The Marfin Investment Group has announced that it has come to an agreement with Verano Motors over ownership of RK Beograd--a retail department store chain in Serbia (36 stores).
The deal gives them a majority two-thirds stake in the department store chain. The groupnow now owns 66.67 percent owner of the third largest sales chain in Serbia.
DF: Marfin has shown a huge interest in expanding into Serbia, where it already has a strong presence in the banking industry.
marfin
posted on Wednesday, October 31
Greek banks, currently in the middle of their third round of expansion in the Balkans, are eying new major foreign markets such as Russia, as well as some smaller ones in neighboring states such as the Czech Republic. At the same time, the first expansion steps have already been made in the markets of Poland and Ukraine.
The latest Greek bank acquisitions include:
- Alpha Bank adding 55 new branches in Romania.
- Bank of Piraeus recent 99.6 percent takeover of Ukraine’s International Commerce Bank
DF: The domestic market is now starting to mature...
Reuters
posted on Monday, September 24
Greek stocks moved higher for the second consecutive session this week at the Athens Stock Exchange. Unemployment continues to fall and is down to 8.2%. according to June statistics.
Greece's large merchant fleet has grown to now include 2,028 vessels.
The Euro continues to gain on the weak US Dollar, as the Euro-US Dollar exchange rate is about 1 Euro Dollar for every 1.40 US Dollars. (Yeah we are not happy about that either.)
And finally, Greek Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis, said he is aiming for a balanced budget by 2010.
Athens News Agency
Forbes
posted on Thursday, September 20
The EXport Promotion Organisation (OPE) launched a new initiative called 'Match Making Programs' to promote Greek products and services abroad.
The initiative concerns inviting foreign buyers, distribution networks, public opinion shapers and journalists from the clothing, fur, jewellery, cosmetics, food, beverages and biological products sectors.
DF: (unrelated) Greekspot from Saratoga, New York; where a new KEM Handbag store recently opened up. Thank to Maria Panayiotou for the shoutout.
HEPO (greek only)
KEM
posted on Tuesday, September 18
The 72nd Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) opens its doors this Saturday and will last until September 16, gathering 956 exhibitors from Greece and 25 other countries.
The foreign exhibitors are from Egypt, Belgium, France, Germany, the United States, Japan, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Israel, Italy, Kenya, China, South Korea, Cyprus, Montenegro, Britain, Hungary, Pakistan, Serbia, Sweden, Syria, the Czech Republic and Turkey. While Albania, Brazil, India, Hungary, Turkey, South Africa, Taiwan, France, Italy, the United States, Pakistan, Romania, Syria and Ukraine will also be participating with official state pavilions.
National participations in the 72nd TIF will comprise the "Global Exchange" theme that will provide the international and trade element of this year's event. See below for all themes.
helexpo
posted on Monday, September 10
Some dream of opening their very own winery, others dream of making olive oil. U.S. retailer Whole Foods (west coast stores) is now stocking Lykovouno Olive Oil, which comes to the states from a family operated business from both in California and in the xorio (village) of Lykovouno just outside of Sparta, has been getting the attention of many who appreciate a traditional "cold pressed" olive oil.
DF: Lykovouno Olive Oil is produced on the private estate of San Francisco Dermatologist Dr. Peter Panagotacos. The olive oil is also sold in all the Mollie stores of the San Francisco Bay area and at Gelson's Market's in the Los Angeles Area.
lykovouno
posted on Monday, September 10
Keith Miller, a NBC foreign correspondent newsreporter for over 25 years, has just finished building his beautiful new home on the island of Corfu. Many people, members of th Greek diaspora and not, do desire to build a nice summer or retirement home in Greece; but often have no idea on how to get started.
This interesting article does make some very valid points to make the process easier, and they include:
- Finding a good lawyer
- Pack a lot of patience with you
- Make sure that the land you want to build on is not listed as forest land
- Get the OK from the Archaeological department
- Plan on buying a parcel of land of at least 5,000 sq meters if you are on the island
- Be 'green' conscious (We know the islands especially are having water problems.)
DF: Read more about Mr. Miller's adventure below. Is anyone in the process of building a home, or wanting to build a home in Greece? How was is/was your experience?
Telegraph
posted on Tuesday, September 4
Money continues to be gathered around the world from various diaspora communities and governments at large for the fire ravaged victims of Greece. For a list of some of the local efforts being conducted, DailyFrappe has been compiling a complete list. If you do not see your community's effort listed, please email us.
On September 20th, DailyFrappe is partnering up with EuroCircle to host an event at in Chicago to raise funds for fire relief. More information to come soon.
On September 23rd a fundraiser will be held in Astoria (Bravo Effie and Paul). The organization behind the effort is called Greek Aid. Please click here for more info.
A nationally televised marthon wil be held on all Greek channels in Greece on Wednesday September 6th in what will be a large coordinated effort to raise funds. Those living in Cyprus and Greece will be able to watch the telethon live, while many in the diaspora will also have an oppurtunity to watch the program.
posted on Tuesday, September 4
The Beijing Foreign Language and Culture University introduced a Greek language department for the beginning of the 2007-2008 academic school year.
It should be noted that Beijing University Greek Language department is the second Greek language seat in the Republic of China after that at Shanghai University where several students take Greek language courses.
Beijing Foreign Language University
posted on Monday, September 3
Greek tycoons are snatching up property all over the UK, and have outpaced Russian and Arab investors the past month. It is estimated that in August alone, over £450 million worh of commercial property will come under the hands of some individuals. Acquisitions include:
Andy Panayiotou, chairman of the Ability Group bought the Liverpool Hilton acquired from the Duke of Westminster for £60 million. Ability Group
Achilleas Kallakis Pacific Group has acquired the 232,000 sq ft HQ of the pro-Turk Daily Telegraph for £225 million.
Chris Lazari of Lazari Investments has acquired the Greater London House for £165 million. Lazari
DF: The combined property assets of these three prominent Greeks exceed £3.7 billion.
posted on Tuesday, August 14
