Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC > Limassol, Cyprus > Firm Profile
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC Offices

PATRICIAN CHAMBERS
332 AGIOU ANDREOU STR.
3035 LIMASSOL
Cyprus
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Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC > The Legal 500 Rankings
Cyprus > Banking and finance Tier 1
The team at Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC ‘consistently delivers pragmatic, on point, commercial and responsive support’; it is frequently involved in local and international loan restructurings, financing projects and handles multi-jurisdictional corporate finance work. Clients include major banking and financial institutions, international law firms and in-house counsel of large groups of companies. Names to note include Lia Iordanou Theodoulou who ‘can be safely relied on to get the project across the finish line on time’. The ‘enormously respected’ Stavros PavlouPractice head(s):
Stavros Pavlou; Lia Iordanou Theodoulou
Other key lawyers:
Stella Strati; Angeliki Epaminonda; Angelos Onisiforou
Testimonials
‘PPA is a highly skilled team of excellent lawyers. PPA lawyers demonstrate exceptionally client-oriented approach. For us, most important is availability and speed. Partners are available for matters that are important for us, even though the question might be not very complex’.
‘Client focused and available. Excellent team work, High level of professionalism and customisation, Stella Strati (Partner) – very competent and fully involved to any tasks (initiated by our firm), extremely professional in her area’.
‘Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is a law firm comprised of high level professionals. The legal advisors are exceptional with excellent service’.
‘Angeliki Epaminonda, Partner and Angelos Onisiforou, Senior Associate stand out due to the high level of professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the banking sector and industry. Both individuals are committed to providing excellent service to their clients and are knowledgeable’.
‘The firm is advising us on ISDA and related agreements. We consider the firm the best in Cyprus in this area of law. Angeliki Epaminonda, Angelos Onisiforou’.
‘The team consists of great professionals who can quickly handle even the most complex tasks. The team is very responsive and highly appreciated by clients. Lia Iordanou is impressive: very organised and quick’.
‘Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is our preferred “go to” firm in Cyprus and we also see them regularly called upon by leading financial institutions and the global elite law firms (including US, UK and Europe headquartered law firms) when their clients need market leading Cypriot law support’.
‘We consider Patrikios Pavlou to be at the very top of the legal market in Cyprus and they enjoy the necessary depth of resources to timely deliver sophisticated cross-border projects. Patrikios Pavlou is a clear market front-runner in the Cyprus legal market and brings extensive experience and unparalleled market knowledge to bear on the complex cross-border transactions’.
Key clients
Baker Botts
Securities Lending Association
International Capital Markets Association
Freshfields
Deutsche Bank AG
Eurobank
Norton Rose Fulbright
Citibank Europe Plc
Linklaters
Work highlights
- Engaged to handle the possible sale of the shares held by a Cyprus public group company, with assets and secured obligations valued over $200m and with the borrower group companies located in several jurisdictions, to prospective purchasers and to provide specialised advice on complicated legal issues, including the EU restrictive measures (sanctions) relating to the transaction.
- Advised a foreign bank on the possibility of enforcing security held by it over shares of Cyprus companies following a default of a $80m facility.
- Acted as the Cypriot legal advisors of a licensed international investment banking and advisory firm based in London and produced a detailed legal memo covering extensive analysis on the enforceability of Industry Standard Documents.
Cyprus > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Headed byStavros PavlouPractice head(s):
Stavros Pavlou; Lia Iordanou Theodoulou
Other key lawyers:
Stella Strati; Angeliki Epaminonda
Testimonials
‘Brilliant team, who are capable of dealing with any aspect of law’.
‘Stella Strati is very knowledgeable and quick to respond. She understands the client’s needs perfectly and it is always a pleasure to work with her’.
‘The fastest and most impeccable law firm of Cyprus. Always above any expectations. Angeliki Epaminonda makes the difference. Very diligent and helpful’.
‘The core strengths of the team are deep understanding of corporate and banking laws, pragmatic approach to commercial issues and strong litigation capabilities. I deem Patrikios Pavlou to be one of two or three best law firms in Cyprus’.
‘Stavros Pavlou – combines strong corporate and commercial law expertise with an excellent litigation capability. I regard Stavros as one of the leading authorities on Cypriot company law’.
‘Lia Iordanou – one of the most experienced corporate and banking law practitioners in Cyprus. Extremely responsive and proactive on transactions.’
‘Very efficient, comfortable and professional cooperation. Highest level of support and qualification. Absolutely recommended to everyone’.
‘The perfect combination of the local knowledge and experience with international legal and professional standards. They are international lawyers who support you in international matters, being located in Cyprus’.
Key clients
Deutsche Bank AG
Baker Botts LLP
HNWIs
Latham & Watkins LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
HT&P Law Firm
LSR Group
Work highlights
- Advising a Cyprus Alternative Investment Fund, with an investment portfolio of assets worth approximately $400bn on various corporate law matters.
- Engaged by a long-standing financial institution client based abroad, to provide advice and assistance in the sale of the assets, worth over $1.5bn, of its subsidiary companies to third party purchasers.
- Providing structuring advice on the appointment of a Cyprus company as the trustee to a Jersey law trust and advising on all relative matters including applicable laws, procedures, powers and duties of appointment, regulatory and tax aspects.
Cyprus > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC fields a ‘very efficient and responsive’ team. Team heads are Stavros PavlouPractice head(s):
Stavros Pavlou; Chrysostomos Nicolaou
Other key lawyers:
Eleana Christofi; Stella Louka Pavlou
Testimonials
‘We would like to point out that the personal contribution/engagement of Mrs Stella Louka Pavlou is playing an essential role in managing overcoming and resolving numerous legal issues. Her more than 20 years’ experience and dedication but also the firm’s continuous support make it different from competitors’.
‘Stavros Pavlou definitely – one of the best litigators in the trade and probably the best in Cyprus. Quick reaction, always ready for new approaches to the problems, excellent legal skills and knowledge, extremely high moral principles’.
‘Chrysostomos Nicolaou – extremely experienced, efficient and knowledgeable litigator. Perfect in all the details and peculiarities of Cypriot judicial system. Also, of extremely high moral standards‘.
‘Stavros Pavlou is peerless and the best litigator on the island. He is top dog – book him before the other side get to him’.
‘Stavros Pavlou heads one of the leading firms in Cyprus and enjoys an immense reputation as a leading litigator in that region. Stavros is a lawyer of immense talent and expertise and is a renowned litigator at the very centre of Cypriot international litigation.’
‘We worked with Eleana Christofi, she seems to be extremely professional, always reply back on e-mail very quickly and was available for all additional questions that we had’.
‘The team has a unique combination of business knowledge, legal expertise, common sense and practical problem-solving skills, which are of paramount importance in dispute resolution’.
‘Stavros Pavlou is the ideal arbitrator; shrewd, knowledgeable, practical and efficient, irrespective of the amounts at stake’.
Key clients
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd
Alpha Bank Greece
Bank of Cyprus PLC
Several HNWI
Several companies undergoing liquidations
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Lalive Law
Aksela
Eterna Law
Beogradska Banka D.D.
BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP
Work highlights
- Representing a minority shareholder, seeking remedies and damages for the losses suffered by the company, in a derivative action against inter alia the majority shareholders, who conspired to defraud the company along with the investors of the project involving the construction and sale of a large shopping mall in Romania.
- Representing the defendants, which include a leading international financial institution, in a $160m litigation relating to the alleged fraudulent way of enforcing securities (pledge agreements).
- Representing a foreign citizen and a Cypriot company in a EUR45m dispute regarding the mandatory buyout of minority shareholders of one of the world’s largest producers of potash.
Cyprus > Tax Tier 1
Under the joint direction of Stavros PavlouPractice head(s):
Stavros Pavlou; Stella Strati
Other key lawyers:
Angelos Onisiforou
Testimonials
‘Its specialisation and its respective success in achieving results, is the reason they are unique.’
‘The MD, Stavros Pavlou, has an incredible mind. His way of thinking and making connections contributes to the firm’s success’.
‘We have also worked closely with Angelos Onisiforou (Senior Associate) whom we have found to be an exceptionally hardworking individual, and who will work all hours of the day and night to review common law, legislation and bring this output to the team to decide on strategy. Angelos is a key addition to any team’.
‘Excellent knowledge of Cyprus and international tax matters. Stavros Pavlou’.
‘The thing that makes their team different from the others is their dedication to specific tasks and their motivation to do well on delivering the jobs. However, what makes them unique, is the years of experience in this field of work’.
‘What it makes them to be different from their competitors is their transparency in billing (Partners vs Associates) and their billing agreed with them complies the industries’ standards. The team dealing with are very professional and diversified to answer and satisfy different sectors responding back on agreed timeframes’.
