Best Private Equity Lawyers in Chalandri

1. About Private Equity Law in Chalandri, Greece

Private equity in Chalandri falls under Greek corporate and securities law, supplemented by European Union directives. Local deals typically involve investment in private companies, governance restructuring, and potential exit strategies. The framework aims to balance investor protections with the ability to raise funds, deploy capital, and realize returns.

Because Chalandri is part of the Athens metropolitan area, enforcement and regulatory supervision primarily occur through Greek authorities and EU rules adopted into national law. Key elements include corporate formation, shareholding structures, disclosure requirements, and compliance with employment and competition rules. A local counsel familiar with Attica business practices can help navigate this ecosystem.

Note: Private equity activity in Greece is increasingly harmonized with EU standards on transparency, capital adequacy for fund managers, and cross-border investment procedures. This makes it important to consult a Greek-licensed attorney when structuring, financing, or exiting private equity investments in Chalandri.

“Greece implements the EU framework for private equity and venture capital through national laws that govern venture capital funds, AIFs, and fund managers.” Source: https://www.gov.gr

“The private equity market in Greece has been adapting to EU directives such as the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) through Greek law since 2012.” Source: https://www.hcmc.gov.gr

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

When pursuing private equity activities in Chalandri, a specialized attorney can help you avoid costly missteps and ensure compliance with local rules. Below are concrete scenarios where Greek private equity counsel is essential.

• Preparing a sale or investment in a Chalandri-based target - A founder sells a minority stake to a private equity fund. You will need due diligence on corporate records, employment contracts, IP ownership, and any pending litigation. A lawyer drafts the term sheet, negotiates representations and warranties, and structures the closing).
• Establishing an AIF or PE fund under Greek law - A fund sponsor seeks to register as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) and appoint an AIFM. Counsel handles regulatory filings with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) and ensures compliance with AIFMD transposition laws.
• Cross-border private equity investments involving Greek targets - A foreign sponsor targets a Greek portfolio company in Chalandri. Legal counsel coordinates multi-jurisdictional agreements, tax planning, and local employment law consents.
• Portfolio company governance and restructurings - After investment, you may need to amend articles, update shareholder agreements, align with Greek corporate law (e.g., Law 2190/1920 on sociétés anonymes), and implement governance controls.
• Exit planning and sale processes - Planning an exit to a strategic buyer or another PE firm requires robust tax planning, break-up fees, and definitive sale agreements to maximize value and limit post-closing risk.
• Regulatory investigations or enforcement actions - If a fund or portfolio company faces regulatory scrutiny, counsel helps with investigations, compliance remediations, and communications with authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws govern private equity activity and related fund management in Greece. They shape how funds are formed, operate, and exit within Chalandri and the wider Attica region.

• Law 2190/1920 on Societes Anonymes (S.A.) - Provides the framework for public limited companies, including corporate governance, share transfers, and capital requirements. This law is a cornerstone for portfolio company structures in PE deals.
• Law 2992/2002 on Venture Capital Funds and Managers - Establishes rules for venture capital and private equity funds, including licensing of fund managers and governance standards. It forms the basis for private equity activity in Greece and is frequently referenced in due diligence and fund structuring.
• Law 4099/2012 transposing the AIFMD into Greek law - Creates the regime for alternative investment funds and their managers, aligning Greek practice with EU requirements for capital, risk management, and disclosure. This law underpins how private equity funds can be marketed and operated in Greece.

Recent context: Since 2012, Greece has gradually aligned its private equity framework with EU standards through Law 4099/2012 and related regulatory guidance from the HCMC. In 2020-2021, there were updates to tighten compliance with EU Level 2 measures and to harmonize supervisory practices for fund managers.

Practical note for Chalandri residents: If you are forming a local PE fund or advising a Chalandri-based target, you should confirm current regulatory status with the HCMC and consider cross-border implications under EU directives. Consult a Greek solicitor to verify the most recent amendments to these laws.

“The Greek framework for venture capital funds and AIFs is defined by Law 2992/2002 and Law 4099/2012, with ongoing regulatory updates from the HCMC.” Source: https://www.hcmc.gov.gr

“EU-AIFMD transposition in Greece is anchored in Law 4099/2012 and subsequent Level 2 measures to enhance supervisory convergence.” Source: https://www.gov.gr

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity law in Greece and how does it apply in Chalandri?

