Navigation


Alert Web

HeraAssetPublisherFilterComuneSelector

Choose the municipality

Ci dispiace, il servizio non è attivo nel tuo comune.
Esplora i servizi attivi nel tuo comune:
Inserisci un comune con il servizio di "Ambiente" oppure vai all'Homepage

Hera Group approves Business Plan to 2020

[TESTATA] Comunicati Stampa

Hera Custom Facet Publish Date

Category Facet

category
Category Facet

Custom Facet

ddmStructureKey
Custom Facet

nota sotto la ricerca

To search for exact matches, insert the phrase in quotes (eg. "board of directors")

Seleziona il tuo comune

HeraAssetPublisherFilterComuneSelector

Choose the municipality

Ci dispiace, il servizio non è attivo nel tuo comune.
Esplora i servizi attivi nel tuo comune:
Inserisci un comune con il servizio di "Ambiente" oppure vai all'Homepage

Asset Publisher

Press releases
19/06/2024
Hera Spa
Price sensitive

Hera Group ranks first in the 2024 ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly IGI)

<p><em>For the fourth consecutive year, the Group is on the podium of the overall index ranking, which rewards Italian companies that stand out for integrating ESG factors into their governance. This comes as further recognition of the Group’s commitment to creating long-term value for its shareholders and all its stakeholders</em></p>
Online since 19-06-2024 at 11:08
Press releases
11/06/2024
Hera Spa
M&A
Price sensitive

Inrete Distribuzione Energia acquires Soelia’s gas network

<p><em>The Hera Group, through its subsidiary operating in the natural gas distribution sector, strengthens its presence in the area served</em></p>
Online since 11-06-2024 at 11:57
Press releases
15/05/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Price sensitive
Hera Spa

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting

Online since 15-05-2024 at 10:35
Press releases
15/05/2024
Price sensitive
M&A
Hera Spa

Hera Group acquires Soelia’s gas network

Through its subsidiary Inrete Distribuzione Energia, the Group was awarded the tender for the gas distribution plants and network serving the municipality of Argenta in Ferrara area

Online since 15-05-2024 at 10:38
Press releases
14/05/2024
Price sensitive
Financial Results
Hera Spa

Hera Group BoD approves results for 1Q 2024

<p>The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March shows improvement in the main operating and financial indicators. The Group’s financial solidity and commitment to sustainability and the ecological transition were confirmed, along with the creation of value for all stakeholders and significant investments in the areas served to improve our assets resilience and to guarantee service quality and continuity</p>
Online since 14-05-2024 at 12:41
Press releases
30/04/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
Price sensitive

Hera Shareholders Meeting: 2023 financial statements approved and dividend increased to 14 cents

The Group continues along its path of uninterrupted growth, closing 2023 with record performance in the main operating and financial indicators, thus constantly creating value for its stakeholders.

Online since 29-04-2024 at 12:53
Press releases
23/04/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group at the top of ARERA’s water service quality ranking

The multiutility confirms itself among Italy’s most outstanding operators, securing the first and third positions, with reference to all macro-indicators, as proof of the very high standards adopted by the Group in this field. A commitment that the Hera fulfils with significant investments to ensure the highest quality and continuity of service to around 3.6 million citizens and an increasingly efficient and circular use of resources. Important results have been achieved, particularly in Emilia-Romagna.

08/04/2024
Other press releases
Hera Spa

Publication of the Draft Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements as of 31.12.2023, the Sustainability Report - Consolidated Non-Financial Statement, the Corporate Governance Report, and the Report on Remuneration and Compensation Paid

29/03/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Rigid plastics recycling: one of Europe’s most innovative plants to be built in Modena

<p><em>Thanks to investments totalling approximately 50 million euro, the Hera Group will build a state-of-the-art facility within its own plant complex. Starting from plastic waste that has so far been difficult to recycle, it will produce high quality polymers with characteristics similar to those shown by virgin materials, thus making sectors such as consumer electronics and the automotive industry increasingly sustainable</em></p>
Press releases
27/03/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting to be held on 30 April 2024

Press releases
26/03/2024
Other press releases
Hera Spa
Price sensitive
Financial Results

Hera Group approves results as at 31/12/2023

<p><em>The year closed with main financial indicators rising and the targets included in the strategic Plan to 2026 exceeded three years ahead of schedule. The Group’s financial solidity and flexibility allowed it to continue along its path of industrial growth, increasing its investments and successfully grasping market opportunities, both internal and external, while continuing to generate value benefitting all stakeholders. The proposed dividend was raised, reaching 14 eurocents per share</em></p>
Online since 26-03-2024 at 12:47
Press releases
11/03/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Green energy and a new urban forest: the Hera Group’s Energy Park arrives in Bologna

<p><em>Sustainability, decarbonisation, liveability and biodiversity protection are the keywords of this project, which will be developed in the northern part of the city and will contain a new urban park with facilities, complemented by areas dedicated to protecting animal and plant species, and an agrivoltaic field that will allow an annual saving of 6,000 tons of CO2.</em></p>
Press releases
04/03/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
Other press releases

The passing of Hera S.p.A.'s Vice Chairman, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi

We hereby inform you that on March 3, 2024, the Vice Chaiman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi, passed away.

Press releases
13/02/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group among Europe’s leaders in sustainability and the fight against climate change

<p><em>The Group achieved the leadership band in the CDP questionnaire and was included among “TOP 1%” Multi and Water Utilities of the S&amp;P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024. These recognitions prove Hera’s commitment to sustainable development and creating shared value for local areas.</em></p>
Press releases
06/02/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group: over 1 million new electricity customers as of 1 July

<p><em>With the 7 lots awarded in the tender for the Gradual Protection Service for non-vulnerable household customers, the Hera Group consolidates its position as the sector’s third largest operator in Italy.</em></p>
Press releases
25/01/2024
M&A
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group expands in the industrial waste sector with TRS Ecology

<p><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:106%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"></span></span></span></i>With the acquisition of 70% of the Piacenza-based company, the Group reinforces its leadership in the waste management sector. This transaction, at full capacity, is expected to contribute to growth in the Hera Group’s Ebitda with approximately 6 million euro.<i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:106%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"> </span></span></span></i></p>
Press releases
24/01/2024
Price sensitive
Financial Results
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group presents Business Plan to 2027

<p><em>Development, resilience and creating shared value for stakeholders are at the heart of the Group’s new strategic document, which foresees investments totalling 4.4 billion to speed up the ecological transition and enhance asset resilience to climate change. The preliminary results for 2023 outperform the previous Plan’s goals that have been achieved three years ahead of schedule, thanks to the numerous development actions implemented and the Group’s ability to grasp market opportunities.</em></p>
Online since 24-01-2024 at 12:02
Press releases
22/01/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
Other press releases
Price sensitive

Calendar of corporate events

Online since 22-01-2024 at 13:24
18/01/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Top Employer for the 15th Consecutive Year

<p><em>The company reaffirms, once again in 2024, its position among the best performers in human resources management, thanks to substantial investments in welfare, training, and skill development.</em></p>
Press releases
02/01/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group has obtained the “Gender equality certification”

<p><em>A further confirmation of the importance of Hera’s achievements in terms of gender equality and inclusion</em></p>

Asset Publisher

11/01/2017
Hera Group approves Business Plan to 2020

Solidly based on data from the 2016 forecast, the new Plan confirms the Group's track record of growth and responds to the most recent changes in the utility sector. Efficiency and innovative solutions fuelling organic growth to be pursued alongside opportunities for development through M&As.

