'depth of expertise, commercial pragmatism and consistent high-quality execution … approachable and empathetic … immense experience'
Chambers Global 2026
'stands out for its ability to combine deep legal expertise with a strong understanding of business realities ... always pragmatic and tailored to commercial needs'
Chambers Europe 2026
'excellent, professional, friendly team ... responsive, helpful and a one-stop shop for doing business in Greece'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2026
'we can count on their expertise on every issue that the business facing in the market'
IFLR 1000 35th Edition
Our practice has advised participants in many of the high value and innovative corporate public and private sector transactions to have taken place in Greece. We advise global and domestic market leaders, small to medium sized enterprises and entrepreneurs from a range of industries, financing institutions, funds and other international investors as well as the State on their corporate and commercial activities, risk mitigation and compliance.
Our team has unparalleled experience in structuring and executing ground-breaking deals in the context of new legislation, market liberalization and foreign investment.
A significant part of our practice is taken up by the provision of ongoing legal services to clients in relation to the legal issues arising in the course of their day-to-day business activities, corporate governance and ESG compliance requirements, commercial contracts and regulatory compliance, for many of which we have acted for over a decade.
We have also assisted in the drafting of new legislation and advised on matters leading to the development of legal frameworks and believe this experience adds substantially to the value of our service. Our aim is to get to know our clients’ individual requirements to ensure we provide a personalized service which is in line with their goals.
Corporate Advisory & Commercial Agreements
Advising leading small, medium and large local and foreign corporations from all industries on their establishment, management and structure is a core service offering. We take an overall view in assisting clients on the structure, alignment and governance of their companies and groups, transactions, contracts and any issues arising in the course of their everyday business. We offer innovative legal solutions to commercial issues faced by our clients and document their activities through agreements designed to offer protection while allowing their businesses to thrive.
Corporate Restructurings
We advise on company and group restructurings with a view to improving tax and operational efficiency. We also have experience representing all types of stakeholders in managing the risks associated with distressed situations and the methods available to address this and avoid insolvency procedures. Our team is highly experienced in cross-border restructurings, mergers & acquisitions of distressed companies or their assets, and investigations.
Mergers & Acquisitions
We advise on mergers, acquisitions and takeovers of public and private companies, as well as transfers of businesses and assets, many with a cross-border element. We represent all types of market participants including acquirers, financial advisors and various stakeholders, and have often drafted documentation to cover ground-breaking transaction structures. We work closely with our EU, Competition & Antitrust, Capital Markets, Employment, Tax and Litigation Departments to provide an integrated, cross-practice service.
Risk & Compliance
Many of our clients, most of which we act for on an ongoing basis, operate in heavily regulated industries. We recognize the importance of risk management and believe in keeping one step ahead of developments in compliance requirements. We combine our knowledge of the law and industries to identify potential challenges or opportunities. Our team advises on corporate and financial reporting, compliance related risk and external investigations, as well as on ESG compliance matters.
Recent Experience
Hg Investment in ENTERSOFTONE
We act as Greek law counsel to Olympia Group and Imker Group, existing shareholders of ENTERSOFTONE (ES1), in connection with Hg’s investment in ENTERSOFTONE (ES1). Hg is a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. The transaction marks Hg's first investment in Greece and values the company’s business at around €1bn.
Aktor Indirect Acquisition Of 75% In HELECTOR And THALIS
Bernitsas advises Aktor on its indirect acquisition of 75% in HELECTOR and THALIS (the Targets) through the direct acquisition from Motor Oil of an equal stake in MANETIAL LIMITED, the parent company of the Targets, pursuant to a binding share purchase agreement signed on 5 August 2026 (the Transaction). Completion of the Transaction is expected no later than the first quarter of 2027 and is subject to customary conditions for transactions of this nature, including approval by the Hellenic Competition Commission.
Sale of Majority Stake in Skroutz to Funds Managed by Blackstone
We advised CVC Capital Partners and the founder shareholders of Skroutz SA Internet Services on their entering into a binding agreement for the sale of a majority stake in Skroutz to funds managed by Blackstone.
