Chiomenti at Mergermarket Private Equity and M&A Forum Italy 2025

The Mergermarket Private Equity and M&A Forum Italy 2025 as an opportunity to discuss the latest trends and regulatory developments in the sector in Italy

Chiomenti participated in the Mergermarket Private Equity and M&A Forum Italy 2025, an annual key event for the private equity and M&A sector in Italy, aimed at exploring the latest trends and regulatory developments shaping the Italian market.
The event opened with a keynote interview with Pietro Labriola, CEO and General Manager of the TIM Group, in dialogue with Filippo Modulo, Managing Partner, who explored the impact of geopolitical dynamics on corporate strategies. In a continuously evolving macroeconomic landscape, Europe could adopt strategic measures such as incentives for investment and consumption, increased technological innovation, and a more pragmatic approach to reducing energy costs, with the aim of mitigating the risk of economic and political weakening compared to the United States and China.

M&A financing and opportunities in the Italian Private Credit market
The panel dedicated to the private credit market in Italy, moderated by Francesca Ricciardi (Debtwire), saw the participation of Davide D'Affronto, Partner, with Vanni Mario Zanchi (Arcmont), Laura Berguig (Ares Credit Group), Leonardo Adessi (Nextalia), and Francesco Di Trapani (Pemberton), and highlighted the positive signals shown by Italian private debt after a fluctuating 2024. Further growth of the private credit sector is expected, supported by a declining cost of capital, increasing demand for alternative financing, and the expansion of segments where traditional banks lend less frequently.
Among the topics discussed: the potential of collaborations between private credit funds and traditional banking institutions to broaden access to credit, the impact of Italian economic transformations on financing structures, options for funding growth and acquisitions, as well as the evolution of hybrid capital solutions.

Strategic consolidation, innovation and increased scrutiny in Italy’s evolving defence sector
The current state of the defense sector in Italy was the focus of the fourth panel of the day, featuring Partner Luca Andrea Frignani, alongside Roberto Italia (Avio), Raffaele Perrone (PwC Italy) and Andrea Pescatori (Sienna IM Italia), and moderated by Francesca Ricciardi (Debtwire).
Italy is increasingly playing a central role in the European security framework, thanks to the presence of large state-owned groups supported by a dynamic network of SMEs, a factor that has contributed to renewed interest in M&A activities within the sector. The discussion covered the assets of greatest interest to investors, opportunities for consolidation in segments such as aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, as well as the impact of emerging technologies on acquisition strategies and supply chains. The session also provided an opportunity to reflect on regulatory challenges and the growing role of private equity in a sector historically dominated by public and industrial players.