Operating and financial highlights

  • 2020 EBITDA: € 1,080 million
  • Capital expenditures and financial investments: almost € 2.5 billion
  • Net financial position/EBITDA ratio to improve, reaching 2.8 by 2020
  • Net profits per share to grow by roughly 5% annually over the duration of the Plan
  • Dividends expected to increase, as of 2017, reaching 10 cents per share in 2020 (+11%)

Operating highlights

  • 5 strategic priorities: growth, efficiency, excellence, innovation and agility
  • Group development based on a balanced mix of organic growth and M&As
  • Current grants confirmed in tenders for gas distribution and urban hygiene
  • Objective for 2020 energy customers set at 2.4 million
  • Growth in line with sector trends: Circular Economy and Shared Value, Customer Experience, Industry 4.0

Forecast indicating over € 905 million in EBITDA at year-end 2016, and a plan designed for growth

This morning the Hera Group's Board of Directors, who met to approve the Business plan to 2020, also examined the 2016 forecast, which consolidate a year-end EBITDA of over € 905 million (compared to the € 884 million recorded at 31 December 2015), higher than analysts' consensus and entirely compensating for the negative effects ensuing from the reduction in regulated returns (WACC) and the expiry of incentives on renewables.

On the solid basis of these excellent results, the Plan approved today, in line with the previous strategic document, confirms the path of growth pursued by the Group in recent years. Hinged on organic growth and M&A, it is aimed at consolidating the competitive advantages accumulated over the years and seizing the new potential market opportunities.

Operational objectives increase, financial asset indicators improve

From an operational-financial standpoint, the Plan foresees a 2020 EBITDA amounting to € 1,080 million, with a net increase of roughly € 200 million compared to the € 884 million recorded at the end of 2015. A well-distributed, balanced growth of the activity portfolio is also expected, maintaining a low risk profile. As always, the Plan's financial sustainability will be guaranteed: in spite of an over one billion euro increase in invested capital (caused among other things by almost 2.5 billion in Capex over 2016-2020), the net financial position to EBITDA ratio at 2020 will see further improvement, dropping to 2.8, compared to the 3 seen in 2015. In addition to enhanced financial management, with an average cost of debt expected to decrease from 3.7% to 3.5% and an average length of eight years, benefits are expected to be derived from fiscal management and the recent stability law, with its decreased corporate income tax. Another of the Plan's objectives is to maintain the credit ratings assigned to Hera by Standard&Poor's and Moody's, which at present are already among the best in the sector and throughout Italy.

The initiatives foreseen by the Group are founded on its consolidated cornerstones of efficiency, excellence, growth and innovation, but will also turn to the new strategic tool of agility, now held to be indispensable in order to react incisively within the increasingly dynamic and challenging context faced by utility companies.

The Plan to 2020 has furthermore been elaborated so as to respond in the best possible way to industrial trends emerging from rationales such as Circular Economy and Shared Value, with respect to which the Hera Group has offered a tangible contribution to reaching 10 of the 17 objectives of the UN Agenda. Other key elements include the new needs of clientele, to be met with new solutions, and the most recent changes involving Industry 4.0 and processes of digitalisation, data gathering and analysis and diffusion in our cities of "intelligent" infrastructures. In a sector undergoing profound transformations, it will become indispensable for the Group to count on its own solidity and efficiency in order to remain astride these trends and continue to reinforce its own leadership.

An increasingly dynamic context

The context in which utility companies find themselves operating involves markets that evolve rapidly, or are in any case marked by significant novelties on more than one front. As regards regulations, the current framework offers greater opportunities in terms of development and stability compared to the past, but also requires operators in the sector to sustain higher investments (e.g. electronic gas and electricity meters, gas tenders, service quality), in order to anticipate and remain in line with the aforementioned trends regarding changes in the sector. The macroeconomic context, while not yet reaching its expected performance in terms of growth, now shows encouraging signs, above all in the main geographic areas served by the Group: Emilia Romagna and Veneto stood out in 2016 for their growth in GDP, above the national average.

Competitive pressure among utility companies will become stronger, not only in "free market" activities but also in most of the other activities in the Group's portfolio, given the many public tenders that will be announced over the duration of the Plan to assign services in Gas Distribution, Urban Hygiene, Public Lighting and the safeguarded/administrated clientele in the sector of energy sales. The increase in competition, along with the impetus created by the reform of Public Administration andLocal Public Services, lastly, will be able to create the conditions for a progressive consolidation of the sector, overcoming the system's shortcomings as regards overall efficiency and industrialisation.

Roughly € 200 million of growth in EBITDA, thanks to efficiency and external growth, with dividends progressively increasing

The Group's business model has been confirmed, with the objective of a 2020 EBITDA equal to € 1,080 million, i.e. € 50 million higher than the 2019 target included in the previous Plan, with significant growth coming in 2017-2018. The increase in EBITDA over the duration of the Plan amounts to almost € 200 million compared to 2015, obtained thanks to a balanced contribution coming from internal and external growth.

The strong attention given to creating efficiencies and synergies will be the preponderant factor fuelling the Group's organic growth between 2015 and 2020. Over 20 million synergies are expected to come from the most recent changes in the Group's scope of operation, with efficiency-boosting interventions reaching over 80 million, distributed among all the sectors in which the Group operates in addition to its "corporate" activities. Efficiency will also be pursued by introducing innovative technologies: from using data gathered on the field to optimise activities such as collection and sweeping, to searching for leakage in water networks with advanced satellite monitoring systems. Further stimulus towards growth will come in 2017-2018 from safeguarded electricity and default gas services and, following this, from gas tenders, with an expected EBITDA of € 27 million, were the Group to be confirmed as manager for its reference territories.

