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LEADING
LAW FIRMS IN CYPRUS A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
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SPECIAL REPORT
WHAT THE LAWYERS SAY
LEADING PRACTITIONERS ON CUTTING RED TAPE, WATCHING THE COMPETITION AND PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH
I
f Cyprus wants to be viewed internationally as a serious professional and financial services centre, it needs to improve it a variety of areas, say many commentators. Moreover, the island should be keeping a much closer eye on what its competitors are doing if it is to continue making a major contribution to the economy and helping it to grow. We asked a number of representatives of leading Cypriot law firms for their views on three key issues.
REDUCING BUREAUCRACY
The main target of the experts’ criticism is, not surprisingly, the civil service and the way it deals with international business. Andreas Necoleous believes that, unfortunately, the public sector continues to be one of the principal obstacles to Cyprus’s economic success. “We must change our attitude to international business,” he says. “Rather than placing obstacles in the way of international businesses and increasing their costs we must develop a ‘can-do’ attitude, welcoming our customers and providing them with assistance and new opportunities. This is the way to success and prosperity.” Others are more specific about the service that needs to undergo the most urgent face-lift: “It is absolutely essential that we make it a top priority to make the Registrar of Company’s department more accessible online and cut to red tape,” says Demosthenes Mavrellis. “It is in our best interest to make certificates required by companies available online, at least to professionals on a same day basis.” Phivos Stephanou and Yiannos Georgiades echo his comments. “By implementing an efficient user-friendly electronic system, the Cyprus Registrar of Companies can
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accelerate the procedures related to registration of new companies, the submission of annual returns and effect changes for already registered companies in a much more convenient way,” notes Stephanou, adding that current procedures cause great delays and, in many instances, do not promote the image that Cyprus would like to have as an EU country. “The Registrar of Companies needs to begin making use of the wide range of technology available, allowing for online company registrations, online submissions of documents and forms and online company file searches,” says Yiannos Georgiades. “As the knowledge and understanding of technology and the opportunities that new developments open up, I firmly believe that changes to the way in which the Registrar of Companies works will ultimately lead to a more efficient and workable system.” However, Yiota Kythreotou is rather more positive, noting that some progress has been made. “Cyprus has established the Point of Single Contact, a service through which businesses interested in establishing their activities in Cyprus can complete procedures such as company registration, VAT, income tax, social insurance fund and employers registration and applications for the issuance of residence and work permits,” she explains. “This service is expected to make it easier, quicker and simpler for foreign investors to establish and pursue their business activities in Cyprus.”
GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY
At present, only two sectors look certain to enjoy growth in the foreseeable future: energy (thanks to the discovery of natural gas in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone) and the financial & business services sector, partly due to this. Demosthenes Mavrellis
believes that the discovery of hydrocarbons will lead to major inward investments, both direct and indirect and that the proximity to the raw material will lead to the creation of new industries. “Furthermore, the nascent industry will give rise to new areas of knowledge which the Cypriots will export to other regions. What is happening offshore is definitely a game change,” he says. Phivos Stephanou and Yiota Kythreotou are in agreement here too. In the coming years, says Stephanou, developments in gas-related infrastructure projects will increase with investment in the energy sector and this, in turn, will bring about substantial growth in fields such as gas production, liquefaction, petrochemical projects, and processing. This will allow leading players in the energy sector to invest in facilities for processing and exporting the natural gas found off Cyprus. In Kythreotou’s view, the implications of the discovery of natural gas reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone will be “immense” and not only for the island but also for her profession. “We shall soon be facing significant legal, regulatory, operational and technical challenges,” she says. “Lawyers, in particular, will be required to assist clients with negotiating the terms on which deep sea drilling should take place and drilling licenses are granted, on the terms of raising of capital and finance on an unprecedented scale (by Cyprus standards) but they will also need to have a firm grasp of modern developments on a wide range of issues, from operational practices, to the availability and terms of insurance cover.” Andreas Neocleous is a little more cautious regarding natural gas. “While I share the hope that the discovery of gas offshore will bring prosperity to all of us, exploiting the gas and reaping the benefits will take many years,” he says, explaining that, in his view, the financial, professional and
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WHO’S WHO business services sector is the only sector with the necessary scale and dynamism to provide economic growth in the short term. “By attracting overseas investors it will also benefit the tourism and property sectors,” he adds. Yiannos Georgiades thinks that the discovery of hydrocarbons has already given the Cyprus economy a tremendous boost and that this “will safeguard the island’s political stability, further reinforcing its status as one of the best financial centres in the world.” In conjunction with developments in the oil and gas sectors, he also believes that environmental issues will play a greater role, in particular with regard to wind power and other renewable energy sources. Moreover, he predicts that the technology and telecommunications sectors will also expand greatly over the coming years and there will be a call for the development of further legislation, in particular in relation to services incorporating voice, data and video.
CYPRUS AS A COMPETITIVE JURISDICTION
If Cyprus wishes to be seen as better than Malta, Luxembourg and other competing jurisdictions, it needs to keep a close watch on what they are doing. All the experts to whom we spoke acknowledge that the island is already an attractive place for foreign companies to relocate to but some competitors are doing their best to offer the same benefits. Andreas Neocleous agrees that the biggest factor in Cyprus’ favour is the high quality and comparatively low cost of doing business here, including the availability of world-class professional services at considerably lower cost than in London and similar centres. Cyprus’s location and climate are also positive factors. However, he also sees that “competition is intense from centres such as Malta and Ireland within the EU and Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong to the East” and advises that “We should not be too proud to learn from our neighbours and competitors. To attract and retain foreign business we
must excel in every field – we cannot afford any weaknesses.” Yiannos Georgiades is more upbeat: Although other European countries are trying to compete with Cyprus by lowering their tax rates and by signing favourable double tax treaties, he thinks they still have a long way to go before they are in a position to match the benefits that Cyprus has to offer: a corporate tax rate of 10%, a solid infrastructure, a legal system based on English law and now harmonized with EU law, UK-qualified lawyers, accountants and bankers, double tax agreements with over 43 countries and the recent signing of the protocol to the Double Tax Treaty between Russia and Cyprus. Yiota Kythreotou agrees: “Our geographical location makes us an ideal base for a business looking to expand into new markets,” she says. “We are in a position to offer a much more favourable corporate and personal income tax regime than any other European country; the liberal foreign direct investment regime and the network of double tax treaties and bilateral investment agreements make Cyprus a perfect location for an international group’s headquarters. Moreover, the high quality of legal, accounting and banking services and support that is available, complemented by a wide range of other providers (IT specialists, telecommunications systems, etc.), gives Cyprus a significant advantage.” Phivos Stephanou elaborates on this point: “By offering a corporate tax of only 10% (the lowest in the EU), Cyprus has become a favourable tax-incentive jurisdiction within the EU and beyond. The double tax treaties and EU directives offer various exemptions which attract companies to establish or relocate their headquarters to the island, as does the excellent infrastructure which allows the creation of ‘substance’ for tax planning by setting up company operations on the island. Demosthenes Mavrellis sums up the present situation thus: “In effect it all boils down to a cocktail of low corporate taxes, a network of double tax avoidance treaties, common law and highly skilled professionals. Add all these together and you have a winner.”
