Press Release

London 9^th March 2026 – “Equity and Debt Investments in Italy Conference” is the title of the annual event, now in its tenth edition, organised by Legance and the Italian Embassy in London, under the patronage of the Ministry of Economics and Finance and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, which took place yesterday morning at the Italian Embassy in London.

In the company of the Italian Ambassador Inigo Lambertini and over 180 participants, including investors and executives from the City, proceedings began with a speech by the Co-Managing and Senior Partner of Legance, Filippo Troisi.

“This event has become an important platform for discussion between Italian institutions, international investors and the financial community here in the UK,” said Ambassador Lambertini.

“A tenth anniversary does not happen by chance. It is, in fact, a testament to a strong commitment, the high calibre of speakers and the depth of discussion.

Private equity and private debt continue to be essential tools for supporting innovation and sustainable growth. Italy has shown resilience and renewed dynamism, and international investor interest remains strong across a wide range of sectors,” he added.

Next up was Riccardo Barbieri Hermitte, Director General of the Treasury, Ministry of Economics and Finance, on the topic “Italy from value to growth”, moderated by Francesco Bongarrà, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in London.

The first panel “Long term equity investments: market opportunities in all sectors, challenges and lessons learned” explored the prospects for long-term investments in Italy, reflecting on the opportunities available in different sectors and the challenges posed by the market.

The session, moderated by Anna Irrera of Bloomberg together with Laura Li Donni and Francesco Florio, Partners at Legance, featured speeches by Francisco Cabeza, Antin Infrastructure Partners, Stefano Giambelli, H.I.G. Capital, Lorenzo Stanca, Mindful Capital Partners, Valentina Pippolo, Nextalia Investment Management, Fabio Canè, Renaissance Partners, Mauro Moretti, Three Hills Capital Partners, Gabriele Cipparrone, Apax Partners, Claudia Scarico, Apollo Global Management, Andrea Valeri, Blackstone Giampiero Mazza, CVC Capital Partners, Francesco Pascalizi, Permira and Marco Bellino, PAI Partners.

The second panel “Unleashing debt capital market: opportunity for private debt and alternative lenders in Italy” moderated by Nicol Degli Innocenti from Il Sole 24 Ore and Andrea Giannelli, Co-Managing and Senior Partner at Legance, featured speeches by Stefano Questa, Ares Management, Elena Dal Soglio, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Giovanni Luna, Fortress Investment Group, Maria Teresa Iardella, Mediobanca, Andrea Pescatori, Ver Capital SGR.

During the panel entitled “Italy unleashed: policies and reforms in the Italian contemporary economic, business and legal environment” Alessandro Cattaneo, Chair of the UK-Italy Friendship Group in the Italian Parliament, Co-chair Pontignano Conference, Chiara Mosca, Acting Chairwoman, CONSOB, Marika Cioffi, Chief Representative Officer for the United Kingdom, Banca d’Italia, Fabrizio Testa, CEO, Borsa Italiana spoke. The debate was moderated by Marco Varvello of La Stampa with Federico De Rosa from the Corriere della Sera and Marco Gubitosi, London Resident Partner at Legance.

The day’s proceedings concluded with speeches by Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Renato Loiero, Senior Advisor to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and Marco Gubitosi, London Resident Partner at Legance.

“We are experiencing one of the most unpredictable eras since the end of the Second World War, said Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, but in this climate, Italy’s trajectory over the last decade is very encouraging. Foreign direct investment projects have almost doubled compared to pre-pandemic figures. Capital markets are reopening. Private equity has found one of its most dynamic European markets in Italy. And, crucially, Italy has escaped not only economic volatility but also political volatility. Investors have noticed this. Rating agencies have noticed because, in times of real uncertainty, mature markets with solid institutions, credible legal frameworks and proven resilience become more attractive, not less. The work is not done. It never will be. But the foundations are solid”.

“Despite the global geopolitical and economic climate, Italy is looking ahead to 2026 with a particularly dynamic and significant pipeline of private equity investments, comments Marco Gubitosi, London Resident Partner at Legance. The country stands out for its institutional stability, entrepreneurial dynamism and social solidity. International investor interest remains high, and private equity in particular, will continue to support the growth, transformation and internationalisation of Italian companies. With ten years of meetings under its belt, the Equity and Debt Investment Conference in London has established itself as one of the key hubs for discussion between international investors, entrepreneurs and Italian institutions”.

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