Key clients
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd
Iason Skouzos & Partners
Yiallourides & Partners
Chelco VAT Ltd
Work highlights
- Implementing a scheme of arrangement for the local merger of two Cypriot companies in order to optimise the structure of the group and advising on various matters relating thereto including tax implications.
- Advising the Cyprus holding company of an investment management firm based in London, on a number of tax law matters.
- Advised a leading Cyprus company that operates in the online gaming industry in relation to the VAT treatment of penalty and early termination clauses.
Cyprus > Real estate and construction Tier 2
The ‘very efficient’ team at Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC provides the ‘highest level of support’ and is ably co-led by Stavros PavlouPractice head(s):
Stavros Pavlou; Stella Strati
Other key lawyers:
Stylianos Trillides
Testimonials
‘The Team of Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC consists of gifted and creative consultants who consistently deliver high quality services. Their energy and enthusiasm for services is endless and they always ensure a solution focus and expertly designed outcome. The team is reliable, flexible and a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend them’.
‘Mr. Stylianos Trilides has represented our company in a wide variety of legal matters and he consistently stayed ahead of the ever changing legal landscape. I would highly recommend Mr. Trillides as an excellent attorney and zealous yet practical advocate a modern business requires’.
‘One of the most well-known firms in Cyprus with great history and great people. Their real estate, litigation and corporate practice are their most well known and are very capable in handling any engagements’.
‘Stylianos Trillides a senior associate in the firm, is my closest contact in the firm. Stylianos Trillides is definitely a rising star in the firm dealing with issues of real estate related transactions and banking and finance matters, an all-round superb lawyer’.
‘Very efficient, comfortable and professional cooperation. Highest level of support and qualification. Absolutely recommended to everyone’.
‘The perfect combination of the local knowledge and experience with international legal and professional standards. They are international lawyers, who support you in international matters, being located in Cyprus’.
‘The people are very helpful and always willing to listen and find solution in all matters related with the work and the various aspects of our business development’.
‘The persons who are working with us are always in good mood and willing to discuss and help even in aspects which are not in their field of expertise. They are always in line whenever we need them and they always do their best to keep us happy and satisfy’.
Key clients
Alpha Bank (Cyprus) Ltd
Private clients
Local and foreign investors
Local and foreign construction companies
Work highlights
- Advising its client in the purchase of several properties, amounting to over EUR4m from a real estate developer in various construction projects and handling multiple claims on behalf of its client against the developer.
- Handling the sale of a EUR2m property located on the Limassol beachfront to international investors and advising on the challenges faced due to the EU sanctions imposed.
- Advising international investors on their second project in Cyprus relating to the construction and development of properties and advising in relation to applicable regulations and legislation relating to the operation of short-term lettings.
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC > Firm Profile
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is a leading, highly recommended and multi-awarded law firm based in Cyprus. With more than 60 years of experience in the local and international legal market, the firm is renowned for its involvement in some of the largest cross-border transactions and complex litigation and arbitration matters and for its exceptional client service in Cyprus and abroad.
Located in Limassol, one of the most attractive international business centres and rapidly developing cities in Europe, the firm is committed to providing its clients with top professional legal services, covering the full range of their business activities. A team of over 30 qualified professional associates and legal consultants advise multinational corporations, banks, financial institutions and HNWIs on their high-profile and complex matters in multiple practice areas:
- Dispute resolution & ADR
- Corporate, commercial and M&A
- Banking and finance
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Capital markets
- International tax planning
- Real estate, trusts and asset protection
- Ship registration and ship finance
Through a multi-disciplinary approach in delivering our services, together with our dedication to cross-border work, and our ongoing commitment to building long-lasting relationships, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC has managed to establish a strong presence in the international legal market. The firm’s international profile comprises of strong alliances with reputable worldwide law firms, particularly in Europe, Asia, USA, Russia and the rest of the CIS countries, as well as membership of various professional organisations globally, enhancing further the team’s ability to swiftly and efficiently respond to its clients’ ever-changing requests.
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC offers comprehensive corporate services through Pagecorp Group, a group of companies associated through common ownership. With almost 30 years’ experience, the Group comprises of lawyers, legal consultants, company administrators, accountants and secretarial staff, who advise major organizations, start-ups and entrepreneurs on International Tax Planning, Cyprus International Trusts, Foreign Investment and Citizenship, and Accounting and Financial reporting, in order to establish their business in a low tax, transparent and regulated environment.
Since 1963, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC has been acting for leading organizations and individuals with persistent commitment to excellence. Our determination is reinforced through our extended partnerships with companies around the globe that share the same philosophy, culture and values: invest for the future. We are confident that through strong belief in our core values and responsible actions, we will continue to provide top quality legal services with diligence, integrity and professionalism.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Dispute Resolution and ADR, Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, International Tax Planning, Real estate, Trusts and Asset Protection | Stavros Pavlou | spavlou@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Dispute resolution and ADR | Chrysostomos Nicolaou | cnicolaou@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Dispute resolution and ADR, Banking Litigation, Matrimonial & Family Law | Stella Louka Pavlou | slpavlou@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets,Restructuring & Insolvency, Ship & Aircraft Finance | Lia Iordanou Theodoulou | liordanou@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Administrative & Constitutional, Matrimonial & Family Law | Ioanna Stavroulia | istavroulia@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets Restructuring & Insolvency, Real Estate, Trusts & Asset Protection, International Tax Planning, Corporate Management Services | Stella Strati | stella.strati@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Dispute Resolution & ADR, Corporate Litigation | Eleana Christofi | echristofi@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Restructuring & Insolvency, | Angeliki Epaminonda | aepaminonda@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Dispute Resolution | Katerina Philippidou | kphilippidou@pavlaw.com | +357 25 871599 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Miss Eleana Christofi | Eleana Christofi is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Department of the… | View Profile |
![]() | Miss Angeliki Epaminonda | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Lia Iordanou Theodoulou | Lia Iordanou Theodoulou is the Partner-Head of Corporate Finance of the firm.… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Chrysostomos Nicolaou | Chrysostomos Nicolaou is the Partner – Head of Litigation Department of the… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Angelos Onisiforou | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Nasia Papakonstantinou | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Patrikios Pavlou | Patrikios Pavlou is the Senior Internal Consultant of the firm. His areas… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Stavros Pavlou | Stavros Pavlou is the Senior & Managing Partner of the firm. His… | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Katerina Philippidou | Partner | Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Ioanna Stavroulia | Ioanna Stavroulia is a Partner in the Litigation department. Her practice areas… | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Stella Strati | Stella Strati is a Partner in the Corporate Finance department of the… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Stylianos Trillides | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 30Languages
English French Georgian German Greek Italian Russian SlovakMemberships
Cyprus Bar Association International Bar Association Cyprus-Russian Business Association Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Russian Arbitration Association International Tax Planning Association Association of International Tax Consultants International Law Association LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration) International Council for Commercial ArbitrationOther
Mr : Stavros PavlouNotable cases
Dispute Resolution & ADR
- Extensively advising and representing a well-known private investment group of companies in Russia, involved in the development of real estate and finance assets, in a dispute between the group of companies and a Russian commercial bank, claiming damages in the amount of EUR 600 million.
- Representing a high-net worth individual based in Scotland in a cross-border dispute arising out of a joint venture for the exploitation of immovable property value of EUR 20 million in the Russian Federation.
- Representing a Russian government-owned development bank in a litigation initiated in Cyprus against the bank and third parties for the amount of USD 119 million on the basis of alleged breaches of contractual obligations by third parties.
Corporate Law, Commercial Law, and M&A:
- Advising a leading real-estate company of China, in relation to the acquisition of a large investment group operating in the Russian commercial real-estate market, owing properties of more than USD 4 billion.
- Provided legal advice on the re-structuring of the shareholding of a group of companies, in preparation for its acquisition by a Strategic Investor, and the setting up of special purpose vehicles under Belize law and Cyprus law for the purposes of the acquisition amounting EUR 110 million.
- Advising and assisting, along with a major Russian bank, a private equity investments international group, with headquarters in China, managing assets of more than EUR 1.5 million, with the establishment of an international investment group and with setting up of a Cyprus company to act as the investment manager to a fund to facilitate investments in Asia.
Banking & Finance, Capital Markets:
- Advising a multinational investment and financial services provider on a new margin loan to a Cyprus borrower in the amount of USD 800 million secured inter alia by a pledge of shares of a foreign jurisdiction public listed company.
- Acted as the advisors of a major Russian bank, in relation to a facility of more than USD 320 million provided by the bank to an Austrian energy company trading in oil and oil-related products within the EU market.
- Advising an Asian development bank, proposing to provide a reputable supplier of quality fuel with a direct loan in the amount of up to USD 4.1 million.
International Tax Planning:
- Advising a trustee of a Bermudan trust in relation to the re-domiciliation of the trustee and subsequently of the trust in the Republic of Cyprus for the purposes of taking advantage of the Cyprus International Trusts Law and the applicable tax regime.