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA Indirect Acquisition of Two Hospitality Companies
We advised Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, a leading Norwegian airline company listed on the Oslo stock exchange, in connection with its indirect acquisition of NLTG Hotels Greece SMPC and NLTG HH Greece SMSA, companies operating three major hotel complexes in Crete and Rhodes. The transaction forms part of the broader acquisition of Sweden-based Nordic Leisure Travel Group AB which includes concept hotels in Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Thailand and Turkey, for more than €700m.
Vivartia Group Sale of Dodoni
We advised Vivartia Group on the successful sale of its 100% shareholding in Dodoni SMSA to Hellenic Dairies SA.
CVC Sale of Ethniki Hellenic General Insurance (Ethniki Asfalistiki) to Piraeus Bank
We advised on the sale by Ethniki Holdings Limited, a holding company managed by CVC Capital Partners Fund VII, of its 90.01% stake in Ethniki Asfalistiki to Piraeus Bank for a total consideration of €600m on a 100% basis. This landmark transaction represents a significant development in the Greek insurance market.
Establishment of Greece’s First Sovereign Fund
We acted as Greek Law counsel to Growthfund, which manages a substantial portfolio of state-owned enterprises, in relation to setting up Greece’s first sovereign wealth fund, a landmark case for Greek funds. Our role included assisting the Fund with the interpretation and application of new Law 5131/2024 provisions, negotiations and public consultations. We also advised the Fund on a series of investment, funds, public law and competition law matters.
CVC and Hellenic Healthcare Group Disposal of Part of its Stake to PureHealth
We advised CVC and Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) in connection with the sale of a 60% stake in HHG to PureHealth Holding PJSC by CVC and HHG’s CEO. The deal values HHG at €2.2bn and its completion is currently subject to regulatory approvals. CVC and HHG’s CEO will continue their strategic partnership with HHG by retaining a substantial stake of 40%, once the deal is finalized. Our team advised on complex Greek law transactional and other legal issues deriving from HHG group’s domestic operations and existing contractual, including bank finance, arrangements and third-party consents and approvals.
Constant Contact Acquisition of Moosend from Sitecore
We advised Constant Contact on the acquisition of Moosend, an email marketing and automation platform provider, from Sitecore.
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) Acquisition οf TERNA ENERGY
We advised Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) on the acquisition of TERNA ENERGY from GEK TERNA and other shareholders. The deal represents the largest ever energy transaction on the Athens Exchange and one of the largest in the EU renewables industry.
Sale of Mandoulides Schools to Dukes Education
We advised Mandoulides Holding on the sale of Mandoulides Schools in Thessaloniki to Dukes Education.
Thrivest Holding Agreement with the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund to Create the Fifth Banking Pillar in Greece
We advised Thrivest, a holding company controlled by prominent Greek entrepreneurs also on its equity investment in Attica Bank further to Thrivest’s agreement with the (former) Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF), intended to create the fifth banking pillar in Greece (Agreement) pursuant to the merger of Attica Bank with Pancreta Bank and the subsequent recapitalization of the combined bank. Thrivest was a significant shareholder of each of Pancreta Bank and Attica Bank and the HFSF was and remains a significant shareholder of Attica Bank. We also advised Thrivest on the negotiation and execution of the Agreement, the merger of the two banks and the subsequent capital raising of €672.2m by Attica Bank (the Capital Raising), aiming to support the combined bank’s business plan and cover additional capital needs, including those for non-performing loans under the ‘Hercules III’ state guarantee program.
Unity Holding Company Acquisition of Entersoft
We advised Unity Holding Company (UHC), a holding company jointly controlled by Olympia Group and Rucio Investment Sàrl, in connection with UHC’s acquisition of Entersoft SA (Company), listed on the Athens Exchange. The transaction involved a complex acquisition structure combining market purchases, irrevocable undertakings from key shareholders and a take-over bid, further to which UHC acquired c. 99.6 of the Company’s shares.
