Milan emerges as a prime location for private equity firms, with powerhouses like CVC Capital Partners, Clessidra Private Equity, and Investindustrial driving investment strategies across diverse sectors. These firms leverage Milan’s robust economic ecosystem, strategic European positioning, and deep industry connections to unlock substantial value for investors. For professionals seeking to connect with like-minded leaders in private equity and M&A, explore our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
CVC Capital Partners
Investment Style: CVC Capital Partners is known for its focus on large-cap buyouts and strategic investments in high-growth sectors such as consumer, healthcare, and technology. They employ a hands-on approach to enhance operational efficiencies and drive value creation in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: CVC’s portfolio includes brands like Breitling (luxury watches), Petco (pet supplies retailer).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 300 worldwide
Assets Under Management: Approximately €145 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Rob Lucas, Managing Partner: Responsible for overseeing the firm’s European investments and guiding strategic initiatives across various sectors.
- Steve Koltes, Co-Founder and Chairman: Plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s overall investment strategy and growth trajectory.
- Ken Young, Managing Partner: Focuses on healthcare and technology investments, fostering growth and expansion.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from the investment in Sky Betting & Gaming, sold to The Stars Group.
- Exited its stake in Formula One Group, enhancing its portfolio returns.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in MedRisk, a leading provider of physical rehabilitation and diagnostic imaging solutions for the workers’ compensation industry in the U.S.
- Acquisition of Recordati, a European pharmaceutical group.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg (Headquarters): Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Milan, among others
Website: www.cvc.com
Quote: “We differentiate ourselves through our deep industry expertise and collaborative partnership approach, which enables us to unlock significant value for our investors.” – Rob Lucas, Managing Partner
Clessidra Private Equity
Investment Style: Clessidra focuses on the Italian mid-market, leveraging its local expertise to drive growth in companies with strong potential across diverse sectors. Their strategy includes buyouts and growth capital investments to enhance operational performance and achieve sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Companies in their portfolio include Harmont & Blaine (fashion brand), and Nexi (payment services).
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 30
Assets Under Management: Around €2.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Carlo Pesenti, CEO: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and guides strategic initiatives for portfolio companies.
- Roberto Sambuco, Head of Private Equity: Focuses on identifying investment opportunities and value creation strategies within the Italian market.
Recent Exits:
- Exited investment in Balconi, an Italian confectionery company.
- Successful exit from the investment in Scrigno, a manufacturer of counter frames for sliding doors and windows.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Casa Vinicola Botter, a leading Italian wine producer.
- Acquisition of L&S Group, a lighting solutions provider.
Office Locations:
- Milan (Headquarters): Milan, Italy
Website: www.clessidraprivateequity.it
Quote: “Our intimate understanding of the Italian market, coupled with our strategic approach, enables us to identify unique opportunities and drive substantial value creation for our stakeholders.” – Carlo Pesenti, CEO
Investindustrial
Investment Style: Investindustrial specializes in growth capital and buyouts across Europe, with a particular focus on industrial, healthcare, and consumer sectors. They emphasize sustainability and innovative approaches to transform companies into market leaders.
Portfolio Companies: Investindustrial’s portfolio includes brands like Aston Martin (luxury automotive) and B&B Italia (premium furniture).
Founding Date: 1990
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately €12 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Andrea Bonomi, Founder and Chairman: Drives the strategic vision and oversees key investment decisions.
- Carlo Umberto Bonomi, CEO: Manages the firm’s operations and spearheads investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited investment in Goldcar, a car rental company, which was acquired by Europcar.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Eataly, the global Italian marketplace brand.
- Acquisition of Morgan Motor Company, a renowned British car manufacturer.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): London, United Kingdom
- Additional Offices: Milan, Lugano, and New York
Website: www.investindustrial.com
Quote: “We strive to build better companies by combining our sector expertise with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.” – Andrea Bonomi, Founder and Chairman
Ambienta SGR
Investment Style: Ambienta SGR is a sustainability-focused private equity firm investing in European companies that enhance resource efficiency and pollution control. Their approach targets mid-market companies poised for transformative environmental impact.
Portfolio Companies: Ambienta’s portfolio includes Lakesight Technologies (machine vision technology) and Calucem (specialty cement).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 40
Assets Under Management: Around €1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Nino Tronchetti Provera, Founder and Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s strategy with a focus on sustainable investments and environmental impact.
- Furio Fabbri, Partner: Specializes in industrial growth and resource efficiency investments.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Oskar Nolte, a producer of sustainable coatings, to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Namirial, a digital trust service provider.
