Defence Minister Evangelos Venizelos said talks with Thyssenkrupp AG and Abu Dhabi MAR Group regarding the sale of a Greek shipyard were being finalised.

The European Commission has given the green light for the deal. "The government’s main concern is to maintain all the rules of legality and transparency and defend public interest," Venizelos said.

The shipbuilding group Abu Dhabi Mar (ADM) announced its decision to invest in Greek shipbuilding in March.

The new consortium scheme is to be headed by ADM, with 75.1% stake in the Greek Shipyard, and will include former owner ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, with a 24.9% share.

Founded over 50 years ago, Hellenic Shipyards S.A. is the largest shipyard in the Eastern Mediterranean. It enjoys a global standing for its long tradition in building and repairing naval and commercial ships.

Invest in Greece Newsletter: Abu Dhabi Mar, Qatar Eye Greece