Founded in 2000 by Paolo Gambarini and Michele Semenzato, Wise SGR specializes in the management of Private Equity closed-end funds investing in small and medium sized companies, with a special focus on Italy.

Over the years, Wise SGR has achieved a unique position in Italy’s Private Equity sector thanks to its management approach that considers its role not only as a supplier of capital, but also as a solid partner with whom to develop and build-up the company in accordance with the requirements of the shareholders and the management.

The Wise SGR team provides support based on a variety of experience and knowledge acquired in the fields of strategic consultancy, investment banking and company management. The skills and know-how cover investment selection, assessment, negotiation and investment structure, as well as strategic and operating consulting services specific to the individual business.

Wise SGR is owned by the management who is the majority shareholder, with holdings by Banca Popolare di Milano, following the incorporation of BPM Private Equity Wise SGR (September 2005).

Wise Funds invests in Italian small and medium-sized companies whit a sales turnover ranging between €20 million and €100 million.Special attention is given to the manufacturing and services market and to the sector of goods for manufacturing processes.

Wise makes two main types of investments: Leveraged Buy Out (acquisition of majority holdings, via leverage) and Development Capital (subscriptions to increase capital stock in companies with high growth potential).

The average investment size is 5-25 million euro in terms fo equity value, and 10-75 million euro in terms of Enterprise Value.