Best Private Equity Lawyers in Katerini

1. About Private Equity Law in Katerini, Greece

Private equity activity in Katerini operates within Greece’s broader EU-regulated framework. The core structure combines European Union directives with national corporate, tax, and securities law. Private equity funds typically invest through Greek corporate vehicles and portfolio companies, often using SPVs to hold acquisitions.

In practice, a private equity deal in Katerini usually starts with a sale process, followed by due diligence, a term sheet, and a definitive agreement. Regulatory filings with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, tax considerations, and labor law matters are essential components. Local familiarity with the Central Macedonia business environment helps negotiators anticipate provincial regulatory nuances.

Recent trends include stronger alignment with EU capital markets standards and enhanced transparency for investment funds operating in Greece. While Katerini-specific rules are not unique to the city, local enforcement and practical considerations can differ from Athens or Thessaloniki due to regional authorities and business ecosystems. The following sections explain why a local lawyer matters and how to navigate the regulatory landscape.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

A private equity deal in Katerini typically involves complex, cross-border considerations that require specialized legal guidance. A local lawyer helps tailor structures to Greek and EU requirements and protects your interests through every stage of the transaction.

Scenario 1: You want to acquire a regional manufacturing company near Katerini and structure an SPV for the deal. You need due diligence, share purchase agreements, and regulatory approvals coordinated with Greek corporate law. A lawyer ensures the transfer of ownership complies with Greek company law and protects minority shareholder rights.

Scenario 2: A Greek distributor seeks private equity funding and must register an Alternative Investment Fund or join an existing framework. You need regulatory counsel on licensing, ongoing reporting, and investor disclosures under EU directives as implemented in Greece. An attorney helps with initial filings and ongoing governance obligations.

Scenario 3: Your portfolio company in Katerini is preparing for an exit to a PE sponsor. You require negotiation of sale terms, tax planning, employee matters, and post-transaction representations. A lawyer coordinates cross-border elements and ensures compliance with Greek employment and contractual regimes.

Scenario 4: You plan a cross-border private equity investment into a Katerini- region company from another EU country. You need guidance on cross-border corporate governance, contract choice of law, and potential tax implications. An experienced attorney helps minimize conflict-of-laws issues and aligns contracts with local practice.

Scenario 5: Your fund is considering a restructuring of a portfolio company in Katerini for a growth capital investment. You must address labor, IP, and supplier agreements, while ensuring regulatory compliance. A local solicitor can manage the multi-jurisdictional documentation and filings.

Scenario 6: You are raising local capital for an AIF and require compliance with investment fund regulations and investor disclosures. A Greek attorney can assist with governance documents, investor notices, and annual reports. This reduces risk of non-compliance and strengthens investor confidence.

3. Local Laws Overview

Greece follows EU directives for private equity funds, implemented through national law and regulator guidance. Two key pillars shape private equity activity in Greece and Katerini alike: EU standards for alternative investment funds and Greece-specific regulatory and tax regimes.

EU framework: Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMD) governs how private equity fund managers operate across the EU, including authorization, risk management, transparency, and reporting. Greece implemented AIFMD through national measures and supervisory guidance, with Greek authorities aligning local practices to EU requirements. This regime applies to private equity funds that manage or market to investors in Greece.

Greece aligns its private equity framework with the EU Alternative Investment Funds Directive as part of EU-wide capital markets regulation.

Source: European Commission - Private Equity Funds

Regulatory authority: Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) oversees registration, licensing, ongoing reporting, and compliance for alternative investment funds and their managers. Local advisers frequently interact with HCMC for approvals, disclosures, and annual reporting obligations. Understanding HCMC guidance helps ensure compliance for deals in Katerini and the wider region.

The Hellenic Capital Market Commission provides regulatory oversight for alternative investment funds and managers operating in Greece, including private equity activity.

Source: Hellenic Capital Market Commission

Tax framework for funds and private equity vehicles Investment funds and SPVs in Greece may be taxed under corporate or pass-through regimes, depending on structure and local regulations. Proper structuring and timely filings with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) are essential to optimize tax outcomes and avoid penalties. Local tax counsel can tailor a structure that aligns with Greek tax rules for fund management fees, carry, and exit proceeds.

Greek tax authorities provide guidance on investment fund taxation and related obligations for private equity structures operating in Greece.

