Controversies archived, now is the time to think about the future and consolidate the recovery: Massimo Zanetti, president of the Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group and patron of Virtus basketball, puts an end to the tensions that accompanied the group based in Villorba and its top management, in particular the relationship between CEO Pierluigi Tosato and his son Matteo Zanetti (former CEO of Segafredo Coffe System and former manager). “I’m sorry that there has been all this chatter and all this attention over minor disagreements – says Zanetti -, over a local scuffle, limited to Treviso, which only risks putting a group present everywhere in the world in a bad light, Segafredo and all the other companies”.
Doctor Zanetti, in a note from a few days ago wanted to specify skills and roles within the Group, that the exit of his son Matteo from the board of directors of Segafredo Coffee System had already been agreed in April and that any disagreements between him and the CEO Sheared are of an “exclusively personal nature”. So does the journey undertaken a few months ago with QuattroR continue?
“Absolutely, there is no problem with the fund. Also because then if there are problems at a certain point the board of directors can change the directors… And then the Group is doing well, despite the tensions due to the incredible increase in cost of coffee: the accounts are improving, the restructuring processes of the various companies around the world (60; editor’s note) continue and the process to modernize the management is also a year of sacrifices, especially for the staff. The 2025 should be a much quieter and much nicer year.”
In short, he would make the choice again to have the QuattroR fund join the group.
“Yes, I would do it again. Also because at my age (Zanetti will turn 77 next February; ed.) I also had to take my foot off the accelerator. With Covid we had three very difficult years, the debt had increased a little and the banks wanted a little more peace of mind, so it seemed right to bring in fresh forces.”
Is the time horizon of the fund confirmed?
“Yes, he will remain in the capital for three or four years. In short, whatever it takes.”
And then there will be the new stock market listing.
“Yes, we will return to the stock market. We will see where and we will see if at that point my family wants to keep 50% or exit the capital. My heirs will decide.”
How will you strengthen the group between now and then?
“At an industrial level I think we will make acquisitions, because today we can no longer be as small as we once were, given that our competitors are companies the size of Nestlè. We will concentrate on the areas where we are already present but where we need to improve, or, if there will be an opportunity, also reaching new markets. Then investments in production lines and new product types will continue, starting with capsules.”
