Fusioni & Acquisizioni

📍 Ouigo, the low-cost branch of SNCF, launched 10,000 tickets at 1 euro in Spain, following a similar initiative in April. Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente previously opposed such aggressive pricing, considering a complaint to the European Union. The move rekindles the debate on commercial policies.

🏩 Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet to enhance connectivity from Dubai to Vietnam via Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The agreement aims to expand their current collaboration, improve connectivity on routes beyond the existing interline partnership, and potentially offer mutual loyalty program benefits. This is part of the UAE's efforts to strengthen economic ties with Vietnam, a key Southeast Asian hub.

✈ Lufthansa aims to close 2024 with a significant expansion by potentially acquiring 10% of airBaltic by year-end, following its deal with Ita Airways. The exact agreement with the Latvian airline has yet to be signed, but Lufthansa has recently extended its wet lease contract with airBaltic.

✈ Lufthansa aims to close 2024 with a double acquisition, potentially adding 10% of airBaltic to its portfolio by year-end, following the Ita Airways deal. The German airline's expansion through corporate acquisitions continues, although the airBaltic agreement is not yet signed, and a recent wet lease contract has been extended between the two airlines.

📍 Trenitalia and ITA Airways launched a status match campaign starting from October 22 for a duration of two weeks. Eligible members of CartaFRECCIA and Volare loyalty programs can request equivalent status recognition valid until December 31, 2025. CartaFRECCIA has over 10 million members, while Volare, launched over two years ago, boasts 2.5 million members and 35 commercial partners, including a new subprogram for children and teens launched in March 2024.

🎭 Associazione Parchi Permanenti Italiani announces a €450 million investment over the next three years. Luciano Pareschi, the association's president, outlines 4 macro intervention areas: safety, sustainability, smile, and service, leveraging new technologies including artificial intelligence. Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché highlights the economic impact of amusement parks. Secretary Maurizio Crisanti confirms parks are central to tourism, with promising data for 2024 and positive expectations for year-end, boosted by Halloween and Christmas seasons.

💵 Conserve Italia reported positive growth, closing the 2023-2024 fiscal year on June 30 with a consolidated turnover of €1.2 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year. Net profits hit €12.3 million, with net financial position reaching €150 million, marking a €15 million improvement and continuing a 20-year downward trend. EBITDA was €86 million. Revenue growth was led by the parent company Conserve Italia Soc. Coop. Agricola (+6%) and subsidiaries Juver Alimentación in Spain (+4%) and Conserves France (+7%). Export sales, representing 47% of total sales, increased by 5%, particularly for the Cirio brand. The group processed 518,284 tons of fruits, vegetables, and grains from about 14,000 hectares in Italy, distributing over €100 million to member farmers. A three-year €86.6 million investment plan aims to improve production, efficiency, and sustainability. Maurizio Gardini was unanimously re-elected as president for another three years.

🍞 Antico Forno della Romagna (AFR), an Italian leader in frozen bakery products, acquired 100% of Grano Vivo, specializing in long-life frozen bakery items. The acquisition, supported by Orienta Partners and Fondo Agroalimentare Italiano I, enhances AFR's long-life product range and sandwich bread sector presence. Ignazio and Marta Omodeo Zorini of Grano Vivo will continue collaborating with AFR. AFR aims to reach a €40 million turnover by 2024, focusing on innovation and quality, with expansion plans including increased production capacity and talent development.

🏡 The Grand Hotel Imperiale in Forte dei Marmi, a luxury 5-star property with around 45 rooms, was sold by Luxury Hotel Development to Emaar Properties, a leading global real estate company known for the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. The deal was valued at €40 million and includes Remo beach. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, a prominent UAE businessman, is behind the acquisition. Minor modifications are planned before a more radical overhaul of the suites.

🍚 T’a Milano launched "Subito Chef" frozen food line with high-quality ready-made dishes including crispy risotto variants and eight tartlettes for appetizers. Iconic Milanese dishes like saffron risotto are reimagined with Grana Padano DOP fondue. Recommended prices: €5.80 per dish, €8.00 for an eight-piece appetizer selection. Available at Esselunga and major retail chains.