Milan, February 22nd, 2024 - EQUITA, the leading independent Italian investment bank, announces the best deals of 2023 with the 11th edition of the “Award for best strategies on capital markets”.

Handed by EQUITA and officially recognized by Bocconi University and Borsa Italiana, the Award remarks the originality and effectiveness of fundraising strategies executed on Italian capital markets by issuing companies. 

The awarded companies have been shortlisted among more than 110 transactions closed in 2023 e and confirm the importance of capital markets in allowing corporates to raise financial resources to fund growth and strategies, without being totally dependent from the traditional banking system.

Equity Capital Markets

Italian Design Brands, diversified industrial group among the Italian leaders in high-end design, ranked #1 in the “Fundraising on Equity Capital Markets” category with its listing on Euronext Milan. The transaction was the first “material” IPO across Europe in terms of size that had performed positively during the first trading day as well as in the first week of trading. Proceeds will be invested by the company to support its organic and external growth strategy, in addition to financing capital expenditures and working capital. Among the awarded strategies, also Lottomatica (runner-up), Reway Group and B.F. (second runners-up, ex-aequo).

Debt Capital Markets - ESG

Eni, global company with an integrated presence all along the energy value chain, ranked #1 in the “Fundraising on ESG Debt Capital Markets” category with its €2 billion sustainability-linked bond. The offering was the first ESG issue of Eni dedicated to retail investors and demand exceeded €10 billion. Proceeds will keep a well-balanced financial structure, fund potential future investments and diversify the investor base. MAIRE and Alperia, runner-up and second runner-up respectively, were among the other winning companies in this ESG category. 

Debt Capital Markets - Traditional

Terna, Europe’s largest independent electricity transmission system operator, ranked #1 in the “Fundraising on Traditional Debt Capital Markets” category with its €750 million bond issue. The offering recorded more than €3 billion demand, nearly 4 times the amount offered. Proceeds will be used to meet the group's ordinary financial needs. Among the awarded strategies, also 2i Rete Gas (runner-up) and Engineering (second runner-up).

Winners of the 11th edition of the Award were shortlisted by a pool of esteemed judges, chaired by Francesco Perilli (Shareholder, EQUITA) and composed by Paolo Basilico (CEO, Samhita Investments), Stefano Caselli (Dean of the SDA Bocconi School of Management, Università Bocconi), Marco Clerici (Co-Head Investment Banking, EQUITA), Paolo Colonna (Chairman, Creazione di Valore), Claudio Costamagna (Chairman, CC & Soci), Rodolfo De Benedetti (Chairman, CIR), Stefano Gatti (Antin IP Associate Professor of Infrastructure Finance, Università Bocconi), Paolo Marchesini (Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Campari Group) , Roberta Neri (Partner, Byom; Operating Partner, Asterion Industrial Partner), Umberto Nicodano (Partner, Studio Legale Bonelli Erede), Claudia Parzani (Chairman, Borsa Italiana), Silvia Rovere (Chairman, Poste Italiane), Fabrizio Testa (CEO, Borsa Italiana), Fabrizio Viola (Partner and Chairman, Cap Advisory) and Andrea Vismara (CEO, EQUITA).