Lending & Secured Finance 2015
ICLG The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Lending & Secured Finance 2015 3rd Edition A practical cross-border insight into lending and secured finance Published by Global Legal Group, with contributions from: Advokatfirma Ræder DA Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in association with Gregory D. Puff & Co. Ali Budiardjo, Nugroho, Reksodiputro Allen & Overy LLP Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune Archer Legal LLS Asia Pacific Loan Market Association CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Cordero & Cordero Abogados Cornejo Méndez González y Duarte S.C. Criales, Urcullo & Antezana – Abogados Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves Pereira Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP Debarliev, Dameski, Kelesoska Attorneys at law DLA Piper Drew & Napier LLC Ferraiuoli LLC Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Hajji & Associés J.D. Sellier + Co. JŠK, advokátní kancelář, s.r.o. Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC Khan Corporate Law King & Spalding LLP KPP Law Offices Lee and Li, Attorneys-at-Law Leges Advokat Loan Market Association Loan Syndications and Trading Association Maples and Calder Marval, O’Farrell & Mairal Mayer Brown LLP McMillan LLP Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP Miranda & Amado Abogados MJM Limited MOLITOR, Avocats à la Cour Montel&Manciet Advocats Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Morrison & Foerster LLP Nchito and Nchito Norton Rose Fulbright Pestalozzi Attorneys at Law Ltd QUIROZ SANTRONI Abogados Consultores Reed Smith LLP Rodner, Martínez & Asociados Shearman & Sterling LLP Sirota & Mosgo Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Spasic & Partners Tonucci & Partners TozziniFreire Advogados White & Case LLP The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Lending & Secured Finance 2015 Editorial Chapters: Loan Syndications and Trading: An Overview of the Syndicated Loan Market – Bridget Marsh & Ted Basta, Loan Syndications and Trading Association 1 2 Loan Market Association – An Overview – Nigel Houghton, Loan Market Association 7 3 Asia Pacific Loan Market Association – An Overview of the APLMA – Janet Field & Katy Chan, Asia Pacific Loan Market Association 1 Contributing Editor Thomas Mellor, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Head of Business Development Dror Levy Sales Director Florjan Osmani 11 General Chapters: 4 An Introduction to Legal Risk and Structuring Cross-Border Lending Transactions – Thomas Mellor & Thomas Hou, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 15 5 Global Trends in Leveraged Lending – Joshua W. Thompson & Caroline Leeds Ruby, Shearman & Sterling LLP 20 Developments in Intercreditor Dynamics – Meyer C. Dworkin & Monica Holland, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 28 33 Commercial Director Antony Dine 6 Account Directors Oliver Smith, Rory Smith 7 Senior Account Manager Maria Lopez “Yankee Loans” – Structuring Considerations; “Lost in Translation” – Comparative Review and Recent Trends – Alan Rockwell, White & Case LLP 8 Commercial Lending in the Post-Crisis Regulatory Environment: 2015 and Beyond – Bill Satchell & Elizabeth Leckie, Allen & Overy LLP 40 Sales Support Manager Toni Hayward Sub Editor Sam Friend Senior Editor Suzie Levy 9 Acquisition Financing in the United States: Boomtime is Back – Geoffrey Peck & Mark Wojciechowski, Morrison & Foerster LLP 44 10 A Comparative Overview of Transatlantic Intercreditor Agreements – Lauren Hanrahan & Suhrud Mehta, Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP 49 Group Consulting Editor Alan Falach 11 A Comparison of Key Provisions in U.S. and European Leveraged Loan Agreements – Sarah Ward & Mark Darley, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 55 Group Publisher Richard Firth 12 The Global Subscription Credit Facility and Fund Finance Markets – Key Trends and Emerging Developments – Michael C. Mascia & Wesley Misson, Mayer Brown LLP 63 Published by Global Legal Group Ltd. 59 Tanner Street London SE1 3PL, UK Tel: +44 20 7367 0720 Fax: +44 20 7407 5255 Email: [email protected] URL: www.glgroup.co.uk 13 Recent Trends and Developments in U.S. Term Loan B – James Douglas & Denise Ryan, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 67 14 Real Estate Finance: Trends Around the Globe and the Outlook for 2015 and Beyond – Matthew Heaton, Reed Smith LLP 72 GLG Cover Design F&F Studio Design Country Question and Answer Chapters: 15 Albania Tonucci & Partners: Neritan Kallfa & Blerina Nikolla 77 16 Andorra Montel&Manciet Advocats: Audrey Montel Rossell & Liliana Ranaldi González 83 17 Argentina Marval, O’Farrell & Mairal: Juan M. Diehl Moreno & Diego A. Chighizola 89 18 Australia Norton Rose Fulbright: Tessa Hoser & Livia Li 19 Belarus Archer Legal LLS: Ivan Martynov & Alexander Filipishin 107 20 Bermuda MJM Limited: Jeremy Leese & Timothy Frith 115 ISBN 978-1-910083-40-6 ISSN 2050-9847 21 Bolivia Criales, Urcullo & Antezana – Abogados: Carlos Raúl Molina Antezana & Andrea Mariah Urcullo Pereira 125 Strategic Partners 22 Botswana Khan Corporate Law: Shakila Khan 133 23 Brazil TozziniFreire Abogados: Antonio Felix de Araujo Cintra & Paulo Leme 140 24 British Virgin Islands Maples and Calder: Michael Gagie & Matthew Gilbert 146 25 Canada McMillan LLP: Jeff Rogers & Don Waters 153 26 Cayman Islands Maples and Calder: Alasdair Robertson & Tina Meigh 161 27 China DLA Piper: Carolyn Dong & Chi Yao 168 28 Costa Rica Cordero & Cordero Abogados: Hernán Cordero Maduro & Ricardo Cordero Baltodano 176 GLG Cover Image Source iStockphoto Printed by Information Press Ltd April 2015 Copyright © 2015 Global Legal Group Ltd. All rights reserved No photocopying 98 Continued Overleaf Further copies of this book and others in the series can be ordered from the publisher. Please call +44 20 7367 0720 Disclaimer This publication is for general information purposes only. It does not purport to provide comprehensive full legal or other advice. Global Legal Group Ltd. and the contributors accept no responsibility for losses that may arise from reliance upon information contained in this publication. This publication is intended to give an indication of legal issues upon which you may need advice. Full legal advice should be taken from a qualified professional when dealing with specific situations. WWW.ICLG.CO.UK The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Lending & Secured Finance 2015 Country Question and Answer Chapters: 29 Cyprus Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC: Thomas Keane & Christina Vgenopoulou 183 30 Czech Republic JŠK, advokátní kancelář, s.r.o.: Roman Šťastný & Patrik Müller 191 31 Dominican Republic QUIROZ SANTRONI Abogados Consultores: Hipólito García C. 197 32 England Allen & Overy LLP: Philip Bowden & Darren Hanwell 204 33 France Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP: Emmanuel Ringeval & Cristina Radu 212 34 Germany King & Spalding LLP: Dr. Werner Meier & Dr. Axel J. Schilder 221 35 Greece KPP Law Offices: George N. Kerameus & Panagiotis Moschonas 232 36 Hong Kong Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in association with Gregory D. Puff & Co: Naomi Moore & Daniel Cohen 239 