Mergers and Acquisitions in Greece – Legal Services for Greek-Americans
Expanding a business through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Greece can be a lucrative opportunity for Greek-Americans looking to invest. However, the legal framework governing corporate transactions is complex, requiring expert legal guidance. At E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC, we specialize in handling mergers and acquisitions in Greece and Cyprus. We provide remote legal consultations, ensuring you can manage business transactions without the need for physical presence.
Contact us at +13474034789 or info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com for expert legal support in Greek.
Understanding Mergers and Acquisitions in Greece
The Greek corporate legal system imposes strict regulatory compliance on businesses engaging in M&A transactions. Whether you are acquiring a Greek company, merging with an existing entity, or restructuring your business, legal due diligence is essential to avoid tax liabilities, contractual disputes, or regulatory fines.
Types of M&A Transactions in Greece
1. Mergers (Συγχωνεύσεις)
•Combination of two or more companies into a single legal entity.
•Assets and liabilities are transferred to the new or surviving entity.
2. Acquisitions (Εξαγορές)
•One company purchases another through share transfer or asset acquisition.
•Requires compliance with Greek corporate law and EU regulations.
3. Cross-Border Mergers
•Transactions involving companies registered in different EU jurisdictions, including Greece.
•Subject to EU Directive 2017/1132 on company law.
4. Private Equity Buyouts
•Investors acquire a controlling stake in a company to restructure or expand business operations.
Legal Steps for Mergers and Acquisitions in Greece
1. Due Diligence Review
Conducting corporate, financial, and legal due diligence is crucial to assess the target company’s:
✅ Corporate structure and ownership
✅ Outstanding debts and financial obligations
✅ Contractual obligations and liabilities
✅ Intellectual property rights
✅ Pending legal disputes
2. Drafting and Negotiating the Agreement
•Letter of Intent (LOI): Establishes the initial agreement between buyer and seller.
•Share Purchase Agreement (SPA): Finalizes the sale of shares, ensuring compliance with Greek commercial law.
•Asset Purchase Agreement (APA): If purchasing only specific business assets rather than shares.
3. Regulatory Approval and Compliance
•Competition Law Clearance: Transactions must be approved by the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) for anti-trust compliance.
•Tax and Accounting Compliance: Greek tax authorities require detailed reporting of business acquisitions.
4. Closing the Transaction and Transfer of Assets
• Registration with the Greek Business Registry (ΓΕΜΗ – GEMI).
• Amendments to company bylaws and shareholder agreements.
• Transfer of Intellectual Property, licenses, and permits.
Why Choose E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC for Your M&A Transactions in Greece?
Expertise in Greek Corporate Law: Our legal team specializes in corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and business structuring.
Remote Legal Assistance: We handle all transactions remotely, eliminating the need for travel.
Full Compliance with Greek and EU Laws: We ensure that your business transaction adheres to Greek commercial law and EU corporate regulations.
Strategic Business Structuring: Our law firm assists in structuring deals to maximize tax efficiency and legal protection.
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I complete an acquisition in Greece without traveling there?
Yes, we handle entire M&A transactions remotely through power of attorney (POA), ensuring a seamless process.
2. How long does it take to finalize a merger or acquisition in Greece?
The timeline varies based on due diligence, regulatory approvals, and transaction complexity. On average, it takes 3-6 months to complete an M&A deal in Greece.
3. What are the tax implications of acquiring a Greek company?
Greek companies are subject to corporate tax (22%), capital gains tax, and VAT regulations. Our legal team will provide tax-efficient structuring for your acquisition.
4. Can a foreigner own 100% of a Greek company?
Yes, foreign investors—including Greek-Americans—can own 100% of a Greek business without restrictions.
Contact E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC for M&A Legal Support
If you are considering a merger or acquisition in Greece, trust our experienced legal team to handle all aspects of the transaction.
Email: info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
Call us in the U.S.: +13474034789
We serve clients across Greece and Cyprus. Our primary language of communication is Greek.
Book a virtual consultation today to discuss your business needs!
Mergers and Acquisitions in Greece: A Legal Guide for Greek-Americans Investing in Business Opportunities