Bernitsas Law > Athens, Greece > Firm Profile

Bernitsas Law
5 LYKAVITTOU STREET
106 72 ATHENS
Greece

Greece > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

Bernitsas Law advises both domestic and foreign clients on complex matters including offerings of debt instruments, mergers and demergers in the banking sector, non-performing loan (NPL) transactions, securitisations, financial regulation, and restructurings and insolvency. The team handles a great volume of cross-border transactions, providing industry expertise across a variety of sectors such as healthcare, telecoms and retail. ‘Leader in the field‘ Athanasia Tsene co-heads the practice, with vast experience in international financial transactions, including security and hedging arrangements. Fellow co-head Nikos Papachristopoulos has been heavily involved in the recapitalisation of the Greek systemic banks. Managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas and counsel Dionysis Flambouras, who specialises in financing arrangements, securitisations and bond issues, are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Athanasia Tsene; Nikos Papachristopoulos

Other key lawyers:

Panayotis Bernitsas; Dionysis Flambouras; Sofia Kontou; Yannis Potamias

Testimonials

‘A very knowledgeable team, providing fast and practical answers and solutions. Great client management skills.’

‘The team stands out for its innovation, responsiveness, availability, collaboration and responsibility.’

‘Dionysis Flambouras is hardworking, responsive and business oriented. He works well with clients.’

Athanasia Tsene is a leader in the field. She is innovative and knowledgeable.

‘A very knowledgeable and experienced team.’

‘Athanasia Tsene is very technical. She and Nikos Papachristopoulos are a great resource for Greek law matters.’

Key clients

Alpha Bank

Amerra Capital Management LLC

Apollo Global Management

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

BNP Paribas

CPPIB

Cepal SA

Citigroup

Commerzbank

Credit Agricole

Credit Suisse

CVC Capital Partners

Davidson Kempner European Partners LLP

Deutsche Bank

Ellaktor SA

Ellington Management Group

Elpedison Power SA

Eurobank Ergasias SA

Hellenic Petroleum

Hoist Finance AB

Hoist Hellas SA

HSBC

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Intrum AB

JP Morgan

Link Group

Morgan Stanley

Motor Oil Group

Mubadala Investment Company PJSC

Mytilineos SA

N.M. Rothschilds and Sons Limited

National Bank of Greece

Olympic Commercial and Tourism Enterprises SA (Avis Hellas)

PIMCO

Piraeus Bank

RIA Payment Institution

Shikun & Binui

Societe Anonyme of Maintenance Compulsory Stocks and Trading of Crude Oil

Société Générale

Titan Group

Thomas Cook (in liquidation)

Trastor REIC

Värde Partners

Vivartia SA group of companies

Western Union

Work highlights

  • Acted as Greek law counsel to Piraeus Financial Holdings in connection with its €1.3bn non-preemptive equity capital raising.
  • Acted as Greek law counsel to Mytilineos SA in connection with its green bond offering of €500m senior notes.
  • Advised PIMCO in connection with its securitisation agreement with PPC for unpaid receivables of over 90 days.

Greece > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Bernitsas Law has ‘deep knowledge‘ of the corporate and M&A market, with extensive experience in advising private equity funds and international investors on the acquisition of Greek assets, in addition to handling major demergers and restructurings. The team also assists with day-to-day business issues, corporate governance, commercial contracts and regulatory compliance, with a wide-ranging client base that also includes leading domestic companies, SMEs, financial institutions and state agencies. Lambros Belessis is an expert in structuring, documenting and negotiating commercial transactions, focusing on advising international companies with a presence in Greece. He co-heads the practice with Nikos Papachristopoulos, who is noted for his advice on acquisitions and takeovers of listed companies. Other notable contacts include managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas and Evi Kitsou, an expert in commercial agreements and regulatory compliance.

Practice head(s):

Lambros Belessis; Nikos Papachristopoulos

Other key lawyers:

Panayotis Bernitsas; Evi Kitsou; Yannis Seiradakis; Linda Vasaka; Sofia Kontou

Testimonials

‘A strong M&A, commercial and corporate practice with a deep knowledge of the sector.’

‘Lambros Belessis and Evi Kitsou stand out for their ability to help their clients reach their goals.’

‘Linda Vasaka is careful to pull in experts and to ensure we fully understand any and all local legal risks. Her documentation is always complete and timely. She was readily available when we needed her advice.’

‘A great team of lawyers who always listen and explain legal issues clearly and precisely. They are also always extremely responsive to any questions.’

‘Evi Kitsou and Lambros Belessis are standout partners.’

‘They are service oriented and work well as a team, with excellent knowledge of the local market.’

‘It is an honour to work with Nikos Papachristopoulos and profit from his unique experience and knowledge.’

‘Although the legal framework recently changed, Nikos Papachristopoulos was very well informed and provided us with the best legal advice, meaning we were very well prepared and protected.’

