Best Equity Capital Markets Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About Equity Capital Markets Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Equity Capital Markets law covers the rules and practices that apply when companies raise equity capital - for example through private placements, initial public offerings - IPOs, secondary share issuances or listings on a stock exchange. In Agia Paraskevi, Greece, these matters are handled under the same national and EU legal framework that governs capital markets across Greece. Agia Paraskevi is part of the Athens metropolitan area and hosts offices of corporate and financial services providers who advise on or participate in equity transactions. Legal work for equity capital markets in Agia Paraskevi typically includes preparing or reviewing prospectuses and offering documents, managing regulatory filings, advising on corporate approvals and governance, and ensuring ongoing disclosure and market conduct compliance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Equity capital markets transactions are legally and technically complex. You may need a lawyer if you are a company, shareholder, investor, director, underwriter or adviser involved in any of the following situations:

- Preparing for an IPO or a listing on the Athens Exchange - law firms help with prospectus preparation, regulatory approval and corporate governance changes required for listing.

- Conducting a private placement or rights issue - lawyers draft offering documents, subscription agreements and advise on investor protections.

- Handling regulatory filings and compliance - a lawyer ensures filings to the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and other bodies are accurate and timely.

- Managing disclosure obligations and insider trading risk - legal advice is essential to design disclosure policies and insider dealing controls.

- Structuring cross-border equity transactions - lawyers coordinate Greek and foreign law issues, including securities law, tax and corporate law.

- Resolving disputes or investigations - lawyers represent clients in enforcement proceedings before regulators or in civil litigation arising from securities transactions.

Local Laws Overview

Equity capital markets activity in Agia Paraskevi is subject to a mix of EU regulation, national Greek law and rules of market operators. Key elements include:

- EU Regulation and Directives - Prospectus Regulation, Market Abuse Regulation and MiFID II rules apply throughout Greece and impose requirements on prospectuses, disclosure, insider trading and investment services.

- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - the national regulator enforces securities law, approves prospectuses when required and supervises market conduct.

- Athens Exchange and Listing Rules - companies seeking public listing must satisfy the listing requirements of the Athens Exchange for the relevant market segment. Listing rules cover eligibility, corporate governance, free float and ongoing reporting.

- Greek Companies Law - corporate form, shareholder approvals, directors duties and corporate governance are regulated by national company law including the main corporate statute for sociétés anonymes. Corporate approvals for equity issues and amendments to articles of association must comply with company law and company registry procedures.

- Central Securities Depository and Clearing - settlement and custody for listed securities in Greece are handled through the national central securities depository and clearing systems. Transaction processes and timelines follow national market practice.

- Disclosure and takeover rules - obligations to disclose significant holdings, related-party transactions and rules on mandatory takeover bids are governed by Greek law and EU rules. These create reporting thresholds and procedural obligations for shareholders and bidders.

- Tax and corporate reporting - equity transactions have tax and accounting consequences that require coordination with tax advisers and auditors to ensure proper withholding, VAT and corporate tax treatment where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first legal step when preparing to raise equity in Greece?

Start with internal corporate approvals - board resolution and, where required, shareholder approval under company law. At the same time engage legal counsel, an auditor and financial advisers to plan the transaction structure, prepare required documentation and map regulatory filings.

Do I need a prospectus for a public offering in Greece?

Public offerings and listings generally require a prospectus that complies with the EU Prospectus Regulation. Some exemptions apply for small offers or private placements. A lawyer can advise whether an exemption applies and lead the drafting and approval process with the regulator.

Who approves a prospectus in Greece?

The Hellenic Capital Market Commission reviews and approves prospectuses when required under EU and national rules. The Athens Exchange may also require specific disclosures for listing applications.

What are the main ongoing disclosure obligations for a listed company?

Listed companies must publish periodic financial reports, disclose inside information promptly, notify changes in major holdings and comply with corporate governance and investor relations duties. These obligations are continuous and failure to comply can lead to sanctions.

How long does a typical IPO process take in Greece?

Timelines vary by complexity. A streamlined IPO can take several months from decision to effective listing; more complex transactions involving restructuring, audits or extensive regulatory review can take longer. Early planning reduces delays.

What is the role of local counsel in a cross-border equity deal?

Local counsel advises on Greek corporate and securities law, prepares or reviews Greek law opinions, handles local filings and coordinates with foreign counsel to ensure the transaction complies with all relevant jurisdictions.

Are there special rules for related-party transactions or director conflicts?

Yes. Greek corporate law and listing rules require disclosure and often shareholder approval for material related-party transactions. Directors and officers have fiduciary duties and must manage conflicts of interest transparently.

How are shareholder approvals obtained for share issuances?

Shareholder approvals are obtained through general meetings in accordance with the company charter and company law. Notices, quorum rules and voting procedures must meet legal requirements to validate the approval.

What enforcement risks should I be aware of?

Regulators can impose fines, require corrective disclosures or suspend trading for violations of disclosure, market abuse or listing rules. Civil claims by investors are also possible. Legal counsel helps design compliance programs to reduce these risks.

How much will legal help cost for an equity transaction?

Costs depend on the transaction size and complexity. Lawyers typically charge a mix of fixed fees for specific documents and hourly rates for advisory work. Ask for an engagement letter that explains fee structure and estimate costs early in the process.

Additional Resources

There are several national bodies and resources that can help you understand and comply with equity capital markets rules in Greece:

- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - the national securities regulator responsible for supervision and prospectus approval.

- Athens Exchange - operator of the trading venue and issuer of listing rules and market circulars.

- Athens Exchange Central Securities Depository - for settlement and custody procedures and requirements.

- General Commercial Registry - registrar of company filings and corporate documentation.

- Ministry of Finance - for tax and broader financial policy matters affecting capital markets.

- Professional bodies - local bar associations, accountants and auditors who specialize in capital markets work can provide practical assistance and referrals.

Consulting these authorities and using up-to-date official publications or advice from qualified local advisers will help you meet regulatory requirements.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an equity capital markets matter in Agia Paraskevi, consider the following practical steps:

- Identify the exact nature of the transaction and assemble an initial team - company management, board members, a corporate lawyer experienced in securities law, an auditor and an investment bank or placement agent where relevant.

- Request an initial legal consultation to map the regulatory path - determine whether a prospectus or approvals are required, outline timeline and identify key risks and conditions precedent.

- Prepare a project plan that lists corporate approvals, documents to prepare, regulatory filings and public disclosure steps. Assign responsibilities and realistic deadlines.

- Budget for professional fees and regulatory costs, and plan for contingency time to address comments from regulators or investors.

- Put in place compliance measures for the transaction - insider lists, information barriers, confidentiality agreements and a disclosure protocol to manage inside information.

- If you are a retail investor or minority shareholder seeking advice, gather all relevant documents - offering materials, communication from the company, trading records and any notices - and consult a lawyer to review your rights and options.

Working with experienced local counsel and advisers will help you navigate Greece's legal and regulatory framework and reduce execution risk. If you are unsure where to start, arrange an initial meeting with a local solicitor who focuses on equity capital markets to review your situation and outline a tailored plan.