Cyprus - Jurisdiction IFLR1000 Review

Soteris Pittas & Co

Firm overview

SOTERIS PITTAS & CO LLC is a boutique law firm, in size only, focusing on the areas of law related to business activity and dedicated to providing its clients with outstanding, highly personalized, legal representation.

The lawyers and associates of the firm with their combined skills-set and knowledge can provide comprehensive legal solutions according to the clients’ particular business needs, requirements and objectives. We are committed to representing our clients at all stages of disputes, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, in order to secure just compensation and legal vindication. We have a petite, however, very experienced team in the M&A department. We provide due diligence reports, issue legal opinions, review and draft various corporate documents depending on the deal in question i.e., shareholders agreements, memorandum and articles, investment agreements, pledges, escrow agreements, SPAs etc., We have wide experience in complex transactions including escrow, both with the monetary and documentary elements.

The Firm has close links and strong associations with reputable audit firms, private equity managers, and fiduciaries in Cyprus, Russia and the former CIS countries.

We thank our clients for selecting our firm to represent them, and we will continue to work hard to provide them with top quality legal representation with the personal touch characteristic of a boutique law firm.

Michael Kyprianou Law Firm

Firm overview

Founded in 1991 in Nicosia, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC has grown over the years to become one of the leading law firms in Cyprus, with offices in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos. In addition, the firm has developed internationally over the years and currently counts eleven offices in nine countries – Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos in Cyprus, Athens in Greece, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Kiev in Ukraine, Birkikara in Malta, London in the United Kingdom, Frankfurt in Germany Tel Aviv in Israel and Warsaw in Poland. Across its offices, the firm employs over 115 people, 60 of whom are qualified lawyers.

It is a top-ranked firm and firm of choice in Cyprus for many major international law firms based in London and Europe a and, over the years, the firm has acted in a large number of complex cross-border projects. The quality of its lawyers, its size and its international affiliations enable it to produce excellent results on a consistent basis.

Harris Kyriakides

Firm overview

Harris Kyriakides LLC has been established since 1976, and has grown over the years into the largest law firm in Larnaca and one of the largest law firms in Cyprus. The firm covers the whole territory of Cyprus and serves international and local private clients, businesses, organisations, charities and institutions. Harris Kyriakides LLC has been regularly recognised for its dedication to clients, its success in the legal and business community and its social responsibility. The firm provides advisory services and representation in transactional work and dispute resolution. It maintains extensive experience and deep expertise in dealing with the complexities of litigation and transactions nationally and internationally and across a wide variety of market sectors.

Ioannides Demetriou

Firm overview

Ioannides Demetriou LLC is a top-ranked, full-services commercial law firm at the forefront of the Cypriot legal services market. In our ranks we have lawyers recognised as leading individuals in their chosen fields.

Our corporate law team has unrivalled experience and has advised on some of Cyprus’ largest business deals to date. Our domestic client base includes some of the island’s largest corporations which operate and conduct business in all areas of the commercial spectrum, public and semi – public bodies, local banks, trade unions, public and private foundations, universities, building contractors, government concessionary holders and a host of local commercial enterprises considered leaders in their fields. The government of the Republic of Cyprus entrusts the firm’s lawyers to advise on international contracts, sit as arbitrators in disputes involving local government contracts and to head public enquiries. The foreign client base is equally enviable. Many of the largest and most reputable international law firms choose Ioannides Demetriou LLC as their preferred firm to work with in Cyprus. Our foreign client base includes foreign governments, multinationals, large corporations and private individuals conducting business in multiple jurisdictions.

Our firm’s practice in the field of banking & finance and corporate and M & A is very extensive with unprecedented and in-depth experience. We have been acting as lead counsel in Cyprus in many of the most important banking, syndicated and other financing structures for projects in the country and also in financing projects in many other countries involving Cyprus corporate vehicles or otherwise related to Cyprus. We currently act as senior local law firm of major Cypriot and international banks operating in Cyprus, advising on all major corporate and banking transactions, buy-outs and on all compliance and regulatory requirements, including drafting and advising on all relevant documentation (e-banking, retail, MiFID, PSDII, depositary services agreements, term loan and syndicated lending, securities etc). Similarly, work undertaken in the corporate and M & A department constitutes some of the most preeminent legal matters conducted in Cyprus in the recent years, including corporate restructurings of major enterprises in the country.

