PotamitisVekris is one of the leading domestic full-service law firms in Greece. Compared with local competitors, it has a relatively large team of over 130 lawyers, operating from its Athens base.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and project development.
It has a prolific record of banking and finance transactions, advising borrowers and lenders on both cross-border and domestic transactions such as project finance, acquisition finance, loans and refinancing.
In capital markets it advises all sides of the table on bond issues and regulatory matters.
The corporate and M&A team of the firm is experienced in advising the acquiring and the selling side on share capital increases, transfers of assets, private placements, licencing agreements and joint ventures.
In project development it advises clients on projects in infrastructure, oil and gas and renewable energy.
Key clients
Among its clients are Diorama, Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations, Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund, Wind Hellas, Worldline, Cardlink, Oaktree Capital Management, Piraeus Bank, Fairfax Financial Holdings, Piraeus Financial Holdings, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Attica Bank and National Bank of Greece.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period the firm was active in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and project development.
In banking and finance it advised borrowers and lenders on the full range of financing transactions, ranging from direct financing and refinancing to project financing, acquisition financing, NPL acquisitions and bond loans. It also did restructuring and insolvency work for some of its clients such as debt restructuring, and provided advice on restructuring an agreement.
In capital markets it was active in both debt capital markets and equity capital markets, advising mostly the issuer as well as financiers and joint-bookrunners in a few deals. Its debt practice consists of noted and bond issues while its equity practice included share capital increases through public offerings as well as share issues with pre-emptive rights. In addition, the capital markets team actively supports its clients with regulatory guidance before the Hellenic Capital Market Commission.
In corporate and M&A it represented sellers and acquirers on share acquisitions and a distressed assets acquisition. Its clients come from various industries, including banking, hospitality, food and beverage, industrials and manufacturing, telecommunications, tourism, healthcare and natural resources.
In project development it represented sponsors on projects in energy, utilities, transport, and
technology and telecommunications.
Recent staffing changes include the recruitment of Theologos Mintzas, internally promoted M&A partner, and Eleana Baya, senior associate in corporate and M&A and Restructuring, hired from Folli Follie Group.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Aegean Airlines €120 million bond listing
Attica Bank €240 million public offering
Folli Follie €500 million restructuring
GEK TERNA Group €221 million project financing
Piraeus Financial Holdings €600 million fixed-rate notes
Sani/Ikos International Group €511 million debt restructuring and refinancing
Terna Energy €500 million project financing
United Group €1.2 billion acquisition of Wind Hellas
Worldline €130 million acquisition of Cardlink
Worldline €320 million acquisition of Eurobank
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending : Lender side
"They have long experience and a very practical attitude. I trust their work and their assessment of legal and commercial risks. They are constructive and get the job done, even with the most difficult clients."
Banking and finance
"Excellent knowledge of current law practice and business-oriented advice."
Capital markets : Equity
"Very well qualified in the sector. Excellent service also in associates' level."
"A. They know the capital markets law extremely well. B. They are very business-minded and aim to do what it takes to get a transaction successfully completed, going the very extra mile."
Investment funds
"Protecting our interests at all time. Highlighting at all times important legal issues that need resolution. Propose solutions not problems. Create an in-house lawyer relationship. Help us out when requested in investment committee or investor relations issue."
M&A
"Very organised, very thorough, very diligent."
"Very good knowledge of the law matched with good business acumen."
"Very experienced in such types of transactions, so familiar with normal practice, pitfalls and ways around them, to ensure a smooth process. Risk-averse approach towards client interests, erring on the side of caution. Focused on achieving client objectives, in this instance getting the transaction across the line."
"They have a thorough understanding of their area. They collaborate very effectively and efficiently. They have the creativity and flexibility required for these deals and they engage effectively with all the stakeholders."
"They are experienced, honest and responsive. They always outline areas of legal risk in a focused way, allowing for evaluation from a business perspective."
"Specialised know-how, business-oriented and practical approach has been very conducive in the finalisation of the transaction."
"Quick, responsive, available, experienced, high quality of services."
"Efficiency, quick response, great experience and knowledge, negotiation ability."
"Deep know-how of market, significant expertise."
"Negotiation strategy, multidisciplinary approach, problem-solving, business acumen."
"Business-minded, solving problems, multidisciplinary."
Private equity
"Deep knowledge of the sector, flexibility, fast and effective support."
Project finance
"They have proven in the two transactions with us that they can: a) stick to the agreed timetable, b) respond very quickly to any question, c) provide relevant and insightful feedback, d) think out of the box and propose solutions in complex situations, e) cooperate very efficiently with the bank and all stakeholders, f) provide support in the negotiations with the stakeholders, and g) provide high-quality work and submit well-prepared documentation (finance docs, due diligence reports etc)."
"Exceptional professionals with deep knowledge in their field."
"Both our projects are rather challenging in terms of timing and complexity in their structures and the firm played an important role in assisting us to be able to satisfy client needs. The firm was additionally asked to review and opine on pending applications for the annulment of certain permits of one of the projects, as his expertise in the sector is considered really important."
George Bersis
"Very knowledgeable. Very business-minded."
"Excellent knowledge of matters he is handling. Always updated. Very good communication skills."
"Deep knowledge of equity transactions and supportive."
"Negotiation skills, business perspective.”
Euripides Ioannou
"In-depth knowledge of the local energy market and ability to provide innovative solutions. Effective in managing all counterparties towards achieving strict deadlines. Willing to support the bank in every aspect of the transaction by leveraging his extensive banking experience."
"He is very knowledgeable in the sector, responsive, constructive and competent."
Nikolaos Kampantais
"Listens to and provides feedback. High-quality work. Very experienced and very good knowledge of the legal framework. Excellent in discussing and negotiating with the stakeholders. Very responsive and able to meet deadlines and follow the agreed time schedule."
Alexandros Kortesis
"Very thorough, diligent, collaborative, innovative, creative, patient, positive. Developed the team and expanded the scope of services."
"Eye for detail and accuracy, problem-solving skills, resilient. Commercial lawyer putting emphasis on legal risk assessment."
"Deep transaction experience and local legal knowledge. Unique familiarity with our business. Conservative approach to protecting client interests."
"Professional on time and to the point with vast experience."
Evangelia Natsi
"Fast and accurate response. Diligent work."
Maria Perifanou
"Punctual, accurate, very well organised, high quality of services."
Stathis Potamitis
"Very seasoned lawyer with deep understanding of complex legal matters, business-oriented and problem-solving."
"Quick grasp of materialities, simplicity in solutions, clear solutions, business understanding, always finds ways to cater legally for business issues, excellent negotiator."
"Business-minded, keeps it simple, quickly spots the core issues, provides solutions."
"Great lawyer, business acumen, creativity."
"Extremely knowledgeable and experienced lawyer."
Vasilis Stergiou
"Very impressive"
"Thorough. Responsive at all times. Prioritizes us versus others. Takes a bullet for us. Creative in offering solutions. "
