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Eurobank Expands Its Dominance In Cyprus, Acquiring 93.47% of Hellenic Bank

Eurobank Group has completed its acquisition of a further 37.5% stake in Hellenic Bank, elevating its total ownership to a commanding 93.47%. This move solidifies Eurobank’s position as the dominant force in Cyprus’s banking sector.

In conjunction with this acquisition, Eurobank has made a public offer to buy out the remaining shareholders of Hellenic Bank, signaling its intent to consolidate control.

The deal represents a significant turning point for Hellenic Bank, as Eurobank takes over shares previously owned by Demetra Holdings Plc, Logicom, and the Cyprus Union of Bank Employees (ETYK). With this substantial stake, Eurobank has officially become the majority shareholder, marking the start of a new era for the bank.

This acquisition is seen as a boost for the Cypriot banking industry, promoting stability and fostering growth and innovation. It also emphasizes Cyprus’s growing appeal to international investors. Eurobank’s acquisition is set to make the combined entity the largest bank in Cyprus, enhancing its capacity to drive economic progress and financial development across the nation.

Now part of a larger regional financial powerhouse, Hellenic Bank is poised to benefit from Eurobank’s expertise and operational excellence. This partnership will not only improve service quality but also foster stronger customer relationships and drive a major digital transformation.

For both Hellenic Bank and its customers, this acquisition marks the start of an exciting new phase—one that promises enhanced banking experiences backed by Eurobank Group’s powerful resources and capabilities.

EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.

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