Greece's privatizations agency (TAIPED) urged a consortium headed by OPAP to sign a deal to sell its lotteries in the state last Tuesday.

SOCAR, the Azeri state energy company, had started negotiations with the Greek government for the purchase of natural gas grid operator DESFA.

Greece is required to sell off its energy company shareholdings as part of their bailout deal. (Photo : REUTERS)A Greek flag flies behind a statue to European unity outside the European Parliament in Brussels The largest refinery in Greece, Hellenic Petroleum was one of the assets identified in the privatization plan of the country.

After completion of prerequisites, the second tranche of the Euro bailout plan for Greece was released.

Piraeus Bank, in order to meet obligations, has hired four banks to help in its share issues and woes.

In a move to restructure its banking industry, the Greek Central Bank is closing down FBBank. Greece, in a bid for housecleaning, has split one of its smaller lending institutions into 'good' and 'bad' parts.

Greece is again selling a three month treasury bill to pay off a previous issue. Greece will commence the auction of Eur1. 0 billion or US$1. 29 billion treasury bills with a term of three months from issue.

Betfair puffs up to block CVC Capital's takeover bid. On Tuesday, the online gambling company Betfair increased its profit forecast which included the company's target on cost savings.

Emma Delta, as required by the Athens government, increases its bid for OPAP, the Greek gambling monopoly.

Greek Finance Minister urged the legislative body to pass the reform measures required as a precondition to the release of the Eur2.8 billion tranche of bailout funds for the country.