G. Erotocritou LLC, has “all the professionalism you would expect from a large international firm” and is proud to count some of the largest international law firms, banking institutions and multinational corporations among its clients. Having rigorously implemented a business model similar to that of the most prominent U.S. and U.K. international law firmsthe firm is constantly looking to improve by  adopting practices that will enhance its international presence.  

The firm, which has been characterised as “an exception to the Cyprus market where everyone does everything”, only accepts a limited number of specific engagements of “business nature”. By doing so, the firm ensures that its high calibre clientele continues to enjoy first class responsiveness and service, consistent with that of leading international firms as well as  the highest standards of the profession. A.G. Erotocritou LLC is proud to count amongst its clients and to have carried out services, inter alios 

  • Ultra-high-net-worth individuals from Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, a number of whom are included in the Forbes list;  
  • International banking institutions, such as Raiffeisen Bank, RBS, Unicredit, Alfa Bank and Asian Pacific Bank, as well as one of the largest banks in the St. Petersburg region in Russia; 
  • Local bank institutions; 
  • Leading funds, investments firms, banks and other market participants within the international financial services sector; 
  • Three of the four largest (by revenue) tech companies globally; 
  • International companies such Estee Lauder, PaysafeMarsh, Nikon Europe, etc; 
  • Leading companies in Greece and Cyprus, such Iktinos (Greece) – market leader in the Greek marble market, and Primetel (Cyprus), which is the second largest telecom company in Cyprus, RPT Group (leading group in shipping, energy and other sectors); 
  • Big-4 accounting firms; 
  • Leading international law firms;  
  • The Cyprus Shipping Association; and 
  • Commonwealth War Graves CommissionSAGAPO Children’s Foundation and other non-profitable institutions. 

In addition, A.G. Erotocritou LLC has allocated significant resources in recruiting and maintaining talented and established lawyers in order to secure its ability to preserve the quality of its services and deliver the same  in the long-term. The  firm’s team is fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, French and German.  Members of the firm’s legal team are US or UK graduates, have outstanding academic and professional credentials, and possess numerous awards and acknowledgements.  

Lastly, the firm, which serves mostly international clients on cross border transactions and cases (work carried out for domestic clients corresponds to approximately 10% of the entire services offered), is proud to have developed an extensive network of associates all over the world, who are ready to assist and represent any of the firm’s clients, at any time.  

The Cyprus Real Estate Market

The real estate industry in Cyprus has had a considerable and unprecedented beneficial impact on the island’s international profile as a highly attractive investment destination. In this regard, such favourable exposure has consistently served as a dominant driving force in efforts to promote the abundant opportunities offered by the island’s real estate initiatives. In essence, this has culminated in firmly positioning the domestic property domain as a sustainable and lucrative investment vehicle – a positive and most welcome development which, over the years, has been widely credited and perceived as constituting an integral and inextricable component of the country’s steady economic growth.

A key catalyst for the creation of the island’s favourable investment climate has been factors such as the attractive tax regime, a high standard/low cost of living, an excellent infrastructure, an outstanding telecommunications network, ideal geographic location, a politically stable and safe environment, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, highly skilled and well-educated professionals, a legal system based on English common law and a host of other advantages which are conducive to choosing the island as an investment destination.

The key factors mentioned above have culminated in providing the necessary impetus to the island’s commercial and residential real estate market which has increasingly gained momentum in recent years. Aside from the upsurge in building activity and the rapid expansion occasioned by infrastructural and construction projects throughout Cyprus, the real estate market in the coastal city of Limassol has witnessed phenomenal growth, as is evident from an impressive multitude of modern high-rise buildings which have systematically altered the city’s metropolitan skyline. The rapid evolution of Limassol has not only maintained and reinforced its long-held reputation as a popular holiday destination but has served to transform this cosmopolitan city into an important and vibrant commercial hub.

As with most developed countries, there is no doubt that the life-threatening global repercussions of Covid-19 have adversely affected the island’s economy – a phenomenon which has inevitably had a significant negative impact on the real estate industry. This unfortunate development has, needless to say, cast a dark shadow over the real estate landscape in terms of occasioning the suspension of construction activity, severely restricting travel and disrupting all other aspects of life as we know it. Despite major setbacks and the consequential loss of confidence amongst prospective investors, there are nevertheless encouraging indications that commercial activity is returning to normality, with tangible signs of renewed interest amongst foreign buyers who appear to be ‘returning to the fold’ – a positive development and a reminder that investors continue to be inspired by the island’s low interest rates, attractive incentive schemes (linked to the acquisition of commercial and residential property), and a host of other beneficial factors which have served to make Cyprus a much-favoured and preferred investment destination.

