Cyprus Merger Control, Competition, Oil & Gas, Corporate, Intellectual Property lawyers

Anastasios Antoniou LLC

Grigori Afxentiou 3
Office 102, Gnaftis Court
Limassol 4003
Cyprus

+357 25105038

+357 25104574

www.antoniou.com.cy

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Law Firm Overview

ANASTASIOS ANTONIOU LLC is a leading Cyprus Law Firm, committed to legal clarity in the provision of the highest quality of specialized legal services.

Our Cyprus Lawyers advise on Competition Law and Merger Control, Energy and Oil and Gas Law, Intellectual Property Law, Admiralty Law and Maritime Security, Private Investment Funds and Intellectual Property. Our Litigation practice has also been strategically designed to address and resolve issues of conflict arising in all practice areas we are engaged in, thus enabling our Firm to ensure that our Clients receive the full range of legal services, from legal support, advice and drafting to the handling of complex transactions and dispute resolution.

In alignment with the constantly changing and increasingly competitive global environment, our Firm has developed a focus and specialization towards providing comprehensive legal support to particular industries such as the Energy sector, Aviation, Maritime Security, Information Technology and e-Commerce, Telecommunications and Life Sciences. Find out about all of the areas we practice the law in as well as the industries we provide legal support to. Our main priority is to provide the full-range of legal services in relation to our particular areas of expertise, from legal advice and counsel to litigation.

Vision and Values

Our Law Firm was founded upon solid values that are injected in all aspects and stages of its practice. Our Lawyers strive to formulate and maintain unique lawyer-client relationships that are based on trust, integrity and reliability. It has been designed to operate in full alignment with modern evolvements in the law and the industries it is so engaged in and ensures that it can attract the brightest legal minds that can be thrilled to be part of its team.

ANASTASIOS ANTONIOU LLC was established to address significant gaps in the legal services market of Cyprus and in particular to provide in-house legal departments and multinational law firms with a reliable Cyprus Counsel that is committed to legal clarity and possessing a clear understanding of contemporary legal challenges. In an increasingly competitive business environment, we have established ourselves as the Cyprus Law Firm of choice for industries such as energy, aviation, oil and gas, new technologies, online business, life sciences, infrastructure and telecommunications.

The Firm’s cross-area expertise and specialization in areas such as Competition Law and Merger Control, Energy and Oil and Gas Law, Intellectual Property Law, Admiralty Law and Maritime Security, Private Investment Funds and Intellectual Property, ensures that our Firm successfully navigates our Clients through the hurdles of modern challenges and that all of your legal needs, even the ones you might have not laid particular emphasis on, are satisfied at the highest value for our Clients’ resources. Our main priority is to provide the full-range of legal services in relation to our practice areas, from legal advice, counsel and support to litigation before Cyprus Courts and tribunals.

Due to the above reasons, we have established ourselves as the Cyprus Law Firm of choice for multinational corporations and international law firms. Indicatively, ANASTASIOS ANTONIOU LLC has handled Cyprus law matters for Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Allen & Overy, Bird & Bird, Sidley Austin and other global law firms, while the Firm’s own Clientele (indicatively) includes Glencore, Western Union, Henkel, Travelex, Marathon Oil, the Czech Republic, ISS, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Tiande Chemicals, DTEK Donbass, Tamares Telecom, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Airlines, KPMG, the Bank of Moscow, International Lease Finance Corporation and Salvatore Ferragamo, amongst others. Our expertise in Merger Control, Oil and Gas Law, Competition Law and Corporate Law have been the particular domains upon which our solid reputation has been established and is being expanded.

Last but not least, our litigation practice has excelled in securing our Clients’ interests before Cyprus Courts in a number of exceptional cases involving freezing (Mareva) orders, tracing orders, discovery (Norwhich Pharmacal) orders and in the handling of high-profile human rights, minority oppression, constitutional, antitrust and passing-off cases in a clear and uncompromising manner.

The Firm has been recognized, awarded and ranked amongst the leading legal services providers in Cyprus. It is Recommended as Leading Firm by the Legal 500, it has achieved the highest Preeminent Ranking in Martindale Hubbell’s Client Reviews and it is featured in Hieros Gamos and Global Law Experts, amongst others. Our Firm’s "solid reputation" and "extensive expertise" according to the Legal 500, is a testament to our uncompromising commitment to legal clarity and our dedication to the provision of the highest quality of legal services.

