- Five new Portuguese companies join the ELITE network, gaining access to strategic resources to enhance growth and international expansion.
- First successful launch in the north of the country supported by AEP and with Católica Business School as academic partner
Lisbon – 4 December 2024 – ELITE, the Euronext ecosystem supporting privately owned small and medium-sized companies in their sustainable long-term growth, continues its expansion in Portugal and today welcomed five new companies on the occasion of the launch of its fourth Portuguese group. This new initiative is the first based on collaboration with AEP (Portuguese Entrepreneurial Association, Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Católica Porto Business School as the academic partner.
The new members – Barpa (Grupo Argon), Extra Transportes, Lipimalhas, Tech4Home and Vizelpas – represent a diverse range of sectors, including technology, industrial goods and services, personal and household goods, and retail. Their inclusion in ELITE underscores the continued expansion and growing influence of the network, which now counts 29 Portuguese companies from 14 sectors, generating €1.8 billion in aggregate revenues and employing over 11,600 people across the country.
As members of ELITE, these companies will gain access to Euronext’s extensive resources and expertise, designed to foster long-term growth. The partnership aims to enhance their access to three fundamental sources of capital: educational, relational and financial. It facilitates access to private and public alternative financial tools and markets, empowering them to expand globally and strengthen their market positions.
In collaboration with Católica Porto Business School, ELITE will roll out a comprehensive three-part programme to strengthen the new participants' strategic capabilities. The Strategy & Finance series will help companies refine their plans and objectives across three modules: Entering New Markets, Growing as an International Company, and Financing Your Growth. The programme combines academic insights, practical business expertise, peer-to-peer networking and tailored individual support. As part of this educational journey, these companies will also access four international workshops curated and organised by ELITE, focusing on key topics such as negotiation in complex contexts, private and public capital for sustainable growth, sustainability, and talent acquisition and retention. ELITE will host these workshops across its main European campuses, including Paris, Lisbon, Amsterdam and Milan.
Marta Testi, CEO of ELITE, commented: “We value the importance of growth and development for high-potential Portuguese companies, which is why we are excited to announce the launch of this fourth group in Portugal and ELITE’s first initiative in Porto. Partnering with Associação Empresarial de Portugal (AEP) and Católica Porto Business School, we aim to support and strengthen the strategic capabilities of these companies as they navigate their journey towards growth and success. Our growing Portuguese network now includes 29 companies from 14 sectors, collectively generating over €1.8 billion in aggregate revenues. We are committed to empowering local businesses and helping them thrive in today's competitive landscape.”
Luís Miguel Ribeiro, CEO of AEP, said: “From the very first moment, AEP recognised the importance of the ELITE programme in strengthening the internationalisation processes of Portuguese companies, providing them with crucial tools to compete in a global environment. These objectives align with AEP's mission to support companies’ sustainable growth. We have a history of working with Euronext that has resulted in effective gains for our companies, which means this partnership has a solid basis for helping to strengthen their competitiveness.”
Since its inception, ELITE companies have raised approximately €22 billion through more than 2,000 corporate transactions, demonstrating the transformative potential of efficient access to private and public markets. With this new group, ELITE reaffirms its commitment to empowering small and medium private companies to scale globally and extend its presence in Portugal and Europe.
| Company Name | Sector | Description | Region |
| Barpa | Technology | Barpa specialises in the manufacturing of structured network products, including copper and optical fiber systems. Its mission is to positively shape the future of telecommunications by connecting humanity across generations. | Fânzeres, Gondomar |
| Extra Transportes | Retail | Founded in 1976, Extra-Transportes Internacionais, Lda. is a courier company specialising in air and maritime cargo transport. With offices in Lisbon and Porto, it offers 24/7 import and export services. | Lisbon |
| Lipimalhas | Personal & Household Goods | Founded by two brothers in 1998, Lipimalhas is a renowned knitwear company known for its commitment to excellence. The company emphasises high-quality materials and employs sustainable, innovative techniques in its production processes. | São Martinho, Santo Tirso |
| Tech4Home | Technology | Tech4Home specialises in customised remote-control solutions. Based in São João da Madeira, it serves major brands in the electronics, home automation, and pay-TV industries, creating innovative devices tailored to client specifications. | São João da Madeira |
| Vizelpas | Industrial Goods & Services | Vizelpas operates in the flexible packaging sector, specialising in the production of technical films for the food and medical-surgical industries. Founded in 1996 and based in Vilarinho, Northern Portugal, the company is dedicated to delivering safe, innovative, and high-quality solutions. | Vilarinho, Santo Tirso |
CONTACTS
| Lisbon | Sandra Machado | +351 91 777 68 97 |
portugalpressoffice@euronext.com
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About AEP
The AEP (Associação Empresarial de Portugal) is the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the largest business associations in the country. It plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the interests of Portuguese companies across various sectors. AEP works to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of businesses by offering services such as training, consulting, advocacy, and networking opportunities. The organization also serves as a bridge between the private and public sectors, actively participating in shaping policies that affect the business environment in Portugal. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1849, AEP is dedicated to fostering the internationalization of Portuguese businesses and strengthening their presence in global markets. It provides its members with access to resources, strategic insights, and platforms for expanding their operations beyond national borders. By partnering with institutions like ELITE and other key players in the business ecosystem, AEP continues to contribute to the growth and success of Portuguese enterprises both domestically and internationally.
About ELITE
ELITE, launched in 2012 by Borsa Italiana and now part of Euronext Group, is the European network of private SMEs which accelerates the process to access private and public capital markets. ELITE’s mission is to support companies by connecting them to capital, skills and network to drive their sustainable growth in the long-term. Based on a unique offer of services and solutions, ELITE combines a calendar of workshops and coaching sessions, supporting entrepreneurs and executives upskilling and empowering their strategic plan and business opportunities. ELITE Companies’ management teams are also guided on how to fast-track their development and how to access the most suitable funding options for their needs, whether the Basket Bonds®, institutional investors, private equity, venture capital or equity markets. With over 2000 companies and 200 partners admitted since the launch, about €20billion have been raised by ELITE businesses through 1200+ corporate transactions, highlighting how dynamic SMEs are once they are provided with an efficient access to private and public markets. For more info please visit: elite-network.com and follow us on LinkedIn using the hashtag #weareELITE