Benetton Family Investments: A Diverse Portfolio
The Benetton family, renowned for the global fashion brand United Colors of Benetton, has significantly diversified its investments beyond the apparel industry. Through their holding company, Edizione S.r.l., they control a vast portfolio encompassing infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, and more.
Infrastructure: Atlantia and Beyond
Perhaps the most prominent sector of the Benetton’s investment portfolio is infrastructure. For many years, their flagship holding was Atlantia, a company specializing in highway and airport management. Atlantia controlled Autostrade per l’Italia (ASPI), which managed a significant portion of Italy’s motorway network. The tragic collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa in 2018 significantly impacted Atlantia and ultimately led to the Benetton family relinquishing control of ASPI to the Italian government.
Despite the ASPI divestment, the Benetton family remains invested in infrastructure projects worldwide. Through Abertis, acquired by Atlantia and now held by Mundys (the new name of Atlantia after the ASPI separation), they maintain stakes in toll roads in Europe, Latin America, and India. These investments reflect a long-term commitment to essential transportation networks.
Real Estate: A Global Presence
The Benetton family also holds a considerable real estate portfolio. Edizione Property manages a diverse range of properties including commercial buildings, hotels, and residential developments across various countries. These investments provide a steady stream of income and further diversify the family’s assets beyond operational companies.
Agriculture: Sustainable Farming Initiatives
Venturing into the agricultural sector, the Benetton family has invested in large-scale farming operations. These initiatives focus on sustainable agricultural practices and aim to contribute to food security. The move into agriculture demonstrates a commitment to responsible investing and a desire to address global challenges.
Other Investments: Diversification and Innovation
Beyond the core sectors mentioned, the Benetton family has made strategic investments in various other areas. These include financial services, telecommunications, and even ventures into innovative technologies. This broad diversification strategy aims to mitigate risk and capture opportunities in emerging markets and disruptive industries.
The Benetton family’s investment strategy prioritizes long-term growth and diversification. While the fashion brand brought them initial success, their expansion into infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, and other sectors demonstrates a sophisticated and forward-thinking approach to wealth management and a commitment to shaping key industries globally.