Euronext Expands ELITE's Geographic Footprint To Portugal - The Euronext Network Dedicated To Fast-Growing Private Companies Is Building Up Its Network Across Europe

Euronext today announced the expansion of ELITE, its European SME ecosystem that supports private companies in financing their growth, to Portugal. The international expansion of ELITE is part of Euronext’s “Growth for Impact 2024” strategic plan. Portuguese private companies will benefit from ELITE’s international network, large skillset and expertise in training, to help them finance their sustainable growth on private and public capital markets.

Today, ELITE gathers a community of 1,300+ companies in 23 European countries and a large range of advisors and partners. Since its launch in 2012, ELITE companies have raised more than €15 billion through over 1,200 corporate transactions. Euronext acquired ELITE as part of the acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group in 2021, and since then has been strongly committed to expanding ELITE in the Euronext countries. Portugal is the first step in this expansion strategy.

Associação Empresarial de Portugal (AEP), Banco Santander, Deloitte, Vieira de Almeida (VdA), and World Trade Center Lisboa will be the first group of ELITE network partners to contribute to developing ELITE in Portugal.

Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext, said:  “The international expansion of ELITE to Portugal is a key pillar of Euronext’s “Growth for Impact 2024” strategic plan. This new development will expand the current networks of ELITE and Euronext, and will improve the dynamic of the entire ecosystem. Portugal, where Euronext has a significant presence in capital markets, post trade and technology, is currently building a positive business momentum, with a strong commitment to supporting SMEs. With the support of the Portuguese Government and CMVM, the launch of ELITE in Portugal will allow us to create a bridge between private and public financing for Portuguese companies, leveraging on our large network and expertise in financing. Together with all our partners in Portugal, we are aiming to nurture a group of SMEs to increase their size, profitability, and impact in terms of employment, while supporting them to grow in a sustainable way and leveraging on the funding options offered by the market today.”