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Merger and acquisition - M&A - transactions in Agia Paraskevi are governed primarily by Greek national law and applicable European Union rules. Agia Paraskevi is a municipality in the Attica region of Greece, which means most formal filings, court matters and administrative procedures for businesses located there are handled through Athens-based authorities and registries. M&A activity follows the same legal framework as in the rest of Greece - corporate law, competition and antitrust rules, tax and employment law, sectoral licensing and regulatory regimes all play a role.
Whether you are buying shares in a company, acquiring assets, merging two entities or arranging a strategic joint venture, the transaction will generally involve pre-deal negotiation, due diligence, drafting of transactional documents, obtaining regulatory approvals where required and closing with registration and possible post-closing integration. Local counsel in Agia Paraskevi or Athens will guide you through procedures that require Greek-language filings and compliance with local formality requirements.
M&A transactions are complex and often high-value. A lawyer experienced in Greek M&A practice can help protect your interests and reduce risk in many common situations:
- Structuring the deal to achieve commercial goals while minimizing tax, regulatory and liability exposure.
- Conducting or coordinating legal due diligence across corporate, tax, employment, real estate, environmental and regulatory matters.
- Drafting and negotiating key transaction documents - share purchase agreement, asset purchase agreement, shareholders agreement, merger plan, escrow arrangements, warranties and indemnities.
- Identifying and securing required approvals - antitrust notifications, sectoral licenses, regulatory clearances and foreign investment approvals.
- Advising on employee transfer rules and collective bargaining issues - ensuring compliance with labor law obligations when a business or part of it is transferred.
- Managing closings, registry filings and post-closing compliance with Greek authorities and registries.
- Representing clients in dispute resolution - litigation or arbitration - that may arise before, during or after a transaction.
Key legal areas to consider for M&A in Agia Paraskevi include the following:
- Company Law - Greek company law governs the types of corporate entities commonly used in M&A - societes anonymes (Anonymi Etairia - A.E.), private companies (IKE), limited liability companies (E.P.E.) and partnerships. Company statutes determine approval thresholds, board powers and shareholder rights relevant to a transaction.
- Commercial and Contract Law - sales contracts, representations and warranties and other commercial arrangements are enforced under Greek contract law and relevant civil code provisions. Certain transactions require notarial deeds or specific forms.
- Competition and Merger Control - the Hellenic Competition Commission reviews concentrations that meet national thresholds. EU merger rules may apply where a transaction has a cross-border effect and meets EU turnover thresholds. Mandatory notifications and waiting periods can delay closing if approvals are required.
- Securities and Takeover Rules - for listed companies the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the Athens Stock Exchange impose disclosure, public offer and insider trading obligations. Mandatory takeover bids may arise when acquisitions cross certain ownership thresholds.
- Tax Law - tax considerations affect deal structure, valuation and post-closing integration. Relevant issues include capital gains tax, corporate income tax, VAT implications of asset vs share deals, transfer taxes on real estate and possible reliefs or roll-over provisions.
- Employment and Social Security Law - Greek law protects employee rights on transfers of undertaking, and collective agreements may continue to bind the new employer. Severance, notice, and information and consultation obligations must be observed.
- Real Estate and Environmental Law - property transfers may require cadastral registration, local authority approvals and compliance with environmental regulations, all of which can affect value and timelines.
- Regulatory and Sectoral Rules - regulated sectors such as banking, insurance, energy, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals have special licensing and approval regimes that can substantially shape or limit transactions.
- Registration and Filings - various filings are typically required with the General Commercial Registry (G.E.MI.), tax authorities and other administrative bodies. Filings and court proceedings are generally conducted in Greek and may require certified translations for foreign-language documents.
In a share purchase you acquire the company itself - including assets, liabilities and contracts - by buying shares from existing shareholders. In an asset purchase you buy specific assets and possibly assume selected liabilities. Share purchases are usually simpler contractually but can bring hidden liabilities. Asset deals allow selective transfers but can be more complex administratively and may trigger different taxes and third-party consents.
