Best Merger & Acquisition Lawyers in Pefki

1. About Merger & Acquisition Law in Pefki, Greece

Pefki is a suburb in East Attica within the Athens metropolitan area. In this jurisdiction, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are governed by Greek corporate law, Greek competition law, and relevant European Union rules. Transactions involving Greek entities or assets in Pefki must navigate due diligence, share transfers, and potential regulatory approvals. Local counsel can help coordinate with Greek registries, tax authorities, and the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) when required.

The legal framework balances corporate flexibility with competition protection. For deals with a European dimension, EU rules apply through the EU Merger Regulation, while national rules address domestic concentrations and corporate governance. An experienced M&A attorney in Pefki can guide you through structure, disclosures, and regulatory filings to minimize delays.

Under the EU Merger Regulation, concentrations with an EU dimension must be notified to the European Commission.

Source: European Commission - Merger Regulation overview and national implementations can impact Greek transactions.

For residents and businesses in Pefki, practical steps include aligning corporate documents with the Greek Companies Code and preparing for potential notification to the HCC if thresholds are met. An experienced local attorney helps ensure compliance with both national and EU rules, as well as smooth integration of the acquired or merged organization.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Scenario 1: A Pefki manufacturer plans to merge with a competitor in nearby Pallini and must assess market impact, due diligence issues, and regulatory notification. A lawyer helps structure the deal, prepare disclosure schedules, and determine if a HCC filing is required.

Scenario 2: A small Pefki service company intends to acquire another local firm and needs to manage employee transfers and collective bargaining agreements. A lawyer coordinates with labor authorities and drafts transfer agreements to minimize employment risks and post-deal liabilities.

Scenario 3: A foreign investor wants to acquire a Greek asset in Pefki and requires due diligence on real estate titles, leases, and permits. A legal counsel conducts property and contract reviews, confirms tax compliance, and negotiates necessary representations and warranties.

Scenario 4: A cross-border M&A involving a Pefki-based entity triggers competition concerns. A lawyer evaluates EU merger thresholds, prepares a potential HCC notification, and advises on remedies or divestitures if required.

Scenario 5: A regulated sector deal (banking, energy, or utilities) involves approvals from sectoral regulators in addition to corporate and competition checks. A local M&A attorney coordinates multi-agency clearance and ensures alignment with sector-specific requirements.

3. Local Laws Overview

• The Greek Companies Code (Law 2190/1920, as amended) - governs formation, governance, and share transfers of Greek companies, including public and private entities. This code remains the backbone for corporate restructurings and M&A transactions in Greece, including Pefki. Date of original enactment: 1920; current text reflects numerous amendments to adapt to EU standards.
• Law 3959/2011 on the Protection of Competition - establishes the framework for preventing and addressing anti-competitive practices, including concentrations that require notification to the Hellenic Competition Commission. The law has been amended to align with EU competition rules and national procedures for merger control. Date of enactment: 2011.
• EU Regulation No 139/2004 (EU Merger Regulation) - applied in Greece for concentrations with an EU dimension - requires notification to the European Commission when thresholds are met, in addition to any national filings with the HCC for cases with domestic elements. Effective since 2004; EU rules are directly applicable in member states, including Greece. Date of enactment: 2004.

The HCC provides guidance on merger filings and concentrations within Greece, and Greek practitioners must consider EU thresholds when the deal affects more than one member state. Recent trends include continued alignment with EU practice and updates to national guidelines for notifications and remedies. See the sources cited for official guidance and procedures.

Recent developments and practical note: If a proposed deal exceeds Greek or EU thresholds, anticipate a staged review process, potential interim measures, and possible remedies. Local counsel will tailor a filing strategy to your deal size, sector, and cross-border elements.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary law governing mergers in Greece?

The Greek Companies Code and the Protection of Competition law form the core framework. The EU Merger Regulation also applies to deals with a European footprint. These rules determine when a merger must be notified and how remedies are structured.

How do I start a merger notification in Greece?

Identify if thresholds are met by reviewing the target’s market share and turnover. Engage a Greek M&A attorney to prepare the notification package and coordinate with the HCC if required.

What is the difference between a share deal and an asset deal in Greece?

A share deal transfers ownership via shares of the target company, while an asset deal transfers individual assets and liabilities. Each structure has tax and liability implications and affects regulatory filings differently.

Do I need a Greek lawyer for cross-border M&A?

Yes. A local attorney helps with Greek corporate governance, real estate, labor, tax, and competition issues. They also coordinate with foreign counsel for a seamless cross-border process.

How long does HCC review typically take for a concentration in Greece?

Times vary by case complexity and sector, but straightforward non-notified deals may close in a few weeks, while notified concentrations can take several months depending on remedies or objections.

Can a non-EU investor acquire a Greek company in Pefki?

Yes, subject to competition, tax, and regulatory approvals. Cross-border deals may trigger HCC review and, for EU-related matters, EU Merger Regulation considerations.

Is there a threshold to trigger merger notification in Greece?

Yes. Thresholds depend on turnover, market share, and the structure of the deal. An M&A attorney assesses whether Greek, EU, or both filings are required.

Should I conduct due diligence before a deal in Greece?

Absolutely. Due diligence helps identify liabilities, tax exposure, IP ownership, labor obligations, and regulatory risks specific to Greek law and local registries.

Do I need to notify real estate interests in a merger in Greece?

Yes, if real estate assets or leases are material to the deal, review titles, encumbrances, and zoning constraints with a Greek solicitor and notary where needed.

How much do M&A legal services typically cost in Greece?

Costs vary by deal complexity, scope of due diligence, and regulatory filings. Expect a fee range that includes upfront advisory, document drafting, and filing support.

What is the typical M&A timeline for a Greek deal from initial discussions to closing?

Timing depends on deal structure and approvals. A typical non-notified deal may close in 6-12 weeks; notified deals can extend to several months.

Is the Greek Companies Code applicable to private and public companies in Greece?

Yes. The code governs governance, share transfers, and corporate duties for both private and public entities, with sector-specific regulations applying as needed.

5. Additional Resources

• Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) - Enforces competition law in Greece and handles merger notifications and investigations. Official site: https://www.hcc.gr/en/
• European Commission - Merger Regulation - Provides guidance on EU merger control and thresholds for concentrations with an EU dimension. Official site: https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/overview_en.html
• Ministry of Development and Investments (Greece) - Oversees competition policy and regulatory framework relevant to business acquisitions and corporate activity in Greece. Official site: https://www.mindev.gov.gr/en/

6. Next Steps

1. Define your M&A objective and deal scope in writing, including whether you expect a domestic or cross-border outcome and the target sector in Greece.
2. Compile a data room and assemble target company documents, including corporate records, share registers, and material contracts, with dates and identifiers suitable for diligence.
3. Engage a local M&A attorney in Pefki to assess filing requirements, risk areas, and drafting needs, and to coordinate with foreign counsel if applicable.
4. Conduct initial due diligence focused on Greek legal risks, including corporate governance, labor, tax, and real estate matters specific to Greece.
5. Develop a deal structure (share deal vs asset deal) and draft term sheets, ensuring alignment with the Greek Companies Code and competition rules.
6. Assess whether a Greek or EU merger notification is required and prepare the necessary filings with the HCC or EU authorities as appropriate.
7. Plan for closing and integration, including post-merger governance changes, employee communications, and regulatory compliance checks in Greece.