VERONA, Italy (AP) — Texas-based private equity firm Presidio Investors has acquired full ownership of Serie A club Hellas Verona, making it the eighth team in the league to come under American ownership. The acquisition marks the end of Maurizio Setti’s 13-year tenure as the head of the club.
Presidio Investors, headquartered in Austin, now holds 100% ownership of Verona following months of diligent efforts to finalize the deal. Christian Puscasiu, managing partner at Presidio Investors, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture in Verona, a city with a rich history intertwined with its football club. Puscasiu stated, “We’ve worked hard these past months to achieve this milestone, and are excited to take our first steps in this historic city, leading a club that is an integral part of Verona and its people.”
Acknowledging Setti’s contributions to the club, Puscasiu expressed gratitude, saying, “We would like to thank Maurizio Setti for his valuable stewardship of the club and for facilitating this transition. We are confident that his continued efforts … will be an important part of the club’s future success.” Setti is set to remain at Verona in the role of “senior adviser of football operation.”
In addition to Setti, Verona has appointed Italo Zanzi, former CEO of Roma, as its executive chairman. Zanzi shared his sentiments upon joining the club, saying, “It is a profound honor to join Hellas Verona, a club that embodies the passion and heritage of the city of Verona. We are dedicated to honoring the club’s rich traditions while working to strengthen its operations in all areas.”
Verona currently sits one point clear of the relegation zone as they prepare to face Lazio in a home game on Sunday. The club’s new leadership aims to uphold its traditions while enhancing its operational efficiency across all aspects of the organization.
Hellas Verona now joins a group of Serie A teams under American ownership, including Inter and AC Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Parma, Roma, and Venezia. Notably, Bologna is owned by Canadian Joey Saputo.
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