LYON: 2014 Results Underline the Region's Attractiveness


LYON, FRANCE--(Marketwired - Feb 19, 2015) - The Lyon Area Economic Development Agency (ADERLY) has just posted their 2014 results showing significant growth once again, even in this climate of international economic uncertainty. The city of Lyon pursues a successful strategy that attracts professionals with quality innovation and secondary education, powerful regional marketing and effective prospecting.

Impressive growth

In 2014, ADERLY supported 80 new companies that were either relocating to or expanding in the Lyon region. Over the next three years, 1,922 jobs and at least twice as many indirect positions will be created as a result of this growth.

The 2014 numbers demonstrate improvement on the already impressive 2013 results which quote 77 projects. Considering the significant drop in international investment across France, these numbers are especially encouraging.

Over half the companies transferring to the region were focused on LYON's two strategic sectors which ADERLY actively supports: life sciences and eco-technology.

2014 also saw major international project announcements for LYON, including American group Hexcel with $250 million investment, German group Fresenius with a EUR 70 million for a new production factory, and Belgian group Vandemoortele relocating their production site to the region.

12 of the 80 projects involve R&D centres and 11 organizations also have operations outside Greater Lyon, confirming ADERLY's success and LYON's attractiveness as a business capital.

International recognition

ADERLY's results substantiate a broader trend: LYON is gaining recognition as a strategic international metropolis. This past year several high-level international events took place in LYON, including a visit from the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping and the inauguration of the new Franco-Chinese Institute.

LYON also earned accolades for its program ONLYLYON, dedicated to marketing LYON internationally: 30 million people around the world have been reached with the ONLYLYON communication program, 650,000 fans have been generated across social media and 72 million media hits have been gained globally, for a 60% rise in international visibility. ONLYLYON has attracted 19,000 ambassadors across the world and hosts marketing events in Dubai, New York City and Montreal.

LYON's magnetism is also reflected in international rankings. LYON earned a place in the 10 leading European cities and is listed as the 15th most attractive European city according to the fDi Intelligence/European Cities and regions of the future. The study conducted by IBM/Global Locations Trend lists LYON as the 17th most attractive city for international investments.

Finding a place on international rankings such as these proves the achievements and governance of LYON ignites collaboration and inspires confidence among investors.

About ADERLY
ADERLY is the economic development agency of the Lyon metropolitan area. Since its creation in 1974, it has supported the relocation of over 1,200 businesses, with 60% of the new firms coming from abroad.
www.aderly.com

About ONLYLYON
ONLYLYON is both the international brand and regional marketing campaign of the Lyon metropolitan area, created in 2007 by the city's leading institutional and economic actors in order to boost notoriety and attract new projects and talents.
www.onlylyon.com

Contact Information:

Contact:
Dalyce Suanez
Open2America
Phone: (403) 802-1167
E-Mail: d.suanez@open2america.com

Emmanuelle Sysoyev
Phone: +33 6.28.83.83.39
E-Mail: sysoyev@onlylyon.com