Two Maltese businesses are among 110 companies across Europe that have been awarded a Ruban d’Honneur prize in the penultimate stage of the European Business Awards, sponsored by HSBC.

The successful companies are Camilleri Holdings Ltd and Malta International Airport plc, representing the very best of Maltese businesses.

110 of Europe’s most dynamic businesses have survived intensive and rigorous judging to make it onto the finalists list. With victory in their sights, they now have a chance to be crowned as one of 11 overall category winners in the Awards.

European Business Awards chief executive Adrian Tripp said: “Receiving a Ruban d’Honneur is a major success. It promotes the fact that you’re up there with the best businesses across the European community. This year has been tough on the judging panel as we’re seeing businesses emerge from economic difficulties and come out fighting and delivering some great entries. The mood is confident, ebullient and highly competitive.”

HSBC Bank Malta CEO and director Alan Richards said: “Congratulations go to Camilleri Holdings Ltd and Malta International Airport on winning a Ruban d’Honneur. Competition for the awards is intense and it’s a great credit to Camilleri Brothers and Malta International Airport that they have been recognised with this award. At HSBC we connect businesses with opportunities internationally every day, and I am delighted to see these Maltese businesses recognised for their achievements.”

HSBC Bank Malta head of Commercial Banking Michel Cordina said: “We are very pleased that, for the second year running, we have two Maltese businesses that have made it to this important stage of these prestigious European Awards and have won a Ruban d’Honneur. I wish both businesses the best of luck in the next stage of the competition”.

The two Maltese businesses are finalists for the Chairman’s selection Ruban d’Honneur prize in the European Business Awards 2011. This is a selection of the top 10 businesses that have contributed towards the success of Europe as a whole. Such businesses were considered by the judging panel as having something ‘special’ to offer.

The winner will be announced at the Awards ceremony in Barcelona on 22 November 2011.

The Ruban d’Honneur list can be found at www.businessawardseurope.com/ruban-dhonneur-categories/2011