It is anticipated that number of high-rise building projects which are currently underway, will be duly completed within 2021 and 2022, amidst most welcome indications that there is a consistent and significant level of demand from foreign investors who, as expected, will continue to pursue prime property opportunities as a viable investment vehicle.

The completion of the impressive €350m Limassol Marina project will, without doubt, be regarded as one of the hallmarks of the real estate sector’s accomplishments on the island. This development, coupled with other major ‘flagship’ undertakings, such as the €220m Ayia Napa Marina, the €600m Casino project in Limassol (the largest of its kind in Europe), as well as the recent renewed interest shown by reputable international hotel chains to establish a local presence, will as anticipated serve as forerunners and a most welcome catalyst for further investment activity on the island.

An imaginative scheme has given the green light for hotels to construct their own tower blocks. This innovative, and so-called ‘condo hotel’ concept, effectively paves the way for investors to acquire luxury apartments while having the added benefit and convenience of enjoying the hotels’ services and facilities. Such a ‘ground-breaking’ development (which appears to be more prominent on the coastal strip of Limassol), is a most advantageous incentive for property buyers who will also be afforded direct and trouble-free access to the vast array of activities, amenities and extensive recreational resources of the seafront area. There is little doubt that this unique initiative will not only add much-needed impetus to the real estate market but will enrich and provide immeasurable value to the island’s vibrant hospitality sector.

The abolition of the Cyprus Investment Programme as of 1st November 2020, has culminated in a drop in demand for both residential and commercial properties – an inevitable consequence of the loss of confidence in the stability of the island as a reliable investment destination. As part of intense efforts to reverse this negative trend, it is anticipated that the government of Cyprus will undertake an in-depth assessment concerning all aspects of the now defunct programme. In this respect, there is an acute realisation for the need to formulate a revised and more demanding regulatory framework.

At this juncture, and as of 24th March 2021, the Cyprus Permanent Residence Scheme under the amended Aliens and Immigration Regulations, permits non-EU nationals and family members to take up permanent residence on the island upon investing €300,000 in residential or commercial real estate, the share capital of a Cyprus -registered company, or investment units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organisation.

The applicable investment criteria for the above, are subject to the following:

  • A minimum of €200,000 is to be paid and deposited in a local financial institution prior to submission of the investor’s application, along with appropriate verification that the funds in question are derived from abroad.
  • The acquisition of property may be effected by a Cyprus, EU or EEA-registered legal entity provided the individual applicant and/or spouse are the sole shareholders or ultimate beneficial owners.
  • In respect of residential real estate, up to two units may be acquired by the applicant subject to meeting the €30,000 minimum value requirement.
  • Prior to investing in commercial real estate, the applicant is to furnish proof of residence in Cyprus (title deed, sales contract or lease agreement).
  • Residential property may not be purchased by way of a ‘resale’ transaction.
  • A permit issued may incorporate the applicant’s spouse as well as dependent children who are not over 18 years of age.
  • Specific provisions cater for dependent children attending local or foreign higher education institutions and aged between 18 to 25 years, as well as for parents and parents-in-law who, under express conditions, are at liberty to apply on the basis of the principal applicant’s investment.
  • Under certain stipulated circumstances, the applicant’s adult children may secure permanent residence irrespective of whether they are financially dependent.
  • All applicants are to provide a clean criminal record from country of origin/residence.

The real estate sector has without doubt taken on a crucial and integral contributory role in relation to the economic development, long-term growth path, and financial prosperity of the island. In doing so, it has shown itself to be a dynamic force, prime mover and a key enabler of a multitude of activities, disciplines and operations, which span and extend across the domestic, commercial, industrial, legal and financial landscape of the country. This, in itself, reflects the significance and implications of a buoyant property market and highlights the crucial importance that the A.G. Erotocritou legal team attaches to maintaining and entrenching its position as a major player in the island’s real estate field.

