LEO Pharma was announced winner of the award for International Growth Strategy of the Year at the prestigious European Business Awards ceremony held in Istanbul. RSM, sponsor of the Awards, is the seventh largest worldwide network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms.

The ceremony, attended by over 250 entrepreneurs and business professionals, marks the culmination of a year-long decision-making process which began with over 15,000 businesses and ended with just 100 Ruban d’Honneur finalists attending the event in the hope of becoming one of the ten category winners, including the International Growth Strategy of the Year. 

Established in Denmark in 1908, LEO Pharma specialises in dermatology and provides treatment options and care programmes for psoriasis, actinic keratosis, eczema and skin infections. LEO has sales forces in 61 countries and employing more than 5000 people worldwide. Since the launch of its growth strategy in 2009, the company has set up 11 new affiliates and increased its headcount by 60%.

An extensive and prestigious judging panel made up of European business leaders, academics and entrepreneurs have been involved in the robust awards process which included written submissions, video entry judging and face-to-face presentations. Entrants have been judged on a vast array of business markers, including innovation, ethics and international mind-set.

The Awards offer entrants unparalleled opportunities to network and share best practice, as well as providing a chance to meet like-minded businesses from across Europe, with a view to forging new and successful business relationships.

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM, says: “LEO Pharma impressed the judges with their strategy of embarking on an ambitious growth plan to counteract the disappointing sales figures caused by the recession, resulting in a 12 per cent growth in revenues despite challenging market conditions - a deserved winner in a tough category.”

Entries for the 2013/14 Awards programme are open until 21 June 2013, from which up to 800 National Champions will then be shortlisted. For more information, or to register your interest in the 2013/14 awards, please visit: www.businessawardseurope.com.

ENDS