Firms To Watch: Tax

Headed by both Vassilis D. Avramopoulos and Barbara V Angelopoulou, the Athens-based Avramopoulos & Partners tax team specialises in tax planning, transactional, and tax dispute matters.
Demonstrating strong cross-border expertise in business restructurings, corporate taxation, and dispute resolution proceedings, Koutalidis Law Firm is highly regarded by clients.

Tax in Greece

Dryllerakis & Associates

Demonstrating vast experience in representing clients in the Greek Supreme Administrative Court, Dryllerakis & Associates’ tax practice is highly regarded for its handling of both transactional issues, along with litigation and appeals. The team shows substantial strength in the criminal tax law sphere, covering all aspects of tax evasion, AML, and unpaid debts on behalf of domestic and international corporations. Based out of Athens, John Dryllerakis heads the group, specialising in global tax proceedings and competition law matters, whilst Eleftherios Rantos is an expert on tax due diligence projects for M&A. Nikolaia-Anna Lepida has extensive knowledge on corporate tax issues, and Dimitris Karavas focuses on complex administrative law affairs.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Dryllerakis


Autres avocats clés:

Eleftherios Rantos; Nikolaia-Anna Lepida; John Papadakis; Dimitris Karavas; Elisavet Rellou


Les références

‘Strengths:- In addition to high level of expertise in tax-related matters, their unique personal empathy and interest – Effective initiatives in tackling delicate and politically-sensitive aspects related to the case handled.’

‘Key contributors and effective handlers to my case were Ioannis Dryllerakis and Nikolaia Lepida. The a.m. qualities characterize the individuals and their supporting team.’

‘Very effective, proactive and excellent collaborators. On top their fees are value for money.’

Principaux clients

Eurobank Group (Eurobank S.A., Eurobank Equities S.A., Eurobank Factors S.A., Eurobank Leasing S.A. etc.)


Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A. (ThPA S.A.)


Fluor Corporation


Hellenic Petroleum Group (Helleniq Energy Holdings S.A., Hellenic Fuels S.A. etc)


Siemens Group (Siemens Hellas S.A., Siemens Healthcare S.A. etc)


Regency Entertainment Group (Regency S.A., Hellenic Casino Parnitha S.A.)


Aegean Airlines


Lampsa S.A.


Praktiker Hellas S.A.


Beiersdorf Group


Daufoud Hellas S.A. (Greek franchisee of DOMINO’S PIZZA)


Adecco HR Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised EUROBANK S.A. throughout a special tax audit regarding the Bank’s compliance with Tax Reporting obligations (FATCA/CRS), the first such audit to a leading Greek bank.
  • Represented Homeric Holdings in a high-profile case before the Plenary Chamber of the Supreme Administrative Court, successfully claiming that retroactive taxation of tax-free reserves formed before 2013 was contrary to the Greek Constitution.
  • Advise the Piraeus Port Authority, a COSCO Group affiliate managing one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, in an ongoing tax audit raising serious tax & TP matters relating to the port’s privatization.

POTAMITISVEKRIS

Counting global pharmaceutical companies, commercial banks, and investment management firms amongst its key clients, the POTAMITISVEKRIS tax practice offers bespoke advice in both an advisory and a contentious capacity. Boasting in-depth experience in tax disputes with the Greek tax authorities, and a team of specialists to conduct tax due diligence and handle corporate restructuring and tax audit matters, the team is heavily praised. From Athens, Aspasia Malliou leads, frequently advising on income, inheritance, and capital gains tax issues, whilst Maria Kilatou specialises in international tax planning. Grigoris Katsoras concentrates on the tax structuring of transactions, and Dimitra Katsipi is also noted.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aspasia Malliou


Autres avocats clés:

Maria Kilatou; Grigoris Katsoras; Dimitra Katsipi; Charis Stampoulis


Les références

‘The firm has a range of experienced lawyers for all areas of the Law. They are very responsive and offer practical solutions.’

