Nicoletta Kouvara

Lawyer and Consulting @Aptus Legal

LawyerLegal Support⚖️ LegalIntellectual Property Expert

A highly seasoned lawyer with two decades of diverse legal expertise, specializing in corporate and commercial transactions. Her extensive track record includes successfully leading and concluding complex domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, high-value joint ventures, various financing and fundraising transactions, listing of shares of public companies, takeover bids, and multi-jurisdictional corporate restructurings. Notably, she excels in handling corporate transactions within the financial services sector and the technology industry. In 2021, Nicoletta established her own law firm in Cyprus, paving the way for a modern legal practice that empowers experienced lawyers to innovate and thrive. Prior to founding her firm, she served as a Partner at a top-tier law firm in Cyprus, where she was a leading partner in the Corporate & Commercial department. Additionally, she assumed the role of Global General Counsel at an IT conglomerate operating across EMEA, LATAM, and ASIA, where she skillfully negotiated high-value, complex IT and IP agreements with Fortune 500 companies, concluded various investment projects and oversaw all legal matters during the Group's expansion. Throughout her multifaceted career, Nicoletta has consistently received acclaim and recognition in international legal directories, including Legal 500 EMEA, Chambers & Partners, European Legal Experts, and IFLR1000. Legal 500 hailed her as a "Next Generation Partner," while Chambers & Partners identified her among the 'Up and coming' ranked lawyers in Banking & Finance and Corporate/Commercial Law. IFLR1000 recognized her as a "Leading Lawyer" in M&A, Capital Markets, and Investment Funds. Nicoletta earned her LL.B in European Legal Studies from the University of Canterbury, Kent, UK, in 2002. She also holds a Certificate in International Law from the University of Amsterdam and obtained her LL.M in Corporate and Commercial law from the University of London, Queen Mary, in 2005. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 20

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Work Background

Aptus Legal \\ Nicoletta Kouvara & Partners LLCManaging Partner

Sep. 2021CyprusA multi-disciplinary lawyer providing expert advice on a wide range of legal issues to international corporations operating in various industries, financial institutions, asset managers, agile start-ups, high-net-worth individuals, creative entrepreneurs and private clients. Highly experienced in dealing with complex domestic and cross- border private and public mergers and acquisitions, high-value joint ventures, all types of financing and fundraising transactions, buy-outs, corporate restructurings, real estate acquisitions and construction projects. Specialised advisor dealing with transactional matters and regulatory compliance, relating to public companies, advising on IPOs, takeover-bids and capital markets regulations. Provides comprehensive and practical regulatory advice relating to licensing, reporting, cross-border offering and ongoing compliance, with specialisation in financial services industry, asset management, technology, e-commerce and education industries. Highly regarded as an expert advising, negotiating and concluding commercial and IT transactions, having successfully negotiated and concluded high-value transactions with ‘Big Tech’ corporations. Acts as advisor to technology companies on how to structure, protect and scale their business. Drafts and reviews all types of commercial agreements, focusing on IT Law (SaaS, Cloud, licensing and SLA) Nicoletta Kouvara & Partners LLC operating under the brand Aptus Legal was founded in 2021, with a vision of creating a modern legal practice. Understanding that law firms are built on lawyers’ capabilities, skills and competencies, the objective is to provide experienced lawyers the platform needed to thrive and innovate in the practice of law. Innovating in the practice of law is the essential component for addressing the increasing regulatory and transactional legal complexities, the requirements of the evolving digital ecosystem and most importantly the ever-changing needs of the Clients.

YNV GroupGlobal General Counsel

Sep. 2019 - Sep. 2021Nicosia, CyprusActing as Global General Counsel of YNV Group, an international conglomerate operating in the technology sector. The Group owns and operates Tek Experts (a BPO provider specialising in deep technical support and professional services servicing blue chip IT companies), Wize (a SaaS talent and learning solution platform), Elev8 Education (a global IT academy) and Everty (a global real estate group that owns and operates commercial and hospitality assets). The Group is operating globally and has ten offices in Europe, USA, Central America, Asia, Africa and Middle East with over 6,000 employees. As leader of the Global Legal Function, I have been managing all legal matters relating to the Group operations in all jurisdictions, overseeing an international team of in-house lawyers and a network of top tier external legal advisors. Acting as strategic legal advisor and being an active member of the global C-suite and executive team of the Group. Responsible for negotiating and concluding multi-million dollar IT agreements with blue chip tech companies, SaaS agreements, cloud service agreements and government collaboration agreements. Streamlining internal processes and managing all legal aspects of the day-to-day operations and expansion of all lines of business of the Group.

