Banking, finance and capital markets (Tier 3)

Emmanuel Dryllerakis leads the practice at Dryllerakis & Associates, which specialises in complex bond loans, NPL transactions, and matters relating to virtual and fiat currencies. As a member of the TerraLex network of international law firms, the firm is also able to advise on multi-jurisdictional matters. Dryllerakis is described by clients as an ‘excellent business partner’ and has extensive experience of advising on privatisations, restructurings, and corporate and project finance.

Practice head(s): Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Other key lawyer(s): John Dryllerakis, Stella Yannika, Smaragda Athanasakou, Themelis Zamparas, Leonidas Kastrinakis

Testimonials

‘Excellent ongoing relationship with very smooth collaboration, seamless follow-up and very competitive billing.’

‘Emmanuel Dryllerakis is an excellent business partner – he is business oriented and a good communicator.’

‘Themelis Zamparas has been handling all procedural transaction issues for us over the last few years and he is very professional, very reliable and hardworking, and easy to work with.’

Work highlights

• Advised Worldline S.A., a payment processing services company, on the acquisition of Cardlink S.A. (and its affiliate Cardlink One S.A.).
• Advised Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A. on the mandatory takeover bid by Cyprus-based Belterra Investments Ltd for the acquisition of 33% of the shares in the company.
• Advised three major hotel groups on the restructuring of loans and other credit lines due to Covid-19.

Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Tier 2)

Dryllerakis Law Firm frequently handles high-profile M&A transactions, often acting alongside leading international law firms such as White & Case LLP, Baker McKenzie and Shearman & Sterling LLP. The team also assists with M&A-related due diligence, corporate governance and shareholder disputes. The oil and gas sector is a particular area of expertise for the practice, which recently advised Hellenic Petroleum on the privatisation of DEPA Infrastructure and DEPA Commercial. The team is led by the ‘outstanding‘ Emmanuel Dryllerakis, who is highly experienced in privatisations, restructurings and M&A. Cleomenis Yannikas and senior managing partner John Dryllerakis are also names to note.

Hall of Fame: John Dryllerakis
Leading individuals: Emmanuel Dryllerakis, Cleomenis Yannikas
Practice head(s): Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Other key lawyers: John Dryllerakis, Cleomenis Yannikas, Themelis Zamparas, Eirini Chagiou, Claire Sergaki, Leonidas Kastrinakis

Testimonials

‘The team stands out for its strong commitment, knowledge of commercial legal matters and problem-solving abilities.’

‘Cleomenis Yannikas, Themelis Zamparas and Claire Sergaki have deep knowledge of M&A deals and negotiations and public tender rules.’

‘Cleomenis Yannikas provides excellent responses and has in-depth knowledge of the field.’

‘Emmanuel Dryllerakis is an outstanding professional with a strong intellect who is always trying to find the optimal way forward for his clients.’

‘The team work closely together, so the client receives a total solution.’

‘The individuals work closely with the client and respond to enquiries immediately. Very good client service.’

‘The team thinks outside the box and focuses on closing the transaction.’

‘Practical analysis of the case, commitment and the ability to overcome challenges with innovative solutions.’

Work highlights

• Advised Stoixman on the sale of the majority stake in its Greek and Cypriot operations to OPAP Group for €163.4m.
• Advised Belterra Investments on the €200m acquisition of the renowned Porto Carras resort complex in northern Greece.
• Advised Hellenic Petroleum S.A. on the privatisation process of DEPA Infrastructure and DEPA Commercial.

Dispute resolution (Tier 1)

Dryllerakis Law Firm has ‘longstanding experience before all Greek courts‘, representing clients in both private enforcement actions before the civil courts and public enforcement actions before the administrative courts. The team also has broad expertise in both domestic and international arbitration. Of counsel John Damilakis co-heads the practice and has particular expertise in disputes relating to investment incentives and privatisations. Gerassimos Apergis and Vassilis Constantinidis also head the practice, with specialist knowledge encompassing competition, fraud, employment and IP litigation. Counsel Maria Stoumpidi strengthens the team with her expertise in planning, zoning and environmental litigation; senior managing partner John Dryllerakis is also noted for his 50-year-long experience representing clients before the Supreme Court; and Panagiotis Kakaletris is another key contact.

Hall of Fame: John Dryllerakis
Next Generation Partners: Gerassimos Apergis, Panagiotis Kakaletris
Practice head(s): John Damilakis, Gerassimos Apergis, Vassilis Constantinidis
Other key lawyers: John Dryllerakis, Maria Stoumpidi, Panagiotis Kakaletris, Sotiris Dempegiotis, Manolis Zografakis, Claire Sergaki

Testimonials

‘The team is characterised by its commitment. The coordinated action that it provides brings immediate results on every issue.’

