Looking for the best small to mid-tier CRM software vendors

We are business school students currently researching small to mid-tier CRM software companies in the EU region and their profitability and growth potential.

We are trying to segregate CRM providers in different verticals such as Automotive, Healthcare and Consumer goods.We would like to drill down a couple of superior vendors and write a case study. We would be grateful if you can provide us your view about those companies.