11th Annual Greek Roadshow In London

The Managing Director of the ATHENS EXCHANGE GROUP Mr. Sokratis Lazaridis, in his statement, among other things, emphasized that: "This year's Roadshow in London is the 11th in a series hosted every year. Together with the corresponding New York roadshow and other initiatives, it aims to promote the Athens Exchange Group within the framework of promoting the Greek economy at international financial centers of Europe and America.

European investors, as indicated by our two day meetings in London, closely monitor Greek companies - this is suggested by the participation data of  investment firms and the number of meetings with companies - studying corporate results, evaluating investment alternatives and preparing for implementation of placements.  The completion of the evaluation and the developments in the banking sector likely to consider the points that determine their investment behavior.

Further confirmed the international trend for recovery of capital market not only for funding but also an efficient allocation of resources in an environment where there is an urgent need to reduce leverage."

The Chairman of the Capital Market Commission Professor Mr. Charalampos Gotsis stated that: "For foreign investors it is of great significance that at this point in time there is political, social and banking stability in the country. This improves the confidence surrounding the Greek economy and the country. If to all this we add the large returns promised by the Greek titles, and the reduced unit product costs for manufacturing investments, our country presents interest not only for equity investments in existing companies, but also for much needed new companies that will create jobs and keep our youth in our country. Besides, an economy within which most companies need restructuring requires funds and the Funds participating in the Roadshow are provided to mobilize since they promise good yield returns. The situation appears to be favorable, it is up to us to ensure both that government convince foreigners that the country is changing and, that the ambitious business plans of industries have prospects" says Mr.  Ch. Gotsis and concludes: "The task of the European Commission at this Roadshow is to remind foreign investors that they are participating in a market that operates, is supervised and is regulated in accordance with all European standards".  

At the event held on the second day of the Roadshow titled: "The Greek Stock Market accelerates the real economy," the keynote speaker was Mr. Alexis Charitsis, State Secretary for NSRF issues, Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism. The topics covered concerned the prospects of the Greek Economy and the related investment opportunities, as well as major reforms institutionalized to achieve sustainable development.

Mr. Alexis Charitsis, in a brief statement, indicated that: "Our participation in the Roadshow and related meetings held with the Greek and the international business community resulted in strong interest in the political and economic developments in Greece and, in investment opportunities offered. We presented analytically the strategy of the Greek government on a financial, macroeconomic and developmental level that ensures stabilization of the economy and its return to growth."

A discussion followed with the participation of Mr. Francisco Koutentakis Gen. Secretary of Fiscal Policy, Mr. Anthony Bartzokas Assoc. Professor, Director and Board member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Mr. Nicholas Jennett, Deputy Director General of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Mr. Platon Monokroussos, Group Chief Economist of Eurobank and Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Hellenic Bank Association. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Anthony Datsopoulos, President of the Hellenic Bankers Association of the United Kingdom (HBA-UK).

The conference was hosted at the Bloomberg facilities and sponsored by six (6) of the largest Greek brokerage companies, Alpha Finance, BETA Securities, Eurobank Equities, EUROXX Securities, Investment Bank of Greece, NBG Securities, Piraeus Securities Pantelakis Securities, and the investment bank Morgan Stanley.