 On 20 January 2012, the merger was approved by amateur Iraklis, and their football team was disbanded and withdrawn from the Delta Ethniki.On 3 January 2012, the two teams reached an agreement regarding the running of the new club, with further negotiations planned after six months.Pontioi Katerinis would change their name to "AEP Iraklis", take the badge and colors of Iraklis, and move to Kaftanzoglio Stadium.