Private equity law in Greece governs funds investing in private companies and controlling stakes. It covers fund formation, governance, and exit transactions. In Chalandri, local enforcement follows Greek law and EU directives implemented nationally.

How do I start a private equity deal in Chalandri, Greece?

Start with a clear deal thesis and assemble your deal team including legal counsel, a financial adviser, and tax consultants. Your lawyer drafts term sheets, negotiates key terms, and coordinates due diligence. Then you proceed to closing and post-closing governance adjustments.

When did Greece implement AIFMD and transposition into law?

AIFMD was transposed into Greek law with Law 4099/2012. This established the framework for alternative investment funds and their managers in Greece. Ongoing updates align Greek practice with EU Level 2 measures.

Where are private equity funds registered and supervised in Greece?

Private equity funds and fund managers are supervised by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). Registration and ongoing compliance cover licensing, reporting, and marketing restrictions within Greece.

Why should I hire a Greek private equity lawyer in Chalandri?

A Greek private equity lawyer ensures compliance with local corporate law, fund formation rules, and cross-border requirements. They also coordinate with tax professionals on exits and structuring to optimize returns. This reduces regulatory risk and closing delays.

Can a Chalandri-based company be acquired by a foreign private equity sponsor?

Yes, foreign sponsorship is common but requires careful regulatory, tax, and corporate approvals. Your counsel will harmonize contract terms with Greek law, including employee protections and competition rules.

Should I sign a non-disclosure or term sheet before due diligence?

Yes. A non-disclosure agreement protects confidential information, while a term sheet outlines high-level deal terms. These documents set expectations for due diligence and subsequent definitive agreements.

Do I need to register as an AIFM in Greece to manage a private equity fund?

Not all private equity activities require registration as an AIFM. If you market or manage an EU-registered AIF in Greece, you may need authorization. Counsel can confirm your exact regulatory obligations.

Is there a minimum investment threshold for Greek private equity funds?

Greek law does not set a universal minimum for all funds, but many funds define thresholds in their prospectus or constitutive documents. Tax and reporting rules can also influence minimum committed capital.

How long does due diligence typically take in Greece?

Due diligence usually ranges from two to six weeks, depending on target complexity and data room readiness. A well-organized data room with clear financial records accelerates closing.

What is the difference between a venture capital fund and a private equity fund in Greece?

Venture capital funds generally invest in early-stage companies with growth potential, while private equity funds may target more mature firms. The legal framework for both is shaped by Law 2992/2002 and EEA rules, with different risk and governance profiles.

How do I file a complaint or raise concerns about a private equity fund in Athens/Chalandri?

Complaints about licensed funds or managers can be directed to the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. Include fund name, license details, and a description of the issue to initiate an inquiry.

5. Additional Resources

These official sources can help you understand private equity regulation in Greece and keep track of changes relevant to Chalandri.

• Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - Regulates funds, managers, and market conduct in Greece, including private equity and venture capital frameworks. https://www.hcmc.gov.gr
• Gov.gr - Official Greek government portal with guidance on private equity, AIFMD transposition, and related regulatory updates. https://www.gov.gr
• Ministry of Development and Investment - Oversees economic investment policy and regulatory context affecting private equity in Greece. https://www.mindev.gov.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your private equity objective and time horizon specific to Chalandri and the Athens metro area. Write a one-page deal brief and success criteria.
2. Compile essential documents for the target or fund formation, including corporate records, share registers, and financial statements for the last three years.
3. Identify a Greek-licensed attorney with private equity experience in Attica; request a written engagement letter outlining scope and fees.
4. Schedule an initial consultation to review structure options (target acquisition, minority investment, or fund management) and regulatory requirements with the HCMC in mind.
5. Request a detailed term sheet and data room checklist; ensure information security and access controls for sensitive information.
6. Draft and review definitive agreements (share purchase agreement, shareholders agreement, and governance documents) with cross-border considerations if applicable.
7. Finalize closing logistics and create an integration or exit plan, including tax optimization and compliance milestones for the first 6 to 12 months.