Nice Footwear, a Padua-based company operating in the footwear sector, owned byprivate equity firm Palladio Holding,continues its development plan in the high-end Made in Italy production sector with the acquisition of two important companies in the Riviera del Brenta district:the Corrado Maretto and Dyva footwear manufacturers.
Founded in the 1970s in Vigonza (Padua) and Fiesso D'Artico (Venice) respectively, the two companies specialize in the production ofluxury women's footwearand collaborate with the most prestigious international brands in the sector.
Renowned for their historic know-how, both companies have cultivated and innovated the manufacturing tradition of master shoemakers over the years. In 2023, the acquired companies recorded atotal turnover of over €50 million, bringing the Nice Footwear group'sturnover to around €100 millionand its workforce to around 300 people.
“The goal is to create an industrial manufacturing hub.”
"The creation of a Made in Italy luxury industrial manufacturing hub stems from the desire to promote our territory and the Italian know-how that has always distinguished the Riviera del Brenta district around the world," saysBruno Conterno, founder and CEO of Nice Footwear. "The challenge today is not only to preserve, but also to invest in order to better meet customer needs. In this sense, we will be at their side in improving processes and services, focusing in particular on supply chain integration and sustainability."
Nice Footwear's strategy is aimed at ensuring continuity in both the companies' core business and current management. The aim is to create a virtuous circle to enrich skills and strengthen synergies throughout the supply chain, thereby increasing efficiency and services. This approach is also shared by the figures at the helm of Corrado Maretto and Dyya, who will continue to play an operational role in line with management.
Project launched in 2021 with Favaro Manifattura Calzaturiera
The Nice Footwear project, which aims tocreate a manufacturing platform serving luxury fashion houses, was launched in 2021 with the acquisition of Favaro Manifattura Calzaturiera, followed in 2022 by Emmegi, a leader in the production of high-end accessories and bags.
The entry of Palladio Holding through Holding Stilosa last year, following its delisting from the Italian Stock Exchange, has enabled the Group to obtain new financial resources and expertise to support its expansion.
Nicola IorioandNadia Buttignol, Managing Partner and Partner ofPalladio Holding, respectively, commented: "The acquisitions finalized today represent an important step in the industrial project launched alongside Nice Footwear, which aims to create an innovative, leading aggregation platform in contract manufacturing for the luxury sector."
Nice Footwear and Palladio Holding, the advisors
Nice Footwear was assisted throughout all stages of the transaction by a multidisciplinary team fromAdvant Nctmfor corporate M&A and banking aspects, whileThera Capitalcarried out financial and tax due diligence.
The sellers were assisted in legal matters byAmtf Avvocati, alongside Corrado Maretto, and by thelaw firmArtusi Sacerdoty, alongside Dyva S.r.l..
Banca Popolare di Sondriopartially financed the transaction, assisted by Legance Avvocati Associati in relation to legal aspects.
The notarial aspects of the transaction were handled byRestuccia & Stucchi Notai Associati,with notary Dario Restuccia.
Thera Capitalsupported Corrado Maretto's shareholders by acting as exclusive financial advisor with a team composed of partners Maurizio Castelli and Michele Piazza, supervisor Marco Minozzi, and consultant Filippo Rinuncini.
Nice Footwear and Palladio Holding – Pfh, a brief history
Nice Footwear, based in Padua, has been involved in the creation, development, production, and distribution of footwear since 2016. With passion, creativity, and determination, the company's "Shoe Trends Architects" help shape fashion and its trends, with an innovative and cutting-edge approach that is reflected in the uniqueness of its products. Since 2021, with the acquisition of Favaro Manifattura Calzaturiera and Emmegi, leaders in the production of high-end footwear and accessories, it has been pursuing its development plan as a Veneto-based aggregator of manufacturing companies.
Palladio is an independent holding company with permanent capital that has been investing in development projects for over 40 years. It aims to be a medium- to long-term strategic partner for entrepreneurs and companies and an accelerator of growth, performance, and innovation thanks to a pragmatic and industrial approach and extensive flexibility in terms of investment timescales and structures.
Palladio boasts a stable shareholder base that combines financial and industrial expertise and can count on a consolidated network of industry experts and investors at national and international level. Its net invested capital exceeds €500 million, with a diversified portfolio of Italian industrial excellence, currently consisting of 12 shareholdings.