Thanks to these results, Hera will be able to absorb and more than compensate for the negative effects (reaching over € 50 million) tied to the recent reduction in incentives for renewable energy production and the rate of return on invested capital in regulated businesses (WACC). Net of these non-recurring effects, an even more significant organic growth would have been witnessed.

As regards development through acquisitions, the average annual contribution coming from M&As called for in the Plan is in line with the past. Regarding mergers with multi-utility businesses, faced with a potential customer pool largely defined by a rationale based on geographical proximity, the Hera Group will be able to count on its role as a centre of aggregation within the region in question, a role it has reinforced with the many M&A operations carried out in its first fifteen years of activity. In liberalised sectors as well, as of early 2017 the Group intends to continue seizing acquisition opportunities involving mono-business companies, as it already had in 2016 in the waste and energy sectors.

Lastly, the Group's high degree of attention towards creating value for shareholders has also been confirmed, with a gradual improvement over the duration of the Plan in financial return on invested capital (ROI) and on equity (ROE), profits per share expected to grow by an annual average of roughly 5%, and transparent dividend policies increasing with respect to the Group's historical trend. As of 2017, in fact, dividends per share are expected to rise to 9.5 cents and, as of 2019, to 10 cents (+11%).

Investments totalling almost 2.5 billion in five years

The Plan is sustained by highly significant investments, coming to roughly € 2.5 billion (€ 250 million more than in the previous strategic document), which will help fuel growth over the five-year period, but also initiate the transformation of the Group's activities towards new industrial paradigms such as Circular Economy and Industry 4.0. Networks will receive approximately 70% of 2016-2020 investments, including roughly € 350 million dedicated to gas tenders and other important infrastructure modernisation interventions such as replacing meters with electronic devices or completing the Rimini seawater protection plan and the Servola purifier.

The investment program will continue to be sustainable from a financial point of view, thanks to a positive and growing cash flow, sufficient to cover both the investments themselves and dividend payments, in addition to allowing financial solidity to improve and remain sufficiently flexible to sustain other mono-business acquisitions not included within the Business plan.

Networks: smart infrastructures underlying the Industry 4.0 model

The greatest growth in terms of industry is expected from networks: EBITDA resulting from gas and electricity distribution, water cycle and district heating services will go from € 428 million in 2015 to € 533 million in 2020, when it will represent almost half of the Group's overall earnings.

Growth in the entire area will be based on achieving operational efficiencies and synergies and on the recognition reserved to operators able to provide excellent services in the water cycle, but also on optimising existing assets in district heating. By gradually digitalising network infrastructures and applying state-of-the-art technologies (smart metering, IoT, network modelling, use of drones, etc.), the Group will reach new levels of excellence, which will lead to reducing operating costs, optimising resources and improving service quality.

The date at which gas tenders will be assigned is also approaching, and the Group aims at confirming its presence in the areas already served, for an overall increase of its gas network corresponding to roughly 290,000 delivery points, matched by a higher value of the distribution networks managed (RAB).

Over the duration of the Plan, almost € 1.7 billion in investments will be allocated to networks.

Waste: development increasingly based on recovery

By 2020 the waste cycle will account for 27% of the earnings generated by the Group, with EBITDA expected to grow from € 230 million in 2015 to € 289 million in 2020.

The Group's attention towards issues involved in Circular Economy has been confirmed: even though, with 9% of urban waste destined to landfills in 2015, Hera had already reached the objective set by the European Union for 2030, the Group expects to drop as low as 6% by 2020. Similarly, the Plan foresees that 75% of packaging will be recycled by 2020, anticipating the deadlines set by the EU by ten years.

One important challenge in the area of collection services lies in public tenders for assigning urban hygiene services in Emilia Romagna. The Group aims at confirming its presence in the areas already served, thanks among other things to the important innovative projects already introduced to increase service efficiency and thus allow the costs incurred by customers to be contained, with an increased target for sorted waste, set for 2020 at an average of roughly 66% across the areas served by the Group. Existing plants for waste disposal, treatment and recovery will be developed so as to respond to the increase in sorted waste and further development of recycling. Thanks to its overall plant structure, indeed, the Group has stood out for years as the reference figure for this market, able to offer all-inclusive services even to its most demanding customers. Commercial activity development through to 2020 will furthermore be able to count on the relations already established with recently acquired companies, with synergies coming from a few customer segments not previously served by the Group. In the same direction, new initiatives in waste treatment and recovery have been included, such as the S. Agata Bolognese plant, one of the first in Italy to produce biomethane.

Investments dedicated to waste services will amount to € 546 million.

Energy: the currently solid customer base to be reinforced by attention towards Customer Experience

The energy area will increase its earnings from € 205 million in 2015 to € 226 million in 2020, as a result of commercial strategies, an energy context expected to recover slightly in upcoming years and the growing interest shown by household, industrial and public customers towards the energy services and energy efficiency offers that the Group is now able to propose. Hera's care towards energy savings has moreover driven the Group itself to set a series of objectives, including reduced consumption within corporate structures aimed at reducing its own consumption by 5% within 2020.

Already today, Hera can rely on the almost 2.2 million energy customers it has built up over time. The initiatives set into place in upcoming years will increase this number to roughly 2.4 million, with a growth target in line with the rate of expansion seen in the past (about 50,000 customers per year), and will furthermore be accompanied by contracts involving opportunities for acquisitions. In the two-year period 2017-2018, these results will also be sustained by the tenders recently awarded to the Group for safeguarded customers in electricity and default gas, two areas in which Hera was recognised as the leader, producing an important operative contribution also regarding cash flow. Hera's clientele has demonstrated its satisfaction over the years, with significantly lower abandonment rates compared to national competitors. And yet, customer requests are rapidly changing thanks to digitisation and currently ongoing technological revolutions, something the Group has fully born in mind while developing its own Plan. Customers will be ever more attentive to the possibility of obtaining information from a wide range of supports (smartphone, PC, etc.) or receiving services and offers increasingly designed to meet their own specific needs: Hera will be able to fully meet these requests thanks to its growing attention towards each customer's experience and the introduction of innovative technologies supporting the changes introduced in its own CRM system.

Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Hera Chairman

"Our recently approved Plan confirms a steady path of growth, sustained by traditional tools geared towards enhanced efficiency and growth by acquisitions, all reinforced by the use of new technologies. Improvements in our financial solidity will allow us on the one hand to confirm and further improve the dividend policy pursued in recent years, and on the other to consider the deep transformations currently seen in the sector as a further opportunity for development, potentially involving M&As, as has been the case in the past."