37 Indonesia Ali Budiardjo, Nugroho, Reksodiputro: Theodoor Bakker & Ayik Candrawulan Gunadi 250 38 Italy Shearman & Sterling LLP: Valerio Fontanesi & Vieri Parigi 258 39 Japan Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune: Taro Awataguchi & Toshikazu Sakai 268 40 Luxembourg MOLITOR, Avocats à la Cour: Martina Huppertz & Chan Park 276 41 Macedonia Debarliev, Dameski & Kelesoska Attorneys at law: Dragan Dameski & Jasmina Ilieva Jovanovikj 283 42 Mexico Cornejo Méndez González y Duarte, S.C.: José Luis Duarte Cabeza & Ana Laura Méndez Burkart 289 43 Morocco Hajji & Associés: Amin Hajji 296 44 Norway Advokatfirma Ræder DA: Marit E. Kirkhusmo & Kyrre W. Kielland 302 45 Peru Miranda & Amado Abogados: Juan Luis Avendaño C. & José Miguel Puiggros 311 46 Puerto Rico Ferraiuoli LLC: José Fernando Rovira Rullán & Carlos M. Lamoutte Navas 320 47 Russia Sirota & Mosgo: Oleg Mosgo & Anton Shamatonov 327 48 Serbia Spasic & Partners: Darko Spasić & Ana Godjevac 334 49 Singapore Drew & Napier LLC: Valerie Kwok & Blossom Hing 341 50 Spain Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves Pereira: Manuel Follía & María Lérida 350 51 Sweden White & Case LLP: Carl Hugo Parment & Tobias Johansson 359 52 Switzerland Pestalozzi Attorneys at Law Ltd: Oliver Widmer & Urs Klöti 366 53 Taiwan Lee and Li, Attorneys-at-Law: Abe Sung & Hsin-Lan Hsu 375 54 Trinidad & Tobago J.D. Sellier + Co.: William David Clarke & Donna-Marie Johnson 383 55 Ukraine CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz: Anna Pogrebna 392 56 USA Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP: Thomas Mellor & Rick Eisenbiegler 399 57 Uzbekistan Leges Advokat: Azamat Fayzullaev & Azizbek Akhmadjonov 410 58 Venezuela Rodner, Martínez & Asociados: Jaime Martínez Estévez 417 59 Zambia Nchito and Nchito: Nchima Nchito SC & Ngosa Mulenga Simachela 422 Chapter 29 Cyprus Thomas Keane Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC 1Overview 1.1 What are the main trends/significant developments in the lending markets in Cyprus? The main trend or significant development is the continued lack of corporate lending in the local market. The lending market continues to be affected by the fall-out from the March 2013 “bail-in” of Cyprus banks. Whilst the Cyprus banks have been recapitalised, there is no significant lending activity by Cyprus banks due to a lack of liquidity; the recapitalisation has served only to bolster regulatory capital. The European Investment Bank has recently agreed the provision of loans to Cyprus banks (€50m to Bank of Cyprus and €35m to Hellenic Bank) to be used by the banks to fund loans to small and medium-size enterprises which should help to kick-start the economy and also result in banks returning to the financing of business. Amongst the most important developments in the local lending market is the ever increasing number of non-performing loans (NPLs), which currently stand at over 50% and will trigger large numbers of restructuring and refinancing. As part of the memorandum of understanding signed with the European Commission, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Cyprus has to introduce new insolvency legislation and foreclosures legislation making necessary amendments to the legal framework to facilitate and aid the management of NPLs and assist with restructuring. The financing by foreign banks of foreign assets held by Cypriot companies has not been greatly affected by the bail-in of Cypriot banks but has slowed due to world economic conditions. However, it seems that there is presently a pick-up on such transactions. 1.2 What are some significant lending transactions that have taken place in Cyprus in recent years? As mentioned in question 1.1 above, the local lending market in 2014 was flat with little or no activity due to lack of liquidity and/ or lack of appetite of local banks. In 2014 the primary concern of local banks was ensuring the satisfaction of regulatory capital requirements. The lending by foreign banks collateralised on foreign assets has remained steady with some noticeable increase in 2014. ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 Christina Vgenopoulou 2Guarantees 2.1 Can a company guarantee borrowings of one or more other members of its corporate group (see below for questions relating to fraudulent transfer/financial assistance)? As a general principle there is no restriction on a company guaranteeing the borrowings of one or more members of its corporate group and such guarantee can be upstream, downstream or cross-stream. There are, however, certain considerations such as vires, power and benefit which need to be contemplated, and will be considered in the following questions. 2.2 Are there enforceability or other concerns (such as director liability) if only a disproportionately small (or no) benefit to the guaranteeing/securing company can be shown? There is much debate amongst practitioners as to the existence or not of a doctrine of corporate benefit under the Cyprus Companies Law and, unfortunately, there is no judicial pronouncement on this. It is the authors’ view that there is no such strict doctrine under Cyprus law. Certainly, it is a trite principle of Cyprus law that the directors must act in good faith in the best interests of the company as a whole ,which is measured by what is in the interests of all shareholders of the company and not of any one shareholder or of the group. Given that the guarantee or security is given to secure the indebtedness of a group company, and provided the directors have acted in good faith, it can be shown that the directors have acted in the best interests of the company. Securing loan finance granted to a group company will have benefits for the entire group and for the collateral giver, particularly, in the case of a downstream guarantee. 2.3 Is lack of corporate power an issue? As a matter of practice, it is usual to determine if the grant of a guarantee or security is within the powers or objects of the company as stated in its memorandum and articles of association. In the event that there is no express prohibition or restriction on the grant of a guarantee or security, it will be held intra vires the company and will be binding. Section 33A of the Companies Law, cap.113 WWW.ICLG.CO.UK 183 Cyprus Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC (as amended) (the “Companies Law”), attempted to abolish the doctrine of ultra vires by providing that a company shall be bound by transactions concluded by its officers even where such transactions are outside the objects of the company unless it can be shown that the transactions exceed the powers conferred on the officers by law or the party dealing with the company was aware or in the circumstances should have been aware that the transaction was outside the objects of the company. Publication of the memorandum and articles of association by filing same with the Registrar of Companies is not enough to fix a third party with knowledge. Furthermore, any limitations or restrictions in the powers of the officers of a company, whether contained in the memorandum or articles or any resolution, cannot be relied upon by the company to suggest a transaction is ultra vires. Whilst section 33A may seem to place a premium on ignorance, in financing transactions it is better practice to perform diligence and obtain a legal opinion on capacity, power and authority. 