Andreas Neocleous, Founder and Managing Partner, Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC
Phivos Stephanou, Legal Consultant, Korpus Prava Corporate Services Ltd
Yiota KythreotouTheodorou, Partner, Pamborides LLC
Demosthenes Mavrellis, Partner, Chrysses Demetriades & Co. LLC
Yiannos Georgiades, Founding and Managing Partner, Georgiades & Mylonas
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SPECIAL REPORT
CA ADVOCATES (POURGOURA & ASPRI L.L.C.) THE FIRM
CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.) was established in mid-2011 by Celia Pourgoura and Alexia Aspri whose aspiration was to create a progressive commercial and corporate law firm offering tailor-made professional services and fulfilling each client’s needs in a personal and individual manner. The Firm’s mission and vision is to provide professional and trusted legal services by establishing ongoing and longterm relations with clients through commitment, specialisation and the highest level of professional and personalised service in a quick, efficient and affordable manner. Although the firm advises on all areas of Cyprus law, it focuses mainly on the legal aspects of investment into and via Cyprus, driven by the island’s favourable tax regime, with core specialisations on commercial, corporate, banking, financing, shipping and real estate law as well as on the provision of fiduciary services. CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri LLC) is a ‘boutique’ law firm consisting of two lawyers and corporate administrators.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Commercial Law The Firm has a diversified and longstanding experience
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in advising through the issuing of legal opinions, drafting, negotiating and monitoring multimillion value transactions, both locally and internationally, including re-organisations, mergers, including EU/cross-border mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, project financing, cooperation, shareholders’ affairs, IPOs on major stock exchanges, etc. Corporate Law The specialized staff are at the client’s disposal to directly, efficiently and quickly answer any question on Cyprus Company Law, the business entity’s corporate governance, and on the reporting and compliance requirements of Cyprus companies. Banking & Finance The Firm provides advice and conducts the negotiations and drafting of all necessary agreements and supplementary documentation relating to asset, property, project and trade financing. We further undertake the registration of securities in Cyprus with banks and other financial institutions wishing to secure loans. Shipping The Firm undertakes the incorporation of ship-owning companies, as well as the registration of ships under the Cyprus flag. Real Estate The Firm has extensive experience in immovable property law, including the drafting, negotiation, and monitoring and supervision of purchases and sales, including the
conclusion of deeds of sale (residential and commercial); the undertaking of transfer of title proceedings, the registration of mortgage bonds, the drafting of loan agreements for property transactions, the structuring of property transactions, the securitization of property purchases, letting of property, hotel developments, etc. Fiduciary Services A broad range of professional services is provided through the Firm’s affiliate company, Pourgoura & Aspri Fiduciary Services Limited. Such services include the provision of a Registered Office, nominee Directors (including professional directors, if required), Shareholders and Secretary as well as the opening of bank accounts with any bank of the client’s choice and, through associate companies, bookkeeping and accounting. In addition, the firm has extensive experience in applications for work permits/residence permits for the company’s foreign directors, owners and employees.
PARTNERS
Celia Pourgoura is a British-qualified lawyer with an LLB qualification, an LLM qualification in Commercial Corporate law, a Middle Temple Barrister-at- Law with registration at the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales as a non-practising Barrister at Law, and a practising registered member of the Cyprus
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Bar Association. From 2002-2005 and from 2008 until today, she has been dealing with corporate and commercial issues and specialising in trust law, anti-money laundering issues, contract law, company law and corporate administration. Since 2011 she has been the co-owner and director of CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.). She speaks Greek and English fluently and is currently learning Russian. She has been nominated by Kings College, London as their ambassador in Cyprus. She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and of the International Bar Association. Alexia Aspri obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2000 and an LLB from the same university in 2002. She was admitted as a member of the Cyprus Bar in 2003 and since then she has gained solid corporate and commercial law experience in the corporate law departments of some of the most renowned law firms in Cyprus. Her main specialisations are contractual drafting and consulting on corporate and tax strategies, mergers and acquisitions and re-organisations, Company law including management and administration of companies, Trusts and estate planning. She became a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) in 2010. Since 2011 she has been the co-owner and director of CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.). She speaks Greek and English fluently. She is also a member of the International Bar Association.
Celia Pourgoura
CONTACT DETAILS
CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.) 33, Clementos Street, Flat 401, 1061 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: (+357) 22460831 Fax: (+357) 22760831 Website: www.ca-advocates.com e-mail: info@ca-advocates.com
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Alexia Aspri
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SPECIAL REPORT
CHRISTOS PATSALIDES L.L.C. THE FIRM
Christos Patsalides L.L.C. is well-established in the legal world of Cyprus, offering a wide range of legal services. The law firm was founded in Nicosia in 1996 by the Managing Partner Christos Patsalides. Throughout its years of operation, the firm has expanded significantly and its name has become established in Cyprus for its large customer base. The firm’s goal is to provide only top quality services and the best solutions to any legal issues that arise. The firm consists of experienced and reputable lawyers as well as young, highly-educated and excellently-trained staff in all specialized legal fields. The firm’s Corporate and Litigation Departments, acting for a particularly enlarged portfolio of customers with high expectations, work in such a way that one complements the other, with excellent organisation and professionalism, full secretarial support and sophisticated computer systems, which result in the safe, speedy and full implementation of all cases assigned. Our top priority is our response to the specific characteristics and needs of each client with confidence and directness, and our aim is to provide the best possible service and solutions to all legal issues arising in relation to each client’s needs. The quality of our services, the special and trusted expertise of our firm’s various departments, together with the required structures for the speedy and efficient management and finalisation of all our clients’ cases and claims, have sealed the dynamic course of our firm in Cyprus.
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WHY CHOOSE CYPRUS?
Cyprus is considered a very attractive jurisdiction for doing business. Some of the benefits that one can enjoy by having a Cypriot company incorporated include the Corporate Tax rate of 10%, the taxexempt dividend income (subject to nonstringent conditions), no withholding taxes on payments of dividends, no taxation on profits from the sale of securities (no minimum holding period, percentage, etc.), no taxation on profits of foreign permanent establishments, no capital gains or income tax on the disposal of the shares of a Cypriot company, a broad double income tax treaty network, unilateral tax credit relief irrespective of the existence of a tax treaty, no substance, debt equity and thin capitalization rules, the full adoption of all European Union Directives, a sound legal system and much more.
