Firms To Watch: EU and competition

With a particular specialism in antitrust cases in the chemical industry, Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners is a popular choice among major fertiliser corporations; Spyros Alexandris and Dimitris Emvalomenos co-head the practice.

Firms in the Spotlight EU and competition

VAINANIDIS ECONOMOU & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

VAINANIDIS ECONOMOU & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM logo

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

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EU and competition in Greece

Bernitsas Law

The ‘extremely business-oriented’ department at Bernitsas Law has vast experience in representing domestic and international clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission. The practice is especially well versed in handling cross-border merger clearances, alongside advising on competition law compliance strategies and antitrust matters. Based out of Athens, Panayotis Bernitsas has expertise in managing civil and administrative actions before the high courts and arbitration boards. Team leader Marina Androulakakis is highly knowledgeable in state aid issues and complex regulatory compliance measures, while Tania Patsalia focuses on the application of EU law in Greece and merger control cases.

Practice head(s):

Marina Androulakakis


Other key lawyers:

Panayotis Bernitsas; Tania Patsalia


Testimonials

‘The team is extremely business oriented, able to comprehend complex business issues and adapt legal strategies around the particularities of the organisation. They have thorough knowledge of the matter at hand and they are trustworthy and always available.’

‘Panayotis Bernitsas, Marina Androulakakis and Tania Patsalia are outstanding in their field, with deep knowledge of the legal aspects of the case and ability to quickly understand and adapt to the specific business environment of the concerned industry.’

‘Competence, proactivity, engagement.’

‘Marina Androulakakis: very competent and proactive.’

‘Marina Androulakakis is an experienced competition law practitioner with extensive knowledge of the national and EU regulatory landscape. She is available and provides effective advice.’

‘They have great experience in all fields and that is what makes them unique.’

Key clients

ANEK


Attica Group


Bristol Myers Squibb


BMW Hellas SA


CVC /D MARINAS Hellas


Euronet


Hellenic Fuels (formerly BP Hellas)


Helleniq Energy SA


Imker Capital


Intrakat


Motor Oil Hellas


Unity Holding Company


Vivartia


Work highlights


  • Represented UHC in the clearance procedure before the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) in connection with UHC’s acquisition of listed company Entersoft.
  • Advised Intrakat in obtaining unconditional merger clearance by the HCC in relation to its acquisition of 100% of Aktor.
  • Representing a private equity fund in the notification procedure before the European Commission concerning the acquisition, together with an investor in luxury hospitality real estate, of the right to use, operate and manage a marina.

Dryllerakis Law Firm

Regularly handling major Greek state aid cases spanning from investigations by the EU Commission and national court proceedings, Dryllerakis Law Firm acts for multinationals and financial institutions. The practice is highly regarded for its advice on antitrust compliance issues and merger control procedures, with team head Emmanuel Dryllerakis primarily focusing on competition law and corporate financing affairs. John Dryllerakis is noted for implementing antitrust compliance programmes; Cleomenis Yannikas is an expert litigator; and Eleftherios Rantos is a state aid specialist. Themelis Zamparas and Leonidas Kastrinakis are also key practitioners, as is Elisavet Rellou, who is knowledgeable in antitrust proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Dryllerakis


Other key lawyers:

John Dryllerakis; Cleomenis Yannikas; Eleftherios Rantos; Themelis Zamparas; Leonidas Kastrinakis; Elisavet Rellou


Testimonials

‘Long time experience and daily practice on competition law make Dryllerakis team one of the best points of reference for relevant legal matters.’

‘John Dryllerakis is a cornerstone of competition law practice on his own. He has grown together with competition law as a matter of policy and case law alike and his experience altogether is invaluable.’

‘Very knowledgeable of the law, its implementation and recent trends, down to the smallest intricacy and detail of the way of doing business in the FMCG sector; really invaluable expertise and knowledge, combined with availability, approachability and business mindset.’

‘Cleomenis Yannikas, partner, stands out as a highly experienced and knowledgeable partner who understands the ways of working of FMCG companies to an amazing detail and can provide invaluable advice for all our needs, everyday as well as larger matters. A truly valuable business partner and highly experienced lawyer with a can-do attitude; highly recommended.’

‘Very strong technical knowledge combined with sound experience. Solutions oriented approach, reasonable fees.’

‘Solutions oriented, business acumen, strong technical knowledge.’

Key clients

ELAIS-Unilever Hellas S.A.


Olympic Brewery (Carlsberg Group)


Mondelez Hellas S.A.


Beiersdorf Hellas S.A.


Resoul Hellas S.A.


Attica Bank


GlaxoSmithKline Hellas S.A.


Helleniq Energy Holdings S.A.


Regency Entertainment S.A.


Barilla Hellas S.A.


Work highlights


  • Defending ELAIS UNILEVER against an HCC fine of approximately €27m for abuse of dominance and vertical restraints allegedly employed by the company with regard to margarine products in Greece.
  • Defended Attica Bank in an HCC investigation of the Greek banking sector regarding alleged anti-competitive agreements between the largest Greek Banks and Interbanking Systems Dias.
  • Providing legal support to a leading Greek ICT Integrator in the context of the Hellenic Competition Commission’s major ex officio investigation into possible bid-rigging practices involving a large number of IT and related services providers.

