Romania ranks fifth out of 18 countries in Central and Eastern Europe based on the number of Romanian companies included in the latest ranking from Deloitte. The country has five banks and five insurance firms in the ranking, while the number of Romanian companies in this year’s ranking dropped from 38 last year to 37. However, the combined revenues of Romanian companies included in the ranking grew by more than 5 percent., to some EUR 39.6 billion in 2011. The average increase in revenues was the second largest in the region. Romania was also fifth in lat year's report.

For comparison, in 2011, the combined revenues of the largest 500 companies in the region grew to EUR 707.4 billion, exceeding the pre-crisis level, according to Ahmed Hassan, Deloitte Romania Managing Partner.

Three of the Romanian companies went up more than 100 places in the ranking, while ten of them jumped more than 10 places. Last year, OMV Petrom was the best ranked Romanian company (16th place), down from 14th in the previous ranking. It was followed by Automobile Dacia, in 41st position, and Rompetrol Rafinare in 43rd place. Two Romanian banks were among Europe’s top 50, BCR (9th place) and BRD (15th place). “Romanian companies are managing to keep their positions within the region despite the difficult economic climate,” concluded Ahmed Hassan. The biggest increase was for Cargill Agricultura which was up 155 places, to 326th place.

The largest Romanian companies are in the Energy and Resources industry, with 13 companies in the rankings, followed by Consumer Business and Transportation with 11 companies. The healthcare sector is the least represented industry with only one company in the rankings, followed by Media and Telecommunication with five companies.

While the findings suggest a convalescent economy, the average net profitability fell by 3.5 percent during 2011. Also, data from the first quarter of 2012 show a further decrease of the average net income by 5.6 percent.

The most spectacular growth was achieved by a Polish company, which moved from 416th place to 144th place. In addition, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech jumped from 149th place to 51st place. Significant growth was also achieved by Estonian fuel marketing and distribution company Baltic International Trading, which saw a 106 percent rise in its revenues.

Iulia Marin