21 invest is an important investment company founded by Andrea C. Bonomi in Italy in 1990. It is one of the largest independent investment groups in Europe, managing assets of 11 billion euros. 21 invest specializes in investments in consumer goods, healthcare, industrial manufacturing and technology. It has invested in many well-known luxury brands such as motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, furniture company B&B Italia, and shoe brand Sergio Rossi. The Bonomi family behind 21 invest was one of the top five industrial giants in Italy alongside Fiat, Pirelli, Orlando and Pesenti. Andrea C. Bonomi, the founder of 21 invest, was born in 1965 into the wealthy Bonomi family but lost most of the family’s industries in a hostile takeover in 1985. After working in M&A at various banks, he started 21 invest in 1990 to rebuild the family’s business empire. 21 invest focuses on acquiring companies with globalization potential, especially helping European companies withstand economic fluctuations. Recently, it has entered partnerships to expand into the China market.
Background of the Bonomi family behind 21 invest
The Bonomi family was one of the top five industrial giants in Italy in the 1960-70s, alongside other wealthy families like Agnelli, Benetton and Ferrero. Andrea Bonomi’s grandmother was known as the ‘Lady of the Italian stock exchange’. Andrea C. Bonomi was born in 1965 into the prominent Bonomi business dynasty, but was sent abroad to boarding schools in France and UK for safety due to Italy’s unstable political situation. In 1985, when Bonomi graduated from NYU with a business degree, his family lost most of its business empire in a hostile takeover by one of its own chemical companies. Although Bonomi gained some wealth from the sale, the loss motivated him to rebuild the family’s industries.
Key investments and strategies of 21 invest
After working at various banks, Bonomi founded 21 invest in 1990 to manage the family’s non-core assets. It quickly expanded by acquiring companies across consumer goods, healthcare, manufacturing and tech sectors. Key investments include Italian motorcycle brand Ducati, furniture designer B&B Italia, luxury shoe maker Sergio Rossi and multi-brand furniture group Design Holding. Unlike other private equity firms, 21 invest focuses on acquiring globalized companies and helping them expand during economic fluctuations. It also prioritizes sustainable investments like Ermenegildo Zegna. Recently, 21 invest has entered partnerships with Italian banks and Chinese investment firms to expand into the China market.
21 invest’s philosophy and leadership
Andrea C. Bonomi has led 21 invest to become one of Europe’s largest independent private equity groups. Despite his immense family wealth, he was educated abroad and worked hard to rebuild the family empire after its downfall in the 1980s. Bonomi focuses on acquiring European companies with globalization and sustainability potential. He also believes that keeping debt low and maintaining a local operational presence are key for private equity investments. Bonomi’s leadership and 21 invest’s unique philosophy have attracted investors from the UK and US. The firm disdains the private equity industry and refuses to join the Italian private equity association.
In summary, 21 invest is an important Italian investment group founded by Andrea Bonomi in 1990 after his family lost its business empire. It focuses on acquiring globalized, sustainable companies to withstand economic fluctuations. 21 invest has invested in luxury brands like Ducati, B&B Italia and Sergio Rossi. Its founder comes from one of Italy’s wealthiest families, but was educated abroad and worked hard to rebuild the family’s industries.