Who Owns Nexi S.p.A. Company?

Nexi S.p.A. Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	BCG	$15	$10
	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns Nexi S.p.A.?

Understanding the ownership structure of a company like Nexi S.p.A. is crucial for grasping its strategic direction and accountability. A significant turning point for Nexi was its IPO on the Borsa Italiana in April 2019. This event transitioned the company from private equity control to public ownership, opening the door for broader market participation while still acknowledging the influence of its former private backers.

Nexi S.p.A., based in Milan, Italy, stands as a prominent Italian PayTech firm with a substantial European footprint. Its origins trace back to 1939 as Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolari Italiane S.p.A. (ICBPI), initially serving as a central institution for Italian Popular Banks. Over time, ICBPI evolved, rebranding to Nexi in November 2017 to better reflect its focus on payment systems, including the former CartaSi business, and its ambition to drive Europe's shift towards cashless transactions.

Nexi is a key player in the European payment services sector, offering a wide array of solutions for merchant acquiring, payment card issuing, and various digital payment services. These services cater to merchants, financial institutions, corporations, and public administration bodies. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported revenues of €3.514 billion and an EBITDA of €1.863 billion, underscoring its significant market standing. This article explores the evolving ownership of Nexi, from its banking roots to its current status, identifying key investors, public shareholders, and the impact of these changes on its governance and strategic path. For a deeper dive into its market positioning, one might consider the Nexi S.p.A. BCG Matrix.

The Nexi ownership landscape is dynamic, reflecting its journey from a privately held entity to a publicly traded company. Identifying the Nexi S.p.A. shareholders provides insight into who controls Nexi S.p.A. and its strategic direction. The Nexi company structure has been shaped by significant investment rounds and its public offering, making Nexi ownership a topic of considerable interest for investors and market observers alike. Understanding the Nexi investors is key to comprehending the company's trajectory.

Delving into Nexi S.p.A. ownership information reveals a blend of institutional and public investors. The question of who are the main owners of Nexi S.p.A. often leads to examining the largest institutional investors in Nexi. The Nexi S.p.A. ownership breakdown shows how ownership stakes have shifted over time, particularly after determining who bought Nexi shares during key market events. The Nexi S.p.A. investor relations section typically provides details on current owners of Nexi payment company.

The Nexi S.p.A. ownership history is marked by its transition to a publicly traded company, making it clear that Nexi is a publicly traded company. This public status means that a significant portion of Nexi S.p.A. is owned by its shareholders. Determining the Nexi S.p.A. ultimate beneficial owner involves looking beyond direct shareholdings to understand the true control mechanisms. The Nexi S.p.A. corporate governance framework is designed to manage these diverse ownership interests effectively.

The origins of Nexi S.p.A. can be traced back to 1939 with the establishment of Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolare Italiane (ICBPI). This institution was formed by a consortium of Italian Popular Banks, including Banca Popolare di Cremona, Banca Popolare di Intra, Banca Popolare di Lecco, Banca Popolare di Lodi, Banca Popolare di Luino e Varese, and Banca Popolare di Verona. These cooperative banks collectively represented the foundational ownership, with the primary goal of creating a unified technological and service infrastructure to support their operations.

In its formative years, ICBPI operated as a central entity for these Italian Popular Banks, and its ownership structure was characterized by a distributed model among the participating banks. This early setup underscored a collaborative, bank-centric approach to developing the payment system within Italy, emphasizing shared infrastructure and services over individual profit motives. The initial agreements likely focused on mutual support, enhancing operational efficiency, and a collective strategy for managing payment processes for their respective customer bases.

As of January 1, 2015, the ownership landscape showed Credito Valtellinese (Creval) as the largest shareholder, holding 20.39% of the bank. Other significant banking shareholders at that time included Banco Popolare with 13.88%, Banca Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca each holding 9.99%, and Banca Popolare dell'Emilia Romagna with 9.14%. This distribution highlights the continued influence of cooperative banking structures in shaping the company's early direction.

Founding Institution

Nexi S.p.A.'s roots are in Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolare Italiane (ICBPI), established in 1939.

Founding Banks

ICBPI was formed by a consortium of Italian Popular Banks, fostering a collaborative ownership model.

Early Objective

The primary goal was to create a unified technological and service infrastructure for member banks.

Ownership Model

Early ownership was distributed among the participating cooperative banks.