Stefano Venier, Hera CEO

"Innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency are only a few of the issues addressed by our Business Plan, which is intent on making the most of new trends such as Industry 4.0, Circular Economy and Customer Experience. Our leadership in the main reference markets has been confirmed, sustained by the competitive advantages that we have built up over the years, making us fully prepared to take on ever-changing challenges. This Plan as well has been elaborated in full respect of the financial balance that has defined us until present, with the aim of reinforcing on the one hand our credit standing while maintaining a low risk profile, and on the other continuing to create value for all our stakeholders, guaranteeing the financial flexibility best suited for further developments."

Online from 11 January 2017 at 14:07:49

Search Results

Press releases
17/01/2023
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera a Top Employer for the 14th consecutive year

2023-01-17 Early 2023 sees Hera confirmed among the best companies in human resource management, thanks in particular to substantial investments in welfare, training and skills development. “It is in challenging times that excellence comes to the fore”, comments David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, while granting the Top Employers 2023 certification, one of the main international awards for companies that meet high standards in human resource management. This reflection sums up the complex events seen over the last two years, which have caused considerable instability for many companies. This is not the case for the Hera Group, which has been certified as a Top Employer for the 14th consecutive time, standing out for its job policies and ranking among the top 3 in Italy out of 1,600 companies analysed. The well-being of people, training, professional growth and transformation of skills are the main strengths that have allowed Hera to receive this prestigious award. It was conferred by the Institute based in Holland, a global body certifying corporate excellence in the HR field, after a close analysis that becomes increasingly selective every year and concerns specific parameters such as adequate salaries, working conditions, career opportunities, corporate culture, training and people development. With its pioneering vision, concrete decisions and increasing investments in human resources and training, Hera continues to take on the challenges of change, aiming at developing new skills and competencies. In this sense, a central role is played by HerAcademy, the corporate University founded precisely with the desire to generate new knowledge in response to the trends seen in the context, including an ongoing debate on current issues and collaborations with major national and international institutions. All training activities for Hera’s over 9,000 employees fall within this scope, so that continuous learning and people development are at the heart of the strategy, in line with the growing demand for profiles capable of overcoming the challenges of the transitions currently underway (digital, energy and environmental). In 2022 alone, 97% of the corporate population, including the most operational ones, attended training courses, totalling approximately 270 thousand hours, or roughly 30 hours of training per capita, well above the sector average. In line with this same vision, and above all as a response to the challenge of the energy transition, the Hera Group has also launched a major talent acquisition campaign throughout Italy in recent months. The goal is to select and train, in collaboration with ManpowerGroup, 300 new resources with technical and operational profiles and include them, within 2023, in the Group’s various companies and in supplier companies. Training and valorising people is all the more effective when it is accompanied by the well-being and professional satisfaction of workers. The Hera Group is well aware of this and, even when faced by the complex events we are currently experiencing, it continues to insist on safety, productivity and quality of work, as is demonstrated by the recent renewal of the supplementary corporate contract for 2022-2024. In addition to significant investments in the welfare plan, to make the working and family spheres more compatible, the new contract provides, for example, for the introduction of measures in favour of pregnant workers, parents with children up to 6 years of age and those assisting elderly parents, without forgetting Hera’s initiatives in favour of gender policies. “This year as well, being recognized by the Top Employers Institute as one of the best companies for our personnel policies fills us with pride”, comments the Executive Chairman of the Hera Group, Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano. “Reaching this goal encourages us to do even better, ever more convinced that enhancing the people of the Group and continuing to invest in their professional growth, making them an integral part of the transformations of our time, also guarantees corporate solidity, quality in the services we provide and positive repercussions for the local areas served.” PR Hera Top Employer for the 14th time.pdf 10:51:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 17/01/2023 alle ore 10:51
Press releases
29/12/2022
Hera Spa
Price sensitive
M&A

Hera Group and Ascopiave have signed contracts for the acquisition of 92% of Asco TLC

2022-12-29 Following the press release issued on 29th November 2022, the Hera Group and the Ascopiave Group herein announce that today they have signed the contract deliverables governing the acquisition of 92% of Asco TLC from Asco Holding and the Treviso-Belluno C.C.I.A.A. (Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture). The transfer of the Asco TLC shares will take place upon the closing of the transaction, which is scheduled in the first quarter of 2023. This partnership represents a strategic step in the evolution of Ascopiave and the Hera Group's business portfolio in the IT-TLC sector, consistent with the industrial plans of the two groups. For additional information on the details of the transaction, please refer to the press release dated 29th November 2022. The commitment represents an operation with related parties for Ascopiave in virtue of the fact that although Asco Holding controls Ascopiave, it does not exercise any management and coordination activity over the latter. The agreement can be construed as a deal of minor significance, pursuant to the Consob Regulation on Related Party Transactions (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulation”), as well as the procedure therein adopted by Ascopiave. It has received a favourable, non-binding clearance from the Ascopiave Committee for Related Party Transactions. It is hereby stated that, as the above-mentioned arrangement qualifies as one of minor importance, no information document will be published pursuant to Article 5 of the Regulation. 20221229 Ascopiave Gruppo Hera sottoscrizione ASCO TLC.pdf 15:32:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 29/12/2022 alle ore 15:32
Press releases
19/12/2022
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera among the best utilities in S&P Global Ratings ESG evaluations

2022-12-19 The Group is among the top positions in the international ranking of Utility Networks assessed by S&P Global for its focus on sustainability and its ability to create shared value by contributing to the energy transition Following its recent confirmation, for the third consecutive year, within the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, World and Europe, the Hera Group once again ranks among the companies that pay the most attention to sustainability and ESG aspects internationally. Hera’s latest ESG Evaluation, carried out by the Sustainable Finance analysts of S&P Global Ratings, has indeed also been recently published. This is a cross-industry assessment of the Group’s ability to effectively manage, in the medium and long term, its exposure to environmental, social and governance risks, as well as to grasp opportunities arising from the changes required by a constantly evolving international context. This year, the Hera Group, among the first in Italy to have published its own ESG Evaluation as early as 2021, obtained an overall score of 81/100, making it one of the best companies internationally as assessed by S&P Global Ratings. The score obtained (81) sets it well above the international (72) and European (76) average. This comes as further important recognition for the attention that the Hera Group dedicates to ESG aspects in pursuing a strategy of sustainable, long-term growth, which has characterised it since it was established in 2002, and which complements and goes hand in hand with its financial solidity. In particular, in the ESG Evaluation just published, the Hera Group is assessed by S&P Global Ratings as being strongly prepared to implement its strategy of creating shared value, contributing to the transition towards a circular and low-emission economy. Hera has, in fact, shown itself ready to face the potential risks arising from the energy crisis, thanks to its ability to balance the need for transition with the security and availability of energy sources. The most distinctive factors to be positively evaluated include: a robust governance, characterised by a high level of independence and transparency; resilience to external shocks thanks to a multi-business model that maintains sustainability principles as an integral part of its growth and development strategy; its ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including municipalities, local communities and universities; its ability to capitalise on circular economy principles by investing in technology and innovation to reduce its environmental footprint, including through recycling plastics and energy production from waste, with results superior to other operators; transparent annual reporting on its greenhouse gas emissions in relation to its 2030 reduction targets; the constant alignment of its financing strategy and remuneration structure with its goals in shared value creation, which has helped to strengthen the involvement of the corporate population; the level of diversity confirmed by a high percentage of women in management positions and the inclusive approach towards local communities. 20221219_Hera TOP in S&P Global Ratings ESG evaluations.pdf 10:31:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 19/12/2022 alle ore 10:31
Press releases
10/12/2022
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera top multi-utility worldwide in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index

