Bernitsas Law
Global Guide 2024
About
Managing Partner: Panayotis Bernitsas
Number of partners: 14
Number of Counsel: 6
Number of lawyers: 31
Languages: English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish
Firm Overview
Bernitsas Law is a market leader in the provision of commercial law services in Greece and one of the largest firms in the country. The firm counts industry frontrunners, listed and private companies, supranational, global and national entities and corporations, and small and medium sized enterprises from all the major industry sectors among its clients.
A Focus on Solutions & Service
Bernitsas provides sound and practical legal solutions which take into account its clients’ commercial reality, perspective, concerns and priorities and assist them to achieve their goals and take a proactive approach in identifying both opportunities and risks. Many of its client relationships have been honed over several decades. With long-term relationships comes unrivalled insight into clients’ operations and industries which allows the firm to provide advice tailored to expectations and based on the knowledge it has acquired of their business. Its lawyers have an expertise in working closely with corporate and in-house legal groups and have developed processes and skills which add value to the service they provide.
An Expert Team
The teams have been working together within and across departments for many years to provide a specialised, consistent and high-standard service. The firm has been involved in most of the pioneer transactions to have taken place in the country, encompassing ground-breaking changes in the legal landscape. It has acted in disputes which have created precedents. The firm’s lawyers regularly participate in the preparation of legislation and regulatory frameworks, and interface with regulators, ombudsmen and supervisory authorities.
An Uncompromising Approach to Ethics
The ethical practice of law is the cornerstone of the firm's practice. Bernitsas has policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with practice regulations and legislation governing the provision of legal services and the legal sector. Over and above this, the firm conforms with international legal industry standards by applying uncompromising ethical and practice management principles.
Main Areas of Practice
Bernitsas is a leader in the corporate, commercial and finance sectors, specialising in foreign direct investment, banking, capital markets, funds, energy, projects, privatisation and real estate transactions. The firm offers expert practices in employment, ESG, EU, competition & antitrust, intellectual property, data protection and privacy, public procurement and tax, and in the insurance, life sciences and healthcare and telecommunications, media and technology industries. Its litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution practice is recognised for its track record in significant administrative, civil and commercial and corporate crime disputes, some of which have created precedents.
The firm counts industry frontrunners, private individuals, listed and private companies, supranational, global and national entities and corporations, and small and medium sized enterprises from all the major sectors among its clients. Clients trust Bernitsas to passionately protect and promote their interests. Exceptional lawyers work within and across teams to offer excellent service in line with international professional and ethical standards of care.
Responsible Business Strategy
Acting with responsibility to the legal industry and the community and markets in which the firm is active is the cornerstone of its practice and drives all of the firm's relationships. Bernitsas promotes and applies the principles of non-discrimination, fairness and equal opportunities to the way it works and delivers its services, all aspects of its professional dealings and all its policies and procedures. Through the firm's pro bono programme, Bernitsas helps provide access to the law and justice for those who cannot otherwise afford legal representation, support the work of non-profits and charities and participate in NGO-run research projects. The firm devotes its resources, energy and enthusiasm to acting for non-profits and charities, on human rights cases and on social impact matters and supports over 30 organisations involved in the welfare of children and vulnerable members of the community, higher and lower education, culture and the arts on an ongoing basis by way of sponsorship and donations.
International Work
The firm delivers an international level of service. A substantial part of the firm’s practice concentrates on complex domestic and cross-border transactions and disputes. The firm has enduring relationships with leading law firms all over the world across its areas of practice and acts together with many of these firms regularly in providing a seamless and integrated international service to its clients.
