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Career:

Vassilis Avramopoulos, who started his career in 1981 as an Associate at an Athens-based law firm, established Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm in 1989, together with his litigation partner, Michael Poulakos. He heads the Corporate Department of the Firm, providing legal counsel to both Greek and multinational companies on various corporate, commercial and tax matters. He has advised on numerous acquisitions of home country corporations, partnerships and businesses, and business assets by non-Greek entities. In addition, he focuses on reorganizations, foreign tax credit minimization, international financing and joint ventures, while his expertise extends to international transfer pricing and other tax issues as well as disputes with governmental tax authorities.

Vassilis is also highly regarded in the field of information technology (IT) and telecommunications and represents a large number of international business clients in Greece, including some of the world's leaders in the field. Having played a major role in structuring, negotiating and documenting major corporate and commercial ventures and advised on significant regulatory issues, he has gained in-depth knowledge of the Greek and European Union telecommunications regulatory framework.
 
Further, he is widely recognized, both in Greece and Europe, for his specialized work in the hotel and leisure sector, including shared ownership and condo hotels, membership clubs, and fractional. He also advises on issues relating to planning, construction and engineering, investment, development, property finance, real estate litigation, environment and health, safety and licensing.

Vassilis has published several articles in international legal journals and magazines, such as: “Greece: An Introduction to its Legal System and Corporate Law,” the Texas Transnational Law Quarterly; and “European Community Law - Corporate Law of Greece,” Financial Times, Financial Publishing, etc.
 

Education:

University of Athens Law School (LL.B. 1979)
Common Market Law and Shipping Law - University College London, University of London (LL.M. 1981)

Admissions and Memberships:

Athens Bar Association (1981); qualified to appear before the Supreme Court
International Bar Association 
Voting representative, State Capital Group  
Member, the Greek-Russian Chamber of Commerce 
Member, the European Lawyers' Union
Member and Former BoD Member, the European Studies Association

Recent speeches:

During the last eight years, Vassilis was invited and addressed speeches in the following international conferences, symposiums and events:
 

• 3rd Annual European Leisure Real Estate Symposium “Imagination, Innovation, Implementation,” held in Athens, Greece, on October 23 &24, 2006.  
  Subject of the speech:  “The Legal and Operational Frameworks in Shared Ownership.”
   
• The 1st International Conference on the “Touristic Residence in Greece:  Opportunities for Touristic Development and Investments,” held in Athens, Greece, on May 16, 2007.
  Subject of the speech: “The new products of Residential Tourism and the existing legislation in Greece.”
   
• Conference on the “Leisure Real Estate,” held at Heraklion, Crete on September 29, 2007.
  Subject of the speech: “The New Products of Residential Tourism and the Existing Legislation.”
   
• 2nd International RED Symposium “Investing in Destinations” held in Athens (Hilton Hotel) on October 3 & 4, 2007.
  Subject of the speech: “Legislative Provisions on the Residential Tourism Products.”
   
• The 1st International Conference on the “Tourism & Property in Crete,” held in Crete on December 7, 2007.
  Subject of the speech:  “Legislative Framework Problems and Solutions, Freehold –vs- Leasehold.” 
   
• The 3rd International RED Symposium “Investment Opportunities in Greece,” held in Athens (Hotel Grand Bretagne), on September 29 & 30, 2008.
  Subject of the speech:  “Resort Development & Positioning.” 
   
• The 4th International Conference on the “Sustainable Opportunities in Real Estate and Tourism,” held in Athens (Hotel Grand Bretagne), on September 29 & 30, 2009.
  Moderator of the Group Discussion for the “Competitiveness of the Greek Tourism Industry.”
   
• The 6th Business Forum on “The Shape of Things to Come,” held in Athens (Hotel Grand Bretagne), on December 13 & 14, 2011.
  Subject of the speech:  “City Branding.”

Languages:

Greek and English

Honors and Awards

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Recent Experience:

• Acted as the legal advisor of a European group of companies for the sale of all of its issued and outstanding shares to a US company which is a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industry.
   
• Provision of legal services and advice to a Spanish listed company in relation to existing disputes deriving from a Contract for the Project Management, Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management of a Refinery Upgrading Project. 
   