SERVICES
Our corporate services include the formation and incorporation of companies, the establishment and management of trusts and related services such as the establishment, management and representation of Cypriot and offshore companies, the provision of trustee services for shareholders, directors, secretary and registered office of the company. A very important part of our services relates to advisory support concerning tax matters, tax planning restructuring, consultation for investment funds, dividend distributions, tax differences, capital gains tax, stamp duties, Value Added Tax (VAT) and much more. Another important and preferred service provided by Christos Patsalides L.L.C. is
the Redomiciliation of a Company to and from Cyprus. The Cyprus Redomiciliation legislation was enacted on July 28, 2006, as an amendment to the Companies Law Cap.113 to permit foreign (non-Cypriot) companies to redomicile to Cyprus; and Registered Cyprus companies to be redomiciled abroad. The existing business of a foreign company continues without interruption as a Cyprus company since the first company is not dissolved but simply ‘moves’ to Cyprus. Existing companies can choose to change their seat of incorporation to Cyprus without going through the liquidation and recontribution process in the current jurisdiction so it will no longer be necessary to wind up their activities and restart under a new company shell, something which is less time-consuming and more cost-effective for clients. The ability to redomicile companies to and from Cyprus opens new planning dimension for investors and traders. Foreign companies may now without difficulty benefit from the Cypriot Corporate Tax regime, an option that many clients prefer. Christos Patsalides L.L.C. also has a very reputable Intellectual Property Department. We provide services including the search and registration of trademarks, national, community and international trademarks together with the provision of the registration of trade names, the validation of patents, national, European and International patent registration and validation. A few of the reasons one should encourage the Registration of Patents and Trademarks in Cyprus: Cyprus has adopted the EU directives enabling it to recognize CTM and CD registrations.
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Cyprus is a party to the Madrid Agreement and Protocol and PCT through which international patent or trademark applications are recorded in Cyprus. Cyprus is a member of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) for the registration and protection of trademarks and industrial designs within the European Community. Following the accession of Cyprus to the European Union as a full member on May 1, 2004, Cyprus legislation has been harmonized in order to bring its Intellectual Property Law into line with the requirements of the acquis communautaire. Commercial activity on the island has created the necessity to offer protection to the Intellectual Property Rights of physical and legal entities in order to validate such activity. An important part of the abovementioned services is provided by our affiliated company, Christos Patsalides Corporate Management Ltd.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Christos Patsalides L.L.C. consists of three partners and a chief financial controller: CHRISTOS M. PATSALIDES Founding and Managing Partner CONSTANTINOS KOKKINOFTAS Partner and Head of the Litigation Department
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AVGOUSTINOS TSARKATZIS Partner MARIOS KASTANIAS Chief Financial Controller
LAWYERS TEAM
CHRISTOS M. PATSALIDES Founding and Managing Partner CONSTANTINOS KOKKINOFTAS Partner and Head of the Litigation Department AVGOUSTINOS TSARKATZIS Partner GEORGE PANAYIDES Advocate - Litigation KYRIAKI VIOLARI Advocate - Corporate PHIVI TRAMOUNTANELLI Advocate - Corporate VARTENI KASAPIAN Advocate - Litigation GEORGE ANTONIADES Advocate - Litigation MARIA CHRONIA Advocate - Corporate DIANE CONSTANTINIDES Trainee Advocate
ACCOUNTING TEAM MARIOS KASTANIAS Chief Financial Controller DESPINA MICHAEL IRENE THRASYVOULOU CHRISTOPHOROS VASILIOU
SECRETARIAL TEAM GEORGIA SOLONOS Corporate Administrator MARIA CONSTANTINOU Executive Secretary
LANGUAGES SPOKEN Greek, English, Swedish, Armenian, French ASSOCIATIONS: Legal 500 Chambers Europe FICPI (International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys) Cyprus-China Business Association Cyprus-India Business Association Cyprus-Israel Business Association Cyprus-Russia Business Association Cyprus Bar Association Nicosia Bar Association
CONTACT DETAILS
Christos Patsalides L.L.C. Advocates & Legal Consultants 31, Evagoras Avenue, Evagoras Building, Suites 41-43, 1066 Nicosia , Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 25617 , 1311 Nicosia , Cyprus Tel: (+357) 22677677 Fax: (+357) 22674422 Website: www.patsalides.com.cy e-mail:Â info@patsalides.com.cy
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SPECIAL REPORT
E. PAPANDREOU & CO L.L.C. THE FIRM
E. Papandreou & Co L.L.C. was established at the beginning of 2009 and is already emerging as a boutique business law firm in the Cyprus market.Its approach to the legal practice is to focus exclusively on providing an effective and complete solution for the legal side of its clients’ affairs. The firm specialises in all aspects of commercial and corporate law, banking and finance, financial services, tax and trust law. Its goal is to become the firm of choice in the market, by providing a complete solution to its clients’ most challenging legal issues and significant business transactions. The firm’s aspirations are based on the expertise of its team of lawyers which comprises highly-driven and dedicated individuals with varied specialisations, as well as diverse academic and professional backgrounds. These individuals are capable of conceptualising and understanding the commercial aspects underlying any legal issue in question. Thus the team is adept at providing a professional and personalised approach to each client in order to help them achieve their business objectives in the most efficient manner.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Commercial: The firm’s philosophy
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is to be by the client’s side from the inception of his/her business plan and to have the opportunity to guide the client through all the necessary steps. Through professional and personalised consultation, the aim is to reach the most proficient solution based on the client’s needs and interests. Corporate: The team members of E. Papandreou & Co L.L.C. are considered experts in the field of Corporate Law. They can assist clients with their business entity’s compliance and reporting requirements with the Cyprus Authorities as well as with corporate governance issues. The team can provide legal advice on agreements and undertake to negotiate and draft agreements concerning, among others, corporate reorganisation requirements, mergers, acquisitions, cooperation, shareholders affairs, etc. Banking and Finance: The firm provides legal advice regarding asset financing which includes leasing, factoring and securitisation as well as on project, property and trade financing. The team is also at its clients’ disposal to draft and negotiate, on their behalf, any necessary agreements (such as loan, pledge and mortgage agreements) as well to prepare other relevant documentation in order to meet any requirements in place,
including the issue of legal opinions. The firm provides advice on strategies for corporate recovery and all aspects of insolvency procedures. This also includes pre-insolvency considerations, such as the duties and responsibilities of directors and shareholders. In addition, it offers advice on all forms of possible sanctions and the overturning of transactions. Trusts: Highly specialised in Trusts of Cyprus and other jurisdictions, the firm’s objective is to steer clients towards advantageous trust creations which comply with the regulations of the relevant jurisdictions and, at the same time, to optimise the benefits clients may enjoy from the creation of a Trust.
PROFILES
Elena Papandreou – Managing Director Elena obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Leicester University. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 1994 and has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners since 2008. She is also a member of the International Bar Association. Elena gained extensive experience working as a corporate lawyer in a highly reputable law firm in Cyprus for ten years before joining Dema Services Limited in 2006 as inhouse legal advisor. She established E. Papandreou & Co. LLC at the begin-
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to obtain a Master’s degree (LLM) from Edinburgh University in 2005. She has extensive experience in corporate law, corporate governance and real estate law. She gained considerable experience in drafting corporate and commercial contracts from her years of practicing the legal profession in a number of prominent Cyprus law firms and fiduciary companies. She has been a member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 2002 and is also a member of the International Bar Association. (e-mail: MariaAn@epaplaw.com)
ning of 2009, acting as the Managing Director, while continuing as a Director of Dema Services Limited. (e-mail: ElenaP@epaplaw.com)
Entgkar Antoniades – Manager Entgkar Antoniades obtained a law degree from the North-Caucasian State Technical University of Stavropol, Russia in 2004. He then went on to join Dema Services in 2006, gaining vast experience in the area of fiduciary services. He joined Elena Papandreou
Maria Anastasiadou – Manager Maria obtained a law degree (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2001. She went on
Demetra Demetriadou – Advocate Demetra Demetriadou obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of Kent in 2010 and was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2011. She has also become a member of the International Bar Association. Through practicing the legal profession in this office, she has gained experience in the areas of corporate and commercial law, chiefly in the areas of drafting and reviewing corporate documents, agreements, legal due diligence and cross-border mergers. She is currently studying to become a qualified Chartered Accountant. (e-mail: DemetraD@epaplaw.com)
CONTACT DETAILS
& Co LLC in 2009 as a legal adviser. He has extensive experience in corporate administration matters, as well as in the areas of drafting and reviewing corporate documents. He is also fluent in Russian.
