lawyers

supplement_lawyers.indd 36 30/04/2012 13:47

LEADING LAW FIRMS IN CYPRUS

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT


SPECIAL REPORT

I f Cyprus wants to be viewed inter-nationally as a serious professional and financial services centre, it needs to improve it a variety of areas, say

many commentators. Moreover, the island should be keeping a much closer eye on what its competitors are doing if it is to continue making a major contribution to the economy and helping it to grow.We asked a number of representatives of leading Cypriot law firms for their views on three key issues.

REDUCING BUREAUCRACYThe main target of the experts’ criticism is, not surprisingly, the civil service and the way it deals with international busi-ness. Andreas Necoleous believes that, unfortunately, the public sector contin-ues to be one of the principal obstacles to Cyprus’s economic success. “We must change our attitude to international business,” he says. “Rather than placing obstacles in the way of international busi-nesses and increasing their costs we must develop a ‘can-do’ attitude, welcoming our customers and providing them with assistance and new opportunities. This is the way to success and prosperity.”

Others are more specific about the service that needs to undergo the most urgent face-lift: “It is absolutely essential that we make it a top priority to make the Registrar of Company’s department more accessible online and cut to red tape,” says Demosthenes Mavrellis. “It is in our best interest to make certificates required by companies available online, at least to professionals on a same day basis.”

Phivos Stephanou and Yiannos Georgia-des echo his comments. “By implementing an efficient user-friendly electronic system, the Cyprus Registrar of Companies can

accelerate the procedures related to registra-tion of new companies, the submission of annual returns and effect changes for already registered companies in a much more convenient way,” notes Stephanou, adding that current procedures cause great delays and, in many instances, do not promote the image that Cyprus would like to have as an EU country.

“The Registrar of Companies needs to begin making use of the wide range of tech-nology available, allowing for online com-pany registrations, online submissions of documents and forms and online company file searches,” says Yiannos Georgiades. “As the knowledge and understanding of technology and the opportunities that new developments open up, I firmly believe that changes to the way in which the Registrar of Companies works will ultimately lead to a more efficient and workable system.”

However, Yiota Kythreotou is rather more positive, noting that some progress has been made. “Cyprus has established the Point of Single Contact, a service through which businesses interested in establish-ing their activities in Cyprus can complete procedures such as company registration, VAT, income tax, social insurance fund and employers registration and applications for the issuance of residence and work per-mits,” she explains. “This service is expected to make it easier, quicker and simpler for foreign investors to establish and pursue their business activities in Cyprus.”

GROWTH IN THE ECONOMYAt present, only two sectors look certain to enjoy growth in the foreseeable future: energy (thanks to the discovery of natural gas in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone) and the financial & business services sector, partly due to this. Demosthenes Mavrellis

believes that the discovery of hydrocarbons will lead to major inward investments, both direct and indirect and that the proximity to the raw material will lead to the creation of new industries. “Furthermore, the na-scent industry will give rise to new areas of knowledge which the Cypriots will export to other regions. What is happening off-shore is definitely a game change,” he says.

Phivos Stephanou and Yiota Kythre-otou are in agreement here too. In the coming years, says Stephanou, develop-ments in gas-related infrastructure projects will increase with investment in the energy sector and this, in turn, will bring about substantial growth in fields such as gas production, liquefaction, petrochemical projects, and processing. This will allow leading players in the energy sector to in-vest in facilities for processing and export-ing the natural gas found off Cyprus.

In Kythreotou’s view, the implications of the discovery of natural gas reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone will be “immense” and not only for the island but also for her profession. “We shall soon be facing significant legal, regulatory, opera-tional and technical challenges,” she says. “Lawyers, in particular, will be required to assist clients with negotiating the terms on which deep sea drilling should take place and drilling licenses are granted, on the terms of raising of capital and finance on an unprecedented scale (by Cyprus standards) but they will also need to have a firm grasp of modern developments on a wide range of issues, from operational practices, to the availability and terms of insurance cover.”

Andreas Neocleous is a little more cau-tious regarding natural gas. “While I share the hope that the discovery of gas offshore will bring prosperity to all of us, exploit-ing the gas and reaping the benefits will take many years,” he says, explaining that, in his view, the financial, professional and

LEADING PRACTITIONERS ON CUTTING RED TAPE, WATCHING THE COMPETITION AND PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH

WHAT THE LAWYERS SAY


business services sector is the only sector with the necessary scale and dynamism to provide eco-nomic growth in the short term. “By attracting overseas investors it will also benefit the tourism and property sectors,” he adds.

Yiannos Georgiades thinks that the discovery of hydrocarbons has already given the Cyprus economy a tremendous boost and that this “will safeguard the island’s political stability, further reinforcing its status as one of the best financial centres in the world.” In conjunction with developments in the oil and gas sectors, he also believes that environmental issues will play a greater role, in particular with regard to wind power and other renewable energy sources. Moreover, he predicts that the technology and telecommunications sectors will also expand greatly over the coming years and there will be a call for the development of further legislation, in particular in relation to services incorporating voice, data and video.

CYPRUS AS A COMPETITIVE JURISDICTIONIf Cyprus wishes to be seen as better than Malta, Luxembourg and other competing jurisdictions, it needs to keep a close watch on what they are doing. All the experts to whom we spoke acknowledge that the island is already an attractive place for foreign companies to relocate to but some competi-tors are doing their best to offer the same benefits.

Andreas Neocleous agrees that the biggest factor in Cyprus’ favour is the high quality and comparatively low cost of doing business here, including the availability of world-class professional services at considerably lower cost than in London and similar centres. Cyprus’s location and climate are also positive factors. However, he also sees that “competition is intense from centres such as Malta and Ireland within the EU and Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong to the East” and advises that “We should not be too proud to learn from our neighbours and competitors. To attract and retain foreign business we

must excel in every field – we cannot afford any weaknesses.”

Yiannos Georgiades is more upbeat: Al-though other European countries are trying to compete with Cyprus by lowering their tax rates and by signing favourable double tax treaties, he thinks they still have a long way to go before they are in a position to match the benefits that Cyprus has to offer: a corporate tax rate of 10%, a solid infrastruc-ture, a legal system based on English law and now harmonized with EU law, UK-qualified lawyers, accountants and bankers, double tax agreements with over 43 countries and the recent signing of the protocol to the Double Tax Treaty between Russia and Cyprus.

Yiota Kythreotou agrees: “Our geographical location makes us an ideal base for a business looking to expand into new markets,” she says. “We are in a position to offer a much more favourable corporate and personal income tax regime than any other European country; the liberal foreign direct investment regime and the network of double tax treaties and bilateral investment agreements make Cyprus a perfect location for an international group’s headquarters. Moreover, the high quality of legal, accounting and banking services and support that is available, comple-mented by a wide range of other providers (IT specialists, telecommunications systems, etc.), gives Cyprus a significant advantage.”

Phivos Stephanou elaborates on this point: “By offering a corporate tax of only 10% (the lowest in the EU), Cyprus has become a favourable tax-incentive jurisdiction within the EU and beyond. The double tax treaties and EU directives offer various exemptions which attract companies to establish or relo-cate their headquarters to the island, as does the excellent infrastructure which allows the creation of ‘substance’ for tax planning by setting up company operations on the island.

Demosthenes Mavrellis sums up the pres-ent situation thus: “In effect it all boils down to a cocktail of low corporate taxes, a network of double tax avoidance treaties, common law and highly skilled professionals. Add all these together and you have a winner.”