- Providing specific tax and corporate advice to a Cyprus start-up company, in relation to the optimization of its corporate structure and the establishment of its business in the field of fiscal representation; the projects involves one of the world’s largest online marketplaces and services provider and multi-jurisdictional tax aspects within the EU.
- Providing corporate and tax advice in relation to the cross-border re-organization of one of the largest insurance companies in the world, involving Cyprus entities and entities from five other European and international jurisdictions.
Real Estate, Trusts & Asset Protection:
- Advising one of the leading property developers in the Eastern Mediterranean on the development, planning and licencing on their landmark projects, considered to be among the largest private real estate investment opportunities in Cyprus.
- Advising one of the major banking institutions of Cyprus, in relation to all loan restructurings performed by them pursuant to an amendment of the Cyprus tax legislation, according to which certain loan restructurings are temporarily exempt from tax, where such restructurings include the transfer of immovable property to the creditor/financial institution in exchange for the repayment of debt.
- Advising a number of high-net-worth individuals from Russia, Asia and other non-EU countries on the purchase of premium commercial and residential properties, which qualify for the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Diversity/Community
For us, at Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC, being responsible towards all stakeholders has always been a high priority and an essential corporate determinant for value creation. The firm has a long and deeply rooted tradition of being an active advocate of ethical, honest and responsible practices towards the community with whom it interacts. We are committed in providing top level legal services with the utmost ethical standards, acknowledging that our activities and actions reflect on our society and the environment in which we operate.
As one of the leading law firms in Cyprus, we are active promoters and supporters of local economic growth by:
- applying environmental-friendly practices and minimizing our ecological impact, through recycling, using renewable energy sources and reusable materials, and investing to ‘greener’ supply chains;
- protecting the rights and safety of our employees and respecting internationally declared human rights and employing local and foreign workers, considering, at the same time, diversity as a strength. We value all perspectives, creative ideas and connections that arise from bringing people with different backgrounds together and we place value on such differences to further add to the strength of our legal and professional support team;
- raising money for local charities and non-profit organizations and sponsoring local events; our donations have increased substantially and we seek to provide assistance to those who are in need;
- implementing ethical marketing that respects our clients without eventual manipulations or false advertisement.
With more than 55 years’ experience, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC knows how to be viable in the long-run and the importance of responsible actions. Our socially responsible belief is only reinforced through our extended partnerships with companies around the globe that share the same philosophy, culture and values: invest for the future. We aim to achieve the same levels of expertise in the cases in which our lawyers are involved and in community work, as in further growing our portfolio of clients and associates. We are confident that through our strong belief in our core values and responsible actions, we will continue to provide top quality legal services with diligence, integrity and professionalism.
Interviews
Stavros Pavlou, Senior and Managing Partner
What do you see as the main points that differentiate Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC from your competitors?
For more than 55 years, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC has been has been acting for leading organizations and individuals with persistent commitment to excellence. Since 1963, our firm has been focusing on value creation for our clients and operating with the same core principles: the development of the team’s expertise and the provision of high quality services with respect, integrity and professionalism. A team of over 30 qualified and talented professional associates and legal consultants advise multinational corporations, banks, financial institutions and HNWIs on their high-profile and complex matters, attentively listening to their requests and allowing them to see solutions they didn’t think were possible. The law firm evolved to be a multi-awarded and highly respected law firm in Cyprus also due to the in depth knowledge of its strengths, the confidence in taking large projects and the ability to plan, learn, coordinate and persevere. We aim to further grow our portfolio of clients and associates, expand our international profile and our long-standing client base and strengthen our prominent relationships with respectable international law firms and associations.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is located in Limassol, Cyprus, one of the most attractive international business centres and rapidly growing economies in the EU, with a remarkable 3.8% GDP growth rate (Q4 2018). The Cypriot government undertook a set of measures which aim in attracting and protecting investors’ interests and therefore, the real estate, banking, construction, financial services, company registrations and immigration sectors are currently experiencing important growth. As a result, our firm receives continuous requests with regards to matters involving corporate restructurings, banking transactions and litigation, dispute resolution through arbitration, legal assistance on citizenship by investment programmes, property contracts and negotiations, and company formations.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
Continuous training, practice specialization, reorganisation and constant updating, selection and development of our IT systems, aim in advancing our reliability, productivity and responsiveness for optimum performance results. By securing an additional 660m² of office space, which aimed in accommodating the rising client requests in the banking, finance and corporate departments, the working environment and operational efficiency improved enormously. Additionally, the firm invests continuously in the training of its key professionals through courses, conferences and seminars, while I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and also the Honorary Secretary of the CIArb Cyprus Branch. This year, internal restructurings included the promotion of a Senior Associate to Partner, the promotion of 2 Advocates into Senior Associates and the additional recruitment of administrative and supportive staff to further improve our client service. Furthermore, the affiliated Pagecorp Group also undertook internal restructurings including a new General Manager and Data Protection Officer, to guarantee a strong presence in the Cyprus corporate services sector.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Absolutely! As a firm we believe that it is extremely important to keep pace with the latest technological developments in order to run our operations more effectively and efficiently, improve our services and clearly and precisely communicate with our clients. Our everyday activities involve the use of a wealth of legal information and databases aiming in the increase of accuracy, swift communication with clients and secure promotion of our services on our website and on social media, always conforming to the EU Data Protection Laws. Our experienced in-house IT team handles all of our online and offline technological operations, and mobile technology allows our teams to be in secure contact with clients even when out of office. Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC therefore, embraces the use of technology for the highest productivity and responsiveness, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and high quality of professional services.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
We consistently provide legal advice and offer transaction support and judicial protection to multinational organizations, banks, financial institutions, corporations and entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, Russia and other CIS countries, and therefore the examples where clients added value to their business are numerous. These include the restructuring of many client groups and the renegotiation and optimisation of their credit facilities, ensuring their continued survival and profitability. In the Dispute Resolution field we have successfully defended clients from malicious attacks on their assets in many high profile cases.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
More than ever, clients need personalised services, stability and a long-term approach to their requests. Since 1963, our firm developed into a trustworthy, results-oriented, professional, and well respected law firm that offers strategic advice, consistency and care towards clients’ matters. We have been watching the development of the local services industry, including legal services, from the beginning of the creation of the Republic of Cyprus showing appreciation to all our client relationships and evolving with regards to their needs. We are committed in providing top level legal services with the utmost ethical standards acknowledging that our actions reflect on our society and the environment in which we operate. We strongly believe that the firm will continue the significant expansion it has enjoyed since its foundation, and we will continue to develop the knowledge and skills of our people. We look forward to the future and the challenges it will bring and we are confident that with persistent commitment to our principles, we will continue to provide top quality legal services with diligence, integrity and professionalism for many years to come.
Spotlights
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Our Top Tier Dispute Resolution practice is the largest and most experienced department of the firm. As one of the leading departments in Cyprus, it is renowned for delivering exceptional service to clients. Senior & Managing Partner, Stavros Pavlou is an Elite Leading Individual in Cyprus and praised for his “very deep knowledge of the law”.
With a 56-year experience in the local and international legal market, the team successfully handles cases in conventional and alternative forms of litigation, including arbitration of international and domestic disputes, and mediation. The department’s transnational capabilities are substantial since lawyers have arbitrated commercial disputes in arbitration courts on a global level, including the London Court of International Arbitration, the Stockholm Arbitration Court, the Austrian Arbitration Centre, etc.
Headed by four partners, the dispute resolution team handles a wide range of claims and disputes, both locally and internationally, in respect of general civil, corporate and criminal litigation as well as administrative recourses to the Supreme Court of Cyprus including:
- Corporate and shareholders’ disputes
- Banking and finance disputes
- Negligence, incl. medical malpractice
- Bankruptcy, insolvency and receivership
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- Employment disputes
- Matrimonial law
- Defamation, libel and slander claims
- Breach of contracts
- Personal injury claims
- Road traffic accidents
- Insurance claims
- Admiralty claims
A sample of recent cases and projects handled includes the following:
- Representing companies which own an oil refinery in the Russian Federation, in shareholders’ disputes for the amount of USD 200 million for alleged breaches of shareholders’ agreement, misrepresentation and fraud.
- Handling over 50 cases, with an approximate total aggregate amount of USD 3 billion, relating to the registration, recognition and enforcement of Russian judgments and arbitral awards obtained by one of the leading and largest banks of Russia against various companies and individuals.
- For four and a half years, we have been representing a leading Russian bank in significant arbitration proceedings before a Cypriot tribunal, in a USD 40 million claim relating to the performance of certain bank guarantees; the Final Award has recently been received in the favour of our client pursuant to which the multimillion-claim of the claimants is dismissed.
- Representing high-net worth individuals in a multi-million dispute arising out of a joint venture for the construction of residential properties in Moscow.
