we receive e we publish the following Press release spread by Ardian e Finint.
Ardian, a leading global firm in private markets investments, and Finint Infrastructures, created on the distinctive expertise in asset management of Finanziaria Internazionale Holding to boost the development of the country's infrastructure sector, announce that it has been signed the agreement for the joint acquisition of Milione SpA., parent company Save SpA. which operates mainly in the management of airports, including Venice Marco Polo Airport, one of Italy's three intercontinental airports, a strategically important hub at both a national and international level.
The completion of the transaction follows the exclusive negotiation agreement signed by Ardian and Finint Infrastrutture with the current shareholders of Milione SpA last May, and the subsequent activity of due diligence.
Finint Infrastructures together with Development 87 and Ardian have reached an agreement for the equal acquisition of approximately 100% of the capital of Milione SpA, simultaneously confirming the current management at the helm of the company. closingof the operation is expected between late 2025 and early 2026The transaction involves the exit of the current shareholders, the funds managed by DWS Infrastrutture and Infravia Capital Partners, while the shareholder Sviluppo 87, controlled by Finanziaria Internazionale Holding, remains a shareholder of Milione SpA.
The operation marks the start of the strategic partnership between Ardian and Finint Infrastrutture, aimed at supporting the growth of Save and the North-East Airport Hub, as well as building a strategic operator to activate new acquisitions with a view to external growth.
The Save Group includes the airports of Venice, Verona, Treviso, Brescia and a participation in Charleroi in Belgium. In 2024, the airports recorded a total of approximately 29 million passengers, broken down as follows: over 18,3 million passengers passed through the Group's three Veneto airports, a 3,1% increase over the previous year; Charleroi totaled 10,5 million passengers in the same year, a 12% increase. The first half of 2025 saw a further 5,2% increase for the Veneto airports, with Venice maintaining its central role as Italy's third-largest intercontinental hub; Charleroi grew by 7%.
“This operation represents for us the continuity of an infrastructural project that, with vision, we have established and pursued for twenty-five years and which has successfully led to the creation of the North East Airport Hub, in addition to the participation in the airport ofCharleroiAt the same time, sharing further growth objectives with a player of high international standing like Ardian places us in a position of development and renewed attention to the territories where we operate and the social and economic communities that exist within them. I am convinced that this transaction managed with Finint Infrastrutture Sgr, which positions itself as a new player in the national and European infrastructure investment landscape, fits into the broader strategic framework of a sector that requires the ability to rely on solid investment operators.
Enrico Marchi, founder of the international financial holding company Holding and president of the Save group
“This operation confirms the trust we place in the future of Save and in the strategic role of the airports managed by the group, which represent at the same time a gateway and a showcase for the symbolic city of European culture and economy. Together with Finint, with whom we share a long-term vision and a deep understanding of the region's strategic importance, we are committed to supporting the Group's growth and excellence. This investment further confirms our ongoing commitment to the Italian economy and the exceptional cultural and economic heritage of Venice and the surrounding area. Leveraging our experience, we will collaborate closely with the company's management and the relevant institutions to support the sector's development and promote its decarbonization, continuing to guarantee and improve excellent services for passengers, airlines, and communities. We are delighted to embark on this new phase of the company's development alongside Finint."
Mathias Burghardt executive vice president, ceo of Ardian France and head of infrastructure, Ardian
We are particularly proud to have shared a transaction of strategic importance for the Italian airport sector. Our goal is to consolidate and further enhance, together with our partner Finint Infrastrutture, Save's role as a leading airport operator in Italy, with Venice Airport as a benchmark for the growth of tourism and the local and national economy, and in Belgium with the strategic stake in Charleroi. Together with our partner and the Group's management, we will support the company on a further path of sustainable growth, strengthening its competitiveness long-term, consolidating collaboration with local stakeholders and contributing to the sector's transition towards decarbonisation".
Rosario Mazza senior managing director and head of infrastructure Italy, Ardian
“The establishment of Finint Infrastrutture SGR marks an innovative step in the landscape of Italian asset managementContributing to providing the country with modern, well-managed infrastructure and creating value for our investors are at the heart of the SGR's mission. Finint Infrastrutture SGR is establishing itself as a new leading infrastructure investor in Italy and Europe, in the airport sector and beyond. This transaction represents the first significant step in a further growth journey that looks to the future with ambition and industrial vision.
Fabrizio Pagani, President of Finint Infrastrutture Sgr
“I am particularly satisfied with an operation which, in continuity with what has been achieved to date, places us in a growth prospect "The agreement represents a significant step forward for the Group's overall internal and external governance, always paying the utmost attention to the values of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, in constant connection with the communities in which we operate. In all of this, I emphasize that this agreement was possible thanks to the specific expertise of our management team and the central role of all our staff, who over the years have shared and embraced the principles of responsibility that guide our business, translating them into an effective customer experience dedicated to passengers at our airports."
Monica Scarpa, CEO of the Save Group
Il International Financial Group He has gained extensive experience in the world of infrastructure, including airports, having invested in multi-utilities and healthcare, as well as an indirect shareholder through SAVE in Centostazioni with Ferrovie dello Stato, and in motorways.
Through its direct infrastructure investment business, Ardian has significant experience in the airport sector, contributing significantly to its growth in Italy and Europe.
Last July Ardian completed the acquisition of a further 10% in Heathrow Airport, bringing the overall share held to 32,6%.
In Italy, Ardian was an indirect shareholder of the airports of Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Naples, Turin, and Trieste. During the investment period, Ardian supported the growth and sustainable development of the platform, fostering the implementation of numerous innovative initiatives.
- advisor financial Ardian was represented by Mediobanca and Intesa Sanpaolo – IMI Corporate & Investment Banking, while Finint Infrastrutture was advised by Banca Finint and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, Italian Branch. Clifford Chance and Chiomenti acted as legal advisors.
The completion of the transaction remains subject to approval by the authority of competent regulators.