• Provision of legal advice and services to the contractor of the project (joint venture of five companies: four Italian and one Greek) for the design, construction and commissioning of the Thessaloniki metro. These services included: negotiations with the Greek legal counsels of the state, drafting of new legislation on mediation procedures, drafting of a complaint before the EU authorities, etc. The project comprises of an underground line of two tracks of 9.6 kilometers in length, thirteen stations, the depot, etc. It also includes the procurement of 18 trains and the commissioning of all systems, including training of the operational personnel. 
   
• Provision of legal advice to a N.Y.S.E. company in relation to a consultancy contract awarded to this company for the privatization and development of the land of the old Athens Airport issued by the Greek State. 
   
• Preparation of a Legal Due Diligence Report for the potential purchaser of the company which owns and operates one of the most well-known Hotels in Athens.  
   
• Provision of legal advice and preparation of due diligence legal reports for the purchase or long lease of certain hotels and resorts located in the islands of Rhodes and Crete, Greece, by a European group of companies.
   
• Provision of legal services and legal opinions to an Italian food company in relation to permanent establishment and transfer pricing issues and implementation of the relevant Double Taxation Treaty.  
   
• Provision of legal services and legal opinions to a major US subsidiary in Greece in relation to the non-imposition of withholding taxes on royalties based on the relevant Double Taxation Treaties. 
   
• Objection procedure before the Greek Administrative Courts for the Decision of the Tax Authority for not exempting Greek companies from imposition of special tax on their real estate in case the ultimate shareholder of the companies is a trust.  

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Articles:

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Recommendations by law directories:

At Avramopoulos & Partners, managing partner Vassilis Avramopoulos is noted for his ‘extensive experience in complex, high-profile projects’. Clients include Diamond Resorts International, Federal Express and AT&T. (European Legal 500, 2018 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners is commended for its ‘response times and availability’. The firm recently represented a multinational energy company on an investigation by the customs authorities. Vassilis Avramopoulos leads the team, which includes Barbara Angelopoulou. (European Legal 500, 2018 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners provides a ‘top-notch service’. The firm is singled out for its ‘vast knowledge of the tourist real estate sector’. Practice head Vassilis Avramopoulos is praised for his ‘strategic thinking and innovative approach’. The firm has good experience advising foreigners acquiring properties in Greece to qualify for a Golden Visa. (European Legal 500, 2018 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners delivers ‘good response times’ and is engaged by clients such as Bonatti and Diamond Resorts International. Vassilis Avramopoulos is praised for his ‘strategic thinking, tactical excellence and innovative approach’. (European Legal 500, 2017 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners delivers tax advice in relation to acquisitions, financing and capital markets transactions, leasing, and transfer pricing. It also advises on tax planning, audits and disputes. Vassilis Avramopoulos is the key contact. (European Legal 500, 2017 ed.).

The ‘pragmatic’ department at Avramopoulos & Partners ‘delivers fantastic results’. It acts for Island Skiathos Properties in a range of structural and operational matters in Greece. Bavilla Trading and Diamond Resorts International are also clients. Vassilis Avramopoulos is ‘tactically excellent’ and has ‘up-to-date knowledge’ of the sector. (European Legal 500, 2017 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners acts for Bonatti in the construction of part of the Trans Adriatic Gas Pipeline. Vassilis Avramopoulos is the key contact. (European Legal 500, 2017 ed.).

The “quality” team at Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm combines “legal knowledge with business acumen”. Clients include Diamond Resorts International, EDE Group and Worldwide Wheel. Team head Vassilis Avramopoulos is recommended. (European Legal 500, 2016 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners’ “punctual and responsive” tax department advises multinational and local companies. Team head Vassilis Avramopoulos is recommended. (European Legal 500, 2016 ed.).