WHO’S WHO

Andreas Neocleous, Founder and Managing

Partner, Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC

Demosthenes Mavrellis, Partner, Chrysses

Demetriades & Co. LLC

Yiannos Georgiades, Founding and Managing Partner, Georgiades &

Mylonas

Phivos Stephanou, Legal Consultant,

Korpus Prava Corporate Services Ltd

Yiota Kythreotou-Theodorou, Partner,

Pamborides LLC


THE FIRMCA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.) was established in mid-2011 by Celia Pourgoura and Alexia Aspri whose aspiration was to create a progressive commercial and corpo-rate law firm offering tailor-made professional services and fulfilling each client’s needs in a personal and individual manner. The Firm’s mission and vision is to provide pro-fessional and trusted legal services by establishing ongoing and long-term relations with clients through commitment, specialisation and the highest level of professional and per-sonalised service in a quick, efficient and affordable manner.

Although the firm advises on all areas of Cyprus law, it focuses mainly on the legal aspects of investment into and via Cyprus, driven by the island’s favourable tax regime, with core specialisations on commercial, corporate, banking, financing, ship-ping and real estate law as well as on the provision of fiduciary services.

CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri LLC) is a ‘boutique’ law firm con-sisting of two lawyers and corporate administrators.

AREAS OF PRACTICECommercial Law The Firm has a di-versified and longstanding experience

in advising through the issuing of legal opinions, drafting, negotiating and monitoring multimillion value transactions, both locally and interna-tionally, including re-organisations, mergers, including EU/cross-border mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, project financing, cooperation, share-holders’ affairs, IPOs on major stock exchanges, etc.

Corporate Law The specialized staff are at the client’s disposal to di-rectly, efficiently and quickly answer any question on Cyprus Company Law, the business entity’s corporate governance, and on the reporting and compliance requirements of Cyprus companies.

Banking & Finance The Firm provides advice and conducts the negotiations and drafting of all neces-sary agreements and supplementary documentation relating to asset, property, project and trade financing. We further undertake the registration of securities in Cyprus with banks and other financial institutions wish-ing to secure loans.

Shipping The Firm undertakes the incorporation of ship-owning companies, as well as the registration of ships under the Cyprus flag.

Real Estate The Firm has extensive experience in immovable property law, including the drafting, negotia-tion, and monitoring and supervision of purchases and sales, including the

conclusion of deeds of sale (residen-tial and commercial); the undertaking of transfer of title proceedings, the registration of mortgage bonds, the drafting of loan agreements for prop-erty transactions, the structuring of property transactions, the securitiza-tion of property purchases, letting of property, hotel developments, etc.

Fiduciary Services A broad range of professional services is provided through the Firm’s affiliate company, Pourgoura & Aspri Fiduciary Ser-vices Limited. Such services include the provision of a Registered Of-fice, nominee Directors (including professional directors, if required), Shareholders and Secretary as well as the opening of bank accounts with any bank of the client’s choice and, through associate companies, book-keeping and accounting. In addition, the firm has extensive experience in applications for work permits/resi-dence permits for the company’s for-eign directors, owners and employees.

PARTNERSCelia Pourgoura is a British-quali-fied lawyer with an LLB qualification, an LLM qualification in Commercial Corporate law, a Middle Temple Barrister-at- Law with registration at the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales as a non-practis-ing Barrister at Law, and a practising registered member of the Cyprus

SPECIAL REPORT

CA ADVOCATES (POURGOURA & ASPRI L.L.C.)


Bar Association. From 2002-2005 and from 2008 until today, she has been dealing with corporate and commercial issues and specialising in trust law, anti-money laundering issues, contract law, company law and corporate administration. Since 2011 she has been the co-owner and director of CA Advocates (Pour-goura & Aspri L.L.C.). She speaks Greek and English fluently and is currently learning Russian. She has been nominated by Kings College, London as their ambassador in Cy-prus. She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and of the International Bar Association.

Alexia Aspri obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2000 and an LLB from the same uni-versity in 2002. She was admitted as a member of the Cyprus Bar in 2003 and since then she has gained solid corporate and commercial law experience in the corporate law departments of some of the most renowned law firms in Cyprus. Her main specialisations are contractual drafting and consulting on corpo-rate and tax strategies, mergers and acquisitions and re-organisations, Company law including manage-ment and administration of com-panies, Trusts and estate planning. She became a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) in 2010. Since 2011 she has been the co-owner and director of CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.). She speaks Greek and Eng-lish fluently. She is also a member of the International Bar Association.

CONTACT DETAILSCA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri L.L.C.) 33, Clementos Street, Flat 401, 1061 Nicosia, CyprusTel: (+357) 22460831Fax: (+357) 22760831Website: www.ca-advocates.come-mail: [email protected]

Celia Pourgoura

Alexia Aspri


THE FIRMChristos Patsalides L.L.C. is well-es-tablished in the legal world of Cyprus, offering a wide range of legal services.

The law firm was founded in Nicosia in 1996 by the Managing Partner Christos Patsalides. Throughout its years of operation, the firm has expanded significantly and its name has become established in Cyprus for its large customer base.

The firm’s goal is to provide only top quality services and the best solutions to any legal issues that arise.

The firm consists of experienced and reputable lawyers as well as young, highly-educated and excellently-trained staff in all specialized legal fields.

The firm’s Corporate and Litigation Departments, acting for a particularly enlarged portfolio of customers with high expectations, work in such a way that one complements the other, with excellent organisation and profes-sionalism, full secretarial support and sophisticated computer systems, which result in the safe, speedy and full imple-mentation of all cases assigned.

Our top priority is our response to the specific characteristics and needs of each client with confidence and directness, and our aim is to provide the best possible service and solutions to all legal issues arising in relation to each client’s needs.

The quality of our services, the special and trusted expertise of our firm’s various departments, together with the required structures for the speedy and efficient management and finalisation of all our clients’ cases and claims, have sealed the dynamic course of our firm in Cyprus.

WHY CHOOSE CYPRUS? Cyprus is considered a very attractive jurisdiction for doing business. Some of the benefits that one can enjoy by having a Cypriot company incorporated include the Corporate Tax rate of 10%, the tax-exempt dividend income (subject to non-stringent conditions), no withholding taxes on payments of dividends, no taxation on profits from the sale of securities (no minimum holding period, percentage, etc.), no taxation on profits of foreign permanent establishments, no capital gains or income tax on the disposal of the shares of a Cypriot company, a broad double income tax treaty network, unilateral tax credit relief irrespective of the existence of a tax treaty, no substance, debt equity and thin capitalization rules, the full adoption of all European Union Directives, a sound legal system and much more.

SERVICESOur corporate services include the forma-tion and incorporation of companies, the establishment and management of trusts and related services such as the establish-ment, management and representation of Cypriot and offshore companies, the provision of trustee services for sharehold-ers, directors, secretary and registered office of the company.

A very important part of our services relates to advisory support concerning tax matters, tax planning restructuring, consultation for investment funds, divi-dend distributions, tax differences, capital gains tax, stamp duties, Value Added Tax (VAT) and much more.

Another important and preferred service provided by Christos Patsalides L.L.C. is

the Redomiciliation of a Company to and from Cyprus. The Cyprus Redomi-ciliation legislation was enacted on July 28, 2006, as an amendment to the Companies Law Cap.113 to permit foreign (non-Cy-priot) companies to redomicile to Cyprus; and Registered Cyprus companies to be redomiciled abroad.