2.4 Are any governmental or other consents or filings, or other formalities (such as shareholder approval), required? In general, there are no governmental or other consents or filings required in connection with the grant of a guarantee and any formalities are of a limited nature and in essence relate to the following: (a) the guarantee must satisfy all formality requirements to amount to a valid and binding contract; (b) all necessary corporate authorities of the guarantor being obtained. In principle, this will mean a resolution of the board of directors but there may be circumstances, such as financial assistance (see question 4.1 below), where a resolution of the shareholders may be required; and (c) stamp duty may be payable – see question 3.9 below. 2.5 Are net worth, solvency or similar limitations imposed on the amount of a guarantee? Cyprus law does not impose any net worth, solvency or other similar limitations when giving a guarantee. However, the directors in the proper exercise of their fiduciary duties should take such matters into consideration when deciding whether or not to grant the guarantee. The guarantee will not be for an unlimited amount but will be co-terminus with the loan agreement and will be limited in value to the underlying debt. 2.6 Are there any exchange control or similar obstacles to enforcement of a guarantee? Cyprus 3.2 There is nothing in Cyprus law that prevents granting security by means of a single general or global security agreement, however it would be necessary to specifically describe in such agreement what type of security (for e.g. mortgage, fixed charge, floating charge, hedge, etc.) is being given over what property. Furthermore, to ensure full enforceability and validity it may be necessary to carry out a number of statutorily prescribed perfection steps. In practice, however, it is more common to have an asset-specific security agreement for particular types of property, e.g. land, shares, ships, aircraft, and then have a general sweep-up security agreement (a debenture) granting security over all other assets or property of the collateral giver. The debenture will typically grant fixed and floating charges and assignments over all other assets or classes of assets and undertakings of the collateral giver. 3.3 3.1 What types of collateral are available to secure lending obligations? In principle under Cyprus law, a security interest can be taken over any kind of property or class of property, tangible or intangible, present or future, including land, goods, negotiable and nonnegotiable instruments, shares and other securities, bank deposits, intellectual property rights, etc. The type of security interest will, however, depend on the subject matter of the security interest. 184 WWW.ICLG.CO.UK Can collateral security be taken over real property (land), plant, machinery and equipment? Briefly, what is the procedure? Collateral security can be taken over real property and is usually taken in the form of a mortgage. The Immovable Property (Transfer & Mortgage Law), Law 9/1965 (as amended) prescribes the form of mortgage and further prescribes that to be valid and enforceable against the mortgagor, it must be registered in the District Lands Office where the real property is located. Collateral security can also be taken over plant, machinery and equipment. The mortgage over real property can extend to plant, machinery and equipment if sufficiently attached to the real property; however it is more common and advisable to take further security. This in practice is done by granting a fixed charge under a debenture over these assets. 3.4 Can collateral security be taken over receivables? Briefly, what is the procedure? Are debtors required to be notified of the security? Receivables are capable of being the subject matter of security, which usually takes the form of an assignment. Two important points need to be emphasised here: (a) an assignment by way of security must be distinguished from an absolute assignment which involves a transfer of title or sale of the receivables to the assignee. An assignment by way of security, whilst including language akin to an absolute assignment, contains a provision that upon discharge of the underlying secured obligation, the receivables are re-assigned to the assignor; and (b) Cyprus law only recognises equitable assignment; there is no concept of legal assignment as exists under English law. There are no exchange controls under Cyprus law that would impact on the enforcement of a guarantee. 3 Collateral Security Is it possible to give asset security by means of a general security agreement or is an agreement required in relation to each type of asset? Briefly, what is the procedure? The taking of collateral over receivables can also take the form of a fixed charge – where the assignee will take control over the receivables – or, a floating charge – where the assignee will be able to deal with the receivables in the ordinary course of business. As a matter of Cyprus law, the giving of a notice of assignment is a requirement in order to perfect the security and to establish priority as against any possible subsequent creditors. It is usual practice to require acknowledgment of notice from the debtor, but failure to obtain the acknowledgment does not impact upon the validity, enforceability or priority of the security. ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC Can collateral security be taken over cash deposited in bank accounts? Briefly, what is the procedure? Cash deposits can be the subject matter of a security interest, which is typically given by way of fixed charge or, more rarely, by way of floating charge. The type of bank account will determine the nature of the security taken. If the account is a deposit or blocked account, the security will be by way of fixed charge which gives control to the chargee with respect to all drawings. If the account is an operating or trading account, the security would be a floating charge thus allowing the chargor to withdraw or make payments from the account in the ordinary course of business. In practice, floating charges are given where the chargor needs to use certain assets in the course of its business in order to trade to allow for servicing of the loan; thus, it will typically be granted over trading accounts, inventory, stock, materials, etc. A floating charge ranks in priority after a fixed charge and statutorily preferred creditors – see question 8.2 below. 