Practice Areas and Offices
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets
Corporate and M&A
Data Protection, Privacy & Security
Employment
Energy
Environment, Social & Governance (ESG)
EU, Competition & Antitrust
Foreign Direct Investment
Insurance
Intellectual Property
Life Sciences & Healthcare
Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Privatisations
Project Development, Finance & PPPs
Public Procurement
Real Estate, Land Development & Hospitality
Tax
Telecommunications, Media & Technology
Ranked Offices
Provided by Bernitsas Law
- Athens5, Lykavittou Street, Athens, Athens, Greece, GR-106 72
- Web: www.bernitsaslaw.com
- Tel: +30 210 36 15 395
- Fax: +30 2 10 36 40 805
- View ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Bernitsas Law
Bernitsas Law rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
51 items provided by Bernitsas Law
Bernitsas Law advises GIC on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in HIP
We advised GIC, a global institutional investor, on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP). GIC will acquire a shareholding of approximately 35% in HIP, with funds managed by Blackstone continuing to be a majority shareholder in HIP.
Bernitsas Law advises Hoist Finance AB on Project Cell Portfolio of c.€1.5bn NPLs
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Hoist Finance AB (publ) as purchaser in connection with the sale and purchase agreement entered into with Alpha Bank acting as seller of Project Cell, a portfolio of non-performing retail loans with a total outstanding balance of approximately €1.5bn.
Bernitsas Law advises Partners Group and Pharmathen on the financing of the acquisition of CBL Patra
Bernitsas Law advised Partners Group and Pharmathen in connection with the financing of the acquisition of CBL Patras by Pharmathen.
Bernitsas Law advises Intrakat on the acquisition of Aktor
Bernitsas Law advised Intrakat on obtaining unconditional merger control clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) and thereafter on the successful completion of its acquisition of 100% of Aktor, a landmark transaction in the Greek constructions market.
Bernitsas Law advises GIC on strategic investment in Southern European hospitality platform
We advised GIC, a global institutional investor, on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP). GIC will acquire a shareholding of approximately 35% in HIP, with funds managed by Blackstone continuing to be a majority shareholder in HIP.
Bernitsas Law advises HelleniQ Energy Holdings on €400m refinancing
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to HelleniQ Energy Holdings in connection to the refinancing of a €400m common bond loan issued by its subsidiary, Hellenic Petroleum.
European Investment Bank financing for the Northern Cyclades Interconnection Extension by IPTO
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to the European Investment Bank (EIB) in connection with financing of the extension of the interconnection of Northern Cyclades by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).
Bernitsas Law advises Eurobank on its new €500m Senior Preferred Instrument
We acted as Greek law counsel to Eurobank in connection with the issuance and offering of its new €500m Fixed Rate Callable Senior Preferred Instrument due November 2029, to international and domestic institutional investors, as well as its listing on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg StockEx.
Bernitsas Law advises Piraeus Bank on its new €500m Senior Preferred Notes
We acted as Greek law counsel to Piraeus Bank in connection with the issuance and offering of its new €500m Senior Preferred Notes due December 2029 to international and domestic institutional investors as well as their listing on the Euro MTF Market of Luxembourg Stock Exchange
Bernitsas Law advises on multi-jurisdictional syndicated bond loan facility for refinancing
Bernitsas Law advises on multi-jurisdictional syndicated bond loan facility for refinancing a diverse asset portfolio
Bernitsas Law advises Hellenic Healthcare Group on €1bn bond refinancing and financing deal
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) in connection with the refinancing and financing of the HHG group of companies in Greece and Cyprus, through the issue of a common secured bond loan in the amount of up to €1bn
Bernitsas Law achieves clearance for the merger by absorption of ANEK by Attica Group
Bernitsas Law has successfully applied the failing firm defence before the HCC, achieving clearance for the merger by absorption of ANEK by Attica Group and the repayment by the post-merger entity of ANEK's loan obligations to its creditors.
Navigating ESG Compliance for Greek Companies: Present and future
The discussion surrounding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is critical in drawing attention to the essential transition to a sustainable world. But, beyond the buzz, what does ESG mean for businesses?
Bernitsas Law advises on the acquisition of Med Frigo Group
Bernitsas Law advised an international investor on their participation in the acquisition of Med Frigo Group, a group of companies which operates and provides integrated services in national and international transportation and cold chain logistics.
