In the context of the merger process between Unicoop Tirreno and Coop Centro Italia, which led to the creation of Unicoop Etruria, an €87-million financing agreement was finalized and underwritten by a pool of 14 lending institutions.

The transaction forms part of a broader financial manoeuvre, involving more than 20 banking institutions overall, aimed at supporting the cooperative’s new Industrial Plan. The plan includes strengthening the sales network, enhancing the commercial proposition, and implementing a significant investment plan (capex) aimed at improving the group’s profitability and economic sustainability.

The financing benefits from the SACE “Strategic Importance” guarantee, which acknowledges the initiative as playing a significant role in the economic development of the region and in strengthening the cooperative system in Central Italy.

BLF Studio Legale assisted Unicoop Etruria with a team composed by partner Andrea Iovino, senior partner Pier Luigi Morara, senior associate Davide Placido Geraci in the process of restructuring its SACE-backed financial indebtedness towards the lending institutions belonging to the pool.

In particular, the Firm handled the structuring of a preliminary heads of terms, the negotiation of the syndicated loan agreement, and provided assistance during the signing and disbursement phases of the financing.

BLF also structured and prepared two loans granted to Unicoop Etruria and one of its subsidiaries, aimed at refinancing certain additional debt positions owed to “out-of-pool” lending institutions.