Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry together with the Thessaloniki Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce and MERIT Securities organized a panel in the framework of the Forum “Money Show in Thessaloniki 2025” titled “NEW GROWTH PROSPECTS FOR GREEK COMPANIES – THE BENEFITS OF NEW FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND LISTING ON THE ATHENS EXCHANGE.”.
Speakers at the panel were:
- Peggy Papastavrou, Business Development Director, Athens Stock Exchange
- George Mylonas, Chairman & CEO, ALUMIL SA
- Leonidas Papakonstantinou, CEO, Merit Securities
- Simeon Diamantidis, President, Greek Exporters Association and CEO, DIOPAS SA
“The Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) is emerging as a key financing and extroversion lever for Greek businesses at a time when the Greek economy is showing signs of dynamic growth, while the new capital market bill will provide incentives for the listing of small and medium-sized enterprises.”
The new growth prospects for businesses and the benefits offered by financial investment tools and listing on the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) were analyzed within the framework of the 33rd Money Show, while market executives and business representatives from Northern Greece spoke about alternative financing options, the strategic advantages of listing on the ATHEX and the opportunities created by the renewed institutional framework for the capital market.
The ATHEX is a permanent tool for raising capital and international visibility for Greek businesses,” said the Director of Business Development of the Athens Stock Exchange, Peggy Papastavrou, during her presentation, emphasizing the stable 149-year course of the ATHEX, which, even in times of economic crisis, contributed to the survival and development of listed businesses, as listed companies managed not only to survive, but also to develop further.
Speaking about the financial tools offered by the Stock Exchange, she referred to the listing of shares on the Main and Alternative Markets, as well as the issuance of corporate bonds. Today, the Main Market hosts 135 companies with a total capitalization of 113 billion euros, while the Alternative Market, which is mainly aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, has 14 companies with a total capitalization of 623 million euros. The latter acts as a “vestibule” for the Main Market, allowing companies to prepare before their full inclusion, according to Ms. Papastavrou.
Corporate bonds also play an important role, with 22 issues recording strong performances at the same time. ATHEX raised 15 billion euros for listed companies, while the ΑΤΗΕΧ average daily turnover has increased by 70% since 2023, reaching 155 million euros per day. 60% of the turnover comes from foreign investors, demonstrating international confidence in the Greek market. In the last five years, 19 new companies have also been listed on the ATHEX, with a total capitalization of 8 billion euros.
The benefits of listing on the Stock Exchange. According to Ms. Papastavrou, the ATHEX provides businesses with an alternative financing mechanism without the need for guarantees or mortgages, allowing for the diversification of risk, maintaining control by the founders and enhancing awareness through transparency. At the same time, the valuation of shares on a daily basis facilitates strategic moves, such as share swap acquisitions and divestments.
The listing procedures on the ATHEX have been accelerated, and now take just (8) weeks, while the cost remains competitive compared to other stock exchanges. “The Greek Stock Exchange is considered an attractive option for companies that want to expand internationally, as inclusion in indices is more possible compared to foreign markets,” added Ms. Papastavrou, with the ATHEX being characterized as an accelerator of business growth.
Companies listed on the ATHEX recorded record profits in the two-year period 2022-2023, while profitability is expected to be higher in 2024. Dividends for 2024 reached 4.2 billion euros and in 2025 it is estimated that they will be higher, setting a new record. Reference was also made to the new capital market bill, which will provide additional incentives for the listing of small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating their financing through the Stock Exchange. According to experts, the ATHEX has entered a new phase of stability and is a one-stop shop for businesses that want to grow and expand internationally.
For other speakers in this exceptional panel, viewers can log here below:
