2021 Leading Adviser Awards

www.acquisition-international.com • Leading Advisor 2021 Creating the Structure Behind Restructuring As the ‘Leading Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Business Restructuring Lawyer of the Year’ for Greece, Serafim Sotiriadis & Associates Law Firm helps its clients find the format for its restructuring deals that a court will rule in favour of. With a comprehensive amount of knowledge regarding how to do this, its obligation as a restructuring firm is to capture the contracting party’s purposes whilst keeping each element of the case completely legally compliant.

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Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 3 About the Awards Throughout our lives, people always need someone to guide them and offer them advice and insight based on their knowledge and experience. This does not stop as we get older, and no matter how successful, profitable or renowned a business may be, it goes without saying that alongside its own assemblage of talent and expertise, there will always be a network of professionals behind the scenes helping to inform, guide and shape the way in which it operates. Across all sectors and industries, from lawyers, accountants, bankers and consultants to HR professionals, IT specialists and security experts, a vast array of outside agencies and organisations, advisers can contribute massively to a company’s success, having invaluable input for its top tier management team. Playing a major role in a business’s ongoing success, these professionals aim to advise, assist and support their clients, providing essential information that informs and shapes vital strategy. As such, they have become a fundamental part of the ever-evolving business landscape. Since 2014, every year AI looks to highlight some of the most renowned and innovative professionals from around the world. Our dedicated team have left no stone unturned to ensure that these awards are allocated only to the individuals and firms that truly deserve them and have demonstrated excellence within their respective fields. Whether those put forward hail from the largest, international corporations, or the small firms and individuals that work alongside them, we’re aiming to highlight the industry’s shining lights and act as the ultimate guide for those seeking trusted experts. Elliot Ashbourne Head of Features & Senior Sales Executive Contents 7 Eva Schmelz - Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer of the Year, Austria 8 Kanzlei Kleiner Eberl Brandstätter Steuerberatung GmbH Leading International Tax Disputes Consultancy of the Year, Austria 9 Karolina Argyridou - Leading Banking and Financial Services Lawyer of the Year, Cyprus 10 Elena Argyropoulou & Associates LLC - Leading Corporate and Commercial Law Boutique of the Year, Cyprus 11 Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC - Leading Cross-Border Transactions and Taxation Law Firm of the Year, Cyprus No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editorial Team Sif Brookes, Senior Editor Sofi Bajor, Editor Daniel Long, Writer Gabriel Muers, Writer Rebecca Scotland, Writer Ashley-Francis Cox, Writer Amelia Walker, Writer Design Team Emma Hunt, Creative & Design Assistant Manager Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer Lauren Baldwin, Junior Graphic Designer 12 Olga Treufeldt - Leading Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer of the Year, Estonia 13 Pax Corporate Finance - Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Specialist IT Consultancy of the Year, France 14 Anne-Katel Martineau - Leading E-Commerce and IT Lawyer of the Year, France 16 Spyridon Spyridis - Leading Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Germany 17 Ingo Klaus Wamser - Leading Cross-Border Criminal Litigation Lawyer of the Year, Germany 18 Marc Dieluweit - Leading Employment Law and Contract Lawyer of the Year, Germany 19 Hahnelt Consulting - Leading SME Business Transformation and Development Consultancy of the Year, Germany EUROPE