3.6 Can collateral security be taken over shares in companies incorporated in Cyprus? Are the shares in certificated form? Can such security validly be granted under a New York or English law governed document? Briefly, what is the procedure? Shares in Cyprus incorporated companies are capable of being the subject of security either as a pledge or a fixed charge. With respect to the shares of private and (non-listed) public companies, the most common form of security is a pledge. The Cyprus Contract Law, cap. 149 (as amended) prescribes the form of the pledge and certain perfection requirements. Formal Requirements The pledge must be in writing, signed by the pledgor before two witnesses of contractual capacity. Whilst the Contract Law only requires the signature of the pledgor, in practice it is signed by both pledgor and pledgee. Enforceability Requirements The Contract Law provides that for the pledge to be valid and enforceable, notice of the pledge must be given by the pledgee to the company whose shares are pledged (together with a certified copy of the pledge) who then enters a memorandum of pledge in its register of members and issues a certificate confirming the entering of such memorandum of pledge. It is the authors’ view that in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Collateral Arrangements Law, Law 43(I)/2004 (transposing the provisions of Directive 2002/47/EC), these enforceability requirements are no longer necessary in order to have a valid and enforceable pledge; however the formality requirements remain necessary. The Cyprus law pledge is in essence a self-enforcing security as there are normally delivered under the pledge (i) share certificates (as the pledge is a possessory security), (ii) executed instruments of transfer, and (iii) undated letters of resignation of the officers of the company. This allows for swift and immediate enforcement on a default and allows the taking of ownership and title to the shares. There is no requirement to take any court or other proceedings prior to or upon enforcement on the occurrence of a default. As mentioned above, a pledge is a possessory security and, thus, requires the delivery of actual or constructive possession. Accordingly, contractual possession is delivered to the pledgee by delivering possession of the share certificates under the pledge. Where the shares are shares of a publicly traded company which are ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 in dematerialised form, a pledge under Cyprus law is not possible, and the usual or better form of security in such circumstances is a fixed charge over the shares. The pledge or fixed charge can be governed by New York or English law as the parties are free to choose what law will govern the transaction. However, as it involves shares in a Cyprus company as a matter of conflict of laws, Cyprus law will apply in any event to most elements of the validity and enforceability of the pledge. As a result, in practice the pledge or fixed change will be governed by Cyprus law. 3.7 Cyprus 3.5 Cyprus Can security be taken over inventory? Briefly, what is the procedure? Yes, security can be taken over inventory. Given the nature of the asset and the chargor’s wish to have unfettered use of the asset in the ordinary course of business, the type of security granted will be a floating charge. The characteristics of a floating charge are that it hovers, until crystallisation, over an asset or class of assets and allows disposal of the assets or class of assets in the ordinary course of business without the need for consent from the chargor. As noted above however, the floating charge ranks in priority after fixed charges and statutorily preferred creditors. 3.8 Can a company grant a security interest in order to secure its obligations (i) as a borrower under a credit facility, and (ii) as a guarantor of the obligations of other borrowers and/or guarantors of obligations under a credit facility (see below for questions relating to the giving of guarantees and financial assistance)? Cyprus law permits the granting of security for one’s own debt obligations (including under a guarantee) or the debt obligations of others (third party security), subject to issues discussed in the answers to questions 2.2 and 2.3 above. See further issues discussed in question 4.1 below. 3.9 What are the notarisation, registration, stamp duty and other fees (whether related to property value or otherwise) in relation to security over different types of assets? Looking at each of these issues in turn: Notarisation There are no requirements for notarisation of any form of security interest granted under Cyprus law. Registration Under Cyprus law, registration is a perfection requirement, and not a priority point. Registration arises in three contexts, viz. under (i) Companies Law cap.113, (ii) statutorily created registration systems, and (iii) financial collateral arrangements. (i) Companies Law, cap.113 Section 90 provides that any security interest granted by a company falling within section 90(2) must be registered at the Registrar of Companies within 21 days (42 days where executed out of Cyprus) of the date of creation in order to be enforceable against any other creditor or liquidator. The list of security contained in section 90(2) is an exhaustive list; however, regrettably the practice has developed and persists of registering every conceivable security created by a Cyprus company even if not covered by section 90(2) and the Registrar of Companies accepts registration of all security interests filed with it. WWW.ICLG.CO.UK 185 Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC Statutory Perfection Schemes Certain pieces of legislation require, in addition to perfection under Companies Law, perfection under those pieces of legislation. Presently, this is the case only with respect to (i) mortgages over real property which must be registered under the Immovable Property (Transfer & Mortgage) Law, Law 9/1965 (as amended), (ii) mortgages over ships which must be registered with the Department of Merchant Shipping under the Merchant Shipping (Registration, Sales and Mortgages) Law, Law 45/1963 (as amended), and (iii) perfection of Cyprus share pledges under section 138 of the Contract Law, cap. 138. It should be emphasised that these are asset-specific requirements and are not alternatives to a section 90 registration under the Companies Law, where applicable. The issue, however, arises in light of the Financial Collateral Arrangements legislation if these are still required in the context of financial collateral arrangements (as defined). In the opinion of the authors, such perfection requirements are not required. Cyprus (ii) (iii) Financial Collateral Arrangements The EU Financial Collateral Arrangements Directive (2002/47/EC) as transposed by Financial Collateral Arrangements Law, Law 43(I)/2004, attempts to aid effective realisation of collateral. In that regard, it is provided that the “creation, validity, perfection, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of a financial collateral arrangement or the provision of financial collateral is not dependent on the performance of any formal act”. Thus, where the financial collateral consists of cash, financial instruments or credit claims there is no requirement for any formal act, e.g. registration, to be carried out. Stamp Duty This is an area of some controversy in the context of cross-border secured lending and there is little consensus between practitioners and the stamp duty authority, which leads to uncertainty in implementation of complex structures. Section 4 of the Stamp Duty Law, Law 19/1963, provides that a charge to stamp duty arises where the security instrument relates either (a) to an asset located in Cyprus, or (b) to a matter or thing to be done or performed in Cyprus. The place of execution of the instrument is irrelevant to a determination of chargeability, and even if the instrument is executed out of Cyprus, once it is brought into Cyprus, say for perfection purposes, if applicable, the obligation to pay stamp duty is triggered once it comes into Cyprus. The chargeability to stamp duty needs to be examined on a case-by-case basis. The non-payment of stamp duty does not impact the validity or enforceability of the security instrument; rather it goes only to its admissibility in evidence before a Cyprus court or arbitral tribunal. As a matter of practice it is rare for a document to be excluded solely on the basis of non-payment of stamp duty. Cyprus (€0.034172 per gross tonne up to 10,000 tonnes and half of that thereafter). Again registration is deemed to occur on filing; and (c) 3.11 Are any regulatory or similar consents required with respect to the creation of security? There are no regulatory or similar consents required under Cyprus law for the grant of a security interest, save where the collateral giver is a regulated entity where regulatory approval may be required. 