Key Shareholder (2015)

Credito Valtellinese (Creval) was the largest shareholder with 20.39% as of January 1, 2015.

Collaborative Vision

The early structure emphasized shared infrastructure and services for payment system development.

Early Ownership Structure

The initial ownership of Nexi S.p.A. was deeply intertwined with the cooperative banking sector in Italy. This structure was designed to foster a shared approach to payment system development, reflecting a collective investment in technological advancement and operational efficiency. Understanding this early Nexi S.p.A. ownership history is crucial for grasping the company's foundational principles and its subsequent evolution in the financial technology landscape. The company's Growth Strategy of Nexi S.p.A. has been influenced by this early emphasis on collaboration.

• Founding date: 1939
• Founding entity: Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolare Italiane (ICBPI)
• Key founding banks: Banca Popolare di Cremona, Banca Popolare di Intra, Banca Popolare di Lecco, Banca Popolare di Lodi, Banca Popolare di Luino e Varese, Banca Popolare di Verona
• Early objective: Unified technological and service infrastructure
• Ownership model: Distributed among participating banks
• Largest shareholder (Jan 1, 2015): Credito Valtellinese (Creval) at 20.39%

Nexi S.p.A. SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Nexi S.p.A.'s ownership journey has been dynamic, marked by significant transitions from its origins as a bank-owned entity to its current status as a publicly traded company with substantial influence from private equity. A key turning point was the December 2015 acquisition of a majority stake in ICBPI, the company's predecessor, by a consortium of private equity funds. This consortium, comprising Bain Capital, Advent International, and Clessidra SGR, operated through an investment vehicle named Mercury Italy S.r.l. This acquisition initiated a comprehensive overhaul, focusing on enhancing management, introducing innovative products, investing in technological advancements, and pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions.

The company's public debut on the Borsa Italiana's Euronext Milan occurred on April 16, 2019, with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) that successfully raised approximately €2.01 billion. This listing positioned it as one of Europe's most significant IPOs for that year. The shares were initially priced at €9.00 each, valuing the company at €5.7 billion, which included a €700 million capital increase, and resulted in an initial free float of 35.6%. Following the IPO, Mercury UK Holdco Ltd, representing the interests of Bain Capital, Advent International, and Clessidra, maintained a substantial ownership of approximately 57.3% of the share capital, underscoring their continued significant control.

Further consolidation occurred through strategic mergers, notably the all-share merger with SIA S.p.A. announced in October 2020. This union created a leading European PayTech group, with Nexi shareholders holding 70% and SIA investors 30% of the combined entity. A significant outcome of this merger was Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (CDP), an Italian state-controlled development bank, emerging as a major shareholder with an approximate 25% stake in the merged group. The subsequent merger with Danish company Nets, effective July 1, 2021, further reshaped the ownership structure. Following this integration, Hellman & Friedman emerged as the largest single shareholder, initially holding 21% of the combined company.

Nexi S.p.A. Major Shareholders (as of June 30 & October 8, 2024)

Understanding Nexi's ownership breakdown is crucial for assessing its strategic direction and corporate governance. The current Nexi S.p.A. shareholders reflect a mix of private equity, state-backed entities, and public investors.

• Evergood H&F Lux S.à.r.l. (linked to Hellman & Friedman): Approximately 19.89% to 21.24% of voting rights.
• Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (CDP Equity SpA): Approximately 13.55% to 18.25%.
• Mercury UK HoldCo Ltd (representing Bain Capital and Advent International): Approximately 3.01% to 9.27%.
• Eagle (AIBC) & Cy SCA: Approximately 6.07% to 6.486%.
• Poste Italiane S.p.A.: Approximately 3.54% to 3.78%.

These holdings indicate a concentrated ownership structure, with significant influence wielded by a few key investors. This consolidation trend is a notable aspect of the European payments industry. For a deeper understanding of the company's strategic approach, you can explore the Marketing Strategy of Nexi S.p.A.

Nexi S.p.A. PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The Board of Directors for Nexi S.p.A. is structured to reflect the influence of its major stakeholders while ensuring independent oversight. As of July 2025, Michaela Castelli presides over the board. The board's composition typically includes representatives appointed by significant private equity investors such as Hellman & Friedman, Advent International, and Bain Capital, alongside independent directors. This arrangement was notably reinforced after the Nets merger in 2021, which granted Hellman & Friedman the right to appoint additional board members, underscoring the substantial influence of these entities in the company's strategic direction.

