The ‘highly skilled and responsive’ team at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants ‘always provides clear and practical legal advice’. With Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris at the helm, it regularly advises domestic and foreign banks, investors, financial institutions and electronic money institutions. Other key clients include large companies. It is adept at advising on the full spectrum of issues, including advising on fintech and crypto-assets. A sizeable proportion of its work focuses on secured financing transactions. The firm acts as local counsel to three credit institutions operating in Cyprus. It remains busy advising on syndicated project financings and re-financings. The practice is well placed to handle complex matters with a significant multi-jurisdictional component. Other key members of the practice include Anna Rossides and Pavlos Symeonides. Artemis Amalia Metaxa has a proven track record of advising clients on a variety of high-value secured and syndicated financing transactions.
‘The finance team at Chrysostomides is incredibly responsive, and professional, and provides commercially minded advice on matters of Cypriot law. We have worked with them on multiple cross-border syndicated transactions.’
‘Artemis Amalia Metaxa is very knowledgeable and has been an incredible support on all matters of Cypriot law on cross-border syndicated transactions.’
‘Christia-Lydia Kastellani is absolutely competent and resilient, very reactive and constantly available. She is prompt in her responses and able to comprehend the problems and propose solutions. ’
‘We’ve worked with Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants on several complex matters for the past few years. Whether it’s corporate law, banking and finance or any other regulatory issues, they consistently deliver outstanding results.’
‘Artemis Amalia Metaxa has strong professional and analytical skills, attention to detail, and a client-oriented approach that makes our cooperation seamless. Her assistance provides us with confidence in navigating even the most challenging legal situations.’
‘The team is very experienced, efficient and client-oriented. They can always find a better solution for the client. Artemis A. Metaxa is an excellent and experienced professional. Her skills and knowledge of the market are exceptional. ’
‘Artemis Amalia Metaxa truly stood out for her exceptional expertise in the Banking & Finance practice. Her responsiveness was remarkable, ensuring that our communication remained seamless, even when facing tight deadlines.’
‘Artemis A Metaxa and Anna Rossides are excellent lawyers who are a pleasure to work with. They strike the right balance between advice and creativity which distinguishes all good lawyers in my experience.’
Key clients
Alpha Bank S.A.
National Bank of Greece (Cyprus)
National Bank of Greece
Piraeus Bank S.A.
Housing Finance Corporation
Natixis, Singapore Branch
Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus Limited
Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd
First Abu Dhabi Bank P.J.S.C. (Singapore Branch)
ABN AMRO Bank N.V
Barclays Bank PLC
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (Suisse) SA
Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus Limited
Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
Dragon Capital
J&T Banka, a.s.
Astarta Holding Plc
doValue Cyprus
Work highlights
Advised major multinational banks on nine separate occasions over the last 12 months concerning the financing of Gunvor, a global commodity trading group of companies. The six completed transactions are valued at $1.885bn, 335m, 125m 780m, 1.34bn and 1.2 bn, respectively.
Acting for doValue Cyprus, a company that manages credit and real estate assets deriving from non-performing loans, following an action raised by a debtor, claiming that the loan agreement and all related security agreements contain unfair contract terms rendering the entirety of such agreements void and null.
The team at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants demonstrates ‘exceptional professionalism and commitment to client service’. Other clients remark that the department, under the leadership of Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris, ‘provides high-quality service with attention to detail and timely responses’. The large practice remains the trusted advisor to some of the world’s largest corporations, middle market and emerging businesses. It helps clients through all stages of the transaction from pre-acquisition due diligence to covering regulatory matters. It is skilled at advising on a plethora of other complex matters, such as on the issue and listing of securities. Anna Rossides and Pavlos Symeonides are both highly regarded. Artemis Amalia Metaxa‘s expertise includes advising on share capital actions, insolvency and winding up proceedings, and minority protection rights. Christia-Lydia Kastellani is another noteworthy member of the practice.
‘The firm stands out through its specialised expertise in areas like M&A, private equity, and cross-border transactions. Clients benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach, ensuring comprehensive support across all legal aspects.’
‘The firm’s strength lies in its deep industry knowledge, strategic problem-solving, and a proven track record in high-value, complex deals. Although a relatively large firm for Cyprus standards, it manages to offer a personalised service with direct partner involvement, combining agility and cost-effectiveness.’