3.12 If the borrowings to be secured are under a revolving credit facility, are there any special priority or other concerns? There is no special priority or other concerns with the giving of security for a revolving credit facility; however, the security interest in terms of drafting needs to also cover all future borrowings. 3.13 Are there particular documentary or execution requirements (notarisation, execution under power of attorney, counterparts, deeds)? Save for a pledge over shares in a Cyprus company, there are no particular documentary or execution requirements for granting a security interest under Cyprus law. As discussed under the answer to question 3.6 above, a Cyprus share pledge must be in writing, signed by the pledgor before two competent witnesses. If a document is to be executed as a deed, it is not, per se, required to be signed under seal. Where, however, it is intended to be signed under seal, the seal must be affixed in accordance with the company’s articles of association. 4 Financial Assistance 4.1 Are there prohibitions or restrictions on the ability of a company to guarantee and/or give security to support borrowings incurred to finance or refinance the direct or indirect acquisition of: (a) shares of the company; (b) shares of any company which directly or indirectly owns shares in the company; or (c) shares in a sister subsidiary? (a) Shares of the company The current position under the Companies Law distinguishes between private and public companies. In the case of private companies there is a qualified prohibition, viz. financial assistance is prohibited unless it is “whitewashed” by a resolution of the shareholders of the company. This whitewash exemption will not apply where the private company is the subsidiary of a public company. The whitewash resolution requires a 90% resolution of all issued shares in the company. The whitewash exemption does not apply to financial assistance provided by a public company. Where filing or registration has to be done, the timing required and fees to be paid are not prohibitive. (b) Shares of any company which directly or indirectly owns shares in the company In the case of: The financial assistance prohibition also extends to providing financial assistance to acquire shares in a holding company. This restriction applies as per (a) above. (c) Shares in a sister subsidiary There is no such restriction in this instance. Other Fees The only other fees that arise in respect of security are these relating to registration, where applicable. See the answer to question 3.10 below. 3.10 Do the filing, notification or registration requirements in relation to security over different types of assets involve a significant amount of time or expense? 186 filing at the Lands Office – a fee of 1% of the secured amount and registration is completed and effective on the date of filing. (a) filing at the Registrar of Companies – a flat fee of €680 is paid and registration is considered done on the date of filing; (b) filing at the Department of Merchant Shipping – the fees payable depend upon the gross tonnage of the vessel WWW.ICLG.CO.UK ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC 5.1 Will Cyprus recognise the role of an agent or trustee and allow the agent or trustee (rather than each lender acting separately) to enforce the loan documentation and collateral security and to apply the proceeds from the collateral to the claims of all the lenders? Cyprus law recognises the concept of a security trustee or agent, who will be able to enforce on behalf of the lenders syndicate all security granted. The security trustee will then be allowed to apply the proceeds of enforcement in discharge of the loan obligations. The provisions of the loan documentation delineating the powers and role of the security agent/trustee will be enforceable as a matter of Cyprus law. 5.2 If an agent or trustee is not recognised in Cyprus, is an alternative mechanism available to achieve the effect referred to above which would allow one party to enforce claims on behalf of all the lenders so that individual lenders do not need to enforce their security separately? 6.2 There are no particular tax or other incentives provided to foreign lenders, save that foreign (non-resident) lenders are not subject to any deduction or withholding in Cyprus in respect of any payment under loan documentation in Cyprus. A non-resident foreign lender is not subject to any taxes in Cyprus. 6.3 Assume a loan is made to a company organised under the laws of Cyprus and guaranteed by a guarantor organised under the laws of Cyprus. If such loan is transferred by Lender A to Lender B, are there any special requirements necessary to make the loan and guarantee enforceable by Lender B? Subject only to the provisions of the loan and security documentation, there are no specific requirements of Cyprus law that need to be met. There are some formality requirements which in particular relate to registration, in the case of registrable security of any amendments to the security. 6 Withholding, Stamp and other Taxes; Notarial and other Costs 6.1 (a) (b) Are there any requirements to deduct or withhold tax from (a) interest payable on loans made to domestic or foreign lenders, or (b) the proceeds of a claim under a guarantee or the proceeds of enforcing security? A distinction needs to be made between foreign and domestic lenders. In the case of foreign (i.e. non-Cyprus tax resident) lenders there is no deduction or withholding on any payment made by a Cypriot company to a foreign lender free and clear of any tax or withholding. In the case of an interest payment to a Cyprus lender, assuming it is earned in the ordinary course of business, it is subject to a Special Contribution for Defence levy of currently 30% on the gross amount of the interest payable. As regards the proceeds of a guarantee claim or security enforcement, there is no requirement to make a deduction or withholding. ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 Will any income of a foreign lender become taxable in Cyprus solely because of a loan to or guarantee and/ or grant of security from a company in Cyprus? The entry into any loan and/or security arrangement with a Cypriot entity will not render a foreign lender liable to Cypriot tax or otherwise be considered as tax-resident in Cyprus. The Cyprus tax system is one firmly based on residence. 