Best Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Lawyers in Florina

1. About Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Law in Florina, Greece

Acquisition and leveraged finance involve using debt to finance the purchase of a business or assets in Florina and the surrounding Western Macedonia region. In Greece, these transactions combine contract law, corporate law, and banking regulation. A local solicitor or attorney can help structure the deal, negotiate terms, and align the financing with Greek law and EU requirements.

Florina’s economy features small and medium sized enterprises that often pursue bank debt or syndicated lending to fund growth, equipment purchases, or acquisitions. The regional context means you may encounter land and asset security in multiple jurisdictions, as well as cross border considerations with Athens and EU lenders. A qualified lawyer in Florina can coordinate documentation, ensure enforceability, and manage timing for closing a deal in a regional market.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

A local legal professional helps you navigate concrete scenarios that commonly arise in Florina financed transactions. Below are real world examples where legal counsel adds value.

• Reviewing a leveraged loan term sheet for a Florina acquisition - A local manufacturer plans an LBO with a bank in Thessaloniki and requires careful review of covenants, interest rates, step loans, and negative pledge clauses that may restrict future operations in Florina.
• Securing assets located in Florina during an acquisition - The deal uses a security package including mortgages on real estate and pledges over receivables. You need precise drafting to ensure enforceability in Greek courts and proper priority among lenders.
• Negotiating an inter creditor agreement for a regional buyout - A syndicate of lenders in Greece requires alignment on collateral, intercreditor arrangements, and waterfall payments that affect the Florina target’s cash flow.
• Structuring an SPV for cross border investment - You set up a Greek SPV to acquire a Florina business and need to align corporate governance, transfer pricing, and cross border tax considerations with Greek law.
• Planning a debt restructuring or DIP financing in distress - If a Florina portfolio company faces financial distress, you will need counsel to navigate the Insolvency Code and to evaluate debtor in possession financing options.
• Negotiating guarantees and personal liability - Founders in Florina may offer personal guarantees. A lawyer can draft cap limits, release provisions, and ensure proportional liability in line with Greek contract law.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulations are central to Acquisition / Leveraged Finance in Florina. They govern contracts, corporate structures, security interests, and insolvency, and they are subject to amendments over time.

Greek Civil Code (contracts and security rights) - The Civil Code governs formation of contracts, enforcement of security interests such as mortgages and pledges, and the overall validity of leveraged financing arrangements. It provides the framework for how debts are secured, how defaults are handled, and how collateral is addressed in court actions. The Civil Code originated in the mid 20th century and has been amended several times to reflect modern commercial practice. For precise articles, consult the official legislation portal.

Law 2190/1920 on S.A. and corporate governance - This statute governs anonymous companies and the corporate framework used for acquisitions and financing structures. It remains a foundational reference for shareholders rights, capital increases, and governance arrangements that often accompany leveraged buyouts. The law has been amended repeatedly to reflect EU and market developments, so current text should be reviewed in tandem with amendments.

Insolvency Code (Law 4738/2020) and related updates - Greece reformed its insolvency framework to improve restructurings and speed up crisis proceedings. The Insolvency Code affects how lenders and debtors negotiate restructurings, debt relief, and the availability of debtor in possession financing. The system began taking effect in 2021, with ongoing amendments to align with EU directives and market practice.

Additional regulatory oversight comes from key authorities that influence leveraged finance. Banks in Greece are supervised by the Bank of Greece, which issues prudential guidance for lending and collateral. The Hellenic Capital Market Commission oversees capital market activities, including certain financing arrangements involving securities and public offerings. For textual references to these laws, see the Greek legislation portals listed in the resources section.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Below are practical, commonly asked questions about Acquisition / Leveraged Finance in Florina. Questions are written to be accessible and cover procedural, definitional, cost, timeline, eligibility, and comparison topics.

What is acquisition finance in Greece?

Acquisition finance funds the purchase of a business or assets through debt and equity. It often uses secured loans, mezzanine debt, and equity co investment to optimize capital structure.

How does a leveraged buyout work in Florina?

A buyer uses a combination of debt and equity to acquire a target. The debt is secured by the target's assets, and the buyer relies on cash flow to repay the loan while maintaining compliance with covenants.

When should I involve a lawyer in a financing deal?

Engage a lawyer at the term sheet stage and again before signing definitive documents. Early involvement helps spot enforceability issues and reduce closing risk.

Where can I find local Florina counsel experienced in leveraged finance?

Look for a registered solicitor in Greece with corporate finance experience in Western Macedonia. Ask for references, recent closing experience, and familiarity with local lenders.

Why is governance important in a leveraged deal?

Governance structures determine who signs, who ratifies significant decisions, and how the debt is serviced. Poor governance can lead to disputes and default risk.

Can a bank in Florina require cross default or covenants?

Yes. Lenders often require financial covenants, debt service coverage tests, and cross default provisions that trigger remedies if a borrower misses payments.

Should I use a Greek SPV for the acquisition?

Creating a Greek special purpose vehicle is common to isolate liabilities and streamline the financing package. It requires careful drafting of corporate documents and intercreditor arrangements.

Do I need to worry about security over real estate in Florina?

Yes. Real estate security, such as mortgages, involves cadastral due diligence, perfection of security, and possible priority issues with other creditors.

Does the Insolvency Code affect my financing if the target struggles?

It can. The code governs restructurings, timelines, and access to restructuring financing. Early planning with a lawyer helps mitigate risk.

What costs should I expect in a leveraged finance deal?

Costs include legal fees, due diligence expenses, registration and recording fees, and potential bank fees. A lawyer can provide a detailed budget in advance.

How long do acquisition financing deals typically take to close in Greece?

Standard deals may take 6 to 12 weeks from initial term sheet to closing, depending on due diligence scope, regulatory approvals, and lender coordination.

5. Additional Resources

These official resources provide authoritative information on Greek laws, banking supervision, and capital markets relevant to Acquisition / Leveraged Finance.

• Legislation.gov.gr - Official portal with the text of Greek laws and codes, including the Civil Code and corporate law provisions. https://www.legislation.gov.gr
• Bank of Greece - Supervisory authority for banks and lending practices; provides guidance on lending and security structuring. https://www.bankofgreece.gr
• Hellenic Capital Market Commission - Regulates capital markets, securities offerings, and related financing activities. https://www.hcmc.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Define your financing objectives - Clarify target price, acceptable debt levels, and preferred closing timeline within Florina and Greece.
2. Assemble your deal team - Engage a Florina based solicitor or attorney with corporate finance and banking experience, plus an accountant and tax advisor if needed. Plan on a 1 to 2 week initial intake.
3. Request a term sheet and initial on site due diligence - Obtain a rough commitment from lenders and begin document review. Schedule site visits to the Florina target within 2 weeks.
4. Draft the engagement and confirm structure - Decide if you will use a Greek SPV, confirm security packages, and outline intercreditor terms. Expect 2 to 4 weeks for drafting.
5. Negotiate and sign definitive agreements - Negotiate loan agreements, security documents, and ancillary contracts. Target a 2 to 6 week closing window after signature of term sheet.
6. Complete due diligence and regulatory filings - Finish legal and financial due diligence, register securities if required, and obtain any necessary approvals. Allocate 2 to 4 weeks for diligence and clearance.
7. Close the transaction and implement the structure - Execute all documents, fund the acquisition, and commence post closing compliance and reporting procedures. Plan for ongoing monitoring and annual reviews.

For textual references and the most current rules, consult official sources such as Legislation.gov.gr and the supervising authorities. See the links above for official portals and authoritative guidance.