From its beginnings as a printing press to a cornerstone of Malta’s retail and healthcare sectors, the Michele Peresso Group reflects vision, dedication, and family strength. Across three generations, it has grown into a leading name in pharmaceuticals, sporting goods, and fashion.
1934
The journey began in 1934, when Michele Peresso Senior established one of Malta’s first printing presses, setting the foundation for the entrepreneurial spirit that would define the Group.
1965
While the printing press remained the family’s primary business for decades, it was in 1965 that a new chapter began with the importation of pharmaceutical products from Spain—initially as a small department within the printing press.
1972
In 1972, at just 20 years old, Mr Emanuel Peresso took over this emerging pharmaceutical division, and by 1975, had branched out on his own, operating from a modest office in Valletta.
1983
His perseverance laid the foundation for what would become Michele Peresso Limited in 1983 – the company expanded rapidly, importing a wide range of pharmaceutical products and launching new lines such as medical hospital supplies.
1980s
This period also saw the company employ a growing team of professionals and establish a new headquarters with the construction of Catalunya Buildings, Birkirkara.
1987
A 1,200 square metre site was acquired which was to become the new company headquarters in Birkirkara.
1992
The inauguration of the Catalunya Buildings in 1992 marked a milestone moment, officiated by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, showcasing the company’s state-of-the-art facility with showrooms, offices, a pharmacy, and more.
1994
Michele Peresso Limited made its entry into the sports retail market with the launch of Eurosport in 1994, introducing global brands like Mizuno and later adidas. The company quickly became a household name, with its stores and athlete sponsorships playing a central role in supporting Maltese sports.
1997
The third generation of the Peresso family began entering the business, with Maria Christina, Michael, Victoria, and eventually Noella Peresso each assuming leadership roles across the Group’s growing divisions.
1998
Michele Peresso Limited won for four consecutive years the ‘Adidas Performer of the Year’ Award. (These awards are no longer being given due to a restructuring of Adidas AG).
2007
One of the Group’s proudest moments came in 2007, when Eurosport hosted AC Milan at its flagship store – an unprecedented event that saw global stars like Kaka and coach Carlo Ancelotti engage directly with fans in-store.
2008
Growth continued into fashion retail, with the launch of Michele Peresso Fashions Ltd. and the introduction of brands like Bata and Ipanema. The Duke Shopping Mall in Gozo, opened in 2008, became another milestone in the Group’s retail footprint, with stores at Bay Street in St. Julian’s the Point Shopping Mall in Sliema following soon after.
2024
Eurosport celebrates 30 years of operation, and the Birkirkara premises is renovated, with an adidas flagship store being opened.
From the pharmacy aisles to flagship sports stores, from the early days of Europharma to large-scale shopping destinations, Michele Peresso Group has remained rooted in its family values while consistently innovating and expanding. Today its portfolio of stores includes Eurosport, Europharma, adidas, Skechers, Bata, and Arena.