Shops at Museums in Greece

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Visitors may explore Greek history and art through a huge collection of items on sale at nine shops (www.museumshop.gr) of the Hellenic Culture Organisation located at museums and archaeological sites throughout the country. Divided into two main categories of replicas and modern applications, the items are of aesthetic value highlighting the timelessness and distinctiveness of ancient Greek civilization. The replicas of significant works of ancient art on display at Greek museums bear seals of authenticity and the signature of the Ministry of Culture. The items at each store are inspired by the artefacts on display at the museums. Visitors to the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum may find replicas of masterpieces dating from prehistoric and classical times, while the Vergina Museum has items inspired from Macedonian works. Statues, pottery, portraits, coins and jewellery have all been made according to traditional and modern techniques. The other museums are: Delos, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Knossos, and Delphi. [Photo: The Head of Aphrodite in Benaki Museum]

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Greek Banks Turn East

National Bank of Greece
(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) Latest developments in the banking sector point to major Greek Banks’ strategic ties with the Arab world. Greece’s largest Bank, the National Bank of Greece has declared its interest to expand its activities in the fast-growing Egyptian market, where it currently maintains one branch. Egypt’s third-largest bank, Banque du Caire, recently rejected a National Bank offer worth $2.025 billion. However, the Greek bidder remains firm in its decision to boost its presence in fast-growing Arab nation, while its CEO, Takis Arapoglou says that “the bank’s future lies abroad”.
Alpha Bank
Meanwhile, Greece’s third-largest bank, Alpha Bank announced the acquisition of the bank’s 4% of its treasury stock by Qatari investors. The Bank sold its 4% stake for €296 million to Paramount Services Holding Limited, a company of Qatari interests. Alpha Bank’s new shareholder is believed to leverage the bank’s establishment in the fast-growing Eastern Mediterranean region where the bank’s presence is limited yet promising.  Alpha Bank: Alpha Bank announces the sale of a 4% stake to Qatari private investors  Secretariat General of Information: About Brand Greece, Greek Banking Sector: Expanding into the South Eastern European region

Greek Banking business / Eurobank in Ukraine

Greek Banks in the Balkans

Greek banks – despite their small size compared to European financial giants – have managed to develop a network of 3,000 branches, while their market share in the Balkans is approaching 20%. In fact, in certain markets, such as that of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Greek banks’ share totals 35%. The momentum of the sector is obvious in the case of Serbia. Due to political turbulence in the country, Greek banks had delayed their market penetration. Yet within just two years, they have reversed that situation entirely, and five Serb bank acquisitions by Greek banks have been recorded in the 2004-2007 period. The next major step for Greek banks is in Ukraine. Pireus Bank has made an important move by acquiring International Commerce Bank (ICB), which has a network of 133 branches. Also present in Ukraine is EFG Eurobank, the first Greek banking institution to enter the Ukrainian market by buying out Universal Bank. Alpha and National Bank are also on the lookout for an acquisition target in that country.   Kathimerini daily: Greek banks hit gold in Balkans; The Bridge Magazine: Globalization and profits in the Balkans