ABEO, a French Group and one of the global leaders in sports and leisure equipment (Gymnastics – Climbing – Locker rooms layouts) has been shortlisted by the Federation of Securities Exchanges (FESE) to the European Small and Midcap Awards 2017 to be held on 22^nd November in Brussels.

 The SME Awards aim to promote good practices and encourage more small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter capital markets. ABEO, whose IPO on EURONEXT market occurred in October 2016, will compete in the category “International Star”, with Clever, a technology services company and Songa Bulk, a Norwegian shipping company.

 More than 98% of EU companies are SMEs and account for two thirds of employment as well as nearly 60% of gross value added in the EU economy. As a basis for entrepreneurship, employment and growth, SMEs require a supportive environment to meet their financing needs, particularly when accessing markets.

 The European Small and Midcap Awards was organized for the first time in 2013 by European Issuers and FESE on the initiative of the Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry (currently Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) of the European Commission. These two associations together represent the European stock exchanges and the listed companies. The awards show the diversity of European markets and aim to promote the list of actions, particularly in targeting SMEs and growing companies. These companies are fundamental to the European economic recovery and to achieving the objectives of job creation, competitiveness and growth in the EU.