Italy has the seventh largest in the world and fourth largest economy in the European Union. With a population of 60 million inhabitants (plus approximately 44 million tourists visiting Italy every year) and a per capita Gross national income of approximately 34,000 USD, Italy represents a large, wealthy market. Furthermore, Italy is home to over 4 million businesses, primarily small and medium sized companies involved in a variety of industrial and service activities.

Italy has a long business tradition and many Italian companies are market leaders and own well known brands all over the world. Aside from the most consolidated industries (fashion, automotive, furniture, food, etc.), Italy offers interesting business opportunities in the following sectors:

• Information Technology: Italy is Europe's fourth largest IT market (worth approximately 23 billion euros). Although the Italian IT sector still suffers from long-existing structural problems and is undersized in comparison with other major European countries, the technology gap has been narrowing and IT penetration has been improving, especially in the past two years. The Italian IT market is far from being mature in many segments and the potential is significant, with both small and medium sized companies and the local and national Government taking important steps towards modernization of their IT systems.
• Telecommunication equipment and services. The Italian market for telecommunications equipment and services is the third largest in Europe. Italy is also the second largest mobile communications market in Western Europe. Mobile phone diffusion in Italy is the highest in Europe, with 46 million clients served, close to 91 million SIM cards activated and 23 million of them enabling UMTS services. Internet is still less used than in other major European countries, but it has experienced significant growth in recent years, with 31 million internet users in 2008.
• Medical Equipment. The Italian market for medical equipment & supplies ranks sixth in the world and third in Europe after Germany and France. Italy is a mature market for medical equipment and its high per capita income and sophisticated healthcare system translate into demand for a broad range of cutting-edge medical equipment. Italians are used to state-of-the art medical equipment, which ensures continuous demand for innovative medical equipment and products.
• Biotechnology. Italy’s biotech industry has made remarkable progress in the past five years, with a growing number of biotech companies. After a successful development phase, the sector is now in the process of integrating biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies, financial institutions and research institutes. Italy ranks among the leading countries in life sciences, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where it ranks fifth in Europe after the USA, Japan, Germany and France. 

There are many other opportunities in other industries. Branch Service and Executive Consulting are available to assist Norwegian companies in exploring (and pursuing!) them.

"We are glad that Executive Consulting joined the Branch network”, said Stefan Marx, CEO of Branch Service. “We are impressed by their references, their long-time experiences and their high degree of professionalism. The potential in the Italian market is enormous. We are really looking forward to get the first projects started and to open this market for our clients."

“We believe Italy represents a great opportunity for Scandinavian technology-based companies.”, said Alessandro Riccini, owner of Executive Consulting, “The partnership with Branch Service will allow us to provide high quality services both in Italy and at our clients’ home country, facilitating their expansion and business development.”

Branch Service (www.branchservice.com) supports companies that want to internationalize their business. Its’ main services are market evaluation, market entry, lead generation and sales outsourcing. With a strong representation in Europe, Branch is particularly suited to companies who want to introduce their products/services in the European market in a rapid, flexible, cost effective manner. The world of Branch covers currently the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

Headquartered in Rome, Executive Consulting offers marketing, communication and business development consulting services to public and private organizations. Executive Consulting can assist foreign companies interested in expanding their market in Italy through partners and/or establishing a subsidiary or simply promoting their products and services through communication activities.

For more information, please contact:

Stefan Marx, Branch Service AS
Alessandro Riccini, Branch Italy, Executive Consulting