Intrum, a prominent player in the debt management sector, has made headlines for returning its initial investment to shareholders entirely. Known for its significant presence in Greece, Intrum, controlled by Intrum Holding Spain SAU and Piraeus Bank, recently returned €27.488 million to shareholders, marking the complete return of capital initially invested. This move follows substantial profits over the past five years, with net profits reaching €60.843 million in 2024 alone.
Notably, Intrum is also under scrutiny for increasing real estate prices by approximately 50% in auctions, contrary to the common practice of lowering prices to stimulate demand. A case in point involves properties on Sofokleous Street in central Athens, where Intrum rejected a family member’s offer below the initial auction price and instead raised the price significantly for subsequent auctions.
Meanwhile, other economic developments include Athanasios Koukoutaris establishing a new holding company, THETA CAPITAL HOLDING, to consolidate his interests in Alfa Pastry and related businesses. Additionally, public transport operators in Athens are struggling to recruit drivers despite launching advertising campaigns, partly due to non-recognition of private sector driving experience.
Further challenges emerge in the renewable energy sector, where agricultural photovoltaic producers are preparing legal actions against output cuts. The Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAEE) remains cautious, while discussions around tax incentives for increased private savings through insurance companies continue. These developments highlight Greece’s complex economic landscape as it navigates recovery and reform.