‘George Ioannou is known for his hands-on approach, providing direct guidance and personalised attention, which fosters strong client relationships.’
‘We’ve worked with Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants on several complex matters for the past few years, and their expertise and dedication have been exceptional. The team is highly skilled, responsive, and always provides clear, practical legal advice.’
‘Working with Christia-Lydia Kastellani, a senior associate at Chrysostomides, has been an excellent experience for us. She is a highly skilled, detail-oriented lawyer who consistently delivers clear, strategic advice, even in the most complex matters.’
‘The team is experienced, efficient and client-oriented. Artemis A. Metaxa is a very good and experienced professional. Her skills are exceptional.’
‘They offer a well-rounded balance of deep expertise and practical business acumen. What sets them apart from other firms is their collaborative approach. They ensure seamless communication between their team members and clients, fostering a responsive and flexible working relationship.’
‘Pavlos Symeonides leads a very engaged team and is open to discussing the approach to be followed in legal matters. Artemis-Amalia Metaxa is a very knowledgeable lawyer who addresses effectively the client’s requests, offers assistance and has excellent cooperation with the members of our law firm.’
Key clients
ASTARTA Holding
Atalaya Mining Plc
Venus Minerals (Cyprus) Limited
DECA Investments
Astrobank Public Company Limited
American University of Beirut
Noble Corporation PLC
Horizon Capital
NetApp Inc
Purcari Wineries PLC
Ovostar Public PLC
Christian Dior
Digital Tree E-Publishers
Dragon Capital
Dexcom
Sanofi – Aventis Cyprus Limited
VNV Global AB
Energyintel Services Ltd
Work highlights
Advised DFDS, an international shipping company headquartered in Denmark with shares listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen, on the multi-million EUR acquisition of companies from FRS Iberia/Maroc.
Advised Deca Investments, a private equity fund based in Luxembourg, on acquiring a significant multi-million EUR minority stake in cybersecurity provider Odyssey Consultants Limited.
Advised the American University of Beirut on a $60m investment related to the establishment of a new university in Cyprus.
The team at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants is praised for its ‘excellent performance at all levels’, under the first-class leadership of George Mountis. It is adept at dealing with the most complex and high-value cases before the local courts, various international arbitration courts and tribunals. The department has significant experience in commercial and corporate litigation, as well as in banking cases. Another area of expertise is handling administrative law litigation, and advising on applications for judicial review. The wide-ranging experience of the firm extends to many other areas spanning employment law, family and EU law, as well as issues relating to the games industry and IP litigation. It garners praise for its international capabilities too. Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis and Dimitris Papapolyviou are among the other highly recommended members of the department.
‘I have worked with Dimitris Papapolyviou in relation to a complex multi-jurisdictional dispute. I have found him very bright, diligent, and creative in his thinking while being pragmatic.’
‘The excellent knowledge of local court rules and practice in combination with a deep understanding of worldwide business ethics. High standard of the team – Mountis/ Papapolyviou- daily monitoring/immediate response/punctual court applications/excellent settlement advice.’
‘George Mountis is a brilliant strategist and has a very good feel for how cases are likely to go. Victoria Papagianni knows her cases inside-out.’
‘Associates such as Demetris Papapolyviou and Christodoulos Christodoulou are efficient, responsive and diligent. I worked with this team in a case and I was very impressed with their performance on all levels.’
‘The firm provides an outstanding and excellent level of service. Being a well-established leading Cyprus law firm, providing clear business solutions through professional legal services, I have felt the difference in professionalism but also in approach compared to other legal services providers.’
‘George Mountis is an excellent strategist and experienced in many areas of law. Pioneer on complex cases and pleasure to work with. ’
‘Professional and passionate individuals, delivering what they are being asked for in a timely and efficient manner taking always into consideration the best interests of their clients.’
‘Definitely a go-to firm for complex and difficult cases.’
Key clients
Wargaming Group Limited/Wargaming.net Limited
Hellenic Petroleum Group
British Airways PLC
Landesbank Berlin AG
Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus Ltd
Housing Finance Corporation
Deloitte Central Europe Ltd
doValue Cyprus
Astrobank Public Co Ltd
Panelterra Investments Ltd.
Work highlights
Filed a large-scale and complex action before the Nicosia District Court against the ‘bail-in’ measures imposed in the Republic of Cyprus back in 2013, against the Republic of Cyprus itself and the main national authorities or players involved, representing a total of 284 plaintiffs (all shareholders of the Bank of Cyprus Public Co. Limited) in a claim valued at approximately EUR1bn.
