Rossopomodoro acquired by Opcapita

UK private equity firm OpCapita completed the majority buyout of Sebeto Group S.p.A., marking the sponsor’s inaugural platform investment in Italy. The transaction marks the full exit of Change Capital Partners, which had held a 70% majority stake since 2011 following a competitive auction process initiated in late 2017. Founders Franco Manna and Pippo Montella executed a significant equity rollover, retaining a combined 20% minority stake in the new holding structure alongside OpCapita. For the 2017 fiscal year, the casual dining platform reported consolidated revenue of €50–100M and an adjusted EBITDA of €5–25M. In conjunction with the transaction, OpCapita instituted a new governance structure and executive leadership team to accelerate international expansion and operational standardisation across core restaurant concepts, including Rossopomodoro. Former Benetton CEO Marco Airoldi was named Executive Vice President, and Roberto Colombo (formerly of Autogrill) was appointed Chief Executive Officer. OpCapita Operating Partner Stephen Alexander and Managing Director Joshua Spoerri joined the board of directors. Founder Franco Manna transitioned to Chairman, with Pippo Montella overseeing strategic procurement and supplier relations. On the sell-side, Change Capital Partners was advised by Rothschild & Co, with a deal team comprising Irving Bellotti, Edward Duckett, Stefano Siccità, and Giovanni Chiarugi. Legal counsel to Change Capital was provided by Legance, while management was represented by Studio Ambrosino-Pecora. On the buy-side, OpCapita was advised by financial adviser Lazard, with Chiomenti acting as legal and tax counsel.