2022-12-10 For the third year in a row, Hera has been confirmed as world leader in the Multi-Utility & Water sector, providing further recognition of the Group’s twenty-year strategy that combines corporate growth with the creation of value for all stakeholders The Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utilities operating in the waste management, energy and water sectors, was confirmed for the third consecutive year as the top-ranking company in the Multi-Utility & Water sector of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for sustainability performance in all three Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) areas. This recognition comes from S&P Global, which late yesterday published the updated ranking defined by the prestigious international stock market index that assesses the social responsibility of listed companies As in past editions, this year as well Hera has been included in both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index. More specifically, the Group achieved an overall score of 90/100, the highest in the Multi-Utility & Water sector, against a sector average of 32/100. The ratings obtained were 89/100 in Environment, 91/100 in Social and 91/100 in Economic & Governance, achieving a leadership position in all three areas assessed. These results provide further recognition of Hera’s commitment to all aspects of sustainability as an integral part of its 20-year growth strategy focused on creating value for its stakeholders. Listed since 2003 and part of the FTSE MIB since 2019, Hera stock, which has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2020, was also listed on the MIB ESG Index in 2021, the first blue-chip index for Italy dedicated to ESG best practices, launched by Euronext. This year, the Hera Group also became part of the TOP 10 of Refinitiv’s international “Diversity & Inclusion Index” ranking, first overall among multi-utilities and first among Italian companies, as confirmation of its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development. 20221210_Hera in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2022.pdf 09:49:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 10/12/2022 alle ore 09:49
Press releases
01/12/2022
Price sensitive
M&A
Hera Spa

Ascopiave sells 8% of Estenergy’s capital to the Hera Group

2022-12-01 Ascopiave partially exercised the put option on its investment in EstEnergy, selling 8% of the capital to Hera Comm, the majority shareholder. Subsequent to the transaction, the Hera Group will hold a 60% stake in EstEnergy, the largest energy player in North-Eastern Italy with over one million customers. Today, Ascopiave S.p.A. and the Hera Group, through the subsidiary Hera Comm, signed the agreement for the sale by Ascopiave S.p.A. of an 8% stake in the capital of EstEnergy, the commercial joint venture established in 2019 that is the largest energy player in North-Eastern Italy with over one million customers. The sale derives from the partial exercise of the put option held by Ascopiave on its stake in the company, in compliance with the agreements signed between the parties upon establishing the partnership. The sale value is based on the fair market value of the company, estimated at 79.2 million euros with payment within December 2022. As a result of the transaction, which will be finalised by the end of 2022, the Hera Group’s stake in EstEnergy will rise to 60%, while Ascopiave will hold 40% of the share capital, without prejudice to the right to sell such stake under the conditions already defined, in addition to maintaining the current governance rights. The operation, which is consistent with the objectives set out in its strategic plan, will enable the Ascopiave Group to improve the sustainability of its capital structure and consequently finance medium-term investments in the core business and diversification. Similarly, the Hera Group, in line with the objectives set forth in its business plan, further strengthens its presence in North-Eastern Italy, continuing to generate concrete benefits for customers and the communities served, through high-quality services, investments, innovation, and environmental and resource protection. PR Estenergy stake ENGLISH final.pdf 11:27:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 01/12/2022 alle ore 11:27
Press releases
29/11/2022
Price sensitive
M&A
Hera Spa

THE HERA GROUP AND ASCOPIAVE ACQUIRE 92% OF ASCO TLC

2022-11-29 The partnership between the two companies, which won the public tender called by Asco Holding, is a strategic milestone in the evolution of the business portfolio of the two groups in the IT sector, consistent with their respective industrial plans. Ascopiave and the Hera Group, through its subsidiary Acantho, won the public tender called by Asco Holding for the sale of 92% of the shares of Asco TLC, held by Asco Holding itself and by the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso-Belluno. Asco TLC, a provider of ICT services since 2001, mainly dealing with corporate clients and public administrations, owns a significant network located in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, boasting over 2,200 km of fibre optic backbone, 56 communications towers and 24 xDSL unbundled stations, and supplies its services to over 2,700 customers. This partnership is a strategic landmark in the enhancement of Ascopiave’s and the Hera Group’s business portfolio in the IT sector, in line with the industrial plans of the two groups. It also represents the first stage of a potentially broader operation which would lead, by means of the merger through acquisition of Asco TLC into Acantho, to the creation of a multi-regional player capable of achieving significant operational synergies compared to stand-alone companies, also benefiting customers. The operation in detail Ascopiave and Acantho, in partnership with stakes of 60% and 40% respectively, won the tender invited last April by Asco Holding and, subsequent to the due diligence conducted at the end of July, on 3rd November jointly submitted the binding offer, as required by the tender procedure. The purchase price, which will be settled by cash, amounts to Euro 37.2 million, against a normalised net financial position of Euro 0.1 million at 30th June 2022. The closing of the transaction is conditional upon the fulfilment of the conditions precedent set out in the tender documents, specifically the acquisition of the necessary authorisations from the competent bodies. The Hera Group is one of the leading Italian multi-utility companies, operating in the environmental, energy and water sectors and employing over 9,000 people, who are committed every day to responding to the many needs of around 5 million citizens located mainly in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Tuscany and Abruzzi. Listed since 2003, it is one of the top 40 Italian companies in terms of capitalisation (it is included in the Ftse Mib index) and since 2020 it has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe Index. Acantho, a telecommunications operator, is the digital company of the Hera Group. Thanks to the development of a proprietary ultra-broadband fibre optic network extending for over 230,000 kilometres and its Data Centres in Imola and Siziano, it has been offering ICT services and tools in the Data & Voice Communication, Hybrid MultiCloud, Cyber & Physical Security and Smart City fields for over 20 years, contributing to the competitiveness of small and large enterprises and the development and innovation of the territory. www.gruppohera.it - www.acantho.it The Ascopiave Group is one of the leading operators in natural gas distribution in the country. The Group owns concessions and direct assignments for the management of activities in 308 Towns, supplying services to over 890,000 inhabitants, through a network of about 14,500 kilometres. Ascopiave is also a partner of the Hera Group in the sale of gas and electricity, through a 48% stake in Est Energy, a leading operator in the field holding a portfolio of over 1 million sales contracts to end users, mainly in Veneto, Friuli Venezia-Giulia and Lombardy regions. In the water sector, Ascopiave is a shareholder and technological partner of Cogeide, which manages the integrated water service in 15 Towns within the Bergamo Province, serving a population of over 100 thousand inhabitants, through a network of 880 km. In addition, Ascopiave operates in the renewable energy field, through 28 hydro-electric and wind power stations, with a rated capacity of 62.5 MW. Through its subsidiary Salinella Eolico S.r.l., Ascopiave is about to undertake the erection of a wind farm. Ascopiave has been listed under the Euronext Star Milan segment of Borsa Italiana since 12th December 2006. www.gruppoascopiave.it Contact: Hera S.p.A. Giuseppe Gagliano - External Relations Manager + 39 051.287138 Cecilia Bondioli - Media Relations Manager + 39 051.287138 – + 39 320.4790622 Contact: Community Group Ascopiave Giuliano Pasini Tel. +39 0438 / 980098 Auro Palomba Roberto Zava - Media Relator Tel. +39 0422 / 416111 Cell. +39 335 / 1852403 Mob. +39 335 / 6085019 Giacomo Bignucolo – Investor Relator Cell. +39 335 / 1311193 20221129 PR ASCO TLC final.pdf 15:03:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 29/11/2022 alle ore 15:03
Press releases
09/11/2022
Hera Spa
Price sensitive
Financial Results