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E. Papandreou & Co L.L.C. 8, Stassinos Avenue, Photiades Business Centre, 2nd Floor, Office 201, 1522 Nicosia, Cyprus. Postal address: P.O.Box 22599, 1522 Nicosia, Cyprus. Tel: (+357) 22466425 Fax: (+357) 22466427 Website: www.epaplaw.com e-mail: central@epaplaw.com
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SPECIAL REPORT
GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU & ASSOCIATES L.L.C. THE FIRM
George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. is a dynamic, professional fullservice civil law firm. Founded in 2005 by George Z. Georgiou, the firm has quickly grown and is recognised as one of Cyprus’ leading practices. It specialises in corporate, commercial and tax, land and property, employment, pensions and corporate immigration, and all forms of dispute resolution. The firm currently consists of 12 lawyers and legal consultants, of whom one is a barrister-at-law, one is a solicitor and three are trainees. All lawyers speak Greek and English and some also speak French and Italian. Moreover, the firm’s five administrative staff and two accounts officers are also fluent in English while one is also an Arabic speaker. Clients include individuals, companies of all sizes, municipalities, banks and multinational companies. The firm provides legal services to some of Cyprus’ largest local and international companies, as well as for international companies with a presence on the island. It facilitates business and develops strong relationships with all its clients. Located in the heart of Nicosia, but serving the whole of the Republic of Cyprus, the firm’s lawyers appear in all courts across the island. George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. not only serves Cyprus but the world, with clients based in every corner of the globe. Every accommodation is made for clients living in different time zones, so that they receive
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the same excellent service as those based in Cyprus. Professional translators are regularly used for languages that are not spoken by our firm. George Z. Georgiou & Associates L. LC. supports and advises on legal issues with an international element on a daily basis. As the sole Cypriot member of the international alliance Ius Laboris, which comprises member firms in 42 countries, with coverage in more than 100 countries, the firm is able to provide any international client with fully coordinated yet locally-specific global advice. Ius Laboris is the leading Global Alliance of Labour and Employment Law practitioners with 2,500 lawyers specializing in all areas of law relating to Human Resources. Furthermore, the Firm and its individual lawyers are members of numerous local and international associations among which are: • Ius Laboris, • The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, • Nicosia Bar Association, • Cyprus Bar Association, • European Employment Lawyers Association (EELA) (George Z. Georgiou is the Board Member for Cyprus), • European Employment Law Cases (Cyprus Editor), • The European Circuit, • The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), • Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), • International Bar Association (IBA),
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), • Cyprus Human Resource Management Association, • Nicosia Chamber of Commerce, • Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, • Cyprus-China Business Association, • Cyprus-Russia Business Association, • Cyprus-Ukraine Business Association, • Cyprus-United Kingdom Business Association, • Cyprus-India Business Association. George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. has contributed to significant publications and continues to publish articles and chapters in international books, journals and legal magazines on a regular basis. Among these are: Ius Laboris Publications (chapters on Cyprus law): • SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE (February 2012) • INDIVIDUAL DISMISSALS ACROSS EUROPE (November 2011) • SECONDMENTS TO AND WITHIN EUROPE (October 2011) • PAN-EUROPEAN PENSIONS GUIDE (September 2011) • IMMIGRATION - AN INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK (January 2011) • COMPENSATION & BENEFITS REFERENCE GUIDE (August 2010) • TRANSFERS OF UNDERTAKINGS (December 2009) • COLLECTIVE REDUNDANCIES GUIDE (September 2009) • INDIVIDUAL DISMISSALS
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ACROSS EUROPE (December 2008) • PAN-EUROPEAN PENSIONS GUIDE (November 2008) • NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAWS ACROSS EUROPE (February 2007) Other publications: • THE INTERNATIONAL COMPARATIVE LEGAL GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR LAW 2012, A Practical Cross-Border Insight into Employment and Labour Law, Global Legal Group (2012), • THE EMPLOYMENT LAW REVIEW, Chapter 8 ‘Cyprus’, 1st & 2nd Ed,. Law Business Research Publishers (2010, 2011) • LABOUR AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, Practical Law Multi-Jurisdictional Guide 2011/12, Vol. 1 • IATIL CONFERENCE, ‘Basic Principles of Cypriot Employment Law’ (2011) • THE PROJECT & CONSTRUCTION REVIEW, Chapter ‘Cyprus’ (2011) • INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT & LABOR LAW, Littler Mendelson Guide, 2nd ed. (2010) • INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION, ‘IBA’s Real Estate In a Nutshell: Cyprus’ (2009) • INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION, ‘Hiring the Best Qualified & Most Talented Employees’, Kluwer Law International (2008) The Firm has won numerous awards for its services provision in relation to dispute resolution, land law and real estate and employment law.
PROFILES
MANAGING PARTNER George Z. Georgiou is the Managing Partner of the Firm. He specializes in all areas of civil law, with particular expertise in employment and pensions, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and land. George graduated from Bristol University and is a barrister of the Inner Temple. He was admitted to the
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George Z. Georgiou
Cyprus Bar in 2001, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 2005 and the RICS in 2012. He has published numerous articles in local and international magazines, journals and newsletters and contributed chapters to several international legal books. He lectures frequently in English and Greek on Cypriot Employment Law and other topics. SENIOR LAWYERS Eleni V. Loizides specializes in all areas of civil law, with expertise in litigation, employment and labour law, administrative law, and dispute resolution. Eleni graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Nicosia Bar Association, having been a qualified advocate since 2006. She joined the firm in 2007 and is the Head of the Litigation Department of the Firm. She speaks Greek and English. Constantina Economou specializes in all areas of civil law, with expertise in litigation, employment, pensions & provident funds, corporate, and dispute resolution. Constantina graduated from Sussex University and Leuven University. She is member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Kyrenia Bar Associa-
tion, having been a qualified advocate since 2001. She practiced law in a leading Cypriot firm specializing in litigation and corporate before joining George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. in 2007. She speaks Greek and English. Nadia Tryfonidou specializes in all areas of civil law, with expertise in corporate & commercial, dispute resolution, banking & finance. Nadia graduated from Kings College London and the LSE. She is member of the Cyprus Bar Association, the Nicosia Bar Association and a Board Member of the Cyprus Association for European Law. She has been a qualified advocate since 2004. She practiced law in a leading Athens firm, specializing in banking, capital markets, financial services and securities, commercial and corporate law. In 2006 she worked for the Office of the Commissioner for State Aid Control, before joining the firm as a Senior Lawyer in 2008. She speaks Greek and English.
