Simest is a financial institution for the development and promotion of Italian enterprises abroad. Simest was set up as a limited company in 1990. Simest can acquire up to 49% of the equity capital of foreign firms in countries outside the European Union, whether wholly-owned by Italian companies or set up as joint ventures with local partners.
Simest provides start-up and growth capital financing as well as participating in buyouts. Geographically it invests in non-EU countries, focusing on BRIC, Americas and Middle-East. Simest also provides Italian companies seeking to internationalize their businesses with technical assistance and advisory services.
Simest is a member of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) and the Italian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (AIFI).
What They Do:
SIMEST, working alongside Italian companies, can acquire up to 49% of the equity capital of foreign firms, both directly and through a Venture Capital Fund, to support foreign investment in countries outside the European Union. Its participation also gives the Italian company making the investment access to interest rate support for loans granted to finance its equity interest in the non-EU company.
SIMEST can acquire stakes of up to 49% in Italian companies and/or their EU subsidiaries that develop investments in production and in innovation and research at market terms without support. As a member of EDFI (European Development Finance Institutions), SIMEST can help Italian firms by activating a worldwide network of contacts and sources of information.
International Activities