BMW Hellas Trade of Cars SA Successful Spin Off of Leasing Sector
We advised BMW Hellas Trade of Cars SA on the successful spin-off of its vehicles leasing sector, contributing this division to its newly established wholly owned subsidiary, BMW Hellas Leasing Single Member Private Company.
Guala Closures Acquisition of Astir Vitogiannis Bros SA
We acted as Greek law counsel to Guala Closures in relation to their acquisition of 100% of Astir Vitogiannis Bros SA from a company within the Ideal Group, with an enterprise value of €136m.
Accenture Acquisition of Arηs Group
We advised Accenture on the Greek leg of the acquisition of Arηs Group, a technology services provider of more than 2,330 people across Luxembourg, Belgium and Greece, primarily focused on supporting public sector transformation.
Sale of the Majority Stake of Ydrogios Insurance to Reale Group
We advised the majority shareholders of Ydrogios Insurance on the successful completion of the sale of a majority stake to Reale Group, following regulatory approval by the Bank of Greece. The agreement was signed on 5 July 2023 and the first stage of the transaction was completed on 19 February 2024. We advised on the entire transaction cycle, including negotiations of the transaction documents and sellers’ regulatory formalities.
GIC Strategic Investment in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP)
We advised GIC, a global institutional investor, on the Greek leg of their entry as a new capital partner in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP). GIC will acquire a shareholding of approximately 35% in HIP, with funds managed by Blackstone continuing to be a majority shareholder in HIP, with approximately 65% ownership of the company.
INTRAKAT acquisition of 100% of AKTOR
We advised INTRAKAT on their acquisition of 100% of AKTOR from ELLAKTOR and AKTOR CONCESSIONS in consideration of €100m payable in cash. As part of the transaction, INTRAKAT guaranteed the repayment of AKTOR’s outstanding intragroup indebtedness of up to €114m.
CNH Industrial Acquisition of Augmenta Group
We advised CNH Industrial, a global leader in agriculture and construction equipment, technology and services, on their acquisition of 90% of the Augmenta group, which specializes in software and hardware developed for agricultural purposes.
GIC Strategic Partnership with Sani/Ikos Group
Bernitsas Law advised GIC on their entry into a strategic partnership with Sani / Ikos Group, under which GIC becomes the leading shareholder alongside Sani/Ikos Group’s management team. The transaction values the Sani/Ikos Group at €2.3bn.
Acquisition of Med Frigo Group
We advised an international investor on their participation in the acquisition of Med Frigo Group, a group of companies which operates and provides integrated services in national and international transportation and cold chain logistics.
Delta Foods Sale of United Company EAD
We acted as legal counsel to Delta Foods SMSA, a member of the Vivartia Group, in connection with the sale of its wholly owned Bulgarian subsidiary United Milk Company EAD to Tyrbul EAD, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hellenic Dairies SA.
MBC Group €225m Investment in Antenna Greece BV
We acted as Greek law counsel to MBC Group in connection with their €225m investment in Antenna Greece BV, the indirect parent company of Antenna TV and Makedonia TV. The investment was made through a capital increase, further to which MBC Group acquired a significant minority stake in Antenna Greece BV.
Partners Group Acquisition of Pharmathen from BC Partners
We acted as Greek law counsel to Partners Group on their acquisition of Pharmathen from the international investment firm BC Partners, with the transaction valuing Pharmathen at an enterprise value of c.€1.6bn, and advised Partners Group on various facilities agreements and security arrangements.
CVC Acquisition of Ethniki Insurance
We acted as Greek law counsel to CVC on the successful acquisition from National Bank of Greece of 100% of the leading Greek insurer Ethniki Insurance by Ethniki Holdings S.ὰ.r.l., a holding company invested in by funds managed or advised by CVC.
Prodege LLC Acquisition of Pollfish Ιnc
We advised Prodege LLC, a cutting-edge marketing and consumer insights platform, on the acquisition of Pollfish Inc and in particular its Greek operations, including a Greek start up active in market research and surveys.