CONTACT DETAILS
George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. 1 Eras street, 1st floor, 1060, Nicosia Tel: (+357) 22763340 Fax: (+357) 22763343 Website: www.gzg.com.cy e-mail: admin@gzg.com.cy
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SPECIAL REPORT
PAMBORIDIS LLC THE FIRM
Pamboridis LLC is a General Commercial and Corporate law firm with offices in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and the UK (London). The firm was founded in 2003 and is headed by Dr. George Pamboridis, assisted by three partners and a number of senior and junior associates in both jurisdictions. Its clientele comprises mostly corporate clients and the firm prides itself on its association with Barclays Plc., Citigroup, the Bank of Scotland, Standard Bank, Morgan Stanley, Swissport International, WJ Group of Companies, Singer International, SFS Group Plc, Sea Star Capital, LUKOIL, the Jumeirha Group, Verizon, Kraft Foods and easyJet. We are particularly honoured that distinguished International law firms such as DLA Piper, Clifford Chance, Simmons & Simmons, Chadbourne & Parke, Holman, Fenwick & Willan choose to work with our firm when dealing with matters of Cyprus or Greek law. The firm caters for all types of contentious and non-contentious matters and, through its experience and expertise, can add value to the businesses of its clientele. It prides itself on offering practical, no-nonsense advice and on understanding and, thus, enhancing the commercial objectives of its clients in every transaction. Pamboridis LLC places a great deal of emphasis on being responsive and in establishing and nurturing interpersonal relationships with its clients as their business evolves. The firm ensures that there is high-level partner involvement in each transaction in order to obtain the best possible outcome for the client and optimum efficiency. The firm particularly prides itself on its expertise in the following areas: Structured finance, capital markets, securitisations – We are instructed on a day-to-day basis by major banks and financing institutions to advise on a broad range of structured finance and capital market transactions.
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M&A, Joint Ventures and commercial contracts – Wwe ensure that our lawyers have a thorough knowledge of our clients’ industry sectors and are therefore able to evaluate each client’s needs and objectives, understand and address all regulatory, competition, tax and other parameters of each transaction and achieve the best possible results.
porate clients on matters concerning the whole spectrum of their business. M&As, international tax planning, project and ship finance, public listings, HR and competition matter, are some fields of expertise of the lawyers working out of the Nicosia office. The office is supported by a strong litigation department, engaging in all modes of dispute resolution.
Private equity/venture capital – We regularly represent both sponsors and investors in connection with the establishment of private equity investment vehicles, capital raising and investment activities through to establishing and implementing exit strategies whether by private sale, IPOs, mergers or acquisitions.
Limassol Office The Limassol Office offers a comprehensive legal service to clients involved in international shipping transactions, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and public listings. The office specializes in corporate law as well as in commercial law contracts.
Tax planning – We regularly advise clients on a range of tax planning matters and ensure that we tailor our advice to the needs of each client and their business.
Athens Office The Athens office specializes in corporate and commercial law and acts primarily for foreign clients doing business in Greece but also for Greek clients involved in international and cross-border transactions. The Companies department of this office engages with matters of corporate structuring and re-structuring as well as with international tax planning. The Athens office maintains a network of affiliated firms whose expertise covers the whole spectrum of Greek law.
Energy (Oil and Gas) – Recent developments in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Cyprus and Israel have created a demand for high-level legal support in all aspects of exploration and exploitation of natural gas and oil reserves. The firm has acted in a timely manner and joined forces with one of the biggest global law firms in order to expose its lawyers to this new field and to secure for our clients the vast expertise of our global partners. Languages: English, Greek, French
OFFICES
The firm currently maintains four offices, two in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), one in Greece located in the financial centre of Athens, Kolonaki, and most recently one in London (UK) in the heart of Mayfair. Nicosia Office The Cyprus Head Ooffice maintains a strong corporate and commercial law department offering advice mostly to cor-
London Office This is a representative office and its main target is to provide London-based clients – as well as professionals (lawyers, accountants and financiers) operating from the West End and the City – with support on matters of Cyprus law, especially in transactions involving group structuring and tax planning, but also oil and gas projects. Associations – memberships Our firm is the focus firm in Cyprus and maintains a close affiliation with DLA Piper, one of the biggest global law firms. The firm is also a member of Libralex, a network of law firms located in major business centres, principally in Europe.
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Number of lawyers: 18
PROFILES
Name: Dr. George Pamboridis Position: Managing Partner Career: Dr. Pamboridis has worked for the City law firm of Holman, Fenwick & William as well as with L. Papaphilippou & Co as a partner for 5 years. In 2003 he founded the firm and shares his time amongst the Nicosia, Athens and London office. Languages: English, Greek, French Member: Cyprus Bar Association, Athens Bar Association, Law Society of England & Wales Roll of Solicitors. Education: He studied law in Athens before obtaining a Masters degree (L.L.M) from the University of Southampton in Shipping Law. He was subsequently awarded an M.Sc. by the International Relations Department of London School of Economics and a Ph.D. in law from the University of Southampton in Public, International and Shipping Law. He is the author of “International Shipping Law” published by Kluwer Law and of numerous legal articles. Name: Riani Roussakis Position: Partner (Athens) Career:. Riani joined Pamboridis LLC in Athens in 2003. She became a partner in 2008 and currently heads our Athens office. Languages: Greek, English, French Member: Member of the Athens Bar Association Education: Riani studied law in Athens and after completing a training course in France, she completed her pupilage in Athens. Name: Yiota Kythreotou Theodorou Position: Partner (Nicosia) Career: She has worked for the City law firm of Watson, Farley & Williams specializing on asset and project finance. She now heads our non-contentions department. She was voted as partner in 2008. Languages: English, Greek Member: Member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Law Society of England & Wales. Education: Yiota studied law at Oxford University (BA (Hons). She went on to obtain an LL.M. in Private International Law and has completed the Legal Practice Course. She is a qualified solicitor. Name: Electra Papadopoulou Makedona
Position: Partner (Limassol) Career: She was a partner in the Law firm of George L. Savvides & Co for 12 years. She then joined the law firm of Andreas Neocleous & Co until opening her own practice. She now heads our Limassol office. Languages: English, Greek. Member: Member of the Cyprus Bar Association. Education: Electra studied law in Athens and then acquired a Master’s degree (LL.M) in Company, Insurance and Shipping Law at King’s College, London. Name: Myria Agathocleous Position: Head of Litigation Career: She joined our firm in 2008 and is Head of our Commercial Litigation Department. Languages: English, Greek Member: Member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 1998. Education: Myria is a graduate of the University of Northumbria at Newcastle (LL.B). Name: Kristy Spyrou Position: Senior Associate Career: After completing her pupilage she joined the firm of Polyviou & Co as a litigator. In 2008 she joined our Corporate Department where she deals with commercial contracts, M&As and general commercial law cases. Languages: English, Greek Member: Cyprus Bar Association Education: Kristy obtained her degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) Name: Rodothea Papaconstantinou Position: Senior Associate Career: She completed her pupilage with our firm and is currently working as an associate in the Corporate Department. Languages: English, Greek Member: Member of the Cyprus Bar Association. Education: Rodothea is a graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece).