Hera Board of Directors approves 3Q 2022 results

2022-11-09 Despite the complex macro scenario, the Group’s quarterly report at 30 September 2022 shows an increase in Ebitda compared to 2021. Hera’s multi-business model, balanced between internal growth and M&As, and its financial solidity have made it possible to seize strategic market opportunities, while maintaining a low risk profile, and to confirm the generation of value for all stakeholders, including actions intended to support customers experiencing difficulty. Financial highlights Ebitda* at 875 million euro (+2.4%) Net result* at 248 million euro (-5.6%) Net financial debt at 4,489 million euro, with net debt/Ebitda* at 3.62x Investments increase sharply to 463 million euro (+22.8%) Operating highlights Contribution to growth coming from core businesses Expansion in initiatives for the ecological transition and the circular economy Commercial margins maintained in the energy area Significant operating investments in networks, plus a significant effort in gas storage, as well as the completion of a number of M&As Solid energy customer base, approximately 3.5 million Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated quarterly report at 30 September 2022. Although the results achieved in the first nine months of the year are part of a complicated scenario, characterised by ongoing volatility on the energy market, which became even more pronounced over the last three months, as well as the complex current economic and geopolitical conditions and the gradual increase in inflation in the country, these figures highlight the Group’s ability to offset adversity, continuing to pursue the goals set out in its business plan, with increasing sustainable investments aimed at generating positive effects for the communities and local areas served. Moreover, the Hera Group’s resilient business model, the management policies it implements and its financial solidity have continued to enable it to seize the strategic opportunities offered by the market, to guarantee a high quality and continuity in its services while at the same time supporting and confirming the commitments made to all its stakeholders. Among the initiatives in support of stakeholders, note the flexibility shown towards the Group’s suppliers, who were able to revise their supply conditions based on inflation, and the significant gas storage initiative intended to support the customer base and the Italian gas system as a whole. As regards customers, thanks to the special attention to disadvantaged users, more favourable instalment terms than those provided for by law, an extension of the social bonus to include district heating, compliance with and maintenance of fixed-price contractual conditions, to date the performance in receipts for bills has been confirmed as essentially regular. Moreover, continuing along the path of continuous growth that aims to provide its customers with efficient, innovative and competitive solutions in terms of both costs and sustainability with respect to the circular economy, * In order to make the reading of the results more closely reflect the actual performance of the gas area and to ensure that these results are more easily comparable, the figures with an asterisk include a operational adjustment that considers a valuation of the gas injected into storage at the prices dating to the injection period, thus excluding supplies intended for delivery to end customers with costs defined in 2021 (much lower than costs in 2022). See the section the Hera Group continued to expand its scope of operations. In the energy area, the company Con Energia was acquired through subsidiary Hera Comm, while in the waste management area, Marche Multiservizi acquired the company Macero Maceratese, which specialises in waste recovery and treatment in the province of Macerata. In recent weeks, an important transaction was also finalised, which will take effect as of 2023. This is a long-term partnership that foresees the acquisition of 60% of the company A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.®, one of Italy’s largest companies operating in the sector of remediation, industrial waste treatment, industrial plant decommissioning and civil works related to oil & gas, based in Mirandola (Modena). The new company will also bring together a number of remediation and global service activities already managed by the Hera Group through the company HASI. This transaction further consolidates the Hera Group's leadership in the waste management sector and will create Italy’s leading operator in the remediation and global service business, with a widespread presence throughout the peninsula. Revenues rise to roughly 14.3 billion euro In the first nine months of 2022, revenues amounted to 14,320.1 million euro, up sharply (+122.9%) from the 6,424.3 million euro seen in the same period of the previous year. In particular, the energy segments showed significant growth mainly due to the increase in the price of energy commodities, which reached very high figures, especially in the third quarter of the year. In addition, growth in energy services was related to energy efficiency-oriented interventions in homes (insulation bonus and 110% super-bonus) and an increase in activities involving value-added services for customers. New acquisitions in the industrial market, energy production and higher market prices were mainly responsible for the higher revenues in the waste management sector. Ebitda* increases to 874.8 million euro Ebitda* for the first nine months of the year amounted to 874.8 million euro, up 2.4% from the 854.4 million euro seen at 30 September 2021. The performance of the waste management area was particularly good, with Ebitda up 27.8 million euro, as was that of the water cycle area, up 7.3 million euro, fully offsetting the lower contributions coming from the energy area and the other services area. Despite the increasingly unfavourable market situation, overall operations in the third quarter for all energy sales activities in the Group’s portfolio (considering not only gas and electricity, but also energy services) led to results that were essentially in line with the same period of 2021. Financial operations essentially stable and pre-tax profit* at 347.5 million euro The result from financial operations for the first nine months of 2022 came to 89.5 million euro, basically stable compared to the 85.4 million seen during the first nine months of 2021. This change is mainly due to the increase in net financial debt generated by the trend in energy commodity prices compared to 2021. Despite the slight negative impact of financial operations and higher depreciation and amortisation, provisions and impairment losses, pre-tax profit* amounted to 347.5 million euro, basically in line with the 356.5 million euro recorded in the first nine months of 2021. Net result* and at 248.4 million euro With a tax rate of 28.5%, up from the same period in 2021 (26.2%) mainly due to the recognition of the non-recurring contribution against high utility bills (amounting to 2.3 million euro) and the recognition of lower benefits related to the tax credit on investments linked to the technological, digital and environmental transformation, the net result* and net profit* for the first nine months of 2022 amounted to 248.4 million euro. Net profit was largely stable compared to the 263 million seen at 30 September 2021. Strong growth in investments and net financial debt sensitive to the higher value of stored gas In the first nine months of 2022, the Hera Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 463.3 million euro, up 22.8% compared to the 377.2 million euro seen in the same period of the previous year, with a major focus on resilience- and circularity-oriented projects, as set out in the business plan. The most significant interventions concerned plants, networks, and infrastructures, as well as regulatory upgrading focusing on gas distribution and the integrated water cycle, respectively involving a large-scale replacement of new-generation meters and specific interventions in the purification and sewerage areas. A significant amount of financial resources (about 820 million euro, more than 10 times the amount seen in 2021) was invested in gas storage, consistent with the effort requested by the