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Ermes Transfers ERA Department Stores for Strategic Realignment

by News Editor

May 9, 2025

In a strategic move aimed at restructuring and shedding non-profitable divisions, Ermes Department Stores Plc has announced the transfer of its ERA department stores to Gencom Ltd for a nominal price of €1. While such a figure might raise eyebrows, it aligns with Ermes’ broader objectives of streamlining operations and managing financial sustainability, given the stores report a loss of €1.3 million for 2024.

The deal, pending approval from Cyprus’ Competition Protection Commission, requires Gencom to take on long-term lease contracts and approximately €4.5 million in pending orders for the Spring/Summer 2025 season.

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Transferring staff and assets like fixtures and the UNIQUE customer loyalty program ensures a smooth transition. Ermes will maintain a supporting role until late 2025.

Expected to realize a €1 million accounting profit due to IFRS 16 compliance, the transaction should benefit the CTC Group and its shareholders without impacting essential managerial interests. With such strategic shifts, the economic landscape of Cyprus continues to evolve. For more insights on Cyprus’ dynamic markets, read our financial overview.

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Cyprus Government Moves to Cut Electricity Prices

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 13, 2025

According to the government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and the energy regulator are set to meet this week to discuss a formula to lower the price of electricity.

This development comes from President Nikos Christodoulides’ remarks over the weekend, where he urged the EAC not to increase electricity rates. Christodoulides confirmed that he had a meeting with the EAC, asking them not to impose any increases at this juncture.

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The government spokesman emphasized that the current administration is committed to bringing down the price of electricity in any way possible. Letymbiotis noted that the state-run power utility and the regulator would make their own assessments based on the wider direction of the government regarding reductions in the coming time period.

It is worth noting that Cypriots pay the second-highest rates for electricity in Europe when adjusted for spending power, according to Eurostat data released last week. Only consumers in the Czech Republic paid more for their household energy bills than those in Cyprus.