History of OTE in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 8, 2025

Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation S.A. (OTE) is Greece's largest technology company. It is among the top three companies listed on the Athens Stock Exchange based on market capitalization, indicating its significant presence in the Greek economy.

1926: Hellenic Telephone Company (AETE) established

In 1926, the Hellenic Telephone Company (AETE) was established.

October 1949: OTE founded

OTE was founded on October 23, 1949, as a successor to the Hellenic Telephone Company (AETE).

1990: Museum of Telecommunications opened

In 1990, the Museum of Telecommunications opened to the public in Athens.

1996: Privatisation started

In 1996, OTE's privatisation commenced, transitioning it from a state-owned monopoly to a publicly listed company on the Athens and London Stock Exchanges.

1996: Greek State decreased participation

Starting in 1996, the Greek State began to gradually decrease its ownership in OTE's share capital.

1998: Telecommunications market opened to competitors

Until 1998, the Greek telecommunications market was a monopoly. In 1998, the market opened to competitors and OTE was gradually privatized.

2007: MIG Holdings acquired 20% of the company

In 2007, MIG Holdings acquired 20% of OTE.

March 2008: Deutsche Telekom acquired stake

In March 2008, Deutsche Telekom acquired MIG Holdings' stake in OTE, increasing its stake to 25% plus one share.

November 2008: Agreement between Greek State and Deutsche Telekom

In November 2008, following an agreement, the Greek State and Deutsche Telekom each held 25% plus one share of OTE's share capital.

July 2009: Deutsche Telekom became largest shareholder

In July 2009, Deutsche Telekom became the largest shareholder of OTE Group.

2009: Deutsche Telekom increased ownership

In 2009, Deutsche Telekom increased ownership in OTE.

July 2011: Deutsche Telekom stake increased to 40%

On July 11, 2011, Deutsche Telekom's stake in OTE rose to 40%, while the Greek State's stake decreased to 10%.

2011: Deutsche Telekom increased ownership

In 2011, Deutsche Telekom increased ownership in OTE.

February 2018: HRADF announced tender for 5% stake

On February 13, 2018, HRADF announced the opening of a tender procedure for the acquisition of 5% of OTE by the Greek state.

March 2018: Tender procedure ended with no interested parties

On Friday, March 16, 2018, the tender competition ended with no interested parties. HRADF then proposed to Deutsche Telekom to buy back the shares.

May 2018: Deutsche Telekom acquired additional shares

In May 2018, Deutsche Telekom exercised its right of first refusal and acquired an additional 5% of OTE through the Stock Exchange, increasing their holding to 54.3%.

2018: Deutsche Telekom acquired additional 5%

In 2018, Deutsche Telekom acquired an additional 5% of OTE.

2021: Group announced turnover of €3,368.3 million

In 2021, the OTE Group announced a turnover of €3,368.3 million, a 3.4% increase. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization reached €1,295.9 million.