Key clients

Alvarez & Marsal

AIG Group of Companies

Amerra Capital Management LLC

Assicurazioni Generali

BMW Group of Companies

CRS Liknoss SA

CVC

Cyprus Popular Bank Co Ltd.

CYTA Cyprus

Diesel Hellas SA

Diesel SpA

ELLAKTOR SA

Etraveli

Eurobank

Fresenius Kabi Hellas SA

Hellenic Healthcare Sàrl

Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF)

Hipoges Iberia SL

Imker Capital

Investment Bank of Greece SA

Kosmocar SA

Lundbeck Hellas SA

Media Saturn Holding GmbH

Mubadala Industry Holding Company PSJC

National Bank of Greece

North Star Group

PUMA AG / PUMA SA

RCS Europe Sarl

Saint Gobain Group

Solvay Chimika SA

The Hellenic Republic

UPS of Greece

Värde Partners

Vinci Energies

Vivartia Group

Work highlights

  • Advised CVC on the acquisition of 99.47% of Vivartia, as well as on the financial restructuring of Vivartia’s bank debt.
  • Advised Crown Holdings Inc on the Greek leg of its definitive agreement to sell 80% of its European Tinplate business to KPS Capital Partners LP for approximately €1.9bn.
  • Acted as Greek law counsel to CVC Capital Partners’ Fund VII in connection with its acquisition of 90.01% of Ethniki Insurance from NBG.

Greece > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Bernitsas Law has an ‘excellent‘ team with a wide range of litigation experience spanning administrative, banking and finance, corporate and commercial, corporate crime and fraud, and restructuring and insolvency disputes. Its client base extends from companies in the telecoms, oil and gas, gaming and utilities sectors to pharmaceuticals and electronics businesses. The team offers representation at a specialised level before the Greek and European courts, industrial tribunals and the International Court of Arbitration, with experience in litigation, arbitration and mediation. Dimitris Roussis, who has notable expertise in administrative litigation, co-heads the practice with senior counsel Christos Paraskevopoulos, whose expertise lies in commercial disputes. Other individuals to note are senior associate Evangelos Mamalakis and associate Pelina Leontiadou.

Practice head(s):

Dimitris Roussis; Christos Paraskevopoulos

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Christos Paraskevopoulos and Pelina Leontiadou and their team are excellent lawyers who deal effectively with our cases. We are extremely pleased with their performance and close cooperation with us.’

‘Excellent market knowledge, excellent legal expertise, very responsive and always solution-oriented.’

‘Christos Paraskevopoulos is extremely responsive and pragmatic and provides impeccable legal advice. Evangelos Mamalakis is extremely diligent.’

‘A great team – collaborative, diverse and quick to deploy. They supported us with any ad hoc questions and requests in a professional and efficient manner. Excellent communication skills both in Greek and English.’

‘Dimitris Roussis has very good knowledge of administrative and public procurement law, writes very good legal documents and successfully handles cases in front of the administrative courts. Panayotis Bernitsas is experienced, with very deep legal knowledge, and is also very reliable. Stella Papakosta is also a very professional and reliable lawyer.’

‘They genuinely care for their clients.’

‘Evangelos Mamalakis is one of the best litigators we worked with. He gets the essence of the issues and his analysis get to the core of the problem. Hardworking, efficient, with a passion for detail and clarity.’

‘What makes their firm unique is its deep knowledge and analysis of domestic and international legislation, market insight, professionalism, collaboration and understanding of the client’s needs.’

Key clients

Apivita SA

BMW Hellas SA

Fresenius Kabi Hellas

CNP Zois SA

Diesel SA

Hellenic Petroleum

Japan Tobacco International

Orion Pharma SA

Viomes SA

Work highlights

  • Represented Fresenius Kabi Hellas in appeals before the Council of State against decisions requiring it to pay clawbacks to Greek hospitals in relation to hospital supplies.
  • Represented Akazoo SA in €4.7m litigation proceedings.
  • Represented CNP Zois SA, a member of the CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd Group, in ongoing litigation concerning insurance products sold in the Greek market.

Greece > Energy Tier 1

Bernitsas Law has a leading presence in the energy industry, as is evidenced by its work for clients active in areas such as renewable energy, oil and gas, water, mining and electricity. It handles all aspects of upstream and downstream work, such as compliance, management, development and finance. Recent work included acting for London-headquartered renewable energy developer Emeren Ltd on the potential acquisition of photovoltaic plants from Azalea Energy Constructions and Consultancy. Yannis Seiradakis, who heads up the practice, is experienced in advising international investors, financers and government bodies. Senior associate Eleni Stazilova advises on commercial contracts and finance agreements, as well as tender procedures and the acquisition and development of projects in the conventional and renewable energy sectors.