4 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 20 Serafim Sotiriadis - Leading Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Business Restructuring Lawyer of the Year, Greece 21 Mikrou - Klidaras Law Firm - Leading Construction and Property Litigation Law Firm of the Year, Greece 22 Global Advisory Tax Solutions SA - Leading Inter-Group Transactions Taxation Firm of the Year, Greece 23 Soma Kolcsenyi - Leading Family and Matrimonial Disputes Lawyer of the Year, Hungary 24 Lorraine Eagers - Leading Employment Disputes Lawyer of the Year, Ireland 25 Veronique Haverhals - Leading Immigration, Relocation and Nationality Lawyer of the Year, Netherlands 26 Knut Olsen - Leading Taxation and Anti-Corruption Lawyer of the Year, Norway 27 Alves, Botelho, Varela & Associados - Leading Private Client (Visa and Tax) Law Firm of the Year, Portugal 28 AAMM (Abecasis, Moura Marques e Associados) - Leading Public Procurement and Administrative Law Firm of the Year, Portugal 29 Transfer Pricing Services - Leading Transfer Pricing and Taxation Protection Firm of the Year, Romania 30 Roman Bradu - Leading White-Collar Crime Lawyer of the Year, Romania 31 You Are Capital - Leading M&A and Private Equity Advisory of the Year, Spain 32 Alpha Global Wealth - Best Expat Wealth Management Firm, 2021 – Switzerland 34 Joaquin Sales - Leading Structured Finance Transactions and Project Finance Expert of the Year, Spain 36 Brant Noziska - Leading Bad Faith Insurance Coverage Attorney of the Year, California 37 Carol Gillam - Leading Employment Rights Litigation Lawyer of the Year, California 38 Russell Berkowitz - Leading Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Attorney of the Year, Connecticut 39 nDemand Consulting LLC - Leading Business Crisis and Logistics Management Consultancy Firm of the Year, Georgia 40 David Taylor - Leading Insurance Litigation Attorney of the Year, Indiana 41 Damon Pourciau - Leading Asbestos-Related Settlement Attorney of the Year, Louisiana 42 Samuel Bennett - Leading Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Michigan 43 Robert Odawi Porter - Leading Aboriginal and Native American Law Attorney of the Year, New York 44 Steve Whetstone - Leading Property Insurance Lawyer of the Year, Ohio 45 Edward Bell - Leading Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Litigation Attorney of the Year, South Carolina 46 David Coale - Leading Appellate Attorney of the Year, Texas 47 Marcos Ronquillo - Leading Hispanic Business Arbitration and Litigation Attorney of the Year, Texas 48 Seth Lederman - Leading Franchise Acquisition and Development Specialist of the Year, USA 50 Jack Chang - Leading Investment Banker of the Year, Texas 51 Jeffrey Lynch - Leading Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Attorney of the Year, Texas 53 Andrew Graham Deiss - Leading Anti-Trust and Competition Litigation Attorney of the Year, Utah 54 John Mahoney - Leading Employment and Labor Rights Attorney of the Year, Washington, D.C 55 Estudio Grispo & Asociados - Leading M&A and Corporate Disputes Law Firm of the Year, Argentina 56 Carlos Deneszczuk - Leading Judicial Recovery and Reorganization Lawyer of the Year, Brazil 57 Samano Abogados SC - Leading Full-Service Corporate and Administrative Law Firm of the Year, Mexico 58 Bryan, Gonzalez Vargas & Gonzalez Baz - Leading M&A and Corporate Restructuring Law Firm of the Year, Mexico 60 Pedro Gloria - Leading Real Estate and Construction Lawyer of the Year, Mexico 63 Arram Berlyn Gardner LLP - Leading Chartered Accountancy and Business Advisory of the Year, United Kingdom 64 Engleharts Solicitors - Leading Commercial Property Conveyancing Law Firm of the Year, United Kingdom 65 Sandip Patel - Leading Corporate Banking and Finance Lawyer of the Year, United Kingdom 66 G. D. O’Hehir & Co Ltd - Leading Full-Service Accountancy Firm of the Year, United Kingdom 67 Accentia Franchise Consultants - Leading Full-Service Franchise Development Consultancy of the Year, United Kingdom 68 Geo-Environmental Services Limited - Leading Geotechnical and Environmental Consultancy Firm of the Year, United Kingdom 69 Seize A Solution Limited - Leading Mechanical Production Engineering Consultancy of the Year, United Kingdom 70 FM Consult - Leading Operational Risk and Compliance Consultancy of the Year, United Kingdom 71 Richard Scott-Watson - Leading Orthopaedics, Fractures and Trauma Expert Witness of the Year, United Kingdom NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA UK

Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 5 95 Omar Obeidat - Leading Competition and Antitrust Disputes Lawyer of the Year, United Arab Emirates 96 Nodir Yuldashev - Leading Cross-Border Investments and Transactions Lawyer of the Year, Uzbekistan 98 Helene Paty Kounake - Leading Banking and Finance Lawyer of the Year, Benin 99 Mahamady Zango - Leading Business Taxation and Investment Lawyer of the Year, Burkina Faso 100 Nolands Capital - Leading Corporate Finance and Management Consultant of the Year, South Africa 101 Joseph Matsiko - Leading Litigation, Arbitration and Disputes Lawyer of the Year, Uganda 102 Thompson Stevenson & Associates - Leading Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year, Zimbabwe 103 Brenda Matanga - Leading Specialist Intellectual Property Law Attorney of the Year, Zimbabwe 105 PAX Migration Australia - Leading Corporate Migration and Visa Services Consultancy of the Year, Australia 106 Christian Foyle - Leading Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Lawyer of the Year, Australia 107 Meena Hanna - Leading Restructuring and Insolvency Lawyer of the Year, Australia 108 Jimmy Singh - Leading Specialist Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year, Australia 109 Joydeep Hor - Leading Specialist Labour and Employment Lawyer of the Year, Australia 72 Michael Haringman - Leading Real Estate Development and Commercial Property Transactions Lawyer of the Year, United Kingdom 73 Hetty Verney Accounting - Leading SME Accounting and Business Advisory Firm of the Year, United Kingdom 74 Caroline Walker - Leading Specialist Employment Law Solicitor of the Year, United Kingdom 75 Bargate Murray - Leading Superyacht and Luxury Asset Law Firm of the Year, United Kingdom 76 Intercorp International Ltd - Leading Taxation and Wealth Planning Consultancy of the Year, United Kingdom 77 TaxKings Accountants - Leading Personal Taxation Advisory Firm of the Year, Scotland 78 Quinn Legal - Leading White-Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year, Isle of Man 80 Hamidul Mishbah - Leading IP and Competition Lawyer of the Year, Bangladesh 81 Ajmalul Hossain - Leading Litigation, Arbitration and ADR Lawyer of the Year, Bangladesh 82 George Xu - Leading Cross-Border Corporate M&A Specialist of the Year, China 83 Horizons Corporate Advisory Co Ltd - Leading Cross-Border Corporate Transactions Advisory of the Year, China 84 Krishna & Saurastri Associates LLP - Leading Intellectual Property Prosecution Law Firm of the Year, India 86 Rahul Chaudhry & Partners - Leading Intellectual Property Rights and Infringement Law Firm of the Year, India 87 Rahul Verma - Leading M&A and Corporate Transactions Lawyer of the Year, India 88 Noverizky Pasaribu - Leading Commercial Transactions and Finance Lawyer of the Year, Indonesia 89 Mul & Co - Leading Tax Compliance and Disputes Law Firm of the Year, Indonesia 90 IPMAN Global Intellect Pte Ltd - Leading Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement Advisor of the Year, Malaysia 91 James Bradley - Leading Energy, Infrastructure and Project Development Lawyer of the Year, Thailand 92 Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. - Leading Agriculture and Environmental Management Consultancy Firm of the Year, Philippines 93 Alexander Poblador - Leading Corporate and Business Disputes Lawyer of the Year, Philippines 94 Editha Hechanova - Leading Trademark and Patent Prosecution Attorney of the Year, Philippines AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA AFRICA MIDDLE EAST & ASIA Join 108,000 Readers in Over 170 Countries Subscribe www.acquisition-international.com/subscribe