- Advising before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) on the enforcement of a Sale and Purchase Agreement for the sale of issued share capital through complex corporate structures (claim amount USD 800 million).
- Representing one of Cyprus’s biggest banks in relation to a recent amendment on Immovable Property (Transfer and Mortgage) Law No. 9/1965. We promoted applications/appeals with the District Courts, requesting that several provisions of article 44 of the Law, as amended, are unconstitutional; the Court agreed and declared certain articles of the Law unconstitutional, as breaching articles 23 and 26 of the Constitution.
- Advising India’s largest real estate construction company, which is also a key player in real estate investments, on matters relating to the enforcement and execution of an LCIA Arbitration Award; worth approximately GBP 350 million.
- Representing a major Russian financial institution on the recovery of over USD 1.5 billion in assets, by a leading Russian group of companies, through liquidation and other out of Court enforcement measures in order to ensure asset recoveries for debt repayment.
- Representing a large Russian bank in litigation proceedings in Cyprus, initiated against the bank and third parties (amount USD 119 million) on the basis of alleged breaches of contractual obligations by third parties for which, allegedly, the bank is responsible in tort under Russian law, as being their ultimate mother company.
CORPORATE & M&A
The corporate and M&A team at Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is ranked in the top tier for Cyprus for providing professional, high-quality consultancy services to clients. The team effectively handles complicated cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and assists large groups of companies and prestigious international law firms on Cyprus corporate law issues.
Clients of the corporate and M&A department include public and private companies and major international groups of companies operating in various industry sectors such as oil & gas, energy, metals production, automobile and engineering, IT, construction, financial services, aviation, transport and other.
Headed by three partners, the corporate team provides professional legal advice and guidance to clients in the following areas:
- Company formation and company administration
- Partnership formation and dissolution
- Corporate management, with full domiciliation services
- Corporate reorganization, reconstruction, restructuring and optimization of business structures
- Company liquidation and winding up
- Shareholder agreements and corporate governance
- Loan, agency and distributorship agreements
- Lease and hire-purchase agreements
- Share sale and purchase agreements
- Local and cross border mergers, acquisitions and amalgamations
- Joint ventures and cross border transactions
- International tax planning
- Legal and corporate due diligence
- Corporate finance, with a particular focus on takeovers, restructurings, mergers and acquisitions
- Trust Settlement and trust administration
A sample of recent cases and projects handled includes the following:
- Advising one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry on its proposed acquisition (value of USD 975 million) of a Cyprus holding company and its subsidiaries.
- Engaged for the 4th consecutive year by a major corporate shareholder, wishing to sell a further 25% stake in a Cyprus holding company; the project involved several complicated share transfers and sale of loans in the form of shareholder financings (value EUR 420 million).
- Provided a complex legal memorandum to a major media and advertising services provider on the liquidation of one of its member companies, a Cyprus investment management company, which was also involved in litigation proceedings in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, USA.
- Providing detailed analysis of corporate governance matters in relation to two Cyprus holding companies, part of a very complicated legal structure with ultimate beneficial owners of various nationalities, BVI shareholders, shares held on trust by funds and Russian subsidiaries involved in the production and sale of steel, pipes and gas tanks.
- Advising a major Russian bank in relation to a complicated reorganization of an international corporate group operating in the oilfield sector, including Russian, Jersey and Cyprus companies.
- Engaged by a high calibre Greek entrepreneur to provide detailed legal assistance with the setting up of a Cyprus company involved in the online travel industry. Furthermore, we comprehensively assisted with all company incorporation procedures and we also provided serviced office space to accommodate his initial operational needs.
- Acted as the legal advisor to one of the largest Russian companies offering railway infrastructure construction services, on whether the entry into a particular pledge agreement, which constituted part to a larger financing transaction, would potentially be in breach of the Cyprus Companies Law provisions relating to the prohibition of the cross holding of shares.
- Having gained extensive expertise, we have successfully handled and completed numerous re-domiciliation procedures from Jersey, Panama and the BVI to Cyprus.
- Extensively reviewed and advised on the proposed website documentation such as sales paths, e-mail templates and the travel insurance policy relating to the provision of insurance by one of the world’s leading insurance companies.
BANKING AND FINANCE
The Banking and Finance team at Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is ranked in the top tier for Cyprus, duly acknowledged for delivering outstanding legal services to its clients. With extensive experience in the legal market and the international culture, the lawyers and legal consultants of the Firm successfully handle challenging cross-border corporate finance transactions and banking projects.
The Firm’s clients include public and private companies, large multinational corporations that have their regional hub in Cyprus, entrepreneurs as well as a host of individual clients from Cyprus and abroad. In the banking and finance sector, the Firm provides ongoing advice to a large number of local and international banks and financial institutions.
Over the last years, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC has been receiving increasing banking and finance work and thus, the department has expanded to meet the clients’ requests effectively and timely. Headed by three partners, the team provides professional legal advice and guidance to clients in the following areas:
- Corporate finance
- Structured finance
- Project finance
- Acquisition finance
- Equity and debt finance
- Ship finance
- Equity investment
- Restructurings and reorganisations
- Derivative and securities lending transactions
- Repurchase agreements [REPOs]
- General banking
- Recovery of loans
- Lease and hire-purchase agreements
- Letters of credit and bank guarantees
- Offerings and listings in international stock exchanges
A sample of recent cases and projects handled includes the following:
- Advised for 6 consecutive years, a major Russian Bank on several facility agreements, amounting up to USD 7 billion to an international chemical group.
- Advising a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm in relation to a number of issues concerning the Financial Collateral Arrangement Law and providing a legal opinion on financial collateral assistance matters arising out of certain Master Confirmations for pre-paid share forward transactions for shares issued by the largest international crude oil tanker company worldwide.
- Advising one of the largest banks in Russia on a financing project of over USD 1 billion regarding a trade and exhibition centre in Moscow, Russian Federation.
- Advising a leading Switzerland-based multinational financial services group in relation to the entry into a collar transaction with a Cyprus company (value of EUR 200 million) with regards to shares in an integrated global energy company based in Spain.
- Advising a major Russian bank in relation to a EUR 700 million facility agreement for the largest scale high-tech project in the Russian mining industry.
- Engaged by an Asian development bank to advice from a Cyprus law perspective on the provision of a loan amounting USD 4.1 million for a construction of petroleum facilities in Tajikistan.
- Advising on the financing of a 75-metre yacht amounting USD 50 million provided by a large Swiss Bank.
- Represented one of the world’s most preeminent financial service firms in relation to a cross currency swap transaction, supplementing an ISDA Master Agreement, with one of the biggest investment firms in Cyprus.
- Providing legal advice to a German global banking and financial services company on the transfer of a Cypriot secured property it held by way of Cyprus pledges in respect of two facility agreements of USD 265 million to a new security agent.
- Advising a major Russian bank on the financing aspect of a major restructuring of the largest industrial construction group in Russia in order to fund the purchase price of the deal in the aggregate amount of approximately EUR ½ billion.
- Advised the corporate and investment banking division of the leading financial institution of the US in relation to a transaction of the amendment and restatement of a USD 250 million facility agreement due to the change of the custodian of shares of a DIFC entity.
Press Releases
Angelos Onisiforou and Stylianos Trillides have been promoted to Partners
7th March 2023 We are thrilled to announce that our firm promoted Angelos Onisiforou and Stylianos Trillides to Partners, with effect from 1 January 2023.Leading legal experts in Europe, Middle East & Africa
23rd April 2021A TOP TIER law firm by The Legal 500! Again!