Practice head(s):

Yannis Seiradakis

Other key lawyers:

Panayotis Bernitsas; Eleni Stazilova; Stella Papakosta; Konstantina Karveli

Testimonials

‘The Bernitsas Law Firm Energy Team not only possesses an unequivocal know how in the oil and gas sector, especially the upstream sector, but also has a timely, accurate and fully substantiated response in every task assigned to them, no matter its complexity. Compared to other firms in the energy sector that we have collaborated with recently, they stand out for their ability in creating strong bonds of trust among their clientele thus ensuring that their clients are in good and experienced hands.’

‘It should be noted that the partners themselves show a unique interest in every single case the energy team handles while simultaneously maintaining a reasonable billing for the firm.’

‘They know energy regulation and legislation very well, are available at all times and they understand the business practices very well.’

‘Good lawyers who help a lot in the negotiation process, not just from a legal point of view, but also taking into account the local culture which is very important as we are a foreign investor. Available day and night.’

Key clients

Alpha Bank

China Three Gorges

CNIC Corporation Limited

CVC Capital Partners

Emeren LTD

Gastrade SA

Hellenic Petroleum SA

Hellenic Petroleum Renewables SA

Hellenic Republic

ICGB AD

Masdar

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power

Motor Oil

National Bank of Greece SA

Pimco

PPC (Public Power Corporation)

RWE Supply & Trading

S’ENERGY Renewable Energy

SINO-CEE Fund

Shanghai Dahzong Utility

Solarmacht

Taaleri Energia

Vinci Energies

YHS STRYMON SA

Work highlights

  • Advised Motor Oil Hellas on the acquisition from an entity controlled by a leading global investment fund of a portfolio of 12 wind farms with a total capacity of 240MW.
  • Advised CVC on its participation in the tender conducted by PPC for the sale of 49% of Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO).
  • Advised Motor Oil and PPC in its participation in the tender conducted by the Hellenic Republic Assets Development Fund (HRADF) for the privatisation of DEPA COMMERCIAL.

Greece > EU and competition Tier 1

Bernitsas Law, which acts for domestic and international clients, features prominently in high-profile merger control mandates across a wide range of industries. It is also able to assist with sector investigations, cartel and state aid cases, as well as damages actions. Notable work highlights included acting for CVC Capital Partners’ Fund VII on the EC merger filing associated with the acquisition of Ethniki Insurance from NBG. The sizeable team is led by Marina Androulakakis. Other notable contacts include the highly regarded Augustine Almyroudi, managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas and senior associate Tania Patsalia.

Practice head(s):

Marina Androulakakis

Testimonials

‘They make a complex issue simpler.’

‘We have been working with Bernitsas Law Firm for many years. Panayotis Bernitsas is an exceptional and experienced lawyer with a great business sense and customer focus. The members of the team are also great lawyers, with an understanding of our business needs, always available to provide high quality legal support.’

‘Exceptional legal team; always to the point of the case.’

‘Individuals have great experience and are always to the point.’

Key clients

Attica Group

Bristol Myers Squibb

BMW Hellas SA

CVC

Hellenic Fuels (formerly BP Hellas)

Hellenic Petroleum SA

Hellenic Republic

Motor Oil Hellas

Work highlights

  • Advised CVC on the competition law aspects of the acquisition by Venetiko Holdings SMSA, a Greek company invested in by funds managed or advised by CVC, of 99.47% of Vivartia, a leading food production conglomerate, including with the merger filing process before the European Commission.
  • Assisted Motor Oil Hellas with obtaining Phase 1 merger control clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) in relation to the acquisition from a global investment fund of a portfolio of 12 wind farms with a total capacity of 240MWs.
  • Assisted CVC with its merger control filing before the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) in connection with the indirect acquisition of a majority stake in Dodoni SA by Venetiko Holdings SMSA, a Greek company invested in by funds advised or managed by CVC.

Greece > Projects and privatisation Tier 1

Bernitsas Law has a first-rate reputation for advising high-profile clients on major projects, overseeing privatisations of state-owned enterprises, project finance and PPPs. Its work spans areas such as energy (including oil and gas), transport, infrastructure, telecoms and waste management, among others. The firm is advising Vodafone on the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of a Fiber To The Home Network for inner and outer rings and vertical building connections. The practice is led by Panayotis Bernitsas, Dimitris Roussis and Yannis Seiradakis. Senior associate Stella Papakosta is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Panayotis Bernitsas; Dimitris Roussis; Yannis Seiradakis

Testimonials

‘The team demonstrated in-depth understanding of all legal facets of the privatisation and was able to provide spot-on recommendations to our client.’

‘Yannis Seiradakis and Eleni Stazilova were exemplary in their capacity as Greek legal advisors to our client. They were able to articulate succinctly complex legal matters to an international client, unfamiliar with the local landscape and legal regime. In addition, they always provided an array of possible choices to the client and presented recommendations with appropriate justification.’ 

