Epipoli Acquired by Investcorp: Gaetano Giannetto Remains at Helm
Deal News | Jan 21, 2025 | Legal Community Italy
Investcorp, a renowned alternative investment firm, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Epipoli, a leading player in the alternative payments sector, from Bregal Milestone, a private equity fund, and Epipoli's founder, Gaetano Giannetto. Importantly, post-acquisition, Giannetto will maintain a significant minority stake and continue as CEO. The deal was facilitated with legal assistance from Advant Nctm and Hogan Lovells on Investcorp's side, and PedersoliGattai and Alma Led representing the selling parties. The acquisition reflects Investcorp's strategy to strengthen its foothold in the financial technology space. Legal teams managed various aspects of the transaction, including corporate, fiscal, antitrust, and regulatory due diligence. This acquisition underscores the dynamic movement within the fintech landscape, marked by strategic consolidations to drive growth.
Sectors
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Private Equity
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- Italy – Epipoli is an Italian company and all legal teams involved are also based in Italy, indicating that this transaction is primarily taking place within the Italian market.
Industry
- Financial Technology (FinTech) – Epipoli operates in the alternative payments sector which is a core segment of the FinTech industry. The acquisition by Investcorp signals a strategic investment in this growing field.
- Private Equity – The acquisition involves Bregal Milestone, a private equity fund, which highlights the role of private equity in funding and facilitating growth and exit strategies within the FinTech industry.
- Legal Advisory – Several legal firms like Advant Nctm, Hogan Lovells, PedersoliGattai, and Alma Led played crucial roles in facilitating this complex transaction, reflecting the importance of legal expertise in M&A activities.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investcorp | Buyer | Company | Investcorp is a global manager of alternative investment products, making strategic acquisitions in sectors poised for growth. |
| Epipoli | Target company | Company | A leading Italian firm specializing in alternative payment solutions. |
| Bregal Milestone | Selling Company | Company | A private equity fund that was the owner of Epipoli prior to the sale. |
| Gaetano Giannetto | Seller and CEO of Target Company | Person | Founder of Epipoli who will retain a significant minority stake and continue as CEO post-acquisition. |
| Advant Nctm | Legal Advisor to Buyer | Company | Provided corporate and various other legal services to Investcorp for this transaction. |
| Hogan Lovells | Legal Advisor to Buyer | Company | Worked on regulatory due diligence aspects for Investcorp. |
| PedersoliGattai | Legal Advisor to Sellers | Company | Advised Bregal Milestone and Gaetano Giannetto on corporate and fiscal aspects, among others. |
| Alma Led | Legal Advisor to Sellers | Company | Assisted the sellers on this transaction. |