6 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 EUROPE

Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 7 18 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2021 Oct21444 helping each one of them to unlock their potential and put their strong dispositions and work ethics to good use. Importantly, each of its staff also enjoys their work. This is a big part of how Schmelz Rechtsanwalte ensures that it maintains a good working environment, one that ultimately pulled it through the trials and tribulations of the Covid-19 pandemic’s worst impacts, despite the challenges this involved. It has been informed by a variety of its clients how the pandemic has impacted them personally, after all, with many of them facing significant limitations from their supply chains and the world’s distributions and delivery channels really only just recovering after tumult of 2020. Incoming orders from many clients can once again be processed without issue, but the industry as awholewill be feeling the ripple effects of the catastrophe for quite some time, meaning that companies such as Schmelz Rechtsanwalte have made themselves more of a partner than ever to its corporate clients in order to help them manage. This law firm, forever in its clients’ corner, has made itself an invaluable aid during a time of crisis, and it is still sticking determinedly by its clients impacted by distribution struggles as they recover their supply lines. After years of gradual growth – and even with the pandemic putting it on pause – this company is looking forward to further growth in the near future, with 2022 promising additional expansion that will allow it to take itself and its clients into the future. Diverse Clientele, Reliable Results n agile law firm, Schmelz Rechtsanwalte specialises in the field of civil law in particular. With its partner, Eva Schmelz, being one of the rising stars of family law, this law firm’s leading front-runner Dorian Schmelz has taken the helm in civil law with diligence and tenacity, cultivating an exemplary reputation as a foremost expert in real estate and association litigation. Fundamentally, Schmelz Rechtsanwalte’s clients span a wide and diverse spectrum of people. It represents both private clients and companies in matters of everything from family and inheritance law to commercial law and legal disputes in the corporate ecosystem that thrives in Germany; this has earned several high-prestige clients such as large landowners and property managers, as well as several health and pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, working in a sector such as law and litigation, it has been able to develop this reputation from the standard of its consultancy. Providing comprehensive and well-informed advice to its clients across the board, its staff are qualified, motivated, and exemplary, becoming Schmelz Rechtsanwalte’s greatest asset with their brilliant approach to both their work and the clients case in the macro scale. On a personal level, it is always on the lookout for fresh young talent, as it knows it is these young legal minds who will be shaping the future of the industry. Thus, it hires such fresh faces and trains them up within a culture of client-first litigation and legal advisory services, A Schmelz Rechtsanwalte, the ‘Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer of the Year’ for Austria, is a company working hard to serve a huge diversity of clients with exemplary legal advice and services. Making itself the backbone to its client’s familial legal structure – especially regarding inheritance and divorce settlement – as well as securing itself as a business partner for its corporate clientele, its efforts have secured its place as a leader in the delivery of exemplary legal services across a wide market segment. Company: Schmelz Rechtsanwalte Contact: Dorian Schmelz Website: rechtampunkt.at Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer of the Year, Austria