‘They have longstanding experience before all Greek courts. Thus, they give the client a sense of security and certainty that any emerging issue will be addressed promptly and effectively, in the best possible way, always having the best protection of your interests as their main objective.’

‘Great professionals with deep legal knowledge and an understanding of the multinational environment.’

‘Vassilis Constantinidis is an exceptional individual, who has great company law and litigation experience.’

‘Gerassimos Apergis is a highly talented, hardworking, perfectionist lawyer with great success in handling court cases at all judicial levels.’

‘Following the general culture of the firm, all partners and associates seem to have the same qualities and characteristics: they are responsive, efficient and they really try to find a solution, not just describe the problem.’

‘A high degree of reliability and the ability to understand client’s needs and have a practical impact.’

‘Panagiotis Kakaletris has an excellent understanding of the client’s needs and the relevant topics to advise on. He is focused, efficient and structured, clear and open in his communication, trustworthy and personally very pleasant to work with.’

Work highlights

• Represented Sfakianakis Holding SA in a highly publicised dispute with a major shareholder.
• Defended Elais-Unilever Hellas S.A. against claims brought by former distributors.
• Represented Olympic Brewery SA before the Hellenic Competition Commission and the relevant administrative courts in a case concerning abuse of dominant position.

Employment (Tier 2)

Dryllerakis Law Firm assists its clients with a vast range of employment matters, including overseeing employee background checks, and advising on employee benefits, transfer of undertakings, redundancies, collective labour bargaining, teleworking policies, group dismissals and general Greek employment law. Its offerings are supported by its long-standing cooperation with Baker McKenzie LLP as its associate office in Greece in relation to labour matters, and with DLA Piper in relation to international clients. Focus is also placed on conducting employment-related due diligence for investors in relation to M&A projects. John Damilakis heads the practice. Vassilis Constantinidis is another individual to note.

Leading individuals: Vassilis Constantinidis
Practice head(s): John Damilakis
Other key lawyers: Vassilis Constantinidis, Anna Damilakis, Emmanouela Sanida

Testimonials

‘Anna Damilakis is very competent, attentive to detail, quick to respond and easy to work with.’

‘Great team.’

‘Practical solutions.’

‘Always available to support us with various labour issues faced in a labour-intensive industry.’

Work highlights

• Advised Pirelli Tyres SA on day-to-day employment-related issues, including new Covid-19 statutory provisions and new labour law reforms.
• Advised Alpha Trading S.p.A. on the employment and social security issues relating to remote working from Greece under applicable labour, social security and tax law.
• Advised Aquila Hotels on its relationships with hotel seasonal employees in light of new Covid-19 related labour legislation.

Energy (Tier 2)

Dryllerakis Law Firm is praised for providing ‘full service high-quality legal assistance‘ in relation to the development, financing and construction of energy projects. Emmanuel Dryllerakis, who leads the practice, has experience of acting for clients on the acquisition and development of RES portfolios in the energy sector. The firm advised Hellenic Petroleum on the privatisation tender process of DEPA Infrastructure and DEPA Commercial. Cleomenis Yannikas is also recommended.

Practice head(s): Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Other key lawyers: Cleomenis Yannikas, Maria Stoumpidi, Eleftherios Rantos, Anna Ntionia

Work highlights

• Advised Hellenic Petroleum SA with regard to the privatization tender process of DEPA Infrastructure and DEPA commercial SA.
• Advised Enel Green Power SA with regard to any aspect of on-going investment projects and day-to-day legal issues related to already operating RES projects.
• Acted for Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator SA with regard to regulatory compliance issues, tendering procedures and wide range of contracts.

EU and competition (Tier 1)

Dryllerakis Law Firm‘ team has significant experience of handling cases before the Hellenic Competition Commission, overseeing cartel and abuse of dominance matters; it has recently represented Attica Bank in the HCC’s investigation into alleged anti-competitive agreements, advising on each stage of the investigation, including the dawn raid and procedural steps. The firm is also active in state aid matters, with the work encompassing preliminary and formal EC investigations, as well as representation before the EU courts and national court proceedings in relation to the recovery of incompatible state aid. The practice is led by Emmanuel Dryllerakis, who is leading the firm’s advice to Unilever on a case concerning alleged abuse of dominance and anti-competitive agreements in the market for margarine products. John Dryllerakis and Cleomenis Yannikas are also notable contacts.

