Best Merger & Acquisition Lawyers in Chalandri

About Merger & Acquisition Law in Chalandri, Greece

Merger and acquisition law in Chalandri operates within Greece's national legal framework and EU competition rules. Local practice is shaped by Greek corporate law as well as European Union guidelines on concentrations and mergers. In practice, most deals in Chalandri involve Greek entities, with due diligence and documentation tailored to both national and EU requirements.

Chalandri is part of the Athens metropolitan area, which means many M&A transactions involve cross border elements or multi jurisdictional considerations. Lawyers in Chalandri routinely address corporate governance, employment, tax and real estate implications as part of the deal process. This local focus helps ensure regulatory compliance while managing risk for buyers and sellers.

Key regulators and pathways include the Hellenic Competition Commission for concentrations and the Hellenic Capital Market Commission for public takeovers. Notaries and tax authorities also play roles in formalizing transfers and ensuring fiscal compliance. In practice, coordinating between these bodies is essential for a smooth closing.

For foreign investors and local business owners in Chalandri, understanding the structure of a deal and the sequence of approvals is crucial. The right legal counsel helps align business objectives with regulatory requirements, reducing delays and litigation risk. You should plan early for due diligence, disclosure obligations, and post closing integration considerations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Scenario 1 - A Chalandri based family business plans to merge with a regional competitor. A lawyer coordinates due diligence, negotiates the merger agreement, and drafts minority protections. The attorney also helps secure board approvals and ensures compliance with Greek corporate law.
• Scenario 2 - A public takeover bid targets a listed company near Athens. Counsel guides compliance with takeover rules, coordinates with accountants, and handles disclosure obligations to the stock exchange and the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. The goal is to avoid breaches that could stall the deal.
• Scenario 3 - A cross border M&A between a Chalandri tech startup and a Cypriot buyer. A lawyer manages cross jurisdiction contracts, transfer of employees, and tax implications, while ensuring EU merger thresholds are properly analyzed.
• Scenario 4 - A due diligence process for a real estate heavy acquisition in the Attica region. An attorney reviews title deeds, zoning, environmental liabilities, and regulatory approvals. This reduces the risk of post closing liabilities.
• Scenario 5 - Post merger integration involving Greek employment law and collective agreements. A lawyer helps harmonize employment contracts, severance terms, and benefit schemes across the combined entity. This minimizes workforce disruption and regulatory exposure.
• Scenario 6 - A seller needs to understand the difference between asset deals and share deals in Greece. Counsel explains which approach best preserves value, tax position, and liability allocation for the client in Chalandri.

Local Laws Overview

Law 2190/1920 on sociétés anonymes (S.A.) governs corporate structure, share transfers, and general governance for public and private-share companies in Greece. The statute has been amended many times, including modernization provisions that impact readability of share transfers and board approvals. In practice, this law remains a cornerstone for M&A negotiations in Greece and for determining who can approve major transactions.

Law 4549/2018 on Corporate Law modernizes corporate governance, mergers, divisions and other restructurings. It introduces streamlined procedures for corporate changes and aims to simplify cross border reorganizations within Greece. This law came into force in 2019 and is frequently cited in M&A deal documentation and internal governance policies.

Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 on the control of concentrations applies to mergers and acquisitions that meet EU thresholds and affects Greek deals as well. Greek authorities implement this Regulation through national competition rules and the Hellenic Competition Commission. It governs notification timelines, remedies, and approvals for concentrations affecting competition within Greece and the EU market.

Source: European Commission Merger Regulation 139/2004 - overview of EU concentration control in Greece and across member states - https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers_en.html

Source: Gov.gr - official portal for Greek laws including corporate law reforms and the modernization of corporate governance - https://www.gov.gr

Source: Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - Greek framework for takeovers and public market regulation - https://www.hcmc.gr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is merger and acquisition law in Greece?

Merger and acquisition law covers corporate restructurings, share transfers, and management changes. In Greece, deals must comply with national corporate law and EU competition rules. You will work with a lawyer to manage due diligence, negotiation, and regulatory filings.

How do I start a merger in Greece?