Motor Oil Acquisition of ELIN VERD
We advised Motor Oil on the acquisition of ELIN VERD, a company active in the production and promotion of biofuels.
Vivartia Acquisition of Hellenic Dough SA and Alesis SA
We advised Vivartia in the increase of its stake and acquisition of control in Hellenic Dough SA and Alesis SA, two former joint ventures with former co-shareholder and major players in the frozen dough products sector.
Sale of Stake in Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator
We advised CVC in their participation in the tender conducted by the Public Power Corporation for the sale of 49% in Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO).
Motor Oil Acquisition of Thalis ES
Bernitsas Law advised Motor Oil on the acquisition of 100% of Thalis ES, a leading company in circular economy, active in solid, water and liquid waste management, recycling and treatment.
Sale of Significant Minority Stake in Ellaktor SA
We advised Greenhill Investments Limited and Kiloman Holdings Limited on the sale of their c.30% stake in Ellaktor SA to Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries SA in consideration of €182m.
Sale of a Majority Stake in Trastor REIC
We advised WRED LLC, an affiliate of Värde Partners, on the sale of their c.52% stake in Trastor Real Estate Investment Company SA to Piraeus Bank, in consideration of c.€98m payable in cash.
CVC Indirect Acquisition of Majority Stake in Dodoni
We acted as transaction counsel to CVC in connection with the indirect acquisition of a majority stake in Dodoni SA by Venetiko Holdings SMSA, a Greek company invested in by funds advised or managed by CVC and the entering into a shareholders’ agreement with the former shareholders of Dodoni SA.
Crown Holdings Inc Sale of Majority Stake to KPS Capital Partners
We advised Crown Holdings Inc on the Greek leg of its definitive agreement to sell 80% of its European Tinplate business to KPS Capital Partners LP for approximately €1.9bn.
CVC Acquisition of Vivartia Holdings
We advised CVC on the acquisition by Venetiko Holdings SMSA, a Greek company invested in by funds managed or advised by CVC, of c.99.47% of Vivartia Holdings SA, as well as on the financial restructuring of Vivartia group's bank debt.
Saint-Gobain Group Merger of Subsidiaries
We advised the Saint-Gobain Group on the merger by absorption of two of its local subsidiaries into one entity.
Piraeus Bank Demerger by Hive-Down
We advised Piraeus Bank SA in connection with the demerger by way of hive-down of its banking activity sector and its contribution into a new banking entity.
Cosco Shipping Acquisition of 60% Stake in PEARL
We advised Cosco, acting through Ocean Rail Logistics SA, in their acquisition of 60% of Piraeus Europe Asia Rail Logistics SA (PEARL).
Acquisition of Minority Stake in Skroutz
Bernitsas Law has acted as Greek law counsel to CVC in connection with the acquisition of a strategic minority stake in Skroutz SA, the leading e-commerce platform in Greece, by SAIGA Sàrl, a company invested in by funds managed or advised by CVC.
Acquisition of Marinas
We advised CVC in the successful acquisition through funds advised or managed by it of the Greek, Croatian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) businesses of D-Marin, a leading operator of premium yacht marinas in the Mediterranean and United Arab Emirates (UAE), from the Doğuş Group, a leading Turkish conglomerate.
Advice to CNP Group of Companies
We advise the local entities of the CNP Group of Companies, including its insurance companies, on a day-to-day basis, advising on their corporate bookkeeping, regulatory issues, commercial and litigation matters.
Ellaktor Merger by Absorption
We advised Ellaktor, the leading Greek construction company, on its merger by absorption with EL.Tech Anemos, a leader in renewable energy in Greece, both listed companies.
Advice to BMW Group of Companies
We provide legal support to the local entities of the BMW Group of Companies on a day-to-day basis, including advice on their corporate bookkeeping, regulatory issues, commercial, labour, data protection and litigation matters.