8 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 Acquisition International - Issue 1 2022 33 both local and international clients. Its team of experts are dedicated to delivering a tailored solution for each case and ultimately, achieving results that exceed expectations. Company: Kanzlei Kleiner Eberl Brandstätter Steuerberatung GmbH Contact: Fritz Kleiner Email: [email protected] Website: www.kanzleikleiner.at Oct21348 Open, Decisive, Competent anzlei Kleiner Eberl Brandstätter Steuerberatung GmbH is part of an international network specialising in tax law. It serves small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as sole proprietor businesses, freelance professionals, associations, organisations, bodies under public law, private clients, and companies to resolve national and international tax disputes. It offers its services on an individual and customised basis to whatever extent required. For services that extend beyond its own broad range of services, Kanzlei Kleiner is happy to draw on the advice of professionals within its network of experts, lawyers and notaries. Due to its membership of leading international associations, Kanzlei Kleiner has excellent contacts with experts all over the world. The firm’s executive director, Dr Fritz Kleiner’s experience in law stretches back to 1969 when he graduated with a law degree from the University of Graz. In 1973, he assumed ownership of Kanzlei Kleiner which was established in 1958 by his father. Dr Kleiner is a sworn and certified expert for accounting, banking and the stock market, company valuations, cost accounting, auditing, tax consulting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting, for civil and criminal courts in Austria. He has, through the decades, worked as a tax expert on several high-profile court cases involving large Austrian banks and investment companies, and is a member of the working group for tax law at the Austrian Chamber of CPAs and Tax Consultants. Alongside his work at Kanzlei Kleiner, Dr Kleiner lectured at the University of Graz, Faculty of Law for 15 years on “The Law of the Double Taxation Agreement, case studies”. He was also a guest professor at the University of Wuhan, China in 1991, 1993, and 1997. In addition to this, he is a specialist author of published works covering tax law and questions regarding the position of court experts in Austria. With regards to the service Kanzlei Kleiner provides, its employees are happy to visit clients at their place of business, and Dr Kleiner and his colleagues, Silke Brandstätter (MA, Law) and Nikolaus Eberl (MA, Law) are glad to meet clients in person, too. To also aid convenience, the firm is pleased to offer, upon request, the option of sending any documentation directly to the client digitally. Indeed, Kanzlei Kleiner has a lot of years and experience behind it which enhances the service it provides, making it the go-to firm for K Founded in 1958, Kanzlei Kleiner Eberl Brandstätter Steuerberatung GmbH sees itself as a premium service provider and one-stop-shop for national and international tax law, covering every level of accounting, bookkeeping, payroll accounting, annual financial statements, tax returns, and management consulting with a particular focus on corporate structuring and fiscal criminal law in Austria. Recognised as Leading International Tax Disputes Consultancy of the Year, Austria, we take a closer look at the firm. Leading International Tax Disput s Consultancy of the Year, Austria

Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 9 34 Acquisition International - Issue 1 2022 as well as through targeted support to vulnerable social groups, by running various charitable activities each year. In addition, it regularly participates in existing programmes run by charitable organisations. Another method of giving back is presented through the K. Argyridou Academy. The academy provides professional seminars, webinars, workshops and other training sessions which are shaped to the professional training needs of its clients. Covering a range of topics, including financial services legislation, banking law, e-privacy and data protection, the academy is catered towards industry professionals who wish to further their knowledge. Each course has been created to target underserved areas, and as a result, can be delivered in an interesting and engaging manner – therefore, maximising value for money and greatly benefiting its clients. The Law Firm Taking Cyprus By Storm Argyridou and Associates LLC is a niche law firm that specialises in providing solid advice and innovative solutions to even the most complicated legal issues. Working across numerous areas in the banking and financial sectors, each member of its staff has relevant experience to their area of work – be it blockchain and DLT or investment funds. No other firm in Cyprus operates quite like K. Argyridou and Associates LLC. It is unique in the sense that it places the client at the forefront of its operation and delivers a bespoke service that provides effective results. Managing Partner, Karolina Argyridou, graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2005, and obtained her Master’s in Law from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences with distinction in 2006. Specialising in banking law, investment and financial services, capital markets, and personal data, Argyridou has worked with numerous financial and credit institutions around the globe and has aided the Cypriot government in the drafting and transposition of major banking and financial services laws. Leading the team with an abundance of expertise, Argyridou ensures that the firm produces only the highest quality of work. Indeed, the K. Argyridou and Associates LLC team is filled with seasoned professionals that have developed their skills working with financial institutions in Cyprus and abroad. Dynamic and close-knit, they endeavour to communicate effectively in order to guarantee efficiency within a fast-paced environment. Moreover, when working with clients, K. Argyridou and Associates LLC believes that it is vital for staff to maintain transparency and build a relationship with the client. The team is encouraged to work with the company’s core values in mind, as they are, of course, representatives of the firm. Clientcentricity is a key part of K. Argyridou and Associates LLC’s structure – it is built upon the basis of choosing the solutions that create the best value for clients. This includes customer transactions being handled safely throughout the company without compromising costeffectiveness, and on the basis that they will have continuous support until matters end, even in unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, the company takes pride in its ability to build long-lasting relationships with clients, partners, and institutions on a global scale – this, in essence, is due to its dependability and dedication to excellence. It is a firm belief within the company that it should be able to maintain a great amount of social responsibility. After all, such a belief aligns with its code of ethics. Furthermore, K. Argyridou and Associates LLC sees it as a part of its job to enhance its local community through giving back. It opts to undertake such activities through pro-bono, K. Tucked away on the sunny island of Cyprus stands a highly professional and innovative law firm. K. Argyridou and Associates LLC is home to a plethora of bespoke legal solutions and advice that spans across numerous banking and finance industries. Indeed, the winners of Leading Banking and Financial Services Lawyer of the Year, Cyprus, K. Argyridou and Associates LLC provides nothing but an unbeatable service and proven results. Contact: Karolina Argyridou Company: K. Argyridou and Associates LLC Web Address: https://argyridou.com/ Nov21276 K. Argyridou and Associates LLC is a niche law firm that specialises in providing solid advice and innovative solutions to even the most complicated legal issues. Leading Banking and Financial Services Lawyer of the Year, Cyprus