government from operators in the sector to contribute to a secure supply in the following months. This is a strategic and temporary investment (the storage facilities will be emptied progressively, lasting through the first half of 2023), which gives the Group security and flexibility in supplying gas to its customers over the upcoming months, reducing risks and guaranteeing flexibility and margins in supply management. Net financial debt increased to 4,489.2 million euro, compared to the 3,261.3 million euro seen at 31 December 2021. This growth is attributable to the increase in net working capital, which rose as a result of both the significant gas storage initiatives completed and higher energy commodity prices in 2022 compared to the previous year. The increase in the Group’s debt is reflected in the net debt to Ebitda* ratio, which rose to 3.62x. Not including the deployment of resources for the gas inventory, which is expected to come back into line within the next six months, this ratio stands at 2.9x. Gas Ebitda* for the gas area - which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating, and energy services - rose to 377 million euro, a strong improvement (+23.8%) compared to the 304.5 million euro seen in the same period last year. This growth, both in terms of margins and volumes sold to end customers, was mainly due to the opportunities created in the energy services sector by energy efficiency incentives (110% super-bonus and insulation bonus), by the corporate acquisitions of Con Energia and Eco Gas, and by the tenders awarded involving the last resort and Consip markets. More specifically, for the period 1 October 2021 - 30 September 2023, Hera Comm was awarded 6 lots of the last resort gas service in 12 regions of Italy, all 9 lots of the default gas distribution service in 19 regions and 2 lots of the Consip GAS14 tender for supplying natural gas to public administrations in 2022, both in Lombardy. A slight increase occurred in the gas customer base (+0.7% compared to the same period of the previous year), which overall came to almost 2.1 million The gas area accounted for 43.1% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area - which includes generation, distribution and sales of electricity as well as value-added services - amounted to 22.1 million euro, compared to the 103.5 million euro seen in the same period of 2021. The main reasons for this trend consist in different conditions on energy markets compared to the previous year, linked in particular to the exceptional context of rising raw material prices, which affected procurement activities and impacted margins. One must note, however, the solid commercial development, confirmed by an increase in the customer base and a greater adherence to innovative offers (relating to electric mobility, photovoltaics, heating and air conditioning) as well as value-added services. Furthermore, through a tender Hera Comm was awarded 4 lots of the Consip EE19 tender for supplying electricity to public administrations in 2022 in the province of Rome and 3 other regions, 3 lots of the graduated protected service for supplying electricity to SMEs for the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024 in 9 regions, and 1 lot of the safeguarded service for the years 2021 and 2022 in 3 regions. The customer base in the electricity area came to over 1.4 million (+2.6%), mainly due to increased commercial actions in the free market. The electricity area accounted for 2.5% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area - which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services - amounted to 205.8 million euro at 30 September 2022, up (+3.7%) compared to the 198.5 million euro seen in the same period of the previous year. This change was mainly due to ARERA’s recognition of Hera’s commitment to high standards of technical quality. These positive results more than offset the higher procurement costs for energy components and higher operating costs in networks and plants, partially due to the increase in the price lists of suppliers of materials and services. Also note that, with regard to concessions, Atersir definitively awarded the tender for the integrated water service in the Province of Rimini to Hera for the period from 2022 to 2039. The Hera Group, already the outgoing operator in 24 municipalities in this province, will be responsible for this service over the next 18 years, during which it will focus on innovation and sustainability. In the first nine months of 2022, investments in the integrated water cycle area amounted to 135.1 million euro, up by 14.9 million euro compared to the previous year, and mainly involved extensions, reclamation and upgrading on networks and plants, as well as regulatory upgrading mainly in the purification and sewerage areas (90.7 million euro in the aqueduct, 34.4 million euro in sewerage and 24.3 million euro in purification). The integrated water cycle area accounted for 23.5% of Group Ebitda. Waste management Ebitda for the environment area - which includes waste collection, treatment, recovery and disposal services - rose to 246.2 million euro at 30 September 2022, +12.7% compared to the 218.4 million euro seen for the first nine months of 2021. Waste treatment activities contributed to this result above all, with Ebitda coming to 197.3 million euro, up by 29.8 million euro, while for collection and sweeping services, to which the Group has always paid great attention in terms of service quality and development, Ebitda amounted to 48.9 million euro. These margins are in line with expectations and occurred within a context characterised by the beginning of new concessions in the Ravenna-Cesena, Modena and Bologna areas and the ensuing increase in service costs in these same areas. Despite the complexity of the current external context, the Group continues to guarantee a considerable level of growth by consolidating its leadership in the waste management sector, particularly in the industrial market and in recovery, favoured by its excellent set of plants (roughly one hundred certified, state-of-the-art plants capable of treating all types of waste), by M&A operations and by sound management and commercial policies. The increase in Ebitda was mainly due to higher margins in energy management, coming to roughly 23 million euro, the expansion of the industrial waste market with new acquisitions, amounting to approximately 2 million euro, and the increase in price of treated waste, partially offset by an increase in purchasing prices for consumables and treatment and transport costs. Investments in the waste management area, which mainly involved maintenance and enhancement of waste treatment plants, amounted to 96.8 million euro, up 44.0 million euro over the previous year. Of these, 21.4 million euro were invested in waste-to-energy plants, including revamping on the Trieste plant and non-recurring maintenance on the Bologna and Rimini plants, while roughly 15 million euro were allocated to the composting/digesting chain, in particular for the beginning of construction on a new plant for biomethane production through the company Biorg, created out of a partnership with Inalca, part of the Cremonini Group. Environmental resource protection was also confirmed as a priority objective in 2022, including the maximisation of their reuse, as is further demonstrated by the increase in sorted waste collection, which in the first nine months of 2022 reached 66.8%, up 2% compared to 30 September 2021. The environment area accounted for 28.1% of Group Ebitda. The manager responsible for drafting the company’s accounting statements, Massimo Vai, declares, pursuant to article 154-bis paragraph 2 of the TUF, that the information contained in the present press release corresponds to the documentation available and to the account books and entries. The financial statements and related materials will be available to the public pursuant to the terms established by law at the Company Headquarters and on the website www.gruppohera.it. Unaudited extracts from the Intermediate Consolidated Financial Statements at 30 September 2022 are attached. 20221109 3Q2022 Financial results Hera Group.pdf 14:01:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 09/11/2022 alle ore 14:01
Press releases
07/11/2022
Price sensitive
Hera Spa
M&A

