Awards for fastest growing European technology companies announced

Brussels, 18 April 2002

Europe's fastest-growing technology companies were recognised at the first annual European Technology Fast 500 Awards in Paris on 8-9 April. The top three comprised of Ireland's Riverdeep Group Plc (Interactive learning), Sweden's NordNet (Internet) and OpenShop AG from Germany (Internet).

Sponsored by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and Euronext, the new ranking covers European public and private companies engaged in technology, including Internet, computer, medical, scientific and biotechnology. Entrants were judged on their three-year percentage growth in revenue between 1998 and 2000.

To qualify for the ranking, firms had to be involved in proprietary technology that contributed significantly to their operating revenues and engaged in technological manufacturing or research and development. Also, the firm had to have been in business for at least three years, had 1998 revenue of at least 50,000 euro and operate from a headquarters in Europe or have shares listed on a European stock exchange.

This awards ceremony and networking opportunity will become an annual event, hosted in another European city - yet to be decided - next year.

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +31 102 721706
E-mail europefast500@deloitte.com

http://www.fast500europe.com

http://www.public.deloitte.com/fast500/ media_center/press-releases/2002euro.shtm

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001