Verona Acquired by American Private Equity Firm Presidio Investors
Italian Seria A club Verona has been acquired by the American private equity firm Presidio Investors, as announced by the club and its new owners on Wednesday.
In a shared statement, Presidio and previous owner Maurizio Setti revealed that the Texas-based firm has “acquired 100 percent ownership” of Verona, concluding Setti’s 13-year tenure at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
Reports from Italian media suggest that the acquisition is valued at approximately 130 million euros ($133.8 million).
Under Setti’s leadership, Verona, the Serie A club with a league title in 1985, has faced relegation and financial challenges. Currently, the team is positioned just above the relegation zone as they gear up for a crucial match against Lazio this weekend.
Setti will continue his involvement with Verona as the “Senior Advisor of Football Operations,” working closely with the club’s sporting director, Sean Sogliano, and the rest of the football staff.
The new board of directors at Verona will be led by former Roma CEO Italo Zanzi, who takes on the role of Executive Chairman.
With Presidio’s acquisition, the count of American-owned clubs in Serie A has now reached eight, following Romanian businessman Dan Sucu’s recent takeover of Genoa from the controversial investment company 777 Partners.
However, Sucu’s ownership of Genoa is being challenged by another investment firm and 777 creditor, Advantage Capital (A-Cap), who claim to be the rightful owners of Genoa after obtaining 777’s football assets.