Office Locations:
- Milan (Headquarters): Milan, Italy
- Additional Offices: London, Düsseldorf
Website: www.ambientasgr.com
Quote: “Our investments are grounded in the belief that sustainability is the key to unlocking long-term value and competitive advantage.” – Nino Tronchetti Provera, Founder and Managing Partner
Quadrivio Group
Investment Style: Quadrivio Group focuses on private equity investments in SMEs, leveraging their sector expertise in fashion, lifestyle, and technology to drive growth and innovation. They provide strategic support to enhance operational efficiencies and expand market presence.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies like Rosantica by Michela Panero (luxury accessories) and Xtrawine (online wine retailer).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Alessandro Binello, CEO: Oversees the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities.
- Walter Ricciotti, Managing Partner: Focuses on enhancing portfolio value through strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from The Digital Box, a tech company, through a management buyout.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Igenomix, a leader in advanced reproductive genetic testing.
Office Locations:
- Milan (Headquarters): Milan, Italy
- Additional Offices: Luxembourg
Website: www.quadriviogroup.com
Quote: “Our deep-rooted expertise in niche sectors allows us to unlock significant value and drive transformative growth in our portfolio companies.” – Alessandro Binello, CEO
Ardian
Investment Style: Ardian is a global private equity firm focusing on buyouts, infrastructure, and real estate. Their investment strategy emphasizes long-term partnerships, innovation, and sustainable growth across diverse industries.
Portfolio Companies: Ardian’s portfolio includes companies like Dedalus (healthcare software) and Spice Private Equity (investment company).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 580 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $150 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dominique Senequier, Founder and CEO: Drives Ardian’s strategic vision and oversees global investment activities.
- Mathias Burghardt, Head of Infrastructure: Specializes in infrastructure investments and strategy development.
Recent Exits:
- Exited from its investment in SLV, a lighting manufacturer, to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Inwit, a telecommunication tower company, enhancing their infrastructure portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: Milan, London, New York, and other locations worldwide
Website: www.ardian.com
Quote: “Our commitment to innovation and sustainable growth differentiates us in the global private equity landscape.” – Dominique Senequier, Founder and CEO
BC Partners
Investment Style: BC Partners focuses on buyouts and strategic growth investments across sectors such as TMT, industrials, and consumer. Their approach involves operational improvements and strategic guidance to enhance portfolio value.
Portfolio Companies: BC Partners’ portfolio includes Springer Nature (academic publishing) and European Camping Group (holiday park operator).
Founding Date: 1986
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 70
Assets Under Management: Approximately €40 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Nikos Stathopoulos, Partner: Focuses on European investment strategies and portfolio growth.
- Raymond Svider, Chairman: Guides the firm’s strategic initiatives and investment philosophy.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from Acuris, a financial media company, to ION Investment Group.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of CeramTec, a global ceramics manufacturer.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): London, United Kingdom
- Additional Offices: New York, Milan, Paris
Website: www.bcpartners.com
Quote: “Our investment approach combines deep sector expertise with a commitment to operational excellence, enabling us to drive transformative change.” – Nikos Stathopoulos, Partner
Alto Partners
Investment Style: Alto Partners focuses on Italian small and medium-sized enterprises, employing a growth-oriented approach to enhance operational efficiency and market expansion. They specialize in sectors like consumer goods, industrials, and healthcare.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes La San Marco (coffee machine manufacturer) and Italchimici (pharmaceutical products).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Marco Gatti, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment activities and strategic growth initiatives.
- Andrea Zanelli, Partner: Focuses on operational improvements and value creation strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited investment in Siggi Group, a workwear manufacturer, to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Biokimica, a company specializing in chemical products for the tanning industry.
Office Locations:
- Milan (Headquarters): Milan, Italy
Website: www.altopartners.it
Quote: “Our focus on the Italian SME sector allows us to unlock potential and drive sustainable growth, fostering lasting partnerships.” – Marco Gatti, Managing Partner
Neuberger Berman
Investment Style: Neuberger Berman is a global investment management firm offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, including private equity, across sectors like healthcare, technology, and financial services. Their approach emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and value creation through active management.
Portfolio Companies: The firm’s portfolio includes companies like NUBURU (industrial laser manufacturer) and Optiv (cybersecurity solutions).
Founding Date: 1939
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 600 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $460 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- George Walker, CEO: Directs the firm’s strategic initiatives and global operations.
- Anthony Tutrone, Global Head of Alternatives: Oversees the firm’s alternative investment strategies, including private equity.
Recent Exits:
- Exited investment in Alight Solutions, a benefits administration and cloud-based solutions provider, through a public listing.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Aurora Flight Sciences, an innovator in autonomous systems and aerospace technology.
Office Locations:
- New York (Headquarters): New York, United States
- Additional Offices: Milan, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo
Website: www.nb.com
Quote: “We are driven by a culture of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, which differentiates us in the investment landscape.” – George Walker, CEO
Conclusion
Milan’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s dynamic economic environment. The firms operating here demonstrate remarkable adaptability and strategic insight, positioning themselves at the forefront of regional and international investment opportunities. As global markets shift, Milan remains a critical hub for sophisticated financial maneuvering and value creation.
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