The Athens Stock Exchange successfully hosted a presentation in Larissa on Wednesday, March 12, titled “The Financing Tools of the Athens Stock Exchange and Its Role in Supporting the Growth of Greek Companies.” The event attracted a large audience of local business representatives and industry stakeholders and was held under the auspices of the Region of Thessaly, the Thessalian Enterprises and Industries Association, and the Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece. The event’s sponsors included Alpha Bank, Eurobank Equities, National Bank of Greece, and Optima Bank.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Giorgos Roupakias, President of the Thessalian Enterprises and Industries Association, and Mr. Anastasios Lappas, Treasurer of the Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece and President of the Cooperative Bank of Thessaly.

"The majority of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region are family-owned businesses with a traditional structure, primarily relying on accessible financing methods such as bank loans. Our goal should be to help them grow and evolve into more dynamic organizations with broader opportunities, allowing them to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. We believe the Athens Stock Exchange can serve as a valuable mechanism for these businesses, providing access to capital and supporting their expansion," stated Mr. Giorgos Roupakias.
 

Mr. Anastasios Lappas added: "In an ever-changing economic landscape, access to new sources of financing is essential for enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of our businesses. The opportunities offered by the Athens Stock Exchange can serve as a catalyst for growth, enabling companies to fund their expansion, modernization, and internationalization. The Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece remains firmly committed to fostering business development and actively supports companies in Central Greece by working to create a more favorable business environment. Through continuous support for our members and close collaboration with institutions such as the Athens Stock Exchange, we are dedicated to providing the necessary tools and knowledge to drive the sustainable growth of our region’s business ecosystem."

Mr. Michalis Fekkas, First Vice President of the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission, also addressed the audience, stating: "The Athens Stock Exchange is a key mechanism for capital raising, strengthening the international reach and competitiveness of Greek businesses. The Capital Markets Commission is continuously enhancing its supervisory frameworks and tools, integrating advanced technological solutions to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency of market oversight. These efforts ensure a transparent and reliable financial environment. Together, we are shaping the conditions for a dynamic capital market that supports sustainable growth, entrepreneurship, and investment, ultimately benefiting the Greek economy and society as a whole."

Following this, Mr. Yianos Kontopoulos, CEO of the Athens Exchange Group, provided a comprehensive overview of the financial instruments available through the Exchange to support business growth. He emphasized: "Listing a company on the Athens Stock Exchange is not just about accessing capital for expansion; it also enhances credibility, transparency, and corporate governance-laying the foundation for a more competitive and sustainable future. Additionally, it opens new opportunities for collaboration and attracts interest from both domestic and international investors, strengthening a company’s market position." Discussing the outlook for the Athens Stock Exchange, Mr. Kontopoulos highlighted: "The upcoming market upgrade, initiated in 2024 by two rating agencies, will unlock new investment opportunities, boost liquidity, and attract fresh capital. This upgrade will further strengthen our market, drawing more investors and increasing interest in new company listings."
 

The event also featured Mr. Alexandros Exarchou, Chairman and CEO of AKTOR Group, who shared insights on his company’s experience with the Athens Stock Exchange. He noted: "The Athens Stock Exchange is a pillar of the Greek economy, a fact that has been reaffirmed in recent years. It has played a crucial role in business development, serving as a testament to the investment community’s trust in the Greek economy. The Athens Stock Exchange was instrumental in AKTOR Group’s growth, enabling us to successfully complete two major capital increases of €100 million and €200 million, which were key to our expansion."
 

For more information: press@athexgroup.gr
 

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