Languages: English, Greek, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew

Partners

Anastasios A. Antoniou
Managing Advocate
Admiralty and Maritime, Agency and Distributorship, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Antitrust and Trade Regulation, Appellate Practice

Associates

Rafaella Michaelidou
Lawyer
Advertising, Agency and Distributorship, Antitrust and Trade Regulation, Business and Industry, Business Formation

Janet Zenonos
Associate
Admiralty and Maritime, Aerospace Law, Agency and Distributorship, Antitrust and Trade Regulation, Aviation Accidents

Lawyers

Nikolas Ioannides
Lawyer
Accident, Admiralty and Maritime, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Bankruptcy

Areas of Law

Additional Areas of Law: Merger Control; Maritime Security; Abuse of Dominance; Cartels; Regulatory Compliance; Competition Litigation; Interim Orders and Injunctions; Energy Litigation; UCITS; Private Funds; Infrastructure; Pollution and Contamination; Climate Change Laws.

Areas of Law Description

Our areas of practice include:

COMPETITION LAW

We are one of the few truly specialized competition practices in Cyprus, that can deal with both domestic and cross-border competition issues, should these arise in the context of anticompetitive and collusive behavior, such as in agreements, decisions or concerted practices between competitors (cartels), in cases of abuse of dominance by undertakings with large market shares, or in the context of mergers and acquisitions in relation to which notification to the Competition Authority may be necessary.

- Merger Control

The objective of merger control is to enable the competition authorities to administer changes in market structure by deciding whether two or more commercial companies may merge, combine, or join their businesses. Mergers may create a noticeable change in the market and raise serious competition concerns. They can result in the obtaining or strengthening of a position of market power and thus in an increase in the market price of the products or services concerned.

- Cartels

Anticompetitive practices can have serious implications as to the smooth operation of markets and the existence of fair competition. Agreements, decisions or practices which have an object or effect the distortion of competition and which can include dumping, price-fixing, bundling, tying, exclusive dealing or even dividing territories, have serious detrimental effects to competitors and – consequently – to consumers. This anticompetitive behavior should be addressed in the best possible way and this is where our legal services make the difference.

- Abuse of Dominance

Our services can help your organization make sure that, whichever industry you are operating in, your transactions meet the requirements of all competition rules, that your business policies are compliant and that your interests are well-protected. It is often the case that competition law infringements occur as a result of the behavior of market participants holding a large share of the market, should that be a monopoly, oligopoly or other form of dominance.

CORPORATE LAW

The business-friendly jurisdiction of Cyprus has become one of the most attractive destinations for investment and corporate presence. We attribute particular emphasis to our corporate practice, providing the full range of services in that regard and featuring an unparalleled understanding of legislation regulating corporate transactions and operations. The Firm pays particular attention to the constant developments in the global business environment, which enables us to provide comprehensive legal solutions that can address the needs of corporate entities operating in an increasingly competitive landscape.

LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Although our Firm prides itself in approaching the legal issues brought before it with the avoidance of potential disputes in mind, we recognize the inevitability of disputes arising in any context, domestically or internationally. Ensuring that our Clients can pursue and safeguard their interests in whatever manner possible means we have established a committed litigation practice able to handle the most critical of disputes, our Advocates appearing before all Courts and tribunals in Cyprus.

- Competition Litigation

Anticompetitive behavior should be addressed in the best possible manner and this is where our legal services and our dedicated Competition practice make the difference. We litigate against cartels and any forms of collusion, such as concerted practices or anticompetitive agreements, and also handle situations where dominant market players abuse their dominant position against other market participants. We appear before the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition, the District Courts and the Supreme Court in competition law matters.

- Interim Orders and Injunctions

Our practice is specialized in pursuing and obtaining interim order and injunctions within the context of main proceedings. Cyprus Courts have jurisdiction to issue a number of interim orders, including Freezing Orders, Discovery Orders, Garnishee Orders and Interim Receiver appointment orders. Interim Orders in support of foreign arbitration or in aid of court proceedings in other EU Member States also fall within the competence of Cyprus Courts and are often sought by our Firm’s Advocates. Read more on how our Advocates can help with interim relief before Cyprus Courts.

- Energy Litigation

As part of our dedicated Energy practice, the Firm is in the best possible position to manage and pursue litigation in energy disputes, including oil and gas disputes, through both international arbitration and domestic litigation, as the case may be. Our work includes from commercial disputes in the energy sector to investment arbitration under either Article 26 or 27 of the Energy Charter Treaty. We have developed substantial know-how in assessing claims, managing complex cases, and cooperating with our energy clients’ in-house lawyers.

- International Law

International Trade and Commerce are not devoid of Public International Law and its rules. Public International Law has ceased being a legal area relevant only to States and their Governments, but its issues are now raised in the context of international investment, commercial and trade matters. Investment arrangements, project financing, exploration of natural resources, international commerce and maritime are just some of the circumstances where Public International Law advice becomes imperative. The emergence of a plethora of international organizations and regulations further enhance the need for expert international law support.