Representing one of the main defendants in a multi-jurisdictional EUR360m fraud claim brought by an established group of companies against 79 natural and legal persons.
Representing the defendants in a case relating to an allegedly complex and high-value fraud involving various assets.
The dynamic employment practice at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants has an excellent track record of acting at the highest level for individuals, groups of employees and senior executives. It deftly handles numerous complex and high-profile cases. The group provides a wide range of advice to private and public employers, multinational companies and SMEs. The erudite team covers the full spectrum of employment, compensation and benefits issues. This includes providing advisory and transactional support to clients, as well as advising on a whole host of contentious matters. It frequently advises on diversity, equality and inclusion issues, as well as advising on confidentiality, trade secrets and post-employment termination arrangements. Eleni Chrysostomides and Alexandros Taliadoros are the practice heads. Alexandros Efstathiou left the firm in May 2024.
Practice head(s):
Eleni Chrysostomides; Alexandros Taliadoros
Key clients
Wolt Market
Wolt
Oyster HR
Pharmascience
Knauf Cyprus Limited
Xm (Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd)
Gezairi Transport Ltd
Phil.Andreou Group
Christian Dior
Tencent (online games)
Work highlights
Advising Christian Dior on all aspects of setting up a boutique store in Cyprus, including on employment law matters.
Regularly advises Wolt Enterprises Oy, trading as Wolt (the Finnish food delivery company known for its delivery platform for food and merchandise) on all aspects of employment law.
Currently advising ELCA Cosmetics Ltd, a member of the Estée Lauder group of companies, on all aspects of employment law in Cyprus.
Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants has dedicated EU and competition law departments to handle both national and transnational projects. Clients include national government departments, European Commission Directorates, and multinational companies from a wide range of sectors. The group is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of matters, from advising on European business grant schemes to advising on regulatory issues for regulated industries. Other core areas of focus include advising on merger control, cartels, abuses of dominant positions and other anti-competitive agreements. George Mountis, Anna Rossides and Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis are the heads of the department. Alexandros Efstathiou left the firm in May 2024 to set up his own firm.
Practice head(s):
George Mountis; Anna Rossides; Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis
Testimonials
‘In litigation, the team has experience in handling complex litigation before the Court of Justice of the European Union, the General Court of the EU, and the European Court of Human Rights.’
‘They are efficient in preparing a case, they leave no stone unturned. They also exercise good judgment in deciding what avenues to pursue.’
‘They are excellent negotiators, able to unravel the weaknesses of the other party and protect effectively the interests of their clients.’
‘In my view, they are one of the very top firms in Cyprus. Highly competent and of outstanding integrity. They would be my first port of call.’
‘Victoria Zoi Papagiannis is an outstanding lawyer. She is extremely hard-working and delivers on time. I have worked with her in five cases involving a multitude of complex issues and she is a star.’
Key clients
Holding Soprema SA
Venus by Maria Tash Inc.
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA
DECA Investments
European Commission
Wolt Cyprus Ltd
Wolt Market
Work highlights
Acted as competition legal counsel for Cyprus in relation to the acquisition of 97.7385% of the share capital in Copernit S.p.A by Holding Soprema SA.
Filed an action against the ‘bail-in’ measures imposed in the Republic of Cyprus back in 2013, against the Republic of Cyprus itself and the main national authorities totalling EUR1bn.
Acted as competition legal counsel for Cyprus in relation to the EUR60m acquisition of the share capital of Adfil NV by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA, through Starcin Holding France S.A.S.
The team at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants has a wealth of experience in all aspects of trade marks, patents, designs and copyright. The versatile team advises on all types of pre-registration and post-registration issues relating to trade marks and frequently handles a significant amount of trade mark opposition work. It acts as the Cyprus legal representative for international luxury brands as well as pharma, cosmetics and software companies. Patent applications and claims relating to patent infringement are also at the cornerstone of the practice. Its litigation department is currently involved in a number of proceedings involving tech and IP matters. Eleni Chrysostomides and Alexandros Georgiades are at the helm.
‘What makes this practice unique is the team. Deep knowledge, structured discussions, efficiency, and practicality above all. Mrs Eleni Chrysostomides herself is a leading authority in this area of the law.’