Karatzas & Partners

Providing bespoke advice on the competition law aspects of joint ventures and strategic alliances, the lawyers at Karatzas & Partners are praised as ‘absolute experts in the field of mergers’. The practice represents major financial institutions and multinationals in cross-border matters, with a specialism in antitrust and merger control issues. Operating out of Athens, Anna Manda spearheads the department, mainly specialising in the TMT and pharmaceutical sectors. Marina Sofia Chronaki is knowledgeable on M&A transactions, while Maria Kallidopoulou primarily assists clients with EU and Greek competition law issues.

Practice head(s):

Anna Manda


Other key lawyers:

Marina Sofia Chronaki; Maria Kallidopoulou


Testimonials

‘K&P remains the absolute experts in the field of mergers in Greece. Professionalism and responsiveness are the among the team’s key strengths, along with their dedication to excellence. All questions and issues were always handled expertly and with very quick turnaround times. The associates were accessible and always came together as a team to deliver great results in complex cases and under time pressure. Another element that I valued is that the firm knows how to structure their teamwork so that all associates are allowed to reveal their full potential.’

‘Anna Manda and Maria Kallidopoulou were my contacts at Karatzas & Partners and I am always amazed by the quality of their work. Anna Manda has deep knowledge of her specific field and excellent communications skills that allow her to translate this knowledge to us as business associates. She is very effective and knows how to achieve the best results. Maria Kallidopoulou continues to progress dynamically in her career without compromising her high standards, efficiency and responsiveness. Her experience in international Law firms in Brussels along with her extensive knowledge are strong assets that she knows how to put to work. She always provides high level advice in strict timelines without losing her positive thinking. I am confident that she will continue to excel.’

‘Very responsive and extremely good knowledge of competition law matters.’

‘Maria (Associate) did an outstanding job. She was able to explain complex competition matters very clearly while still being focused on important details. Very recommandable.’

‘One of the key aspects that makes Karatzas & Partners unique is their holistic and client-centered approach. Karatzas goes above and beyond to integrate a deep understanding of our industry, business objectives, and long-term goals into their legal strategy. This comprehensive approach ensures that legal solutions are not just legally sound, but also aligned with our broader business interests.’

‘What truly sets the Karatzas & Partners team apart is their deep commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of their clients. They don’t just provide legal advice—they immerse themselves in the specific details of each case, ensuring they approach every challenge with a thorough understanding of our objectives and concerns. I’ve particularly appreciated working with Anna Manda, for her strategic thinking and ability to anticipate potential hurdles long before they arise. Her foresight and proactive approach have been invaluable in navigating complex legal landscapes.’

Key clients

Alpha Bank


ALPLA Group


BC Partners


Currys Plc


Damac Properties


National Bank of Greece


Prodea Investments


Work highlights


  • Advising Currys on antitrust matters related to the sale of its Greek subsidiary, Dixons, to PPC.
  • Advising Alpha Bank on antitrust matters for the sale of its real estate subsidiary and forming a JV with Dimand and Premia Properties REIC, addressing complex control, cooperation and information-sharing issues.
  • Advising National Bank of Greece on the antitrust aspects of a joint tender offer for EPSILONNET, including control issues, jurisdictional analysis, and FDI filing in Romania.

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm

Noted for its ‘collaborative nature’ and ‘clear communication’, Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm stands out for its handling of merger control cases before the Hellenic Competition Commission and the European Commission. The practice is especially active in the petroleum, retail and pharmaceutical industries, regularly advising clients on EU state aid issues and antitrust law. Co-heads Anastasia Dritsa and Victoria Mertikopoulou each specialise in abuse of dominance claims and EU merger control, alongside regulatory compliance measures. Konstantinos Sidiropoulos is an expert in EU trade law and digital market proceedings, while Ifigeneia Argyri focuses on merger control issues and distribution agreements.

Practice head(s):

Anastasia Dritsa; Victoria Mertikopoulou


Other key lawyers:

Konstantinos Sidiropoulos; Ifigeneia Argyri


Testimonials

‘Their collaborative nature, clear communication, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes distinguish them from competitors. I truly value their transparency, integrity, and the personal investment they bring to every case. This combination of expertise and genuine care makes them indispensable partners.’

‘Dedication, expertise, and commitment to client success. Partners like Victoria Mertikopoulou bring a unique combination of strategic insight with deep legal knowledge offering practical solutions to our most complex issues. She really knows her field of practice and stands out from every other lawyer we have worked on in competition matters. Associate Ifigenia Argyri was also exceptional, she paid great attention to detail. They both were responsive and ensured that every aspect of our case was handled with precision.’

‘Strengths and key capabilities: remarkable skills and expertise, high level of professionalism, dedication to clients.’

‘Anastasia Dritsa: excellent professional, great expertise, very high skills, extremely polite, really dedicated to client.’

‘This practice stands out for its deep expertise in EU commercial law, combined with a client-centric approach that prioritizes tailored solutions. The team’s strengths lie in their responsiveness, commercial acumen, and ability to handle complex, high-stakes matters efficiently.’