10 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2021 21 Mar21348 Leading Lawyers Secure Success he team at Elena Argyropoulou & Associates have garnered an impressive reputation for being able to tackle a variety of different cases on behalf of clients. The team has an impressively diverse client base, drawing on everything from large multinational publicly owned companies to privately held businesses and high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs. The key to success, therefore, is having the capacity to deliver the results these clients expect to the highest possible standards. Working across various aspects of legal practice, including amongst others, Trusts & Estate Planning, Data Protection, Employment Law, Tax and International Tax Planning, Wills, Probate and Administration of Estates, Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate & Property and Immigration means that the team can act not only as a boutique solution, but one that is thoroughly comprehensive in terms of corporate and commercial law. Putting this into action is a team of talented and experienced lawyers from a range of different specialisms. Working across the entire organization has been key to securing success for clients. With so many legal minds under one roof, it is easy to offer a streamlined firstclass legal services to a diversified Cypriot and overseas clientele. The service offered is naturally tailored, with a boutique firm able to offer clients a perspective that is perfectly suited to their needs. This close personal attention forms the heart of many of the relationships that have made Elena Argyropoulou & Associates into such a success story. The team are incredibly sensitive to what their clients need, trying at all times to meet the goals they have set themselves. Working together is what underpins the work of Elena Argyropoulou & Associates, both within the organization and with clients who have a case to settle. The reach and reputation of Elena Argyropoulou & Associates reflects the stature of its founder and director. In her previous positions, she has been invited as a key-note speaker at STEP Israel and other As the world becomes more internationally minded, it’s vital for companies to maintain a globalized approach to their ventures. For many organizations, a key part of this is the work of Elena Argyropoulou & Associates LLC, a boutique law firm based in Limassol, Cyprus. Named Leading Corporate and Commercial Law Boutique of the Year, Cyprus in Acquisition International’s Leading Advisor awards, we thought it time to take a closer look at the secrets behind their victory. Company: Elena Argyropoulou & Associates Name: Elena Argyropoulou Sakka Email: [email protected] T industry events both locally and overseas. She has also lectured for trusts to the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus and to a number of major banking institutions. This list of impressive achievements demonstrates clearly the regard with which the firm is held by the industry. As a result of this impressive reputation, Elena Argyropoulou & Associates is a firm that is at the forefront of the pack, offering a unique perspective on international matters to clients. When they turn to this impressive team, it is because they trust them to deliver results that are second to none. The firm is regulated and licensed by the Cyprus Bar Association and complies with both local and European standards, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained at all times. The success of Elena Argyropoulou & Associates comes from a collaboration between all parties and the highest standards of legal advice. Through this astonishing firm, the team have been able to achieve some truly remarkable results. We celebrate this now and look forward to what they offer in the future. Company: Elena Argyropoulou & Associates Name: Elena Argyropoulou Sakka Email: [email protected] The firm is regulated and licensed by the Cyprus Bar Association and complies with both local and European standards, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained at all times. eading Corporate and Commercial Law Boutique of the Year, Cyprus

Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 11 18 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2021 commercial litigation, litigation involving banks and financial institutions. The firm also has considerable experience in banking, bank regulatory matters, acquisition finance, commercial finance, project finance and general secured lending. It assists clients in drafting and reviewing of credit agreements, pledge agreements, bond financing and corporate and public finance transactions. Its clients include major banks and one of the largest pension funds in Cyprus. Another area of expertise for Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC is capital markets. It has years of experience in advising companies on matters related to listing on capital markets, with a particular reference to multilateral trading facilities such as the Emerging Companies Market of the Cyprus Stock Exchange, having assisted entities on listing and de-listing of both stocks and bonds. The firm’s expertise extends to capital markets regulatory compliance and financial institutions regulatory compliance, with a special focus on alternative investment funds. Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC is in the list of Nominated Advisors for the Emerging Companies Market of the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Serving clients across different industries, the firm assists international corporations as well as high net worth individuals for private client matters. Its lawyers have diverse educational and legal backgrounds, acquired in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Russia, UK, and US. At least one member of the firm corresponds in at least one of the following languages: English, Greek, Italian and Russian. Ultimately, Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC maintains a solid base of long-standing clients including medium-sized listed companies and private equity funds, and it is praised by clients for its businessminded approach, responsiveness and understanding of clients’ needs. Feedback refers to the team’s ability to deal with complex matters and understand the needs of clients as a main strength of the business. The firm is also very committed and personally involved in any issue faced by clients, and always works to the highest standard, providing prompt, specific and complete information. The team’s ability to always deliver on time and to provide assistance on any aspects of a deal make the firm very recommendable. Leading Cross-Border Transactions and Taxation Law uring the past ten years, Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC has been ranked on top-notch legal directories and received accomplishments from different organisations. The firm practices in most areas of law with a particular expertise on corporate law (including cross border transactions), private client matters and litigation. Its goal is to reach client objectives in an efficient and costeffective manner, with continuity and excellence. In terms of corporate law cases, the firm’s lawyers advise clients in formulating the most advantageous structure for the venture, taking into consideration tax, managerial, risk and market factors. Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC assists in the formation of corporations, partnerships and trusts as well as of branches of representative offices, advises on the regulatory and registration requirements and handles all legal aspects of setting up the appropriate infrastructure. The firm provides an ongoing advisory service to both shareholders and management, covering legal, financial and corporate governance aspects of the day-to-day operation of the company. Its clients include companies operating in the insurance, energy and oil sectors and a considerable part of its work in this department relates to incorporation and administration of international Cyprus companies. Meanwhile, the work of the litigation department counts for a considerable part of the overall activity of the firm. Its lawyers regularly deal with many types of civil and administrative cases. It advises clients on the likely outcome of a lawsuit and informs them about the options for a settlement or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The main fields of activity of this department are corporate and D Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC was founded in 1983 and is a dynamic and modern boutique law firm which has grown into one of the leading law firms in Cyprus. Since 2009, it has been operating as a lawyers’ limited liability company. Recognised by Acquisition International as Leading Cross-Border Transactions and Taxation Law Firm of the Year – Cyprus, we take a closer look at the firm. Company: Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC Contact: Lorenzo Toffoloni Website: www.aslaw.eu Apr21054 The firm’s expertise extends to capital markets regulatory compliance and financial institutions regulatory compliance, with a special focus on alternative investment funds. Andreas Th. Sofokleous LLC is in the list of Nominated Advisors for the Emerging Companies Market of the Cyprus Stock Exchange. eading Cross-Border Transactions and Taxation Law Firm of the Year, Cyprus

12 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 34 Issue 12 2021 A Patent for Success stablished in 1988, Patendiburoo Turvaja Ou deals with patent applications in the fields of technology, trademark and design registrations, domain names, licenses and litigation, representing clients in both the Industrial Property Appeals Board and the courts. For over 30 years, Turvaja has been considered a pioneer within the field and top-tier leaders representing Estonian people and clients internationally. At Turvaja, its office and commissioners participate in the activities of the Chamber of Patent Attorneys, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, INTA, AIPPI, ECTA, LES, epi, FICPI and MARQUES, working in the languages of Estonian, English, Russian, German and Finnish. Currently, the agency employs six patent attorneys who are experts within their field and recognised as professional representatives within the Estonian PTO (Estonian Patent Office), EPO (European Patent Office), and EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office). Overall, Turvaja has been recognised as a leader in the industry for its impeccable excellence in its field of expertise and its ability to provide an unmatched service amongst competitors with high success rates. In addition, its experience team is incredibly responsive and fluent in several main languages to maintain its high regard within the market and offer its services on a global scale. On a daily basis, the team members at Turvaja work with complex objections, appeals and claims of wrongdoings. In addition, as highly qualified patent attorneys, Turvaja is able to act as a local agent to liaise with the customs or the police when counterfeit products are confiscated. Repeatedly ranked amongst the top Estonian law firms in the litigation and prosecution categories, Turvaja is without a doubt deservedly recognised as the Leading Professional Trademark Firm in Estonia and Leading Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer of the Year. Moreover, the services provided by Turvaja are widely held for checking the intellectual property for compliance with Estonian law, as well as obtaining national rights to protect trademarks and validating European patents in Estonia. The firms’ success is heavily exemplified by its effective services to its clients, which helps the company maintain its studious reputation and flawless execution and keep on top of rivals within the market. In addition, Turvaja serves as an in-house patent attorney, aiding clients draft licensing agreements, advising clients on strategies and tactics E Recognised as the first privately owned patent office in Estonia, with over three decades of expertise and professional industry intellect, ‘Patendiburoo Turvaja Ou’ has been awarded the Leading Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer of the Year by AI – Leading Advisory 2021. Turvaja provides a specialised service covering a wide variety of intellectual property rights, representing domestic and foreign clients throughout Estonia and internationally. Company: TURVAJA Patent Agency Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.turvaja.ee Contact Name: Olga Treufeldt Nov21123 for registering trademarks and patenting inventions in the EU and international. Thus, providing an advantage over potential competitors. Many countries worldwide experienced a significant decline in economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Turvaja noticed considerable growth in the activity of applications from Estonian companies. Due to this, the current plan for the firm is to develop this trend, allowing Turvaja to gain the involvement of colleagues from different countries in order to maintain the protection of the intellectual property of its clients. Overall, the company’s growth has been steady but sure with its continuous recognition as the leading professional trademark firm in Estonia. With over 30 years of professionalism and experience, Turvaja is an expert in its field and will be leading the industry for the years to come. Established in 1988, Patendiburoo Turvaja Ou deals with patent applications in the fields of technology, trademark and design registrations, domain names, licenses and litigation, representing clients in both the Industrial Property Appeals Board and the courts. Leading Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer of the Y ar, Estonia

Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 13 Acquisition International - Issue 12 9 Sep21783 The Bank Supporting French Corporate Growth or 18 years, Pax Corporate Finance has been the bank at the fore of advising and supporting the French corporate ecosystem and its shareholders in fundraising, acquisitions, transfers, financing, and valuation expertise operations. Fundamentally, it has made itself the purveyor of a wide range of financial advisory services and one of the best in the business for the comprehensive and diligent nature of its services, each of which supports its entrepreneurs throughout the different phases of their company’s life cycle. In essence, it makes itself an invaluable and supportive partner to their business from beginning to end. Allowing it to do this is its incredible team. With each and every staff member being incredibly knowledgeable in their field, bringing a wide range of perspectives and methodologies to the table that align perfectly with Pax’s goals of total client satisfaction, its 25 collaborators have a broad portfolio of work between them. Cumulatively, they have carried out over 250 different transactions, securing Pax’s position as amongst the top benchmark investment banks. Having handled acquisitions and transitions in the past year alone for companies such as Innov’SA, KeeSystem, Nightingale, Azulis Capital, Socadif, and Adera Partners, its services have grown in renown naturalistically, gaining even more trust and respect in its field F with every client it serves. Therefore, with so many clients past and present willing to pass on recommendations and referrals to peers and colleagues on behalf of Pax, this firm sees its current growth trend only continuing as it moves forward towards the future, hoping to present many more companies with the PAX Corporate Finance tombstone and secure a relationship with them that will last into perpetuity. The tombstone itself, traditionally given to its clients at the conclusion of their transaction, has been designed in partnership with the Norman crystal maker Waltersperger. This craftsmanship company ensures that every trophy-like tombstone created is unique in its own way, as they are hand-crafted and tailor made, reflecting the commitment to quality that runs through every facet of Pax’s operations from top to bottom whilst also showing Pax’s gratitude to its clients for their trust. After all, it knows that by its very nature, its work relies on a client putting their faith in it, and it is proud to say that it has developed a penchant for the utmost reliability, proven by the number of successful transactions it has carried out in the past and continues to work on in the present. Company: Pax Corporate Finance Contact: Marie-Laure Falcoz Website: pax.fr Having made itself the ‘Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Specialist IT Consultancy of the Year’ for France, Pax Corporate Finance has been thrust to prominence in its field. Critically, this banking firm’s work has ensured that every client who comes to it for aid in fundraising, transfers, financing, valuation expertise – and more – walks away perfectly satisfied and having achieved the most favourable result. This has allowed it to develop a huge network of business partners and corporate relationships over the years, allowing it to make itself a cornerstone of its industry. Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Specialist IT Consultancy of the Year, France

