Tangible results are being delivered by the acquisition of Axia by Alpha Bank, combined with the partnership with UniCredit as well as the network of Alpha Finance.
In the third quarter of 2026, despite the fact that transactions were not as numerous as in the second quarter (capital increases, bonds), the commissions contributed by Axia amounted to 23 million euros.
At Eurobank, the corresponding contribution from market transactions stood at 14 million euros, while for Piraeus Bank the amount reached 4 million euros, which however concerns only investment banking.
In the third quarter, total transactions by Axia were six.
However, the difference compared to the remaining banks stems from the fact that Axia possesses the advantage of the European UniCredit network, and whenever there are either public offerings or bond issuances, the executive team of Axia is called upon to assist in raising capital from investors.
Conversely, the remaining Greek banks rely on their own networks and participate in corporate bond issues in the Balkans, as Eurobank did recently.
Six transactions in Greece and Europe worth 2.15 billion euros
Specifically, Axia Finance, in collaboration with the Italian UniCredit, participated in a 1.1 billion euro bond issuance by the subsidiary of Vodafone (Zegona Finance).
It also participated in the 250 million euro share capital increase of ElvalHalcor, acted as advisor to the shipping company Seanergy for a 100 million euro bond, carried out the 54.7 million euro share capital increase at Attica Department Stores, served as advisor to Alpha Bank for the acquisition of Alpha Trust, and participated in the order book for the 653 million euro capital increase of GEK-TERNA.
Cooperation with UniCredit is expected to become even more beneficial when European corporations begin raising capital and numerous European banks seek funds to cover investment programs (defense sector).
Regardless of defense, however, European markets (stock exchanges, bonds) are dominated by European subsidiaries of American banks, whereas European investment banks are fewer.
Axia, beyond stock market transactions and capital markets, carries out a series of real estate and hotel acquisition deals in Greece, which is why it approaches potential takeover targets on behalf of foreign investors whenever investment interest emerges.
Concurrently, Axia Finance, through its research department, covers with equity research more than 36 listed companies on the Greek stock exchange, while maintaining international partnerships such as with Kepler Cheuvreux.
Dimitris Pafilas
dpafilas@yahoo.com
www.bankingnews.gr
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