6.4 This is not applicable – see the answer to question 5.1 above. 5.3 What tax incentives or other incentives are provided preferentially to foreign lenders? What taxes apply to foreign lenders with respect to their loans, mortgages or other security documents, either for the purposes of effectiveness or registration? Cyprus 5 Syndicated Lending/Agency/Trustee/ Transfers Cyprus Will there be any other significant costs which would be incurred by foreign lenders in the grant of such loan/guarantee/security, such as notarial fees, etc.? A foreign lender will not be exposed to any significant costs in connection with the entry into a loan and/or security arrangement in Cyprus. 6.5 Are there any adverse consequences to a company that is a borrower (such as under thin capitalisation principles) if some or all of the lenders are organised under the laws of a jurisdiction other than your own? Please disregard withholding tax concerns for purposes of this question. There are no thin capitalisation rules under Cyprus law. There are no other adverse consequences. 7 Judicial Enforcement 7.1 Will the courts in Cyprus recognise a governing law in a contract that is the law of another jurisdiction (a “foreign governing law”)? Will courts in Cyprus enforce a contract that has a foreign governing law? The Cyprus courts adhere to the principle, as enshrined in Rome I Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No. 593/2008), of the autonomy of the parties to a contract to choose the governing law. Under the Regulation, if the law chosen is that of a country other than that relating most closely to the contract, the provisions of the latter law need to be respected. If the contract relates to one or more Member States, the applicable law chosen, other than that of a Member State, must not contradict the provisions of Community law. Where the parties have not chosen applicable law the courts will determine the governing law in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation. The chosen foreign law will be recognised and enforced in Cyprus subject to being pleaded and proved except when it relates to procedural provisions, penal or revenue laws or is inconsistent with Cyprus public policy. WWW.ICLG.CO.UK 187 Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC Cyprus 7.2 Will the courts in Cyprus recognise and enforce a judgment given against a company in New York courts or English courts (a “foreign judgment”) without re-examination of the merits of the case? EU judgments are enforced in Cyprus through the procedures laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No. 44/2001 of 22 December 2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters (Brussels I) and Council Regulation (EC) No. 805/2004 of the European Parliament of 21 April 2004 creating a European Enforcement Order for uncontested claims. Council Regulation (EC) No. 805/2004 offers significant advantages when compared with Council Regulation (EC) No. 44/2001. It accelerates and simplifies access to enforcement in a Member State by enforcing automatic recognition and enforcement and disposing of any other measures needed to be taken prior to enforcement. Unlike Council Regulation (EC) No. 44/2001, there is no need to obtain a declaration of enforceability in a Member State where enforcement is sought under Council Regulation (EC) 805/2004 and its recognition cannot be opposed, thus making the whole procedure efficient and less expensive. However, it is necessary to note that Council Regulation (EC) No. 805/2004 only applies to “uncontested claims” as defined in Article 3(1) of the Regulation. A judgment given in an EU country is to be recognised and enforced in another EU Member State without any special procedure being required. Under no circumstances may a foreign judgment be reviewed as to its substance; therefore the court’s jurisdiction extends to either accepting or refusing recognition of a judgment without interfering with the substance of the case. A Cyprus court may refuse to recognise a judgment issued in another EU country only in the limited circumstances specified in Article 34 of the Regulation, namely if: (i) such recognition is manifestly contrary to public policy in the EU Member State in which recognition is sought; (ii) the defendant was not served with the document that instituted the proceedings in sufficient time and in such a way as to enable the defendant to arrange for his/her defence; Cyprus of Foreign Judgments Law, Law No. 121(1)/2000, which applies to all cases in which recognition, registration and enforcement of decisions of foreign courts is requested. According to section 5, an application by summons accompanied by an affidavit must be filed at the District Court and in accordance with the applicable Civil Procedure Rules in Cyprus; the application will be fixed for hearing within four weeks from the filing date and the respondent must be served with a copy of the application without any delay. The respondent is given the opportunity to contest the application by filing a written objection accompanied by an affidavit at least two days before the date of the hearing. The Court will normally refuse to extend the time period for filing an objection unless special reasons are put before the court justifying the granting of such an extension. 7.3 From a point of view of practice, this question raises a number of discrete questions. Turning to each one: (a) suit can be filed immediately. The fact that there is a foreign law as the governing law does not delay filing of the suit. Obtaining a judgment is dependent on a number of variables, including adherence to timing of filings, any interlocutory filings made, defences raised, adjournments and delays allowed, complexities of the case, understanding or otherwise of the court. Obtaining judgment can take a number of years and enforcement even longer; and (b) the enforcement of a foreign judgment being an EU judgment under Regulation 44/2001 will be almost immediate in accordance with the terms of the Regulation. Enforcement of a New York judgment raises issues of merit and can result in a full trial on and re-examination of the merits before a Cyprus court. 