Many transactions require filings - common examples are registration of transfers or mergers with the General Commercial Registry (G.E.MI.), tax filings, and notifications to the Hellenic Competition Commission when thresholds are met. If the target is a listed company, capital markets disclosures and takeover formalities will apply.
Yes - if your transaction meets national concentration thresholds it may require notification and clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission. In cross-border deals that meet EU turnover thresholds, the European Commission may have jurisdiction. Competition reviews can delay closing and may lead to remedies or divestment requirements.
Timelines vary widely. Small private deals can close in a few weeks with minimal regulatory work. Complex transactions - involving due diligence, regulatory approvals, antitrust clearance or sectoral licenses - can take several months or longer. Advance planning and early engagement with counsel helps set realistic timelines.
Important tax considerations include corporate tax and possible capital gains tax on sale of shares, VAT treatment for asset transfers, transfer taxes for real estate, stamp duties and withholding taxes. Tax rulings or pre-clearances may be available in some cases. Tax due diligence is essential to identify contingent liabilities and optimization opportunities.
Greek law and EU-derived rules provide protections when a business or part of it is transferred. Generally, employees assigned to the transferred entity or business unit move to the buyer with their accrued rights. Employers must inform and consult employee representatives and observe notice and social security formalities.
Representations and warranties typically cover corporate status, ownership of assets, financial statements, tax compliance, litigation, contracts, employment and regulatory compliance. Indemnities secure compensation for losses from breaches, and escrow or retention mechanisms are often used to secure claims. Limitations on liability and survival periods are negotiated commercially.
Yes - local counsel is strongly recommended. Greek law, language requirements, registry practices and administrative procedures make local expertise essential. A Greek lawyer will prepare and file necessary documents, advise on local formalities and coordinate with tax and regulatory advisers.
Due diligence should be tailored to the target and sector. Core areas include corporate records, financial statements and tax position, material contracts, employment, intellectual property, licenses and permits, litigation, real estate and environmental compliance. Commercial and operational due diligence are also important for valuation and integration planning.
Remedies depend on the contract terms - common consequences include termination fees, forfeiture of deposits, enforcement of specific performance in limited cases, and claims for damages. Many agreements include conditions precedent and termination rights that govern the parties obligation to close. Always negotiate clear remedies and dispute resolution mechanisms in the agreement.
Useful local and national bodies and organizations to consult when dealing with M&A in Agia Paraskevi include:
- General Commercial Registry - G.E.MI. - for company registrations and filings.
- Hellenic Competition Commission - for merger control and antitrust guidance.
- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - for rules affecting listed companies and public offers.
- Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry and local chambers - for business support and information.
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - for tax guidance and tax clearance procedures.
- Notarial associations and licensed notaries - for transactions requiring notarial acts and deeds.
- Athens Bar Association and local law firms - for locating experienced M&A counsel.
- Sector regulators - e.g., Bank of Greece, Hellenic Financial Stability Fund, energy and telecom regulators - where sector-specific approvals are needed.
- Hellenic Federation of Enterprises - SEV - and industry associations for market and sector insights.
If you need legal assistance for an M&A in Agia Paraskevi, consider the following practical steps:
- Prepare basic information - gather corporate documents, recent financial statements, material contracts and a brief description of the proposed transaction.
- Arrange an initial consultation with a Greek lawyer who specializes in M&A - identify whether you need additional advisors - tax advisers, accountants, environmental or sector specialists.
- Agree an engagement letter - clarify scope, fees, expected timeline and confidentiality arrangements.
- Conduct targeted due diligence - start with critical red flags and regulatory checks, then expand to full legal, tax and commercial reviews.
- Negotiate key commercial terms - price, structure, conditions precedent, warranties, indemnities and closing mechanics.
- Plan for regulatory filings and approvals early - allow time for antitrust notifications, sectoral consents and any required public announcements.
- Prepare for closing - organize signed documents, escrow arrangements, notarial acts where required and registry filings.
- After closing - complete registrations, tax filings and employee notifications, and implement integration plans.
Remember - this guide provides general information and not legal advice. For tailored guidance specific to your transaction and circumstances, consult a qualified M&A lawyer in Agia Paraskevi or Athens who can advise on local formality, applicable law and bespoke deal structuring.
