ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Enhancing access to credit and supporting both the growth and competitiveness of smaller Italian companies in Italy and abroad, with particular attention to the territories of the Mezzogiorno. This is the objective of the two senior bonds preferred unsecured for a total of 1,8 billion euros that Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) has entirely signed in favor of UniCredit.
In detail, the resources – divided into two tranche from 800 million and 1 billion – will be used by the bank through new loans, of unit amount up to a maximum of 20 million and of duration not less than 24 months, to support the development and investments of SMEs and Italian Mid-Cap. Particular attention is paid to small and medium-sized enterprises and the territories of the Mezzogiorno. UniCredit has in fact committed itself to: at least 51% of the resources in favor of SMEs operating throughout the national territory; at least 51% to companies with registered office and/or operational office in one of the eight Regions of the Mezzogiorno (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily).
Moreover, a share of at least 10% of the second bond issue will be destined to finance “Green Buildings”, i.e. projects that contribute to the reduction of energy consumption and/or the increase of energy efficiency of public, commercial, residential and recreational structures, based on predetermined criteria. The initiative is part of the broadest collaboration between CDP and UniCredit, which, thanks to the instrument of bond funding, has already allowed more than 3,400 Italian companies to obtain new credit for a total value greater than 1,5 billion euros, from 2022.
The operation is consistent with the commitment of CDP and UniCredit to help support the real economy, promoting access to new finance for businesses – especially those of smaller size – and the growth of the Regions of the Middle Ages.
Andrea Nuzzi, CDP Business Director, said: “With this operation Cassa Depositi e Prestiti confirms its commitment alongside Italian companies with the aim of facilitating access to credit, promoting investment and growth plans for external lines and supporting internationalization programs. A portion of the funding also aims to promote the development of Green Buildings projects and energy efficiency-oriented models and the sustainable transition of buildings, promoting investments that can generate lasting environmental benefits for the country. The fruitful and consolidated collaboration with UniCredit allows to strengthen the offer of financial instruments for the productive fabric, with particular attention to the territories of the Mezzogiorno and the needs of SMEs”.
Remo Taricani, Deputy Head of Italy of UniCredit, said: “SMEs and Mid-Caps are a fundamental element of the Italian production system and play a central role in our UniCredit Unlimited plan. This operation confirms the solidity of collaboration with CDP and further strengthens our ability to support businesses in their development paths. Our goal is to continue to be a reference partner for the real economy, providing concrete tools and effective solutions to support the growth of the country’s entrepreneurial fabric.”.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
