MILAN — Italia Independent Group was recognized this week at the second annual European Small- and Mid-Cap Awards, a ceremony organized by the Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) and European Issuers, an organization that promotes the common interests of companies listed in Europe.
The Italian eyewear and lifestyle brand received an award for “most internationally-minded newcomer,” credited with a well-executed business strategy and rapid growth outside its home borders.
Two of Italia Independent’s three founders, Lapo Elkann and Andrea Tessitore, who are respectively president and chief executive officer of the firm, claimed the award at Albert Hall in Brussels with managing partner Pietro Peligra.
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“I’m very pleased with this recognition that honors the work our whole team has done over the past several years, bringing Italian creativity and style also outside our country, through the ideas and products we create and conceive there,” Elkann said.
Expressing pride at Italia Independent’s expansion since its inception seven years ago, Tessitore added that nearly half the company’s turnover now stems from sales outside Italy.
The firm “continues to grow and become more international thanks partly to its stock market listing, which allowed us to have solidity, credibility and legitimacy in meeting our ambitious goals,” he said.
Earlier this month, Italia Independent opened its first standalone U.S. store in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. The company has seen a consistent rise in its earnings, which hit 4.2 million euros, or about $5.6 million, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the first nine months of the year.