‘The Bernitsas Law Firm Projects and Privatisations Team stands out for its multifaceted approach to the assigned cases, covering different law areas, therefore preventing unnecessary fallbacks and providing their clients with complete advice.’

‘Experienced; enthusiastic; efficient; hardworking team.’

‘Yiannis Seiradakis and Stella Papakosta are both seasoned professionals, excellent collaborators that think outside of the box, reduce complexity in transactions and deliver solid results.’

‘The team is very experienced, one of the most experienced teams in Greece in this sector, and have been involved in practically every important related transaction in the country.’

‘Yiannis Seiradakis and Stella Papakosta are valuable collaborators of our company, they are highly efficient and motivated professionals that have helped us successfully in every complicated transaction.’

‘A key element to highlight is their flexibility and understanding of the client needs, since they understood our need and proposed us a tailor-made type of service agreement.’

Key clients

Avax SA

Credit Agricole

CVC

Dahzong Utility Shanghai

Ellaktor SA

Equitix Partners

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Gastrade SA

Grant Thornton

Hellenic Petroleum SA

HHRM (Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management)

ICGB AD

Masdar Abu Dhabi

Motor Oil Hellas

Mytilineos Group

National Bank of Greece SA

Olympia Odos SA

Public Power Corporation

Taaleri Energia

TIIC Infrastructure Fund

The Hellenic Republic

SINO-CEE Fund

Statkraft

Vinci Group

Vodafone

Vinci Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Vodafone Greece on the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of a Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network for Inner & Outer Rings and Vertical buildings connections, within the regions of Attica, Thessaloniki, Patra, Ioannina, Volos, Kozani and Veroia.
  • Advised Motor Oil Hellas on the acquisition from an entity controlled by a leading global investment fund of a portfolio of 12 wind farms with a total capacity of 240MW, the biggest part of which is located in central and northern continental Greece.
  • Advised CVC in relation to its participation in the tender conducted by PPC for the sale of 49% of Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO).

Greece > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Bernitsas Law is renowned for its sizeable and highly experienced team which frequently assists clients with significant cross-border restructurings and acts for official receivers in liquidation proceedings. Notable work includes acting for Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations Limited on the sale of its shares in its English subsidiary following liquidation. PIMCO entrusted the firm with the securitisation of PPC receivables, pertaining to a portfolio amount of €1.7bn, in relation to outstanding electricity invoices. Lambros Belessis is well known for his expertise within M&As and corporate restructurings. He co-heads the practice with Athanasia Tsene who is well versed in advising on security and hedging arrangements. Other notable contacts include counsel Dionysis Flambouras.

Practice head(s):

Lambros Belessis; Athanasia Tsene

Testimonials

‘A strong team for restructuring and M&A, with high competence and knowledge in the sector.’

‘Lambros Belessis and Evi Kitsou undertsand the needs of the client and help the client to reach the goal.’

Key clients

Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc.

Apollo Capital Management LLC – Lapithus Group

CPPIB

Eurobank Ergasias

Ellington Funds

Hellenic Petroleum SA

Hoist Hellas SA and Hoist Finance (publ) AB

Intrum AB

Piraeus Bank

PIMCO

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund

Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations Limited

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund

Thea Artemis SA

Work highlights

  • Advised PIMCO in connection with the securitisation of PPC receivables, the Zeus portfolio, under electricity invoices that have been outstanding for more than 90 days.
  • Advised Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations Limited on the sale of its shares in its English subsidiary, Westfort Capital Limited, to the other shareholders, in addition to advisory on the settlement of certain payment obligations of LMEY Investments AG towards TCGTO.
  • Advised a retail company on the restructuring of its local business in Greece which consisted of the transfer of the wholesale and retail business to a local entrepreneur.

Greece > Employment Tier 2

Bernitsas Law provides comprehensive advice to local and multinational companies from a range of industry sectors such as retail, pharmaceuticals, watches, packaging, and software and electronics. Its key areas of expertise include collective agreements and industrial relations, employment contracts and disputes, pensions, incentives and compensation, and regulatory and compliance matters. The team's services are supported by its long-term referral relationships with a range of international law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Clifford Chance, Mayer Brown, Hogan Lovells US LLP and Linklaters LLP. Counsel Katia Papantonopoulou leads the practice; she has advised on the employment aspects of transfer of undertakings, restructurings and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Katia Papantonopoulou

Other key lawyers:

Maria Kloni; Evi Kitsou

Testimonials

‘Great team – collaborative, diverse and quick to deploy. They supported us with any ad hoc questions and requests in a professional and efficient manner. Excellent communication skills both in Greek and English.’

‘They are trustworthy and act as a real part of the team.’

‘Evi Kitsou is attentive and always makes sure that every interaction goes according to plan. She is easy to work with and is always present, making things happen.’

