Fondo Italiano d'Investimento SGR has successfully closed its second fund, FICC II, raising a substantial €503 million. This significant milestone not only highlights the firm’s growing influence in the private equity sector but also marks a strategic breakthrough with the inclusion of LGT Capital Partners as the fund's first international investor.
The latest closing attracted a mix of existing and new backers, which included notable names such as CDP Equity, Fondazione ENPAM, UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Inarcassa. Many of these investors had previously supported the original FICC vehicle, showcasing their continued confidence in Fondo Italiano's investment strategy.
FICC II is set to continue its mission of supporting high-growth Italian companies across sectors that are critical to the nation’s competitiveness. These sectors include Made in Italy, digital transformation, industrial technologies, healthcare, tourism 4.0, and life sciences. This focus aligns with the broader goal of enhancing Italy's industrial ecosystem through strategic private equity investments.
Gianpaolo Di Dio, the Chief Investment Officer and Senior Partner at Fondo Italiano, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the fundraising achievement, stating, "This fundraising milestone reflects investor confidence in the firm’s consolidation-focused strategy." He further emphasized the success of the fund's previous investments, noting that the first three exits from the FICC portfolio allowed them to return almost all invested capital, even during challenging market conditions.
The current holdings of FICC II include companies such as Mecaer, HNH, and RINA, which reinforces the team’s positive outlook on the fund's future performance. This optimism is backed by the fund's operational framework, which adheres to Article 8 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into its investment process.
Since its establishment in 2010 by Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, Fondo Italiano has been dedicated to strengthening the country’s industrial landscape through private equity investments. With this latest fundraising, the firm now manages over €4 billion in assets across 21 closed-end funds, further solidifying its position as a key player in the investment landscape.
As Fondo Italiano continues to grow, it invites interested parties to meet and learn more about its initiatives at Italy’s Largest Private Equity Conference, which will be held in Milan. This event will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage with the firm and explore future opportunities in the Italian market.
In summary, the successful closure of FICC II with €503 million raised, alongside the strategic partnership with LGT Capital Partners, marks a significant step forward for Fondo Italiano. With a clear focus on high-growth sectors and a commitment to integrating ESG factors, the firm is poised to make a lasting impact on Italy’s economic landscape.
