Intesa Sanpaolo supports growth of CEE SMEs with first dedicated ELITE Lounge
20 October 2025
The International Banks Division of Intesa Sanpaolo has announced the launch of the first ELITE Lounge dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Central and Eastern Europe that are clients of the Group.
The aim of the programme is to support their growth through advanced training and the development of expertise in sustainability, internationalisation, leadership, and corporate strategy.
“Following the successful launch of the first minibonds in Central and Eastern Europe, the opening of the first ELITE Lounge by Intesa Sanpaolo’s International Banks Division is another key opportunity for clients of our international banks to grow their business, diversify financing channels and expand their network of relationships with the Italian and European business community”
Paola Papanicolaou, Head of the International Banks Division, Intesa Sanpaolo
The initiative builds on Intesa Sanpaolo’s longstanding partnership with ELITE, the Euronext ecosystem that helps companies grow and access public and private capital markets, providing them with tools, expertise and strategic connections.
The programme also benefits from the involvement of top-tier Italian and international business advisors and provides companies with access to a European network of entrepreneurs, senior executives, and private and institutional investors.
Since 2018, Intesa Sanpaolo and ELITE have launched 24 Lounges:
- over 480 Italian companies have taken part
- 25 companies have issued structured debt through the Basket Bond model, raising a total of €160 million
- several companies have completed mergers and acquisitions or opened up their capital to new investors.
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Last updated 22 October 2025 at 17:14:28