‘Katia Papantonopoulou provides the trust needed when dealing with delicate matters. Maria Kloni provides the required legal services in a quick and sustained way.’

‘Professional and efficient. Deep knowledge of the cases they are handling. Highly recommend their services.’

‘The rapport and the guidance was outstanding at all times. They are always available for a quick call, especially on urgent cases. They go the extra mile for their customers.’

‘Katia Papantonopoulou provides outstanding support and has deep knowledge of Greek labour law. Always available to support and provide expert opinions.’

‘Speedy responses are important for our organisation. When we needed the team urgently, they were there.’

Key clients

BMW Hellas SA

BMW Austria Bank

Bristol Myers Squibb

Crown Holdings Inc

CVC Capital Partners

Monster Energy Europe Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Crown Holdings Inc on the employment law aspects of the Greek leg of its definitive agreement to sell 80% of its European Tinplate business to KPS Capital Partners LP for approximately €1.9bn, including issues arising during the transfer of shares of the companies.
  • Advised CVC on employment law issues in the context of the acquisitions of an insurance company, Ethiniki Asfalistiki, a major Greek dairy company, Dodoni SA, and Vivartia Holdings, a diversified food company in Greece.
  • Advised a port agency and shipping services company on day-to-day employment matters.

Greece > Insurance Tier 2

Bernitsas Law provides a comprehensive service to its clients, which benefit from the firm's extensive experience in the preparation and negotiation of insurance contracts, the drafting of terms and conditions of insurance policies, and the evaluation of contracts, among other matters. Its team is also well versed in handling insurance disputes, representing clients in claims arising from distribution, interpretation of contractual documentation, regulatory enforcement and insolvency. Lambros Belessis heads the practice.

Practice head(s):

Lambros Belessis

Other key lawyers:

Evi Kitsou; Christos Paraskevopoulos; Aristeidis Papathanasiou

Testimonials

‘Bernitsas law firm stands out as a firm that has commitment, expertise, dedication and diverse specialist knowledge of the insurance industry and laws in Greece.’

‘All the partners and associates are always available to personally deal with any matter referred to them with diligence and speed.’

Key clients

CVC

CNP Zois SA

CNP Asfalistiki Ltd (Greek Branch)

Work highlights

  • Acted as Greek law counsel to CVC Capital Partners’ Fund VII in connection with its acquisition of 90.01% of Ethniki Insurance from NBG.
  • Advised various subsidiaries of the CNP Group in Greece on a day-to-day basis.

Greece > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Bernitsas Law advises on a wide array of real estate matters, including planning, land use, finance, tax and development. It is also active in real estate investment transactions and is assisting Luxembourg-based fund Darzalas Capital Sal with its Greek investments, including real estate assets acquired in the context of M&A of Greek entities. It has also advised Percassi on the execution of numerous lease agreements relating to the operation of Nike stores in particular Greek stores. Panayotis Bernitsas leads the team, which also includes experienced senior associate Christina Zakopoulou.

Practice head(s):

Panayotis Bernitsas

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Crown Holdings Inc

DARZALAS Capital S.à.r.l

Percassi

Rocco Forte Hotels

SMB Capital

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund

Work highlights

  • Advised SMB Hotels Holdings BV on the acquisition of already existing hotels or other buildings to be transformed into boutique lifestyle hotels, located in the center of Athens.
  • Advised Rocco Forte Hotels on its entry into a hotel management agreement for the management and operation of luxury hotels to be developed in Athens and on Mykonos.
  • Advised Percassi on the leasing and operation of the new Nike mono-brand stores around Greece.

Greece > Tax Tier 2

Bernitsas Law advises on a vast array of tax matters, including company structuring, planning and policy, asset ownership, executive/employee remuneration and benefits and tax controversies. The practice is led by Panayotis Bernitsas, who recently advised a US fund on tax issues arising from a Greek cross-border loan. Counsel Fotodotis Malamas also assisted Bernitsas with the matter. Other work included assisting Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations with the tax aspects of the sale of its shares in its English subsidiary to LMEY Investments AG.

Practice head(s):

Panayotis Bernitsas

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team consists of high level professionals who are dedicated, available and reliable. The billing is absolutely clear and reasonable.’

‘Even in urgent cases or tasks, as a customer you feel sure that they will do their best to give you a valuable advice, at the soonest possible time.’

‘The team is efficient and hardworking, responsive and very well equipped to meet any legal needs.’

‘Fotodotis Malamas is an excellent lawyer, always up to date with the latest legal developments, gives practical and business-oriented legal solutions to any issue.’

‘Fotodotis Malamas is a very experienced lawyer in tax legislation. He knows his field very well and he is efficient in providing solutions to complex issues.’

‘Experienced and very professional; deep knowledge of tax & legal aspects; business oriented; market driven; available at any time we needed them.’

