PotamitisVekris is one of the leading domestic firms in Greece and strong across all practice areas. Compared with local competitors it has a relatively large team of 60 lawyers operating from its Athens base.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has experience advising European banks on acquisitions of large NPL portfolios, as well as advising European banks in the financing of large infrastructure projects.
In addition to banking, the firm often does work in other regulated industries including pharmaceuticals or gaming.
Key clients
The firm‘s client base includes all systemic banks in Greece, as well as advising PHQ, the single special liquidator for all credit and financial institutions under special liquidation in Greece.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)
The firm has been active mainly in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, project development, and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking and finance it has advised mostly bond holders and lenders but also borrowers on refinancing, lending and acquisition finance. Among its clients are local banks and companies as well as international investment funds and institutional investors.
It was particularly active in advising lenders on project finance of various project development work, ranging from greenfield projects to restarting of PPP projects. In that particular practice area it handled projects in real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy, and oil and gas.
In capital markets it has been advising issuers and underwriters in bond issues, and was particularly active in advising Greek companies and foreign investment funds on share capital increases and acquisition transactions and other corporate and regulatory matters.
In corporate and M&A it advised mostly purchasers but also sellers on acquisitions, joint ventures, demerges, and sales of shares. Most of its clients are foreign, coming from Western Europe and China.
In project development it has been advising foreign developers on joint development agreements for building renewable projects, EPC contracts, and regulatory matters, relating to renewable energy and oil and gas projects.
In restructuring and insolvency it has been advising liquidators in liquidation of credit institutions.
Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Aktor Concessions’ €177 million financing of Alimos Marina concession
Alumil Group €150 million syndicated loan refinancing
GEK Terna €500 million bonds issue listed on ATHEX
GEK TERNA and GMR Airports €220 million financing
Lamda Group €220 million refinancing
PPP project of waste management in Peloponnese financing
PQH
€5 billion loan portfolio sale
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending : Lender side
"Accuracy, experience, 24 hours availability, problem solving, excellent communication skills with the customer"
“Thorough, creative, well prepared, good in negotiation strategy and execution.”
Banking and finance
"Possess specialized expertise in insolvency issues, banking issues, finance issues. Supports negotiations with domestic and foreign organizations "
“Experienced, clear and effective communication, exceptional problem-solving skills.”
"Solid legal opinion, deep knowledge of legal framework, swift response."
Financial services regulatory
"Potamitisvekris has very competent legal experts at every level of the firm for our area of business which is financial services, investment funds, real estate funds, at EU level and domestic level, in all areas of regulation. They have also been adaptable immediately to the new working restrictions in response to covid 19 and have remained from day 1 just as effective and responsive as always."
M&A
“Deal-oriented, 24/7 available and very constructive.”
"They are proactive, provide good negotiation strategy and tactics, pay attention to detail, multidisciplinary."
Restructuring and insolvency
"Excellent knowledge of subject. Ability to understand both macro and micro. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a variety of stakeholders."
"Business orientated professionals, committed, hands-on, well connected in local market, high ethics.”
Anastasion Kalergis
"Very professional, very good with deadlines, highly professional."
Anthea Terlengas
"Availability, excellent communication skills, problem solver, accuracy."
Despoina Charakopoulou
"Engaging, positive thinker, very good knowledge of her area of expertise, clarity of expression, assertive."
Elena Theocharakou
“Responsiveness, business oriented, problem-solving.”
"Deal oriented and 24/7 available"
Ioanna Loudarou
"Knows the job. Solves problems. Communicates clearly and effectively."
Kalergis Anastasios
"On time delivery of concrete legal documentation."
Konstantinos Papadiamantis
"He knows the industry very well and is in a position to offer effective advice and solutions."
Perifanou Maria
"Meticulous in drafting, good negotiator and speaks up in negotiations."
Potamitis Stathis
"Quick in grasping complex issues and identifying critical elements, finding simple solutions to meet complex goals, excellent negotiating strategy and tactics, coordinating fully multidisciplinary teams within the firm."
"Possess extensive expertise. Excellent negotiator"
Rachaniotis Konstantinos
"They understand the real legal and business risk of the client. In comparison with the other firm they can be part of the client's team in order to achieve the best outcome."
Stathis Potamitis
"Excellent sector knowledge."
"Patient. Knowledgeable. Ambitious."
Tasos Kalergis
"Positive thinker, analytical skills, clarity of expression, both written and oral, perseverance, quick learner."
Vasilis Stergiou
"Problem solving, business accommodation, interpersonal skills, productive brain-storming."