- Private Clients

Our Private Clients practice encompasses our specialized services rendered to our private clients, high net-worth individuals and their estates. Our Private Client practice draws from our expertise in various areas, such as Investment Funds, Succession, Cyprus International Trusts and Real Estate. Our Firm has established itself as providing comprehensive solutions to its private clients, attending to securing their best interests, maximizing their investments and protecting their estates.

ADMIRALTY AND MARITIME LAW

Our Law Firm render its legal services to ship owners, ship managers, carriers, maritime security companies, freight forwarders, underwriters and cargo claimants with respect to the following matters:

Carrying out registration of Ships and other vessels
Advising on financing, operation and ownership of vessels
Advising on the provision of maritime security services on board Cyprus ships
Attending to the licensing and authorisation of private maritime security companies
Advising and litigating on cargo losses
Advising on Charterparties
Advising on and litigating collusion disputes
Advising on and litigating Oil Pollution issues and environmental disputes
Advising on towage and salvage claims
Drafting and advising on ship building and ship repair contracts
Litigating vessel-related personal injury claims
Advising on employment issues regarding officers and crew
Litigating on all Admiralty and Maritime issues, including ship arrest proceedings
Advising on the Law of the Sea and Public International Law issues
Advising on and litigating Law of the Sea disputes (internationally and domestically)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The times we live in are proving increasingly competitive towards safeguarding ideas, inventions, logos, brands and copyright. The continuous development of the Internet and e-Commerce in particular, amongst other factors, has given rise to a number of new issues and requirements in terms of protecting, managing and safeguarding the intellectual property of any undertaking.

FINANCIAL SERVICES & INVESTMENT FUNDS

Financial services law and regulation is becoming increasingly complex and stringent, making the provision of accurate and specialized legal support to participants in the financial services market an imperative aspect of their operation. Cyprus has fully transposed the MiFID regulatory framework and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is the regulatory body over all types of investment services. By rendering our expert legal services towards the establishment, licensing and compliance of Cyprus Investment Firms, our Firm specializes in legal support to providers of investment services, including providers of forex trading, investment brokerage, investment management and investment advice services.

Cyprus Private Investment Funds, known as private International Collective Investment Schemes (ICIS), are private funds that can be formed under the laws of Cyprus. A private ICIS fund can have up to 100 investors, also known as unit-holders. The purpose of a private ICIS fund is the collective investment of funds injected in such schemes by the unit-holders. It provides an arrangement that enables a number of investors to add collectively their assets, have these professionally managed and invested by independent managers/entities and, in case of successful investment, extract their profits in a tax efficient manner.

OIL AND GAS LAW

Our legal services for the Energy industry encompass all aspects of transactions entailed in an energy venture. We advise on the full range of issues in Energy and Natural Resources Law, including regulatory compliance, competition, mergers and acquisitions, financing, commercial and trading contracts, commercial and corporate advice and energy taxation issues. Moreover, our litigation practice strategically handles dispute resolution in the energy industry.

AVIATION LAW

Recognizing the uniqueness and diversity that characterizes the Aviation Industry and the relevant markets, our Firm has the necessary legal expertise and experience to address all issues faced by aviation operators, manufacturers, airports, governments and financial institution alike. Today more than ever, airlines and airports face increasing difficulties and escalating costs and regulatory constraints, their profitability substantially compromised unless proper legal counsel is rendered at the right time and as part of their operations strategy.

MARITIME SECURITY & PIRACY LAW

Our Firm assists both ship operators wishing to engage the services of approved security companies as well as any company wishing to obtain the relevant certificate from the Department of Merchanst Shipping of Cyprus towards providing maritime security services on board Cyprus ships. Specifically, our legal services include:

Assisting ship operators in obtaining approval of delegating security of their ships to private maritime security companies
Assisting security companies towards being licensed to provide their private security services on board Cyprus ships
Advising on regulatory and other licensing, compliance and reporting aspects of the applicable legislation
Advising on contractual, commercial and corporate aspects
Advising on and drafting security services engagement agreements in compliance with applicable domestic and international legislation
Advising on and drafting security services employment agreements for private gurards in the service of private security companies
Advising on International Law aspects of Piracy and other unlawful acts at sea
Litigating contractual disputes, criminal acts and torts before Cyprus Courts and competent international tribunals

INTERNET LAW & E-COMMERCE

The rapid speed at which Information Technology develops means that ongoing, accurate legal support which is aligned with such developments becomes an imperative aspect of getting the technology deal through. We combine in-depth knowledge of technological and commercial developments with practical expertise in a wide range of IT-related legal fields as well as in all legal elements of electronic commerce. We are here to help you make the most out of emerging opportunities as soon as these appear and render our legal services towards the particular challenges facing those involved in the Information Technology and e-Commerce industries.