Operation Transformation asked applicants why they wanted to be on the show. Some of the answers were very revealing:

Blackrock has announced the purchase of an industrial building in Clonshaugh, Dublin for a total outlay, including costs, of €7.8m.

TDG, a European logistics and supply chain solutions provider, has signed a three-year €5m contract with food and drinks manufacturer, Danone.

US company Adaptec (Nasdaq: ADPT) has reached an agreement to acquire Eurologic Systems for around $30m (€27.7m) in cash.