John Catsimatidis, the prominent Greek-American entrepreneur and CEO of Red Apple Group, is in Athens meeting with top Greek officials, fueling speculation over potential new investments in the country.
On Tuesday, the billionaire met with Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos to discuss bolstering bilateral ties, trade issues, and “investment opportunities in Greece.”
Renewed investment focus
The meeting comes amid the government’s strong drive to attract foreign direct investment, particularly from the Greek diaspora.
In a public statement, Minister Theodorikakos praised the businessman:
“I had the pleasure of meeting John Catsimatidis, one of the most distinguished members of the Greek diaspora in the United States. We discussed ways to strengthen relations between our two countries, as well as investment opportunities in Greece, trade issues, and broader topics related to the Ministry of Development. He is an exceptional Greek with significant contributions to our homeland.”
While no specific deals were announced, Catsimatidis‘s visit underscores his long-standing, but often frustrated, interest in entering the Greek market.
Catsimatidis’s previous interest in investing in Greece
Catsimatidis, whose Red Apple Group holds vast assets in energy, real estate, and aviation—all sectors prioritized by the Greek government—has previously been outspoken about his desire to invest in his birth country.
The billionaire previously expressed firm interest in buying the iconic Hilton hotel in central Athens, with reports suggesting he offered €93 million for the property.
His recent activities in the US included meetings with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General, focusing on sustainable destination models, such as the UNESCO Geopark of Nisyros (Catsimatidis’s birthplace), and exploring investment approaches in the wider region.
The current meeting with the Development Minister suggests a focus on major, strategic opportunities that align with Greece’s economic recovery and modernization efforts, potentially spanning energy infrastructure or large-scale real estate development. The government is keen to convert the diaspora’s cultural connection into tangible capital investment.
Related: Greek American Billionaire John Catsimatidis Makes Cameo in Movie Trailer
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