‘Mrs Eleni Chrysostomides has deep knowledge on this subject and many decades of experience. This always results in an optimal solution in terms of cost and protection.’
‘The Chrysostomides team have a lot of experience in dealing with complex IP issues. They are very efficient in addressing, often very urgent, queries and working with them is a pleasure. Their responsiveness is way above the average.’
‘We have been working with Alexandros Georgiadis and Eleni Chrysostomides. They can quickly explain the complex legal practice of the Cyprus Registrar and find a solution to any obstacles that may arise.’
‘Very professional, very responsive, high level of services, high knowledge and expertise of IP law, always available, excellent follow up of the cases.’
‘We are working with Partner Alexandros Georgiades, who not only has a very deep knowledge of IP but also understands the needs of the clients and adopts his services in an excellent way. He is reachable at all times and he delivers always on time.’
‘Very good understanding of the video games industry, litigation expertise and advice on TM disputes – everything an in-house counsel of a videogames company would dream about! Alexandros Georgiades.’
At Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants, George Ioannou heads up a talented team which is highly regarded for its advice on a broad array of tax planning matters. The department frequently advises on the tax implications of issues in the digital economy, as well as on mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations and joint ventures. It continues to be busy advising on a variety of other commercial projects and due diligence matters. The group is immensely experienced in advising on issues such as transfer pricing, employment taxes and withholding taxes in cross-border transactions. A significant part of its tax-related work relates to advising wealthy individuals on personal tax matters and tax-efficient structures. Konstantinos Taramountas is another highly-regarded member of the practice.
‘Very prompt and business-friendly tax advice, immediate turnaround and availability.’
‘George Ioannou and Konstantinos Taramountas are always pleasant to work with, technically oriented, and provided targeted advice.’
‘Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants is distinguished by its exceptional expertise in cross-border legal matters, paired with a personalised and technology-focused approach to client service.’
‘Recognised as thought leaders in the region, their lawyers bring a deep understanding of Cypriot law and international frameworks, especially in tax advisory, international tax, trust planning and transfer pricing.’
‘The individual lawyers at Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants stand out for their deep legal acumen, international qualifications, and unwavering commitment to clients.’
‘George Ioannou is widely respected in the field of corporate and tax law, known for his meticulous attention to detail and his talent for navigating complex regulatory landscapes.‘
‘We recognise Konstantinos Taramountas for his valuable contributions to our mutual projects as well as for his responsiveness, availability and flexible approach to challenging matters.’
‘Clear explanations and quick response. Konstantinos Taramountas.’
Key clients
Wolt Cyprus Ltd
Tencent
Veeva Systems
Marsh & McLennan Companies
FedEx Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
Moody’s Corporation
BRP Tax
Mastercard
Astrobank PLC
DECA Investments
Work highlights
Advised DECA Investments, a private equity fund based in Luxembourg, on the tax aspects for the acquisition of a multi-million EUR minority stake in cybersecurity provider Odyssey Consultants Limited.
Advised the American University of Beirut on the tax implications of its EUR60m investment in Cyprus for the construction of a new campus.
Advised FedEx and Microsoft Corporation on Cyprus-based employees’ tax matters, including corporate tax, personal income tax and withholding tax.
The firm: As a trusted partner, our firm supports clients in navigating the ever-changing legal landscape and helps them explore, keep pace with and benefit from the wealth of opportunities offered by emerging economies, the global movement of people and capital, new technologies and knowledge.
From offices in Nicosia and Limassol, our team of more than 80 legal professionals and operations services members assists clients from all around the world, helping them grow their businesses, protect their assets and settle disputes.
For our team of legal experts, reaching a successful solution is not just a matter of knowledge of the law and technical capability; it is also about knowing our clients’ businesses and understanding what drives their industries and markets. Our firm’s integrated, specialised departments provide a comprehensive approach to any multi-faceted deal or dispute. Our intellectual capital is enhanced by technology and digital transformation, as we embrace automation to streamline tasks and procedures, enabling us to provide legal services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
The core values that our firm was founded on are the driving forces behind how we operate today and form the heart of our firm’s culture and philosophy. Our people-centric focus is reflected both inherently within the firm itself and in our commitment to our clients. We strive to create a positive and inclusive working environment that allows all our members to succeed, whatever their background. We are proud of our proactive, creative and diverse team; a team that is passionate about delivering excellent services to our clients and feels privileged to do so.