‘Aspasia Maliou is our tax lawyer within the firm. She is very knowledgeable in this area of the law and offers solid and practical advice.’

‘Τhe main characteristics are expertise, experience and perfect capabilities.’

Principaux clients

EYDAP SA


D. Daskalopoulos Collection Non- Profit Civil Company


KALOGIROU SA


Azerbaijan Gas Supply Company (AGSC)


Grivalia REIC


PQH Single Special Liquidation S.A.


Kessaris Group of companies


Iliadis Family


Covas Family


Viktor Asser


Matsas & Son Co Ltd.


Astrazeneca SA


Bank of Cyprus


Hellenic Petroleum


Elinoil S.A.


Interamerican – Life Insurance SA


Gerolymatos Group


Citibank International Plc


Mionis Sabby family


Metaxas family


Papastavrou family


Forbisson Limited (Gabriel Panagiotidis)


John Olympios


Covid 19 Newsletter (probono)


Tax Law Bulletin “Deltio Forologikis Nomothesias” (probono)


Kalotina Klonaris


Evripides Chatzikraniotis


Apostolos Nikolakopoulos


Harbottle & Lewis LLP


Bespoke Holdings SGA


Ingrid Gottschalk


Dromeus Capital


Principaux dossiers


  • Handled the tax dispute of a major banking institution under liquidation, represented by PQH Single Special Liquidation S.A., which resulted to a refund of approx. €77M.
  • Handled the tax dispute of Astrazeneca which resulted to a 4.5 million VAT refund related to pharma rebates.
  • Representing the Bank of Cyprus in the administrative courts in more than 400 tax disputes.

Stavropoulos & Partners

With a service portfolio covering the entire spectrum of tax subjects, the Stavropoulos & Partners practice has special expertise in income tax, transfer pricing, and VAT matters. The team frequently acts on behalf of international pharmaceutical corporations and energy companies, with significant strength in handling indirect taxes and tax treatment issues in major M&A transactions. From Athens, managing partner Ioannis Stavropoulos is experienced in advising clients in the Greek Administrative Courts and the Council of State, and Vassiliki Michalopoulou focuses on tax controversy and litigation. Since being promoted to partner in July 2023, Evgenia Kousteni is an expert on international taxation and customs law affairs.


Responsables de la pratique:

Ioannis Stavropoulos


Autres avocats clés:

Vassiliki Michalopoulou; Evgenia Kousteni


Les références

‘Access to partners, direct practical solutions and deep knowledge of all legislation around corporate law and taxation in Greece. Excellent networking and access to right governmental officials.’

‘Great professional conduct, integrity and access at any time.’

‘It is my ultimate privilege to recommend Stavropoulos & Partners. The Firm provides regular consultancy on various issues focusing to taxation and business law. The team provides efficient and reliable assistance to its clients and it has been a great tax and legal guide for us at the Chamber throughout all our legal matters regarding our business, company, and services. They have a professional team of lawyers with high rate of gender diversity (most lawyers are women) who are graduates from eminent and well-reputed national and international institutes while they remain ahead of the theoretical and technology developments in their field. In simple terms, their strong points can be described as quality work, efficiency, teamwork, and professionalism.’

Principaux clients

AGET Heracles (LafargHolcim subsidiary) 


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided legal support during multi-year tax audits and initiated tax and litigation proceedings for a leading pharmaceutical company in a series of cases against income and VAT tax assessments.
  • Secured the court level (provisional and final decisions) suspension of interim measures and payment of a multimillion amount of surcharges imposed by the tax authorities.
  • Represented Coca-Cola before the Administrative Courts in litigation proceedings against income tax assessment following the issuance of a “clean” tax compliance certificate.

