Exploring the 2025 Fortune 500 Europe Rankings Highlights
Fortune 500 Europe Rankings for 2025 Unveiled
Volkswagen tops the list, with notable presence from car manufacturers, energy firms, and financial institutions
European corporations generate an impressive total of $14.9 trillion in revenue, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year
Women are at the helm of 7.6% of Fortune 500 Europe companies, highlighting 38 female CEOs
Today, the latest Fortune 500 Europe list for 2025 was released, spotlighting the continent's most successful businesses. Volkswagen has maintained its position at the top, recording a 1% increase in revenue, which further extends its lead over Shell, which experienced an 11% decline in revenue.
The Fortune 500 Europe represents the innovative spirit and endurance of Europe’s corporate landscape, accumulating $14.9 trillion in revenue—this reflects a 2.5% growth from the previous year. The companies on this prestigious list employ approximately 35 million individuals, which is a rise of 4%, or 1.2 million additional employees compared to last year. Volkswagen, leading the rankings, reported a phenomenal revenue of $351 billion, while Bâloise Group rounded out the list at position 500 with $7 billion in revenue. Concerns regarding profitability persist, however, as overall profits fell by 5% due to increasing costs impacting profit margins, resulting in a profit-to-sales ratio that decreased to 6.6% from the previous year's 7.1%. HSBC leads in profits, reporting nearly $24 billion for 2024—one of only four companies surpassing the $15 billion mark.
In a noteworthy advancement, the count of female CEOs has reached 38, marking a record high for the Fortune 500 Europe list. Female-led companies also saw total revenue rise by 12% to $924 billion. Nevertheless, women still only account for 7.6% of the companies on this list, with four firms planning to transition to male leadership within the coming months. Among these, Engie (#37), led by Catherine MacGregor, stands out as the only female-led enterprise within the top 50.
Top Ten Companies in the Fortune 500 Europe 2025 List
The leading companies in the 2025 Fortune 500 Europe list are:
- Volkswagen (Germany)
- Shell (UK)
- Glencore (Switzerland)
- TotalEnergies (France)
- BP (UK)
- Stellantis (Netherlands)
- Mercedes-Benz Group (Germany)
- BMW Group (Germany)
- BNP Paribas (France)
- Banco Santander (Spain)
Europe's economy remains largely driven by energy, financial services, and the motor vehicles & parts sector. Notably, Shell, Glencore, TotalEnergies, and BP together occupy four of the top five positions. Germany's impressive industrial capabilities are showcased with Volkswagen (#1), Mercedes-Benz (#7), and BMW (#8) all making the list. The UK's strong energy sector has successfully secured two spots in the top five, while France leads in terms of workforce numbers, hosting 64 companies overall.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at TotalEnergies, expressed pride in their performance: "TotalEnergies is profitably increasing its energy production by approximately 4% annually to meet global demands, while also making strides to reduce emissions. It's an honor to be recognized at the forefront of this prestigious list, reflecting our robust strategy throughout the years."
Grethe Schepers, Lists Director Europe at Fortune, emphasized the significance of the ranking: "The Fortune 500 Europe is not just a ranking; it represents the vitality and strength of Europe's most influential enterprises. In its third edition, it continues to capture the essence of European commerce, serving both as a standard of corporate performance and a celebration of the leadership reshaping the business environment in Europe."
With this latest European edition, Fortune is not only compiling a definitive list but also fostering a network of leading C-suite executives within the region. The organization strives to unite this community through impactful journalism, insightful discussions, and engaging events, ultimately advancing leadership and promoting growth within the European business fabric.
For the Fortune 500 Europe list, companies are ranked according to their total revenues from their most recent fiscal years. It is mandatory for all listed companies to disclose financial information and report at least a portion of their figures to a relevant government authority. The latest results are as reported by the companies themselves; comparisons are drawn from the previous year’s figures, which are not adjusted for accounting changes. Detailed methodology is accessible through the Fortune website.
About Fortune
Fortune stands as a globally recognized multi-platform media enterprise, built on a history of reliable and celebrated reporting aimed at enhancing business practices. Operating independently, Fortune narrates stories of the world's leading companies and their executives along with a new breed of innovators advancing the business realm. Through both digital and print formats, Fortune evaluates corporate performance using strict benchmarks, holding organizations accountable globally. This includes prestigious rankings like the Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500, along with notable lists such as the Most Powerful Women and World's Most Admired Companies. Fortune also cultivates elite communities by bringing together industry leaders for exclusive summits and conferences—examples include the Fortune Global Forum and Fortune Most Powerful Women events. For further details, visit fortune.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fortune 500 Europe list?
The Fortune 500 Europe list ranks the top companies in Europe based on their revenues.
Who topped the 2025 Fortune 500 Europe list?
Volkswagen retained the number one position in the 2025 rankings.
How much revenue do the Fortune 500 Europe companies generate?
The total revenue of the companies on the list is $14.9 trillion, reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
What is the percentage of companies led by women?
Currently, only 7.6% of Fortune 500 Europe companies are led by women, with a total of 38 female CEOs.
What sectors drive Europe's economy according to the list?
The energy, financial services, and motor vehicles & parts sectors are key drivers of Europe's economy.
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