23rd April 2021 The Legal 500, EMEA 2021 edition once again recommends our law firm as a TOP TIER firm in Dispute Resolution and Tax and ranks our Banking & Finance, Commercial, Corporate and M&A, and Real Estate and Construction practice areas amongst the best in the Cyprus legal market.Cyprus Bar Association exams: Trainee Lawyer Nicholas Yiasemis FIRST nationally
23rd April 2021 We are extremely proud of our trainee lawyer Nicholas Yiasemis for having successfully passed all his Cyprus Bar Association examinations with a very high score. He is the top of his class, ranked FIRST nationally! We wish him every success in his new journey in the legal profession!Highly Ranked in Chambers & Partners Global
3rd March 2021 Our “widely respected team” is once more highly ranked in the Global edition by Chambers & Partners, one of the world’s leading providers of ratings and recommendation of legal firms.Stavros Pavlou registered as a DIFC practitioner
7th January 2021 We are very proud that, following the registration of our firm with the DIFC Courts in Dubai, now our Senior & Managing Partner, Mr Stavros Pavlou, has been registered as a DIFC practitioner, and obtained full Rights of Audience before the DIFC Courts. From the available records, Mr Pavlou is the first Cypriot lawyer to be registered as a practitioner with this very busy International Commercial Court.We are very proud that, following the registration of our firm with the DIFC Courts in Dubai, now our Senior & Managing Partner, Mr Stavros Pavlou, has been registered as a DIFC practitioner, and obtained full Rights of Audience before the DIFC Courts. From the available records, Mr Pavlou is the first Cypriot lawyer to be registered as a practitioner with this very busy International Commercial Court.Our lawyers have been appointed in Committees of the Cyprus Bar Association
7th January 2021 With professional skills to provide top quality legal services and a range of backgrounds and interests, eight lawyers of our team have been selected among many candidates and appointed in various committees of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Limassol Bar Association.With professional skills to provide top quality legal services and a range of backgrounds and interests, eight lawyers of our team have been selected among many candidates and appointed in various committees of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Limassol Bar Association.Katerina Philippidou and Theodoros Symeonides have been promoted to Partners
7th January 2021 Reflecting our firm’s commitment to investing in the future and the depth of our team’s talent, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC promoted Katerina Philippidou and Theodoros Symeonides to Partners, with effect from 1 January 2021.Reflecting our firm’s commitment to investing in the future and the depth of our team’s talent, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC promoted Katerina Philippidou and Theodoros Symeonides to Partners, with effect from 1 January 2021.Cyprus and the “new normal”, reasons to invest
22nd May 2020 As the world is seeking ways to achieve the new normal in their daily lives and business activities, Cyprus is also confidently restarting its economy as the country has been praised as one of the countries to successfully manage the COVID-19 epidemic.Podcast ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Road to the Future’
22nd May 2020 Our Senior & Managing Partner, Stavros Pavlou, FCIArb gave a podcast interview to LegalMatters, and provided a clear and structured opinion on the steps that Cyprus should follow with regards to Dispute Resolution. He analysed the reasons why he believes that the current Court system of administration of justice in Cyprus is at a dead-end, and that the only immediately available escape route is to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution and implement a new Arbitration Law.Transforming General Meetings: Covid-19 and other viruses
29th April 2020 Cyprus companies are faced with the challenge of finding the new normal in a changing climate, along with the need to facilitate the running of their business. The introduction of strict measures imposed on human social conduct all over the world due to the Covid-19 outbreak, including lockdowns, restrictions on travel, public gatherings and social interactions, are serious obstacles for companies that need to uphold their obligations with regards to general meetings.Leading legal experts in Europe, Middle East & Africa
29th April 2020 Our “strategic” Senior and Managing Partner, Stavros Pavlou, is a Leading Lawyer in the Dispute Resolution and Tax areas, recommended for being “a chess master who maps a strategy several steps ahead” and for finding a way to cut through complexity. He is also highly recommended as a primary contact in Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Banking and Finance and Real Estate & Construction.A MULTI-TOP TIER law firm for The Legal 500 once more
29th April 2020 We are very proud that The Legal 500, EMEA 2020 edition once again recommends our law firm as a TOP TIER firm in Dispute Resolution and Tax and ranks our Banking & Finance, Commercial, Corporate and M&A, and Real Estate and Construction practice areas amongst the best in the Cyprus legal market.Top Tier in Dispute Resolution
6th March 2020 We are thrilled that Chambers & Partners Global, one of the world’s leading legal directories, recommends our Firm as a Top Tier firm in Dispute Resolution for its capability of “acting on complex, high-value international and Cypriot disputes involving construction companies, financial institutions and private clients” and its “strength covering debt recovery, international arbitration and fraud claims”.CAMS certificate – Milto Charalambous
18th February 2020 Our Assistant Compliance Officer, Milto Charalambous, has successfully completed the CAMS (Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) certificate. She now has the core competencies and essential knowledge in the Anti-Money Laundering field.Angeliki Epaminonda has been promoted to Partner
21st January 2020 Congratulations to Angeliki Epaminonda for her promotion to Partner! Angeliki joined our firm for her legal training in 2009, and she has since proven to be a highly committed individual. She stood out for her professionalism, dedication and integrity, and exceptional legal skills. Angeliki’s promotion strengthens our commitment to diversity, as 6 in 8 partners at Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC are women...Highly Regarded Lawyers – IFLR1000 Financial & Corporate
13th November 2019 We are excited that IFLR 1000, the only international legal directory dedicated to financial and corporate transactional work, has ranked our firm among the top law firms in Cyprus in this field and recommends our law firm as a “strong Financial and Corporate firm with strong cross-border capabilities”.Certified Continuing Professional Development Center
18th April 2019Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC has been certified by the Cyprus Bar Association as a Continuing Professional Development Training Centre.
Internal Lawyers Seminar
6th April 2018Our firm organized an exciting retreat weekend for the legal team that aimed in encouraging the lawyers to enforce internal ties, discuss internal matters, develop their skills further and have fun with the colleagues. The retreat weekend took place on the 24th and 25th February 2018 in Elysium Hotel in Paphos.
A comparison of Cyprus and BVI corporate structures in the light of recent global tax reforms
22nd March 2018The recent revelations in the Panama and Paradise Papers illustrated the need for companies to make a shift towards more responsible fiscal behaviour and tax responsibilities. International guidelines such as the OECD guidelines and the 4th EU AML Directive clarify that evasive fiscal practices will be disclosed. This article analyses the implications on some of the most established corporate structure vehicles, British Virgin Islands (BVI) business companies and Cyprus companies, by outlining their key characteristics and evaluating how each jurisdiction is adhering to stricter international compliance standards.
Cyprus VAT on Land – Updates by the Tax Department
13th March 2018In November 2017, the Cyprus parliament voted an important amendment to the Cyprus VAT Legislation, which amends the main VAT Law N.95(I)/2000 concerning taxation of building land, in order to align it with the provisions of EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC. The amendment has entered into force on 2 January 2018.
Prometheus Award for Mr Stavros Pavlou
13th February 2018On Monday 11th December 2017, our Senior and Managing Partner, Mr Stavros Pavlou was awarded the Prometheus prize in Moscow for his invaluable contribution towards the protection of Russian business interests in Cyprus and abroad.
Double Tax Treaty for between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia
11th January 2018The Cyprus Ministry of Finance has announced that Cyprus has entered into a double tax agreement with Saudi Arabia for the avoidance of double taxation (‘DTT’), which aims to prevent tax evasion.
Key Speakers at the Cyprus Fiduciary Association seminar
20th December 2017Once again, The Cyprus Fiduciary Association (CFA) selected our law firm to present another specialised and highly demanded seminar, the “Advanced Directors’ Workshop”, which took place on 30th November and 1st December 2017 in Nicosia and Limassol respectively.
Contributing to local and international conferences and seminars
26th October 2017The Cyprus Fiduciary Association (CFA) organised a valuable and practical seminar titled “Rights of Settlor and Beneficiaries under a Trust” on 28 and 29 September 2017 in Nicosia and Limassol respectively.
Successful representation at the 2nd English-Cypriot Law Day conference and developing further the A
5th October 2017The Cyprus Bar Association and the English Bar Council successfully organised the 2nd EnglishCypriot Law Day conference, which was held in Limassol, Cyprus on the 8th September 2017.... As a leading law firm, Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC was one of the main contributors to the event.
ILA Conference Cyprus
11th August 2017The Cypriot, French and Hellenic branches of the International Law Association (ILA) organised a successful conference on International Arbitration in Larnaca, Cyprus on 30th June and 1st July 2017.
Top-Tier Law Firm & Leading Lawyers recognitions from one of the world’s leading legal directories
26th April 2017Legal 500, the world’s legal guide to the leading law firms and outstanding lawyers in over 100 jurisdictions, has recently released tiered rankings for the EMEA region for 2017. We are extremely proud that our law Firm is placed in the TOP tier rankings for Cyprus.
Sustainable success through leading rankings, new membership and continuous development
7th April 2017We are very proud that Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is ranked once more as a leading law firm in Cyprus by Chambers & Partners Global.
Cyprus introduces rules to implement Country by Country reporting requirements
13th February 2017The Cyprus Minister of Finance issued a Decree on 30 December 2016, introducing a mandatory Country by Country (CBC) reporting requirement for multinational enterprise groups generating consolidated annual turnover exceeding €750m (MNE Group).
citizenship by investment programmes
7th February 2017 The Cypriot passport ranks among the strongest in the world, as holders are able to travel to 146 countries without a visa, Cyprus Business Mail reports on 29th December 2016...Delivering a proficient seminar on The Duties & Liabilities of Trustees
15th November 2016 The Cyprus Fiduciary Association (CFA) organised an interesting, two-day seminar on “The Duties and Liabilities of Trustees” which took place on 19th and 20th October 2016, at St Raphael Hotel Limassol and the Filoxenia Conference Center Nicosia, respectively.Legal Developments
Private Client – Lexology Getting The Deal Through – Cyprus
7th March 2023 Stella Strati and Nikoleta Christofidi contribute the Cyprus chapter to GTDT’s Private Client Guide.Insolvency Litigation – Lexology Getting The Deal Through – Cyprus
7th March 2023 Nasia Papakonstantinou and Yvoni Lambrianou contribute the Cyprus Chapter in LexGTDT’s Insolvency Litigation Guide.The Complex Commercial Litigation Review
7th March 2023 The 5th Edition of the Complex Commercial Litigation Review is now live.Crypto Assets Service Providers MiCA is around the corner!