‘I highly recommend Anastasia Dritsa from Kyriakides for her exceptional expertise in EU competition law. She consistently delivers practical, strategic advice with a high level of professionalism. She is responsive, detail-oriented, and has a strong track record of achieving positive outcomes for clients. I trust her legal judgement and would confidently recommend her to anyone seeking high-quality legal support.’

‘Anastasia Dritsa and Victoria Mertikopoulou are able, with their team, to handle any competition law case I have worked on with them. They are very knowledgeable, responsive, good communicators, commercially aware and pragmatic. On top of this, they have a good sense of humour. They have never disappointed, and I recommend them wholeheartedly.’

‘Anastasia Dritsa stands out as a globally renowned authority in Competition law, leading her team in KG to excellence in the field. Konstantinos Sidiropoulos is a valuable member of the team, producing impeccable and state-of- the-art legal services.’

Key clients

National Natural Gas System Operator S.A. (DESFA)


Motor Oil Hellas SA


Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company


Grimaldi Group


Caudalie SAS


Delivery Hero SE, Online Delivery S.A. (“E-Food”)


Ideal Holdings S.A.


Baxter International Inc.


IBM Hellas S.A.


Pyramis Metallourgia S.A.


British American Tobacco Hellas


Free Now – Intelligent Apps GmbH (JV of BMW & Mercedes Benz Mobility)


Ferryhopper SA


“Hellenic Petroleum Marketing Companies Association” (SEEPE)


Work highlights


  • Advised Delivery Hero on its acquisition of four companies active in the markets of online restaurant reservation, online food delivery and off-line groceries and securing clearance in Phase II subject to successfully negotiating behavioural commitments in the first ‘ecosystems’ case in Greece.
  • Assisted Ideal Holdings in securing clearance before the HCC in Phase I of the indirect acquisition of ATTICA DEPARTMENT STORES.
  • Represented Caudalie Hellas and Caudalie SAS during settlement talks with the HCC and reached settlement with respect to the first marketplace and price comparison tool ban case before the HCC.

Metaxas & Associates Law Firm

Under the leadership of Antonis Metaxas and Efstathios Kakounis, Metaxas & Associates Law Firm has in-depth insight into all aspects of merger control cases, civil antitrust litigation and regulatory compliance programmes. The firm regularly represents Greek and global clients in proceedings before the Hellenic Competition Commission, covering major abuse of dominance and cartel investigations. Metaxas concentrates on state aid and EU law issues; Kakounis is highly knowledgeable in competition law; and Eirini Nikiforaki is a regulatory specialist. Sofia Tzortzi is an energy and climate expert, and Polyxeni Gkaintatzi primarily focuses on business and corporate law matters.

Practice head(s):

Antonis Metaxas; Efstathios Kakounis


Other key lawyers:

Eirini Nikiforaki; Sofia Tzortzi; Polyxeni Gkaintatzi


Testimonials

‘They provide knowledge, professionalism, excellent guidance and all this with excellent courtesy!’

‘It is probably the only team of legal professionals in Greece with such an in-depth knowledge of EU law. What makes them stand out is their capability to identify the connection of local disputes and matters with a wide array of EU law even when it is not obvious.’

‘Prof Metaxas always put together a working team that has a variety of both technical (legal background and focus) and soft skills.’

‘Mr. Kakounis: Excellent guide, deals and prepares perfectly as he knows the case in depth. He is always available, at any time, he answers emails and phones. Achieves the best result in negotiations. A true professional, excellent in court appearances. He inspires respect!’

‘Metaxas & Associates Law Firm has deep academic knowledge and extensive experience in demanding legal fields, particularly in Energy and EU law. It is one of the most specialized firms in these sectors in Greece. Clients benefit from both theoretical insights and practical solutions.’

‘Prof. Dr. A. Metaxas has extensive academic background and deep knowledge in Energy and EU law. He commits himself to the case and offers valuable advice to clients. As a legal expert he is very firm in his positions and defends them rigorously at the hearings. Dr. Tzortzi has also in-depth knowledge of EU law and is very meticulous and hard-working and always ready to respond to the client’s needs.’

‘The practice stands out for its deep expertise and ability to provide high-level scientific solutions. The team focuses on building long-term relationships; I could say they are beyond the typical legal advisors who restrain themselves in providing a solution to one issue. They are committed to understanding the broader landscape and issue. Their written work is truly of an extremely high quality.’

‘What I personally like a lot is the very proactive and anticipatory approach together with academic/scientific excellence and innovative thinking. I collaborated directly with Professor Metaxas who has a unique scientific and human approach. My day-to-day business was with Dr Sofia Tzortzi who is also a very knowledgeable lawyer in the fields of EU law, always responsive and available. Their writing skills are truly remarkable.’

Key clients

Hellenic Republic/Legal Council of the State


Elpedison S.A.


Gianso 4 X 4


Wootis S.A.


Selected Textiles S.A.


Click2c pLTD


ArcoBlue (SBG & Archirodon S.A.)


Adapa Group


MEL Macedonian Paper Mills S.A.


