Floralis, a Grenoble based technology transfer company, to represent France in the European Business Awards 2010

“It is wonderful that all 27 member states of Europe are competing in the European Business Awards (EBA). We want a strong Europe and you are helping to participate in the process of building a strong Europe, piece by Piece”

Christine Lagarde, French Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment

The European Business Awards, sponsored by HSBC, (www.businessawardseurope.com) has announced today that Floralis is to represent France together with 25 other national companies including Airbus, Thales and Auchan in the prestigious 2010 Awards programme. Floralis beat off stiff competition to be selected as one of 25 Country Representatives and will now compete for a coveted Ruban d’Honneur in the next round of the competition. Final category Award winners will be unveiled at a ceremony in the Champs Elysées in Paris on 16th November. Floralis was selected both on the strength of its financial results over the last 18 months as well as the originality and efficiency of its business model.

Now in its fourth successful year, the European Business Awards has identified some of Europe’s brightest businesses based on their ability to demonstrate the three core principles at the heart of the Awards programme. The esteemed panel of judges were looking for organisations to represent France who exhibited innovation, business excellence and sustainability.

Eric Larrey, Managing Director of Floralis, stated: “We are absolutely over the moon to hear that less than a year after winning places in the prestigious Deloitte Fast 50/Fast 500 awards we have been selected to represent France in the European Business Awards. Floralis now finds itself competing against 24 other organisations including some of France’s top blue-chip companies. The fact that we are even competing against the likes of Thales and Airbus gives an indication of the quality of these awards and we are extremely proud to be able to represent our country at this prestigious event”

The European Business Awards is dedicated to raising the visibility and progress of companies who excel in delivering innovation twinned with successful commercial results whilst acting responsibly and positively affecting the social environment they operate in. In 2009, the 99 Ruban d’Honneur recipients had a combined turnover greater than €570 billion and recorded an average annual profit growth of 56%.

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards says, “Over the past 4 years we’ve received an incredibly high standard of entries from organisations who are passionate about their business. However, very few get the chance to fly the flag for their country and compete across Europe to be recognised as one of the EU’s leading companies. It really is an exceptional accolade to be picked as a Country Representative, and together with HSBC we’re looking forward to seeing Floralis in the next round.