JP Morgan deal for 48.5% of Viva Wallet shares generates handsome bonus, stock option package for latter’s employees

JP Morgan’s purchase of a near-majority stake in Greece-based Viva Wallet will reportedly generate bonuses totaling 44.3 million euros for the company’s roughly 200 employees.

Additionally, the fintech start-up’s founders, Haris Karonis and Makis Antypas, will also reportedly disburse to company employees 3.5 percent of the latter’s shares, which are valued at current rates at 44.3 million euros, in the form of stock options that can be activated in three years.

On average, the unprecedented – by Greek standards – bonus and stock option plan corresponds to approximately 400,000 euros in going rates.

The deal with JP Morgan means that Viva Wallet’s capitalization is now valued at 1.77 billion euros.

According to numerous media reports, JP Morgan will pay roughly 1.02 billion euros for 48.5 percent of Viva Wallet shares.

The Greece-based company is now active in 23 European countries.