Key clients of Avramopoulos & Partners include Diamond Resorts International and RCI (Resort Condominiums International). Among its team of “efficient legal experts”, Vassilis Avramopoulos is “a strategic thinker” noted for his “tactical excellence and an innovative approach”, and Yanna Antonopoulou is “experienced”. (European Legal 500, 2016 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners has notable projects expertise, and recently advised Hill International on tenders relating to the exploitation of publicly owned real estate. “The knowledgeable and experienced” Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the department. (European Legal 500, 2016 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s lawyers “give you the confidence they have wide experience and know their areas”. Vassilis Avramopoulos is “professional, efficient and punctual”. Recent clients include Oakes Capital, Harlequin Enterprises and OTI Holdings. (European Legal 500, 2015 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm gives “very practical and commercial advice, which can be difficult to find from some lawyers working in a civil law jurisdiction”. Clients include NCR Hellas, AT&T, Hill International and AC Nielsen. Senior partner Vassilis Avramopoulos is highly recommended for “his understanding of the use of trusts.” (European Legal 500, 2015 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm regularly advises engineering and construction clients on major tenders. It is currently advising the project consortium on the development of the Thessaloniki Metro. Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the team. (European Legal 500, 2015 ed.).

Vassilis Avramopoulos’ team at Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm provides “an excellent legal service”. Highlights included advising Oakes Capital on the purchase of hotels and resorts in the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Yanna Antonopoulou is “a trusted and valued business partner” for real estate and tourism matters. (European Legal 500, 2015 ed.).

The team at Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm is headed by Vassilis Avramopoulos, who exhibits ‘high standards of expertise and professionalism’. Clients include Aegean Blue Holdings, the University of Hertfordshire and Cushman & Wakefield. (European Legal 500, 2014 ed.).

The ‘very good and professional’ team at Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm has been advising clients on transfer-pricing issues. Clients include ACNielsen, NCR Hellas, and AT&T Global Network Services Hellas. ‘Knowledgeable all-rounder’ Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the team. (European Legal 500, 2014 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm stands out for ‘the quality of service in especially complicated legal matters’, and for its ‘grasp of the burning issues’, particularly in the tourism sector. The ‘very professional, knowledgeable and well-connected’ Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the team, which acts for a mix of developers, construction companies, investors and retailers, including Diamond Resorts, Hill International and Tie Rack. (European Legal 500, 2014 ed.).

 Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s ‘highly qualified professionals’ include team head Vassilis Avramopoulos, who acts for Hill International and Tideland Signal. The firm is advising a consortium of sponsors on the Thessaloniki Metro project. (European Legal 500, 2014 ed.).

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s expertise covers major construction and distribution agreement disputes. Recently the firm represented the Spanish company, Técnicas Reunidas, in a dispute regarding the Elefsis refinery upgrade project. Michael Poulakos heads the team, which includes the highly rated Vassilis Avramopoulos. (European Legal 500, 2014 ed.).

Vassilis Avramopoulos heads Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s tax team, which advises international and domestic clients. It recently advised Italian food company on permanent establishment, transfer pricing issues and the Double Taxation Treaty. Other clients include NCR (Hellas), ACNielsen and AT&T.  (Tax Directors Handbook, 2014 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s practice combines transactional with day-to-day commercial advice. It advised Aegean Blue Holdings on the sale of its shares to Diamond Resorts International, and other clients include Mitsubishi Electric and AT&T.  Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the team.  (European Legal 500, 2013 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm successfully represented Hill International in a successful tender to privatize and develop land at the old Athens Airport. Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the team, which also advises several German clients on energy-related projects.  (European Legal 500, 2013 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm has an excellent reputation for property acquisitions and developments. It recently advised Hill International on acquiring the land of the old Athens Airport from the state, and assisted Aegean Blue with the acquisition of hotels and resorts in Rhodes and Crete. Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the practice (European Legal 500, 2013 ed.).

Vassilis Avramopoulos heads Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s tax team, which advises international and domestic clients. It recently advised Italian food company Barilla on permanent establishment, transfer pricing issues and the Double Taxation Treaty. Other clients include NCR (Hellas), ACNielsen and AT&T.  (European Legal 500, 2013 ed.)

Senior partner Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the tax team at Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm, which recently advised AT&T on a proposed recapitalization plan. Other clients include Aegean Blue Group and Hill International.  (Tax Directors Handbook, 2013 ed.)