7.4 With respect to enforcing collateral security, are there any significant restrictions which may impact the timing and value of enforcement, such as (a) a requirement for a public auction or (b) regulatory consents? (iii) it is irreconcilable with a judgment given in a dispute between the same parties in the EU Member State in which recognition is sought; and (iv) it is irreconcilable with an earlier judgment given in another EU or non-EU Member State involving the same cause of action and the same parties. As soon as the judgment is recognised, the procedure followed will be that stated in the Regulation itself. According to EU Regulation 44/2001, a party seeking recognition or applying for a declaration of enforceability shall file an application by summons at the court where judgment enforcement is sought and produce a copy of the judgment that satisfies the conditions necessary to establish its authenticity together with a certification that the judgment is enforceable in the Member State of issue. The court or competent authority of the Member State where judgment was given shall issue, at the request of any interested party, a certificate using the standard form in annex V to the Regulation. The applicant must also give an address for service of the respondent within the area of jurisdiction of the court applied to. Recognition and Enforcement of judgments given by New York courts: There is no bilateral treaty between Cyprus and the United States regarding the enforcement of foreign judgments. As a matter of conflicts of laws principles, a judgment of the New York court will be recognised but will not be immediately enforced. The enforcement of such award falls under the Recognition, Enforcement and Execution 188 WWW.ICLG.CO.UK Assuming a company is in payment default under a loan agreement or a guarantee agreement and has no legal defence to payment, approximately how long would it take for a foreign lender to (a) assuming the answer to question 7.1 is yes, file a suit against the company in a court in Cyprus, obtain a judgment, and enforce the judgment against the assets of the company, and (b) assuming the answer to question 7.2 is yes, enforce a foreign judgment in a court in Cyprus against the assets of the company? Under Cyprus law the enforcement of collateral security does not require or dictate the pursuit of a public auction or the obtainment of regulatory or other consents. The enforcement of security is a private party matter implemented in accordance with the terms of the security documents subject to applicable law. With respect to regulated entities (investments firms, funds, etc.) there may be a requirement for regulatory approval. In the context of the exercise of rights of enforcement, a secured creditor owes an obligation to act in good faith and to act reasonably. 7.5 Do restrictions apply to foreign lenders in the event of (a) filing suit against a company in Cyprus or (b) foreclosure on collateral security? There are no restrictions applicable to foreign lenders with respect to filing suits or foreclosing on security. Security can be enforced in accordance with its terms without the aid of court or other proceedings. There is nothing preventing a foreign lender enforcing ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC 7.6 Do the bankruptcy, reorganisation or similar laws in Cyprus provide for any kind of moratorium on enforcement of lender claims? If so, does the moratorium apply to the enforcement of collateral security? Currently there is nothing under Cyprus law that provides for any form of moratorium on enforcement of claims of secured lenders. Under present draft legislation amending Companies and Insolvency laws, there will be circumstances where a moratorium, without impacting priority or validity of security, will be provided. The application of this is not yet known but if it follows existing precedents (in Ireland and the UK), enforcement may be delayed pending some form of arrangement or reorganisation of the defaulting company. 7.7 Will the courts in Cyprus recognise and enforce an arbitral award given against the company without reexamination of the merits? Any award given by an arbitral tribunal covered by the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958 New York) will be recognised and enforced in Cyprus without any re-examination of the merits subject to compliance with the provisions thereof. 8 Bankruptcy Proceedings 8.1 How does a bankruptcy proceeding in respect of a company affect the ability of a lender to enforce its rights as a secured party over the collateral security? In accordance with current legislative provisions, a secured lender holding collateral from a Cyprus collateral giver can look to the security to recover the underlying debt. If there is a shortfall, the secured lender can prove in the liquidation for the shortfall as an unsecured creditor. If there is a surplus, the secured creditor will have to account for it to the liquidator. In order to be able to look to or enforce the security, the secured lender must have, if applicable, completed all prescribed perfection steps. 8.2 Are there any preference periods, clawback rights or other preferential creditors’ rights (e.g., tax debts, employees’ claims) with respect to the security? The Companies Law, cap.113 does provide for preference periods and other clawback rights and also sets out who are preferred creditors. Section 301 of the Companies Law provides that any conveyance, mortgage, delivery of goods, payment, execution or other act relating to property made or done by or against a company within 6 months before the commencement of a winding up shall be considered as a fraudulent preference and is void. In order to constitute a fraudulent preference the company must go into liquidation within 6 months of the transaction relating to the company’s assets and the transaction must have been entered into with the dominant intention of providing such preference. In the case of a transaction entered into on an arm’s length basis on commercial terms, it is unlikely to amount to a fraudulent preference. Section 303 of the Companies Law also provides for clawback rights with respect to floating charges granted within 12 months ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 of the company going into liquidation. In such circumstances the floating charge is invalid save to the extent that monies have been advanced following the grant of the security unless it can be proven by the creditor that the company was at the time of grant of the security, solvent. The company provides for the priority (after secured creditors other than floating charge holders) of certain claims of creditors, being in essence: (a) all government and local taxes and duties due at the date of liquidation, having become due and payable within 12 months before that date and in the case of assessed taxes, not exceeding one year’s assessment; and (b) all sums due and payable to employees by way of salaries and other entitlements such as accrued holiday pay, deductions from wages and any compensation for injury due. 8.3 Cyprus its security and to the extent required (if at all) filing suit against a Cyprus company. Cyprus Are there any entities that are excluded from bankruptcy proceedings and, if so, what is the applicable legislation? In general, all companies registered under the Companies Law or to whom the Companies Law applies, are subject to winding-up proceedings under the Law. In respect, however, of a company that carries on business in more than one Member State of the EU, a court will only have jurisdiction under the EU Insolvency Regulation, to wind up the company, even if it is a Cyprus company, where it has its centre of main interests (COMI). Secondary liquidation proceedings can be brought in other jurisdictions where the company has an establishment. In addition, there are specific pieces of legislation dealing with regulated entities that provide for proceedings to be followed in their winding up – for e.g. banks, insurance companies, investment firms, etc. 8.4 Are there any processes other than court proceedings that are available to a creditor to seize the assets of a company in an enforcement? As a general principle, the enforcement of a security interest is a matter that is dealt with in some detail in the instrument creating the security and in particular will set out (i) the procedures to be followed in enforcement, and (ii) the powers that the secured lender has on enforcement such as (a) to take possession of the asset(s), (b) to sell the assets at such price as it may reasonably realise, and (c) appoint a receiver or receiver and manager. 