Zepos & Yannopoulos

A cornerstone of the Zepos & Yannopoulos tax practice is its business tax advisory and compliance service offering, combined with extensive experience of handling complex claims in the Greek Supreme Court. The team represents a diverse array of clients, including global telecommunication companies, asset management firms, and investment banks, frequently overseeing VAT assessments and conducting tax due diligence. From Athens, Yerassimos Yannopoulos heads the outfit, being an expert in tax planning and structuring, whilst Maria Zoupa focuses on tax matters relating to corporate restructurings. Elina Filippou specialises in transfer pricing affairs, and Alex Karopoulos acts on behalf of the tax authorities in the context of tax audits.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yerassimos Yannopoulos


Autres avocats clés:

Maria Zoupa; Elina Filippou; Alex Karopoulos; Marina Allamani; Daphne Cozonis; Dimitris Gialouris; Anna Paraskeva; Diana Tsourapa; Ioanna Tapeinou; Evangelia Yotakou; Elina Belouli; Irene Tsiosta; George Vlachakis


Les références

‘The team at Zeya are incredibly knowledgeable in the renewables industry; whilst providing strong technical advice they are also very practical and solutions based. Timeliness in advice is always critical and they respond very quickly and work in some cases to very tight timeframes. Their pricing is transparent and provides good value for money. On calls/meetings they always bring in just the relevant team members who all contribute to the task at hand; with the team members obviously having been briefed internal beforehand which brings efficiencies to the process.’

‘The key thing is that all of the above individuals always make the time to speak/meet and freely provide their up front thoughts on the issue at hand in an honest, easy to understand way; follow on written advice is well crafted and fully explain sometimes complicated issues which can be shared with non financial/legal teams internally without the need for follow up explanations. They are all professional in the service they provide, like other advisors but the differentiating factor is that above all they really care about our business, where it is going so that we avoid any pitfalls before they are upon us and we can efficiently plan ahead.’

‘Zepos & Yannopoulos delivers an overall very good quality of service. We have had a long-term relationship with their team, they have a deep understanding of our needs and our business, they provide us with detailed answers and relevant suggestions. Their practice cover a wide range of tax services, including corporate tax, VAT, transfer pricing and personal tax aspects.’

Principaux clients

Amadeus


BIC


Deutsche Telecom


Fasanara Capital


Gagosian Gallery


Stavros Niarchos Foundation


Trafigura


Zoia


Principaux dossiers


  • Achieved a landmark win before the Greek Supreme Court, securing a €10 million tax refund for the client, over a controversial issue of international tax law relating to withholding tax on royalties.
  • Represented a Greek subsidiary of a multinational company before the Greek Supreme Court in a breakthrough case to reverse for a client a multi-million VAT assessment.
  • Advised a leading Greek-based contractor on corporate and international tax issues relating to its onshore and offshore activities, including in the US, as well as on the tax aspects of a double cross border upstream merger.

Andersen Legal - Pistiolis - Triantafyllos & Associates Law Firm

Representing Greek and international technology corporations, commercial banks, and real estate investors, Andersen Legal Andersen Legal - Pistiolis - Triantafyllos & Associates Law Firm’s tax offering includes bespoke advice on cross-border transactions and complex tax litigation. The group is well versed in assisting UHNW individuals subject to high-profile tax investigations, with the Athens-based head, Martha Papasotiriou, bringing over 16 years’ experience in acting on behalf of telecoms, energy, and life science companies in tax planning measures to the practice. Nikos Siakantaris is an expert on VAT matters and double tax treaties, whilst Dimitris Moraloglou focuses on real estate tax.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martha Papasotiriou


Autres avocats clés:

Nikos Siakantaris; Dimitris Moraloglou


Principaux clients

Islalink


Co Operative Bank Of Thessaly


Central Mare


Gefsinous


Green Top S.A


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided tax advice to Vaix in regards with a stock option plan.
  • Provided tax advice in regards with the corporate restructuring of Gefsinus group of companies.
  • Conducted tax and financial due diligence on the acquisition of a 24MW RES company.