The existing business of a foreign company continues without interrup-tion as a Cyprus company since the first company is not dissolved but simply ‘moves’ to Cyprus. Existing companies can choose to change their seat of incorpora-tion to Cyprus without going through the liquidation and recontribution process in the current jurisdiction so it will no longer be necessary to wind up their activities and restart under a new company shell, something which is less time-consuming and more cost-effective for clients.

The ability to redomicile companies to and from Cyprus opens new planning dimension for investors and traders.

Foreign companies may now without difficulty benefit from the Cypriot Cor-porate Tax regime, an option that many clients prefer.

Christos Patsalides L.L.C. also has a very reputable Intellectual Property Department. We provide services including the search and registration of trademarks, national, community and international trademarks together with the provision of the registration of trade names, the validation of patents, national, European and International patent registration and validation.

A few of the reasons one should encourage the Registration of Patents and Trademarks in Cyprus:Cyprus has adopted the EU directives enabling it to recognize CTM and CD registrations.

SPECIAL REPORT

CHRISTOS PATSALIDES L.L.C.


Cyprus is a party to the Madrid Agree-ment and Protocol and PCT through which international patent or trademark applications are recorded in Cyprus.Cyprus is a member of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) for the registration and protec-tion of trademarks and industrial designs within the European Community. Following the accession of Cyprus to the European Union as a full member on May 1, 2004, Cyprus legislation has been har-monized in order to bring its Intellectual Property Law into line with the require-ments of the acquis communautaire. Commercial activity on the island has created the necessity to offer protection to the Intellectual Property Rights of physical and legal entities in order to validate such activity.

An important part of the abovementioned services is provided by our affiliated company, Christos Patsalides Corporate Management Ltd.

MANAGEMENT TEAMChristos Patsalides L.L.C. consists of three partners and a chief financial controller:CHRISTOS M. PATSALIDES Founding and Managing Partner CONSTANTINOS KOKKINOFTASPartner and Head of the Litigation Department

AVGOUSTINOS TSARKATZIS PartnerMARIOS KASTANIAS Chief Financial Controller

LAWYERS TEAMCHRISTOS M. PATSALIDES Founding and Managing Partner CONSTANTINOS KOKKINOFTAS Partner and Head of the Litigation Department AVGOUSTINOS TSARKATZIS Partner GEORGE PANAYIDESAdvocate - LitigationKYRIAKI VIOLARIAdvocate - CorporatePHIVI TRAMOUNTANELLI Advocate - CorporateVARTENI KASAPIANAdvocate - LitigationGEORGE ANTONIADESAdvocate - LitigationMARIA CHRONIAAdvocate - CorporateDIANE CONSTANTINIDESTrainee Advocate

ACCOUNTING TEAMMARIOS KASTANIASChief Financial ControllerDESPINA MICHAELIRENE THRASYVOULOUCHRISTOPHOROS VASILIOU

SECRETARIAL TEAMGEORGIA SOLONOSCorporate AdministratorMARIA CONSTANTINOUExecutive Secretary

LANGUAGES SPOKENGreek, English, Swedish, Armenian, French

ASSOCIATIONS:Legal 500Chambers EuropeFICPI (International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys)Cyprus-China Business AssociationCyprus-India Business AssociationCyprus-Israel Business AssociationCyprus-Russia Business AssociationCyprus Bar AssociationNicosia Bar Association

CONTACT DETAILSChristos Patsalides L.L.C. Advocates & Legal Consultants 31, Evagoras Avenue, Evagoras Building, Suites 41-43, 1066 Nicosia , Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 25617 , 1311 Nicosia , Cyprus Tel: (+357) 22677677 Fax: (+357) 22674422 Website: www.patsalides.com.cy e-mail: [email protected]


THE FIRME. Papandreou & Co L.L.C. was established at the beginning of 2009 and is already emerging as a boutique business law firm in the Cyprus mar-ket.Its approach to the legal practice is to focus exclusively on providing an effective and complete solution for the legal side of its clients’ affairs. The firm specialises in all aspects of commercial and corporate law, bank-ing and finance, financial services, tax and trust law.

Its goal is to become the firm of choice in the market, by providing a complete solution to its clients’ most challenging legal issues and signifi-cant business transactions. The firm’s aspirations are based on the expertise of its team of lawyers which com-prises highly-driven and dedicated individuals with varied specialisa-tions, as well as diverse academic and professional backgrounds. These individuals are capable of conceptual-ising and understanding the commer-cial aspects underlying any legal issue in question.

Thus the team is adept at providing a professional and personalised ap-proach to each client in order to help them achieve their business objectives in the most efficient manner.

AREAS OF EXPERTISECommercial: The firm’s philosophy

is to be by the client’s side from the inception of his/her business plan and to have the opportunity to guide the client through all the necessary steps. Through professional and personalised consultation, the aim is to reach the most proficient solu-tion based on the client’s needs and interests.

Corporate: The team members of E. Papandreou & Co L.L.C. are considered experts in the field of Corporate Law. They can assist clients with their business entity’s compliance and reporting require-ments with the Cyprus Authorities as well as with corporate governance issues. The team can provide legal advice on agreements and undertake to negotiate and draft agreements concerning, among others, corporate reorganisation requirements, mergers, acquisitions, cooperation, sharehold-ers affairs, etc.

Banking and Finance: The firm provides legal advice regarding asset financing which includes leasing, factoring and securitisation as well as on project, property and trade financ-ing. The team is also at its clients’ disposal to draft and negotiate, on their behalf, any necessary agreements (such as loan, pledge and mortgage agreements) as well to prepare other relevant documentation in order to meet any requirements in place,

including the issue of legal opinions. The firm provides advice on strate-gies for corporate recovery and all aspects of insolvency procedures. This also includes pre-insolvency considerations, such as the duties and responsibilities of directors and share-holders. In addition, it offers advice on all forms of possible sanctions and the overturning of transactions.Trusts: Highly specialised in Trusts of Cyprus and other jurisdictions, the firm’s objective is to steer clients towards advantageous trust creations which comply with the regulations of the relevant jurisdictions and, at the same time, to optimise the benefits clients may enjoy from the creation of a Trust.

PROFILES Elena Papandreou – Managing Director Elena obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Leicester Univer-sity. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 1994 and has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners since 2008. She is also a member of the International Bar Association. Elena gained extensive experience working as a corporate lawyer in a highly reputable law firm in Cyprus for ten years before joining Dema Services Limited in 2006 as in-house legal advisor. She established E. Papandreou & Co. LLC at the begin-

SPECIAL REPORT

E. PAPANDREOU & CO L.L.C.


ning of 2009, acting as the Manag-ing Director, while continuing as a Director of Dema Services Limited. (e-mail: [email protected])

Maria Anastasiadou – Manager Maria obtained a law degree (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2001. She went on

to obtain a Master’s degree (LLM) from Edinburgh University in 2005. She has extensive experience in corporate law, corporate gover-nance and real estate law. She gained considerable experience in drafting corporate and commercial contracts from her years of practicing the legal profession in a number of promi-nent Cyprus law firms and fiduciary companies. She has been a member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 2002 and is also a member of the In-ternational Bar Association. (e-mail: [email protected])

Entgkar Antoniades – ManagerEntgkar Antoniades obtained a law de-gree from the North-Caucasian State Technical University of Stavropol, Russia in 2004. He then went on to join Dema Services in 2006, gaining vast experience in the area of fiduciary services. He joined Elena Papandreou

& Co LLC in 2009 as a legal adviser. He has extensive experience in corporate

administration matters, as well as in the areas of drafting and reviewing corporate documents. He is also fluent in Russian.