9 Jurisdiction and Waiver of Immunity 9.1 Is a party’s submission to a foreign jurisdiction legally binding and enforceable under the laws of Cyprus? A submission to a foreign jurisdiction is legally binding and enforceable under Cyprus law, subject only to public policy requirements. In usual finance transactions there are no public policy reasons to disapply such a submission. Furthermore, in the context of the EU, the provisions of the EU Convention on jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters will also apply to give effect to the choice of jurisdiction of the parties. 9.2 Is a party’s waiver of sovereign immunity legally binding and enforceable under the laws of Cyprus? The waiver of sovereign immunity will be legally binding and enforceable under Cyprus law. WWW.ICLG.CO.UK 189 Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC Cyprus 10 Other Matters 10.1 Are there any eligibility requirements in Cyprus for lenders to a company, e.g. that the lender must be a bank, or for the agent or security agent? Do lenders to a company in Cyprus need to be licensed or authorised in Cyprus or in their jurisdiction of incorporation? Cyprus 10.2 Are there any other material considerations which should be taken into account by lenders when participating in financings in Cyprus? Save for the matters considered above, there are no other issues that need to be considered in entering into a loan transaction in Cyprus. There are no eligibility requirements in Cyprus. Foreign licensed lenders do not need to be licensed in Cyprus to enter into loan transactions. Thomas Keane Christina Vgenopoulou Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC 2 Makarios Ave. Atlantis Building, 2nd Floor Office 201, Mesa Yeitonia Limassol 4000 Cyprus Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC 2 Makarios Ave. Atlantis Building, 2nd Floor Office 201, Mesa Yeitonia Limassol 4000 Cyprus Tel: +357 2525 7900 Fax: +357 2525 2820 Email:[email protected] URL:www.kvlaw.eu Tel: +357 2525 7900 Fax: +357 2525 2820 Email: [email protected] URL:www.kvlaw.eu Thomas, who is one of the two founding partners, has over twenty years of experience in the profession. His areas of practice include all areas of corporate and commercial law but with particular focus on banking, asset finance, corporate finance, project finance (across all sectors), capital markets, M&A, structured products, financial services, EU & competition and arbitration. Thomas also provides, particularly in the banking, funds, insurance and financial services sectors, compliance and regulatory advice to ensure that such regulated entities comply with their ongoing statutory obligations. Thomas also has experience with drafting legislation and has in the past drafted legislation relating to investment funds for Central Bank of Cyprus. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and has published many articles in leading legal periodicals. Thomas was previously with one of the largest law firms in Cyprus, spending eight years as a partner. Professional Qualifications: Admitted: Irish Bar and Cyprus Bar. Academic Qualifications: B.A. (Law) – University of Limerick 1988 and LL.M. – University of London 1989, B. L. – Barrister 1992. Professional Memberships: Member of Irish Bar; Member of the Cyprus Bar; Member of STEP and Member of ECTA. Christina is a founding partner of the firm and has over eight years of experience in the profession. Her practice focuses on all areas of corporate and commercial law but she specialises in corporate finance, financial services, trusts, taxation, banking (domestic and international) arbitration and energy. She provides advice to financial institutions regarding their day-to-day operations and specialised projects with emphasis on transactions where international partners are involved. In the corporate sector, Christina has advised on transactions in a variety of industries. Her experience covers all aspects of corporate and commercial law from strategy and due diligence to the drafting and negotiation of all related contracts and agreements. Christina frequently publishes articles in legal periodicals across all areas of her practice but in particular energy, investment funds and taxation. Christina was a senior associate with one of the largest law firms in Cyprus prior to founding the firm. Professional Qualifications: Admitted: Cyprus Bar. Academic Qualifications: LL.B. – University of Kent at Canterbury and LL.M. Commercial and Corporate Law – University of London. Professional Memberships: Member of the Cyprus Bar. Keane Vgenopoulou & Associates LLC was established in November 2012 by the two named partners Thomas Keane, Barrister at law and Christina Vgenopoulou, Advocate. The underlying objective of the partners has been the creation of a law firm able to cater for the complex needs of business in the 21st century by offering legal knowledge of the highest level as well as a keen understanding of the modern business environment and the needs of our clients. To that effect the firm applies a cross-disciplinary approach combining, legal, regulatory as well as tax considerations. We are a full-service law firm but have particular experience and expertise in the areas of financial services, banking, capital markets, corporate, M&A, EU law, anti-trust (EU and Cyprus), corporate finance, asset and project finance, intellectual property, energy, taxation and public procurement. With over thirty years of collective experience, the firm stands for technical excellence, quality of service and integrity. We are well placed to provide full and complete solutions to the most demanding standards to meet the needs of our clients. 190 WWW.ICLG.CO.UK ICLG TO: LENDING & SECURED FINANCE 2015 Other titles in the ICLG series include: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Alternative Investment Funds Aviation Law Business Crime Cartels & Leniency Class & Group Actions Competition Litigation Construction & Engineering Law Copyright Corporate Governance Corporate Immigration Corporate Recovery & Insolvency Corporate Tax Data Protection Employment & Labour Law Environment Franchise Gambling Insurance & Reinsurance ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ International Arbitration Litigation & Dispute Resolution Merger Control Mergers & Acquisitions Mining Law Oil & Gas Regulation Patents Pharmaceutical Advertising Private Client Private Equity Product Liability Project Finance Public Procurement Real Estate Securitisation Shipping Law Telecoms, Media & Internet Trade Marks 59 Tanner Street, London SE1 3PL, United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7367 0720 / Fax: +44 20 7407 5255 Email: [email protected] www.iclg.co.uk
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