Equitix in Italy: a decade of partnership, progress and purpose

Written by: Michela Ghirardini and Giuseppe Scianti

As Equitix marks ten years of investment in Italy, we reflect on a journey shaped by trusted partnerships, local presence, and sustainable value creation.

Since entering the market in 2014, Equitix has established itself as a key investor and operator across sectors of national importance including healthcare, social infrastructure, and renewables. Italy is now our second-largest market in continental Europe by both capital deployed and team size and is an integral part of our wider European strategy.

Why Italy?

Our decision to enter the Italian market was guided by a combination of strategic factors: a supportive regulatory framework, growing demand for private capital in essential sectors, and a robust pipeline of infrastructure opportunities. Drawing on our experience in the UK’s public-private partnership (PPP) space, Italy represented  (and continues to represent) a fertile ground for our long-term investment model, which is rooted in partnership, local presence, and sustainable value creation.

A hands-on, local approach

Over the past decade, Equitix has built a regionally balanced and sector-diverse portfolio in Italy, to ensure broad socio-economic impact and unlock infrastructure opportunities at a national level. From hospitals and student housing to solar parks and biomethane plants, our assets serve communities across the country. We operate with a proximity-based approach. Our teams are present not just in Milan but throughout Italy, allowing us to work closely with local stakeholders and respond to opportunities and challenges with agility.

“This model of embedded stewardship has helped us forge trusted relationships, navigate complexity, and deliver resilient performance, even in times of crisis.”

From hospitals to renewables: an evolving portfolio

Our early investments focused on healthcare, where we have become a sector leader, managing ten hospitals under PPP agreements and delivering over 4,000 beds.

“As Italy accelerates its energy transition, our portfolio has expanded to include renewables which is now a core pillar of our strategy.”

From solar and wind to hydro and battery storage, our investments support Italy’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, which targets over 60% renewable electricity by 2030.

Equitix is proud to be investing a minority stake in Dolomiti Energia Holding, which is critical to Italy’s energy security. Dolomiti Energia is one of Italy’s leading energy transition assets, generating an average of 4 TWh of electricity annually with 98% coming from sustainable sources. Its extensive portfolio of hydroelectric power plants ranks among the largest in Europe, producing enough energy to power approximately one million homes each year.

Resilience through crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Equitix demonstrated strong organisational capability and responsiveness. Our local teams helped convert several hospitals into treatment centres in record time, ensuring continuity of essential services. This period was also a testament to the economic resilience of our Italian portfolio, which maintained stable performance throughout the crisis. It was also a clear example of how we deliver tangible value to communities, not only through capital, but presence, competence, and solidarity.

Public-Private Partnerships: a proven model

At the core of our work in Italy is the PPP model, which continues to prove its value as a delivery mechanism for infrastructure. Many of our greenfield and brownfield projects have been developed in collaboration with local authorities, demonstrating how effective partnerships can yield both economic and social returns.

That said, challenges remain.

“While Italy has made significant strides in terms of regulation, permitting, and policy direction. We would like to see more policy stability, streamlining of bureaucratic processes and more attractive tax provisions for institutional investors. These changes will be essential in unlocking the next wave of infrastructure projects.”

– Giuseppe Scianti, Director at Equitix in Italy

We remain committed to working with public sector partners to co-design infrastructure that is both resilient and future-proof.

Looking ahead

With over €500 million invested to date and a strong pipeline ahead, Italy remains one of the most compelling markets for infrastructure investment in Europe. The success of our presence here continues to influence our approach across the continent.

“The strength and success of our Italian platform has reinforced our broader European strategy, demonstrating that a locally rooted model, coupled with global standards, can deliver replicable, long-term results. In fact, many of the best practices developed in Italy, particularly in operational management and public-private partnerships, are now serving as benchmarks across our European footprint.”

– Michela Ghirardini, Director at Equitix in Italy.

Being a successful asset manager in Italy means more than operational excellence, it requires cultural understanding, long-term credibility, and a commitment to being present, even when challenges arise. As Italy enters a new phase of infrastructure transformation that is driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and regional development, Equitix remains a committed partner in delivering sustainable, high-impact infrastructure for the future.

Creating a lasting legacy for generations

Want to find out more? Contact us: IR@equitix.com