Senior partner Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the tax team at Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm, which recently advised AT&T on a proposed recapitalization plan. Other clients include Aegean Blue Group and Hill International.  (European Legal 500, 2012 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s versatile real estate practice is especially experienced in the hotels sector, where it recently advised a South Korean fund on the acquisition of a chain of Greek resorts. On the construction side, it is advising Omete, a leading design engineering company, on several major infrastructure projects, including the Thessaloniki Metro. Vassilis Avramopoulos heads the team.  (European Legal 500, 2012 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s senior partner Vassilis Avramopoulos is a member of McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP’s international tax panel. It recently advised AT&T’s Greek subsidiary on a recapitalization plan and also represents clients such as Diageo Hellas and Tie Rack. (Tax Directors Handbook, 2012 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm has cultivated an international scope to its practice. It advised Aegean Blue on its merger with six Scottish companies. Clients praise Vassilis Avramopoulos.  (European Legal 500, 2011 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s senior partner Vassilis Avramopoulos is a member of McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP’s international tax panel. It recently advised AT&T’s Greek subsidiary on a recapitalization plan and also represents clients such as Diageo Hellas and Tie Rack. (European Legal 500, 2011 ed.)

Clients praise Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s “professionalism, timeliness and quality,” with Vassilis Avramopoulos and Yianna Antonopoulou recommended for their “significant technical tax knowledge.”   The group has been providing advise on tax structuring  and VAT issues  to  clients  such  as  Affichage  Holdings  and  Club  Greece  Resorts.  (Tax Directors Handbook, 2011 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s high-quality advice ‘assists clients in taking informed decisions.’ The firm’s strong focus on the hotel and leisure sector has led to it acting for RCI Greece and North Course on a number of developments. Name partner Vassilis Avramopoulos is advising on a major residential, shopping and marina project in Rhodes. (European Legal 500, 2010 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm has handled several renewable energy project acquisitions, with Alkis Economou heading up a team that advised on ABB’s sale of Wind Park of Rhodes to Iweco Megali Vrysi. In addition, name partner Vassilis Avramopoulos acted for REC Solar of Norway on a solar energy plant in Greece. (European Legal 500, 2010 ed.)

The strongest aspect of Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s employment law practice is its contentious capability.  The team, headed by Michael Poulakos, advises Lainopoulos Group, PPD Global, and key client Attica Bank on employment disputes. Name partner Vassilis Avramopoulos advised Affichage Holdings on an employment dispute with a top member of management. (European Legal 500, 2010 ed.)

Clients praise Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s ‘professionalism, timeliness and quality’, with Vassilis Avramopoulos and Yianna Antonopoulou recommended for their ‘significant technical tax knowledge.’  The group has been providing advice on tax structuring and VAT issues to clients such as Affichage Holdings and Club Greece Resorts. (European Legal 500, 2010 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s strong relationships with its TMT clients is testimony to its timely, clear and effective advice. Themistoklis Giannokopoulos advised longstanding client Forthnet on the acquisition of satellite platform Nova, while Vassilis Avramopoulos provides ongoing advice to AT&T GNS Hellas and Sabre Hellas. (European Legal 500, 2010 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm has focused on attracting international clients and is moving towards a full-service corporate offering. The group is traditionally strong in the TMT and advertising sectors, and advised Forthnet on its €500m acquisition of Greek satellite platform Nova. Name partner Vassilis Avramopoulos is excellent. (European Legal 500, 2010 ed.)

Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm is led by managing partner Vassilis Avramopoulos.  The firm  represented  Greek  hotel  management  group,  Grecotel  in  its  purchase  of  the  parent company  of  the Sheraton Hotel, in Sophia.  Recommended for entertainment law, the firm advised Universal Studios on contractual and location issues in the filming of the Bourne Identity in Mykonos.  (European Legal 500, 2003 ed.)

Under the leadership of name partner Vassilis Avramopoulos, Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s corporate team undertakes a range of corporate housekeeping activities for clients.  The team handles contracts for Aramark-Dasko SA, which was awarded the catering services and accommodation facilities contract for the 2004 Olympic Games.  (European Legal 500, 2004 ed.)

Honors and Awards