BC Partners' European chair Nikos Stathopoulos is relocating from the UK to Greece as the private equity firm prepares to establish an office in Athens and expand its investment activity in the country, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The London-based buyout firm, which manages more than $40bn in assets, is reportedly planning to raise additional capital for investments in Greece, where it has operated for approximately two decades. Its previous transactions include retailer Pet City and private education provider Alphabet, undertaken through its flagship buyout strategy and a separate investment vehicle.

The relocation comes as Greece introduces tax incentives aimed at attracting private equity and hedge fund executives from established financial centres. Under the new regime, qualifying executives relocating to the country are subject to a 5% tax rate on bonuses and carried interest, compared with the standard 15% rate. Hedge fund billionaire Chris Rokos is also understood to be relocating to Greece.

However, the Financial Times reported Stathopoulos's move was driven by the firm's expansion plans rather than tax incentives. The development reflects Athens' growing ambitions to establish itself as a European investment hub and attract international alternative asset managers.