Multinational marine engineering certification firm RINA has announced a new shareholder, a private equity fund first started by the Italian Government to boost SME growth.

The Fondo Italiano d’Investimento (FII) will invest €180m ($197m) in the company when the equity deal is finalised in Q3. 

The current majority stakeholder, RINA’s parent company Registro Italiano Navale, will maintain an interest exceeding 50%. FII will take 33%, along with other investors and shareholders. 

FII’s investment in RINA is aimed at support for the company's growth and international expansion. The marine engineering company said it has diversified significantly in its two decades of operation, establishing itself as a brand in the fields of engineering consulting and testing, inspection and certification. 

RINA CEO and chair Ugo Salerno said: “We have found the most suitable partner in Fondo Italiano d’Investimento to share our growth path and the realisation of ambitious goals we have worldwide. It is a high-level institutional partner, Italian like us, with whom we will embark on a new phase for RINA and who will allow us to fully implement our strategic plan. 

“Based on ESG principles, we will continue to expand our digital services and processes in favour of ecological transition: a journey that involves significant investments made possible also thanks to the commitment of Fondo Italiano d'Investimento.”

FII CEO Davide Bertone said: “RINA represents Italian excellence, with a global presence, and leadership, as well as significant ambitions for further growth and innovation not only in the shipping sector but also in the energy transition and infrastructure sectors.

“I am extremely pleased with the partnership we are entering into today and the trust given to us by Registro Italiano Navale and Engineer Ugo Salerno, with whom we are delighted to collaborate in building another phase of development."