12th Annual Greek Roadshow in London

 
21 September 2017
 
 
12th Annual Greek Roadshow in London

 

The 12th Annual Greek Roadshow of Greek companies  in London came to a close today. This year's Roadshow, in the tradition of the eleven (11) previous events, served as a platform for listed companies of the Greek Stock Exchange to present to investors of the international community their business developments and outlook.

Thirty three (33) listed companies participated, from the following thirty (30) groups:


ADMIE HOLDING   KRI KRI
AEGEAN AIRLINES   LAMDA DEVELOPMENT
ALPHA BANK   MARFIN INVESTMENT GROUP
ATHENS EXCHANGE GROUP   MLS
ATTICA BANK   MOTOR OIL
AUTOHELLAS   MYTILINEOS GROUP
ELLAKTOR - EL. TECH. ANEMOS   NATIONAL BANK
EUROBANK   NBG PANGAEA
FOLLI FOLLIE GROUP   OPAP
FOURLIS   PIRAEUS BANK
GEK TERNA / TERNA ENERGY   PUBLIC POWER CORPORATION (PPC)
GRIVALIA PROPERTIES   SARANTIS GROUP
HELLENIC PETROLEUM   THRACE PLASTICS
HELLENIC TELECOM (OTE)   TITAN
INTRALOT   VIOHALCO - CENERGY HOLDINGS

A total of 650 one-on-one meetings were held between the listed companies and 90 investment funds and 125 analysts and portfolio managers.

Sokratis Lazaridis, CEO of the Athens Exchange Group, made the following comments during the event: "The results of the macroeconomic convergence and structural changes to date, as evaluated during the recent return to the markets, shape a positive environment that allows the emergence of business proposals in a context of a potential for growth. This fact, from a stock exchange aspect, is reflected in the market's positive performance from the start of the year, from the drop in volatility under 15% and also from the increased participation of foreign investors at rates above 60%.

The stock market capitalisation to GDP ratio increased in 2017 due to the improvement in the prices of listed companies. Nevertheless, it remains low compared to the European average, which continues to give room for expectations for the improvement of the valuations.

During this year's 12th Roadshow, there was increased interest for meetings between investment firms and analysts and the managements of listed companies, allowing a broad representation of the stock exchange's sectors and for the first time after the recent crisis, the opportunity was given to 33 companies to present their outlook".

Professor Haralambos Gotsis, Chairman of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, underlined: "The conclusions from the events and meetings held between senior officers of important Greek companies and official bodies with representatives of London investment firms are fairly optimistic. Given the Greek economy's trajectory of recovery and the positive outcome expected, interest focused on specific placements, yields and the outlook of industries and businesses. Foreign investors are aware that by participating in a well-regulated market, they invest in a capital market which they can trust and which will allow them to realise their plans".

A briefing session was held on the 20th of September, titled: "Greece: Accelerating growth?" Keynote speakers of the session were Minister of Economy and Development, Mr. Dimitris Papadimitriou, on the subject of "Greece back on the growth path" and Alternate Ministry of Finance, Mr. Giorgos Houliarakis, on the subject of "Current state and outlook of the Greek economy".

Dimitris Papadimitriou, Minister of Economy and Development, presented the Greek economy indexes, which reflect Greece's return on the path of growth, the subject of his speech.

He specifically referred to the GDP growth in the first half of 2017 and the drop in unemployment, while outlining specific investment plans already announced for the current year, worth 2.5 bn euros.

As regards the advantages of the Greek economy for investments, among other things, he noted that it is a Eurozone country, with a stable currency, that it offers stability in a turbulent geographical area, and that it is an energy hub for Eurasia. Finally, he referred to the founding of the Greek Development Bank, which will contribute to the implementation of the new development plan for the country.

The Alternate Minister, Mr. Houliarakis, further noted during his speech: "The timely conclusion of the third program review is key. It will allow economic recovery to gain traction and will pave the way for Greece to regain full and sustainable access to capital markets.