Work highlights


  • Appointed as the exclusive advisor for ArcoBlue, a partnership between Simply Blue Group and Archirodon; the collaboration aims to enter the Greek floating offshore wind market.
  • Handling a case involving a dispute between Athens International Airport and the Hellenic Republic, related to rent reductions for state entities during Greece’s fiscal crisis under the Airport Development Agreement.
  • Appointed to represent SELECTED TEXTILES in seeking the cassation of a judgment from the Athens Court of Appeal.

POTAMITISVEKRIS

With vast sector expertise across the pharmaceutical, aviation and telecoms industries, POTAMITISVEKRIS is described as ‘highly specialised and exceptionally experienced’ by its domestic and global client base. The team stands out for its knowledge in state aid, merger control and complex antitrust investigations, as Athens-based head Dimitris Loukas is very accustomed to handling cases before the Hellenic Competition Commission. Xenophon Paparrigopoulos is a competition law expert, concentrating on civil litigation and arbitration proceedings, and Vassilis Stergiou is knowledgeable in merger control law matters. Athanasios Taliadouros advises on abuse of dominant position claims. Kostas Manikas is also a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Dimitris Loukas


Other key lawyers:

Xenophon Paparrigopoulos; Vassilis Stergiou; Athanasios Taliadouros; Kostas Manikas; Alexandros Ntallas; Konstantina Markomichali; Petroula Nikolopoulou


Testimonials

‘They have a truly top competition law practice. Dimitris Loukas is a fantastic practitioner with experience at the Greek authority and DG for Competition in Brussels.’

‘In my view, the competition law practice of PotamitisVekris has an unparalleled reputation as the most knowledgeable and experienced team in Greece. The team is very result-oriented and most responsive. They have deep knowledge of all key areas of competition law (incl. State aid), combined with business acumen, which distinguishes them from all other Greek competition law practices.’

‘Partner Dimitris Loukas is very knowledgeable and has vast experience and depth of perception, having worked for years both in the private sector in law firms in Greece and abroad, as well as in the field of public enforcement (Greek Competition Commission and DG of Competition). Always insightful and responsive, making an extra effort to satisfy client’s needs. Thanasis Taliadouros has gained significant experience over the years, and he is consistently able to provide targeted and business-friendly advice.’

‘This is one of our most valuable external teams which we have used both in emergencies, like dawn raids and in everyday issues- simple and complex- as well as in antitrust internal audits. They have deep and always up-to-date technical knowledge, they are experienced with very good networking, they respond fast and adapt to our needs, and they combine their advice with an acute business/market approach that is highly appreciated. They also collaborate well with other teams in their firm, like the litigations team, so we receive top quality, holistic services.’

‘Dimitris Loukas who leads the team is characterized by his deep technical knowledge and experience and he combines with a pragmatic, business/market approach that is highly appreciated. He is always available, personally engaged in all our cases, super-fast in responding and very flexible. He also highly appreciated and enjoys an excellent reputation in the legal work.’

‘The team is led by Dimitris Loukas, an exceptional practitioner, who combines deep knowledge of competition law with a business-oriented approach. A valued partner to his clients, Dimitris offers precise advice in a proactive and precise manner. Special mention should be given to Athanasios Taliadouros. Athanasios is an experienced lawyer in the field of competition. He has excellent knowledge of the law, and a deep understanding of commercial issues. Konstantina Markomichali is also very skilled, responsive and hands-on.’

‘Ηighly specialized and exceptionally experienced in competition law. Emphasis on professionalism and diligence. Client-focused and business-oriented legal advice, tailored to meet the specific needs of the enterprise. Prompt, direct, and effective communication.’

‘Dimitris Loukas combines years of experience with a brilliant strategic mind. He is an extremely good lawyer, very precise in his advice and always available. He works in a very efficient and client-friendly way and communicates very clearly.’

Work highlights


  • Represented Piraeus Bank in relation to the HCC investigation concerning the coordination between Greece’s major banks for the introduction of certain banking fees.
  • Advising Attica Bank on merger control and state aid issues in relation to (a) its merger with Pancreta Bank (b) the agreement between its shareholders with respect to their investment in the Attica Bank and the capital actions of Attica Bank.
  • Advised NOVA/United Group in relation to its antitrust notification and ex officio investigation process concerning the implementation/extension of its Radio Access Network Sharing agreement with VODAFONE to urban centres.

Zepos & Yannopoulos

A ‘top expert’, Stamatis Drakakakis heads the Zepos & Yannopoulos practice, specialising in all aspects of merger cases, state aid claims and complex antitrust proceedings. The team is especially well versed in the energy, banking and beverage industries, regularly advising on merger control elements and regulatory compliance measures. Drakakakis is a competition law expert; Iraklis Tsakopoulos focuses on tax and administrative procedures; and Violeta Panagiotopoulou has experience in claims before the Hellenic Competition Commission and Greek civil courts. Yolanda Antoniou-Rapti, Maria Lampadaki and Ellie Gavriilidou are also names to note.

