At Bernitsas Law, our Corporate and Commercial Law practice offers comprehensive legal services grounded in a profound understanding of Greek and EU corporate regulations, commercial transactions, and governance frameworks. We provide strategic counsel to corporations, financial institutions, and investors, ensuring compliance with the complex legal landscape governing corporate and commercial activities. Our expertise encompasses the Greek Civil Code, the Greek Commercial Code, Law 4548/2018 on Sociétés Anonymes, and relevant EU directives and regulations.
Our Services Include:
- Corporate Governance and Compliance: Advising on corporate governance structures in accordance with Law 4548/2018, including board composition, directors’ duties, and shareholders’ rights. Assisting with compliance programs to adhere to anti-corruption laws, such as Law 4557/2018 on anti-money laundering, and EU regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Structuring and executing domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, including due diligence, negotiation, and drafting of share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, and merger plans. Ensuring compliance with antitrust regulations under Law 3959/2011 on the protection of free competition and EU Merger Regulation (EC) No 139/2004.
- Commercial Contracts: Drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements, including supply contracts, distribution agreements, franchising, licensing, and joint ventures, ensuring alignment with the Greek Civil Code and Commercial Code. Advising on terms and conditions, warranties, indemnities, and dispute resolution mechanisms to mitigate risks and protect clients’ interests.
- Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency: Assisting with corporate restructurings, including spin-offs, mergers, demergers, and transformations under Law 4601/2019 on corporate transformations. Advising on insolvency proceedings in accordance with the Greek Bankruptcy Code (Law 4738/2020), including debt restructuring, liquidation, and rehabilitation plans.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Providing legal support to foreign investors entering the Greek market, including entity formation, regulatory compliance, and navigating investment incentives under Law 4399/2016 on strategic investments. Advising on restrictions and reporting obligations related to FDI under EU Regulation 2019/452 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments.
- Employment and Labor Law: Advising on employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and compliance with labor laws, including Law 4808/2021 on labor protection. Assisting with employment disputes, terminations, and compliance with social security obligations under the Greek Social Security Law.
- Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology: Providing counsel on IP protection, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights, in compliance with Law 4679/2020 on trademarks and Law 2121/1993 on copyright. Advising on technology transfer agreements, software licensing, and data protection compliance under the GDPR.
- Representation Before Regulatory Authorities: Representing clients before regulatory bodies, including the Hellenic Competition Commission, the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, and the General Commercial Registry (GEMI). Assisting with regulatory filings, compliance audits, and responding to investigations or enforcement actions.
Distinguished Expertise
Our Corporate and Commercial Law practice is characterized by a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing business activities in Greece and the EU. We combine technical precision with strategic insight to deliver tailored legal solutions that facilitate business operations, ensure compliance, and mitigate risks. By leveraging our extensive experience and industry knowledge, we help clients navigate the complexities of corporate and commercial law and achieve their business objectives in a dynamic and evolving legal environment.