The Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance has confirmed that Euronext has entered into preliminary discussions regarding a potential acquisition of the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). According to the Ministry, these are early-stage commercial talks that may or may not lead to a formal agreement. Any potential deal would be subject to regulatory approvals and final shareholder decisions.
The Ministry expressed strong optimism about the possible acquisition, calling it a tangible vote of confidence in Greece’s economic stability and positive trajectory. It also emphasized that such a move would signify deeper integration of Greece into the European financial landscape and bolster international investor confidence.
Established nearly 150 years ago, the ASE has long been a key institution for the Greek economy. Its history reflects the country’s development through industrialization, European integration, crisis management, and its current path of recovery and transformation.
Euronext operates in seven countries — Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal — and is now Europe’s leading pan-European exchange group. If the deal proceeds, Greece could become the eighth member of a unified capital markets ecosystem that respects national characteristics while benefiting from shared strategy and expertise.
The Ministry pledged to actively support the integration process if the merger moves forward, ensuring smooth operational alignment. A unified approach to infrastructure, operations, and oversight could significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness of the Greek market.
Among other priorities, the Ministry supports:
– Relocation and upgrading of trading technology
– Integration of clearing functions within a broader cross-border framework
– Harmonization of post-trade support infrastructure
– Strengthening synergies with other European markets in selected sectors like energy and debt
The Ministry continues to strongly encourage foreign investment inflows into Greece, noting that Euronext’s scale and expertise in equity and bond markets can deliver substantial benefits to investors and the Greek economy as a whole.
This potential development also aligns with the EU’s initiative on the Capital Markets Union, launched in March 2025, which aims to channel European savings into productive investments, enhance citizens’ access to capital markets, and improve financing options for businesses.
As stated by the Ministry: ‘Greece is not just returning — it has already returned. And it is moving forward with confidence, strategy, and a clear vision for the future.’