IFLR1000 Reviews

Financial and corporate

Antis Triantafyllides & Sons

Antis Triantafyllides & Sons is a leading Cypriot firm based in Nicosia. The firm was established in 1955 and has significantly grown to having a team of more than 30 legal professionals. The team is made up of prominent legal practitioners, worthy of mention is partner Stelios Triantafyllides. The firm is active across all transactional areas and regularly acts as local counsel on cross-border transactions. The firm often advises domestic and international banks on lending, debt restructuring and capital markets mandates.

Highlights 

The firm was retained, pursuant to a court order of the US Bankruptcy Court, relating to the Chapter 11 proceedings of the FTX group, by FTX Trading Ltd and its affiliated debtors and debtors-in-possession (the 'FTX Debtors') to act as Cyprus legal counsel with respect to the FTX Debtors located in Cyprus..

The firm advised Logicom and Demetra on the sale of their respective shareholdings in Hellenic Bank Public Company Ltd to Eurobank S.A.

The firm has also been appointed by the Ministry of Finance to provide legal advice and assist on the drafting of new legislation and regulation for the establishment of a new public organisation that will assume the role of the National Promotion Agency.

Testimonials    

"I appreciate the combination of responsiveness, experience, and proactive problem-solving that this law firm consistently demonstrates. It's clear that they prioritize client satisfaction and deliver results that reflect their dedication and expertise."(Equity Capital Markets Client)

"Deep legal knowledge, business mind and solution finding." (Investment funds Client)

"Stelios and his team are the most seasoned professionals in the legal industry in Cyrpus." (Private equity Client)

Key clients  

Amdocs, eToro, Hennes & Mauritz, Leggett & Platt and SEMrush

Elias Neocleous & Co LLC

Elias Neocleous & Co is a leading Cypriot law firm founded in 2017. The firm has offices across Cyprus in Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos as well as overseas branches in Brussels, Prague and Kiev. The deal team is led by managing partner Elias Neocleous. The firm has experience across all areas of transactional law, including banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency. It works as local counsel with international firms on international transactions.

Highlights 

The firm advised Premier Energy PLC on its €482 million IPO and its subsequent listing on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

The firm advised Modaxo with the its $265 million acquisition of the Curbside Management and Public Safety businesses from Conduent Incorporated.

The firm worked with Millbank in advising HPS Investment Partners and Blackstone International Partners on its proposed €1.3 billion refinancing of Superbet's existing senior facilities.

Testimonials

“Responsive, knowledgeable and always a pleasure to work with.” (Banking and finance Client)

“Their service and advice are first class in every area. Their main positive attributes are their business-like advice, their attention to client service and specialisation and dedication. Their people are accessible and helpful. They meet deadlines and they keep us informed of progress. They give us practical, constructive advice that solves our problems. They have specialists in all areas so their advice is always excellent.” (Banking and finance Client)

“Given the size of our group and complexity of its structure, the ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is a must for our legal advisers. Elias Neocleous & Co has great business acumen and understands very well a wider framework and implications of transactions. The team at Elias Neocleous & Co not only possesses excellent and up-to-date legal knowledge, but also understands the business of the client and strives to support their client's business needs and find workable solutions. The team has also a very professional attitude when communicating with the regulators and authorities.” (Investment funds Client)

“Elias Neocleous & Co were responsive and very proactive. Their legal advice is detailed and to the point, without unnecessary ballast of irrelevant information.” (Financial services regulatory Client)

“The team is knowledgeable and responsive.” (M&A Client)

“Business-minded and make the M&A and JV process a bit less painful.” (M&A Client)

Elias Neocleous

“Business acumen and understanding of client's business needs are Elias's key strengths.”

“Most projects and deals made by our group have cross-border and international elements. They must be always taken into account. Elias displays great understanding of interconnectivity and wider framework of projects. Business acumen and understanding of the client's business needs is one of his major strengths.”

Key clients  

Allwyn Group, Atterbury Europe, Mediterranean Hospitality Ventures, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Visa Europe.

Harris Kyriakides

Established in 1976, Harris Kyriakides is a full-service firm with offices across Cyprus in Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos. It employs 30 lawyers, including five partners. The firm currently employs over 30 lawyers and more than 70 professionals.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in financing and M&A and is experienced in restructuring work.

Ioannides Demetriou

Ioannides Demetriou is a full-service law firm founded in 2007. The fim has offices in Nicosia and Limassol. The firm is chaired by Pambos Ioannides and managed by Andrew Demetriou. It has international reach through its membership of legal alliances such as TerraLex, Meritas, LegaLink and Energy Law Group. The firm is active in banking and finance and M&A. It often advises as local counsel on cross-border deals.