The macroeconomic record of Greece over the past two years has been significantly better than assumed by the last Asset Quality Review of the Greek banks. The economy is on track to recovery, banks are in the process of cleaning up their balance sheets with new credible tools and a clear set of targets. A new AQR will be an unnecessary distraction from the task at hand ".

A panel discussion was held on the subject of the Greek Economy and its outlook, with the participation of Mr. Daniele Antonucci, Senior European Economist, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley and Mr. Carsten Hesse, European Economist of Berenberg Bank. You can find these presentations attached.

In his presentation, Mr. Antonucci, referred to the return of the Greek economy on a trajectory of growth.

Mr. Hesse, noted: "There are 5 reasons proving that the recovery of the Greek economy has begun: (1) Greece has implemented numerous reforms and is ranked by the OECD in the first places among EU countries adopting structural changes since 2010. (2) Greece managed to transform the twin deficit (current account deficit and budget deficit) into a corresponding surplus. (3) Greece improved its competitiveness and climbed from 110th place, to the 60th place of the ease of doing business index, while at the same time labour costs dropped by15% since 2008, versus an 18% increase in the EU. (4) Greece is improving its exports and tourism (tourist arrivals have increased by 60% since 2012). (5) Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Romania and Cyprus, countries which have also participated in a similar program, have already recovered and it is highly likely that Greece will follow on their path".

A discussion followed, with the participation of Mr. Andre kuusvek, Local Currency and Capital Markets Development Director of EBRD, Ms. Rania Aikaterinari, CEO, Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations S.A., Mr. Elias Athanasiou, CEO, Enterpirse Greece, Mr. Aposotolos Goutzinis, Partner, Shearman & Sterling LLP and Mr. Ioannis Kyriakopoulos, CFO, National Bank of Greece. The discussion was coordinated by Mr. Giorgos Koutsos, Partner, Deloitte Business Solution SA.

Mr. Koutsos, in his introductory address noted that: «"Deloitte has been closely involved in most recent transactions involving Foreign Direct Investment in key sectors of the economy such as Banking and Insurance, Travel and Tourism, Healthcare, Infrastructure and Real Estate etc. We are pleased to notice that Greece is increasingly getting back into the radar screen of the international investment community. In our discussions with investors, two key themes keep emerging as prerequisites for FDI: a stable and investor-friendly legal and regulatory framework a strong and flexible financial sector, able to support investors and corporates in financing viable, ambitions plans".

Mr. Kuusvek stressed with regard to the EBRD's actions and the financing needs of businesses: "Greece is making good progress under the programme with Eurogroup, though significant challenges remain. The EBRD continues to cement the increasing confidence in the Greek economy through focussing on supporting and investing in the private sector. Since the start of operations in Greece, the EBRD has already invested over €1 billion. ATHEX Group has an important role to play in mobilising financing and becoming an efficient company financing hub for equity and debt, large and small enterprises".

Ms.  Aikaterinari noted: "The Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations is preparing a long-term strategic plan that is based on the adoption of modern and best administration, management and development practices, to increase the value of public assets and revenues, while also improving effectiveness and services to citizens.

One of the company's most important goals is to promote reforms for the transformation of public enterprises, in line with modern standards and practices. To this end, it is very important to establish an environment of trust, substantiated strategic and business planning, effectiveness, better use of the resources, strong groups and a uniform framework of corporate governance rules, that will support responsible management, transparency and communication. This transformation is never easy when it entails large-scale changes, but it is the only way towards securing economic stability, attracting investments and ultimately achieving sustainable development".

Mr. Athanasiou stated with regard to the role and work of Enterprise Greece: "Aiming at contributing to the growth of the Greek economy, Enterprise Greece, the national Investment and Trade Promotion Agency, is implementing a targeted business plan by utilizing best practices widely used by similar agencies around the world. In this context, our Organization participated at the 12th Annual Greek Roadshow organized by the Athens Stock Exchange at London in order to promote sectors and industries with high added value for our economy".