Hall of Fame: Emmanuel Dryllerakis, John Dryllerakis
Leading individuals: Cleomenis Yannikas
Practice head(s): Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Other key lawyers: John Dryllerakis, Cleomenis Yannikas, Eleftherios Rantos, Themelis Zamparas, Leonidas Kastrinakis

Testimonials

‘Very quick understanding of a given situation; fast reaction with the provision of high quality advice; strong team; takes ownership of business problems; focused on bringing valued solutions.’

‘Expertise; knowledge; consistency; diligence; experience.’

‘The firm is the go to for complicated and demanding cases. Deep knowledge of the law and skills of handling complex and important cases is their expertise. The firm is constantly evolving in all aspects in a changing world.’

‘Their billing structure is clear, they are solution and outcome driven and are efficient in their approach to competition cases. They have been involved in most if not all major competition cases in Greece over the years and are “a safe pair of hands” for any dispute that relates to competition law in Greece.’

‘John Dryllerakis, Emanuel Dryllerakis and Cleomenis Yannikas form an unbeatable team of legal expertise in competition law.’

Work highlights

• Advised Elais-Unilever Hellas S.A. against a €30m fine in the margarines sector for alleged abuse of dominance and vertical violations.
• Advised Attica Bank on a wide-ranging HCC investigation in the banking sector.
• Represented Helioakmi S.A. before the Hellenic Competition Commission for alleged vertical practices in the market for cooling and heating systems, in the context of a broad investigation of the Commission covering all the relevant major market players.

Intellectual Property (Tier 3)

Dryllerakis & Associates is well-equipped to handle the registration, renewal and cancellation of trade marks at a national, European and international level. Its team is also knowledgeable about patent matters and regularly assists clients with searches and the preparation of applications before the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization and European Patent Office. It also prepares patent licensing agreements and is active in patent litigation. Aliki Damilakis heads up the practice.

Practice head(s): Aliki Damilakis
Other key lawyers: Anna Damilakis, Georgia Danatsopoulou

Testimonials

‘Experienced, high expertise, immediate response. The results of our collaboration are always excellent and they provide us with solutions in complex matters.’

‘Ms Anna Damilakis is an excellent lawyer.’

‘The Dryllerakis team’s diversity and complementary skills, combined with deep knowledge of the intellectual property practice and great interpersonal skills, exquisitely differentiate the firm.’

Work highlights

• Advised Aegean Airlines S.A. on all IP and trade mark related issues of the Aegean Group.
• Advised Eurobank SA on the handling of all trade mark portfolio of the Eurobank Group.
• Represented Karatzi Industrial and Hotel Enterprises S.A. and successfully handled four trade mark-related litigation cases before the European Trademark Office and the Board of Appeals.

Projects and privatisation (Tier 2)

Dryllerakis & Associates has a strong track record acting for the Greek state on privatisations. It also attracts mandates from various other clients, including Belterra Investments, Porto Carras and Prysmian Powerlink. The firm is acting for Hellenic Petroleum on the privatisation of DEPA Commercial Infrastructure S.A. Emmanuel Dryllerakis heads up the practice. Senior partner John Dryllerakis and Cleomenis Yannikas are also recommended.

Leading individuals: Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Practice head(s): Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Other key lawyers: John Dryllerakis, Cleomenis Yannikas, Dimitris Karavas, Themelis Zamparas, Claire Sergaki

Testimonials

‘Easy access to partners, when and if required. You get the feeling that your legal adviser will go the extra mile to find a creative solution, instead of ‘no, this can’t work’’.

Work highlights

• Advised Lamda Development S.A. on the transfer of shares of Helinikon S.A. from HRADF to Hellinikon Global I S.A. for a consideration of €915m.
• Advised Belterra Investments on a €200m M&A deal regarding the acquisition of the renowned Porto Carras complex in Northern Greece.
• Advised Hellenic Petroleum S.A. on the sale of its 35% participation in DEPA Infrastructure SA, in the privatization process ran by the Privatization Fund (HRADF) for the sale of 65% stake held by the latter.

Real estate and construction (Tier 2)

Dryllerakis Law Firm demonstrates strong capabilities in high-profile transactions and is noted for its ability to provide specialist advice on zoning, planning and licensing matters. It is acting as the main legal adviser on the Casino of Parnitha project, planning its relocation from its current mountaintop location to a suburban area in Athens. Of counsel Maria Stoumpidi has extensive experience of strategically-significant planning matters. She co-heads the practice with Stella Yannika, who is best known for her handling of construction contracts and project finance.

Next Generation Partners: Stella Yannika
Rising Stars: Maria Stoumpidi
Practice head(s): Maria Stoumpidi, Stella Yannika
Other key lawyers: Eleftherios Rantos, Panagiotis Georgiopoulos

Testimonials

‘The firm displays legal, and business understanding and provides justified, solid opinions, solutions and resolutions to problems. Its accuracy and determination to meet deadlines makes Dryllerakis Law Firm a valuable and worth trusty partner.’