Global reach: The ever-changing legal landscape requires in-depth understanding of local economies and businesses, laws, regulations, governments, cultures and trends. Our firm’s exclusive Cyprus membership to leading international law firm and service provider networks Lex Mundi and World Services Croup (‘WSG’) respectively, as well as our close and longstanding cooperation with several international law firms, avail our clients of seamless cross-border solutions and provide our firm with an international outreach. Lex Mundi provides our clients with preferred access to more than 21,000 lawyers around the world, all from a single point of contact. The WSG network offers worldwide integrated legal, investment banking and accounting services.
Through the firm’s global connectivity, our clients can draw on local expertise and Insight from across the globe, which will help them navigate the business and legal environment of their Industry sector.
Impact: We are committed to having a positive impact on society and the environment, in the same way that we are committed to providing excellent legal services. Sustainability is a key driver that shapes our firm’s objectives.
Our members are encouraged to undertake pro bono work, particularly in relation to projects and matters that support the public interest. We aim to facilitate access to legal advice and to make our knowledge and expertise available to those organisations and individuals that lack the resources to obtain them. In the process and in return, our lawyers receive invaluable experience and personal fulfilment for having contributed to a positively impactful project.
Our firm’s membership to Lex Mundi means we are affiliated to the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, created to support and empower those working on high impact, sustainable solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. Alongside the other 150+ member law firms in more than 120 countries, our firm can be matched to legal projects with social entrepreneurs who are pioneering new and creative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
We place great emphasis on corporate social responsibility matters; our initiatives include donations to charities and fundraising activities. We are actively working on improving the sustainability of our offices and reducing the environmental footprint of our operations. Our firm’s green initiative includes energy efficiency, recycling and circular waste management.
Areas of practice Banking and secured financing: We provide comprehensive and specialised support on all banking-related matters, covering new or revised products and services introduced by credit institutions. We are frequently instructed to advise on cross¬border high-value financing and refinancing transactions, including project financing, syndicated, subordinated and mezzanine financing, ship financing and related securities such as share pledges, floating charges, financial collateral and mortgages.
Blockchain and cryptoassets: We advise on issues specific to cryptoassets and blockchain technology, such as AML/KYC and GDPR, Initial Coin Offerings and Security Token Offerings for issuers, as well as regulatory licensing for Crypto-Asset Service Providers. The team brings together legal expertise pooled from multiple disciplines across the firm, including our financial services, intellectual property, technology law, data protection, corporate and commercial practices
Competition law: Our specialised team deals with a wide range of EU and domestic competition law and anti-cartel matters. It has guided clients through significant corporate and commercial transactions, including the facilitation of mergers and acquisitions, and it boasts a strong record of success in the clearance of such transactions by the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition. Our practice is also widely acknowledged for its leading expertise in matters of competition litigation.
Constitutional, public and administrative law: We have long-established experience in handling recourses before the Supreme Court and the Administrative Court, often raising unprecedented and novel points of constitutional and administrative law. The recourses involve, among others, administrative decisions for the appointment and promotion of public servants, the imposition of tax, planning or building permits, social insurance benefits and permanent residency applications. We frequently advise regulated corporate clients, public and governmental bodies on the interpretation and application of laws and regulations, and the implementation of fair procedures in fulfilling statutory functions, in conformity with the Constitution and the laws of the European Union.
Corporate and commercial law: Our firm advises on all aspects of corporate and commercial law and practice, and has worked on some of the most high-profile and high-value transactions involving Cypriot corporate structures. We offer the full range of corporate services and advice, from the start-up to the completion of incorporation, the annual operation, compliance, restructures and dissolution of companies.
Cross-border transactions, M&A and restructures: Our team has extensive experience in cross-border transactions involving Cyprus-based entities, whether as part of a wider corporate consolidation, or equity, debt or secured financing restructuring, or tax efficiency planning. We offer expertise in structuring, negotiating and completing joint ventures, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, transfers of corporate seats, the establishment of mutual funds and venture capital investments.
Data protection law: Our firm specialises in all aspects of Cypriot Data Protection legislation and the corresponding European regulations. We advise both local and international clients regarding their obligations under data protection legislation arising from their working practices and internal policies, as well as deal with procedural matters before the competent authorities, such as the filing of required notifications and applications for licences.