Practice head(s):

Stamatis Drakakakis


Other key lawyers:

Iraklis Tsakopoulos; Violeta Panagiotopoulou; Yolanda Antoniou-Rapti; Maria Lampadaki; Ellie Gavriilidou; Lydia Gavriilidou; Gina Goudoulia


Testimonials

‘In-depth knowledge of antitrust legal framework and Greek landscape, great collaboration, hands on team. We have been working with this firm and with Partner Stamatis Drakakakis for many years now and we value the expertise and support.’

‘Stamatis Drakakakis is an exceptional professional, with in-depth knowledge of our business and of the antitrust legal framework, he has clear understanding of the European as well as Greek antitrust landscape and focus, he is the one we trust to advise on antitrust issues that come up not just in Greece, but in other EU countries.’

‘We have worked with Stamatis Drakakakis and team on competition law. The Competition Team is excellent and provides deep legal knowledge combined to knowledge of the Competition Authority processes and practices.’

‘They act pro-actively. They are very well informed of EU Competition Commission trends and of various national (European) Competition Authorities trends and provides us with a unique all-around information. Elli Gavriilidou is an excellent lawyer and very often substitutes partner in a very efficient way.’

‘The team is exceptional in all aspects of legal practice in EU and competition.’

‘The team in charge of competition law matters has great expertise, enhanced communication skills, being hands on, always available to the requests of the client.’

‘Stamatis Drakakakis is very direct, hands on and close to the client when it comes to defend the rights of the client. He is a highly esteemed colleague, top expert on competition law matters and we have a very positive winning track record of competition cases.’

‘Great expertise, and a very cooperative team.’

Key clients

DEPA Commercial


Copelouzos Group (FOODCORP INVESTMENTS S.A.)


REDESTOS and CERTIS BELCHIM B.V.


HELLENIC TRAIN / DAMCO ENERGY


ONEX TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS


Alpha Bank


Hellenic Republic – Ministry of the Environment and Energy


Hellenic Defence Systems


L’OREAL HELLAS


COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY


Work highlights


  • Represented DEPA Commercial before the European Commission in the acquisition of joint control (as a newly entering shareholder) over a company established under the laws of Albania which is the owner of a thermal power plant.
  • Represented Copelouzos Group (and particularly the company under the name FOODCORP INVESTMENTS) in obtaining clearance by the HCC for the acquisition of joint control over 1904, along with GRIGORIS.
  • Acted as local counsel for REDESTOS and CERTIS BELCHIM in the notification of their partnership before the HCC.

Ballas Pelecanos Law

With extensive knowledge on EU and Greek competition law issues, Ballas Pelecanos Law adopts a ‘very business-oriented approach’ when supporting its clients from across the pharmaceutical, energy and IT sectors. The Athens-based team has experience in complex investigations brought by the Hellenic Competition Commission, with team head Gregory Pelecanos being an expert antitrust litigator as well as a specialist in bankruptcy law matters. Konstantina Sideris primarily focuses on abuse of dominance cases and state aid issues. The practice is also well versed in competition training and compliance measures.

Practice head(s):

Gregory Pelecanos


Other key lawyers:

Konstantina Sideris


Testimonials

‘We know we can trust them with any legal query. They stand apart for their extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive sector, as well as their availability and responsiveness.’

‘We consider Gregory Pelecanos a trusted partner, with whom we have built a strong relationship over the years of our collaboration. His knowledge, experience and ability to offer tailor-made advice, translated into solutions, in matters of competition law is unrivalled.’

‘We are working with Gregory Pelecanos. He has experience of the needs of the clients as he has worked as a general counsel. He speaks fluently English, so there is no difficulty to cooperate. He has always smart ideas. He has a perfect knowledge of Competition law and Distribution law.’

‘Good and capable team. Easy to reach and a high degree of service level. Staff the team in the most cost-efficient way. The team works very well together and always in the best interest of the client.’

‘A high degree of competence and a very business-oriented approach. Very pragmatic and user-friendly advice. Liaise well with the businesspeople.’

Key clients

Ford Motor Greece SA


Volvo Greece SA


Star Automotive Hellas SA (formerly Mercedes Benz Greece)


Amer Exports Sports GmbH


Mitsubishi Electric Europe- Italy BV


SAS SA


AGET-HERACLES SA Lafarge Holcim Group


De’ Longhi SpA


Work highlights


  • Advised Volvo Car Greece on the roll-out of new distribution contracts in Greece in line with new distribution policy of Volvo Car Corporation.
  • Advised Star Automotive Hellas (formerly Mercedes Benz Hellas) on the roll-out of a new distribution system for “smart” vehicles in Greece.
  • Advised the University of Patras Technology Transfer Office on technology transfer (patent licences, etc.) according the Technology Transfer Regulation 316/2014 and applications of competition law to innovation.

KLC Law Firm

With an ‘efficient, accurate and highly effective’ approach, KLC Law Firm regularly acts in competition and state aid matters. The practice is highly regarded for handling multi-jurisdictional antitrust cases before the Hellenic Competition Commission, primarily representing multinational construction companies. Based out of Athens, Vassilis Karagiannis is hailed as an ‘expert’ in EU and competition law matters, routinely managing unfair competition claims. The team predominantly focuses on the construction, steel and infrastructure industries.

