Star Capital SGR S.p.A. and the minority shareholders sold a majority stake of GIA S.p.A., an Italian company active in the design, production and sale of patented fixing solutions for the ITS industry, to Ethica Global investment S.p.A. (“EGI”). The current CEO, Mr. Fabrizio Pasquini, will maintain a minority stake in the Company.

Established in 1978 in Trecate (Novara), GIA with a 40 years’ experience in the fixing and fastening is one of the leading companies in this sector. During the years, the Company has widened its products portfolio that nowadays includes 5 main families: radiator fixings, sanitary fixings, pipe fixings, industrial fixings and solar panel fastenings. In 2017 GIA has achieved revenues for about Euro 8 million with an Ebitda of Euro 3 million (Ebitda% 37%).
GIA’s strategic plan is based on the expansion of the product lines to complement the current offerings of the Company, also through external additions, with the aim of further strengthening the presence of the Company on the market.

EGI is an investment holding initiated by Ethica Holding, financial advisory company founded by Cosimo Vitola and Fausto Rinallo. EGI is participated by around twenty Italian entrepreneurs and professionals and can count as of today on a capital commitment around Euro 50 million. EGI is managed by Executive Directors Ruggero Jenna and Francesco Sala and invests in Italian high potential SMEs with revenues between 10 and 50 million Euro.

Star Capital SGR S.p.A. is a management company of closed-end fund specialized in investments in small and medium companies. In 2012 Star Capital invested in GIA S.p.A., acquiring the Company from the founding shareholders.
Star Capital has been assisted by financial advisor K Finance – partner of Clairfield International – with Managing Partner Filippo Guicciardi, Director Maximiliano Turelli and Analyst Beatrice Reggiori. Law Firm Accini, Cartolano e Associati assisted on the legal aspects with Partner Francesco Cartolano, Mr. Matteo Acerbi and Mrs. Genny Muccardi. The firm Russo De Rosa Associati assisted on the tax aspects with the Partner Leo De Rosa.

EGI has been assisted by Law Firm Pavia e Ansaldo with Partner Alberto Bianco and Mr. Dario Rovelli. The financial due diligence has been conducted by Deloitte, the fiscal due diligence by Terrin Associati and the strategic due diligence by Inside Partners.

The transaction has been financed by Unicredit S.p.A. Bologna Corporate Finance Area with the assistance of Mrs. Marina Balzano of Pavia e Ansaldo Law Firm.