Distribution, commercial and franchise agreements: We have wide-ranging experience in drafting distribution, commercial and franchise agency agreements, reviewing and advising on the compliance of such agreements with Cypriot law, as well as in advising on matters such as termination, post-contractual compensation, competition law issues, public procurement and intellectual property licensing matters. We advise principals, distributors, franchisors, franchisees and commercial agents alike.
Employment, immigration and citizenship law: Our employment law department advises across the full spectrum of employment, compensation and benefits issues, whether arising in an advisory or transactional context, contentious or non-contentious. Our firm also provides assistance when non-EU citizens are to be employed in executive positions with companies belonging to foreign interests. Our involvement in immigration law and procedures extends to applications for permanent residency, as well as Cypriot citizenship for those who are eligible.
Energy law: We have been advising leading international companies within the energy industry for over two decades, covering numerous sectors, including oil exploration, natural gas, power, and renewables. Our advice extends to all transactional aspects of corporate ventures within the energy sector, with the firm’s long-standing experience in corporate and commercial law, finance, tax and competition law, ensuring the delivery of seamless service within the sector.
European Union law: Our EU law practice lawyers have an in-depth understanding of EU institutions and policies and combine extensive experience in both the private and public sector. They assist clients with achieving their business objectives, offering representation across the main regulatory fields governed by EU law, including competition, trade, environment, free movement of goods and services, consumer protection, privacy, and data protection.
Family law: Our family law team advises on all family law matters – divorce and separation, child custody, maintenance and care disputes, adoption, cohabitation, alimony, asset separation and management, pre-nuptial, and post-nuptial agreements. Our lawyers are experienced litigators, some with over 25 years in this field, as well as negotiators – both necessary qualities for achieving a successful outcome.
Human Rights law: We are the first Cyprus firm to have submitted high-profile applications before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, and we continue to be involved in the preparation, submission and hearings before the ECHR of applications concerning alleged violations of human rights for local and international clients.
Intellectual property law: We have more than 40 years’ experience in IP law and our team delivers a complete range of services in all fields of IP, including trademark, patent, design, and copyright law. Our experienced professionals provide our clients with sophisticated service, which includes IP support and counselling, as well as litigation.
Investment services and funds: Our team advises on and assists clients with the setting-up, licensing, passporting of services and regulatory compliance of Investment Firms, UCITS, AIF, as well as the managers of these funds. We also advise on related services, including the re-domiciliation of the funds and its managers, and listing of the funds on regulated and unregulated markets.
Litigation, arbitration and mediation: Our dispute resolution team is experienced in identifying and implementing the most appropriate solutions for our clients, either by pursuing or defending litigation, or other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, like arbitration and mediation. Our lawyers deal with highly complex cases in areas including business, commercial and corporate law, tax and finance, intellectual property, professional liability, antitrust, banking and finance, family law, administrative and criminal law.
Public and private international law: We advise clients on the application and interpretation of international treaties and conventions entered into by Cyprus, especially concerning foreign investments, mutual assistance in civil and criminal law matters, international arbitration conventions, multilateral treaties on the Law of the Sea and similar instruments.
Shipping and maritime law: Our broad and varied experience in shipping and maritime law matters, ranges from representation of clients in maritime disputes, including vessel arrests, cargo carriage disputes, construction and re-building disputes, commercial/contractual claims, collisions, salvage and insurance claims, to involvement in procedural matters before the Cyprus maritime authorities.
Taxation law: Our firm has the expertise and experience to design, implement and defend tax planning structures built around the Cyprus tax regime. We strive to enhance tax efficiency, risk reduction and avoidance of tax controversy, effectively and efficiently, in matters involving corporate tax, property tax, personal tax, employment taxes, VAT and customs duties.
Telecommunications, media and technology law: Our technology, media and telecommunications team includes lawyers with expertise on a broad range of areas underpinning the interdisciplinary field of technology, including regulatory issues, data protection and privacy, e-commerce, cybersecurity and IP. We offer our clients, whether start-ups or established technology enterprises, legal advice ranging from support in corporate transactions to IP protection, regulatory compliance, employment, tax, e-commerce, electronic payments as well as wider contracting issues.
Trusts, wills and succession: We offer comprehensive succession planning legal services to serve clients’ personal or business requirements, whether in transitioning or maintaining and maximizing the value of their assets. Our team of seasoned lawyers, some with over 25 years’ experience in this field, addresses all matters at hand when structuring succession planning solutions, taking into account all-important tax considerations, ownership, future targets and challenges and continuity.
