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Alpha Bank Finalizes Definitive Agreement for Full Acquisition of AXIA Ventures Group Ltd

Overview Of The Transaction

Alpha Bank, in collaboration with its subsidiary Alpha Finance Investment Services S.A., has announced the signing of the definitive agreement to acquire 100% of AXIA Ventures Group Ltd. This strategic move is designed to create a leading investment banking and capital markets platform across Greece and Cyprus.

Strategic Rationale And Timeline

The agreement, which follows an initial understanding reached on March 31, is slated to be finalized within the second quarter of 2025, pending the necessary supervisory approvals. By consolidating AXIA with Alpha Finance and Alpha Bank’s Investment Banking unit, the new entity will leverage M&A advisory services, capital market issuance (ECM/DCM), and securities transactions to drive enhanced value for corporate clients.

Leadership Integration And Synergy

Maintaining strategic continuity, AXIA’s senior management will assume long-term leadership roles within the unified organization. This integration underscores a commitment to aligning operational capabilities and expanding service offerings, a critical element in accelerating high value-added activities and strengthening fee-based revenues.

Financial Impact And Performance Metrics

According to the bank’s announcement, the acquisition is expected to boost earnings per share (EPS) by 1.4% and deliver a return on invested capital (RoIC) above 20%. The capital impact on the CET1 ratio is projected to remain limited, affecting less than 20 basis points.

Future Outlook And Communication

This pivotal transaction reinforces Alpha Bank’s strategic initiatives, positioning the institution to better serve its corporate clientele and expand its market leadership in high-growth sectors. The bank remains committed to ongoing communication with the investment community in alignment with regulatory requirements.

Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.

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