Via Greek Press Website : https://banks.com.gr/neoklis-lazanas-arclif-group-eimaste-etoimoi-akoma-kai-gia-megali-ependysi-stin-ellada

In an exclusive interview with banks.com.gr, Mr. Neoklis Lazanas, founder and chairman of the leading Swiss investment group Arclif Group, emphasized the company’s readiness to proceed with a significant investment in Greece, provided the appropriate conditions are met.

An International Investment Group with Greek Roots

Arclif Group, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, stands as one of the top international investment groups, with operations spanning three continents and investments covering a broad spectrum of innovative sectors: from the automotive industry and technology to medical wearables, security, and mining.

Arclif Group is distinguished by its strong Greek presence in its leadership, with Mr. Neoklis Lazanas serving as chairman and key executives of Greek origin, such as Mr. Konstantinos Lazaridis, Managing Director for Greece and Cyprus. The company maintains offices beyond Switzerland in Athens, London, Dubai, New York, and Kolkata.

Differentiation from Traditional Venture Capital Funds

Contrary to traditional venture capital funds, Arclif Group invests exclusively its founders’ own capital (N. Lazanas and E. Skorochod), allowing for greater flexibility and a strategic approach to investments, focusing on projects with exponential growth potential rather than quick profits.

Arclif Group’s vision for the Ford plant

The German newspaper Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger recently revealed the developments surrounding the Ford plant in Cologne, 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 has taken the lead as the most active investor expressing interest in acquiring and developing the plant.

According to the report, the Arclif Group, led by Mr Neoklis Lazanas, approached Ford with a view to acquiring the entire plant, 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 could reach up to EUR 1,8 billion in the coming years.

In fact, Arclif Group has actively promoted its plan both to the Cologne City Council and the local media, seeking transparency and social acceptance.

Ford’s reaction

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

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

But how did the group’s interest in the Ford plant begin, and how does it view the prospect of expanding its operations in Greece? Neoklis Lazanas answers these questions (and more) in his exclusive interview.

Interview with Yannis Leontaris

Q. What led you to the acquisition of the Ford plant in Cologne and how does this relate to Arclif’s overall vision of the circular economy?

A. We received information from one of our suppliers that the Ford Cologne production plant was experiencing some problems due to the current state of the automotive industry across Europe, and we decided to invest in this plant in Germany. As we are investing in prominent products, we are currently looking for a large plant that invests in the value of recycling / circular economy on a large scale. For the Ford plant in Cologne we note the figure of €1.8 billion within the next 6 years for this project.

Q. Arclif Group invests exclusively through equity. How does this influence your investment strategy and decisions on long-term investments?

Α. The exclusive use of equity offers us flexibility, independence and speed in our decisions.

We are not dependent on external investors or pressure for quick returns, which allows us to focus on long-term projects with a substantial impact.

Q. With activities ranging from automotive to medical wearables and mining, what are the criteria you use to select new sectors or partnerships?

Α. As a general rule, we receive about 900 projects per year in our office. From these we select the best ones, i.e. 1 to 2 projects per year.

We invest in excellent people and companies, so we are looking for the next Rocket!

Q. What cutting-edge technologies does Arclif use to enhance security and business competitiveness?

Α. We systematically invest in cutting-edge technologies such as IoT and cybersecurity systems to ensure the security, efficiency and competitiveness of our portfolio companies. The adoption of such solutions enables us to monitor and optimise production processes, protect data and comply with the most stringent European standards, strengthening the position of our companies in the global market.

Q. Arclif maintains a strong Greek element in its management. Are there any plans for investments or strategic synergies in Greece as well?

A. Greece is at the core of our strategic planning, both because of the dynamic market and the strong Greek presence in the company’s management. We are already looking at investments in sectors such as real estate and tourism without closing the door to other sectors such as healthcare and technology.

Q. Does Arclif Group currently have ‘active’ investments in Greece?

A. Yes, currently Arclif Group has a minority stake in two Greek start-up companies.

Q. A few years ago there were many discussions about setting up a factory in Greece for the production of MEV’s micro-mobility electric cars. Although MEV’s Greek subsidiary still exists, the construction of the factory has not progressed. What are the reasons and what are the prospects for the project?

A. Indeed, there have been extensive discussions and explorations about the implementation of this project in Greece. However, it has not been possible to find a suitable site that meets the specific specifications of the project. We remain open to future opportunities, provided that the right conditions are created for the development of such an investment in the country.

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