CFF Derichebourg

CFF Derichebourg is a global player in operational recycling and management of recycling centers. Its services include helping local authorities to address every aspect of waste management. The members of the jury underlined the company's strong growth of 34% in sales in just the first half of 2006 and the sizeable jump in its business services to EUR 307 million. The company performed even stronger outside of its domestic market, France, with 64% of its annual growth in 2004 other countries. It has extended its reach into European markets, including to Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal, but also to the United States and Mexico.

Haulotte Group

Machinery and equipment manufacturer Haulotte Group won the jury's approval in the medium-sized company category for this award. As the global number three, the experts in material lifting and compact construction equipment, the firm has operations that extend around the globe from Europe to Asia, Russia to the United States and Australia. It, too, impressed the jury with growth over 34% between 2005 and 2006 alone and a highly diversified range of products. In 2007, projected growth rates amount to 20%

Sodexho

Food and facilities manager Sodexho, which provides millions of warm meals in schools and business in 80 countries around the world in addition to its service voucher and card operations won the large company prize in this special category. Jury members were impressed not only by its performance in Europe, where the company generates 84% of its turnover, but also by its innovative, globally focused approach. In the UK, the company launched 'SoDelicious' providing high-calorie, high-protein, high-vitamin desserts to prevent the symptoms of malnutrition, which affect primarily hospital patients and the elderly. In addition, the firm's commitment to sustainable operations through reduced energy consumption and a commitment to waste reduction brought a favorable jury voting.

Ingenico

Ingenico, the world leaders in secure payment solutions won the medium-sized company award in this category. The provider of hardware and software solutions for card payments had an impressive global expansion to 27 countries to become the global number one, the jury noted. With the opening of additional European markets to the East, the company had seized new opportunities and opened facilities in Hungary, Poland and Serbia. In addition, Ingenico had developed long-term strategies toward leadership in more contested markets, including the United States, China and Japan.

Axa

The acquisition of Swiss-market champion Winterthur by insurance provider Axa in 2006 won the jury's vote for large companies in this category. Access to the lucrative Swiss market had only been one reason for the purchase. The complementarities of the products offered by both firms and Winterthur's global reach had allowed Axa to specialize further and increase its presence on the world insurance market by 20%. Synergy potential to the amount of EUR 350 million looked to promise a bright future for Axa following the acquisition.

Avanquest

Popular software supplier Avanquest was lauded for its acquisition of Nova Development, the parent company of photo-sharing service Snapfish and Berlitz language software. The jury was favorably impressed with Avanquest's critical mass, having recently become one of the top six global software providers. With the acquisition of Nova Development, Avanquest has doubled its size on the all-important American market and strengthened its leader status in more than 10 areas of specialized SME computer operations.

Lafarge

Lafarge the world leader in building materials was presented with the evening's highest honor, the 'Grand Prix' of the competition. In selecting the company, the jury evaluated its strong, sustainable growth rate, its purchase of 46,8% of the capital of Lafarge North America, previously held by minority shareholders and its strong position in its markets, where it etains the number one spot in cement and granulates.