Demetra Demetriadou – Advocate Demetra Demetriadou obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of Kent in 2010 and was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2011. She has also become a member of the International Bar Association. Through practicing the legal profession in this office, she has gained experience in the areas of corporate and commercial law, chiefly in the areas of drafting and reviewing corporate documents, agreements, legal due diligence and cross-border mergers. She is cur-rently studying to become a quali-fied Chartered Accountant. (e-mail: [email protected])

CONTACT DETAILSE. Papandreou & Co L.L.C.8, Stassinos Avenue, Photiades Business Centre,2nd Floor, Office 201, 1522 Nicosia, Cyprus.Postal address: P.O.Box 22599, 1522 Nicosia, Cyprus.Tel: (+357) 22466425Fax: (+357) 22466427Website: www.epaplaw.come-mail: [email protected]


THE FIRMGeorge Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. is a dynamic, professional full-service civil law firm. Founded in 2005 by George Z. Georgiou, the firm has quickly grown and is recognised as one of Cyprus’ leading practices. It specialises in corporate, commercial and tax, land and property, employment, pensions and corporate immigration, and all forms of dispute resolution.

The firm currently consists of 12 lawyers and legal consultants, of whom one is a barrister-at-law, one is a solicitor and three are trainees. All lawyers speak Greek and English and some also speak French and Italian. Moreover, the firm’s five administrative staff and two accounts officers are also fluent in English while one is also an Arabic speaker.

Clients include individuals, compa-nies of all sizes, municipalities, banks and multinational companies. The firm provides legal services to some of Cyprus’ largest local and international companies, as well as for international companies with a presence on the island. It facilitates business and develops strong relationships with all its clients.

Located in the heart of Nicosia, but serving the whole of the Republic of Cyprus, the firm’s lawyers appear in all courts across the island. George Z. Geor-giou & Associates L.L.C. not only serves Cyprus but the world, with clients based in every corner of the globe. Every ac-commodation is made for clients living in different time zones, so that they receive

the same excellent service as those based in Cyprus. Professional translators are regularly used for languages that are not spoken by our firm.

George Z. Georgiou & Associates L. LC. supports and advises on legal issues with an international element on a daily basis. As the sole Cypriot member of the international alliance Ius Laboris, which comprises member firms in 42 countries, with coverage in more than 100 countries, the firm is able to provide any interna-tional client with fully coordinated yet locally-specific global advice. Ius Laboris is the leading Global Alliance of Labour and Employment Law practitioners with 2,500 lawyers specializing in all areas of law relat-ing to Human Resources.

Furthermore, the Firm and its indi-vidual lawyers are members of numer-ous local and international associations among which are: • Ius Laboris, • The Honourable Society of the Inner

Temple, • Nicosia Bar Association, • Cyprus Bar Association, • European Employment Lawyers Associa-

tion (EELA) (George Z. Georgiou is the Board Member for Cyprus),

• European Employment Law Cases (Cyprus Editor),

• The European Circuit, • The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

(CIArb), • Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

(RICS), • International Bar Association (IBA),

• American Immigration Lawyers Associa-tion (AILA),

• Cyprus Human Resource Management Association,

• Nicosia Chamber of Commerce, • Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, • Cyprus-China Business Association, • Cyprus-Russia Business Association, • Cyprus-Ukraine Business Association, • Cyprus-United Kingdom Business As-

sociation, • Cyprus-India Business Association.

George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. has contributed to significant publications and continues to publish ar-ticles and chapters in international books, journals and legal magazines on a regular basis. Among these are: Ius Laboris Publications (chapters on Cyprus law):• SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE (February

2012)• INDIVIDUAL DISMISSALS

ACROSS EUROPE (November 2011)• SECONDMENTS TO AND WITH-

IN EUROPE (October 2011)• PAN-EUROPEAN PENSIONS

GUIDE (September 2011)• IMMIGRATION - AN INTERNA-

TIONAL HANDBOOK (January 2011)

• COMPENSATION & BENEFITS REFERENCE GUIDE (August 2010)

• TRANSFERS OF UNDERTAKINGS (December 2009)

• COLLECTIVE REDUNDANCIES GUIDE (September 2009)

• INDIVIDUAL DISMISSALS

SPECIAL REPORT

GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU & ASSOCIATES L.L.C.


ACROSS EUROPE (December 2008)• PAN-EUROPEAN PENSIONS

GUIDE (November 2008)• NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAWS

ACROSS EUROPE (February 2007)

Other publications:• THE INTERNATIONAL COM-

PARATIVE LEGAL GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR LAW 2012, A Practical Cross-Border Insight into Employment and Labour Law, Global Legal Group (2012),

• THE EMPLOYMENT LAW RE-VIEW, Chapter 8 ‘Cyprus’, 1st & 2nd Ed,. Law Business Research Publishers (2010, 2011)

• LABOUR AND EMPLOYEE BENE-FITS, Practical Law Multi-Jurisdictional Guide 2011/12, Vol. 1

• IATIL CONFERENCE, ‘Basic Prin-ciples of Cypriot Employment Law’ (2011)

• THE PROJECT & CONSTRUC-TION REVIEW, Chapter ‘Cyprus’ (2011)

• INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT & LABOR LAW, Littler Mendelson Guide, 2nd ed. (2010)

• INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIA-TION, ‘IBA’s Real Estate In a Nutshell: Cyprus’ (2009)

• INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIA-TION, ‘Hiring the Best Qualified & Most Talented Employees’, Kluwer Law International (2008)

The Firm has won numerous awards for its services provision in relation to dispute resolution, land law and real estate and employment law.

PROFILESMANAGING PARTNERGeorge Z. Georgiou is the Manag-ing Partner of the Firm. He specializes in all areas of civil law, with particular expertise in employment and pensions, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and land.

George graduated from Bristol University and is a barrister of the Inner Temple. He was admitted to the

Cyprus Bar in 2001, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 2005 and the RICS in 2012. He has pub-lished numerous articles in local and international magazines, journals and newsletters and contributed chapters to several international legal books. He lectures frequently in English and Greek on Cypriot Employment Law and other topics.

SENIOR LAWYERSEleni V. Loizides specializes in all areas of civil law, with expertise in litigation, employment and labour law, administra-tive law, and dispute resolution.

Eleni graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Nicosia Bar Association, having been a qualified advocate since 2006. She joined the firm in 2007 and is the Head of the Litigation Department of the Firm. She speaks Greek and English.Constantina Economou specializes in all areas of civil law, with expertise in litigation, employment, pensions & provident funds, corporate, and dispute resolution. Constantina graduated from Sussex University and Leuven Univer-sity. She is member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Kyrenia Bar Associa-

tion, having been a qualified advocate since 2001. She practiced law in a lead-ing Cypriot firm specializing in litigation and corporate before joining George Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. in 2007. She speaks Greek and English.

Nadia Tryfonidou specializes in all areas of civil law, with expertise in corporate & commercial, dispute resolution, banking & finance. Nadia graduated from Kings College London and the LSE. She is member of the Cyprus Bar Association, the Nicosia Bar Association and a Board Member of the Cyprus Association for European Law. She has been a qualified advocate since 2004. She practiced law in a leading Athens firm, specializing in banking, capital markets, financial services and securities, commercial and corporate law. In 2006 she worked for the Office of the Commissioner for State Aid Control, before joining the firm as a Senior Lawyer in 2008. She speaks Greek and English.