7th March 2023 On the 4th June 2018 the Republic of Cyprus along with 21 other Member States and Norway agreed to sign a Declaration creating a European Blockchain Partnership for the specific purpose of establishing a European Blockchain Services Infrastructure. The ambition and underlying purpose of this European Blockchain Partnership, was to support the delivery of cross-border digital public services, enhance the security and privacy of this sector and (although not expressly stated) to prevent any potential calamities in the financial-blockchain sector.ICLG Project Finance 2022
11th May 2022 ICLG’s Project Finance 2022 is now available online!The Real Estate Review 2022
4th April 2022 The 11th edition of The Real Estate Law Review provides an invaluable overview of how key markets across the globe operate and how they react to major world events.Lending & Taking Security in Cyprus
4th April 2022 A Q&A guide to lending and taking security in Cyprus. The Q&A gives a high level overview of the lending market, forms of security over assets, special purpose vehicles in secured lending, quasi-security, guarantees, and loan agreements. It covers creation and registration requirements for security interests; problem assets over which security is difficult to grant; risk areas for lenders; structuring the priority of debt; debt trading and transfer mechanisms; agent and trust concepts; enforcement of security interests and borrower insolvency; cross-border issues on loans; taxes; and proposals for reform.Chambers Global Guide to Corporate Tax – Cyprus 2022
28th March 2022 The Corporate Tax 2022 guide covers 46 jurisdictions. The guide provides the latest legal information on types of business entities, special incentives, consolidated tax grouping, individual and corporate tax rates, withholding taxes, tax treaties, transfer pricing, and more.The Inward Investment and International Taxation Review
14th February 2022 A useful guide to the tax rules in the jurisdictions where clients conduct their businesses. Each chapter aims to provide topical and current insights from leading experts on the tax issues and opportunities in their respective jurisdictions. While specific tax advice is always essential, it is also necessary to have a broad understanding of the nature of the potential issues and advantages.The Complex Commercial Litigation Law Review
27th December 2021 “Litigation requires an incredible amount of preparation, research and skill.. The purpose of The Complex Commercial Litigation Law Review is to provide an understanding of the different approaches various jurisdictions take to important cross-border issues.The era of environmentally & socially conscious entities: ESG in Cyprus
2nd December 2021 Today’s world calls for businesses which are not merely entities serving an economic purpose, but conscious beings whose decisions shape the world we live in. The 2021 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, gathered together world leaders and delegates who were tasked with, inter alia, producing solutions to reverse climate change. Launched as a movement initiative in the United States, ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) was a focal point of COP26 aiming to provide direction for the corporate world in establishing ESG guidelines.Project Finance 2022 – Cyprus – LexGTDT
5th November 2021Types of collateral
What types of collateral and security interests are available?
Collateral perfecting
How is a security interest in each type of collateral perfected and how is its priority established? Are any fees, taxes or other charges payable to perfect a security interest and, if so, are there lawful techniques to minimise them? May a corporate entity, in the capacity of agent or trustee, hold collateral on behalf of the project lenders as the secured party? Is it necessary for the security agent and trustee to hold any licences to hold or enforce such security?
- the pledge must be evidenced by a written contract, signed by the pledgor and the pledgee in the presence of two witnesses;
- notice of the pledge must be given by the pledgee to the company whose shares are being pledged;
- a memorandum of pledge must be entered into the register of members of the company whose shares are being pledged; and
- the company secretary must issue and deliver to the pledgee a certificate confirming that a memorandum of pledge has been entered in the register of members in favour of the pledgee.
Assuring absence of liens
How can a creditor assure itself as to the absence of liens with priority to the creditor’s lien?
Enforcing collateral rights
Outside the context of a bankruptcy proceeding, what steps should a project lender take to enforce its rights as a secured party over the collateral?
Enforcing collateral rights following bankruptcy
How does a bankruptcy proceeding in respect of the project company affect the ability of a project lender to enforce its rights as a secured party over the collateral? Are there any preference periods, clawback rights or other preferential creditors’ rights with respect to the collateral? What entities are excluded from bankruptcy proceedings and what legislation applies to them? What processes other than court proceedings are available to seize the assets of the project company in an enforcement?
- the costs and expenses of the winding-up; and
- the following preferential debts:
- rates and taxes, including all local rates and all government taxes, due from the company at the relevant date, and having become due and payable within 12 months immediately before that date; in the case of assessed taxes, not exceeding in the whole one year’s assessment;
- any salary owed to an employee and any sum withheld by the employer from the employee’s salary for the payment of any obligations of the employee or otherwise that the employer has not paid; and any other sum or benefit of the employee that arises as a result of an agreement or employment relationship, including any sum owed to a recognised union that arises from the employment relationship between the employer and the employee or otherwise that the employer has not paid;
- every amount of compensation that the company is obliged to pay to an employee, on account of bodily harm suffered by him or her as a result of an accident caused by his or her employment and during his or her employment. An employee of a private company who is a shareholder thereof is exempted, unless the company is voluntarily wound up or wound up for reconstruction or merger purposes; and
- every amount due to the employee, excluding an employee of a private company who is a shareholder thereof, concerning the leave that such employee is entitled to from his or her employment in the company for an employment period of only one year.
Foreign exchange and withholding tax issues
Restrictions, controls, fees and taxes
What are the restrictions, controls, fees, taxes or other charges on foreign currency exchange?
Investment returns
What are the restrictions, controls, fees and taxes on remittances of investment returns (dividends and capital) or payments of principal, interest or premiums on loans or bonds to parties in other jurisdictions?
Foreign earnings
Must project companies repatriate foreign earnings? If so, must they be converted to local currency and what further restrictions exist over their use?
May project companies establish and maintain foreign currency accounts in other jurisdictions and locally?
Foreign investment issues
Investment restrictions
What restrictions, fees and taxes exist on foreign investment in or ownership of a project and related companies? Do the restrictions also apply to foreign investors or creditors in the event of foreclosure on the project and related companies? Are there any bilateral investment treaties with key nation states or other international treaties that may afford relief from such restrictions? Would such activities require registration with any government authority?
Insurance restrictions
What restrictions, fees and taxes exist on insurance policies over project assets provided or guaranteed by foreign insurance companies? May such policies be payable to foreign secured creditors?
Worker restrictions
What restrictions exist on bringing in foreign workers, technicians or executives to work on a project?
Equipment restrictions
What restrictions exist on the importation of project equipment?
Nationalisation laws
What laws exist regarding the nationalisation or expropriation of project companies and assets? Are any forms of investment specially protected (from nationalisation or expropriation)?
Cyprus is a full EU member and therefore nationalisation, expropriation, transfer and currency restrictions are regulated under EU law and EU policy. Furthermore, article 23 of the Constitution of Cyprus safeguards the right to acquire, own, possess, enjoy or dispose of any movable or immovable property. No deprivation or restriction or limitation is allowed, except for restrictions or limitations that are absolutely necessary in the interest of public safety, public health or public morals, town and country planning, or the development and utilisation of any property to the promotion of the public benefit, or the protection of the rights of others, and only if imposed by law. Just compensation must be paid for any such restrictions or limitations that materially decrease the economic value of such property. Such compensation, if not agreed, is determined by the courts. In certain cases, nationalisations of financial institutions such as the Cyprus Central Cooperative Bank have been pursued by the government as a form of state intervention to assist with stability and liquidity.Fiscal treatment of foreign investment
Incentives
What tax incentives or other incentives are provided preferentially to foreign investors or creditors? What taxes apply to foreign investments, loans, mortgages or other security documents, either for the purposes of effectiveness or registration?
Government authorities
Relevant authorities
What are the relevant government agencies or departments with authority over projects in the typical project sectors? What is the nature and extent of their authority? What is the history of state ownership in these sectors?
Regulation of natural resources
Titles
Who has title to natural resources? What rights may private parties acquire to these resources and what obligations does the holder have? May foreign parties acquire such rights?
Royalties and taxes
What royalties and taxes are payable on the extraction of natural resources, and are they revenue- or profit-based?
Export restrictions
What restrictions, fees or taxes exist on the export of natural resources?
Legal issues of general application
Government permission
What government approvals are required for typical project finance transactions? What fees and other charges apply?
Registration of financing
Must any of the financing or project documents be registered or filed with any government authority or otherwise comply with legal formalities to be valid or enforceable?
Arbitration awards
How are international arbitration contractual provisions and awards recognised by local courts? Is the jurisdiction a member of the ICSID Convention or other prominent dispute resolution conventions? Are any types of disputes not arbitrable? Are any types of disputes subject to automatic domestic arbitration?