Begin with a clear objective and identify the target or buyer. Engage a qualified M&A attorney early to assess risk, prepare a data room, and outline the deal structure. The process typically starts with a non binding term sheet and progresses to due diligence and signing.

Do I need a lawyer for a share deal in Greece?

Yes. A lawyer ensures compliance with Law 2190/1920 and 4549/2018, drafts the share purchase agreement, and coordinates regulatory filings. They also assess liability allocation and minority protection provisions for you as a buyer or seller.

How long does due diligence take in Greece?

Due diligence duration varies with deal complexity, typically 2 to 6 weeks for private targets. Cross border or real estate heavy deals can extend to 8 weeks or more. Your counsel should provide a structured due diligence plan and a timeline.

What is the difference between asset deals and share deals in Greece?

An asset deal transfers specific assets and liabilities, often simplifying tax and risk allocation. A share deal transfers the target company as a whole, including liabilities and contracts. Both require careful contract drafting and regulatory review.

How much does hiring a M&A lawyer in Chalandri cost?

Fees vary by deal size and complexity but typically include hourly rates or a flat project fee. Expect initial consultations to be free to modestly priced, with larger engagements priced in a retainer plus success fees or capped milestones.

Do I need to notify the Hellenic Competition Commission for concentrations?

Most deals that meet EU thresholds require notification to the competition authorities. Greek authorities apply EU regulation to determine notification requirements and potential remedies. Your lawyer coordinates filings and monitors deadlines.

Is cross border M&A between Greece and Cyprus common?

Yes, cross border transactions between Greece and Cyprus are common due to geographic proximity and similar legal traditions. Counsel will address cross jurisdiction contracts, tax planning and employment obligations across both states.

What documents are required for a Greek merger?

Essential documents include corporate charters, board resolutions, financial statements, tax clearances, and material contracts. Additional disclosures may be required for regulatory filings and minority protections. A lawyer helps assemble and organize the data room.

How long after signing does closing usually take in Greece?

Closing typically occurs 4 to 12 weeks after signing, depending on regulatory approvals and due diligence findings. Complex cross border deals or regulatory conditions can extend this period.

What is the difference between Law 4549/2018 and older corporate law?

4549/2018 updates corporate governance, introduces streamlined merger procedures, and modernizes certain corporate actions. It complements older laws like 2190/1920 by providing clearer rules for reorganizations and digital filings.

How can I find a qualified M&A lawyer in Chalandri?

Ask for referrals from local business associations or trusted accountants in Chalandri. Verify experience with Greek corporate law, EU competition rules, and cross border transactions. Schedule an initial consultation to assess fit and expertise.

Additional Resources

• Gov.gr - official portal for laws, forms, and government services related to corporate and business matters. Useful for locating legal texts and regulatory guidance. https://www.gov.gr
• European Commission - Merger Control - overview of EU merger rules, thresholds, and enforcement mechanisms applicable to Greece. https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers_en.html
• Hellenic Capital Market Commission - regulator for takeovers and public market compliance in Greece. https://www.hcmc.gr

Next Steps

1. Define your deal and objectives - clarify whether you are pursuing a share sale, asset sale, or merger, and outline key commercial goals. This helps tailor scope and timelines within 2 weeks.
2. Assemble a local M&A team - hire a lawyer with Greek corporate and competition experience, a tax advisor, and an auditor. Schedule an initial 60 minute consult to map the process within 1 week.
3. Prepare initial documents and a data room - collect corporate documents, financials, contracts, and material liabilities. Set up a secure data room and assign access rights within 2-3 weeks.
4. Draft and negotiate a term sheet - outline price range, structure, and key conditions. Use the term sheet to guide due diligence and contract drafting over 1-2 weeks.
5. Conduct due diligence - perform financial, legal, tax, and regulatory review. Expect 2-6 weeks depending on deal complexity and cross border elements.
6. File regulatory filings and close - coordinate with regulatory bodies for concentrations and takeovers, finalize all contracts, and execute closing documents. Closing typically occurs 1-3 months after due diligence completion, depending on approvals.