Bernitsas Law advises on Senna Securitisation of receivables
Bernitsas Law acted as a Greek law counsel to the Bank of New York Mellon acting as note trustee and security trustee in connection with the securitisation of a portfolio of non-performing loan receivables
Securitisation transaction amendment, restatement, and credit facility Agreement
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to an international investor in connection with the amendment and restatement of the transaction documents for a securitisation transaction for the replacement of the appointed servicer of the securitised portfolio
Bernitsas Law advises Pancreta Bank on its investment in Attica Bank
Bernitsas Law is acting as legal counsel to Pancreta Bank in connection with its investment in Attica Bank, along with Thrivest Holding Ltd and the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund.
Refinancing and granting of new financing - Jupiter Portfolio of Securitised Receivables
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to National Bank of Greece SA as arranger, agent and bondholder in connection with a bond loan facility agreement for the refinancing of existing international bank financing and the financing of acquisition of real estate assets ...
Bernitsas Law advises Eurobank SA on €500m Fixed Rate Callable Senior Preferred Instruments
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Eurobank SA on the issue and offering of €500m Fixed Rate Callable Senior Preferred Instruments due 2029 to professional investors pursuant to a bookbuilding process and the listing of such Instruments on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock
Bernitsas Law advises Intrakat and Lavipharm on equity capital raisings
Bernitsas Law acted as ad hoc legal counsel to INTRAKAT SA and LAVIPHARM SA in connection with their equity capital raisings of €100m and €51.2m respectively
Bernitsas Law advises Piraeus Bank on the issuance of a €350m Senior Preferred Bond
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Piraeus Bank in connection with the successful issuance and offering to institutional investors of a €350m Senior Preferred Bond and the listing thereof on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Bernitsas Law advises Motor Oil on the acquisition of Thalis ES
Bernitsas Law advised Motor Oil on the acquisition of 100% of Thalis ES, a leading company in circular economy, active in solid, water and liquid waste management, recycling and treatment.
Bernitsas Law advises HELLENiQ ENERGY HOLDINGS SA on the financing of Helpe Digital SA
Bernitsas Law advised HELLENiQ ENERGY HOLDINGS SA (ex Hellenic Petroleum Holdings SA) on the €33.5m joint financing of their subsidiary Hellenic Petroleum Digital SA by Alpha Bank and the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF).
Bernitsas Law advises GIC on strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group
Bernitsas Law advised GIC on their entry into a strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group, under which GIC will become the leading shareholder alongside Sani/Ikos Group’s management team.
Bernitsas Law advises Eurobank on €500m Senior Preferred Instruments issuance
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Eurobank in connection with the issuance and offering to institutional investors of €500m Senior Preferred Instruments due 2025 for the purpose of satisfying its MREL requirements and strengthening its liquidity.
Bernitsas Law advises on the sale of a significant minority stake in Ellaktor SA
Bernitsas Law advised Greenhill Investments Limited and Kiloman Holdings Limited on the sale of their c.30% stake in Ellaktor SA (Ellaktor) to Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries SA (Motor Oil) in consideration for €182m.
Bernitsas Law advises CVC on the successful acquisition of 100% of Ethniki Insurance
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to CVC on the successful acquisition from National Bank of Greece of 100% of the leading Greek insurer Ethniki Insurance by Ethniki Holdings S.ὰ.r.l., a holding company invested in by funds managed or advised by CVC.
Bernitsas Law advises Hellenic Petroleum Renewables on the acquisition of a 16MW PV portfolio
Bernitsas Law advised Hellenic Petroleum Renewable Energy Sources SA in relation to the acquisition of a 16MW portfolio of operating PV plants from Trina Solar.
Bernitsas Law advises MBC Group on their €225m investment in Antenna Greece BV
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to MBC Group in connection with their €225m investment in Antenna Greece BV, the indirect parent company of Antenna TV and Makedonia TV.
