Key Takeaways
- Borletti Group acquired H.I.G. Capital, Pinalli S.r.l..
- Sector: Consumer, Retail.
- Geography: Italy.
Analysis
Borletti Group has finalized its acquisition of Pinalli S.r.l., a prominent Italian beauty and personal care retailer, marking a significant move within the European consumer sector. The transaction sees H.I.G. Capital exit its investment in the omnichannel platform, which it backed since early 2023. This deal underscores the continued investor appetite for well-established retail brands with robust digital capabilities.
Under H.I.G. Capital's stewardship, Pinalli experienced substantial operational enhancements. The company expanded its physical footprint from 63 to 108 stores across Italy and significantly bolstered its e-commerce operations. A comprehensive rebranding initiative, coupled with the introduction of new international and digital-native brands, broadened Pinalli's product assortment. Furthermore, the retailer launched its own private-label range, a strategic move to capture higher margins and strengthen brand loyalty.
The strategic focus on customer experience was evident in Pinalli's revamped store formats and staff training programs. These initiatives aimed to transform physical locations into hubs for personalized consultations and brand engagement, seamlessly integrating with the company's digital channels. This omnichannel approach has cultivated a loyal customer base, evidenced by over one million members in its loyalty program. In 2025, Pinalli reported revenues of €197 million, highlighting its strong market position.
Raffaele Legnani, Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital's Italy office, expressed pride in the partnership's achievements, stating, "We are proud of the journey we have shared with the Pinalli family and the management team." He added confidence that Borletti Group is well-equipped to guide Pinalli through its next growth phase. Giovanni Guglielmi, also a Managing Director at H.I.G., echoed these sentiments, thanking the management and employees for their dedication.
Raffaele Rossetti, CEO of Pinalli, acknowledged the pivotal role H.I.G. Capital played in accelerating the company's development and exceeding initial business plan objectives. He welcomed Borletti Group, anticipating continued expansion in network development, digital capabilities, and customer engagement. Maurizio Borletti, Founding Partner of Borletti Group, praised Pinalli's consistent growth, innovation, and strong management team, emphasizing the group's commitment to supporting further development and market strengthening.
The beauty and personal care retail sector in Europe is dynamic, driven by evolving consumer preferences for personalized experiences and seamless online-offline integration. Pinalli's success in navigating these trends, particularly its investment in digital infrastructure and brand curation, positions it favorably for continued expansion under Borletti Group's ownership. This acquisition aligns with Borletti Group's strategy of investing in established retail and consumer brands with significant growth potential.