Alexis Erotocritou, Partner

Partner Alexis Erotocritou’s outlook on A.G. Erotocritou LLC explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs

What do you see as the main points that differentiate A.G. Erotocritou LLC from your competitors?

A.G. Erotocritou LLC has been described as “an exception to the Cyprus market where everyone does everything” due to its niche practice and highly specialised team in both contentious and non-contentious matters, which is “always there for the client”. A.G. Erotocritou LLC carefully selects its clients and the projects it takes on, in this way allowing it to ensure its exclusive clientele and maintain the highest quality of services. Finally, as our firm does not provide corporate administration or nominee services and refrains from acting for and on behalf of local banking institutions on fixed-retainer agreement, it remains conflict-free at all times.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

It goes without saying that this past year was unpredictable and has shaken the markets across the world. However, due to the support packages most governments have been offering, the blow has, so to speak, been softened. The true aftermath, it seems, is not yet fully visible. This naturally is expected to give rise to restructuring and insolvency, a practice our team has been significantly investing in over the past few years, irrespective of the pandemic but will continue to do so, in view of the current events. Additionally, our firm’s recently established Financial Services and Products practice, which already counts some of the largest players in the industry at a both local and international level, is expected to steadily grow, as an area with constant developments and changes.

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

A.G. Erotocritou LLC has, through the years, been rigorously implementing a business model similar to that of some of the most prominent international law firms. Aside from the steady growth of our team over the past few years, our firm is constantly looking for ways to maintain the excellence in its specialist services whilst also remaining fully available to its clients. Technology, with the embrace it has seen as a result of the lockdown measures imposed across the globe, has been our friend in this respect. Additionally, our firm has strengthened and expanded its investment and transactional advisory team by welcoming Melinda Rishkofski on board, as the firm’s external consultant. With her expertise and over 30 years of experience, Melinda has already added significant value to the team.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Our team prides itself in always being available for our clients and willing to work around the clock, if necessary, to deliver. In this respect, embracing technological advances has always been a priority of our firm and this year has been no exception. Our firm has fully adapted to the difficult circumstances caused by Covid-19, with our entire team having the ability to work remotely while maintaining our usual working interface. Despite the difficult circumstances that brought about this change, we are happy to note that technology has given us a platform to interact with our cross-border clients on a face-to-face basis more often.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

A.G. Erotocritou LLC is treading its path confidently and steadily, something our team intends to continue to do as we maintain our ethos and value. As I have also stated above, our firm is constantly looking for ways to expand but is aware it should do so steadily and only where necessary. While A.G. Erotocritou LLC is proud to already count some of the largest international law firms, banking institutions and multinational corporations among its clients, and intends to continue investing in the excellent relationships it as built along the way, we expect our business to grow naturally over the next few years, with an even more dominant presence in international markets.

CYPRUS

A.G. Erotocritou LLC has firmly established itself as a “top tier” leading law firm in Cyprus, having cultivated an unrivalled reputation for excellence, with an impressive track record and an all-embracing legal service capability, underpinned by an acute sense of commercial awareness.

The firm’s achievements have been duly recognised and endorsed by selected international legal directories such as Legal500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR, WhosWhoLegal and Client Choice / International Law Office. Amongst others, the firm has been recognised as “an exception in the Cyprus market where everyone does everything”, a firm which “is always there for the client” and has “all the professionalism you would expect from a large international firm”.

With a primary service focus on cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration, real estate, private client and immigration, corporate and M&A, regulatory, banking & finance, restructuring & insolvency, e-commerce, shipping and data protection, we cherish the importance of maintaining cordial and durable relations with our clients, through mutual respect and understanding.

The firm is one of the new generations of Cyprus law firms striving to reformulate the ‘traditional role’ of a law firm. A.G. Erotocritou LLC has adopted a new model for the delivery of legal services with a flexibility to meet clients’ needs, exceed their expectations and provide tailor-made personalised solutions.

