AXIA Ventures Group

AXIA Ventures Group is joining forces with Alpha Bank, a dynamic institution that shares our forward-looking approach and commitment, to create the premier Investment Banking & Capital Markets platform in Greece and Cyprus. This marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that builds on our legacy and positions us to redefine investment banking in the region.   For 17 years, AXIA has been a driving force behind landmark transactions, shaping Greece’s financial landscape. This powerful alliance with Alpha Bank’s Alpha Finance and Investment Banking team, along with the partnership of UniCredit, marks a transformative step, elevating our capabilities to new heights. As we enhance our suite of financial and advisory services, AXIA is poised to redefine Investment Banking & Capital Markets in Southeast Europe, positioning itself as the region’s first true bulge bracket firm.   The best is yet to come!   Read more: https://lnkd.in/dptjnP8h   #AXIA #AXIAVenturesGroup #AlphaBank #AlphaHoldings #AlphaFinance #InvestmentBanking #CapitalMarkets

Our Group Managing Director Mr. Antonios Achilleoudis was featured in the March issue of Gold Magazine, Cyprus’ leading English-language business publication. The issue highlights the journeys, industry insights, and key achievements of prominent Cypriot professionals across sectors. Mr. Achilleoudis shared his views on the evolving landscape of the finance industry, addressing both challenges and opportunities. He also emphasized the critical importance of local expertise within the global markets. Embracing new challenges, taking calculated risks, staying curious, and adapting to change are the essential drivers of success in the financial sector. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/dkfu68wP #AXIAVenturesGroup #GoldMagazine #BusinessLeaders #CypriotExcellence #GlobalMarkets #InvestmentBanking #Finance

Last Friday, Moody's Ratings announced that Greece’s credit rating has been upgraded to Baa3 from Ba1 with a stable outlook, heralding the country’s return to Investment Grade. The agency highlighted that Greece’s progress in public finances is faster than expected, debt levels are steadily reducing, and the banking sector is continuously strengthening, remarking the country's greater resilience to potential future challenges. This upgrade is a key milestone for the country’s economic comeback, reflecting political stability, strong financial performance and institutional development. #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #Investments #CreditRating #Moodys #InvestmentGrade #GreekEconomy #GreekGrowth #EconomicGrowth #InvestmentGrade #EconomyNews

AXIA Ventures Group acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to IDEAL Holdings (“IDEAL”) in its agreement with Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. (UK) (“OHA”) to form an equity partnership. This partnership includes an investment of up to €115m in IDEAL and its equity portfolio, with an additional €200m co-investment option over the next two years to support its growth.   As part of the transaction, IDEAL will establish a corporate vehicle that will hold 100% of its investments, including Attica Department Stores, Byte, Adacom, Bluestream and Barba Stathis (upon transaction completion). OHA has agreed to acquire a 15% equity stake in this vehicle, with the option to increase its stake by an additional 10% within six months, valuing the equity of the entity at €410m. Through this corporate vehicle, OHA will also have the opportunity to co-invest up to an additional €200m over the next two years to support IDEAL’s growth. Finally, OHA plans to invest in IDEAL, acquiring up to 4% of its share capital, subject to share availability. Alex Argyros, Managing Director & Head of AXIA’s Investment Banking division stated: “This transaction is a testament to IDEAL Holdings’ strategic vision, forward thinking and strong investment approach. Partnering with a globally recognized investment firm like OHA not only validates the value of IDEAL’s portfolio, but also provides a solid foundation and firepower for future growth. The innovative structure showcases how successful businesses can join forces with global capital in order to diversify their funding sources and unlock significant value for all stakeholders. We are proud to have advised IDEAL Holdings on this milestone transaction and look forward to seeing IDEAL realize its full potential.” #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #IDEALHoldings #OakHillAdvisors #InvestmentBanking #GreekEconomy #Greece

AXIA Ventures Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to the majority shareholders of Aegean Baltic Bank S.A. in relation to the sale of a 47.9% equity stake and an additional 20.0% voting rights in the Bank. The transaction has been successfully completed, following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.   Aegean Baltic Bank is a fully licensed, privately owned Greek banking institution, established in 2002, characterized by unparallel financial soundness and proven expertise. It specializes in corporate banking, with a core focus on serving companies in the shipping industry.   Christina Anagnostara, Managing Director of AXIA’s Investment Banking team commented: “We are proud to have advised the selling shareholders in this transaction, which constitutes an important step in strengthening the diversity and independence of the Greek financial sector. This strategic investment is a testament to the dynamic development of the banking system and the reinforcement of the Greek economy”. #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #InvestmentBanking #FIG #MergersAndAcquisitions #AegeanBalticBank #ExclusiveFinancialAdvisor #GreekEconomy

