Close to a new acquisition

IDEAL Holdings is close to a new acquisition, with a timeline extending to June, its Chairman of the Board, Lambros Papakonstantinou, said speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum XI.

Papakonstantinou noted that IDEAL Holdings will continue to invest and deploy capital in Greece. Referring to the company’s operating model, he explained that it targets majority stakes in large companies, typically aiming to invest at least a three-digit million amount, based on a “buy, build and grow” strategy. The focus, he stressed, is on Greek companies with the potential to expand internationally.

“We look at Greek companies that have the capacity to expand abroad,” he said, adding that processes to tap foreign markets have become more complex, with investment horizons now typically ranging between five and seven years. “We will continue to remain in Greece, deploy capital and invest,” he concluded, noting that the country offers a highly skilled workforce and that entrepreneurship is embedded in the Greek “DNA”.

“Oil prices will not return to 60 dollars per barrel”

Papakonstantinou underlined that investment activity is unlikely to slow, as opportunities remain consistently present. However, he pointed out that the current geopolitical environment is making decision-making increasingly challenging, warning that conditions are expected to become even more difficult over the next six months.

As he noted, regardless of whether an immediate resolution is found to the Middle East crisis, oil prices are unlikely to return to 60 dollars per barrel. This new environment is expected to impact Europe and, by extension, Greece, making constant vigilance and adaptability essential.

“Greece in 2026 is not the Greece of 2015 or 2019”

Focusing on investment opportunities in the country, Papakonstantinou stated that Greece has now become an attractive destination, having regained investment-grade status and undergone structural reforms.

“Greece in 2026 is not the Greece of 2015 or 2019. Investors have entered the market, though not large strategic investors. Most are either investment funds or entities that have acquired Greek assets with an international footprint,” he said.

He also expressed the view that Greece will remain attractive for investment as long as political stability is maintained, alongside government measures and the positive overall climate. He concluded that there is ample capital globally seeking returns.