Italian IPOs: privatisations, banks and iconic brands to drive 2016 listings

Privatised companies, cooperative banks and “made in Italy” brands are key IPO candidates in 2016, as the domestic equity market continues to attract investors on the back of improved market and political conditions, according to four Italian ECM specialists.

State-owned railway network Ferrovie dello Stato, civil aviation authority Enav as well as regional banks Veneto Banca and Banco Popolare di Vicenza are among the expected listings in 2016, the ECM specialists said.

Additional IPOs might come from family-owned consumer businesses following the listing of coffee maker Massimo Zanetti Beverage (BIT:MZB) in 2015, one ECM banker said.