Practice head(s):

Vassilis Karagiannis


Testimonials

‘We value the fact that, for each project, they appoint a team of specialists with both expertise in the relevant legal areas and sector-specific knowledge (particularly in life sciences), which is a rare asset in Greece.’

‘Dr. Karagiannis delivered strong legal counseling, combining both theoretical insights and relevant case law, while Mr. Loukopoulos played a key role in shaping the litigation strategy. Their approach was efficient, accurate, and highly effective. Both consistently deliver services of the highest calibre.’

‘KLC’s pricing is reasonable, and their billing process is transparent and well-documented.’

Key clients

Piraeus Equity Partners


Halyvourgiki SA


Edison Group


Hellenic Republic Assets Development Fund (HRADF)


Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney


Copelouzos Group (Metropolitan SA)


Work highlights


Lambadarios Law Firm

Frequently navigating the procedural aspects of merger control and antitrust compliance measures, the Lambadarios Law Firm is noted for its ‘specialised knowledge in EU and competition law’. Operating out of Athens, the ‘valuable and trusted’ Lefkothea Nteka has extensive experience in abuse of dominance claims and commercial matters, including privatisations. Manos Mastromanolis is highly knowledgeable in antitrust and corporate issues, and Constantinos Lambadarios specialises in the construction and cosmetics industries. Efthymia Armata is also a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Lefkothea Nteka


Other key lawyers:

Manos Mastromanolis; Constantinos Lambadarios; Efthymia Armata


Testimonials

‘Good hands-on advice and very responsive.’

‘Appreciate the professional approach, but also the fact that they have good connections to regulators on topics relevant to our industry.’

‘Very experienced and great to work with.’

‘The teams stands out for the security it provides to the client in handling each case, as a result of its experience and specialized knowledge in EU & competition law, it has a high familiarity with technological means and the reliability of the services it provides is a given. It also has very wide knowledge and experience in handling cases before the supervisory authorities, which is extremely important for the best possible result in handling competition cases concerning this sector. Cooperation is always kind and useful, as knowledge sharing and prevention are among its key features.’

‘We work closely with Lefkothea Deka and her team in competition matters. She is a valuable and trusted partner with extensive experience and specialized knowledge, who knows competition issues deeply.’

‘We also work closely with Konstantinos Lampadarios and Melina Katsimi and their teams in EU law cases, and a relationship of trust has been established over a number of years, precisely because of their experience and specialized knowledge in this field.’

‘Highly professional behaviour by people that not only are experts on their fields but also great at understanding the mindset and needs of the client and open to adjust their work based on the nature of each specific case. Their deep knowledge of the legal but also practical aspects is impresive. Lefkothea Nteka, Efi Armata, Konstantina Siozou, Emmanuel Mastromanolis, Katerina Gkini.’

‘Lefkothea Nteka is probably one of the two/three best competition lawyers in Greece of that generation.’

Key clients

Corteva


Xiamen Yealink Network Technology Co., Ltd.


Miele


Cardlink


Worldline


DEPA (Public Gas Corporation)


PPC (Public Power Corporation)


RWE AG


ANT1


Lapin House (ST. Papaionannou SA)


Meeting Point Hellas


De Rigo


IASO Group of Hospitals


SwitzGroup Europe Limited


Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund


Recovery and Resilience Facility Agency in Greece


Work highlights


  • Assisting SwitzGroup Europe during the merger notification process before the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) on its acquisition of 51% of the share capital of Ιoniki Sfoliata Frozen Food Production Dough And Puff Pastry.
  • Advising Miele Greece during an ex officio investigation initiated by the HCC regarding alleged infringements related to restrictive vertical agreements.
  • Advising Athenian Brewery on various commercial practices in different channels of the beer market from a competition law perspective.

Nikolinakos & Partners Law Firm

Nikolinakos & Partners Law Firm specialises in handling dawn raids and other forms of cartel investigations, alongside providing pre-merger and competition compliance advice. The practice is especially well versed in the TMT and pharmaceutical sectors, where it acts on behalf of domestic and international clients. Managing partner Nikos Nikolinakos is an expert in overseeing competition litigation cases before the regulatory authorities and administrative courts. Dina Kouvelou primarily focuses on antitrust matters. Alexis Spyropoulos is also highlighted as a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Nikos Nikolinakos; Dina Kouvelou


Other key lawyers:

Alexis Spyropoulos


Testimonials

‘This is an absolutely impressive competition law team. A standout antitrust team due to its high responsiveness, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the area. It is the absolute best to go firm, especially in the field of regulated industries. They have developed a first-rate reputation in – and are highly recommended for – antitrust litigation, merger control, cartel enforcement and complex antitrust investigations. This competition law practice provides excellent strategic guidance on complex matters in an efficient and convincing manner.’

‘Dina Kouvelou is a leading competition/antitrust legal counsel. She is highly experienced, very responsive, and personable. She is fantastic at balancing business interests against legal risks. She is highly recommended for merger control, state aid and antitrust litigation. She simplifies complex legal issues, provides to-the-point advice, and has exceptional skills as a litigator and strategist. Nikos Nikolinakos has impressive competition law expertise and experience and possesses a business understanding. He is an excellent strategist, detail-oriented, and strong in technical legal analysis. I strongly recommend him for abuse of dominance litigation, cartel, and state aid matters. Alexis Spyropoulos is an experienced competition law practitioner, with excellent commercial awareness. He provides clear and well-explained advice and is always practical, responsive, and accurate. I recommend him for merger control and state aid issues.’

