Banking, finance and capital markets

Bernitsas Law

Leveraging an 'in-depth knowledge of the banking industry', Bernitsas Law has a 'proven track record in delivering outstanding results' for international funds, as well as credit and financial institutions across a wide range of cross-border transactional and regulatory work. The eclectic nature of work handled by the team is exemplified by that of the 'hardworking, responsive and reliable' Athanasia Tsene who provides 'fast and accurate advice' on debt capital markets and complex structured finance mandates, as well as project and acquisition finance matters. Maria Nefeli Bernitsa, who was recently promoted to partner, is also a key member of the team and combines capital markets expertise (including on new money issuances and liability management exercises) with a deep knowledge of the Greek regulatory financial framework, enhanced by her strong connections with the regulators. The vastly experienced Nikos Papachristopoulos co-heads the team alongside Tsene and Bernitsa and is recognised as a 'legal powerhouse for every kind of capital markets transaction imaginable'.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'They have an in-depth knowledge of the banking industry and provide efficient advice.'
'What truly sets this firm apart is the calibre of its people—seasoned attorneys who have a proven track record in delivering outstanding results across complex legal challenges.'
'The competitive advantage lies in the vast knowledge of structured finance transactions, the ability to provide timely solutions and the ease of communication.'
'Bernitsas is our "go to" regulatory team in Greece for anything and everything financial services regulatory. Technical, pragmatic lawyers that are well connected to industry and regulators.'
'Maria Bernitsa is a Greek regulatory superstar. She understands the Greek legal landscape, including direction of future travel, better than anyone else.'
'Nikos Papachristopoulos is a legal powerhouse for every kind of capital markets and corporate transaction imaginable.'
'Athanasia Tsene is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers I have ever worked with. She always provides fast and accurate advice enabling us to make informed decisions.'
'Athanasia Tsene is hardworking, responsive and reliable!'

Key clients

Apollo Global Management
Alpha Bank
American Express
Amerra Capital Management
Arena Investors
Association of Members of the Athens Exchange
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of New York Mellon
Black Sea Trade Development Bank
Citigroup
Cerberus
Cepal
Commerzbank
Credit Agricole
Credit Suisse
CVC
Deutsche Bank
Euroxx Securities
Eurobank
European Investment Bank
European Investment Fund
Gastrade
Goldman Sachs
Hellenic Healthcare Group
HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings Societe Anonyme (former Hellenic Petroleum SA)
Hoist Finance
HSBC
Masdar
Intrakat
Intrum AB (publ)
JP Morgan
Kommunalkredit Austria AG
Lapithus Group
Lavipharm SA
Macquarie Asset Management
Morgan Stanley
Motor Oil Group
N.M. Rothschild and Sons Limited
National Bank of Greece
Olympia Odos Concession Company
Pharmathen
Partners Group
Pancreta Bank
PIMCO
Piraeus Bank
Raiffeisen Bank International
RIA Payment Institution
Santander UK PLC
SMB Holdings BV
Societe Anonyme of Maintenance Compulsory Stocks and Trading of Crude Oil
Société Générale
Titan Group
UBS
Unicredit
Western Union

Work highlights

Advised Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) on their agreement with GEKTERNA and other shareholders to acquire TERNA ENERGY.
Advised Piraeus Financial Holdings (PFH) in relation to the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund’s full divestment from Piraeus Financial Holdings.
Advised Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) in connection with the refinancing and financing of the HHG group of companies in Greece and Cyprus, through the issue of a €1bn common secured bond loan by the group company Hellenic Healthcare Single Member Holding SA, with Eurobank SA as original bondholder and bondholder agent.

Lawyers

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