Portugal's Performers
<h>Traditional European</h>industries were the big winners in Portugal's second annual "Best of European Business" competition. Two energy companies walked away with the coveted "Best of European Business" awards yesterday, proving that traditional European industries are growing again. EDP, the third largest energy provider on the Iberian Peninsula and Galp Energia, Portugal's leading energy company took home awards in the categories 'Cross-border M&A' and 'Growth.' Other winners included construction company, Mota Engil and tissue-manufacturer Renova, for 'Europeanness.' Packaging company Logoplaste, was honored for its achievements as an SME in the growth category. The RITZ-Four Seasons hotel played host to the second annual Best of European Business awards in Lisbon, last night. Sponsored by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants with media partner, Jornal de Negocios, the pan-European award series honors outstanding achievements in three core categories across ten European countries in 2006. The awards ceremony was preceded by a gala dinner, at which Marco di Benedetti, Managing Director of the Carlyle Group, shared his views on the role of Private Equity in enhancing European competitiveness with the audience of 200 of the country’s business and political elite. | ||
The winners of the competition were only revealed on the evening itself, surprising the CEOs in attendance. In thanking the jury for the award, Marcel de Botton, President of Logoplaste, said the honor wasn't all his: "I would like to thank Logoplaste's 1200 employees, who are responsible for our winning this prize tonight." Portugal's Minister for Economic Affairs and Innovation, Manuel Pinho, expressed optimism about the county's ecnomic development: "This is a good moment for the national economy. Its level of specialization is headed in the right direction." | ||
And the winners are.. Growth Galp Energia was singled out by the jury for its strong growth and performance over the past years. It has shown a consistent growth between 2001 and 2005, with a EUR 4247 million difference between the two years. The jury commended Galp Energia for its ability also to leverage the hike in international petroleum product prices through its focus on refinery. Together with the improved operating performance of the refineries in Sines and Porto, this generated a 26% gross margin increase over 2004 Packaging manufacturer Logoplaste took home the 'Growth' category award for SMEs. The company edged out the competition in this category by partnering with highly reputable companies to gain access to new markets, proving technical leadership and by investing strongly in research and development. As one of the leading players producing integrated plastic packaging for consumer goods worldwide, Logoplaste had secured partnership deals with Danone, Coca-Cola and Nestlé, among others, to expand its business. The jury praised the company's decision to invest almost 3% of sales revenues into R&D each year, giving it the competitive edge. | ||
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'Europeanness' (Europe strategies)
Mota Engil, the leading construction company in Portugal has pursued a strong diversification and internationalization strategy over the past few years. The jury was convinced particularly by its approach to new EU member state, Poland. Here, Mota Engil has set up operations in public works and real estate. The company was praised for its expansion strategy to Slovakia and Romania and its differentiated offerings for the various target markets in Europe. the company had also realized the opportunities awarded by the structural funds flowing to Central and Eastern Europe: and thus channeled activities toward the construction of motorways, as these countries are planning sizable investments in infrastructure with EU support. Among the SMEs shortlisted, Renova, the tissue and paper product manufacturer convinced the jury with its sales figures: 50% of its revenues comes from sales in Spain, France, Belgium and Luxemburg. Renova's differentiated product line was based on its own technological research, the jury highlighted, helping the company to launch innovative products across its line. Of particular note was Renova's aggressive global brand communication strategy: judges praised its branding concepts, including the introduction of dermatological testing for toilet paper and the launch of the first ever black tissue of its kind. Cross-border M&A Grupo EDP, the third largest energy company on the Iberian Peninsula was chosen by the jury for its strategic approach to mergers and acquisitions. EPD's focus on renewable energies was underlined by its acquisition of Nuon España (EUR 478 m), with a portfolio of wind energy projects totaling 1407 MW. In addition, the company bought five wind parks from different firms and closed contract with Tecneira for the acquisition of 5 companies promoting wind energy projects in Portugal (120.7 MW). The result: an increased total gross installed wind energy capacity (a 23% increase from 2004 to 2005) and a reduction in CO2 requirements. If you have questions or comments regarding this, or any other story, please do not hesitate to contact us:  |
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