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In the next period, large companies will try to strengthen their finances in order to cope with the difficult winter. Reduction of functional expenses and cost reduction is expected to come to the fore again. They will restructure loans and seek new sources of funding under the most favourable conditions. At the same time, however, many companies are more willing to invest more dynamically within and outside Greece, and they are seeking opportunities for the increase of sales. The first encouraging reports of the development of the economy and the prospect for the achievement of a surplus at the end of 2013 restored optimism in the business field.

Telecommunications Company OTE

"New investments in telecommunications"

The company is ready to make investments in both mobile and fixed telephony, as well as in the Internet, in order to strengthen its position. It is also focused on OTE TV that competes with the New Greek Radio, Internet and TV (NERIT), which in turn has intensified its portfolio mainly in the sports sector, renewing its rights to broadcast the Super League Cup and the Basketball Euroleague. The company will not stop trying to improve its financial performance.

Coca-Cola HBC

"Revival of revenues, despite the decline"

Shares may have reached the high stock index FTSE 100 in London, but that does not mean that Coca-Cola HBC’s priorities have changed. Strict cost control through disciplined management of capital and reduction of functional costs are the main axis around which the strategy of the second-largest bottler of Coca-Cola in the world revolves. In parallel, the company aims at the revival of its revenues, counting on the popularity of its products, but also offering users a good price quality ratio.

TITAN

"Setting sights on the American market"

The plan of TITAN includes spending cuts and the creation of a positive cash flow. The company is planning new investments in order to ensure the operation of its plants and reduce functional costs. The company operates in a sector which has been seriously damaged in the crisis and prospects are negative at least in Greece. The atmosphere in Egypt has also caused concern, where recent dramatic events are hampering development. On the other hand, the American market is giving reasons for optimism, since it is expected to reach double-digit rates on an annual basis over the next 5 years.

Hellenic Petroleum

"Plans for the oil from the Gulf of Patras"

The sector for exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Greece and abroad is standing high in the plans of Hellenic Petroleum. The company is expecting the completion of negotiations with the Greek government for granting the rights for exploration and exploitation of oil fields in the Gulf of Patras, and at the same time, despite the events in Egypt, it is determined to continue the exploration in W. Obayed and Mesaha concessions. It is also aiming to maintain a high competitive ability in terms of infrastructure projects of its refineries by investing in infrastructure and synergies between refineries, which can lead to cost savings.

The metal company METKA

"Development and expansion abroad"

In the first half of 2013, the company realised the majority of its sales in the country. The Middle East and North Africa are its priority, since it has managed to win competitions for a number of projects and is ready to take all possible measures in order to ensure the implementation of projects in Syria and the region. At the same time, it is looking for opportunities on the international market with interest in co- and self-financed projects.

The Greek state lottery OPAP

"Improvement of services and new games"

After its controlling stake passed to Emma Delta, OPAP is striving to achieve leading positions on the market of games of chance worldwide. It is continuing to develop lottery games in Greece. The company wants to participate in the process of authorisation for games on the internet when it is announced by the Steering Committee for control over gambling. Meanwhile, it is planning to strengthen its network of stations.

The pipe manufacturing company in Corinth

"Aiming at energy projects outside the country"

The company has presence in regions such as the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Mexico, Latin America, Western and Eastern Africa and the North Sea, where energy and infrastructure projects are being carried out or expected to be realised.

Increased competition does not intimidate its subsidiary Viohalko, since its capital structure allows it a freer pricing policy. It is striving for the reduction of capital cost, but the cost of hiring ships, which in recent years has constantly been changing, seems to be an obstacle.

Folli Follie

"Plans for ‘Minion’"

Folli Follie relies on increased demand for its products in Asia. The company recognises that the region will maintain its momentum in the coming years. Especially in China and Japan, the company is planning the development of 100 Folli Follie stores in 2013, as well as the creation of 50 new Links of London stores. There are also plans for the Greek market and in particular for "Minion", which, following the failure of the plan for the relocation of the Ministry of Environment, may become a shopping centre.

Fourlis

"Will open four new IKEA stores"

The company is planning expansion of its store network, despite the crisis and decline in retail. It is also planning to open 5 new IKEA stores in Heraklion, Chania, Patras and Thrace in the second half, as well as 1 or 2 Intersport stores.

Savings and cost reduction remain a priority for the second half of 2013, but these are expected to be achieved through synergies within the group.

Aegean Airlines

"The merger with Olympic will define the future"

The leadership of Aegean Airlines is focused on the European Competition Commission and is looking forward to the decision for the purchase of Olympic Air. The decision is expected in mid-October and will largely determine the future of the company and its investment plans.

One parameter that is still creating challenges for the company is competition in terms of the major European low-cost carriers that increase their presence on the market each year. The events in Syria, which led to an increase in oil prices, are also causing problems.