‘Fotodotis Malamas is undeniably an expert in tax issues, providing practical and business oriented solutions to the client.’

‘We have been working with Bernitsas Law Firm for many years. The Managing Partner, Panayotis Bernitsas is an exceptional and experienced lawyer with a great business sense and customer focus. The members of the team are also great lawyers, with an understanding of our business needs, always available to provide high quality legal support.’

Key clients

Apivita SA

Apollo

CVC

Diesel SpA

Work highlights

  • Advised PIMCO on Greek tax and duty issues in connection with the securitisation of electricity receivables of Public Power Corporation, which have been in arrears for more than 90 days.
  • Advised Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations Limited on the tax aspects of the sale of its shares in its English subsidiary Westfort Capital Limited (Target), to the other shareholder of the Target, and on the settlement of certain payment obligations of LMEY Investments AG towards TCGTO.

Greece > TMT Tier 2

Bernitsas Law is a key player in the Greek telecoms market, as is reflected by the fact that it advises clients on connected systems installed in cars, VoIP services, fixed networks (including fibre) and 5G network deployment. It recently advised BMW Hellas and BMW Austria Bank on GDPR compliance, which involved the review of employee privacy policies, data retention and data processing agreements. The firm also assists Acun Medya Group with negotiating TV production agreements with Greek TV stations, as well as with TV series participants and service providers in Greece and abroad. The practice is led by Marina Androulakakis. Other individuals to note include  highly experienced counsel Augustine Almyroudi and senior associate Tania Patsalia.

Practice head(s):

Marina Androulakakis

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very experienced and able to tackle a wide range of legal issues.’

‘We have a long term relationship with this law firm, it has always been a pleasure to cooperate with them.’

‘Team’s strength: Reliability, Responsibility, Punctuality, Accuracy, Business Mindset.’

‘The team was always available in urgent matters and flexible to understand our needs.’

Key clients

Acun Media Group

BMW Group

Committee Greece 2021

Kosmocar

Work highlights

  • Advised a global leader in telecommunications on telecoms and data privacy law matters.
  • Advised BMW Hellas and BMW Austria Bank, Athens branch, with regard to any data protection issues arising out of their operations in Greece.
  • Advised Acun Medya Turkey and Acun Medya Greece on their TV production agreements with Greek TV stations and TV series participants in addition to overseeing their data privacy compliance needs.

Greece > Intellectual property Tier 3

Bernitsas Law's workload covers a myriad of issues in relation to trade marks, patents, designs and copyright. It advises on IP creation and registration, as well as portfolio management and data protection, among various other matters. The team has notable expertise in copyright issues pertaining to software development, licensing agreements and filming and audiovisual matters. Lambros Belessis and Yannis Chryssospathis jointly lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Lambros Belessis; Yannis Chryssospathis

Other key lawyers:

Marina Androulakakis; Tania Patsalia; Aristeidis Papathanasiou

Testimonials

‘Efficient; hardworking; responsive; accurate.’

‘Aristeidis Papathanasiou is an excellent collaborator and delivers precise and solid work in a timely and efficient manner.’

Key clients

Acun Medya Group

F. Hoffman – La Roche AG

Work highlights

  • Advised a leading US family entertainment and media enterprise in relation to the filming of a motion picture and documentary in Greece.
  • Advised Acun Medya Group in relation to TV, series’ participants, consulting and sponsorship agreements and copyright issues.
  • Advised a global streaming platform and production company in relation to copyright issues including collective management, filming industry guilds and unions.

Greece > White-collar crime Tier 3

Bernitsas Law covers the full spectrum of white-collar crime matters, representing companies and credit institutions in investigations and criminal and civil proceedings. The practice is jointly led by Panayotis Bernitsas and senior counsel Christos Paraskevopoulos, who are working with associate Pelina Leontiadou to represent the Greek subsidiary of a leading international retail company in criminal proceedings arising from claims of breach of trust, breaches of fiduciary duties and unfair competition, among others.

Practice head(s):

Panayotis Bernitsas; Christos Paraskevopoulos

Other key lawyers:

Evangelos Mamalakis; Pelina Leontiadou

Testimonials

‘We have been working with Bernitsas Law Firm for many years. Managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas is an exceptional and experienced lawyer, with a great business sense and customer focus. The members of the team are also great lawyers, with an understanding of our business needs, always available to provide high quality legal support.’

Key clients

AMPNI

Kosmocar SA

Work highlights

  • Acted for AMPNI, a leading international marine fuel logistics company, in a complex and multifaceted dispute.
  • Represented Akazoo SA in €4.7m litigation proceedings.
  • Advised a leading international banking institution in disputes in relation to moral and actual damages, defamation and tort.

The firm: Bernitsas Law is a market leader in the provision of commercial law services in Greece and one of the largest firms in the country. We count industry frontrunners, listed and private companies, supranational, global and national entities and corporations, and small and medium sized enterprises from all the major industry sectors among our clients.