Bernitsas Law advises Vodafone Greece on Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network
Bernitsas Law advised Vodafone Greece in relation to the financing, engineering, procurement, construction and installation of a Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network for Inner & Outer Rings and Vertical buildings connections, within the regions of Attica, Thessaloniki, Patra, Ioannina, Volos ...
Bernitsas Law advises GIC on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in HIP
We advised GIC, a global institutional investor, on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP). GIC will acquire a shareholding of approximately 35% in HIP, with funds managed by Blackstone continuing to be a majority shareholder in HIP.
Bernitsas Law advises Hoist Finance AB on Project Cell Portfolio of c.€1.5bn NPLs
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Hoist Finance AB (publ) as purchaser in connection with the sale and purchase agreement entered into with Alpha Bank acting as seller of Project Cell, a portfolio of non-performing retail loans with a total outstanding balance of approximately €1.5bn.
Bernitsas Law advises Partners Group and Pharmathen on the financing of the acquisition of CBL Patra
Bernitsas Law advised Partners Group and Pharmathen in connection with the financing of the acquisition of CBL Patras by Pharmathen.
Bernitsas Law advises Intrakat on the acquisition of Aktor
Bernitsas Law advised Intrakat on obtaining unconditional merger control clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) and thereafter on the successful completion of its acquisition of 100% of Aktor, a landmark transaction in the Greek constructions market.
Bernitsas Law advises GIC on strategic investment in Southern European hospitality platform
We advised GIC, a global institutional investor, on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP). GIC will acquire a shareholding of approximately 35% in HIP, with funds managed by Blackstone continuing to be a majority shareholder in HIP.
Bernitsas Law advises HelleniQ Energy Holdings on €400m refinancing
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to HelleniQ Energy Holdings in connection to the refinancing of a €400m common bond loan issued by its subsidiary, Hellenic Petroleum.
European Investment Bank financing for the Northern Cyclades Interconnection Extension by IPTO
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to the European Investment Bank (EIB) in connection with financing of the extension of the interconnection of Northern Cyclades by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).
Bernitsas Law advises Eurobank on its new €500m Senior Preferred Instrument
We acted as Greek law counsel to Eurobank in connection with the issuance and offering of its new €500m Fixed Rate Callable Senior Preferred Instrument due November 2029, to international and domestic institutional investors, as well as its listing on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg StockEx.
Bernitsas Law advises Piraeus Bank on its new €500m Senior Preferred Notes
We acted as Greek law counsel to Piraeus Bank in connection with the issuance and offering of its new €500m Senior Preferred Notes due December 2029 to international and domestic institutional investors as well as their listing on the Euro MTF Market of Luxembourg Stock Exchange
Bernitsas Law advises on multi-jurisdictional syndicated bond loan facility for refinancing
Bernitsas Law advises on multi-jurisdictional syndicated bond loan facility for refinancing a diverse asset portfolio
Bernitsas Law advises Hellenic Healthcare Group on €1bn bond refinancing and financing deal
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) in connection with the refinancing and financing of the HHG group of companies in Greece and Cyprus, through the issue of a common secured bond loan in the amount of up to €1bn
Bernitsas Law achieves clearance for the merger by absorption of ANEK by Attica Group
Bernitsas Law has successfully applied the failing firm defence before the HCC, achieving clearance for the merger by absorption of ANEK by Attica Group and the repayment by the post-merger entity of ANEK's loan obligations to its creditors.
Navigating ESG Compliance for Greek Companies: Present and future
The discussion surrounding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is critical in drawing attention to the essential transition to a sustainable world. But, beyond the buzz, what does ESG mean for businesses?
Bernitsas Law advises on the acquisition of Med Frigo Group
Bernitsas Law advised an international investor on their participation in the acquisition of Med Frigo Group, a group of companies which operates and provides integrated services in national and international transportation and cold chain logistics.