Bernitsas Law

Deploying a tax-focused perspective when advising companies on restructurings, planning and policy, and asset ownership, the Bernitsas Law tax team specialises in dealing with high-value tax disputes and general advisory work. The team consistently represents individuals and corporations in investigations, audits, and dawn raids, with the two Athens-based heads Panayotis Bernitsas and Fotodotis Malamas bringing over 70 years’ experience in litigious and transactional proceedings to the practice, along with complex competition and antitrust law issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Panayotis Bernitsas; Fotodotis Malamas


Les références

‘The team is very professional and wad very attentive to our needs and concerns. Mr. Panayotis Bernitsas and Mr. Fotodotis Malamas are very committed to achieving the goals and we enjoyed working with them.’

‘Panayotis Bernitsas and Mr. Fotodotis Malamas are true professionals. We felt that we were in good hands. The are very committed to achieving the goals and we enjoyed working with them.’

‘Detailed work, efficiency, value for money, excellent legal knowledge.’

Principaux clients

CNH Industrial


CVC


CNP Insurance


Pyletech


Vinci Energies


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the tax aspects of the acquisition of Augmenta Group by CHN Industrial.
  • Advising on the tax aspects concerning the conversion of a multinational energy company from a corporation to a private company.
  • Advising a venture capital firm on the tax aspects of the establishment of their presence in the Greek market through companies active in hospitality, catering and leisure in Athens as well as in other areas of Greece.

Fortsakis, Diakopoulos, Mylonogiannis & Associates Law Firm

Counting major domestic and international entities and banking institutions amongst its key clients, Fortsakis, Diakopoulos, Mylonogiannis & Associates Law Firm is recommended for its tailored advice on tax planning implications and cross-border transactions. The team demonstrates specific expertise on VAT adjustment and tax income issues, with the head, Petros Pantazopoulos specialising in representing Greek and multinational companies and individuals in high-profile tax cases. Theodore Fortsakis is a leading authority on litigation and arbitration issues surrounding tax, whilst Katerina Kalampaliki and Athina Mavroeidi  focus on administrative and EU law proceedings. The whole team is based in Athens.

Responsables de la pratique:

Petros Pantazopoulos


Autres avocats clés:

Theodore Fortsakis; Katerina Kalampaliki; Athina Mavroeidi


Les références

‘We used the firm for Tax Law and Administrative Law. The firm combines legal expertise and strong academic quality with excellent time response.’

‘Fortsakis: quick understanding of the case; excellent quality of the work performed; very quick time response and provision of high quality services under very short notice, even during bank holidays.’

‘Deep knowledge of tax law, efficient handling of difficult and complicated case with excellent, positive outcome.’

Principaux clients

Vodafone – Panafon SA


Avramar SA


Gelasakis Travel Centre


AGET Iraklis (LaFarge Group)


Alpha Investment Properties Elaiona SA (joint venture of Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank)


Depa S.A.


Greek Church of Scientology


Ion S.A.


Social and Cultural Affairs Welfare


Foundation (KIKPE)


Ethniki Asfalistiki SA


Alpha Bank SA


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as legal counsel to Vodafone – Panafon SA in relation to its dispute with the tax authorities on the imposition of stamp duties to intra-group cash – pooling agreements.
  • Represented AGET Iraklis on its dispute with the tax authorities regarding the refund of an amount of €24m corresponding to surcharges unlawfully paid by the company.
  • Advised insurance company Ethniki Asfalistiki SA regarding the imposition of stamp duties on interest arising from legal damages.

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm

Routinely acting on behalf of clients from the finance, insurance, and real estate industries, the tax team at Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm deploys a three-pronged-focus, concentrating on corporate and personal tax advisory, structuring, and tax disputes. Operating out of Athens, the practice is headed by Panagiotis Pothos, who has 20 years’ experience in corporate and international taxation proceedings, whilst counsel Ioanna Barmpa regularly assists corporations on tax planning and financing matters. Senior associate Angeliki Miliakou focuses on family wealth planning, and Eleanna Gkotsoulia and Dimitra Gkiotsaliti are both also noted.

