The Texan private equity firm Presidio Investors has acquired Hellas Verona for €130 million. This purchase raises the number of Italian top-flight football clubs owned by U.S. investors to nine, solidifying America’s growing presence in Italian football.
For several months, Presidio, based in Austin, Texas, and specializing in mid-sized and small business investments, had shown interest in the Veneto-based club. The firm allocated approximately €75 million to secure a controlling stake.
Italo Zanzi, an experienced executive with a notable background in sports management, including roles in Major League Baseball and as CEO of AS Roma, will lead the club. “It’s an honor to join a club that embodies the passion and tradition of the city of Verona,” Zanzi commented.
Christian Puscasiu, Managing Partner of Presidio Investors, expressed his excitement about the acquisition of Hellas Verona with the following statement: “We are thrilled to announce the purchase of Hellas Verona. Over the past months, we have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, and we are eager to take our first steps in this historic city, leading a club that is an integral part of Verona and its people. We extend our gratitude to President Setti for his valuable work and for facilitating this transition. We are confident that his dedication, along with the efforts of Sean Sogliano and Simona Gioè, will play a key role in the future success of the club.”
The acquisition involved a complex financial transition supported by Deutsche Bank, ensuring stability and positioning the club for future growth. Former president Maurizio Setti will remain involved as a sports advisor, working alongside the new leadership to ensure continuity.
U.S.-Owned Serie A Clubs
With this acquisition, American investors reinforce their leadership in Italian football. Clubs such as AC Milan (RedBird), Inter Milan (Oaktree), AS Roma (Friedkin), and Fiorentina (Commisso) are already under U.S. ownership, alongside Atalanta (Pagliuca), Bologna (Saputo), Parma (Krause), and Venezia (Niederauer).
This trend highlights the allure of Italian football, not only for its sporting significance but also for its economic and global branding opportunities. Presidio Investors plans to implement an ambitious growth strategy, aiming to make Hellas Verona increasingly competitive both in Italy and on the European stage.
