Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division has joined a syndicate of banks and financial institutions to provide a €134.5 million secured credit facility to BolognaFiere S.p.A. The company, listed on the Professional segment of Euronext Growth Milan, stands as a global enabler of the trade fair sector.
This strategic financing arrangement highlights Intesa Sanpaolo’s ongoing dedication to backing Italian businesses in their pursuit of sustainable growth and enhanced market positioning.
The IMI CIB team played pivotal roles in the deal, serving as Global Coordinator, Bookrunner, Mandated Lead Arranger, and Agent Bank.
These responsibilities underscore the division’s expertise in structuring complex corporate financing solutions tailored to ongoing expansion plans.
BolognaFiere Group, with roots tracing back to 1888, has evolved into Italy’s top exhibition operator by revenue from international events and the breadth of its domestic activities.
The group manages an extensive portfolio exceeding 100 trade shows and conferences annually, both in Italy and overseas, spanning more than 10 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
It fully integrates the value chain—from event planning and venue operations to booth design and construction.
Notable assets include ownership of the Cosmoprof brand, a global leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry, alongside its hosting of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
The new funding package is meticulously structured to drive forward-looking initiatives while strengthening the balance sheet.
It allocates €55 million toward capital expenditures, specifically to finance the construction of a new multifunctional pavilion that will elevate the Bologna exhibition district’s capabilities.
An additional €71.5 million will refinance existing debt obligations, while an €8 million revolving credit line addresses general liquidity and working capital requirements.
Overall, the facility matures in 2037 and is designed to optimize the group’s financial architecture by extending average debt duration and lowering borrowing costs.
This transaction arrives at a key juncture following BolognaFiere’s stock market debut in late 2023, reinforcing the company’s trajectory as a leading European player in the trade fair industry.
By facilitating investment in modern infrastructure and streamlining liabilities, the financing equips BolognaFiere to capitalize on rising demand for high-quality business platforms that foster innovation, networking, and cross-border commerce.
For Intesa Sanpaolo, participation in the syndicate reaffirms its position as a trusted ally to domestic enterprises.
Through its specialized IMI Corporate & Investment Banking arm, the bank continues to deliver tailored support that aligns with clients’ long-term visions, whether in internationalization, sustainability, or operational excellence.
Such collaborations not only fuel individual company ambitions but also contribute to the broader resilience and dynamism of Italy’s economy.
In an era where trade exhibitions serve as vital engines for economic recovery and global connectivity, this deal exemplifies how targeted financial partnerships can accelerate progress.
BolognaFiere is positioned to host various collaborative sessions, generate value for stakeholders, and maintain its competitive edge on the international stage. The arrangement reflects a shared commitment between Italy’s banking sector and innovative industries to build a future of sustained opportunity.