Responsables de la pratique:

Panagiotis Pothos


Autres avocats clés:

Ioanna Barmpa; Angeliki Miliakou; Eleana Gkotsoulia; Dimitra Gkiotsaliti


Principaux clients

Allianz


Lightsource BP


Blue Grid


Online Delivery


Free Now


KGAL


Korkia Group


Frigoglass


Principaux dossiers


KBVL

With the full support of the Deloitte Centre of Excellence, KBVL’s tax group routinely attracts domestic and global entities, assisting them with all aspects of tax disputes and cross-border transactions. The team is experienced in dealing with claims arising in the Greek Administrative Courts, as the two heads, Efstathios Bakalis and George Venieris specialise in providing tax compliance services and corporate governance advice to individuals and companies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Efstathios Bakalis; George Venieris


Autres avocats clés:

Evangelos Aidonis; Magdalini Souli; Nikoletta Sieva


Les références

‘Availability, professionalism, collaboration.’

‘Eager to help and explain, frequent status update.’

 

Principaux clients

Qualco


Μerck Sharp & Dohme Hellas


3M Hellas


Le Grand Tourism Enterprises


BSH Ikiakes Syskeves


Principaux dossiers


Iason Skouzos & Partners

Described as a ‘top notch’ firm, Iason Skouzos & Partners offers a range of services regarding tax advisory and planning, along with complex tax litigation. Demonstrating significant strength in supporting multinational companies and HNW individuals, co-head Theodoros Skouzos is an expert on the tax-elements of corporate restructurings, whilst co-head, Natalia Skoulidou specialises in international tax and transfer pricing. Elena Ntafouli and Aikaterini Besini are both also noted as key, with the whole team being based out of Athens.

Responsables de la pratique:

Theodoros Skouzos; Natalia Skoulidou


Autres avocats clés:

Elena Ntafouli; Aikaterini Besini; Ourania Moraitou


Les références

‘Theodoros Skouzos. The captain of the team, very knowledgeable of tax laws. He works tirelessly until he achieves the best results for his clients.’

‘Aikaterini Besini. Very detail oriented. Very good collaboration with clients, always responds in a timely manner.’

‘Elena Ntafouli. Also very detailed, very knowledgeable goes above and beyond so the clients can receive the best results.’

Principaux clients

Nokia, Solutions and Networks Hellas S.A.


Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants S.A.


Refundit


Principaux dossiers


  • Prepared the entire file and supporting documentation for claiming the tax incentives relating to the R&D Expenses of Nokia S.A. for tax year 2022, according to article 22A of Law 4172/2013- as regards the R&D expenses in tax year 2022, the benefit from the tax incentive is over €31M.

KLC Law Firm

Consistently providing support to companies and individuals before tax authorities and courts regarding tax audits, KLC Law Firm is highly praised for its extensive knowledge. The practice’s expertise is pervasive, incorporating the aviation, energy, and medical industries, as well as demonstrating niche proficiency regarding the recovery of EU and state aids. Xenofon Papayiannis is an expert on corporate taxation and international tax planning issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Xenofon Papayiannis


Les références

‘Since the first contact the team has been very reactive and proactive at the same time. We have asked initially for a quotation and once the green light was given they have delivered the memorandum in the due time meeting our expectations. I appreciated the timing of the job flow which run without useless delays, just straight to the point.’

‘I really appreciated the availability granted by Dora Kantartzi and the high quality knowledge of Xenofon Papayiannis.’

‘Everything about KLC is unique but I would like to highlight their effectiveness when it comes to dealing with daunting and strenuous tasks. They always seem to be one step ahead with exceptional attention to detail.’

Principaux clients

Athens International Airport


Edison SpA


Edison SpA


SPECIFAR /Teva Hellas S.A.


Pyramis


Adidas S.A.


