Fondo Italiano d’Investimento has successfully reached the first close of €230 million for its private equity fund, Italia Tre. This milestone indicates strong interest from investors and is backed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, which acted as the cornerstone investor, alongside another major institutional investment. The capital raised is set to be deployed immediately, with the fund already reviewing several promising investment opportunities.
According to senior partner Luigi Tommasini, this fund aims to tap the potential of Italy’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and increase institutional investors' exposure to domestic private equity. Tommasini emphasized the strong returns driven by the unique characteristics of Italian businesses and investors. He stated, "This fund aims to channel resources effectively to strengthen our domestic economy by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises."
The Italia Tre fund will allocate its capital to established private equity funds and is open to secondary transactions. Alongside these initiatives, the fund will work to develop new investment opportunities, emphasizing the growth of the Italian real economy. Fondo Italiano is set to engage with Italian pension funds and other institutional investors to gather additional resources to spur economic growth.
With its predecessors having backed over 70 funds since its inception, Fondo Italiano has demonstrated its commitment to building strong partnerships to support the backbone of the Italian economy. The firm’s track record is remarkable, with the Real Economy Project having raised approximately €6 billion, creating a diverse portfolio of 30 funds and impacting more than 200 companies.
Notably, Fondo Italiano d'Investimento incorporates sustainability and social responsibility measures as key components of its investment strategies. The firm integrates environmental and social factors, particularly focusing on labor-related issues. This aligns with Article 8 of EU Regulation 2019/2088, which advocates for sustainable investment practices. Tommasini reiterated the fund's commitment, stating, "Ensuring our investments meet high sustainable finance standards is pivotal as we move forward."
This new fund, FOF PEI Tre, will not only focus on returns but also on fulfilling its role as a responsible investor, aiding the Italian economy through sustainable practices. The backing of significant cornerstone investors reflects confidence in not only the fund's strategy but also the resilience and potential of the Italian market.
Fondo Italiano d’Investimento’s successful first closing at €230 million signals both the demand for private equity investment within Italy and the opportunity available to drive economic growth through strategic investments and responsible funding practices. This approach is set to create significant value for stakeholders involved, reinforcing the firm’s positioning as a leader in the private equity domain.
Through its funding and operational frameworks, Fondo Italiano aims to propel Italian institutional investors to the forefront of private equity, leveraging the nation’s entrepreneurial strengths to build innovative solutions and market-leading companies.
Overall, the first close of the Italia Tre fund marks not just another milestone for Fondo Italiano d'Investimento but also stands as testimony to the assurance of investors seeking to both grow their capital and contribute positively to Italy’s economic fabric. With extensive plans already underway, stakeholders can expect the fund to actively shape the investment narrative within the country.