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Greek Banks Advance With Strategic Acquisitions And Dividend Initiatives Amid Robust Performance

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 22, 2025

Strong Capital Underpins Bold Share Acquisitions

Eurobank has taken a decisive step by repurchasing 1,334,684 of its own shares between August 11 and 14 at an average price of €3.45, amounting to a total investment of €4.61 million. This move, executed on the Athens Stock Exchange via Eurobank Equities Monoprosopi Anonymous Investment Services Company, follows rigorous approval from the bank’s board and the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 30, 2025.

Now holding 32,836,468 treasury shares—equivalent to 0.8931% of its share capital—Eurobank signals robust confidence and a steadfast strategy designed to enhance shareholder value and fortify its market positioning.

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Resilient Profits Drive Strategic Dividend Distributions

Across the Greek financial landscape, systemic banks are set to conclude 2025 with sustained net interest income potentially reaching €8.5 billion, buoyed by record credit expansion across Europe expected to near €14 billion. The primary drivers of growth include a strong surge in business loans supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, although mortgage lending remains subdued due to high property prices and low household incomes.

Data from the European Central Bank highlighted Greece’s exceptional 16.6% annual loan growth to non-financial corporations in June, a key factor that offsets pressures from decreasing interest income. Despite €157 billion in low-yield deposits, banks benefit from a favorable interest rate spread, with June figures standing at 4.27%, solidifying profitability despite a declining eurozone rate environment.

Confidence In Future Earnings And Strategic Diversification

Anticipated strong earnings, with projected adjusted profits at €4.7 billion for 2025, underpin the distribution of interim dividends by major banks including Piraeus, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Alpha Bank. Dividend rates, ranging from 10% to 20% of net profits, further reinforce market confidence. National Bank of Greece notably leads with a €260 million payout, while Piraeus Bank takes a more conservative stance.

Amid these favorable dynamics, high share prices have prompted some institutions to momentarily pause share buybacks, with National Bank leaving the door open for a final, potentially significant dividend distribution. Strategic mergers and acquisitions also remain on the horizon, with National Bank focusing on expansion into the insurance sector, and Piraeus Bank finalizing its acquisition of Ethniki Insurance to consolidate its capital strength.

Outlook: Stability And Strategic Growth

With impressive capital buffers and rigorous stress test outcomes, Greek banks are well-positioned to navigate a challenging market environment while diversifying revenue streams. Each decision—from share repurchases to dividend distributions and strategic acquisitions—reflects a broader commitment to delivering sustained value for stakeholders, positioning these banks at the forefront of a resilient and evolving financial landscape.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

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Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.