AXIA Ventures Group’s Greece 2025 Outlook has been published, featuring insights from our #Research team on why the Greek economy stands out and has the dynamic to outperform the EU average over the coming years. In this comprehensive report, we explore how #Greece, with a track record of economic overperformance and political stability, has built a brand name that opens doors, drawing interest from investors and international corporates. The report emphasizes that Greece is well-positioned to thrive despite challenges faced by its European peers, global trade tensions, and geopolitical uncertainties. Additionally, the private market is blooming, with strong interest in deals from foreign investors across sectors, often at higher valuations than listed entities. Meanwhile, the equities market remains undervalued, and both financial and non-financial sectors are projected to deliver robust EPS growth in 2025, supported by strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Furthermore, our Research team showcases our 2025 Top Picks which we expect to generate relative and absolute outperformance and presents our Watchlist that includes a number of specific names that we believe investors should have under their radar as their share price could significantly outperform on the back of their growth strategies and market reach. Special thanks to our Research team: Constantinos Zouzoulas Stathis Kaparis, CFA Eleni Ismailou Christiana Tsoukala Alexis Chaidopoulos #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #Outlook2025 #AXIAResearch #GreekEconomy

AXIA Ventures Group acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Alpha Bank in relation to the 100% acquisition of Flexfin. This strategic transaction marks a significant step toward the integration of Flexfin with Alpha Bank's factoring subsidiary, ABC Factors, creating a cutting-edge market-leading factoring entity in Greece. Flexfin is the first-established fintech factoring company in Greece and Cyprus, specializing in providing liquidity to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through its pioneering digital platform. The platform offers fully automated processes that enable quick access to capital, minimize bureaucracy, and ensure high levels of accuracy and transparency by prioritizing the quality of financed receivables. The partnership combines ABC Factors’ deep expertise with Flexfin’s innovative technology, delivering modern and streamlined solutions that align with market needs. Through the acquisition of Flexfin and its merger with ABC Factors, Alpha Bank further strengthens its strategy to enhance SME access to financing, a key pillar of the Greek economy. #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #InvestmentBanking #FinTech #MergersAndAcquisitions #FinancialAdvisor #AlphaBank #Flexfin #GreekEconomy

AXIA Ventures Group acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Intertrade Hellas SA in relation to the €23 million capital raising for the implementation of its investment plan totaling €150 million. The investment has been recognized as an “Emblematic Investment of Great Significance” by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Development utilizing #RFF funds, as it will not only be making Greece self-sufficient in primary paper roll eliminating its dependence on paper import, but it will also be allowing for robust exporting activity thus strengthening Greek competitiveness at an international level.   Intertrade Hellas is a #leading vertical integrated Greek manufacturer specializing in the production of paper products both for household and professional use. The company currently operates four state-of-the-art facilities, three of them located in the Attica region and one in Viotia where the new production plan will also be constructed on a c.200,000 square meter land plot. The company's product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Softex and Servin while Intertrade Hellas also stands out as the largest producer of private label paper products, collaborating with major supermarket chains in Greece and internationally.   Christina Anagnostara, Managing Director at AXIA stated: “We are proud to have supported Intertrade Hellas in this transaction marking a significant step in its journey. As a family-owned business, Intertrade Hellas exemplifies the potential of local enterprises to drive economic growth with a strong ESG impact, enhance the country’s self-sufficiency and expand their footprint on the global stage. This capital raise not only emphasizes the company’s strong growth trajectory but also highlights its strategic importance in fostering competitiveness both nationally and internationally”. #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #IntertradeHellas #InvestmentBanking #MergersAndAcquisitions #CapitalRaising #StrategicInvestments #RRF #GreekEconomy #Greece

As 2024 has come to an end, we reflect with gratitude on a year of growth, impact, and achievement at AXIA. From advising on 20 unique transactions across 4 countries, with a total value over €6 billion, to being recognized as Best for Equities in Greece by #Euromoney, this year has been truly remarkable. We proudly welcomed 8 talented individuals to our team and saw 11 young professionals thrive in our Internship Program, a proven launchpad for successful careers. Through initiatives like #ExcellenSeas and our continued #EmpoweringTheNewGeneration strategy, we remain committed to making a difference in education and supporting those in need. A heartfelt #ThankYou to our incredible team, clients, and associates for trusting us and making 2024 unforgettable. Here’s to an even brighter 2025 together! #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #InvestmentBanking #CapitalMarkets #Research #YearRecap #2024

Right before 2024 ends, we are thrilled to welcome Tasos Metaxas to #AXIA as an Analyst in our Investment Banking Division in #Athens! Tasos joins us with valuable experience from his time as a Manager in the Financial Services Practice of PwC Greece, where he focused on financial and regulatory advisory services for the Banking sector. With a BSc in Accounting & Finance from the Athens University of Economics & Business and as an ACCA candidate, Tasos brings solid foundation to his new role. Welcome to the team Tasos, we’re excited to have you on board! 🎉 #AXIAVenturesGroup #AXIA #InvestmentBanking #WelcomeOnBoard #NewHire #AthensTeam #Greece