Best Private Equity Lawyers in Pefki

1. About Private Equity Law in Pefki, Greece

Private equity in Greece involves investment in private companies through funds, buyouts, growth capital, or strategic partnerships. In Pefki, a suburb of Athens, most activity centers on small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Attica and nearby regions that seek growth, restructuring, or succession planning. The regulatory framework combines EU level rules with Greek implementing laws and local enforcement practices.

Funds operating in Greece must navigate both European directives and national provisions. Key regulators include the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the tax authority. Private equity structures commonly use limited partnerships and corporate vehicles, tailored to the Greek corporate law environment. Understanding both corporate governance and transfer pricing issues is essential for risk management.

Practical tip: Engage a local attorney early to map regulatory requirements for fund formation, investor disclosure, and cross border transactions that involve Greek subsidiaries. This reduces delays and protects against non compliance penalties.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Acquiring a Pefki family business: A PE fund plans to buy into a local manufacturing firm, requiring due diligence on employment obligations, environmental permits, and supplier contracts specific to Greece. A lawyer coordinates a data room, negotiates the share purchase agreement, and aligns closing conditions with Greek law.
• Establishing a Greek SPV for a cross border deal: Structuring a special purpose vehicle in Greece requires ensuring compliance with corporate law, registration with the appropriate authorities, and tax planning considerations for dividends and exit proceeds.
• Regulatory approvals for an AIF or AIFM setup: If you intend to market to Greek or EU investors, you must meet AIFMD requirements as implemented in Greece, including fund registration, reporting, and manager oversight.
• Cross border fund management with Greek subsidiaries: When a non Greek PE manager operates a local Greek fund or invests via a Greek entity, governance and disclosure duties must align with Greek corporate law and local tax rules.
• Employee and union considerations in a Greek target: Acquisitions near Attica often implicate employee collective agreements and trade union rights, requiring careful HR due diligence and negotiated transition terms.
• Disputes or enforcement actions in Greece: If a target faces enforcement proceedings or breach of contract claims in Greek courts, local legal counsel is essential to navigate procedure, evidence rules, and interim measures.

3. Local Laws Overview

In Greece, private equity operates under EU law as transposed and supplemented by national statutes. The most relevant frameworks concern the management of alternative investment funds, corporate structures, and tax treatment of investment activities. Below are the key references commonly cited in Pefki transactions.

Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMD) regulates the operation of managers of alternative investment funds across the European Union. Greece implemented the directive to harmonize supervision, marketing, and investor protections for AIFs. Implementation and updates have occurred since 2012, with ongoing supervisory guidance from Greek authorities.

Law on Alternative Investment Funds and AIF Managers (Greek implementation) Greece has established national provisions to regulate AIFs and their management companies consistent with AIFMD. These laws cover registration, reporting, capital requirements, and compliance obligations for fund managers operating in Greece. Look to Greek government resources for the current text and amendments.

Greek Companies Law and corporate vehicles used in PE deals (Law 2190/1920, as amended) This foundational statute governs the formation and operation of public and private companies in Greece, including protections for minority shareholders, share transfers, and corporate governance. It is routinely amended to reflect EU and market developments.

According to ESMA, the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) provides a harmonized framework for private equity fund managers across the EU.

For official materials, consult these sources for current provisions and guidance: - Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - official regulator for AIFs and managers in Greece: hcmc.gr - Greek General Secretariat for Public Revenue (AADE) - tax treatment and reporting for investment funds and entities: aade.gr - Gov.gr - official portal for Greek laws and procedures: gov.gr

Citations: ESMA - AIFMD overview, HCMC - Private equity and AIF guidance, AADE - tax treatment for funds

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity in the Greek regulatory context?

Private equity refers to investments in private companies through funds or SPVs. In Greece, these activities are governed by EU directives and Greek law on AIFs, managers, and corporate vehicles. Compliance includes licensing, reporting, and investor disclosures.

How do I form a private equity fund in Pefki, Greece?

Start with a legal structure such as an AIF or corporate SPV. Engage a local attorney to handle regulatory registrations, fund documentation, and tax planning. You will need a compliant management company if you are an AIF, and proper investor disclosures.

What are typical costs to hire a Private Equity lawyer in Greece?

Initial consultation fees vary, typically around a few hundred euros. Ongoing engagement for due diligence, documentation, and closing usually follows a fixed or hourly rate. Budget for notary, registration, and filing fees as well.

Do I need a Greek solicitor for cross border PE deals?

Yes. Greek counsel helps navigate local corporate law, employment issues, and tax implications. They also coordinate with foreign counsel to align deal terms and closing conditions.

How long does due diligence take for a Greek target?

For SMEs in Attica, expect 3 to 6 weeks for a comprehensive financial, legal, and regulatory review. Complex cross border deals can take longer depending on data room readiness.

Is Greece a favorable jurisdiction for private equity?

Greece has a growing PE ecosystem with improved regulatory clarity and EU backed frameworks. Local knowledge of tax and corporate law adds value to deal structuring and exits.

What if a target has employee transfer considerations in Greece?

Review collective agreements and applicable labor laws. Prepare a robust transition plan and negotiate terms with unions to avoid disruption at closing.

What is the typical exit route for a Greek PE investment?

Common exits include sale to strategic buyers, secondary buyouts, or IPOs on Greek or EU markets. The exit route depends on the target’s growth trajectory and market conditions.

Can a private equity manager market funds to Greek investors?

Yes, but you must comply with AIFMD marketing rules and local registration requirements. Disclosure and investor protections are central to regulatory compliance.

Should I engage a tax advisor along with a lawyer?

Absolutely. Tax considerations affect fund economics, carried interest, and exit taxes. A tax advisor helps optimize structure and compliance for Greece and cross border issues.

Do I need to register the fund with Greek authorities?

Most Greek AIFs and AIFMs require regulatory registration and ongoing reporting. Your counsel will prepare the necessary filings and ensure timely submissions.

How do private equity fund terms differ from normal corporate deals in Greece?

PE deals emphasize fund structure, carried interest, capital calls, and governance rights in the investment agreement. These terms must align with Greek corporate and tax rules.

5. Additional Resources

• Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - Regulates capital markets in Greece, including AIFs and fund managers. Official site: hcmc.gr
• AADE - General Secretariat for Public Revenue - Handles tax registration, filings, and treatment of investment funds and entities in Greece. Official site: aade.gr
• Gov.gr - Official portal for laws, regulatory procedures, and government services in Greece. Official site: gov.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Define the investment strategy and target structure clearly, including whether you will use an AIF, SPV, or other vehicle. Establish the scope of Greek regulatory involvement early.
2. Assemble a local advisory team including a Private Equity lawyer, tax advisor, and, if needed, a Greek corporate lawyer. Coordinate a single point of contact for all documents.
3. Prepare the data room and target diligence plan with Greek HR, environmental, and regulatory checks. Ensure documents are translated if necessary for Greek officials.
4. Register the fund or vehicle with the appropriate authorities with your counsel. Complete corporate, securities, and fund manager filings as required by HCMC and gov.gr.
5. Negotiate and finalize the transaction documents including the share purchase agreement, governance terms, and exit provisions. Align with Greek corporate law and tax rules.
6. Confirm tax and reporting obligations with AADE and ensure ongoing compliance. Plan for annual audits and fund reporting requirements.
7. Close the deal and coordinate post closing matters such as integration, employee transitions, and the first financing cycle under Greek law.