BolognaFiere secures €134.5m financing for strategic expansion and refinancing

BolognaFiere S.p.A., a leading international trade fair operator listed on the professional segment of the Euronext Growth Milan market, has finalised a €134.5 million secured financing agreement with a pool of primary Italian banks and financial institutions. The lending syndicate includes Intesa Sanpaolo (IMI CIB Division), acting as agent bank, alongside BPER CIB, UniCredit, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP).

The financing, which carries a maturity until 2037, is structured into three distinct facilities. A €55 million capex line is dedicated to supporting the investments required for the construction of a new multifunctional pavilion at the Bologna exhibition centre. Additionally, a €71.5 million facility is earmarked for the refinancing of the company's existing debt, while an €8 million revolving credit line has been established to meet general working capital requirements.

The transaction serves as a cornerstone for BolognaFiere’s industrial plan, enabling the group to enhance its infrastructure and consolidate its financial position. Within the banking pool, Intesa Sanpaolo and BPER CIB acted as global coordinators, bookrunners, and mandated lead arrangers, with UniCredit serving as bookrunner and mandated lead arranger, and CDP as mandated lead arranger.

BonelliErede provided legal assistance to the lending pool throughout the structuring, negotiation, and finalisation of the transaction. The team was led by partner Giorgio Frasca and included managing associate Michele Florio and Enrico Sabatelli. Tax profiles were managed by partner Riccardo Ubaldini and senior associate Giovanni Bisleri.

ADVANT Nctm advised BolognaFiere during all phases of the operation. The legal team was coordinated by partner Eugenio Siragusa and included senior associate Fabio Rastelli and associate Andrea Corona.