The firm has rigorously implemented a business model similar to that of the most prominent U.S. and U.K. international law firms; hence, A.G. Erotocritou LLC has allocated significant resources in recruiting and maintaining talented lawyers in order to secure its ability to deliver the same level of services in the long-term. A structured multi-stage selection process is undertaken for all candidates, evaluating merit and ethos as key criteria for recruitment. All members of the A.G. Erotocritou LLC legal team are US or UK graduates, have outstanding academic credentials and possess exceptional research, communication, negotiation, organisational and interpersonal skills which not only complement their in-depth knowledge of Cyprus law, but serve as indispensable resources in their ability to undertake complex international/cross-border legal issues.

In an effort to remain conflict-free at all times, maintain its specialisation and be able to act in complex commercial disputes and transactions, A.G. Erotocritou LLC does not act as a trustee company by way of provision of corporate administration or nominee services but also does not act for and on behalf of local banking institutions on fix retainer.

The firm is proud to count some of the largest international law firms and banking institutions, high-net-worth individuals and various notable conglomerates around the world as clients. On a domestic level, the firm also advises and regularly represents various banking institutions and corporations, public authorities as well as prominent non-profitable associations.

The business of A.G. Erotocritou LLC has expanded significantly, both in terms of volume as well as the quality and magnitude of cases and transactions handled. This is not only a testament to the calibre of the firm’s services but also highlights the trust clients place in the team and the overall high quality of work.

IFLR recommends A.G. Erotocritou LLC

We are delighted to announce that our firm has, once again, been recognised by IFLR1000 as one of the leading firms in Cyprus in the financial and corporate sector.

Recognition by WWL Asset Recovery: 2023

We are delighted to announce that our members, Andreas Erotocritou and Antreas Koualis, have, for another consecutive year, been recognised as recommended global leaders in the Asset Recovery sector by the reputable directory Who’sWhoLegal, following independent research with clients and peers.

A.G. Erotocritou LLC is ranked again at ‘Band 1’ by the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023

We are thrilled to announce that A.G. Erotocritou LLC has once again been recognised at 'Band 1' tier, as one of the ‘top 3’ law firms in Cyprus by the reputable directory, Chambers & Partners in high value Private Wealth Law.

The Legal 500: Retained top tier rankings

We are delighted to announce that, for another consecutive year, A.G. Erotocritou LLC has retained its top tier rankings for selected practice areas from Legal500 – one of the world's largest legal directories.

Andreas Erotocritou appointed in the Asset Recovery Committee of the IBA

We are delighted to announce that Andreas Erotocritou has been selected and appointed as the Levant Representative of the newly relaunched Asset Recovery Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA).

Chambers & Partners Europe 2023 Recognition

We are delighted and proud to announce that our litigation team has once again been recognised as leading practitioners in the dispute resolution sector in Cyprus by the legal Directory, Chambers & Partners (Europe) for the year 2023.

Major award by Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2022: A.G. Erotocritou LLC, ranked at Band 1

We are delighted to announce that A.G. Erotocritou LLC has once again been recognised as one of the “top 3” law firms in Cyprus (ranked at “Band 1”) by the reputable directory, Chambers & Partners in Private Wealth Law.

Recognition by Chambers & Partners Europe 2022

We are delighted to announce that our litigation team has once again been recognised as leading practitioners in the dispute resolution sector in Cyprus by the legal Directory, Chambers & Partners (Europe) for the year 2022.

Suspension of access to the Cyprus UBO Register for the general public

On 28 November 2022, the Registrar of Cyprus Companies (the “Registrar”) announced that access to the UBO Register of Cyprus for the general public is suspended as of 23 November 2022.

The International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators launches its new website

The new website of the International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators, of which Andreas Erotocritou is a Fellow, has just been launched and can be accessed by clicking here.

IFLR recommends A.G. Erotocritou LLC for another consecutive year

We are delighted to announce that our firm has, once again, been recognised by IFLR1000 as one of the leading firms in Cyprus in the financial and corporate sector.

Recognition by WWL Asset Recovery: 2022

We are delighted to announce that our members, Andreas Erotocritou and Antreas Koualis, have, for another consecutive year, been recognised as recommended global leaders in the Asset Recovery sector by the reputable directory Who’sWhoLegal, following independent research with clients and peers.

Major recognition by WWL in the banking and finance sector

We are delighted to announce that our partner, Alexis Erotocritou, has been recently recognised amongst the 7 “top ranked” leading practitioners in Cyprus in the banking and finance sector by the reputable directory Who’sWhoLegal, following independent research with clients and peers.