Best Antitrust Lawyers in Attiki

When competition-law advice can protect your business in Attiki

Competition law applies across Greece, including Attiki; there is no separate Attiki competition-law regime. The Hellenic Competition Commission, based in Athens, investigates suspected restrictions and reviews qualifying mergers, while EU rules may also apply when conduct affects trade between member states.

For businesses operating around Athens, Piraeus and the wider region, issues can arise in supplier and distribution arrangements, port and logistics services, construction tenders, retail, and other local markets. A lawyer can assess the relevant market, review documents and communications, and advise whether the matter belongs before the Commission, the European Commission, or a court.

Situations where a competition-law lawyer may be needed

• You suspect competitors coordinating prices, bids or customer allocation in an Athens or Piraeus tender. A lawyer can help preserve evidence and assess whether to report the conduct.

• A supplier or distributor has imposed exclusivity, resale restrictions, or other terms that may limit competition. Advice can clarify the commercial and legal risks before you sign or respond.

• Your company receives a request for information, inspection notice or other contact from the Hellenic Competition Commission. Counsel can help manage deadlines and prepare accurate responses.

• You are planning a merger, acquisition or joint venture involving businesses active in Attiki. A lawyer can check whether Greek or EU notification rules apply and help plan the filing timetable.

• A dominant supplier, platform or customer has refused access, imposed discriminatory terms or abruptly ended supply. Counsel can assess whether the facts may raise an abuse-of-dominance concern.

• Your business has suffered loss from suspected unlawful conduct, or faces a competition-law allegation from a customer or trading partner. A lawyer can assess evidence, possible claims and settlement options.

Key competition-law rules that apply in Attiki

Greek and EU competition rules apply in Attiki. The main rules include:

• Law 3959/2011 on the Protection of Free Competition has been in force since 2011. It addresses agreements that restrict competition, abuse of a dominant position, merger control and the powers of the Hellenic Competition Commission.

• Law 4886/2022, published in January 2022, amended Greek competition rules, including provisions intended to strengthen enforcement and implement the EU ECN+ Directive.

• Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, applicable since 1 May 2004, sets rules for applying Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Those articles prohibit certain restrictive agreements and abuse of a dominant position where EU trade is affected.

Frequently asked questions

What does competition law cover?

It regulates conduct such as price-fixing, bid-rigging, certain restrictive agreements and abuse of a dominant position. It also provides for review of mergers that meet applicable notification requirements.

Does Attiki have its own competition authority?

No. The Hellenic Competition Commission is Greece’s national competition authority, and its remit includes Attiki. EU rules may also apply where conduct affects trade between EU member states.

Can a small business raise a competition concern?

Yes. A business does not need to be large to seek legal advice or provide information about suspected conduct. Whether it can bring a particular court claim depends on the facts, evidence and applicable procedural rules.

What should I do if the Commission contacts my company?

Check the notice and its deadline, preserve relevant records, and avoid informal or incomplete responses. Obtain Greek competition-law advice promptly because the response may affect the investigation and potential exposure.

Can I report suspected bid-rigging in an Attiki tender?

You can provide information or make a complaint to the Hellenic Competition Commission. Preserve tender documents and communications, and ask a lawyer to assess confidentiality, supporting evidence and any parallel reporting obligations.

Does every merger in Attiki need approval?

No. Notification depends on the transaction and statutory turnover thresholds, among other legal criteria. Have counsel assess the parties’ figures and control structure before completing the transaction.

How much does a competition-law lawyer cost?

Fees depend on the work, urgency and complexity, such as a contract review, investigation response or merger filing. Ask for a written fee proposal covering scope, billing basis, VAT and likely additional expenses.

How long does a competition-law case take?

There is no single timetable. A focused contract review may be completed much sooner than an investigation or court claim, which can involve evidence gathering and procedural deadlines.

Can a company recover losses caused by a competition-law infringement?

Affected businesses may be able to seek compensation through the courts, subject to proving the relevant legal elements and loss. A lawyer can assess whether an authority decision or other evidence supports the claim.

Should I contact the Greek authority or the European Commission?

The appropriate authority depends on the conduct, its geographic reach and the applicable rules. The Hellenic Competition Commission handles Greek matters, while the European Commission may act in cases affecting competition and trade across the EU.

How do I check whether a lawyer is qualified in Greece?

Check that the lawyer is admitted to a Greek bar association, and confirm their competition-law experience and ability to work in the relevant language. The Athens Bar Association can provide information about lawyers registered in Athens.

Official resources

• Hellenic Competition Commission: Greece’s independent competition authority. It investigates suspected infringements, reviews mergers within its remit and provides information about complaints and competition rules.

• European Commission, Directorate-General for Competition: Provides EU competition-law guidance and information about investigations and complaints involving matters within the Commission’s remit.

• Athens Bar Association: The professional body for lawyers registered in Athens. It can help verify registration and provides information about the legal profession.

Steps to find and hire a competition-law lawyer

1. Define the issue. Write a short chronology, identify the businesses and markets involved, and note any tender, contract or authority deadlines. This can be done before your first consultation.

2. Gather key records. Collect relevant contracts, emails, pricing materials, tender documents and authority notices. Preserve originals and avoid deleting or altering potentially relevant material.

3. Find suitable candidates. Search for Greek-bar lawyers who handle competition matters and have experience with the type of issue involved, such as investigations, mergers or damages claims.

4. Check credentials and conflicts. Verify bar registration and ask whether the lawyer has handled comparable matters in Greece. Confirm that no conflict prevents them from acting.

5. Discuss strategy and timing. In an initial consultation, ask which authority or court may be involved, what evidence is needed, and which deadlines require immediate action.

6. Agree the engagement in writing. Confirm the work covered, responsible lawyer, fee basis, VAT, expenses and arrangements for updates before the lawyer begins substantive work.