Piraeus' deal for Hellenic General Insurance has entered the final stretch, with reports that more news will be released before the bank's figures are announced at the end of February. 

With procedures and discussions in the final stages, there are three points that complicate the deal. In particular:

• What the deal will provide in relation to the National Bank. This is because there is an exclusivity agreement on the representation by the National Bank of Hellenic General Insurance products. Maybe Piraeus will buy 10% of NBG, its share.
• How will Piraeus handle its own contracts with Ergo and NN for the sale of property insurance products in mortgages and respective life and health products? Are there clauses in order to break these agreements, and if so, how much will they cost the bank?
• Finally, the third major and intractable problem of Hellenic General Insurance is the losses on life and health insurance policies

INTEREST FROM EUROPE

At least two other major European companies seem to have expressed interest in Hellenic General Insurance, with Piraeus maintaining the lead, however.

In general, the domestic insurance market is attracting investor interest, as it has room for further growth, as both health policies, investment products and pension products are on an upward trajectory.