CONTACT DETAILSGeorge Z. Georgiou & Associates L.L.C. 1 Eras street, 1st floor, 1060, NicosiaTel: (+357) 22763340Fax: (+357) 22763343Website: www.gzg.com.cye-mail: [email protected]

George Z. Georgiou


THE FIRMPamboridis LLC is a General Commercial and Corporate law firm with offices in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and the UK (London). The firm was founded in 2003 and is headed by Dr. George Pamboridis, assisted by three part-ners and a number of senior and junior associates in both jurisdictions.

Its clientele comprises mostly corporate clients and the firm prides itself on its association with Barclays Plc., Citigroup, the Bank of Scotland, Standard Bank, Morgan Stanley, Swissport Interna-tional, WJ Group of Companies, Singer International, SFS Group Plc, Sea Star Capital, LUKOIL, the Jumeirha Group, Verizon, Kraft Foods and easyJet. We are particularly honoured that distinguished International law firms such as DLA Piper, Clifford Chance, Simmons & Simmons, Chadbourne & Parke, Hol-man, Fenwick & Willan choose to work with our firm when dealing with matters of Cyprus or Greek law.

The firm caters for all types of conten-tious and non-contentious matters and, through its experience and expertise, can add value to the businesses of its clien-tele. It prides itself on offering practical, no-nonsense advice and on understand-ing and, thus, enhancing the commercial objectives of its clients in every transac-tion. Pamboridis LLC places a great deal of emphasis on being responsive and in establishing and nurturing interpersonal relationships with its clients as their business evolves.

The firm ensures that there is high-level partner involvement in each transaction in order to obtain the best possible outcome for the client and optimum efficiency. The firm particularly prides itself on its expertise in the following areas:

Structured finance, capital markets, securitisations – We are instructed on a day-to-day basis by major banks and financing institutions to advise on a broad range of structured finance and capital market transactions.

M&A, Joint Ventures and commercial contracts – Wwe ensure that our lawyers have a thorough knowledge of our clients’ industry sectors and are therefore able to evaluate each client’s needs and objectives, understand and address all regulatory, competition, tax and other pa-rameters of each transaction and achieve the best possible results.

Private equity/venture capital – We regularly represent both sponsors and investors in connection with the establish-ment of private equity investment vehicles, capital raising and investment activities through to establishing and implement-ing exit strategies whether by private sale, IPOs, mergers or acquisitions.

Tax planning – We regularly advise clients on a range of tax planning matters and ensure that we tailor our advice to the needs of each client and their business.

Energy (Oil and Gas) – Recent develop-ments in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Cyprus and Israel have created a demand for high-level legal support in all aspects of exploration and exploitation of natural gas and oil reserves. The firm has acted in a timely manner and joined forces with one of the biggest global law firms in order to expose its lawyers to this new field and to secure for our clients the vast expertise of our global partners.

Languages: English, Greek, French

OFFICESThe firm currently maintains four offices, two in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), one in Greece located in the financial centre of Athens, Kolonaki, and most recently one in London (UK) in the heart of Mayfair.

Nicosia OfficeThe Cyprus Head Ooffice maintains a strong corporate and commercial law department offering advice mostly to cor-

porate clients on matters concerning the whole spectrum of their business. M&As, international tax planning, project and ship finance, public listings, HR and competition matter, are some fields of ex-pertise of the lawyers working out of the Nicosia office. The office is supported by a strong litigation department, engaging in all modes of dispute resolution.

Limassol OfficeThe Limassol Office offers a compre-hensive legal service to clients involved in international shipping transactions, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and public listings. The office specializes in corporate law as well as in commercial law contracts.

Athens OfficeThe Athens office specializes in corporate and commercial law and acts primarily for foreign clients doing business in Greece but also for Greek clients involved in international and cross-border transactions. The Compa-nies department of this office engages with matters of corporate structur-ing and re-structuring as well as with international tax planning. The Athens office maintains a network of affiliated firms whose expertise covers the whole spectrum of Greek law.

London OfficeThis is a representative office and its main target is to provide London-based clients – as well as professionals (lawyers, accoun-tants and financiers) operating from the West End and the City – with support on matters of Cyprus law, especially in trans-actions involving group structuring and tax planning, but also oil and gas projects. Associations – membershipsOur firm is the focus firm in Cyprus and maintains a close affiliation with DLA Piper, one of the biggest global law firms. The firm is also a member of Libralex, a network of law firms located in major business centres, principally in Europe.

SPECIAL REPORT

PAMBORIDIS LLC


Number of lawyers: 18

PROFILESName: Dr. George PamboridisPosition: Managing PartnerCareer: Dr. Pamboridis has worked for the City law firm of Holman, Fenwick & Wil-liam as well as with L. Papaphilippou & Co as a partner for 5 years. In 2003 he founded the firm and shares his time amongst the Nicosia, Athens and London office.Languages: English, Greek, FrenchMember: Cyprus Bar Association, Athens Bar Association, Law Society of England & Wales Roll of Solicitors.Education: He studied law in Athens before obtaining a Masters degree (L.L.M) from the University of Southampton in Shipping Law. He was subsequently awarded an M.Sc. by the International Relations Department of London School of Economics and a Ph.D. in law from the University of Southampton in Public, International and Shipping Law. He is the author of “International Shipping Law” pub-lished by Kluwer Law and of numerous legal articles.

Name: Riani RoussakisPosition: Partner (Athens)Career:. Riani joined Pamboridis LLC in Athens in 2003. She became a partner in 2008 and currently heads our Athens office.Languages: Greek, English, FrenchMember: Member of the Athens Bar AssociationEducation: Riani studied law in Athens and after completing a training course in France, she completed her pupilage in Athens.

Name: Yiota Kythreotou TheodorouPosition: Partner (Nicosia)Career: She has worked for the City law firm of Watson, Farley & Williams specializing on asset and project finance. She now heads our non-contentions department. She was voted as partner in 2008.Languages: English, GreekMember: Member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Law Society of Eng-land & Wales. Education: Yiota studied law at Oxford Uni-versity (BA (Hons). She went on to obtain an LL.M. in Private International Law and has completed the Legal Practice Course. She is a qualified solicitor. Name: Electra Papadopoulou Makedona

Position: Partner (Limassol)Career: She was a partner in the Law firm of George L. Savvides & Co for 12 years. She then joined the law firm of Andreas Neocle-ous & Co until opening her own practice. She now heads our Limassol office.Languages: English, Greek.Member: Member of the Cyprus Bar As-sociation. Education: Electra studied law in Athens and then acquired a Master’s degree (LL.M) in Company, Insurance and Shipping Law at King’s College, London.

Name: Myria AgathocleousPosition: Head of LitigationCareer: She joined our firm in 2008 and is Head of our Commercial Litigation Depart-ment.Languages: English, GreekMember: Member of the Cyprus Bar As-sociation since 1998.Education: Myria is a graduate of the Uni-versity of Northumbria at Newcastle (LL.B).

