• Six new companies bring the Portuguese ELITE network to 42 members across 19 sectors, employing over 9,100 professionals and generating €1.5 billion in revenue
   

• Sixth ELITE group in Portugal - and second cohort of Northern Portuguese companies - joins the international ecosystem to accelerate competitiveness and global growth

   

Lisbon – 20 November 2025 – Euronext, the leading European market infrastructure, announces the launch of the sixth cohort of Portuguese companies joining ELITE, its international ecosystem dedicated to supporting ambitious private businesses on their growth and global expansion journeys.

This new milestone marks the second successful collaboration with AEP - Portuguese Business Association, further strengthening the partnership between Euronext and one of Portugal’s most influential business networks. The Porto-based cohort is launched with the support of BBVA Bank, reinforcing the commitment of leading financial and business institutions to fostering the development of Portuguese enterprises.

The latest group welcomes six distinguished companies representing sectors such as automotive & parts, construction & materials, financial services, and industrial goods & services.

On top of – Castro Wood Floors, Grupo JAP, nBanks, Trimalhas, and Vialsil – also i-charging is joining this group as recipient of the COTEC-BPI SME Innovation Award 2025, which recognises outstanding Portuguese SMEs for innovation, leadership and management excellence. As an official supporter of the award, ELITE is proud to grant i-charging a one-year membership, welcoming the company into its international ecosystem.

With these new entrants, the ELITE Portuguese community now comprises 42 companies across 19 industries, collectively employing more than 9,100 professionals and generating €1.5 billion in annual revenue.

Participating companies will benefit from a comprehensive development programme delivered in partnership with Católica Porto Business School, ranked among the Financial Times’ top European Business Schools in 2024. The curriculum focuses on internationalisation strategies, corporate governance, and access to private and public alternative financing, complemented by dedicated mentorship and high-level networking opportunities.

Marta Testi, CEO of ELITE-Euronext Group said: “We are proud to welcome this new group of Portuguese companies to ELITE. Their ambition and diversity reflect the dynamism of Portugal’s business landscape. Through ELITE, we are committed to empowering these companies with the tools, knowledge and network they need to scale internationally and drive sustainable growth. Our partnership with AEP and BBVA further strengthens our mission to support the next generation of business leaders in Portugal.”

Luís Miguel Ribeiro, CEO of AEP - Portuguese Business Association said: " AEP reiterates its recognition of the value of the ELITE ecosystem, grounded in our experience and daily contact with companies. With a value proposition built on three pillars – executive training, access to knowledge and financing instruments, and national and international networking through a pan-European community – this initiative is a real opportunity capable of transforming leaders and companies, driving competitiveness and long-term business sustainability."

Luís Castro e Almeida, CEO of BBVA Portugal, said: "We are proud to support this initiative and contribute to the international growth of Portuguese enterprises. We aim to empower businesses to scale beyond Portugal through innovative financial solutions and strategic insights. This project aligns perfectly with BBVA’s mission to drive global expansion and foster sustainable growth, reinforcing our commitment to helping companies succeed in an increasingly interconnected world."

 

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