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US Investment Fund Presidio Investors Acquires Hellas Verona

The American private equity firm takes full ownership of the Italian Serie A club, marking a new chapter in Verona's history.

By Sebastián Hernadez

Photo: Hellas Verona social networks.
Photo: Hellas Verona social networks.
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Presidio Investors, a private equity firm based in Austin, Texas, has officially completed the acquisition of Hellas Verona Football Club, taking full control of the Serie A team. The announcement was made on Wednesday through an official statement from the club.

The statement confirmed that Maurizio Setti, who had been the club's owner and president for the past 13 years, has sold 100% of the club's shares to Presidio Investors. "Presidio is committed to building a new path, based on the foundation Maurizio Setti has built during his management of the club over the last 13 seasons," the statement read.

A New Leadership Structure and American Ownership Trends

The deal, which is reported to have closed between 120 and 130 million euros, will see Italo Zanzi, an American attorney of Italian descent, assume the role of the club's new Executive Chairman. Zanzi previously served as the CEO of AS Roma between 2012 and 2016 and has held various leadership roles, including as CEO of FOX Sports Asia and Vice President of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Maurizio Setti, while stepping down as president, will continue to be involved with the club in a new role as Football Operations Advisor, providing support to the technical staff and sporting management.

Hellas Verona's sale follows a broader trend of American ownership in Italian football, with nearly half of Serie A clubs now controlled by American investors. Clubs such as Inter, Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Roma, and Parma are all under U.S. ownership, with Genoa's former American owners, 777 Partners, having recently sold the club to Romanian businessman Dan Sucu.

A Critical Match Under New Ownership

Hellas Verona’s first match under the new ownership will take place this Sunday against Lazio at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium. Currently sitting 17th in Serie A and just above the relegation zone with 19 points, Verona will need to turn things around to avoid dropping further down the standings.

Key Points:

  • Ownership Change: Presidio Investors has acquired 100% of Hellas Verona Football Club.
  • Financial Details: The acquisition was valued between 120 and 130 million euros.
  • New Leadership: Italo Zanzi will become the club’s Executive Chairman, while Maurizio Setti transitions to an advisory role.
  • American Influence: Hellas Verona joins a growing list of Serie A clubs with U.S. ownership.
  • Upcoming Match: Verona's first match under new ownership will be against Lazio this Sunday.

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