Name: Kristy SpyrouPosition: Senior AssociateCareer: After completing her pupilage she joined the firm of Polyviou & Co as a litigator. In 2008 she joined our Corporate Department where she deals with commer-cial contracts, M&As and general commer-cial law cases.Languages: English, GreekMember: Cyprus Bar AssociationEducation: Kristy obtained her degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)

Name: Rodothea PapaconstantinouPosition: Senior AssociateCareer: She completed her pupilage with our firm and is currently working as an associate in the Corporate Department. Languages: English, GreekMember: Member of the Cyprus Bar As-sociation.Education: Rodothea is a graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece).

CONTACT DETAILSPamboridis LLC45, Dighenis Akritas Avenue,Pamboridis House1070 Nicosia, CyprusPostal address: P.O. Box 27354, 1644 Nicosia, CyprusTel: (+357) 22752525Fax: (+357) 22752800Website: www.pamboridis.come-mail: [email protected]

Yiota Kythreotou Theodorou

Riani Roussakis

Electra Papadopoulou

Myria Agathocleous

Rodothea Papaconstantinou

Kristy Spyrou


THE FIRMPapacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C. was established in 1983 by Andreas Papacharalambous and Pavlos Angelides and is based in Nicosia. Although it began as a small office with two partners, it has grown rapidly as to become a leading multi-disciplinary firm consisting of 11 in-house qualified lawyers. The firm is highly active both on a national and an international level. Apart from having an association with lawyers in all the main cities of Cyprus, the firm has also an extensive international client base and a number of associate offices abroad.

Papacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C. is experienced in various areas of law and specialises in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, tax law, family law, public and adminis-trative law, Intellectual property law, banking, commercial and financial services law. The firm represents numerous listed companies in Cyprus and Greece, banking, insurance and finance institutions and offers consultancy services to government and semi-government organisations. Papacharalambous & Angelides keeps up with all current developments in law in order to serve its clients more effectively and efficiently by recognis-ing each client’s individual needs. The firm strives to offer personal service, tailor-made to meet the needs of any business.

ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPSPapacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C is a member of the Inter-national Trademark Association (INTA), the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA), the MARQUES, the Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group (PTMG) and the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI). The firm was honoured with the “Business Law Firm of the Year in Cyprus” award by Corporate INTL Magazine 2011 and it has been also recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial as one of the leading firms in 2012. The Legal 500 Series is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest legal referral guide.

Languages: Greek, English, Russian, Lithuanian

PROFILESAndreas Papacharalambous B.A (Athens), Advocate – PartnerAndreas Papacharalambous studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 1976, he has been practicing law in Nicosia, where he co-founded the Papachara-lambous & Angelides LLC. Andreas deals with all areas of law and is in charge of the overall administration of the firm, as well as maintain-ing contacts with overseas clients.

Andreas Papacharalambous has been recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial in the area of dispute resolution.

Pavlos Angelides, Barrister-at-law (Lincoln’s Inn) – PartnerPavlos has been a barrister since 1977 and is a member of Lincoln’s Inn. He is a founding partner of Papachara-lambous & Angelides LLC and has considerable experience in litigation both in Cyprus and abroad. His spe-ciality areas include trade, commercial, corporate and tort litigation. Pavlos has been Vice-President of the Nicosia Bar Association for a number of years.

Loizos Papacharalambous LLB (Hons), Barrister-at-Law (Gray’s Inn), MCIArb, PGDip in Interna-tional Commercial Arbitration – Senior AssociateLoizos graduated from the University of Bristol before going on to success-fully complete the bar vocational course with Gray’s Inn. He was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2004 and in 2006 he successfully completed the Interna-tional and Comparative Commercial Arbitration Diploma with Queen Mary College of the University of London.

Loizos has been Vice-President of the Nicosia Bar Association for three years and he is currently Vice-Chair-man of the Cyprus Telecommunica-tions Authority (Cyta). He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Loizos has been recom-

SPECIAL REPORT

PAPACHARALAMBOUS & ANGELIDES LLC


mended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial in the area of dispute resolu-tion. His main areas of practice are commercial and corporate litigation, representation of banks, investment, finance and insurance companies.

Eleni Papacharalambous LLB (Hons), Barrister-at-Law (Gray’s Inn) – Senior AssociateEleni is Head of the Intellectual Property Department. She acquired her law degree from the University of Exeter in the UK before going on to complete the Bar Vocational Course with Gray’s Inn. She then successfully completed the Cyprus Bar Examina-tions and is a member of the Nicosia Bar Association. Eleni deals with all aspects of intellectual property law and is a litigation lawyer on intel-lectual property matters. She is a member of the Harmonization Com-mittee of the European Communities Trademark Association (ECTA) and has been recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2012 Editorial in the area of intellectual property.

Stavroulla Ioannou Kyrou LLB (Hons), B.Sc (Business Administration) – Senior AssociateStavroulla acquired her law degree from the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK in 2000 and she also holds a B.Sc. degree in General Busi-ness Administration. She completed her Cyprus Bar training course at Papacharalambous & Angelides LLC where she works today. Stavroulla is a highly experienced corporate lawyer with excellent communication skills and practical experience in corporate structuring.

Sophia Nicolaou LLB (Hons), M.Sc. (Management Information Systems) – Senior Associate Sophia obtained her law degree from the University of Sheffield, UK before completing her M.Sc. in Manage-ment Information Systems. Sophia is a member of the Cyprus Bar Associa-tion and has been practicing law since 1997. She specializes in family law.

Demos Christodoulou B.A (Thessaloniki) – Senior AssociateDemos studied at the Aristotle Uni-

versity of Thessaloniki from where he obtained his law degree in 1985. He is a member of the Cyprus Bar As-sociation and has been practicing law since 1985. He has extensive experi-ence in the field of civil litigation.

Coralia Papacharalambous LLB (Hons), LPC (College of Law), LLM ( International Business and Commercial Law) – AssociateCoralia obtained her law degree from City University, London in 2008. In 2009 she completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law, London in the corporate stream. In 2010, she obtained her LL.M at the University of Manches-ter with specialisation in Banking and Company Law. Coralia is currently practicing in the Corporate and Intel-lectual Property field.

Marinos Charalambous LLB (Hons), Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple) – AssociateMarinos graduated from the Univer-sity of Bristol in 2007 before going on to successfully complete the Bar Vocational Course as a member of Middle Temple. He completed his Cyprus Bar training course at Pa-pacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C, where he continues to deal with cases in the Corporate and Litigation Departments.

Alexis Anastasiou B.A (Athens), LLM ( Commercial Law) – AssociateAlexis graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2008 after successfully completing his Law degree. In 2010 he obtained his LL.M at the University of Bristol in the commercial stream. Alexis cur-rently specialises in administrative law, commercial and competition law.

Panayiotis Shiakallis B.A (Athens) – AssociatePanayiotis obtained his law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1980. He worked in the Department of Land and Surveys for a number of years and he has been practicing law since 2008. He has extensive experience in Property Law.

CONTACT DETAILSPapacharalambous & Angelides L.L.C. 12, Themistocli Dervi Street, 1st Floor, 1066 Nicosia, Cyprus.Postal address: P.O. Box 24901, 1305 Nicosia, CyprusTel: (+357) 22670189Fax: (+357) 22676976Website: www.palaw.com.cye-mail: [email protected]

Loizos Papacharalambous

Eleni Papacharalambous


THE FIRMPapantoniou & Papantoniou L.L.C. was founded in 1987, by Antonis S. Papantoniou. It is an esteemed law firm that provides an extensive range of legal products in an efficient and cost-effective manner to local and international clients.

