Best Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Lawyers in Acharnes

About Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Law in Acharnes, Greece

Acquisition and leveraged finance covers loans and capital structures used to buy businesses or assets, typically where the target companys cash flow or assets secure the debt. In Acharnes, Greece, these transactions follow Greek national law while relying on local practicalities such as registration at nearby public offices, local courts and availability of local counsel. Common deal types include leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, acquisition financings, refinancing and complex multi-layered packages involving senior lenders, mezzanine lenders and equity sponsors.

Legal work in this field combines corporate law, finance law, property law, security and collateral perfection, insolvency and tax considerations. Local lawyers advise on transaction structure, drafting and negotiating loan agreements, intercreditor arrangements, security documents and closing mechanics, and on enforcement and restructuring strategies if things go wrong.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Acquisition and leveraged finance transactions are legally and commercially complex. You may need a lawyer in the following situations:

- You are buying a company in Acharnes using borrowed funds and need help structuring the deal to allocate risk between buyer, seller and lenders.

- You are a borrower seeking financing and require negotiation of loan terms, security packages and covenant language.

- You are a lender assessing legal and practical enforceability of collateral located in Acharnes or elsewhere in Greece.

- You must perfect security interests over Greek real estate, shares, receivables, equipment or inventory and need guidance on registration and priority.

- You need to perform legal due diligence on the target companys contracts, permits, liabilities and compliance with local regulations.

- You face a distressed situation and require advice on enforcement, debt restructuring, pre-insolvency workouts or formal insolvency proceedings under Greek law.

- You need to assess tax implications, stamp duties, regulatory approvals or foreign investment restrictions that affect financing or acquisition.

Local Laws Overview

The following legal areas are particularly relevant to acquisition and leveraged finance in Acharnes and across Greece:

- Corporate law: Company formation, share transfers, articles of association, director duties and approvals under Greek company law affect how acquisitions may be carried out and whether certain corporate consents are required.

- Contract law: Loan facilities, security agreements, intercreditor agreements and ancillary documents are governed by general contract principles under the Greek Civil Code and commercial practice.

- Security and collateral: Greek law recognises a range of security interests - mortgages on real estate, pledges over movable assets and shares, assignment of receivables and security over bank accounts. Perfection and priority depend on registration and, for certain assets, on physical delivery or special public entries in registries.

- Property and cadastral registration: Real estate mortgages and rights must be registered at the local land registry or cadastre office. Accurate property searches and correct registration are essential to secure lenders rights.

- Insolvency and restructuring: Greece has statutory insolvency and restructuring frameworks that affect creditor rights, stay periods and cram-down mechanisms. Understanding the timing and remedies available under insolvency law is crucial for both lenders and acquirers.

- Regulatory and licensing: Certain industries require regulatory approvals for change of control, licences or permits. Transactions in regulated sectors may need prior consents from the competent Greek authorities.

- Tax and stamp duties: Acquisition structures trigger corporate tax, transfer taxes or stamp duties depending on asset or share purchases. Tax treatment of interest payments, withholding taxation on cross-border payments and VAT issues should be considered in the deal design.

- Anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance: Lenders and advisers must carry out KYC and AML checks and comply with applicable sanctions regimes when providing finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is leveraged finance and how does it differ from ordinary lending?

Leveraged finance refers to loans that are extended to borrowers with higher debt levels, often to finance an acquisition. The key difference is that these transactions rely more heavily on the target companys future cash flows and assets as collateral, feature more complex covenant structures, and often involve multiple layers of debt such as senior and subordinated tranches.

Can a lender in a leveraged deal take security over company shares and real estate in Acharnes?

Yes. Lenders commonly take pledges over shares and mortgages over real estate. To be effective, security must be properly executed and registered where required - for example, mortgages are registered at the land registry or cadastre, and share pledges are documented and, if applicable, entered in the companies register and any relevant share register.

How do I perfect a mortgage or pledge in Greece?

