Attica Bank

The merger of Attica Bank and Pancreta Bank was finalized on Wednesday, creating the fifth largest bank in Greece by estimated assets.

According to the official announcement, the merger was completed within demanding timelines and at unprecedented speed - just weeks after the shareholders' agreement - signaling a new era for the unified bank and the country's financial system.

The bank that will result from the merger of Attica Bank and Pancreta Bank is aiming at becoming a strong fifth pole in Greek banking, besides the current "big four" (Alpha, Eurobank, National, Piraeus).

The Greek stock market began Monday’s (29/7) session down, in a week that starts with the National Bank’s dividend cut, followed by crucial announcements on the results of heavyweight listed companies.

Construction group Avax is expected to secure multiple benefits from the liquidity of 300 million euros through the issuance of a loan with a duration of seven years. The loan will be concluded between Avax Concessions and Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, National Bank, Bank of Cyprus and Attica Bank.

With an increased majority, the ruling party ND (New Democracy) and PASOK-KINAL voted for the Ministry of Finance and National Economy’s bill “Ratification of the 18.7.2024 Merger and Investment Agreement between the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund and the limited liability company THRIVEST HOLDING LTD” for the merger of Attica Bank with Pancreta Bank in the plenary session.

The agreement between bank bailout fund HFSF and Thrivest Holdings for the merger of Attica Bank with Pancreta is the "optimal solution for the Greek state, with a view to both ensuring financial stability and the benefit of the taxpayer," central banker Yannis Stournaras told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

SYRIZA-PS president Stefanos Kasselakis continues his recent criticism in light of developments at Attica Bank.

The time is approaching for the share capital increase of Attica Bank, whose management this week expects DBRS Morningstar's evaluation of its bad-loan portfolio so that it can be included in the "Hercules 3″ bonds program of the state.

The streamlining of Attica Bank and its merger with Pancreta Bank will require a new share capital increase, which according to information will possibly even reach 600 million euros.

The Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF) is one step before the complete divestment from Greece's four systemic banks, after the successful sale of all the shares it owned in Piraeus Bank.