The firm provides legal, consulting and fiduciary services, judicial representation, international trusts and tax planning to clients in Cyprus and worldwide. In the context of its legal services, the firm has a full-function organisational mechanism for representing international interests in Cyprus and providing consulting services to persons and companies intending to expand their business activities in Cyprus or through Cyprus on a global level.

Since 2004, the firm has been a member of European Law Firm (E.L.F.), an international organisation consisting of law firms from every European country. E.L.F. is a sophisticated and cohesive network of 29 commercially orientated law firms committed to offering out-standing yet cost effective legal services across Europe and beyond. Membership is by invitation only and is limited to one representative per country.

SERVICESThe aim of E.L.F. is the provision of high quality legal services to busi-nesses, companies, public and private organisations. Through its ELF mem-

bership, Papantoniou & Papantoniou L.L.C., has the ability to provide legal services in any other European country and worldwide. This ensures the speedy processing of legal affairs, efficiency and legal protection for business activity in other countries. The firm has been an active member of E.L.F. and has enhanced its experi-ence, knowledge and legal practice on an international and European level throughout the network.

Moreover, our law firm offers an extensive range of legal services in the Franchise Agreements sector of which aims to protect clients’ interests by pro-viding constant support for the smooth operation of these agreements.

Furthermore, it provides services to clients regarding the development of their business in the European area, the protection of their interests when they invest in real estate, the protection of their intellectual property such as trademarks, industrial ownership and judicial represen-tation whenever necessary.

Additionally, the firm’s experience and activities extend to representing its clients’ interests in the finance sector, including the stock market, securities, investment accounts and judicial repre-sentation whenever necessary. We also act as introducers to the Cyprus Stock Exchange and we advise and assist com-panies on public listing.

The firm’s expertise also extends to the sector of green development through Eu-

ropean funding programmes that apply to companies and individuals. As a conse-quence, this has opened up new horizons for cooperation and the representation of foreign companies wishing to be active in this sector through Cyprus companies.

Last but not least, the firm has earned a reputation for representing the interests of Middle East, Indian, Chinese, Eastern European and Russian companies which use Cypriot interna-tional companies to expand their busi-ness activities in Europe. The firm has close connections with Arabic, Indian, Chinese and Russian law firms so as to provide the highest quality of services with a view to protecting their interests.

At the same time, our 25-year experience in providing legal services to Cypriot and international clients in almost all business sectors gives them a chance to develop their business activi-ties beyond the borders of their own country. The firm’s experience, knowl-edge and connections give Cypriot and International clients a chance to obtain high-quality and cost-effective legal representation in response to challenges and opportunities as they arise.

Papantoniou and Papantoniou LLC is a full service law firm. It offers an extensive but non-exhaustive range of legal services in almost all fields of law. The firm has built a strong reputation for providing legal services to Cyprus and International companies, financial institutions and private clients.

SPECIAL REPORT

PAPANTONIOU & PAPANTONIOU L.L.C.


The areas of practice in which the firm specializes are:• International Tax & Trusts• Corporate & Commercial Law• Mergers & Acquisitions• Banking & Finance Law (Stock

Exchange)• Investment Law• General Litigation & Arbitration• Intellectual Property Law• Wills & Probate• Admiralty & Shipping Law• Debt Recovery

Corporate DepartmentOne of the largest departments of the firm is the company division, which deals in particular with the establishment and administration of companies, both International Business Companies (IBCs) and local ones registered in Cyprus and in other countries:• International Tax Planning• Formation of Cyprus Companies• Registration and administration of

trusts -Trustee services• Registration of branches of foreign

companies in Cyprus. Establishing and assisting foreign investments in Cyprus.

• Director, Secretarial and Nominee services, Registered Office, Mailing Address

• Management and administration of companies

• Opening of bank accounts.

• Book keeping, Accounting, Prepa-ration of financial statements and audit reports through qualified accountants.

• Registration of Shipping Companies

General Litigation DepartmentOur litigation department has extensive experience and a proven track record in successfully handling a wide range of claims and disputes in respect of general civil and criminal litigation including:• Company and partnership disputes• Banking and finance disputes• Insurance claims• Contract Claims • Debt collection• Intellectual Property• Stock exchange Cases• Intellectual Property Department:

The firm offers a full range legal services and assistance in relation to intellectual property law. Our exper-tise covers the following areas:• Advice on the acquisition, registra-

tion and protection of all intellectual property.

• Franchising and licensing.• Restrictive trade practices• Protection against unfair competi-

tion.• Patent, trademark, copyright, franchis-

ing proceedings and passing off actions.• Advice on all related tax aspects.Languages: Greek, English, French, Arabic

Offices: Cyprus, Greece and associ-ated offices all over Europe through the European Law Firm.

Association membershipsCyprus Bar Association, the Interna-tional Society of Logistics (SOLE), the Association of European Legal Com-munity and the European Law Firm.

Number of lawyers: 81. Antonis S. Papantoniou (Manag-

ing Director)2. George Payiasis (Senior Associate

Lawyer) 3. Nicoletta Papamichael (Senior

Associate Lawyer) 4. Kyriakos Georgiou (Associate

Lawyer) 5. Nicoletta Nicolaidou (Associate

Lawyer) 6. Dora Demetro (Associate Lawyer) 7. Angelos Exadaktylos (Associate

Lawyer) 8. Maria Karekla (Associate Lawyer)

CONTACT DETAILSPapantoniou & Papantoniou L.L.C.41, Themistocli Dervi St., Hawaii Tower, Office 708, 1066 Nicosia, Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 21233, 1504 Nicosia, CyprusTel: (+357) 22817711 Fax: (+357) 22817717 Website: www.paplaw.com.cye-mail: [email protected]

Antonis S. Papantoniou


THE FIRMAs a boutique law firm, Protopapa, Demetriou & Co L.L.C. operates with integrity and ethos. We utilize our diverse professional experience to offer our clients a wide range of services in both the local and international legal arenas.

Its dynamic business-oriented team, with the support of the firm’s own devel-oped cutting-edge technologies, stands dedicated in offering personalized and efficient yet tailor-made solutions for its clients’ constantly-changing needs. The founding partners of Protopapa, Deme-triou & Co L.L.C. have a proven success-ful track record and have demonstrated throughout their professional careers their readiness to manage each and every issue without compromising the firm’s values and sense of responsibility.

The firm capitalizes on its Partners’ and dedicated Associates’ diverse academ-ic and professional backgrounds in order to offer efficient and effective solutions to clients. In doing so, it saves clients’ valuable time and resources thanks to the understanding that the only constant in any company should be continuous movement in today’s rapidly-changing business environment.

AREAS OF PRACTICE• Corporate Law• Commercial Law• Investment Firm Formation and Con-

sulting

• Company Incorporation and Registra-tion

• Fiduciary Services• Company Liquidation• Mergers and Acquisitions• Intellectual Property• Contract• Debt Recovery and Collection• Insurance Claims• Restructuring and Insolvency• Property• International Judgments• Employment• Wills and Probate• Tort Languages: Greek, English, Russian, French, German, Italian

OFFICESHead Office: 15, Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, Matrix Tower II, 4001 Limassol, CyprusTel: (+357) 25720000Fax: (+357) 25720055Greece Office: 25, Vasileos Konstantinou, 10674 Athens, GreeceTel: (+30) 210-7254490Fax: (+30) 210-7246489

MEMBERSHIPS• Cyprus Bar Association• Athens Bar Association• International Bar Association• Cyprus-Russian Business Association• Cyprus-Lebanon Business Association

• Cyprus-China Business Association • Cyprus International Business Associa-

tion (C.I.B.A.)• Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (C.C.C.I.)• Cyprus Employers and Industrialists

Federation (O.E.B.)

