Europe News

The companies leaving Catalonia in the face of political uncertainty

Key Points
  • Key Ibex companies including Caixabank have announced plans to relocate their head office, while many others from all business sectors are considering doing the same
Over 7,000 foreign businesses in Catalonia, many now weighing up political risks
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Over 7,000 foreign businesses in Catalonia, many now weighing up political risks

Multinationals headquartered in Catalonia have started weighing up whether the region will declare independence from the rest of Spain and the consequences that this would entail.

Key Ibex companies including Caixabank have already announced plans to relocate their head office, while many others from all business sectors are considering doing the same.

CNBC takes a look at which firms are leaving, or are likely to leave, Catalonia.

Banco Sabadell

The bank's board announced Thursday that it's moving its headquarters to Alicante "to protect the interests" of its customers, shareholders and employers. The relocation will not involve any transfer of employees.

Caixabank

The biggest bank in Catalonia and third-largest in the country said Friday that it will move its headquarters to Valencia — to avoid the risk of finding itself illegally headquartered outside the euro zone should Catalonia become independent.

Inmobiliaria Colonial

Real estate firm Inmobiliaria Colonial agreed Monday to relocate of its head offices outside of Catalonia.

Abertis

The infrastructure company decided Monday to move its head offices outside of Catalonia

Cellnex

The Spanish telecoms firm Cellnex also approved Monday to move from Barcelona to Madrid.

Secession could hurt Catalonia more than Spain: Strategist
VIDEO2:2202:22
Secession could hurt Catalonia more than Spain: Strategist

Dogi International Fabrics

The textile firm said Friday that it will leave Catalonia and place its headquarters in Madrid, La Vanguardia reported.

Service Point

The reprographics company said Friday that it will move its headquarters from Barcelona to Madrid, 20 minutos reported.

Freixenet and Cordoníu

Prosecco and wine-makers Freixenet and Cordoníu are both looking at relocating their offices but a decision hasn't been taken as of yet.

Oryzon

The biotech firm saw its shares jump last week after announcing a decision to move its headquarters from Barcelona to Madrid.

Eurona

The satellite broadband Eurona announced last week that its headquarters will move from Barcelona to Madrid.