Applegreen has won the prestigious ‘Star of 2016’ Award at the European Small and Mid-Cap Awards, which took place recently in Brussels.
The petrol forecourt retailer was shortlisted by an independent jury and was up against Northern Ireland-based Kainos Group plc and Spain’s Inclam Group plc in the same category.
As the winner of the coveted award, the motorway service area operator in the Republic of Ireland, is considered by the judging panel to be an exceptional performer in its sector and a responsible corporate citizen.
In selecting the winner from newly-listed mid-cap companies across Europe, the judging panel had strict guidelines in place. The winner in this category is expected to show clear growth potential, is well-managed and has made good use of the proceeds of flotation.
Bob Etchingham, Applegreen’s CEO, who accepted the Star of 2016 Award on behalf of the company said, “We are so thrilled to win the Star of 2016 European Small and Mid-Cap Award. Listing on the Irish Stock Exchange has been a hugely positive experience for Applegreen. Our IPO in June 2015 enabled us to raise funds, which we have used to expand in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Our listing has increased our profile and importantly, diversified our shareholder base internationally. Some illustrious companies were eligible for these Awards so it is a huge honour for our team to be recognised as being one of the best newly-listed companies in Europe.”
Applegreen, which also has a significant and growing presence as a petrol forecourt retailer in the UK and has established 11 sites in in the US has raised €70m on its initial public offering (IPO) on the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) in June 2015. Deirdre Somers, CEO of the Irish Stock Exchange and President of the Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE), said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Applegreen. These Awards are coveted by newly listed companies throughout Europe and their exchanges. They are only awarded to companies with exceptional leadership and potential for growth. As CEO of the ISE and President of FESE it is a very proud moment for me to see an Irish-listed company crowned the Star of 2016.”