CONTACT DETAILS
Pamboridis LLC 45, Dighenis Akritas Avenue, Pamboridis House 1070 Nicosia, Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 27354, 1644 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: (+357) 22752525 Fax: (+357) 22752800 Website: www.pamboridis.com e-mail: info@pamboridis.com
Yiota Kythreotou Theodorou
Riani Roussakis
Electra Papadopoulou
Myria Agathocleous
Kristy Spyrou
Rodothea Papaconstantinou
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SPECIAL REPORT
PAPACHARALAMBOUS & ANGELIDES LLC THE FIRM
Papacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C. was established in 1983 by Andreas Papacharalambous and Pavlos Angelides and is based in Nicosia. Although it began as a small office with two partners, it has grown rapidly as to become a leading multidisciplinary firm consisting of 11 in-house qualified lawyers. The firm is highly active both on a national and an international level. Apart from having an association with lawyers in all the main cities of Cyprus, the firm has also an extensive international client base and a number of associate offices abroad. Papacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C. is experienced in various areas of law and specialises in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, tax law, family law, public and administrative law, Intellectual property law, banking, commercial and financial services law. The firm represents numerous listed companies in Cyprus and Greece, banking, insurance and finance institutions and offers consultancy services to government and semi-government organisations. Papacharalambous & Angelides keeps up with all current developments in law in order to serve its clients more effectively and efficiently by recognising each client’s individual needs. The firm strives to offer personal service, tailor-made to meet the needs of any business.
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ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
Papacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA), the MARQUES, the Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group (PTMG) and the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI). The firm was honoured with the “Business Law Firm of the Year in Cyprus” award by Corporate INTL Magazine 2011 and it has been also recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial as one of the leading firms in 2012. The Legal 500 Series is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest legal referral guide. Languages: Greek, English, Russian, Lithuanian
PROFILES
Andreas Papacharalambous B.A (Athens), Advocate – Partner Andreas Papacharalambous studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 1976, he has been practicing law in Nicosia, where he co-founded the Papacharalambous & Angelides LLC. Andreas deals with all areas of law and is in charge of the overall administration of the firm, as well as maintaining contacts with overseas clients.
Andreas Papacharalambous has been recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial in the area of dispute resolution. Pavlos Angelides, Barrister-at-law (Lincoln’s Inn) – Partner Pavlos has been a barrister since 1977 and is a member of Lincoln’s Inn. He is a founding partner of Papacharalambous & Angelides LLC and has considerable experience in litigation both in Cyprus and abroad. His speciality areas include trade, commercial, corporate and tort litigation. Pavlos has been Vice-President of the Nicosia Bar Association for a number of years. Loizos Papacharalambous LLB (Hons), Barrister-at-Law (Gray’s Inn), MCIArb, PGDip in International Commercial Arbitration – Senior Associate Loizos graduated from the University of Bristol before going on to successfully complete the bar vocational course with Gray’s Inn. He was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2004 and in 2006 he successfully completed the International and Comparative Commercial Arbitration Diploma with Queen Mary College of the University of London. Loizos has been Vice-President of the Nicosia Bar Association for three years and he is currently Vice-Chairman of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta). He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Loizos has been recom-
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mended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial in the area of dispute resolution. His main areas of practice are commercial and corporate litigation, representation of banks, investment, finance and insurance companies.
versity of Thessaloniki from where he obtained his law degree in 1985. He is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and has been practicing law since 1985. He has extensive experience in the field of civil litigation.
Eleni Papacharalambous LLB (Hons), Barrister-at-Law (Gray’s Inn) – Senior Associate Eleni is Head of the Intellectual Property Department. She acquired her law degree from the University of Exeter in the UK before going on to complete the Bar Vocational Course with Gray’s Inn. She then successfully completed the Cyprus Bar Examinations and is a member of the Nicosia Bar Association. Eleni deals with all aspects of intellectual property law and is a litigation lawyer on intellectual property matters. She is a member of the Harmonization Committee of the European Communities Trademark Association (ECTA) and has been recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial in the area of intellectual property.
Coralia Papacharalambous LLB (Hons), LPC (College of Law), LLM ( International Business and Commercial Law) – Associate Coralia obtained her law degree from City University, London in 2008. In 2009 she completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law, London in the corporate stream. In 2010, she obtained her LL.M at the University of Manchester with specialisation in Banking and Company Law. Coralia is currently practicing in the Corporate and Intellectual Property field.
Stavroulla Ioannou Kyrou LLB (Hons), B.Sc (Business Administration) – Senior Associate Stavroulla acquired her law degree from the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK in 2000 and she also holds a B.Sc. degree in General Business Administration. She completed her Cyprus Bar training course at Papacharalambous & Angelides LLC where she works today. Stavroulla is a highly experienced corporate lawyer with excellent communication skills and practical experience in corporate structuring. Sophia Nicolaou LLB (Hons), M.Sc. (Management Information Systems) – Senior Associate Sophia obtained her law degree from the University of Sheffield, UK before completing her M.Sc. in Management Information Systems. Sophia is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and has been practicing law since 1997. She specializes in family law. Demos Christodoulou B.A (Thessaloniki) – Senior Associate Demos studied at the Aristotle Uni-
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Marinos Charalambous LLB (Hons), Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple) – Associate Marinos graduated from the University of Bristol in 2007 before going on to successfully complete the Bar Vocational Course as a member of Middle Temple. He completed his Cyprus Bar training course at Papacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C, where he continues to deal with cases in the Corporate and Litigation Departments.
Loizos Papacharalambous
Eleni Papacharalambous
Alexis Anastasiou B.A (Athens), LLM ( Commercial Law) – Associate Alexis graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2008 after successfully completing his Law degree. In 2010 he obtained his LL.M at the University of Bristol in the commercial stream. Alexis currently specialises in administrative law, commercial and competition law. Panayiotis Shiakallis B.A (Athens) – Associate Panayiotis obtained his law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1980. He worked in the Department of Land and Surveys for a number of years and he has been practicing law since 2008. He has extensive experience in Property Law.
CONTACT DETAILS
Papacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C. 12, Themistocli Dervi Street, 1st Floor, 1066 Nicosia, Cyprus. Postal address: P.O. Box 24901, 1305 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: (+357) 22670189 Fax: (+357) 22676976 Website: www.palaw.com.cy e-mail: office@palaw.com.cy
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SPECIAL REPORT
PAPANTONIOU & PAPANTONIOU L.L.C. THE FIRM
Papantoniou & Papantoniou L.L.C. was founded in 1987, by Antonis S. Papantoniou. It is an esteemed law firm that provides an extensive range of legal products in an efficient and cost-effective manner to local and international clients. The firm provides legal, consulting and fiduciary services, judicial representation, international trusts and tax planning to clients in Cyprus and worldwide. In the context of its legal services, the firm has a full-function organisational mechanism for representing international interests in Cyprus and providing consulting services to persons and companies intending to expand their business activities in Cyprus or through Cyprus on a global level. Since 2004, the firm has been a member of European Law Firm (E.L.F.), an international organisation consisting of law firms from every European country. E.L.F. is a sophisticated and cohesive network of 29 commercially orientated law firms committed to offering outstanding yet cost effective legal services across Europe and beyond. Membership is by invitation only and is limited to one representative per country.
