MILAN, November 7, 2019 – “We have completed a private placement that found strong demand among investors of the highest calibre. It will set forward Progetto Italia, a beautiful investment project for the future and success of our country,” says Pietro Salini, Chief Executive of Salini Impregilo at the end of the Group’s capital increase of €600 million, which saw a significant pool of qualified investors take part. “I am especially happy with the participation of Leonardo Del Vecchio, founder and Executive Chairman of Luxottica, and Executive Chairman of EssilorLuxottica, a leading Italian entrepreneur of international standing who shares the long-term vision of Progetto Italia to make the Italian infrastructure sector more competitive abroad.

“This is not a normal financial operation,” adds Salini. “It is the beginning of an extraordinary project that has brought large public and private institutions to work together. And it has gained the full support of even the most important private investors from Italy and abroad. This project will help revive the infrastructure sector, create jobs and growth, especially among young people. It is a project of which I am very proud because it is the realisation of a dream of rebirth for the country.

“Progetto Italia represents the future of growth for the infrastructure sector, the biggest systemic operation in the history of the Italian sector. It is aimed at bringing to life a group that is strong in the domestic market and able to compete abroad with international rivals. It is an opportunity that the sector must seize because, by protecting and creating jobs in Italy and abroad, we can bring back pride and faith in an industry ready to compete more forcefully in the global markets. We will also give a boost to the sector’s entire supply chain. The Group lends particular attention to young people and their training. Today, 45% of employees at Salini Impregilo are under 35 years of age. With Progetto Italia, we want them to grow professionally, along with other new talent that we want to attract to join our 35,000 people throughout the world,” he concludes.