Fortune’s Europe team marked the release of the Fortune 500 Europe ranking with a special event at the London Stock Exchange on Sept. 16.
A market-opening launch
The occasion included the ceremonial ringing of the exchange’s bell, the traditional act used to open the market. The ceremony also served as the formal launch of Fortune’s latest ranking of Europe’s biggest businesses.
A new look at Europe’s corporate leaders
The Fortune 500 Europe list brings together the region’s largest companies in a single ranking. Its release at one of Europe’s most prominent financial venues connected the publication of the list with a visible moment in the market calendar.
For Fortune’s Europe team, the London event provided a setting to introduce the ranking and highlight the scale of the businesses included. The list now forms part of Fortune’s coverage of major companies across the continent.
What the event signified
Although the ceremony was centered on the market opening, its broader purpose was the publication of the new Fortune 500 Europe ranking. The launch placed Europe’s biggest businesses in focus through Fortune’s latest company list.