Official: American firm Presidio Investors complete Verona takeover | OneFootball

Texas-based private equity firm Presidio Investors have officially acquired a 100% stake in Hellas Verona.

Serie A club Hellas Verona have become the latest Italian side controlled by American owners.

The Gialloblu confirmed in an official statement that Austin-based Presidio Investors had reached an agreement to get a 100% stake from previous president Maurizio Setti.

Italo Zanzi has been named as the new Verona President.

Over half of Serie A clubs this season are owned by American funds or businessmen. Among them are Milan, Inter, Fiorentina and Roma.

“Presidio Investors, an Austin, Texas-based private equity firm, and Maurizio Setti are pleased to announce that Presidio has acquired 100% ownership of Hellas Verona Football Club,” Verona said.

“Presidio is committed to building upon the foundation created by Mr. Setti during his leadership of the Club over the past thirteen seasons.

“The Club will be led by an accomplished Board of Directors, including Executive Chairman Italo Zanzi, former CEO of AS Roma, Managing Director of FOX Sports Asia and Vice President of Major League Baseball.

“Maurizio Setti will remain involved with the Club in a new role as Senior Advisor of Football Operations, supporting the activities of the football staff and the Sporting Director, Sean Sogliano. Simona Gioè will remain in a senior leadership role within the Club and will be joined by seasoned global sports executives Gennaro Leo and Sean Foley.

VERONA, ITALY – DECEMBER 20: President of Verona Maurizio Setti during the Serie A match between Verona and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on December 20, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Italo Zanzi, Executive Chairman of the Board of Hellas Verona, said: “It is a profound honour to join Hellas Verona, a club that embodies the passion and heritage of the City of Verona. We are dedicated to honouring the Club’s rich traditions while working to strengthen its operations in all areas. We are fully aware of the responsibilities that come with acquiring the Club. We look forward to supporting and working alongside Hellas Verona’s staff, players, fans and the City of Verona to execute a growth plan to increase the Club’s competitive standing and realize its full potential”.

Maurizio Setti, Senior Advisor of Football Operations of Hellas Verona and former club president, said: “Looking back on these 13 years as President of Hellas Verona, there are so many memories that fill me with pride and emotion. From the first promotion to Serie A in my debut season to last season’s survival, there have been countless moments of joy tied to these colors. We achieved results, both on and off the pitch, that initially seemed unimaginable. Together, we shared so many wonderful moments, as well as some more challenging ones. However, through the hard work and passion of the many people who accompanied me on this journey, we managed to achieve milestones that will forever remain part of this Club’s history. Now, a new chapter begins for the Club and for the City of Verona. I am confident that Presidio Investors will represent a great opportunity for Hellas Verona and that they will work tirelessly, giving 100%, to ensure the best possible future for this Club. I would also like to express my satisfaction in continuing my relationship with Hellas Verona through the new role. Through my experience, together with Presidio, I hope to continue achieving important results for the City and its fans”.