Delfin: Strnad, I do not comment on individual cases but I am assessing initiatives in Italia
(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - “I do not intend to comment on specific matters. I am convinced that Italia offers interesting opportunities in the long term and I will continue to evaluate new initiatives in various sectors.” So said Michal Strnad, who in recent days sent a takeover bid to Delfin’s board of directors for the entire share capital of the Luxembourg-based holding company. The entrepreneur, who is also a shareholder in Pirelli, does not mention any specific deals but makes it clear that he is still looking at our country: “My approach is based on a philosophy of long-term investment, geared towards creating value over time. The common thread is the desire to strengthen existing industrial capabilities, enhance established entrepreneurial assets and create the conditions for further growth in global markets.” A model – and here, although he does not name them, it seems almost directed at the Del Vecchio family – which places at its heart ‘respect for the history and identity of companies, as well as for the founding families, expertise, people and the productive fabric of the regions in which they operate’.
The CSG Group, Strnad explains, “remains my top priority” but, at the same time, “the companies that manage my private wealth are identifying opportunities to support the growth and competitiveness of leading European industrial firms, whilst preserving their identity and roots. My recent investment in Pirelli is fully in line with this vision’.
In this context, Italia ‘plays a central role’ because ‘it is one of Europe’s major industrial powers, with an extraordinary manufacturing tradition, technological expertise of the highest calibre, globally recognised brands and a distinctive entrepreneurial culture, all of which represent a heritage to be preserved and promoted in the long term’.
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