Italy
Monti lays out plans to bolster Italian VC market
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has introduced changes to the rules regarding venture capital investments in SMEs. Amy King reports
Concerns over "unfair" Fondo Italiano
Italy’s Fondo Italiano has been on a roll in recent weeks, completing five deals in just seven days over the festive period. But mid-market professionals in Italy are concerned the government-backed fund could be introducing unfair competition. Amy King...
PEP invests €18m in Allsystem
Private Equity Partners SGR (PEP) has injected €18m into Italian security company Allsystem Group in exchange for a significant minority stake. Investment took place through Private Equity Partners Fund IV, which closed on €300m in 2007.
Moleskine attracts PE buyers
Private equity players are thought to be circling Syntegra and Index-backed Italian notebook and diary brand Moleskine.
Buyers circle Permira-backed Valentino
Permira-backed Valentino Fashion Group has attracted the interest of potential buyers following its successful turnaround, according to reports in Il Sole 24 Ore.
Fondo Italiano to invest in venture capital funds
Fondo Italiano di Investimento has pledged to boost start-up growth in Italy by investing in venture capital funds. The fund is set to make investments of up to €50m from its €1.2bn of assets under management to help young Italian companies grow.
Fondo Italiano-backed Arioli acquires Brazzoli
Fondo Italiano di Investimento has reinvested in textile machinery manufacturer Arioli to facilitate the company’s acquisition of 100% of Brazzoli, a manufacturer of textile dyeing machines. Varese Investimenti provided co-investment.
Fondo Italiano invests €20m in Zeis Excelsa
Fondo Italiano di Investimento has invested €20m in footwear and clothing supplier and manufacturer Zeis Excelsa SpA.
Fondo Italiano backs Rigoni di Asiago
Fondo Italiano di Investimento has completed its 16th transaction to date with a €14m investment in organic fruit confectionery and spreadable goods producer Rigoni di Asiago.
Fondo Italiano makes €20m investment in TBS
Fondo Italiano di Investimento has invested €20m in integrated clinical engineering and health services provider TBS Group. The public-private government-backed vehicle has acquired a 13.17% stake in the listed company through a capital injection of €10m...
Fondo Italiano injects €12m into Sira Group
Government-backed vehicle Fondo Italiano di Investimento has backed steel, aluminium and die-cast radiator producer Sira Group SpA with €12m in exchange for a minority stake.
Fondo Italiano invests in Gruppo La Patria
Fondo Italiano di Investimento and PM & Partners have made an equity investment in security services provider Gruppo La Patria.
Fondo Italiano completes five investments in one week
Fondo Italiano d'Investimento has made five investments in Italian companies over a seven day period, increasing the number of transactions completed by the public-private fund to 17.
Italian sentiment: fundraising, leverage largest challenges
A recovery for the Italian market is not expected until 2013 at the earliest, according to a recent poll - but the backdrop brings with it fresh prospects.
Fondo Italiano invests around €5m in Elco
Fondo Italiano d'Investimento has invested around €5m in printed circuit board producer Elco SpA in exchange for a minority stake.
Aksia reaps 35% IRR on Robuschi exit
Aksia Group and minority shareholders, comprised of the management team and founding family, have sold 100% of Robuschi SpA to NYSE-listed Gardner Denver Inc for €152m.
Fondo Italiano invests €10m in IMT SpA
Fondo Italiano d'Investimento, a public-private fund backed by the Italian government, has invested €10m for a minority stake in hydraulic drill rigs and grinding solutions company IMT SpA.
Intesa San Paolo backs mobile marketing company
Intesa San Paolo has invested €600,000 in mobile marketing company Pantea, alongside a €150,000 co-investment from Italian mobile media and commerce company Neomobile.
Intesa San Paolo injects €2m into Samares
Intesa San Paolo has invested €2m into Samares, which provides software and hardware solutions for the renewable energy market.
Intesa San Paolo backs augmented reality start-up
Intesa San Paolo has agreed to invest €2m in augmented reality specialist SpinVector.
Providence acquires Instituto Maragoni
Providence Equity Partners has acquired Italian fashion school Instituto Maragoni from Career Education Corporation for an undisclosed amount.
Law firm Gianni expands M&A practice and changes name
Italian law firm Gianni Origini Grippo & Partners has been expanded with a team of 11 lawyers, led by Roberto Cappelli who adds his name to the company title.
Opera invests in Minotti
Opera has acquired kitchen producer Minotti Cucine for around €3.2m.
Italy on a cliff
Italyтs economic situation is worsening. Might private equity play a role in the recovery? Kimberly Romaine reports from Milan.