‘This is an impressive competition law team that is super responsive and provides great client service. They are highly competent, target-oriented and effective. This competition practice brings exceptional client service and offers a pragmatism and client-centric understanding. I recommend them for their expertise in merger and acquisition reviews, investigations, and litigation.’

‘Nikos Nikolinakos is excellent to work with. He is professional, personable and always responsive to my enquiries. Apart from a competition law expert, he is a vastly experienced telecoms and technology lawyer. He is exceptional, particularly when it comes to client service, pragmatism and business acumen.’

‘This is an impressive competition law practice. We value their commercial approach, their in-depth knowledge of complex matters and their ability to retain sight of the big picture. They have substantial experience and profound expertise, focusing lately on emerging digital technologies such as AI and robotics. They are highly professional with excellent practical implementation. Excellent availability and short response times.’

‘Nikos Nikolinakos is an excellent problem solver and highly efficient in applying competition law in technology-related sectors. He is mostly active in the areas of telecoms, media, artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging digital technologies.’

‘Dina Kouvelou has extensive expertise and experience in competition law and technology-related matters, and is extremely responsive and proactive. More importantly, she is capable of handling complex long-term strategies as well as routine tasks with a high level of attention.’

‘This competition law practice is outstanding and formidable. They have an experienced, responsive and talented competition law team that provides pragmatic advice on complex matters. Their main expertise focuses on abuse of dominance, antitrust litigation, merger control, and cartels matters. The group collectively has an impressive strong track record of acting for companies mainly in the technology and telecoms sectors.’

Key clients

Vodafone S.A.


Airbnb Inc.


Fiber2All S.A.


Meta (Facebook), Inc.


Twitter (X), Inc.


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


National Technical University of Athens – Netmode Lab


Vantage Towers Greece


Victus Networks S.A.


Huawei Technologies S.A.


GRID Telecom Greece S.A.


Innovis Pharma S.A.


Digital Realty Group


Work highlights


Koutalidis Law Firm

Led by the Athens-based trio of Katia Protopapa, Alexandra Mikroulea and Maria Ioannidou, Koutalidis Law Firm delivers ‘comprehensive, high-quality’ work on all aspects of competition law and state aid issues. Ioannidou is highly knowledgeable in major antitrust cases; Protopapa is an M&A expert; and Mikroulea is a specialist in trade mark and consumer protection law proceedings. Christina Kechagia–Tsiakiri and Konstantina Tzerefou are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Katia Protoppa; Alexandra Mikroulea; Maria Ioannidou


Other key lawyers:

Christina Kechagia -Tsiakiri; Konstantina Tzerefou


Testimonials

‘Great team!’

‘Maria Ioannidou – very knowledgeable, competent and pragmatic.’

‘This firm stands out for its exceptional ability to deliver comprehensive, high-quality legal work within strict deadlines, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. What truly makes this practice unique is its meticulous attention to detail combined with the capacity to quickly grasp complex legal and business issues. The team is highly responsive, and their client-centric approach ensures that every point of concern is addressed thoroughly, leaving no gaps in their legal analysis.’

‘All colleagues have exhibited a very high-level of professionalism, flexibility and orientation to customers’ requirements without sacrificing the integrity of their legal analysis.’

Key clients

Alpha Bank S.A.


Alpha Leasing S.M.S.A.


Hellenic Financial Stability Fund


Hellenic Train S.A.


DAMCO ENERGY S.A.


Piraeus Bank


Eurobank


National Bank of Greece


Fraport AG Airport Services Worldwide


Blue Bird Airways


IDEAL Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advising Alpha Bank on a corporate restructuring centred around the demerger of its indirect subsidiary, Alpha Leasing.
  • Advising IDEAL Holdings on its agreement to sell 100% of Astir Vitogiannis Bros to Guala Closures.
  • Advised Aegean Baltic Holding on its agreement with the existing majority shareholders of the credit institution Aegean Baltic Bank (ABB) for the acquisition of majority control over ABB.

Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership

Counting corporations from across the pharmaceutical, electronics and retail sectors among its key clients, Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership is highlighted for its ‘profound understanding’ of EU and competition law. From Athens, Julia Pournara and Lia Vitzilaiou co-head the team; Pournara is experienced in business restructurings and antitrust compliance matters, and Vitzilaiou primarily focuses on abuse of dominance cases.

Practice head(s):

Julia Pournara; Lia Vitzilaiou


Testimonials

‘The team’s profound understanding of EU and competition law is evident in their approach to complex cases. They bring a wealth of experience in handling intricate legal matters, including antitrust issues and merger control, delivering insightful and effective solutions.’

‘Working with Lia Vitzilaiou has been an outstanding experience. Lia stands out not only for her exceptional legal acumen but also for her unique approach to client service and problem-solving. Her dedication and skill make her a true asset in the field of EU and competition law.’