National Energy


Stichting Bootvluchteling


Medecins sans Frontieres


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented the Athens International Airport in a €155m VAT litigation.
  • Represented Adidas before the Supreme Court in a dispute with the Greek customs authorities.
  • Represented Pyramis S.A. before the Supreme Court in a dispute regarding the recovery of EU aid amounting to €40m.

KPP Law

Showcasing extensive expertise in all aspects of tax, banking, and M&A, the KPP Law practice deploys an ‘innovative approach’ when representing its domestic and international client-base. Based out of both Athens and Maroussi, the head Stylianos Papademetriou is an expert in international tax law issues and transfer pricing, whilst George Kerameus focuses on tax aspects of corporate reorganisations. Konstantinos Miliarakis is knowledgeable on tax dispute issues, and Andreas Kouknis concentrates on M&A taxation matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stylianos Papademetriou


Autres avocats clés:

George Kerameus; Konstantinos Miliarakis; Andreas Kouknis; Charikleia Apostolopoulou


Les références

‘What makes KPP team unique is diverse and significant experience of all team members, excellently cooperating not only with us but internally with a great team spirit manner; this creates trust since it ensures examination of all aspects (technical and practical) of a project. In conclusion all team members are experienced and knowledgeable and provide integrated services at all levels.’

‘KPP members (and especially the partner we are cooperating with in the tax department) are innovative in their approaches, with a positive thinking, honest, friendly and stand by our business in all tax matters arising. They are always open to hear our needs, examine long-term effects of any move and advise clients in the most efficient way.’

‘KPP members from the tax department have an innovative approach, are professional, efficient, honest and friendly and have been very supporting in all tax matters arising.’

Principaux clients

Samsung


Kaizen Gaming (Stoiximan & Betano)


Gek Terna SA


Opap SA


AXA Group


ABS


Fourlis Group (Ikea, Intersport, Trade Estates etc)


Interamerican Sa (Achmea)


Daios Group


Grecotel SA


Alumil SA


Imerys Minerals SA


Thales Group


Lesaffre Hellas


Greek Yellow Whitepages SA (Xrysos Odigos)


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented SAMSUNG, a leading electronics company, before the Tax Directorate in a $2.7mn complex tax dispute.
  • Acted as tax and legal advisors for GEK TERNA SA, a leading construction, energy, and real estate stock listed company, in a reorganization of $6mn.
  • Represented a major hotel group of companies operating in Rhodes Island, PRESIDENTIAL HOTELS, in a $2.1mn tax refund dispute.

Lambadarios Law Firm

Co-headed from Athens by Smaro Anagnostou and Melina Katsimi, the Lambadarios Law Firm tax practice is recommended for its in-depth knowledge of the Greek tax framework and cross-border transactions. Anagnostou specialises in advising corporate clients, financial institution, and investment funds on the tax treatment of M&A and corporate restructurings, whilst Katsimi is an expert in conducting tax-related due diligence.

Responsables de la pratique:

Smaro Anagnostou; Melina Katsimi


Les références

‘Wide support for foreign companies.’

‘Steady availability and support even with small issues.’

 

Principaux clients

Whirlpool Hellas SA


Baker McKenzie


Dow Chemicals


Sony – EMI


Apple


Goodyear


BriQ


Cardlink-Worldline


Athens Brewery


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an investment fund on the tax issues related to the structuring, and implementation thereof, of the acquisition and immediate resale of a bank’s portfolio of real estate assets, to non-identified end buyers.
  • Advising Whirlpool Hellas, on its claim against Greek tax authorities regarding VAT refund on overdue receivables – bad debts, in accordance with the EU VAT directive provisions, not yet transposed into national law.
  • Advised BriQ on profit distribution ratios, and extraordinary income – capital gains distribution, according to reic special legislation and ongoing changes in the law, commenting on the Ηellenic Fund and Asset Management Association ‘s relative opinion.