Via Greek Press Website: ictplus.gr/i-arclif-group-protagonistei-sti-germania-i-elliniki-dioikisi-kai-to-orama-gia-to-ergostasio-tis-ford-stin-kolonia/

Arclif Group, based in Zug, Switzerland, is one of the leading international investment groups, with operations on three continents and investments covering a wide range of innovative sectors: from automotive and technology, to medical wearables, security and mining.

International presence with Greek DNA

Arclif stands out for the strong Greek element in its management, with Neoklis Lazanas as Chairman and key executives of Greek origin, such as Konstantinos Lazaridis, Managing Director for Greece and Cyprus. The company has offices outside Switzerland in Athens, London, Dubai, New York and Calcutta.

The German newspaper Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger recently revealed the developments surrounding Ford’s Cologne plant, which is facing serious financial difficulties and plans to partially downsize its facilities due to the transition to electrification. In this context, the Arclif Group, based in Zug, Switzerland, has taken the lead as the most active investor expressing interest in acquiring and developing the plant.

The Arclif Group’s vision for the Ford plant

According to the report, the Arclif Group, led by founder and CEO Neocles Lazanas, approached Ford with a view to acquiring the entire factory, which currently employs around 11,500 people. Arclif’s plan envisages the creation of a large-scale circular economy and recycling project, with investments that will be used to create a new plant in the future.

Arclif’s plan foresees the creation of a major circular economy and recycling project, with investments that could reach up to €1.8 billion over the next few years.
In fact, Arclif has actively promoted its plan both to the Cologne City Council and to the local media, seeking transparency and social acceptance.

The reaction of Ford and the City of Cologne

Despite the strong interest and publicity for the proposal, Ford responded negatively to further negotiations with Arclif, stating through a spokesperson that ‘there is no interest in continuing the talks’. However, Mr Lazanas emphasised to the German newspaper that Arclif remains committed to its vision and will continue to seek dialogue, even at the level of the parent company in the US, if necessary

Unlike traditional venture capital funds, Arclif invests exclusively equity capital of its founders (N. Lazanas & E. Skorochod), which allows for greater flexibility and a more strategic approach to investments, with a focus on projects with exponential growth potential rather than quick wins. Its portfolio includes over 85 significant investments, including cutting-edge technology companies, electric vehicle manufacturers (such as MEV) and wearables pioneers.

The company remains open to new challenges and seeks to bring its know-how and vision to Greece, contributing to the development of the industry and the circular economy in our country.

Publishing (V.i.S.d.P)
Press department
Konstantinos Lazaridis 
Arclif Group AG
Switzerland