We are leaders in the corporate, commercial and finance sectors, specialising in foreign direct investment, banking, capital markets, funds, energy, projects, privatisation and real estate transactions. We offer expert practices in employment, EU, competition & antitrust, intellectual property, data protection and privacy, public procurement and tax, and in the aviation, environment, insurance, life sciences and healthcare and telecommunications, media and technology industries. Our litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution practice is recognised for its track record in significant administrative, civil and commercial and corporate crime disputes, some of which have created precedents.

We deliver an international level of service. A substantial part of the firm’s practice concentrates on complex domestic and cross-border transactions and disputes and our work is consistently recognised by all the major international legal directories. We count industry front-runners, listed and private companies, supranational, global and national entities and corporations, and small and medium sized enterprises from all the major sectors among our clients.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Aviation Katia Papantonopouloukpapantonopoulou@bernitsaslaw.com
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets Nikos Papachristopoulosnpapachristopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets Athanasia Tseneatsene@bernitsaslaw.com
Corporate and M&A Lambros Belessislbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com
Corporate and M&A Nikos Papachristopoulosnpapachristopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com
Data Protection, Privacy & Security Marina Androulakakismandroulakakis@bernitsaslaw.com
Data Protection, Privacy & Security Tania Patsaliatpatsalia@bernitsaslaw.com
Employment Katia Papantonopouloukpapantonopoulou@bernitsaslaw.com
Employment Maria Klonimkloni@bernitsaslaw.com
Energy & Environment Panayotis Bernitsaspbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com
Energy & Environment Yannis Seiradakisyseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com
EU, Competition & Antitrust Marina Androulakakismandroulakakis@bernitsaslaw.com
EU, Competition & Antitrust Tania Patsaliatpatsalia@bernitsaslaw.com
Foreign Direct Investment Panayotis Bernitsaspbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com
Foreign Direct Investment Yannis Seiradakisyseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com
Insurance Lambros Belessislbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com
Insurance Evi Kitsouekitsou@bernitsaslaw.com
Intellectual Property Lambros Belessislbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com
Life Sciences and Healthcare Yannis Chryssospathisychryssospathis@bernitsaslaw.com
Life Sciences and Healthcare Ria Venakirvenaki@bernitsaslaw.com
Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Christos Paraskevopouloscparaskevopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com
Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Dimitris Roussisdroussis@bernitsaslaw.com
Privatisations Nikos Papachristopoulosnpapachristopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com
Privatisations Dimitris Roussisdroussis@bernitsaslaw.com
Privatisations Yannis Seiradakisyseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com
Project Development, Finance & PPPs Panayotis Bernitsaspbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com
Project Development, Finance & PPPs Yannis Seiradakisyseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com
Public Procurement Dimitris Roussisdroussis@bernitsaslaw.com
Real Estate, Land Development & Hospitality Panayotis Bernitsaspbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com
Tax Panayotis Bernitsaspbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com
Tax Fotodotis Malamasfmalamas@bernitsaslaw.com
Telecommunications, Media & Technology Lambros Belessislbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com
Telecommunications, Media & Technology Tania Patsalistpatsalia@bernitsaslaw.com
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Augustine Almyroudi photoMs Augustine AlmyroudiCounsel Augustine joined the Firm in 1992 and her practice is focused…
Chryssa Andresaki photoMs Chryssa AndresakiJunior Associate Chryssa advises on civil and commercial disputes and acts in…
Marina Androulakakis photoMs Marina AndroulakakisPartner Marina is an expert in EU, competition and antitrust law. She…
Lambros Belessis photoMr Lambros BelessisPartner Lambros is an expert in private sector mergers, acquisitions and corporate…
Maria Nefeli Bernitsa photoMs Maria Nefeli BernitsaCounsel Maria Nefeli is specialised in financial services law, with a focus…
Panayotis Bernitsas photoMr Panayotis BernitsasManaging Partner Panayotis is the Managing Partner of the Firm and a…
Maria Cheimona photoMs Maria CheimonaJunior Associate Maria is a junior associate with the Firm which she…
Angeliki Chlivinou photoMs Angeliki ChlivinouJunior Associate Angeliki is a junior associate with the Firm which she…
Yannis Chryssospathis photoMr Yannis ChryssospathisPartner Yannis has over 35 years of experience in advising on pharmaceutical…
Evi Diamantopoulou photoMs Evi DiamantopoulouJunior Associate Evi is a junior associate with the Firm and a…
Dionysis Flambouras photoMr Dionysis FlambourasCounsel Dionysis is a specialist in all types of financing arrangements, securitisations…
