Pierrakakis: The Greek economy now inspires confidence in markets and international investors

National Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis on Thursday welcomed Euronext's offer to acquire Hellenic Exchanges-Athex Stock Exchange (ATHEX) as a development that opens up new opportunities for financing and growth.

Specifically, speaking during the debate in Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee on the appointment of Antonis Bartholomeos to the position of Chairman of the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission, he made the following statement on the proposed acquisition of the Athens exchange by Euronext:

"Ladies and gentlemen, a short while ago, I was informed that an agreement had been reached between Euronext and the Athens Stock Exchange for the acquisition of the latter by the former.

"This indicates and demonstrates that the Greek economy now inspires confidence in markets and international investors.

"For Greek companies — small, medium, and large listed companies — this development opens a new gateway to financing and growth. It offers more opportunities to raise capital, direct access to international investors, and participation in a strong, interconnected European environment. For the Greek economy as a whole, it is a decisive step forward; it is one of the largest foreign investments in recent years. It strengthens our credibility and upgrades the country's position on the European and international economic map. We will look at the details of the agreement and the progress of its implementation. In any case, this is a very positive development and certainly a great opportunity for the country as a whole."