Listed By:• www.martindale.com• www.iflr1000.com• www.legal500.com• www.chambersandpartners.com• www.alqlist.com• www.lawyersincyprus.com

PROFILESLOUIZA A. PROTOPAPALouiza Protopapa was a Partner in a well-acknowledged law firm before she set out to establish her own practice through the present legal partnership. With more than eleven years as a corporate lawyer and litigator, she has acquired extensive experience in civil, commercial and cor-porate matters. She has been a consultant for major M&As and has negotiated on behalf of the Sponsor in expensive spon-sorship contracts in some of the most prestigious areas of sport as the WRC (World Rally Championship), Formula 1 Racing and UK Premier League football. She is also experienced in the area of online marketing and has provided advice to clients seeking the services of power-ful Internet providers such as Google,

SPECIAL REPORT

PROTOPAPA, DEMETRIOU & CO L.L.C.


Yahoo!, Bloomberg and Euronews. Her practice focuses mainly on international and local business consulting, specialis-ing in corporate structures, investment firms, consulting, online marketing, software applications protection and the protection of Intellectual Property in general. She is also involved in all related corporate litigation.

Practice Areas:• Corporate Law• Advertising and Marketing• Commercial Litigation• Company Law• Trademark Registration• Computers and Software• Contracts• Mergers and Acquisitions• Intellectual Property Protection• Investment Firm Consulting

Memberships: • Cyprus Bar Association• Athens Bar Association• International Bar Association.Languages: Greek and English

CHARIS D. DEMETRIOU Charis Demetriou has an associate diploma in Criminology from City University, New York and a law degree from Exeter University, UK. He was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2004 and has worked as a litigator in large firms ever since. One of the found-ing members of this partnership, he has extensive experience in medical negligence claims, insurance claims and personal injuries, debt collection and debt recovery claims. Throughout his career he has successfully managed property acquisitions and assisted ma-jor property firms with the financing of their projects. His experience extends across the whole spectrum of labour issues. He is Secretary of the Board of the Limassol Bar Association having been re-elected in 2012. His interests have led him to become a Prosecutor on the Disciplinary Committee of the Cyprus Football Federation.

Practice Areas:• Insurance Claims• Debt Collection• Debt Recovery Claims• Medical Negligence • Personal Injury

• Tort• Criminal and Civil Litigation• Labour Consulting and Litigation• Property

Memberships: • Cyprus Bar Association• Athens Bar Association• International Bar Association.

Languages: Greek and English

CONTACT DETAILSProtopapa, Demetriou & Co L.L.C. 15,Spyros Kyprianou Avenue,Matrix Tower II, Floor 3, 4001 Limassol, Cyprus Postal address: P.O. Box 51511, 3506 Limassol, CyprusTel: (+357) 25720000Fax: (+357) 25720055Website: www.pd-legal.com

Charis D. Demetriou

Louiza A. Protopapa


THE FIRMThe firm, which has been in opera-tion since 2003, was founded by Panikos Symeou (Lawyer) and Christakis Konnaris (Lawyer). Over the past few years, it has developed a wide range of contacts in numer-ous jurisdictions, enabling it to take an international view of its clients’ needs. The firm’s policy is to deliver expert legal services in an environ-ment that encourages professional-ism, confidence and trust.

AREAS OF PRACTICE The firm covers virtually all areas of legal practice, such as litigation, real estate, contract law, shipping law, commercial law, employment law, etc. However, its main focus is on the field of corporate and commer-cial law and it deals with all aspects related to companies and the legal world surrounding them. Our firm carries out the formation of compa-nies, branches and trusts in Cyprus, the Seychelles, British Virgin Islands, the UK, Belize, Panama, the USA & a number of other jurisdictions. The firm’s dedicated team carries out professional business administration, tending to all of our clients’ corporate managerial needs, providing nominee services (nominee directors, share-holders, secretaries, registered office) where required. Our experience in the corporate world enables us to carry out a full analysis of our clients’

individual business objectives, needs and requirements, which allows us to legally assist, advise and provide pro-fessional services which cater for the development of our clients’ business.

Cyprus is a favourable location for direct and indirect investment, offshore activities and a hub for inter-national business, due to its strategic location, its favourable tax regime and the existence of a wide network of double tax treaties. Our firm pro-vides detailed international tax plan-ning, specifically structured according to our clients’ personal objectives, organisational needs and jurisdiction particulars. As a law firm, we further provide legal consultancy on invest-ment opportunities worldwide, and assistance in raising finance, consul-tancy in relation to setting up the optimal international business group structure. We aid in the opening and management of bank accounts with reputable banks and act with them for relevant professional banking services.

OUR MISSION In general, our main objective as a firm is to provide expert legal services in an environment that encourages trust and professionalism, covering all areas of the law and tending to our wide clientele. We aim to legally advise, assist and serve our clients throughout all the stages of their business activities through personal

attention, a quick response and a high standard of excellence reflected in our service.

Number of Lawyers: 7Languages: Greek, English, Russian, French

PROFILESPanikos Symeou is one of the founding partners of Symeou & Konnaris L.L.C. He graduated in law (LLB) from the Peoples Friend-ship University of Moscow and later obtained a Master’s degree (LLM) in Business Law from De Montfort University, UK. He also holds a Master’s Degree in the Science of Finance Management. Mr. Symeou was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2003 and he has prac-tised in all areas of law for the past nine years. He speaks Greek, Russian and English.

Christakis Konnaris is one of the founding partners of Symeou & Konnaris L.L.C. He graduated from the Peoples Friendship University of Moscow, where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Law in 2002 and later obtained his Master’s Degree from the Taras Shevshenko University, Kiev, Ukraine. Mr. Konnaris was ad-mitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2003 and has been practicing law ever since. He speaks Greek, Russian and English.

SPECIAL REPORT

SYMEOU & KONNARIS L.L.C.


Neda Irodotou completed her stud-ies in law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2002. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Associa-tion in 2003 and began her practice. Neda has been with the firm since December 2010 and has continued to practise in all areas of the law. She speaks Greek and English.

Kristina Ermakova finished her studies in Political and Social Sci-ence at the People’s Friendship Uni-versity of Moscow in 2005 and went on to complete her legal studies in 2008. With the firm since August 2008, she deals with all aspects of

corporate law. She speaks English, Russian and Greek.

Alexander Platon graduated from LMU (London) in 2010 and joined our corporate department in September 2011, practising in the area of cor-porate and company law. He speaks English and Greek.

Andria Lambrou obtained her LLB at the University of Leicester in 2009, before completing her Master’s in Maritime Law at the University of Nottingham in 2010. Andria was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2012 and joined

our firm in February. She speaks Greek and English.

Dr. Zsofia Nagy graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Szeged, Hungary in 2009 and has been practising law ever since. She joined the firm in June 2011. She speaks Hungar-ian, English and French.

CONTACT DETAILSSymeou & Konnaris L.L.C.61, Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, SK HOUSE, 4003, Limassol Cyprus.Tel: (+357) 25818400 Fax: (+357) 25355559Website: www.sklaw-firm.com e-mail: [email protected]

Christakis Konnaris Panikos Symeou


lawyers

Documents

cyprus registrar of

new companies

companies available

registered companies

f cyprus

convenient way

new opportunities

international business