Source: AADE - Independent Authority for Public Revenue

Other relevant legal concepts in Greece include the use of Greek corporate forms such as Anonymi Etairia (AE) for acquisition vehicles and SPVs, contract law governing share purchases, and employment law considerations during portfolio company transitions. Local counsel can tailor the approach to the Katerini business environment and regional regulatory nuances.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is AIFMD and how does it affect Greece's private equity funds?

AIFMD is EU legislation that regulates private equity managers and funds across member states. In Greece, it governs authorization, risk management, and disclosure requirements for managers seeking to operate locally. Understanding AIFMD helps ensure compliance for funds marketing in Greece.

How do I start a private equity deal in Katerini with local counsel?

Begin with a clear investment thesis, assemble due diligence with local experts, and identify an appropriate Greek corporate vehicle. Engage a lawyer early to draft term sheets, purchase agreements, and regulatory filings. Early legal input reduces closing delays.

When should I register an investment fund with the Greek regulator?

Registration is typically triggered when a fund intends to market to investors in Greece or to manage assets in Greece. Your counsel will map the timing to your fundraising calendar and prepare the required disclosures and governance documents.

Where can I find official guidance on private equity funds in Greece?

Official guidance is available from the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the European Commission. Their websites provide regulatory frameworks, reporting requirements, and compliance resources for funds.

Why might I need a local Greek attorney for an M&A in Katerini?

Local counsel ensures compliance with Greek corporate law, handling due diligence, contract law, and regulatory consents. They also coordinate with regional authorities in Central Macedonia for permits and filings.

How much does a private equity legal service cost in Greece?

Fees vary by deal size and complexity. Typical engagements include hourly rates and staged retainer arrangements, with higher costs during due diligence and closing. An upfront scope and budget help manage expectations.

Do I need a license to manage an alternative investment fund in Greece?

Manager authorization is generally required under AIFMD implementation. Your firm should obtain the appropriate license from the Greek regulator before marketing or managing assets in Greece.

How long does due diligence typically take in a Greek private equity deal?

Due diligence often ranges from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on target complexity, data room readiness, and cross-border issues. A structured due diligence plan helps keep the timeline on track.

What is the difference between an AIF and a venture capital fund in Greece?

An AIF covers a broad category of investment vehicles including private equity funds, while venture capital funds focus on early-stage investments. Both fall under EU AIFMD and Greek implementation but have differing risk, liquidity, and disclosure profiles.

Is cross-border private equity investment allowed into Katerini-based companies?

Yes, cross-border PE investment is common in Greece, including in Katerini. Compliance with EU and Greek rules on cross-border investments, governance, and reporting is essential.

Should tax planning be part of my private equity deal in Greece?

Yes, tax planning should be integrated from the start. Greek tax rules affect fund structure, carry allocations, and exit proceeds. Engage tax counsel to optimize the structure and timing of tax events.

Do I need to notify employees when a PE deal is announced in a local company?

Employee notification requirements depend on the jurisdiction and deal structure. In Greece, ER regulations and collective agreements may apply, and careful communication helps mitigate disruption during transitions.

5. Additional Resources

• Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - Official regulator overseeing investment funds, private equity managers, and market conduct in Greece. https://www.hcmc.gov.gr
• European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) - EU-wide guidance and policy on alternative investment funds and private equity managers. https://www.esma.europa.eu
• AADE - Independent Authority for Public Revenue - Greek tax authority with guidance on investment fund taxation and reporting. https://www.aade.gr
• ET - Greek National Printing Office - Official source for Greek laws and amendments, including those regulating corporate forms and private equity transactions. https://www.et.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Define your private equity objective and assemble a local advisory team in Katerini or nearby Thessaloniki for proximity to regional authorities.
2. Identify target companies or fund goals and prepare a high level deal memo to guide early due diligence.
3. Engage a Greek private equity lawyer for a formal engagement letter, scope of work, and timeline alignment.
4. Conduct initial due diligence with a clear data room plan, including corporate records, contracts, employment matters, and tax status.
5. Draft and negotiate term sheets, share purchase agreements, and any fund governance documents with regulatory considerations in mind.
6. Obtain necessary regulatory approvals from the HCMC and coordinate with AADE for tax planning and filings.
7. Proceed to closing and implement post-closing compliance, governance, and reporting requirements for the portfolio company and fund.