Highlights 

The firm is advising Eurobank on its €1 billion acquisition of additional stake in Hellenic Bank.

The firm advised Ermes Department Stores on the sale of all the issued share capital of Superhome Center DIY to Vasilitsi DIY for a total of €97 million.

Testimonials    

“The firm stands out for its high level of services and responsiveness. It is a trustworthy firm which has the ability to deliver results with professionalism, integrity and efficiency.” - Banking and finance

“Ioannides Demetriou LLC stands out for their deep understanding of corporate and commercial law, their responsiveness, and their practical, solutions-oriented approach. Their team consistently demonstrates professionalism, clear communication, and a strong ability to navigate complex legal matters efficiently. We particularly value their strategic insight and their ability to tailor advice to our business needs, which has made them a trusted legal partner.” - Banking and finance

“Very professional and knowledgeable. Real experts in the field. Very prompt responses and to the point.” - M&A

“Responsiveness, professionalism, technical knowledge.” - Capital markets: debt

Key clients  

Cyprus Stock Exchange, Eurobank, Eurobank Cyprus, Hellas Direct and Louis Plc

Michael Kyprianou Law Firm

Established in 1991, Michael Kyprianou & Co is a full-service Cypriot firm with offices in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos. It has international branches in Frankfurt, Athens, Thessaloniki, Birkirkara, Dubai, Kiev and London and is part of legal networks including Multilaw, World Link Law, International Fraud Group, Nextlaw Referral network and China Go Abroad. 

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm is active in banking and finance, M&A and restructuring, and is experienced in cross-border financing work as local counsel. 

Key clients  

The firm’s clients include multinational banks present across Europe.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Creative thinking, flexible approach, reasonable pricing, meeting tight deadlines.”

M&A

“Very thorough and professional analysis and also recommendations for covering the company for future issues with the law.”

Patrikios Pavlou & Associates

Patrikios Pavlou & Associates is a full-service law firm established in 1963 by Patrikios Pavlou. The firm based in Limassol. The team consists of Cypriot qualified legal professionals, worthy of note are Stavros Pavlou, Stella Strati, Lia Iordanou Theodoulou and Angeliki Epaminonda amongst others. The firm is active across the areas of financial and corporate work but is known for advising lenders on banking and financing work.

Highlights 

The firm advised a prominent commodity trader on its $200 million increase to it's existing $300 million facility, bringing the total facility to $500 million.

The firm is also advising a buyer involving the sale of shares in a French based company that specializes in fianancial market research and investment analytics.

Key Testimonials

“We were impressed by their deep understanding of sanctions compliance and financial regulatory frameworks. The team demonstrated strong technical expertise and a very pragmatic, solution-oriented approach. Communication was prompt and clear, and we appreciated their discretion and ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders under time pressure. What really stood out was their ability to bridge legal requirements with commercial realities — a rare and valuable trait.” - Financial Restructuring

Key clients  

Rengton Enterprises Limited, Ellington Solutions SA, Bracewell LLP, National Paints Holdings, Clyde & Co

Soteris Pittas & Co

Soteris Pittas & Co is a Limassol-based boutique law firm founded in 2008. The firm has special focus on business-related legal issues. The firm consists of Cypriot qualified lawyers led by managing partner Soteris Pittas, who is also the founder. The firm is active in financial and corporate work including banking and M&A transactions. It often advises as local counsel on cross border deals involving Cypriot targets or securities.

Highlights 

The firm is providing legal advice to Genesis Digital Assets on a $1 billion investment by a large US conglomerate.

Key clients 

Aimis Clinics, Cyprus Airways, Genesis Digital Assets, Jacob Katz & Co and Maxbet Entertainment Group.

AG Erotocritou

Based in Limassol, AG Erotocritou is a boutique with 15 legal professionals all with US or UK legal experience.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s expertise lies in financial sector where it acts for banks and financial services on financing, restructuring and insolvency and acquisitions in Cyprus.

The firm is also strong in multi-jurisdictional restructuring and insolvency cases and acts for both the debtors and creditors.

AGPLAW | A.G. Paphitis & Co. LLC

AGPLAW | AG Paphitis & Co. LLC is a full-service law firm founded in 2006. The firm has its offices in Limassol and has a formidable presence in London and Dubai.

The firm advises on a wide spectrum of local and cross-border corporate and financial deals where it focuses on acquisitions, financings and licensing matters. It often works for clients in the financial services and technology sectors.