Lex Mundi
World Services Group
International Bar Association
International Trademark Association
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution
8th February 2022Our firm has successfully defended the trade mark rights which our clients “The Absolut Company Aktiebolag”, the leading international alcohol beverage company, have in the word “absolut”. Absolut Vodka is among the very best selling and best known alcohol beverage brands in the world. In a trade mark opposition case fought before the Cyprus Registrar of Intellectual Property, our firm’s IP team has prevented the registration of the word “absolut” as part of the composite trademark “absolut pilates & fitness studio” filed by a third party.
30th September 2021Chrysostomides Advocates & Legal Consultants has advised on the USD 500 million Initial Public Offering of United Medical Group CY PLC, Russia’s leading multidisciplinary premium-class healthcare services provider operating under the European Medical Center brand, on the Moscow Stock Exchange. The secondary sale consisted of USD 500 million of GDRs sold by United Medical Group’s owners, including majority shareholders Igor Shilov, Egor Kulkov and Roman Abramovich.
16th August 2021The Cyprus Eurasia Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Center (CEDRAC) was established to serve the needs of commercial parties involved in international disputes, and welcomes referrals of future or existing disputes. CEDRAC draws on the experience of diverse and experienced Court and case management staff, supporting and supervising its activities. The primary aim of CEDRAC is to assist international businesspeople to resolve their disputes through arbitration procedures that are fair, quick and cost-effective. In parallel to its arbitration services, CEDRAC also offers mediation services.
24th August 2021In an article published earlier this year, we discussed how the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Law, L.188(I)/2007 (the “AML Law”) was amended in order to harmonise domestic legislation with the 4th and 5th AML Directives (Directives (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843 and how it introduced, for the first time, provision for the registration of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (“CASPS”). The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (“CYSEC”) was designated as the relevant competent supervisory authority and was given powers to regulate through the issue of Directives.
25th June 2021In Cyprus, the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Law, L188(I)/2007 (the “AML Law”) was amended earlier this year through L13(I)/2021 (the “Amending Law”), in order to harmonise domestic legislation with the provisions of the 4th and 5th AML Directives (Directives (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843).
6th April 2021It has been a long road for everyone’s favourite cheese. The protection of halloumi cheese should have never been complicated. The firm cheese which has the unique quality of retaining its shape even when fried or grilled, has its origins in the island of Cyprus where it has been produced for many centuries. Traditionally, halloumi is made from either sheep or goats’ milk or a mixture of the two, though in recent times industrial cheese producers began sometimes using cow’s milk. This traditional cheese has reached far and wide and has gained significant popularity globally in the past decades. With this success, however, came troubles regarding its collective European trademark which has been registered since 2000.
3rd February 2021
The Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on the Protection of Persons Who Report Breaches of Union Law (EU Whistleblower Directive), hereinafter “the Directive”, was adopted on 23 October 2019 and has a transposition deadline of 17 December 2021 (with the exception of the obligation to establish internal reporting channels with a further two-year extended deadline), with the aim of ensuring a harmonised framework at national level, provided the current fragmentation in whistleblower protection across the EU. Currently, only about ten member states have a comprehensive legislative framework. In the case of Cyprus, at the time of writing, the Directive has not yet been transposed, but the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is in the process of drafting the relevant proposed bill. Nevertheless, Cyprus law does provide some piecemeal protection in the fields of the civil service, corruption and bribery offences, competition law, and termination of employment, without however any established reporting channels.
3rd February 2021
Pursuant to the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Activities Law (the “AML Law”), which transposes into national legislation the 4th EU AML Directive ((EU) 2015/849), companies and other legal entities must maintain and register, in a central public register to be created for this purpose, information on their beneficial owners.The AML Law provides that the particulars, the creation and operation of the relevant register, the process and entitlement to access thereto, shall be determined by separate regulations to be issued under the AML Law.
3rd February 2021
The long running battle between HALLOUMI and BBQloumi started in 2014, when a Bulgarian dairy company filed an application for the registration of a figurative mark containing the verbal element BBQloumi as a European trademark. This application was opposed by the Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus named Halloumi (hereafter the “Foundation”), on the basis of its earlier European collective trademark over HALLOUMI.
