Lediberg Spa, a leading group in the paper and graphics industry, has been the subject of an investment transaction by a pool of Italian and foreign investors interested in the relaunch and development of the business.

The transaction also involved the reduction of the group´s financial debt through a capital increase of 60 million and the signing of a restructuring agreement with creditor banks. The new investors (Iris Fund and a pool of Italian entrepreneurs), assisted by K Finance and R&G Consultant, brought in 20 million euros of new equity, while the medium- to long-term lending banks (led by Intesa and Unicredit with Mps, Bnl, Natixis and Ikb) signed a restructuring agreement that allowed Lediberg Group´s financial debt to be reduced from the current 140 million to about 83 million, rescheduled over eight years with a three-year capital moratorium.

The legal advisors involved in the transaction were: lawyer Alberto Calvi di Coenzo of Avvocati d´Impresa for the Italian investors, Alem & Associates for the foreign investors, and Studio Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Capelli & Partners for Lediberg. Legal Advisor to the banks was Linklaters, Financial Advisor to the company and previous shareholders was Lazard.

Lediberg, founded in 1965, currently operates in three business areas: production of dated and undated diaries (about 74% of consolidated revenues), fine commercial and advertising printing, and leather accessories. Manufacturing is located in seven plants, 4 in Italy, 1 in Germany, 1 in Brazil, and 1 in Romania. The new group, thanks to restructuring, synergies with new foreign investors and the financial and managerial contribution of Italian investors, some of whom are connected to the industry itself or have entrepreneurial experience of primary standing, counts on extending its international role as a market leader. The new ownership's goal is to grow sales from the current 156 million to 209 million by the end of 2018.