Highlights 

C Samir & Co. LLC

Founded in 2011, C Samir & Co is a law and tax consultancy firm. Its Cypriot offices are in Limassol and Nicosia, and it has satellite branches in London, Moscow, Hong Kong, Malta and Kiev. It is part of legal network SILFA (Staubach International Law Firm Alliance).

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has experience advising on cross border corporate deals.

Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)

During the research period the firm advised on a cross border merger, advising the buyer.

Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants

With a history extending back to 1981, Dr K Chrysostomides & Co is one of the largest and most prominent law firms in Cyprus. The firm’s offices are in both Nicosia and Limassol.

Focusses / specialisms

Banking has been a key practice area for the firm ever since its foundation. A sizeable percentage of the firm’s work in the space focuses on financing transactions. Another key focus area is advice to three credit institutions in Cyprus which are carrying out banking business in the country.

E & G Economides

E&G Economides is a full-service firm founded in 2006. The firm is based in Limassol and has an office in Moscow.

Focuses and specialisms

The team is made up of Cypriot qualified lawyers led by director Melina Dionysiou. The firm is known for its notable work in financial and corporate practice, where it focuses more on corporate transactions, especially in the M&A practice. This includes re-domiciliations, mergers, acquisitions and restructurings.

E Ioannides & Associates

Incorporated in January 2020, E Ioannides & Associates is a Cypriot boutique law firm focused on commercial work.

Focuses / specialisms

Within financial and corporate the team’s focus areas have been in M&A and financing transactional work.

The firm often advises start-ups and has been especially active in the Cypriot real estate, pharmaceuticals and software development sectors.

E Papandreou & Co

E Papandreou & Co is a Cypriot boutique business law firm formed in 2009. The firm’s offices are based in Nicosia.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm handles a variety of corporate matters, with strengths shown in re-domiciliations, cross- border mergers and funds. The firm is also well known for its work on the liquidation of companies.

GC Hadjikyprianou & Associates

G C Hadjikyprianou & Associates is an independent Cypriot boutique commercial law firm. The firm operates offices in both Nicosia and Athens.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm’s financial and corporate support capabilities are extensive. It is often seen on banking, corporate (both general corporate support and M&A) and regulatory engagements.

Harneys - Aristodemou Loizides Yiolitis

Harneys is an offshore law firm present in Cyprus. The firm was established in 1960.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm’s financial and corporate practice is among the strongest in Cyprus. It is involved in complex, international financings and is often selected by large corporations as local counsel for their high-level acquisitions. The practice also features a pre-eminent investment funds team and a full-service regulatory team.

Kaimakliotis

Kaimakliotis is a Cypriot boutique law firm. The firm was formed in 2016.

Focuses / specialisms

The financial and corporate practice has a distinct emphasis on corporate and M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and general corporate advisory.

LC Law Stylianou & Associates

LC Law Stylianou & Associates is a Nicosia based boutique Cypriot law firm.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm is focused on financial and corporate with 80% of its work being in this aera.

Recently the firm has worked on mandates in the banking, capital markets and M&A space.

Marilou Pavlou Christodoulides

Marilou Pavlou Christodoulides is a full-service premier law firm based in Nicosia.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in Banking and M&A. It often works as local counsel on international deals with international law firms. The firm was founded and currently led by Marilou Pavlou, a UK qualified solicitor.

Michael Chambers & Co

Michael Chambers & Co is a full-service firm with an office in Limassol.

Focusses / specialisms 

Being a full-service firm, Michael Chambers & Co has multiple focuses, especially in the financial and corporate practice area. It represents companies in corporate and acquisition financing, as well as refinancings. The firm also works on M&A transactions and restructuring and insolvency matters.

Michael Damianos & Co

Michael Damianos & Co is a full-service Cyprus law firm established in 2010 and based in Nicosia.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s financial and corporate practice is focused on commercial, corporate, M&A, banking and finance, and energy. Most of the firm’s work comes from referrals from international law firms on which the firm advises as local counsel on international transactions. Also, the firm is frequently instructed by local companies across various sectors on their local banking and corporate/commercial work.

Pelaghias Christodoulou Vrachas

Established in 1920, full-service firm Pelaghius Christodulou Vrachas has over 100 years of expertise. It maintains one office in Nicosia and is a part of the Globalaw network.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm’s financial and corporate law is focused on banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring work. It has experience working on all sides on a transaction. In M&A, the team works with buyers and sellers. Shipping is a popular industry for the firm, but it also regularly advices in numerous other industries.