SERVICES
The aim of E.L.F. is the provision of high quality legal services to businesses, companies, public and private organisations. Through its ELF mem-
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bership, Papantoniou & Papantoniou L.L.C., has the ability to provide legal services in any other European country and worldwide. This ensures the speedy processing of legal affairs, efficiency and legal protection for business activity in other countries. The firm has been an active member of E.L.F. and has enhanced its experience, knowledge and legal practice on an international and European level throughout the network. Moreover, our law firm offers an extensive range of legal services in the Franchise Agreements sector of which aims to protect clients’ interests by providing constant support for the smooth operation of these agreements. Furthermore, it provides services to clients regarding the development of their business in the European area, the protection of their interests when they invest in real estate, the protection of their intellectual property such as trademarks, industrial ownership and judicial representation whenever necessary. Additionally, the firm’s experience and activities extend to representing its clients’ interests in the finance sector, including the stock market, securities, investment accounts and judicial representation whenever necessary. We also act as introducers to the Cyprus Stock Exchange and we advise and assist companies on public listing. The firm’s expertise also extends to the sector of green development through Eu-
ropean funding programmes that apply to companies and individuals. As a consequence, this has opened up new horizons for cooperation and the representation of foreign companies wishing to be active in this sector through Cyprus companies. Last but not least, the firm has earned a reputation for representing the interests of Middle East, Indian, Chinese, Eastern European and Russian companies which use Cypriot international companies to expand their business activities in Europe. The firm has close connections with Arabic, Indian, Chinese and Russian law firms so as to provide the highest quality of services with a view to protecting their interests. At the same time, our 25-year experience in providing legal services to Cypriot and international clients in almost all business sectors gives them a chance to develop their business activities beyond the borders of their own country. The firm’s experience, knowledge and connections give Cypriot and International clients a chance to obtain high-quality and cost-effective legal representation in response to challenges and opportunities as they arise. Papantoniou and Papantoniou LLC is a full service law firm. It offers an extensive but non-exhaustive range of legal services in almost all fields of law. The firm has built a strong reputation for providing legal services to Cyprus and International companies, financial institutions and private clients.
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Antonis S. Papantoniou
The areas of practice in which the firm specializes are: • International Tax & Trusts • Corporate & Commercial Law • Mergers & Acquisitions • Banking & Finance Law (Stock Exchange) • Investment Law • General Litigation & Arbitration • Intellectual Property Law • Wills & Probate • Admiralty & Shipping Law • Debt Recovery Corporate Department One of the largest departments of the firm is the company division, which deals in particular with the establishment and administration of companies, both International Business Companies (IBCs) and local ones registered in Cyprus and in other countries: • International Tax Planning • Formation of Cyprus Companies • Registration and administration of trusts -Trustee services • Registration of branches of foreign companies in Cyprus. Establishing and assisting foreign investments in Cyprus. • Director, Secretarial and Nominee services, Registered Office, Mailing Address • Management and administration of companies • Opening of bank accounts.
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• Book keeping, Accounting, Preparation of financial statements and audit reports through qualified accountants. • Registration of Shipping Companies General Litigation Department Our litigation department has extensive experience and a proven track record in successfully handling a wide range of claims and disputes in respect of general civil and criminal litigation including: • Company and partnership disputes • Banking and finance disputes • Insurance claims • Contract Claims • Debt collection • Intellectual Property • Stock exchange Cases • Intellectual Property Department: The firm offers a full range legal services and assistance in relation to intellectual property law. Our expertise covers the following areas: • Advice on the acquisition, registration and protection of all intellectual property. • Franchising and licensing. • Restrictive trade practices • Protection against unfair competition. • Patent, trademark, copyright, franchising proceedings and passing off actions. • Advice on all related tax aspects. Languages: Greek, English, French, Arabic
Offices: Cyprus, Greece and associated offices all over Europe through the European Law Firm. Association memberships Cyprus Bar Association, the International Society of Logistics (SOLE), the Association of European Legal Community and the European Law Firm. Number of lawyers: 8 1. Antonis S. Papantoniou (Managing Director) 2. George Payiasis (Senior Associate Lawyer) 3. Nicoletta Papamichael (Senior Associate Lawyer) 4. Kyriakos Georgiou (Associate Lawyer) 5. Nicoletta Nicolaidou (Associate Lawyer) 6. Dora Demetro (Associate Lawyer) 7. Angelos Exadaktylos (Associate Lawyer) 8. Maria Karekla (Associate Lawyer)
CONTACT DETAILS
Papantoniou & Papantoniou L.L.C. 41, Themistocli Dervi St., Hawaii Tower, Office 708, 1066 Nicosia, Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 21233, 1504 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: (+357) 22817711 Fax: (+357) 22817717 Website: www.paplaw.com.cy e-mail: paplaw@logos.cy.net
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SPECIAL REPORT
PROTOPAPA, DEMETRIOU & CO L.L.C. THE FIRM
As a boutique law firm, Protopapa, Demetriou & Co L.L.C. operates with integrity and ethos. We utilize our diverse professional experience to offer our clients a wide range of services in both the local and international legal arenas. Its dynamic business-oriented team, with the support of the firm’s own developed cutting-edge technologies, stands dedicated in offering personalized and efficient yet tailor-made solutions for its clients’ constantly-changing needs. The founding partners of Protopapa, Demetriou & Co L.L.C. have a proven successful track record and have demonstrated throughout their professional careers their readiness to manage each and every issue without compromising the firm’s values and sense of responsibility. The firm capitalizes on its Partners’ and dedicated Associates’ diverse academic and professional backgrounds in order to offer efficient and effective solutions to clients. In doing so, it saves clients’ valuable time and resources thanks to the understanding that the only constant in any company should be continuous movement in today’s rapidly-changing business environment.
