Special Report: Italy

Amy King
05 November 2012

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Ahead of next week's seventh annual Italia PE Congress, unquote" has provided a round-up of important news, key appointments and analysis from the region.

2012 has been an exciting year for the Italian private equity and venture capital markets. State-backed giants including the Fondo Italiano di Investimento and the Fondo Strategico Italiano have made their presence felt, shaping the landscape almost beyond recognition. Fondo Italiano has completed 24 direct investments to date and acted as an LP in many national funds. Earlier this year, the Fondo Strategico burst onto the scene with maiden investments totalling €650m.

Smaller players have also emerged as portagonists on the venture stage. Vertis Ventures and Principia have puppeteered the early steps towards a southern Italian venture scene, evening out the geographical spread of dealflow across the country. Monti and Passera have introduced measures to promote indigenous venture capital and boost startups, while new venture funds have launched and incubators opened.

Of course, macroeconomic challenges remain, but with the momentum from Monti's government growing from above and grassroots initiatives including Why Not Italy? injecting dynamism into the market from below, the recent flurry of activity looks set to continue.

Join us in Milan next week for the unquote" private equity conference to discuss the issues shaping the industry.

State-backed funds boost market

Fondo Strategico prepares bid for Ansaldo Energia

Fondo Strategico makes maiden investments totalling €650m

Fondo Italiano to invest in venture capital funds

The State at play: Italian government jumpstarts a flat market

Buoyant buyouts

Permira sells Valentino to Qatari investors

AXA PE buys 70% of Bruni Glass

AXA PE buys Limacorporate stake

PE firms target national treasures

Pamplona increases stake in Unicredit Group to 5%