Best Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Lawyers in Katerini

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

In Katerini, Acquisition and Leveraged Finance activity follows the broader Greek and EU framework for corporate finance. Local transactions typically involve a purchaser or investment vehicle seeking senior or mezzanine debt to fund an acquisition of a Greek company or asset, with lenders requiring security packages. Lawyers in Katerini coordinate with lenders, notaries, and tax authorities to structure deals compliant with Greek law and European regulations.

Because Katerini sits in Central Macedonia, most leveraged finance matters involve parties and lenders operating from Thessaloniki, Athens, and sometimes abroad. Local counsel often helps with due diligence, negotiates term sheets, and prepares pledges on real estate or shares. Close cooperation with banks overseen by the Bank of Greece and with regulators overseen by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission is common in larger transactions.

Key practical realities in Katerini include local court involvement for enforcement actions and the need to align asset valuation, security perfection, and corporate governance with Greek civil and commercial codes. A well-structured deal reduces closing delays and improves lender confidence in a regional acquisition. For residents, engaging a local lawyer ensures the deal reflects both regional business conditions and national regulatory requirements.

Recent trends show increased attention to cross-border acquisitions and SPV structures in Northern Greece, with lenders focusing on robust collateral packages and clear governance documents. This means sharper due diligence and stronger coordination with Greek tax authorities during closing. See EU and Greek regulatory sources for the overarching framework.

Recent EU and Greek reforms emphasize stronger governance and transparency in capital markets, affecting leveraged finance practice in Greece.

Source: European Union regulatory framework and Greek enforcement practices published by official EU portals and Greek authorities.

Key sources for this framework include the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the Bank of Greece, which supervise market conduct and banking activity in Greece. See citations below for official references.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• A Katerini manufacturing company plans a leveraged buyout of a rival in the Halkidiki region. A local attorney tailors a security package, negotiates bank covenants, and ensures liens on machinery and inventory are enforceable in Greek courts.

• An SPV created in Thessaloniki seeks a syndicated loan backed by real estate in Katerini. A lawyer coordinates inter-creditor arrangements, mortgage guarantees, and perfection of security in multiple jurisdictions.

• A foreign private equity fund intends a cross-border acquisition of a Greek target and requires Greek corporate approvals, transfer pricing considerations, and local regulatory compliance. Legal counsel navigates Greek company law and EU reporting duties.

• A distressed Katerini company considers refinancing under the Insolvency framework. An attorney assesses restructuring options, negotiates with creditors, and guides compliance with Greek insolvency procedures.

• A mezzanine lender enters a funding round for a Greek target. A lawyer drafts subordination agreements and profit participating mechanisms to align with Greek civil and contract law.

• During a public-appearing acquisition, the seller needs clear disclosures and board approvals. An attorney ensures governance documents and disclosure schedules meet Greek and EU requirements.

3. Local Laws Overview

In Katerini, leveraged finance is governed by a mix of Greek statutory law and EU regulations. Notable areas include corporate governance, secured transactions, and capital markets oversight. Local practice hinges on clear drafting, risk allocation, and regulatory compliance.

• Greek Companies Law - primarily Law 2190/1920 on Societes Anonymes, as amended, setting rules for share transfers, director duties, and corporate governance. This law remains central to acquisition structures and post-closing governance. Greek National Printing Office (et.gr) hosts official texts and amendments.

• Civil Code provisions on pledges and mortgages - governs security interests used to support leveraged loans, including perfection, priority, and enforcement mechanics in Greece. These provisions influence how lenders secure refinancings and asset-backed facilities.

• EU Regulation CRR and MiFID II transpositions - Regulation (EU) 575/2013 on prudential requirements for banks and Regulation (EU) 600/2014 related to markets in financial instruments impact Greek lenders and investment services. MiFID II, transposed by Greek law, affects disclosure and conduct in leveraged finance transactions.

Effective dates of these frameworks vary. The CRR became applicable on 1 January 2014 in the EU and was implemented in member states including Greece. MiFID II took effect in 2018 with national transpositions completed by early 2019. For direct texts and updates, see the EU law portal and Greek sources linked below.