Law governing agreements
Which jurisdiction’s law typically governs project agreements? Which jurisdiction’s law typically governs financing agreements? Which matters are governed by domestic law?
Submission to foreign jurisdiction
Is a submission to a foreign jurisdiction and a waiver of immunity effective and enforceable?
Environmental, health and safety laws
Applicable regulations
What laws or regulations apply to typical project sectors? What regulatory bodies administer those laws?
Project companies
Principal business structures
What are the principal business structures of project companies? What are the principal sources of financing available to project companies?
Public-private partnership legislation
Applicable legislation
Has PPP-enabling legislation been enacted and, if so, at what level of government and is the legislation industry-specific?
PPP – limitations
Legal limitations
What, if any, are the practical and legal limitations on PPP transactions?
PPP – transactions
Significant transactions
What have been the most significant PPP transactions completed to date in your jurisdiction?
UPDATE & TRENDS
Key developments of the past year
In addition to the above, are there any emerging trends or ‘hot topics’ in project finance in your jurisdiction?
Coronavirus
What emergency legislation, relief programmes and other initiatives specific to your practice area has your state implemented to address the pandemic? Have any existing government programmes, laws or regulations been amended to address these concerns? What best practices are advisable for clients?
International Arbitration 2021 – Cyprus – Chambers Practice Guides
5th November 20211. General
1.1 Prevalence of Arbitration
Arbitration is usually used in Cyprus for construction disputes, shareholder disputes, banking disputes between debtors and co-op institutions, and commercial disputes. Despite the fact that international arbitration has become increasingly popular over the last few years, litigation is clearly the most favoured method of resolving disputes in Cyprus. However, there is a growing trend to resort to arbitration, given the inefficiency of the court system to resolve disputes quickly.Enforcement of Judgments – Chambers Global Guides
5th November 2021 The new Enforcement of Judgments guide features 29 jurisdictions. The guide provides the latest legal information on the identification of another party’s asset position, the costs and time involved in the enforcement of domestic and foreign judgments, challenges to enforcement, and the process of enforcing arbitral awards.Alternative Investment Funds – ICLG – 2021
5th November 2021 The new edition of ICLG’s Alternative Investment Funds 2021 covers regulatory frameworks, fund structures, investments, reforms and taxation. Angeliki Epaminonda and Angelos Onisiforou contribute the Cyprus Chapter.Will the “Black Swan” fly over to Cyprus?
4th November 2021 As widely reported, on 4 October 2021, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council issued its much anticipated decision in Broad Idea International Limited v. Convoy Collateral [2021] UKPC 24. With its judgement, the Privy Council effectively upheld the Black Swan jurisdiction, which is derived from the BVI judgement in the case Black Swan Investment ISA v Harvest View Ltd (BVIHCV 2009/399) (unreported) 23 March 2010 and is expected to have drastic effects in broadening the traditionally conceived limits of the powers of common law Courts to issue freezing injunctions in aid of international creditors.BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD IN CYPRUS
4th November 2021 The outspread of the covid-19 pandemic left people worldwide with no other choice but to find ways to adjust to the new normal. While two years ago the concept of being a digital nomad could sound to most of us, more like a concept coming out from a science fiction film, it is not implausible to say that covid-19 has put “flesh on the bones” of this concept. But what does the term “digital nomad” mean?Family Offices: Current Challenges and Trends
23rd April 2021 The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only public health and the well being of humanity, but also a number of economies, businesses and industries worldwide. Family offices have not remained unaffected; not only by Coronavirus but also by the ever-shifting global economic environment. New trends that have arisen during the COVID era, including remote working and the demand for greater connectivity, as well as novel strategic and operational risks, are forcing family offices to rethink the way they have been traditionally doing business.The number of arbitrators and a preliminary award in a multi-party arbitration in Cyprus
23rd April 2021 One of the main issues in the constitution of an arbitral tribunal is the number of arbitrators. Most of the times, either the arbitration agreement itself or the default rule of the national laws or the applicable institutional rules provide the number of arbitrators. Nevertheless, the constitution of the arbitral tribunal became one of the greatest challenges in a recent Cypriot arbitration involving multiple parties because the parties had not expressly agreed on the number of arbitrators.Litigation and Enforcement in Cyprus: An Overview
23rd April 2021 A Q&A guide to dispute resolution law in Cyprus.Arbitration Procedures and practice in Cyprus: Overview
3rd March 2021 A Q&A guide to arbitration law and practice in Cyprus.The Complex Commercial Litigation Review
3rd February 2021 Cyprus is a common law jurisdiction country and its justice system is based on the adversarial model. Most of Cypriot law has been modelled after the English Common Law and Equity, the basic principles of which are directly applied by Cyprus courts, under Section 29 of the Courts of Justice Law.Lending & Taking Security in Cyprus: overview
3rd February 2021 A Q&A guide to lending and taking security in Cyprus. The Q&A gives a high level overview of the lending market, forms of security over assets, special purpose vehicles in secured lending, quasi-security, guarantees, and loan agreements. It covers creation and registration requirements for security interests; problem assets over which security is difficult to grant; risk areas for lenders; structuring the priority of debt; debt trading and transfer mechanisms; agent and trust concepts; enforcement of security interests and borrower insolvency; cross-border issues on loans; taxes; and proposals for reform. https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/w-008-0390?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=trueDepositary Duties in the Alternative Investment Funds Realm
3rd February 2021 One of the key players in the Alternative Investment Fund’s industry sector is the depositary. A depositary is in essence the entity responsible for the safekeeping, cash monitoring and oversight of the AIF’s assets. As the reader may appreciate, this is perhaps the most important service provider of an AIF as it operates as an independent third-party provider specifically appointed to ensure the investor’s protection bearing also the responsibility to verify that the assets of the AIF are invested in accordance with the AIF’s investment policy.LEx_GTDT Private Client
7th January 2021 Given the international mobility of wealthy individuals and their families, it is vital that they and their local advisers have a resource to guide them through the often significantly different legal frameworks they may face in other jurisdictions in which they choose to live, do business and invest. Stella Strati and Nikoleta Christofidi contribute the Cyprus chapter in the Private Client guide, which seeks to draw together the main issues of importance to a private client in this situation covering: rules in relation to tax, succession, the holding and management of property and immigration.Chambers Global Guide to International Arbitration 2020
20th October 2020 Chambers & Partners' International Arbitration 2020 practice guide features 47 jurisdictions. Stavros Pavlou, Eleana Christofi, Theodoros Symeonides, and Athina Patsalidou provide expert legal commentary on tribunals, preliminary and interim relief, collection and submission of evidence, confidentiality, types of remedies, class actions, and grounds for appeal and enforcement in Cyprus. Click below to read the Cyprus chapter.Chambers Global Guide to the Enforcement of Judgments 2020
20th October 2020 The new edition of Chambers’ Global Practice Guide to the Enforcement of Judgments discusses identifying assets, domestic judgments, foreign judgments and arbitral awards in 24 jurisdictions. Eleana Christofi and Theodoros Symeonides contribute the Cyprus chapter and provide expert legal commentary on the key issues and latest developments in the enforcement landscape in Cyprus.All about Nexus: Link your IP asset to Cyprus
10th September 2020 The Cyprus IP regime gives considerable benefits to IP companies wishing to transfer their offices and personnel in Cyprus. Apart from such tax benefits, other advantages also exist rendering Cyprus an attractive jurisdiction for the establishment of fully-fledged offices. In light of this, Stella Strati provides an overview of the new Cyprus IP regime and the Nexus approach.Lexology GTDT Project Finance 2021
27th August 2020 The new Project Finance edition in the Getting the Deal Through series provides a comparative guide to the most important issues related to project finance regulation across jurisdictions worldwide.Covid-19: Legal Reflections on Virtual Closings
2nd July 2020 There is no doubt that Covid-19 represents a new challenge in all sectors of the economy, let alone the legal world. In light of this, the issue of distant or virtual closings in corporate finance transactions is revisited by Elena Georgiou, who provides practical guidelines as to how to structure the closing of a deal around the “virtual” table.Sponsored crisis management focus: A View From Cyprus – Carrying on in the face of the Covid-19 crisis
4th June 2020 The legal profession has entered into an unprecedented challenging period where old habits and norms have to be questioned. In Cyprus, the system of administration of justice is yet to embrace modern reforms and law firms need to adapt and map out a strategy to survive. In light of this, Stavros Pavlou and Stella Strati provide a practical guide to the golden rules of crisis management, outlining the steps to carry on in the face of the Covid-19 crisis in Cyprus. Click to read the article, published by Legal Business.Chilidescu v. Gheorghiu: Exercising Jurisdiction over Foreign Defendants
24th May 2020 The aim of this article is to present that jurisdiction of Cyprus Courts cannot be established and Interim Orders cannot be issued against foreign defendants when the basis of the claim is not really connected with Cyprus and there isn’t a sufficient jurisdictional ground in relation to the Cypriot defendants. In doing so, it outlines, briefly, the gateways for exercising jurisdiction over foreign defendants as prescribed by Order 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules and the provisions of the Regulation (EU) 1215/2012 on jurisdiction in civil and commercial matters (Recast Brussels Regulation). It concludes with an analysis of the above-mentioned case.Potential Implications of the Quarantining to Tax Residency
31st March 2020 Containment of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has prudently become a top priority for governments around the world. For this reason, quarantines, lockdowns, self-isolation measures and travel restrictions have been widely and strictly imposed on billions of people. Amidst this new state of affairs, it would be worth considering the potential implications that quarantining could have on an individual’s taxable residency status.Legal implications of the COVID-19 epidemic on contractual obligations under Cyprus law
31st March 2020 The recent outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic is currently affecting Cyprus, Europe and is becoming an emergency in most other regions of the globe. Naturally the primary focus of any business will be on ensuring the health and wellbeing of their staff. Containment measures, including lockdowns, closures of public services, disruption in travel due to restrictions and cancellations of global events are having unprecedented impact on businesses and the economy affecting global supply chains.The validity of electronic signatures under Cyprus Law – Covid19
31st March 2020 t is widely expected that the COVID-19 (widely referred to as the coronavirus) epidemic will cause unprecedented disruption to the global economy and inevitably eventually reshape the way we conduct business. It has become evident that whilst the disruption in certain industries is widespread and chaotic, in other industries the effects can be mitigated through the use of technology.Regulatory Update Alert AIFs and UCITS: New Depositary Safekeeping Rules
31st March 2020The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”) has been widely regarded by European regulators and industry players alike, as a very powerful and proficient tool, responsible for the establishment of a coherent and integrated legislative framework amongst Member States in the European Union.