Nexi S.p.A. operates under a traditional governance framework where each ordinary share carries one vote. The company's total share capital is €118,718,524.00, comprising 1,230,192,275 ordinary shares. While there are no publicly disclosed dual-class share structures or special shares that confer disproportionate voting rights, the significant ownership stakes held by key private equity firms and CDP Equity grant them considerable voting power. The top five shareholders collectively manage approximately 51% of the company's shares, giving them a substantial voice in corporate matters. There have been no widely publicized activist campaigns or proxy fights that have significantly altered this governance structure recently.

The voting power within Nexi S.p.A. is largely concentrated among its major shareholders. The company's commitment to a one-share-one-vote principle means that ownership percentages directly translate into voting influence. This structure ensures that entities with substantial holdings, such as the key private equity investors and CDP Equity, play a pivotal role in shaping the company's future, including decisions related to mergers, acquisitions, and overall business strategy. Understanding the Revenue Streams & Business Model of Nexi S.p.A. is crucial for appreciating the context of these ownership dynamics.

Nexi S.p.A. Ownership Snapshot

The Nexi S.p.A. ownership structure is dominated by a few key players, granting them significant control over the company's direction.

• Total Share Capital: €118,718,524.00
• Total Ordinary Shares: 1,230,192,275
• Top Five Shareholders' Collective Stake: Approximately 51%
• Governance Model: Traditional, one-share-one-vote

Nexi S.p.A. Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the past three to five years, Nexi's ownership landscape has been dynamic, shaped by significant strategic moves and continuous capital management. The acquisition of Nets A/S, finalized in June 2021, was a pivotal moment, cementing Nexi's status as a dominant European PayTech entity. This merger resulted in a redistribution of major shareholdings, with Hellman & Friedman becoming the largest single shareholder. Further potential shifts were indicated in March 2025, as reports surfaced of TPG Capital LP exploring a bid for Nexi's digital banking solutions unit, valued at over €800 million. Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA also expressed interest, hinting at possible divestitures or new strategic alliances.

Nexi has actively engaged in returning capital to its shareholders. As of June 30, 2024, the company had repurchased approximately 19.7 million of its own shares, representing a market value of €117.9 million. This buyback was part of a larger €500 million program initiated in May 2024, with an accelerated completion target by the end of 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Nexi has outlined a plan for total shareholder returns amounting to approximately €600 million. This includes a proposed dividend distribution of around €300 million, equating to €0.25 per share, and an additional €300 million share buy-back program. These actions underscore Nexi's commitment to shareholder value while maintaining its Investment Grade status, a rating Fitch Ratings upgraded in December 2024.

Industry trends highlight a growing pattern of institutional ownership and consolidation within the payments sector, with Nexi serving as a prime example through its acquisitions of SIA and Nets. The substantial stake held by private companies, particularly private equity firms, underscores their continued influence on Nexi's strategic direction and corporate governance. Nexi's stated objectives focus on sustained growth, enhanced profit margins, and robust cash generation, coupled with a commitment to distributing excess cash to shareholders, aligning with the company's Mission, Vision & Core Values of Nexi S.p.A.

Hellman & Friedman's Leading Stake

Following the Nets acquisition, Hellman & Friedman emerged as the largest single shareholder in Nexi. This significant holding reflects their strategic investment and confidence in Nexi's Pan-European growth trajectory. Their influence is a key factor in Nexi's ongoing strategic planning.

Shareholder Return Initiatives

Nexi's commitment to shareholder returns is evident through its share buy-back programs and proposed dividends. The planned €600 million shareholder return for 2025, comprising dividends and buy-backs, aims to enhance shareholder value. This strategy supports the company's financial health and investor confidence.

Potential Divestment Activity

Reports in March 2025 indicated potential divestment of Nexi's digital banking solutions unit. Interest from firms like TPG Capital LP and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA suggests a strategic review of business segments. Such moves could reshape Nexi's operational focus and ownership structure.

Industry Consolidation Trends

The payments sector continues to experience significant consolidation, with Nexi actively participating through strategic acquisitions. This trend, coupled with substantial private equity involvement, indicates a maturing market. Nexi's growth strategy is intrinsically linked to these broader industry dynamics.

Nexi S.p.A. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