Hera Group and ACR create the leading Italian operator in remediation and global service activities

2022-11-07 The binding agreement signed today provides for the acquisition by the Hera Group of 60% of ACR, based in Modena and leader in the remediation and industrial waste treatment sector. Today, the Hera Group, acting through its subsidiary Herambiente Servizi Industriali (HASI), signed a binding agreement for a long-term partnership that provides for the acquisition of 60% of the company A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A. ® (hereinafter ACR), one of Italy’s largest companies in the reclamation sector, involved in industrial waste treatment, decommissioning industrial plants and oil & gas-related civil works, based in Mirandola (Modena). The new company will also bring together some of the remediation and global services activities carried out by HASI. This unprecedented transaction gives way to the leading national operator in the remediation and global services business, with an extensive presence throughout Italy. The Hera Group will thus further strengthen its leadership in the waste treatment sector, thanks to its approximately one hundred certified, state-of-the-art plants. It can now rely on ACR’s high operating capacity, time-to-market in services and significant machinery and equipment, which is already active in over 100 remediation sites with over 450 employees and having among its customers the major players in the oil & gas sector. With this partnership, on the one hand, the Hera Group will reach in advance the target in reclamation activities set out in its business plan, following up on the path of growth already achieved in this area in terms of both size and sustainability/circular economy, in line with the goals on the UN’s 2030 Agenda, which over the last 10 years have enabled it to double its customer base. On the other hand, ACR is implementing its strategic plan by making an agreement concerning commercial areas with a leading national player in the sector, strengthening its presence in its core remediation business and entering the world of global services. The details of the transaction The synergies between the Hera Group’s set of plants and its multi-business strategy and ACR’s consolidated experience in environmental and industrial remediation are unique nationwide, in terms of know-how and waste treatment capacity, capable of creating significant and positive operating effects in the sectors in which the two companies operate, thus pooling their respective experience and outstanding skills. Through its subsidiary HASI, the Hera Group now manages 18 multi-purpose sites dedicated to treating waste produced by companies, and processes 1.3 million tonnes of industrial waste every year. In 2021, ACR generated revenues amounting to roughly 110 million euro, with Ebitda coming to approximately 17 million in the sectors concerned by the transaction. The current owners of ACR (the Reggiani family) will maintain 40% of the new corporate structure. In order to regulate the future governance, a Shareholders Agreement will be signed that provides for a Board of Directors of the new ACR made up of 5 members, 3 of whom will be appointed by the Hera Group and 2 by the Reggiani family, with the nomination of the two brothers Alberto and Claudio Reggiani as CEOs. Integrating the new ACR platforms with the plants currently managed by HASI, furthermore, will increase the number of solutions close at hand in the areas served in the past, improving efficiency and quality of services to businesses, also due to synergies with Herambiente. This new partnership is therefore in line with the strategic orientation adopted by the Group, whose activities are always aimed at guaranteeing positive returns and economic benefits for its customers and for local companies. This transaction follows up on the acquisitions completed some years ago by the Hera Group (from Waste Recycling, Teseco and Pistoia Ambiente in Tuscany, to Geo Nova and Aliplast in Treviso), and more recent acquisitions including the Friuli-based company Recycla, the Vallortigara Group, with offices in Vicenza, and shareholdings in the Marche-based companies SEA and Macero Maceratese. It thus represents a further step along the path of continuous growth achieved by Hera, which aims to provide its customers with efficient, innovative and competitive solutions in terms of both costs and sustainability in the circular economy. “With this new acquisition, we bring together the excellence and strengths of two leading companies that, together, complement each other synergistically to respond in an increasingly efficient and extensive way to the needs of companies, particularly those with large industrial plants where complex types of waste, both solid and liquid, must be treated. With this transaction, we have consolidated our leadership in this sector and aim to further reinforce our range of integrated waste management services, benefitting the entire national territory”, comments Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group. “Becoming part of a large and financially solid company such as the Hera Group, well rooted in the areas served and provided with many specialisations, will allow us to broaden our horizons and enrich our activities in the waste management sector, integrating all the necessary and fundamental skills to be counted among the most important players nationwide in the area of remediation. We and our collaborators are convinced that this aggregation will allow us to face and overcome highly significant challenges together,” explain the brothers Alberto and Claudio Reggiani, CEOs of A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.® In addition to the agreement signed today, the partnership will be subject to the usual conditions applied to this type of transaction and to all communications and approvals by the relevant authorities and bodies, as well as, with regard to the shareholdings involved, to the effectiveness of a number of preliminary transactions within ACR. The parties expect to complete the transaction by 31 March 2023. 20221007 Gruppo Hera and ACR binding agreement.pdf 18:13:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 07/11/2022 alle ore 18:13

Pre-Footer Gruppo Media

Group Director of Communication And External Relations

Giuseppe Gagliano

Director

 

 Email

MEDIA AND PRESS CONTACT

Contacts

Telephone: +39 051 287111

HERA SPA

Viale Carlo Berti Pichat nr. 2/4 - 40127

 

Bologna

Contacts

Telephone: +39 051 287111

HERA SPA

Viale Carlo Berti Pichat nr. 2/4 - 40127

 

Bologna

Bilancio bs e be banner

Interactive financial statements and sustainability reports
The consolidated economic results at 31 December 2023 and the 2023 sustainability report were approved by the Board of Directors of the Hera Group on 26 March 2024

Pre-Footer Standard

Hera SpA, Viale Carlo Berti Pichat 2/4, 40127 Bologna, Tel.051287111 www.gruppohera.it