Stocks ended higher led by Alpha, which rose 12.4%, following the mega deal with Unicredit. The Italian bank plans to become Alpha’s biggest investor by buying a 9% stake owned by HFSF. The acquisition would mark the first investment in a Greek lender by another European bank in almost two decades. The trading of the stock was suspended on Monday following and news and resumed today. 

“The deal is very positive for the whole sector and quite helpful for  HFSF’s divestment strategy,” a trader said. 

The general share index added 2% to close at 1196 points. Turnover amounted to 113.5 million euros. 

Banks posted aggregate gains of 4.3%. Away from financials, Aegean firmed 4.2%, Mytilineos +2.7%, Lamda +2.5%, PPC +2.4%.