Strategy

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Approach

Investment approach

Gradiente uses a constructive partnership approach with entrepreneurs or with target companies’ management, based on sharing a solid business plan to be carried out in a medium/long term horizon.

Gradiente supports entrepreneurs and managers in devising the corporate strategy, in evaluating M&A opportunities – both in Italy and abroad – and in assisting the selection, if necessary, of key figures to strengthen the existing company’s management team.

Gradiente grows alongside competitive companies, driven by solid and capable entrepreneurs and managers, supporting businesses and maximizing contribution with the support of their representatives in the portfolio companies’ Board of Directors.

Investment
criteria

Investment criteria

The Fund invests between 10 and 20 million euros per single deal, with investments in both share purchase and capital increase, taking qualified majority or minority shareholdings.

Gradiente invests in SMEs (from 10 to 50 million euro turnover) operating in any industry except real estate and financial sectors.

The target company generates profits, operates in a sector with growth potential, or represents a consolidation platform for the aggregation with other companies.

Furthermore, the fund also seeks additional basic requirements: management able to pursue the identified growth plan, alignment of interests between management and shareholders, and agreed governance rules.

Gradiente does not invest in turnarounds or corporate restructurings, nor does it invest in venture capital.

Process

Investment process

1. TARGET ANALYSIS

  • Analysis of the company, the reference market, and the possible transactions.
  • Start meetings with the target company’s shareholders, management, and other possible stakeholders.

2. DEAL EXECUTION

  • Structuring of the term sheet.
  • Sharing company enhancement ideas and starting negotiations.
  • Due diligence.
  • Investment decision.
  • igning & Closing.

3. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

  • Monitoring and active management of the investment.
  • Scouting possible M&A opportunities for aggregation or exit.

4. Exit

  • Exit process management.