Sources and reference points

EU Regulation on prudential requirements: Regulation (EU) No 575/2013.

MiFID II directive: Directive 2014/65/EU.

Greek corporate law texts and official amendments: et.gr.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Leveraged Buyout in Greece and how is it structured?

A leveraged buyout uses debt to finance the acquisition of a target, with the target's assets or cash flows providing collateral. In Greece, lenders require strong security packages and covenants, plus robust due diligence before closing.

How do I start a leveraged finance deal in Katerini?

Begin with a precise acquisition thesis and a term sheet. Engage a local attorney to draft initial security documents and coordinate with banks, notaries, and tax authorities for a smooth closing.

When is a local Greek lawyer essential in acquisitions?

Lawyer involvement is essential from the due diligence phase through closing and post-closing governance. Local knowledge helps address region-specific issues like enforcement in Northern Greece courts.

Where can I find official Greek law texts on corporate transactions?

Official texts are published on the National Printing Office site (et.gr) and reflected in Greek government portals such as gov.gr. EU texts are on EUR-Lex.

Why might a cross-border deal require extra regulatory steps in Greece?

Cross-border deals trigger additional tax, competition, and securities disclosures. A lawyer coordinates cross-border tax planning and regulatory filings with Greek authorities.

Do I need to understand Greek collateral laws for asset-backed loans?

Yes. Greek Civil Code security provisions determine how pledges and mortgages are perfected and enforced. Proper drafting prevents future disputes with lenders.

Can a mezzanine loan be used in Greece for acquisition financing?

Yes. Mezzanine debt is common in Greece for financing gaps. It requires careful subordination, equity kicker terms, and alignment with senior debt covenants.

Is MiFID II relevant to acquisition financing in Greece?

MiFID II affects how investment services firms operate and disclose costs during financing deals. Greek law transposes these rules, impacting advisers and market transparency.

How long does due diligence typically take in a Katerini deal?

For a mid-size Greek target, due diligence often runs 4-6 weeks, depending on data room quality and target complexity. Delays can occur if public records are incomplete.

What is the typical closing timeline for a Greek leveraged finance deal?

Closing often occurs 6-12 weeks after due diligence, subject to regulatory approvals and document perfection. Local factors, such as court clearance, may affect timing.

Do local lenders in Greece require real estate collateral for acquisition loans?

Real estate collateral is common, but lenders also require pledges on shares, guarantees, and intercompany loans. The exact mix depends on credit risk and asset quality.

How does insolvency affect leveraged finance in Greece?

If an acquirer or target enters insolvency, creditors' rights and restructurings follow the Greek Insolvency Code. Early negotiation and proper security language can protect value.

5. Additional Resources

• Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - Regulates Greek securities markets, investment services, and disclosures relevant to leveraged finance. Official site: hcmc.gr.

• Bank of Greece - Supervises banks and credit institutions, including lenders providing acquisition finance. Official site: bankofgreece.gr.

• Gov.gr - Official portal for Greek laws, procedures, and regulatory guidance, including corporate and financial law texts. Official site: gov.gr.

6. Next Steps

1. Define deal structure and asset base with a Katerini-based attorney to determine the optimal mix of debt, equity, and guarantees. Schedule a preliminary term sheet within 1-2 weeks.
2. Engage a local law firm experienced in Greek corporate and banking law to perform due diligence and prepare initial closing documents. Expect a 2-4 week initial review stage.
3. Obtain a credit committee or bank approval in phases. Coordinate with lenders to align covenants, interest rates, and security perfection by the closing date.
4. Draft and negotiate security packages, including pledges, mortgages, and guarantees, with attention to Greek Civil Code perfection rules. Complete within 2-4 weeks after due diligence ends.
5. Finalize inter-creditor agreements and subordination terms for mezzanine or other subordinate debt, ensuring clarity on priority and remedies in Greece.
6. Obtain regulatory clearances and, if applicable, competition approvals from the Greek authorities before closing. Allocate 2-6 weeks for administrative filings.
7. Close the deal with a comprehensive closing checklist, including board approvals, notarized documents, and registered security filings. Plan for 1-2 weeks post-signing to finalize registrations.