‘John Dryllerakis; for his breadth of knowledge and overall perspective of Greece and the Greek legal system.’

‘Maria Stoumpidi handles around 90% of all our work and has an exceptional appreciation of how to combine the different legal and commercial strands of our business.’

‘Deep knowledge of practice; problem solving approach.’

‘Excellent assistance in negotiations and execution of the contracts.’

Work highlights

• Advised Lamda Estate Development on the sale of two properties in Spata, within the developing Business Park of Petra Yialou.
• Advised Regency Entertainment Group on acquiring outline planning consent for change of land uses so the Mont Parnes Casino may re-locate in an urban area in broader Athens.
• Advised Minoan Group plc on the re-negotiation of an 80 year development contract for the exploitation of a huge estate, over 6,000 acres, for tourism and residential use after having previously secured outline planning consent to allow tourism in an otherwise rural, environmentally protected area.

Tax (Tier 1)

Dryllerakis Law Firm provides a comprehensive range of services to clients on tax matters, with its specialist team handling the full spectrum of matters, including tax planning, litigation, accounting law and transfer pricing. The practice is led by John Dryllerakis, who has substantial experience of advising on international financial transactions. Reflective of the growth of the practice, Nikolaia-Anna Lepida made partner, while John Papadakis and Dimitris Karavas were promoted to senior asssociate in 2021. Recent work included advising Eurobank S.A. and Eurobank Equities S.A on a claim against the Greek State over unduly paid taxes. Eleftherios Rantos is another name to note.

Leading individuals: John Dryllerakis
Next Generation partners: Nikolaia-Anna Lepida, Eleftherios Rantos
Rising stars: Dimitris Karavas
Practice head(s): John Dryllerakis
Other key lawyers: Eleftherios Rantos, Nikolaia-Anna Lepida, Ioannis Papadakis, Dimitris Karavas

Testimonials

‘Clear and concise explanations, deep understanding of the customer, tailored made solutions specific to our own needs and understanding, organizational structure allowing customer to punch above own weight.’

‘Thoroughly satisfied with the level of service provided by the firm. John Dryllerakis; judgement, expertise, responsiveness, creativity, research skills, communication skills, availability.’

‘Dryllerakis Law Firm have strong expertise in complex tax issues focusing on their clients’ needs and providing exceptional services. Efficient handling of cases and an agile approach to matters are key characteristics of their lawyers.’

‘The tax team at the firm possesses in-depth knowledge of the legal tax framework and our collaboration on complicated (as well as day-to-day) matters has been exceptional.’

‘They provide in-depth legal knowledge and practical experience.’

‘The firm is one of the most respected in the field of tax law by both authorities and professionals, with many years of experience, deep knowledge of all aspects of tax issues, continuous research and training and an impressive readiness to respond.’

‘Mr. John Dryllerakis is a pioneer of tax law, with unparalleled acumen and an ability to understand the specifics of each case, ready to offer the most custom-made solutions to any tax problem or question.’

Work highlights

• Represented Thessaloniki Authority S.A. before the Supreme Administrative Court in a successful two-stage litigation, involving a high-profile “pilot trial”, over the status of limitation of tax audits for companies with “clean” tax certificates by their auditors.
• Successfully represented Siemens Hellas S.A. in a long dispute over the results of a tax audit imposing stamp duties and disallowing transfer pricing expenses exceeding €50m.
• Successfully acted for Eurobank Equities S.A. before the Supreme Administrative Court in a dispute over the imposition of stamp tax upon the amounts of credit margin granted by the Company to its clients for Stock Exchange transactions, by invoking that said transactions fall within the scope of VAT under the relevant EU Directives and EJC case-law.

White Collar Crime (Tier 2)

Dryllerakis & Associates has a strong pedigree for representing clients in white-collar cases before both civil and criminal courts. Gerassimos Apergis has extensive experience of defending clients in matters involving allegations of financial fraud, insider trading, market abuse, money laundering and corruption. He co-heads the practice with Vassilis Constantinidis, who has 25 years of litigation experience.

Practice head(s): Gerassimos Apergis, Vassilis Constantinidis
Other key lawyers: Manolis Zografakis

Work highlights

• Represented Greek and foreign defendants facing felony charges over fraud related to an alleged international scandal; all were acquitted by the Judicial Council’s deliberation issued.
• Represented a company in a claim related to a money laundering scandal in the early 2000s. All of the client’s representatives were acquitted by the Appellate Court for Felonies.