14 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 Acquisit on International - Issue 11 2021 Oct21573 The Future of Cyber Security Law With a huge shift to online buying and online start-up businesses, there is a higher demand for E-Commerce and IT Lawyers. Maître Anne-Katel Martineau has recently been awarded with Leading E-Commerce and IT Lawyer of the Year, France. Here we take a deeper look into the e-commerce and IT industries, what Cabinet de Maître Anne-Katel Martineau does, and how the award-winning firm is stays up to date in an ever-fluctuating industry. ulti-award-winning firmCabinet de Maître Anne-Katel Martineau has been around since 2007 and has helped a huge number of businesses and individuals to set up and maintain their online presence, brand, or franchise. The firm was set up to support companies and self-employed individuals in information and communication technology law. It is also interested in aiding performance art law alongside the art market where Anne-Katel supports both the art and media market. More recently, the firm’s focus has been directed to legal matters pertaining to the e-commerce industry. E-commerce, also known as Electronic Commerce, is the industry of buying and selling of products, goods, or services via the internet. E-commerce law includes everything legal in relation to the e-commerce industry and is a highly important practice that aids online businesses around the globe. Each company with an online presence must abide by certain laws and regulations, much like the laws that any other business must consider and practice. E-commerce law has become more important than ever as the internet continues to grow and businesses are having more success in the online realm. This is where online legal responsibility becomes essential as legislation has the tendency to change over time, and businesses must therefore work to stay current, relevant and compliant. As businesses can occasionally find themselves in legal difficulties, e-commerce law has become a very important service that requires someone with expertise and a rich background of experience. The most common legal issues that e-commerce companies face happen to be things like establishing a legitimate business entity that protects it from personal liability, creating business agreements that protect the business interests with partners, drafting proper license agreements, avoiding fake reviews, account suspensions, and dealing with payment processing issues such as chargebacks and holdbacks with processors. In being represented by an E-commerce Law Attorney, it is more probable that the business in question will be able to flourish and weather any problems that may arise. As there are many legal issues that may arise when forming an e-commerce site, or when working with an e-commerce platform, it is imperative that the business has access to legal advice and aid should anything go wrong. The services that an Internet Law Attorney provides include – but are not limited to – advice on e-commerce business ventures, generating M e-commerce terms and conditions, privacy policies, return policies, assisting with payment processing problems, resolving review and counterfeit issues, and a further extending list of processes and issues. Information Technology (IT) law is slightly different to e-commerce law as it is broader. Although it is very similar to e-commerce law – due to it revolving around online systems – IT law typically encompasses all things web and computer software related. These things usually involve electronic signature laws, data privacy (GDPR) and security, and software licensing issues. IT attorneys work with all of these areas to share knowledge of legalities so that they may help any business with potential liability issues. Over the course of the global pandemic, there has been an influx of online buying. Perhaps this is due to lockdowns where people are spending more time inside, so they fill more of their time with online shopping. Or perhaps it is due to the decrease in spending elsewhere, as many businesses have been forced to close. However, as there has been an increase in online spending and the number of online shops, the industry has seen a rise in the need for IT, e-commerce, and IP lawyers. This has driven lawyers forward as they have more work than ever before, and it doesn’t look like this is going to change any time soon as people seem to have become more accustomed to buying online. Known for her insightful and wise background in online spaces and companies, Anne-Katel is making a defined difference to the businesses that she lends herself to. She underwent training on cyberspace law in 2003, with a course on personal data, before working in these specific markets. She has worked in various places and has been working on these kinds of issues for over 18 years. And, since its birth, Cabinet de Maître Anne-Katel has supported an incredible number of start-ups worldwide. Anne-Katel also deals with IP laws that protect copyright, trademarks, and patents alike. Essentially, this covers anything such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols. By protecting these aspects of a business, she is allowing them to avoid any mishaps or imposters that may cause issues for them. Noticed in the world of contract negotiation and amicable dispute resolution in an international context, the firm has won multiple awards for its excellent services. Winning awards from 2015-2021 in new, innovative IT and IP laws, alongside art laws, and most recently Leading Leading E-Commerce and IT Lawyer of the Year, France

Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 15 Acquisition I ternational - Issue 11 2021 2 The Future of Cyber Security Law E-Commerce and IT Lawyer of the Year, France, Cabinet de Maître Anne-Katel Martineau continues to flex its irreputable legal muscles. Overall, Anne-Katel has a world of experience that makes her reliable, accurate, and highly professional when applying herself to helping companies in their online actions. She will continue to strengthen existing relationships whilst sparking new connections with businesses that need legal advice and protection. Contact: Anne-Katel Martineau Web Address: https://www.medias-tic.com/ Phone: + 33 (0) 1.42.60.41.00 Mobile: +33 (0)6.60.25.23.01 Address: Anne-Katel Martineau, Avocate au Barreau de Paris, 20, Avenue de l’Opéra, 75001 Paris, France

16 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2021 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2021 39 A Comprehensive Defence When it comes to finding someone to defend your interests, there are few finer than Spyridon Spyridis. Based in Germany, but with a deep knowledge of Greek affairs, he has been able to offer his clients incredible support. Named Leading Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Germany in Acquisition International’s Leading Adviser awards, we take a look at the secrets of his success. Oct21597 hen it comes to understanding the success of Spyridon Spyridis, it’s worth considering the value which he has found in his international background. Having studied at the Law University in Athens, Greece between 1998 and 2004, before gaining his Magister Legum LL.M at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen in 2006, the breadth of his skill has allowed him to serve clients to the highest possible standards. Mr. Spyridis is a member of the Nuremberg Bar Association, where his office is based. The firm’s headquarters are nestled right in the center of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, taking pride of place in the old town. From this location, Mr. Spyridis is proud to offer exceptional service to all focusing primarily on criminal law. Over the years, he has been able to provide strong defence in criminal matters, both elective and compulsory as well as comprehensive defence of private plaintiffs and effective witness support. During the most difficult of times, he is someone you want by your side. While criminal law lies at the heart of what Mr. Spyridis does, he has a wealth of experience in both civil rights, such as family law, tenancy law and employment law, and Greek law in all its varieties. Being able to work across both Greece and Germany has allowed Mr. Spyridis to take part in many interesting cases, ensuring satisfaction on both sides of the border. It’s little wonder with such experience in such complex and precise circumstances that Mr. Spyridis has been sworn in as an officially appointed translator of the Greek language. His unique grasp of the legal sector as well as the languages and cultures of Germany and Greece ensure that he is always in incredible demand. W Through the years, Mr. Spyridis has provided the highest possible quality of service, working not only within Nuremberg, but across Germany and Europe in order to offer the best possible support to clients. It’s little wonder that so many turn to Mr. Spyridis for his comprehensive advice that has led to many successful settlements. His triumph within the industry is to be celebrated, with a breadth of knowledge which sets him apart as one to watch for many years to come. Company: Spyridon Spyridis LL.M Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Name: Spyridon Spyridis Email: [email protected] Leading Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Germany

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