GREECE Trends and Developments Contributed by: Stathis Orfanoudakis, Theodore Konstantakopoulos and Yolanda Antoniou-Rapti, Zepos & Yannopoulos
terns and adjusting manufacturing processes to achieve optimised resource usage and timely product delivery. This level of automation and predictive insight is making the manufactur- ing sector more agile and better equipped to respond to market needs. Healthcare Sector Significant strides due to the use of AI technol- ogy are being observed in the healthcare sec- tor as well. From robotic surgical systems to AI-assisted administrative services, these tech- nologies streamline clinical processes, support telehealth initiatives and enhance patient moni- toring, reshaping the industry. By way of example, AI-powered surgical robots can carry out complex surgeries with great accu- racy, which reduces complications and improves patient outcomes. AI-based administrative solu- tions can handle routine tasks such as appoint- ment scheduling and insurance processing, thereby allowing healthcare professionals to concentrate more on patient care. AI-driven tel- ehealth platforms offer remote consultations and continuous monitoring, making healthcare more accessible and convenient. Furthermore, AI can analyse extensive clinical trial data and patient records to uncover patterns and insights, aid- ing treatment decisions and improving overall healthcare delivery. Innovation Powering Business Growth Innovation currently remains at the forefront of developments in the Greek market, whether as a key element for the increase of M&A transac- tions concerning technology companies or as part of the ongoing digitisation of Greek busi- nesses. The various facets of this unique eco- system are fuelling the accelerated growth of the Greek business landscape, in contrast to the stalemate that persisted in previous years.
M&A transactions targeting tech companies are unique owing to their multidimensional nature. Businesses within the wider tech industry are clearly trending towards consolidation (as a response to macro-economic events and eco- nomic downturns), but technology is also dis- rupting other economic sectors – leading estab- lished market players to invest in or acquire smaller tech companies to gain a competitive edge and achieve a “tech leap”. Examples include car manufacturers acquiring small-scale automotive companies, financial institutions partnering with fintech start-ups, and electric- ity suppliers collaborating with electric vehicle start-ups. Greek start-ups have also attracted global atten- tion, with notable acquisitions including BETA CAE Systems by Cadence Design System illus- trating how advanced technologies such as BETA CAE’s simulations and analysis software – utilised by companies such as General Motors and Honda to analyse designs of cars and jets – can complement existing technologies and help unlock value. Another notable deal was the acquisition of InAccel by Intel, which will allow the latter to expand its business in the area of Field-Programmable Gate Array management and orchestration. Other global leaders that have cast their vote of confidence in the Greek inno- vation and entrepreneurial ecosystem include Microsoft, Meta, Cisco and Hewlett Packard. This trend is further supported by the increas- ing availability of venture capital and private equity funding, as well as government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the growth of the tech sector. The Hellenic Develop- ment Bank of Investments (HDBI) is also play- ing a pivotal role in financing Greek start-ups, helping them scale and reach global markets. As a result, the Greek technology M&A market
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