Details of the new investment plan of the AKTOR Group, amounting to €3 billion, the upcoming Share Capital Increase (AMK) of €650 million and the forthcoming bond Bond €300 million, were presented by Chairman and CEO of the AKTOR Group, Mr. Alexandros Exarchos, during a press conference.

As he emphasized, the Group is proceeding with the largest capital raise in its history, with the aim of implementing a long-term investment plan, which will be characterized by diversification of activities and greater synergies across sectors, as well as a low debt-to-equity ratio of 4 or less (i.e., 4 times EBITDA) in order to ensure the necessary financial health, which is a prerequisite for strong growth.

Confidence from the major shareholders

Mr. Exarchou confirmed that the major shareholders of the Group (WINEX INVESTMENTS, CASTELLANO) have expressed their interest in participating in the capital increase up to €300 million and emphasized that the goal of the capital increase is to attract foreign and long-term shareholders, as 80% of the offering is directed at foreign investors and 20% at Greek investors, with the company retaining the right to select its shareholders.

Furthermore, he added that another feature of the capital increase is that existing individual shareholders holding up to 3% will have the privilege of maintaining their shareholding percentage through subscription.  He also noted that management will conduct investment roadshows in the UK and the U.S. in the near future with the aim of attracting strong shareholders who will demonstrate confidence in the company’s investment plan.

At the same time, Mr. Exarchou emphasized the significance of the fact that both the share capital increase and the bond are underwritten by major international financial institutions, a fact that indicates confidence in the Group’s growth vision.

Growth plan

Mr. Exarchou made it clear that the Group seeks its continued growth and to capitalize on all opportunities that arise in the market. And a key prerequisite for this, beyond financial health, is the Group’s adequate capitalization. Of the 3 billion in investments, the Group will allocate 40% to the Concession–PPP sector, another 40% to Energy, 10% to the construction sector, and 10% to LNG trading, a sector that will also include an FSRU.

The goal is vertical integration in the energy sector

Mr. Exarchou emphasized the importance of vertical integration in the energy sector and noted that entry into the retail electricity market is being explored. Regarding renewable energy, he emphasized that the Group’s investment interest in acquisitions is limited to Greece, while pointing out that the company is considering the possibility of acquiring energy storage systems in Bulgaria, where the battery sector is particularly well-developed, as these could absorb the surplus energy generated from renewables in Greece, thereby reducing the phenomenon of curtailment in our country. In fact, Mr. Exarchou emphasized that curtailment has and will continue to have an even greater impact on the renewable energy market and will lead the domestic market into “non-performing” loans.

Acquisitions in Overseas Concessions

Mr. Exarchou praised the importance of concession projects and emphasized that, through increased activity in the sector, the Group’s goal is to increase cash flows from recurring operations. He added that this expansion can be achieved either through participation in new projects or by acquiring existing concession projects in Greece and abroad.

Specifically, regarding Romania, where the Group has a strong presence, he noted that the country will inevitably turn to large concession projects as it faces enormous transportation infrastructure needs, which will not be easy for the EU to finance on an ongoing basis.

He also emphasized that the Group is looking very favorably on participating in the Kostantza–Alexandroupolis vertical transport corridor, as well as in the concession for the Port of Kostantza.

He also added that in Greece, due to the recent legislative framework regarding Standard Proposals, some projects will likely proceed using this method,  and emphasized the Group’s strategic interest in participating in projects related to recycling, water management, and addressing water scarcity, while confirming the Group’s interest in participating in the concession for the operation of the port of Elefsina.

Participation in FSRU in Greece

Furthermore, Mr. Exarchou confirmed the AKTOR Group’s interest in participating in the creation of a second FSRU in Greece and noted that the use of capital is not necessarily essential for the development of the LNG sector, but only indirectly, such as through entering into spot-price commitments.  He left, however, the possibility open for the Group’s subsidiary AKTOR LNG to also supply the Greek market with LNG, provided that the relevant conditions are met and there is commercial interest.

Construction, the “core” of the Group

At the same time, Mr. Exarchou explained that the Group’s goal is not to reduce construction activity or its backlog, as the Construction sector will remain at the core of the company. On the contrary, he emphasized that the purpose of this effort is to transition the Construction sector toward more secure areas, such as concession projects rather than traditional public works, in order to ensure more stable revenue and greater synergies between the sectors