AREAS OF PRACTICE • Corporate Law • Commercial Law • Investment Firm Formation and Consulting
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• Company Incorporation and Registration • Fiduciary Services • Company Liquidation • Mergers and Acquisitions • Intellectual Property • Contract • Debt Recovery and Collection • Insurance Claims • Restructuring and Insolvency • Property • International Judgments • Employment • Wills and Probate • Tort Languages: Greek, English, Russian, French, German, Italian
OFFICES
Head Office: 15, Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, Matrix Tower II, 4001 Limassol, Cyprus Tel: (+357) 25720000 Fax: (+357) 25720055 Greece Office: 25, Vasileos Konstantinou, 10674 Athens, Greece Tel: (+30) 210-7254490 Fax: (+30) 210-7246489
MEMBERSHIPS
• Cyprus Bar Association • Athens Bar Association • International Bar Association • Cyprus-Russian Business Association • Cyprus-Lebanon Business Association
• Cyprus-China Business Association • Cyprus International Business Association (C.I.B.A.) • Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (C.C.C.I.) • Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (O.E.B.) Listed By: • www.martindale.com • www.iflr1000.com • www.legal500.com • www.chambersandpartners.com • www.alqlist.com • www.lawyersincyprus.com
PROFILES
LOUIZA A. PROTOPAPA Louiza Protopapa was a Partner in a wellacknowledged law firm before she set out to establish her own practice through the present legal partnership. With more than eleven years as a corporate lawyer and litigator, she has acquired extensive experience in civil, commercial and corporate matters. She has been a consultant for major M&As and has negotiated on behalf of the Sponsor in expensive sponsorship contracts in some of the most prestigious areas of sport as the WRC (World Rally Championship), Formula 1 Racing and UK Premier League football. She is also experienced in the area of online marketing and has provided advice to clients seeking the services of powerful Internet providers such as Google,
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Yahoo!, Bloomberg and Euronews. Her practice focuses mainly on international and local business consulting, specialising in corporate structures, investment firms, consulting, online marketing, software applications protection and the protection of Intellectual Property in general. She is also involved in all related corporate litigation. Practice Areas: • Corporate Law • Advertising and Marketing • Commercial Litigation • Company Law • Trademark Registration • Computers and Software • Contracts • Mergers and Acquisitions • Intellectual Property Protection • Investment Firm Consulting Memberships: • Cyprus Bar Association • Athens Bar Association • International Bar Association. Languages: Greek and English CHARIS D. DEMETRIOU Charis Demetriou has an associate diploma in Criminology from City University, New York and a law degree from Exeter University, UK. He was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2004 and has worked as a litigator in large firms ever since. One of the founding members of this partnership, he has extensive experience in medical negligence claims, insurance claims and personal injuries, debt collection and debt recovery claims. Throughout his career he has successfully managed property acquisitions and assisted major property firms with the financing of their projects. His experience extends across the whole spectrum of labour issues. He is Secretary of the Board of the Limassol Bar Association having been re-elected in 2012. His interests have led him to become a Prosecutor on the Disciplinary Committee of the Cyprus Football Federation. Practice Areas: • Insurance Claims • Debt Collection • Debt Recovery Claims • Medical Negligence • Personal Injury
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Charis D. Demetriou
Louiza A. Protopapa
• Tort • Criminal and Civil Litigation • Labour Consulting and Litigation • Property Memberships: • Cyprus Bar Association • Athens Bar Association • International Bar Association.
CONTACT DETAILS
Protopapa, Demetriou & Co L.L.C. 15,Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, Matrix Tower II, Floor 3, 4001 Limassol, Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 51511, 3506 Limassol, Cyprus Tel: (+357) 25720000 Fax: (+357) 25720055 Website: www.pd-legal.com
Languages: Greek and English
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SPECIAL REPORT
SYMEOU & KONNARIS L.L.C. THE FIRM
The firm, which has been in operation since 2003, was founded by Panikos Symeou (Lawyer) and Christakis Konnaris (Lawyer). Over the past few years, it has developed a wide range of contacts in numerous jurisdictions, enabling it to take an international view of its clients’ needs. The firm’s policy is to deliver expert legal services in an environment that encourages professionalism, confidence and trust.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
The firm covers virtually all areas of legal practice, such as litigation, real estate, contract law, shipping law, commercial law, employment law, etc. However, its main focus is on the field of corporate and commercial law and it deals with all aspects related to companies and the legal world surrounding them. Our firm carries out the formation of companies, branches and trusts in Cyprus, the Seychelles, British Virgin Islands, the UK, Belize, Panama, the USA & a number of other jurisdictions. The firm’s dedicated team carries out professional business administration, tending to all of our clients’ corporate managerial needs, providing nominee services (nominee directors, shareholders, secretaries, registered office) where required. Our experience in the corporate world enables us to carry out a full analysis of our clients’
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individual business objectives, needs and requirements, which allows us to legally assist, advise and provide professional services which cater for the development of our clients’ business. Cyprus is a favourable location for direct and indirect investment, offshore activities and a hub for international business, due to its strategic location, its favourable tax regime and the existence of a wide network of double tax treaties. Our firm provides detailed international tax planning, specifically structured according to our clients’ personal objectives, organisational needs and jurisdiction particulars. As a law firm, we further provide legal consultancy on investment opportunities worldwide, and assistance in raising finance, consultancy in relation to setting up the optimal international business group structure. We aid in the opening and management of bank accounts with reputable banks and act with them for relevant professional banking services.
OUR MISSION
In general, our main objective as a firm is to provide expert legal services in an environment that encourages trust and professionalism, covering all areas of the law and tending to our wide clientele. We aim to legally advise, assist and serve our clients throughout all the stages of their business activities through personal
attention, a quick response and a high standard of excellence reflected in our service. Number of Lawyers: 7 Languages: Greek, English, Russian, French
PROFILES
Panikos Symeou is one of the founding partners of Symeou & Konnaris L.L.C. He graduated in law (LLB) from the Peoples Friendship University of Moscow and later obtained a Master’s degree (LLM) in Business Law from De Montfort University, UK. He also holds a Master’s Degree in the Science of Finance Management. Mr. Symeou was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2003 and he has practised in all areas of law for the past nine years. He speaks Greek, Russian and English. Christakis Konnaris is one of the founding partners of Symeou & Konnaris L.L.C. He graduated from the Peoples Friendship University of Moscow, where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Law in 2002 and later obtained his Master’s Degree from the Taras Shevshenko University, Kiev, Ukraine. Mr. Konnaris was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2003 and has been practicing law ever since. He speaks Greek, Russian and English.
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Christakis Konnaris
Panikos Symeou
Neda Irodotou completed her studies in law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2002. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2003 and began her practice. Neda has been with the firm since December 2010 and has continued to practise in all areas of the law. She speaks Greek and English.
corporate law. She speaks English, Russian and Greek.
our firm in February. She speaks Greek and English.
Alexander Platon graduated from LMU (London) in 2010 and joined our corporate department in September 2011, practising in the area of corporate and company law. He speaks English and Greek.
Dr. Zsofia Nagy graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Szeged, Hungary in 2009 and has been practising law ever since. She joined the firm in June 2011. She speaks Hungarian, English and French.
Kristina Ermakova finished her studies in Political and Social Science at the People’s Friendship University of Moscow in 2005 and went on to complete her legal studies in 2008. With the firm since August 2008, she deals with all aspects of
Andria Lambrou obtained her LLB at the University of Leicester in 2009, before completing her Master’s in Maritime Law at the University of Nottingham in 2010. Andria was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2012 and joined
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CONTACT DETAILS
Symeou & Konnaris L.L.C. 61, Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, SK HOUSE, 4003, Limassol Cyprus. Tel: (+357) 25818400 Fax: (+357) 25355559 Website: www.sklaw-firm.com e-mail: corporate@sklaw-firm.com
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