Italy
CDP Equity (previously Fondo Strategico Italiano), established in 2011, is a joint-stock company with a sole shareholder Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (“CDP”), that in turn has a major public shareholder, the Italian Ministry for the Economy and Finance, but also private shareholders (banking foundations).
CDP Equity is an investor that (i) acquires and manages direct holdings in companies of “significant national interest”, which are economically and financially secure and have strong balance sheets, and (ii) since 2019, has also started to invest in funds – direct funds and funds of funds – mainly managed by asset management companies part of CDP Group to support the Italian private capital ecosystem (private equity/private debt, venture capital and real assets).
Regarding direct holdings, portfolio companies need adequate profitability and development prospects for generating value for investors.
CDP Equity is also a shareholder of three asset management companies: Fondo Italiano di Investimento SGR, CDP Venture Capital SGR and F2i SGR
In accordance with its long-term investment horizon and investment objective, CDP Equity participates in the corporate governance of its portfolio companies, entering into agreements with the other shareholders to:
- ensure an adequate level of representation and active governance
- a constant information flow
- options for the development of the company
- an exit plan, at market conditions, with a focus on eventually listing the company
According to the crowding-in principle stated in the CDP Group’s Strategic Plan, CDP Equity is open to developing partnerships with other primary industrial and financial partners to attract more resources supporting its investment strategy.