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co LLCPartner

Jun. 2015 - Sep. 2019Nicosia, CyprusAs a seasoned lawyer, I specialize in advising on large and complex mergers and acquisitions, with a particular focus on negotiating and drafting complex joint venture agreements and sale and purchase agreements. I am highly skilled in guiding clients through the restructuring of both private and public companies, as well as public takeovers. Some of my recent accomplishments include leading high-profile M&A transactions, such as the sale of the banking activities of USB BANK PLC to AstroBank Limited and a joint venture transaction for investment in airports in Russia. Additionally, I advised Cargill on its acquisition of 25% plus one share of indirect interest in a grain terminal in Russia's port of Novorossiisk. In addition to my M&A expertise, I also have a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, capital requirements, product development, and corporate governance for credit institutions. I have successfully handled complex multi-million cross-border financing transactions, advising both international credit institutions and corporations on all aspects of financing transactions. Furthermore, I possess extensive knowledge in capital markets and have been involved in the IPO and secondary rights issue of public companies on regulated and non-regulated markets in Cyprus, Hong Kong, and London. My specific expertise in corporate, regulatory, and licensing issues relating to investment funds (AIFs, UCITS) and fund managers sets me apart in the field. Overall, I am a highly experienced and dedicated lawyer with a proven track record of success in the legal industry. I was ranked by Chambers 'Europe' and Chambers 'Global' as a ''Rising Star" for Banking & Finance and Corporate/Commercial Law. I was also listed and recommended by Legal 500 EMEA, European Legal Experts and IFLR1000. I was named as a "Next Generation Partner" by Legal500. I was ranked by IFLR1000 as a “Highly regarded” practitioner for Banking, M&A, Capital Markets and Investment Funds.

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co LLCAdvocate - Senior Associate

Sep. 2009 - Jun. 2015Recognition in International Legal Directories: Chambers and Partners Europe (2016 edition): ranked as 'Up and coming' lawyer for Banking & Finance, Corporate/Commercial, commenting that “clients commend on her ability to "represent the clients' needs in communication with third parties." She has specific experience in capital markets and provides "comprehensive and concise advice." In the Corporate /Commercial section, described as “rising star of the Cypriot corporate market, thanks to her activity on large-scale M&A and corporate restructuring matters. Clients recommend her as "well organised, knowledgeable, and helpful in negotiations." IFLR 1000 (2013 edition): "Senior associate Nicoletta Kouvara was also kept busy last year with involvement in a number of the firm’s key transactions. In M&A, Kouvara advised their international clients on a $600m acquisition of a stake in a Cyprus joint venture company for oil production. Another highlight saw Kouvara single-handedly advising a client on the Cyprus legal aspects of a senior secured term loan facility of $150m to be obtained from an international bank l to fund the Company’s production, development and exploration activities." Chambers & Partners (2013 edition): commented that "Senior associate Nicoletta Kouvara "sees the bigger picture and always proposes the best solution," say clients. Her practice includes capital markets, M&A and joint ventures."

Papadopoulos, Lycourgos & Co LLCAdvocate

Sep. 2005 - Aug. 2009During my tenure as a senior lawyer at a boutique law firm in Nicosia, I developed expertise in all aspects of commercial and corporate law, capital markets, and commercial dispute resolution. I have an impressive track record of dealing with high-value acquisitions and negotiating and drafting commercial agreements, as well as conducting legal due diligence. Some examples of my work include: \\ Negotiating a joint venture between Cypriot, Russian, and Israeli investors for the development of photovoltaic solar systems \\ Advising on an acquisition by a private equity fund of an air-cargo operator and an international software development company \\ Establishing a petroleum joint venture company between a Russian company and a Chinese company In addition, I have extensive experience in IPOs and secondary offerings of shares in Cypriot shipping and telecommunications companies, including listings on the Cyprus Stock Exchange and AIM. My knowledge of tax planning, restructurings, and re-domiciliation has enabled me to regularly advise international clients in these areas. I was also responsible for the first company re-domiciliation of a foreign company to Cyprus. Finally, I have dealt with all aspects of corporate and commercial litigation, including drafting court documents and conducting court hearings in local civil courts. My expertise has been recognized by my inclusion in the European Legal Experts directory as an expert in Corporate and M&A.

Covington & Burling LLPAdvocate

Nov. 2004 - Jun. 2005During my time in this role, I conducted comprehensive software law research and policy work for big tech clients. One of my primary responsibilities was drafting opinions on European intellectual property rights issues, internet-related issues, and European data protection laws. My expertise in these areas enabled me to provide insights and guidance to the Firm's clients. Furthermore, I actively participated in the WSIS Thematic Meeting on Measuring the Information Society, where I contributed my expertise in intellectual property and technology law to the discussions. Overall, I am a highly knowledgeable and experienced intellectual property lawyer, with a particular focus on software protection and European intellectual property rights. My ability to conduct extensive research and provide valuable insights has helped clients navigate complex legal issues in the technology industry.

Lellos P. Demetriades Law Office LLCAdvocate

Sep. 2002 - Aug. 2004As an Associate at this Firm, I gained valuable experience in handling copyright infringement litigation cases related to software, film, and books. During this role, I successfully obtained Anton Pillar orders for copyright infringement on behalf of international publication companies. I also had the opportunity to advise international software companies and film studios on various intellectual property law related matters and piracy issues. In addition, I drafted legal opinions relating to IP law, data protection and assisted in drafting and negotiating licensing agreements. One of the highlights was assisting in drafting the 2004 amendment of Cyprus copyright law, which enhanced the protection of intellectual property rights in the country. Aside from my intellectual property law experience, I also handled commercial dispute resolution cases, including debt collection applications. Furthermore, I advised on human rights violations, drafting and filing applications with the European Court of Human Rights.

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