By Mark McSherry

Elite, the Euronext ecosystem working with privately-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their long-term growth, has expanded further by adding 19 new Italian companies to its roster.

The new Elite companies come from 10 Italian regions — almost 50% from the centre and south of the country — and operate in a variety of key sectors including industry, services, technology and food & beverage. They have an aggregate turnover of around €3 billion and employ over 2,300 people.

“By joining Elite, these companies will have the opportunity to access specialised expertise and a European network of entrepreneurs, top executives, partners and investors, including institutional investors, to facilitate the raising of resources on the private and public capital markets,” said Euronext.

“Since the launch of Elite in 2012, more than 2,400 companies have been selected and admitted, of which more than 1,600 are European excellences with a total turnover of €190 billion and employing more than 661,000 people.

“Elite is a success story in in facilitating access to capital, including financial capital, for many private companies to accelerate their growth: €960 million raised with direct support for more than 260 companies, leveraging the Basket Bond model, 72 companies have listed raising €4 billion, 204 companies have issued over 320 corporate bonds raising €3.6 billion and around 600 companies have invested in inorganic growth through over 1,850 M&A operations.”

Elite CEO Marta Testi said: “We are thrilled to welcome 19 new Italian companies to Elite. Today, we have reached an important numerical milestone for the year, with 135 companies admitted since January. Their admission to Elite reaffirms our mission: to support SMEs by offering complementary services that accelerate sustainable growth.

“We combine knowledge capital, relational capital, and financial capital, supporting companies ready to access both public and private capital markets. For us, being an ecosystem means fostering connections among companies, advisors, investors, and institutional stakeholders.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all the partners who have supported the entry of these companies into Elite, including NUO Capital — also an Elite shareholder — 4ward Consulting, ABC Company, Banco BPM, Cassa Padana, EY, Futurea, and the law firm Gianni & Origoni.

“As part of Euronext, the leading pan-European market infrastructure, we create a multiplier effect that drives growth for all our clients.”