When Texas-based private equity firm Presidio Investors set its sights on acquiring Hellas Verona FC, the opportunity was clear - but so were the challenges. This wasn’t just about buying an Italian football club; it was about navigating one of the most competitive and highly regulated sports leagues in the world.
From Milan to New York, Rome to Denver, our cross-border team - led by Eric Andalman (Denver), Paola Barometro (Milan), Matthew Eisler (New York and Denver), and Patrizio Messina (Rome and Milan) - led the charge in structuring a deal for Presidio that balanced sporting tradition with financial ambition.
“You don’t just buy a football club - you take on a legacy, a brand, and an entire fanbase,” said Andalman. “This deal required not only financial precision but also a deep understanding of governance, local custom, compliance, and strategic growth planning. We had to ensure Presidio was positioned to succeed from day one.”
Precision. Execution. Victory.
Football club acquisitions don’t follow a standard playbook. The strategy had to protect Hellas Verona’s identity while securing long-term financial stability.
We delivered a multi-layered legal strategy, navigating:
- Regulatory approvals in Italy and the Luxembourg, ensuring compliance with football governance laws and other governmental requirements;
- Corporate structuring and risk mitigation, safeguarding Presidio’s long-term investment; and
- A seamless leadership transition, integrating a new board while maintaining operational stability.
Rewriting the playbook. Reshaping global football investment.
With Presidio Investors at the helm, Hellas Verona is set for long-term growth under a leadership team that blends football expertise with commercial strategy.
A newly formed board, featuring industry-leading executives, is set to drive the club’s expansion. Italo Zanzi, former CEO of AS Roma, has been appointed Executive Chairman, with outgoing owner Maurizio Setti remaining as Senior Advisor of Football Operations.
Hellas Verona now joins a growing wave of North American-backed Serie A clubs, standing alongside AC Milan, Roma, Fiorentina, and Atalanta. But this isn’t just a trend - it’s a fundamental shift in global football investment, where clubs are transforming into global brands.
Presidio’s acquisition ensures:
- A strengthened financial foundation for long-term stability
- Expanded commercial and sponsorship opportunities
- A future-focused approach, aligning business strategy with footballing ambition
From first negotiations to final execution, we delivered a seamless acquisition, mitigated risk, and positioned Hellas Verona for long-term success - ensuring that this club, its fans, and its city remain at the center of Italian football.
"It's a question of what will work, while being sensitive to the fact that this is not in America,” said Andalman. “We need to be cognizant that things that may work in America might not be palatable in other places."