The Inward Investment & International Taxation Review
6th March 2020 Cyprus has a very advantageous environment for inward investment. Different incentives exist, able to encourage non-residents to set up a business in, or invest through, Cyprus. In a nutshell, no restrictions on foreign share ownership exist, there are no withholding taxes on dividends or interest, the sale of shares and other titles is exempt from tax, the corporate tax rate is one of the lowest in the European Union (EU), while non-Cyprus tax residents (or non-domiciled) enjoy a number of tax exemptions. These, and other characteristics of the Cyprus tax system, shall be further analysed below.Arbitration Procedures and practice in Cyprus: overview
11th February 2020A Q&A guide to arbitration law and practice in Cyprus.
Litigation and Enforcement in Cyprus: overview
11th February 2020 A Q&A guide to dispute resolution law in Cyprus.The Complex Commercial Litigation Review
7th January 2020 Our Senior & Managing Partner, Stavros Pavlou, Senior Associates Katerina Philippidou and Andria Antoniou, and Athina Patsalidou, Associate, contribute the exclusive Cyprus chapter in Complex Commercial Litigation Review's 2nd edition, in which expert practitioners from 23 jurisdictions provide their overview on litigation and arbitration of commercial disputes, contract formations and negotiations, fraud, misrepresentations and other claims. Click to read the Cyprus chapter, published by The Law Reviews.The Guide to Insolvency
7th January 2020 Chambers’ 2020 Insolvency Global Practice Guide provides an overview of the differing legal regimes that apply to business restructurings, reorganisations, rehabilitations, insolvencies and liquidations in 48 jurisdictions. Senior Associates Nasia Papakonstantinou and Christos Ioannou contribute the Cyprus chapter, providing all-important professional insights into current trends and developments in the local market, including a concise and high-level summary of specific debtor and creditor rights and legal alternatives for the restructuring and resolution of financially distressed and insolvent businesses.ADIT & Blockchain Professionals
23rd September 2019 At Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC, we continuously invest in our team’s professional expertise to keep track with the latest developments and ever-growing demands. We are also very proud of our team’s persistent success...Events 2019
23rd September 2019 This month, our team will be attending highly regarded international conferences...Cyprus Implements ATAD
21st August 2019 In light of EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), the Cyprus House of Representatives on April 5, 2019 voted into law (applicable from January 1, 2019) the partial implementation of legally-anti-abusive measures. These measures include the ‘interest limitation’ rule, the ‘general anti-abuse’ rule, and the ‘controlled foreign companies’ rule. The rest two measures stipulated by the EU ATAD (exit taxes and rules to tackle hybrid mismatches) are expected to be implemented in Cyprus by 2020.Double Tax Treaty between Cyprus and Kazakhstan
9th July 2019A DTT between Cyprus and Kazakhstan has been signed and ratified by Cyprus on the 15th of May 2019. The DTT is expected to “enter into force’ as from the 1st of January 2020, provided that the various legal procedures involved are finalized. Kazakhstan currently has the largest and strongest performing economy in Central Asia.
Is “Substance” the current Buzzword?
9th July 2019 It seems that one of the latest buzzwords in the field of international tax planning is “substance”. The term “substance” is frequently used to indicate real/physical presence of legal entities in their country of tax residence, as opposed to the use of the so called “shell” or “conduit” companies for obtaining certain tax, or double tax treaty, benefits.Licensed Insolvency Practitioners
13th June 2019Two of our Senior Associates, Mrs Nasia Papakonstantinou and Mr Christos Ioannou, successfully passed their Insolvency Practitioners examinations and are now officially included in the Cyprus Insolvency Service (ISC).
Takeover Law: An overview
4th June 2019 The primary source of legislation relating to public M&A transactions in the Republic of Cyprus is the Law to Make Provision for Public Takeover Bids for the Acquisition of Securities of Companies and Related Matters, Law 41(I)/2009 (“Takeover Law”).Litigation and enforcement in Cyprus overview
23rd May 2019A Q&A guide to dispute resolution law in Cyprus, providing a structured overview of the key practical issues concerning dispute resolution, including court procedures; fees and funding; interim remedies (including attachment orders); disclosure; expert evidence; appeals; class actions; enforcement; cross-border issues; the use of ADR; and any reform proposals.
Arbitration Procedures and Practice in Cyprus overview:
18th April 2019This country-specific Q&A guide provides a structured overview of the key practical issues concerning arbitration in Cyprus, including any mandatory provisions and default rules applicable under local law, confidentiality, local courts' willingness to assist arbitration, enforcement of awards and the available remedies, both final and interim.
Top-Tier Law Firm & Leading Lawyers
18th April 2019Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is led by exceptional heads of departments who possess great knowledge and expertise. Our firm is a Top Tier Firm in 4 practice areas for the Legal 500...
M&A opportunities in Cyprus post Brexit
28th February 2019Cyprus has reclaimed its status as a country with a developed and well-trusted economy, having overcome the challenges of recent years with a gross domestic product growth of 3.9% in 2018. There has been a noticeable rise in foreign investments in the local market, with an upswing in mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Mergers and Reorganizations – An Overview
24th January 2019Cyprus boasts an attractive merger and reorganisation regime not only locally, but also at an EU level. Mrs Lia Iordanou Theodoulou, our firm's Partner-Head of Corporate Finance, shares an overview of the procedures to carry out a local and a cross-border merger, providing essential legal and tax information.
Supporting local and international charitable organizations
15th January 2019As one of the leading law firms in Cyprus, we are active promoters and supporters of local economic growth by sponsoring local events, applying environmental-friendly practices, minimizing our ecological impact, and most importantly, by raising money for local charities and non-profit organizations.
The ‘dark’ side of the data room: disclosure dangers in M&A and finance transactions
13th November 2018Given the corporate environment's ever-changing nature and business needs and the importance of data protection at the EU level, the topic of due diligence in M&A and financial transactions warrants examination. The disclosure, transfer and processing of data raises concerns at several stages of the due diligence process during a transaction and undoubtedly makes things more complicated.
Registered alternative investment funds – an overview
13th November 2018Cyprus is fast becoming an international fund hub and a well-respected player in both the European and international fund industries.
Cyprus Shipping: casting a long shadow over the International Maritime Industry
13th November 2018Cyprus's maritime industry has been established as one of the three largest merchant fleets in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Given its attractive environment and fast developments, Cyprus is likely to cast a long shadow over the international shipping sector...
A call for specifying the “Pre-Marketing” concept within the AIFMD
10th October 2018 On the 12th of March 2018, the EU Commission via an explanatory memorandum (“Explanatory Memorandum”), adopted a package of further measures intended to deepen, unify and further integrate the capital markets sector of the 28 EU Member States.Project Finance 2018
10th October 2018 Mrs Stella Strati, Partner-Corporate Finance, and Mr Stylianos Trillides, Senior Associate, contributed the exclusive Cyprus chapter to the 7th edition of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Project Finance 2018.- Banking and finance
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