Perfection depends on the asset. Real estate mortgages require a notarised instrument and registration with the local land registry or cadastre. Pledges over movables or receivables may require written agreement, delivery or registration in public registries where applicable. Local counsel will confirm the exact steps for the asset in Acharnes and coordinate filings.

What is an intercreditor agreement and when is it needed?

An intercreditor agreement sets priorities, voting rights and enforcement rules among different classes of lenders in a multi-lender transaction. It is essential where senior and subordinated lenders, mezzanine financiers or vendors participate in the financing, as it avoids disputes about who enforces security and when.

Are there restrictions on foreign lenders providing acquisition finance in Greece?

Generally foreign lenders can provide finance to Greek borrowers. Practical considerations include tax withholding on interest payments, licensing if the lender carries out regulated activities in Greece, and compliance with AML and exchange control rules. Specialist advice helps structure cross-border loans to address these issues.

What happens if the borrower defaults - how is enforcement handled?

Enforcement depends on the secured assets and the type of security. Mortgages are enforced through judicial or out-of-court sale procedures depending on circumstances. Enforcement of pledges, receivables and share pledges also follows statutory and contractual routes. Greek insolvency proceedings can affect enforcement through moratoria and treatment of secured creditors, so timely legal advice is important.

Do acquisitions normally proceed by buying assets or shares in Greece?

Both routes are used. Buying shares preserves contracts and licences but may import hidden liabilities. Buying assets can provide a cleaner slate but may require transfer of permits and be subject to asset transfer taxes. The choice depends on tax, regulatory, labour law implications and commercial considerations.

What due diligence should I expect before financing an acquisition?

Typical due diligence areas include corporate records, contracts, financial statements, tax compliance, real estate and property titles, employment and labour issues, regulatory permits, environmental liabilities and litigation. Lenders focus on matters that affect the value and security of collateral and the borrowers ability to repay.

How long does a typical acquisition financing transaction take in Greece?

Timing varies by complexity. Simple bilateral financings and small acquisitions can close in a few weeks, while syndicated loans, cross-border deals, or transactions requiring complex regulatory approvals or significant due diligence can take several months. Local searches and registrations can add to the timeline.

How do I find a qualified lawyer in Acharnes for acquisition or leveraged finance work?

Search for lawyers or firms with experience in corporate finance, banking and securities, and transactional work. Ask for examples of recent acquisition financing matters, references and clear fee estimates. Verify the lawyers membership in the Athens Bar Association or local bar, and confirm they handle closings, security registrations and enforcement in Greek courts if required.

Additional Resources

The following types of organisations and public bodies can be helpful when dealing with acquisition and leveraged finance matters in Acharnes:

- General Commercial Registry - for company filings and corporate records.

- Local Land Registry and Cadastre Office - for property title searches and mortgage registrations.

- Hellenic Financial Regulatory Authorities - for questions about regulated lending, capital markets and licensing.

- Greek Tax Authorities - for tax clearance, VAT and transfer tax questions.

- Hellenic Bar Associations - for lists of licensed lawyers and local counsel.

- Local Chamber of Commerce and industry associations - for market data and business contacts.

- Banking industry associations - for standard documentation and best practice guidance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with acquisition or leveraged finance in Acharnes, consider the following practical steps:

- Gather basic documents: company incorporation documents, recent financial statements, copies of key contracts, property titles and any existing finance agreements.

- Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in acquisition and leveraged finance. Prepare a clear summary of the transaction, parties and milestones.

- Discuss scope and fees up front. Ask for a written engagement letter describing services, fee structure and estimated timeline.

- Order targeted due diligence and obtain a preliminary legal opinion on title, encumbrances and material liabilities.

- Work with counsel to draft and negotiate the facility agreement, security documents and any intercreditor arrangements.

- Coordinate local filings and registrations at the land registry, commercial registry or other public offices as required for perfection of security.

- If the deal involves cross-border elements, retain advisers for tax, foreign law and regulatory issues early in the process.

Well-structured legal advice reduces risk, clarifies responsibilities and helps ensure a smoother closing and enforceable security for all parties involved in acquisition and leveraged finance transactions in Acharnes, Greece.