Sildia Fotopoulou photoMs Sildia FotopoulouAssociate Sildia is an associate with the Firm which she joined in…
Eleni Gerasimidou  photoMs Eleni Gerasimidou Senior Associate Eleni is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Kelly Hatzigaki photoMs Kelly HatzigakiAssociate Kelly is a associate with the Firm which she joined in…
Anastasia Kaiara photoMs Anastasia KaiaraSenior Associate Anastasia is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Yolanda Kalogirou photoMs Yolanda KalogirouAssociate Yolanda is an associate with the Firm and a member of…
Christina Kanakari photoMs Christina KanakariAssociate Christina is an associate with the Firm and a member of…
Adamantia Karamanou photoMs Adamantia KaramanouAssociate Adamantia is an associate with the Firm which she joined in…
Fotini Karra photoMs Fotini KarraSenior Associate Fotini is a senior associate with the Firm which she…
Konstantina Karveli photoMs Konstantina KarveliAssociate Konstantina is an associate with the Firm which she joined in…
Evi Kitsou photoMs Evi KitsouPartner Evi is a specialist in advising on corporate and commercial transactions,…
Maria Kloni photoMs Maria KloniSenior Associate Maria is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Sofia Kontou photoMs Sofia KontouSenior Associate Sofia is a senior associate with the Firm which she…
Pelina Leontiadou photoMs Pelina LeontiadouSenior Associate Pelina is a senior associate with the Firm which she…
Mariadina Lili-Kokkori photoMs Mariadina Lili-KokkoriAssociate Mariadina is an associate with the Firm which she joined in…
Mara Lissari photoMs Mara LissariAssociate Mara is specialised in all aspects of administrative and public law…
Fotodotis Malamas photoMr Fotodotis MalamasCounsel Fotodotis is an expert in advising businesses on tax efficient structures,…
Evangelos Mamalakis photoMr Evangelos MamalakisSenior Associate Evangelos is a senior associate at the Firm which he…
Anna  Meletiou photoMs Anna MeletiouAssociate Anna is an associate with the Firm and a member of…
Domna Mirasyesi photoMs Domna MirasyesiPartner Domna is a senior member of the Firm’s management team. Her…
Martha Ntounou photoMs Martha NtounouAssociate Martha is an associate with the Firm which she joined in…
Nikos Papachristopoulos photoMr Nikos PapachristopoulosPartner Nikos is a leading practitioner in capital markets and corporate and…
Stella Papakosta photoMs Stella PapakostaSenior Associate Stella is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Aristeidis Papathanasiou photoMr Aristeidis PapathanasiouSenior Associate Aristeidis is a senior associate at the Firm which he…
Christos Paraskevopoulos photoMr Christos ParaskevopoulosPartner Christos is a leading litigator with an expertise in contractual, commercial,…
Tania Patsalia photoMs Tania PatsaliaSenior Associate Tania is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Dimitris Roussis photoMr Dimitris RoussisPartner Dimitris has been with the Firm since 1997 and has vast…
Yannis Seiradakis photoMr Yannis SeiradakisPartner Yannis has a wide-ranging transactional practice which encompasses significant experience in…
Iris Sotiriou photoMs Iris SotiriouSenior Associate Iris is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Ioanna Stamou photoMs Ioanna StamouSenior Associate Ioanna is a senior associate with the Firm and a…
Eleni Stazilova photoMs Eleni StazilovaSenior Associate Eleni is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Athanasia Tsene photoMs Athanasia TsenePartner Athanasia is a leading expert in banking & finance, with vast…
Linda Vasaka photoMs Linda VasakaCounsel Linda has been with the Firm since 1984. She is an…
Ria Venaki photoMs Ria VenakiSenior Associate Ria is a senior associate with the Firm which she…
Maria Vertzagia photoMs Maria VertzagiaJunior Associate Maria is a junior associate with the firm which she…
Christina Zakopoulou photoMs Christina ZakopoulouSenior Associate Christina is a senior associate at the Firm which she…
Number of lawyers : 50
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Bernitsas Law is a market leader in the provision of commercial law services in Greece and one of the largest firms in the country. We deliver an international level of service. A substantial part of the firm’s practice concentrates on complex cross-border transactions and disputes and we have enduring relationships with leading law firms all over the world across our areas of practice and act together with many of these firms regularly in providing a seamless and integrated international service to our clients.

Our geographical footprint extends beyond Greece to participation across our practice areas in major cross border finance, projects, real estate, joint venture, merger, acquisition and restructuring transactions throughout Europe, the United States and Asia.

The firm’s established international clients include banks, investment firms and other financial institutions, insurance companies, funds, multi-national corporations, global market leaders, small- to medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs from a range of industries, to whom we provide advisory, transactional and litigation services across our areas of expertise.

Over the last three decades, we have participated in the vast majority of significant deals to have taken place in terms of both complexity and value in Greece and have structured and executed numerous pioneering transactions, many of which involved international investors, sponsors and advisors.