Mr. Goutzinis made the following comment on the importance of the market in the economy's recovery and growth: "Capital markets and other sources of finance are absolutely vital for Greece. They always have been. But the present financial conditions in the country are so desperate for external financing and investment, at all levels, that the attraction of such financing must be the top priority.  Not one of many priorities. The top priority. Financial growth and development require political stability, sound public finances, certainty of currency and a stable and advanced legal framework. Our country has achieved much in the way of structural reform since 2010 and we must now build on that and accelerate. It will be a pity to lose out on the present global liquidity glut".

Mr. Kyriakopoulos gave a substantiated picture of the outlook for the banking sector in Greece, noting that: "The banking system is gradually restoring its liquidity and has the means to finance businesses and households to kickstart the economy. Also following the enactment of the relevant legislation it has the tools needed for the restructuring and resolution of the non-performing loans in a more efficient way".

The Roadshow was supported by seven (7) of the largest Greek investment companies Alpha Finance, ΒΕΤΑ Securities, Eurobank Equities, Investment Bank of Greece, NBG Securities, PANTELAKIS Securities, Piraeus Securities, by international investment bank Morgan Stanley, consulting company Deloitte and legal advice company Shearman & Sterling.

This year's event was supported by the Enterprise Greece - Invest & Trade organization.

  • Watch the presentation of Mr. Carsten Hesse, European Economist, Berenberg Bank titled: "Greece: Economic recovery is overdue".

 

Download the Press Release                        

 

 

Photos of the event
 
Sokratis Lazaridis
CEO of the Athens Exchange Group
   

Dimitris Papadimitriou
Minister of Economy and Development

Giorgos Houliarakis
Altemate Ministry of Finance

   
Daniele Antonucci
Senior European Economist, Managing Director της Morgan Stanley
Carsten Hesse
European Economist της Berenberg Bank
 

Panel (left to right)
Andre Kuusvek, Local Currency and Capital Markets Development Director of EBRD, Rania Aikaterinari, CEO, Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations S.A.,Giorgos Koutsos, Partner, Deloitte Business Solution SA.,Apostolos Goutzinis, Partner της Shearman & Sterling LLP, Elias Athanasiou, CEO, Enterprise Greece and Ιωάννης Κυριακόπουλος, CFO της Εθνικής Τράπεζας.

Sponsors
 
   

 

With regards to the 12th Annual Greek Roadshow in London

The Athens Stock Exchange is organizing for the 12th consecutive year, the Annual Greek Roadshow on 21 - 22 September  2017, in London. In previous years the conference has been a great success as, on average, more than 150 representatives of foreign institutional investors participated.

The purpose of the Roadshow is to enable listed companies in the Athens Stock Exchange to meet with foreign institutional investors and present their growth prospects in the form of individual meetings (one-on-one meetings). The invitation for this year's event has been accepted by 28 listed companies that will represented by top management.

Within the framework of the Roadshow, events are organized aiming to inform of related developments and prospects of the Greek Economy, structural changes that have taken place and specific business plans that may be of interest to the European investment community.

Furthermore, each year efforts are made to promote the Greek Economy and business community to the international Media.

 

About Athens Exchange Group

The Athens Stock Exchange since its establishment in 1876, consistently participate in the financial and business developments in the country.

Athens Exchange Group (ATHEX Group), provides support to the Greek Capital Market. ATHEX Group operates the organized Equities and Derivatves markets, the alternative market and performs clearing and settlement of trades.

The Athens Stock Exchange, through its markets, offers solutions and financing tools to businesses, expands investor choice by providing a safe, stable and easy environment in full alignment with international practices and the European regulatory framework. It has held the ISO 22301:2012 international standard for Business Continuity, for all its companies, including all its operations as well as the products & services it provides.

In a period that the role of stock markets in exploring alternative ways of financing business, at a European level, is significantly enhanced, the Athens Exchange Group has taken a series of initiatives to highlight the attractiveness of the Greek Capital Market and the Greek companies to the international investment community and expand the variety of investment opportunities.

Its shares are traded on the Main Market of the Athens Stock Exchange (Symbol: EXAE).

110 Athinon Avenue, 104 42 Athens, T + 30 210-3366 800, F +30 210-3366 101, www.athexgroup.gr