Typical Business/Investment Agreements we regularly prepare in US-Greece International Legal Matters

1. US side Corporate Shareholder Agreement (or LLC Operating Agreement or General Partnership Agreement as applicable) identifying the obligations of each owner and incorporating a Joint Venture Agreement describing the foreign investment.
2. A Joint Agreement describing the joint efforts and undertakings by a US Company and an EU (or other forum) company to develop a business in Greece.
3. A Merger or Acquisition Agreement by which a US corporation purchases a whole, or controlling interest in a Greek or EU company. Or, a Share Purchase Agreement for less than a controlling share (in which case careful attention needs to be paid to potential minority squeeze out, freeze out risks and oppression).
4. A US parent, forming a Greek Branch, and related agreements, including registration of the Greek branch and a US branch legal representative in Greece.
5. A US parent - Greek Subsidiary arrangement by which we set up a Greek SA wholly owned by a US parent. The Greek SA Charter, tax registrations etc... must be formed and the subsidiary obligations vis a vis the parent must be spelled out.
6. An International Licensing Agreement (by which patents trademarks or copyrighted materials owned by a US part are licensed to a Greek company); or Technology Sharing Transfer and/or Agreement - which relates to non-patented proprietary knowledge and know how).
7. International Franchise Agreements by which a US company grants an exclusive on non-exclusive franchise to a Greek company or individual.
8. Independent Sales Representative or Agency Agreement for Greek sales-persons working on behalf of US company - on commission or otherwise.
9. International Employment Agreement by which Greek Branch of US Co (or Greek subsidiary) employs a Greek person or manager.

The above agreements have to be done very carefully with a full knowledge of US and Greek and EU law. Tax and labor law of both countries, in particular, must be carefully considered. Moreover, being also litigators in such cases for over 25 years, we know the provisions that must be inserted to prevent or anticipate trouble. Choice of law, choice of forum, damages, scope of work, default, payment, delivery and related issues are critical - and there can be great repercussions in failing to recognize these issues and traps. It should be noted that a US company that finds itself in litigation in Greece - without clear and favorable contracts, is in for a difficult time.