Bernitsas Law advises on Senna Securitisation of receivables
Bernitsas Law acted as a Greek law counsel to the Bank of New York Mellon acting as note trustee and security trustee in connection with the securitisation of a portfolio of non-performing loan receivables
Securitisation transaction amendment, restatement, and credit facility Agreement
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek counsel to an international investor in connection with the amendment and restatement of the transaction documents for a securitisation transaction for the replacement of the appointed servicer of the securitised portfolio
Bernitsas Law advises Pancreta Bank on its investment in Attica Bank
Bernitsas Law is acting as legal counsel to Pancreta Bank in connection with its investment in Attica Bank, along with Thrivest Holding Ltd and the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund.
Refinancing and granting of new financing - Jupiter Portfolio of Securitised Receivables
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to National Bank of Greece SA as arranger, agent and bondholder in connection with a bond loan facility agreement for the refinancing of existing international bank financing and the financing of acquisition of real estate assets ...
Bernitsas Law advises Eurobank SA on €500m Fixed Rate Callable Senior Preferred Instruments
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Eurobank SA on the issue and offering of €500m Fixed Rate Callable Senior Preferred Instruments due 2029 to professional investors pursuant to a bookbuilding process and the listing of such Instruments on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock
Bernitsas Law advises Intrakat and Lavipharm on equity capital raisings
Bernitsas Law acted as ad hoc legal counsel to INTRAKAT SA and LAVIPHARM SA in connection with their equity capital raisings of €100m and €51.2m respectively
Bernitsas Law advises Piraeus Bank on the issuance of a €350m Senior Preferred Bond
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Piraeus Bank in connection with the successful issuance and offering to institutional investors of a €350m Senior Preferred Bond and the listing thereof on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Bernitsas Law advises Motor Oil on the acquisition of Thalis ES
Bernitsas Law advised Motor Oil on the acquisition of 100% of Thalis ES, a leading company in circular economy, active in solid, water and liquid waste management, recycling and treatment.
Bernitsas Law advises HELLENiQ ENERGY HOLDINGS SA on the financing of Helpe Digital SA
Bernitsas Law advised HELLENiQ ENERGY HOLDINGS SA (ex Hellenic Petroleum Holdings SA) on the €33.5m joint financing of their subsidiary Hellenic Petroleum Digital SA by Alpha Bank and the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF).
Bernitsas Law advises GIC on strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group
Bernitsas Law advised GIC on their entry into a strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group, under which GIC will become the leading shareholder alongside Sani/Ikos Group’s management team.
Bernitsas Law advises Eurobank on €500m Senior Preferred Instruments issuance
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to Eurobank in connection with the issuance and offering to institutional investors of €500m Senior Preferred Instruments due 2025 for the purpose of satisfying its MREL requirements and strengthening its liquidity.
Bernitsas Law advises on the sale of a significant minority stake in Ellaktor SA
Bernitsas Law advised Greenhill Investments Limited and Kiloman Holdings Limited on the sale of their c.30% stake in Ellaktor SA (Ellaktor) to Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries SA (Motor Oil) in consideration for €182m.
Bernitsas Law advises CVC on the successful acquisition of 100% of Ethniki Insurance
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to CVC on the successful acquisition from National Bank of Greece of 100% of the leading Greek insurer Ethniki Insurance by Ethniki Holdings S.ὰ.r.l., a holding company invested in by funds managed or advised by CVC.
Bernitsas Law advises Hellenic Petroleum Renewables on the acquisition of a 16MW PV portfolio
Bernitsas Law advised Hellenic Petroleum Renewable Energy Sources SA in relation to the acquisition of a 16MW portfolio of operating PV plants from Trina Solar.
Bernitsas Law advises MBC Group on their €225m investment in Antenna Greece BV
Bernitsas Law acted as Greek law counsel to MBC Group in connection with their €225m investment in Antenna Greece BV, the indirect parent company of Antenna TV and Makedonia TV.
Bernitsas Law advises Vodafone Greece on Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network
Bernitsas Law advised Vodafone Greece in relation to the financing, engineering, procurement, construction and installation of a Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network for Inner & Outer Rings and Vertical buildings connections, within the regions of Attica, Thessaloniki, Patra, Ioannina, Volos ...