Key clients

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Directorate General for Structural Reform Support)


Dixons Southeast Europe SA (Kotsovolos)


Yara Hellas Société Anonyme Commerce of Fertilizers


Pharmathen SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted the European Commission (Directorate General for Structural Reform Support) on the Greek State Aid Modernisation, strengthening the institutional setup for state aid control in Greece (REFORM/SC2021/087).
  • Provided competition law compliance services to Yara Hellas Société Anonyme Commerce of Fertilizers, including competition law seminars and training.
  • Provided competition law support to Dixons Southeast Europe (Kotsovolos).

Politis & Partners

Specialising in representing the European Commission in litigation, alongside advising on EU regulatory and antitrust matters, Politis & Partners is hailed for its ‘strategic approach’. Based in Athens, co-head Vangelis Politis has vast arbitration and litigation expertise, frequently handling commercial lawsuits and employment disputes. Fellow practice co-head Emmanouil Savoidakis is knowledgeable in EU law and corporate formation proceedings. Dimitrios Theodoropoulos is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Vangelis Politis; Emmanouil Savoidakis


Other key lawyers:

Dimitrios Theodoropoulos


Testimonials

‘The team combines deep expertise, a personalized approach, and provides excellent value, quickly responding to the Client’s needs, all while being agile and cost-effective.’

‘Dimitrios Theodoropoulos and Vangelis Politis offer a combination of expertise, empathy, and adaptability that allows them to deliver exceptional results in a more personalized manner. Their versatility is highly valuable as they are specialists in the corporate practice area, but they are also able to adapt and contribute across various disciplines. These qualities make them highly effective professionals combining expertise and commitment to excellence.’

‘Politis & Partners’ EU Law practice is unique for its comprehensive expertise in navigating the regulatory landscapes across multiple jurisdictions. Their strengths lie in their strategic approach to growth, public tenders, and antitrust law, combined with their ability to handle complex business contracts efficiently.’

‘The Politis & Partners team, including standout partners and associates, are distinguished by their deep understanding of cross-border transactions, fluency in English, and a cosmopolitan approach that enables them to navigate complex international cases with ease and insight.’

Key clients

European Commission


V+O Communication & Consulting S.A.


Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)


Bosch Rexroth


Paul Stricker S.A.


Work highlights


  • Represent the European Commission in litigation against beneficiaries of community subsidy programmes.
  • Representing V+O Communication & Consulting with regard to its growth strategy, public tenders, antitrust law and business contracts.
  • Provides legal advice to Bosch Rexroth in connection with EU regulatory and antitrust matters.

Sarantitis

Noted for its extensive experience in competition and merger control cases before the Hellenic Competition Commission and the European Commission, the Sarantitis team represents major shipyards and multinational beverage companies. Terina Raptis leads the department, specialising in the whole spectrum of EU and competition law, while also expertly handling commercial and civil litigation. Antonis Katsigiannis is highlighted for his TMT and data protection knowledge.

Practice head(s):

Terina Raptis


Other key lawyers:

Antonis Katsigiannis


Key clients

The under Special Administration Hellenic Shipyards SA (ENAE)


Mytilineos S.A.


Printec Group


Neptune Lines Group


Ideal Holdings S.A.


Royal Canin France


Work highlights


  • Represented the Special Administrator of the Hellenic Shipyards in litigation involving a claim of Hellenic Shipyards towards the Hellenic Republic of over €250m, including claims of illegal state aid granted by an Arbitral Award, as well as a request for preliminary reference to the CJEU.
  • Advised Mytilineos Energy and Metals group on the full acquisition of UNISON Group of Companies, including preparation and submission of the required prior merger notification to the HCC.
  • Advised S.I.C.C., member of the Ideal Group, on the sale of ESM Effervescent Sodas Management to Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.

Stavropoulos & Partners

The ‘highly qualified and experienced’ EU and competition lawyers at Stavropoulos & Partners stand out for their work on complex market dominance and merger control issues. Managing partner Ioannis Stavropoulos has extensive experience in competition law and routinely assists companies with regulatory compliance measures. Evanthia Tsiri is knowledgeable on the public and private enforcement of competition law affairs, while Aimilia Stavropoulou focuses on drafting and reviewing commercial agreements.

Practice head(s):

Ioannis Stavropoulos; Evanthia Tsiri


Other key lawyers:

Aimilia Stavropoulou


Testimonials

‘The team consists of highly qualified and experienced members, with integrity, reliability and deep understanding of the client’s business needs.’

‘Evanthia Tsiri is highly appreciated in the business community for her business insight together with her excellence in terms of knowledge and practice, as well as her capability of dealing with complex competition law issues.’

Key clients

Heineken/Athenian Brewery


FrieslandCampina


Hellenic Recycling Company


ECR Hellas


Louis Vuitton


Sephora


Papastratos (member of Philip Morris Group)


Paliria Souliotis S.A.


Work highlights


  • Representing a client in the FMCG sector in an investigation before the competition authority and assisting with the dawn raid and unsealing procedure.
  • Advising a client on competition law compliance issues, including drafting and reviewing commercial agreements and policies in compliance with competition law.
  • Providing a client with day-to-day advice on competition law compliance issues (including commercial policies, trade marketing policies and promotional activities).