Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone, a prominent Italian construction tycoon, has increased his stake in Anima Holding, signaling a potential power play within Italy’s rapidly consolidating financial services industry. This move positions Caltagirone for greater influence amidst ongoing merger and acquisition activity.
Caltagirone’s ownership in Anima has risen to 5.29% from a previous 3.19%, according to a recent filing with Consob, the Italian stock market regulator. This increase makes him the fourth-largest shareholder in the asset management firm.
This strategic maneuver comes at a crucial time for Anima Holding, which is currently the target of a takeover bid by Banco BPM SpA, its largest investor and Italy’s third-largest lender. Adding another layer of complexity, Banco BPM itself is facing a potential acquisition by UniCredit SpA, Italy’s second-largest bank. The interconnectedness of these potential deals highlights the significant reshaping occurring within the Italian banking and financial landscape.
Caltagirone’s investment in Anima is not an isolated incident. He has recently been increasing his presence in various Italian financial institutions. Earlier this month, he disclosed a 5% stake in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA, acquired partly through a purchase from the Italian state in November. His portfolio also includes approximately 1.5% of Banco BPM, 8% of Mediobanca, and a significant 7% stake in Generali, Italy’s largest insurance company.
These strategic acquisitions suggest Caltagirone is actively seeking to capitalize on the wave of consolidation sweeping through the Italian financial sector. His growing influence across banking, asset management, and insurance raises questions about his long-term objectives and the potential impact on the future of these industries in Italy. As major players like Banco BPM and UniCredit contemplate large-scale mergers, Caltagirone’s moves could significantly influence the outcome of these transformative deals. His increased stake in Anima positions him as a key figure to watch as the Italian financial sector continues to evolve.
