Confidence remains high despite word-wide economic turbulence

• Average five-year revenue growth for all companies is 1,297%
• France has the most ranked companies with 75 of the 500, closely followed by the UK with 69. The two countries switched positions from last year
• The UK has two companies in the Top 5 this year claiming first and third place
• Survey of Fast 500 CEOs reveals that 58% of this year’s CEOs were “extremely” or “very confident” of managing the same growth rates over the coming two years.

The full list of the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA is announced today, Wednesday, November 26th. This ranks public and private technology companies from 23 countries in EMEA with a minimum revenue of €50,000 in year one. It is the most objective industry-ranking standard to focus on the technology sector. The Fast 500 is researched by Deloitte’s Global Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Group.

Key trends observed in this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 500 are:

• The software sector continues to dominate the ranking, making up 197 of the 500 companies. This is followed by Internet/Media with 98 and Telecommunications/Networking with 64;
• The environment is playing an increasingly important part in the operations of EMEA companies with waste reduction through reduce, reuse and recycle generating the largest following among those surveyed at 21%. However, 19% of respondents admitted they are doing nothing at all to address environmental concerns. This was in contrast to the Asia-Pacific region where only 12% said they are not yet implementing programs to protect the environment; and
• The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA shows a decrease in average growth rates over the prior year with the Top 500 growing by 1,297% in 2008 compared to a record-breaking 1,443% last year which is still impressive in this turbulent economy.

Top Five Ranked Companies in the 2008 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA

Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA CEO Survey
Deloitte is also announcing the 2008 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA CEO Survey - a comprehensive analysis of the business trends and background statistics of the winning companies and a summary of the key concerns and expectations of technology sector CEOs. Some of the key trends are:

• Despite wider economic turbulence, confidence is high. 58% of this year’s CEOs were “extremely” or “very confident” of managing the same growth rates over the coming two years, which is lower than last year’s 78%, however this year more CEOs recorded being “somewhat confident” than last year with the number increasing from 20% to 37% in 2008;
• A large number, 37% of CEOs surveyed have not yet experienced a significant impact from the downturn in the global economy. However, 30% responded that they are reviewing their strategy in light of recent economic conditions; and
• Good technology people are still hard to find. Finding, hiring and retaining qualified employees is still the greatest operational challenge for 42% of CEOs, similar to last year.

"The financial tsunami isn't slowing or diverting top EMEA tech leaders attention," says Igal Brightman, Global Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Industry group. "These growth companies continue to maintain an optimistic outlook and remain focused on developing talent and innovating themselves"

“After 8 years of examining the data that underpins the EMEA region ranking, the more telling trends are beginning to emerge”, said Karel Bakkes, Deloitte’s Partner in charge of the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA. 'France remains a frontrunner in terms of overall numbers, followed by the UK, but hard on their heels are the emerging tech club of Israel, Scandinavia, Ireland and the Netherlands.”

- Ends -

Notes 

Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA CEO Survey 2008
This report is a comprehensive analysis of the business trends and background statistics of the winning companies as well as a summary of the key concerns and expectations of sector CEOs.

It can be downloaded from www.deloitte.com/fast500emea from 00:01 25 November (GMT) or please contact Jo Ouvry on + 44 (0)20 7303 4820 for an advance copy.  Igal Brightman, Global Managing Partner, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Deloitte will be available for interview on 25th and 26th November.

About The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA
The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA programme is the region’s most objective industry-ranking standard to focus on the technology field.  It was created in 2000 to recognize the effort and dedication of the 500 fastest-growing technology companies in EMEA and includes all areas of technology, from Internet to biotechnology, from medical and scientific to computers/hardware.  It includes both public and private companies. The awards, which have been running in EMEA for seven years, are based on five-year average percentage revenue growth. Frequently asked questions are answered on www.deloitte.com/fast500emea.  Details of the winning companies including breakdowns by country, industry sector and ranking will be available at www.deloitte.com/fast500emea after the event, or please contact us (see below) if you need information in advance.  This year the program has been supported by UK Trade & Investment.

About Deloitte Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT)
The Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTT) Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Industry Group consists of the TMT practices organized in the various member firms of DTT and includes more than 6,000 member firm partners, directors and senior managers supported by thousands of other professionals dedicated to helping their clients evaluate complex issues, develop fresh approaches to problems and implement practical solutions. There are dedicated TMT member firm practices in 45 countries and centres of excellence in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. DTT’s member firms serve nearly 90 percent of the TMT companies in the Fortune Global 500. Clients of Deloitte’s member firms’ TMT practices include some of the world’s top software companies, computer manufacturers, wireless operators, satellite broadcasters, advertising agencies and semiconductor foundries – as well as leaders in publishing, telecommunications and peripheral equipment manufacturing.

About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity.  Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms.

Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in 140 countries, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and deep local expertise to help clients succeed wherever they operate. Deloitte's 165,000 professionals are committed to becoming the standard of excellence.

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© 2008 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

About UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. Its range of expert services are tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. We provide companies with knowledge, advice and practical support.

UK Trade & Investment also helps overseas companies bring high quality investment to the UK’s vibrant economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. We provide support and advice to investors at all stages of their business decision-making.

UK Trade & Investment offers expertise and contacts through a network of international specialists throughout the UK, and in British Embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world.

For further information please visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000.