In a significant development for one of Italy’s most beloved household brands, Chinese investors are set to acquire a controlling stake in Bialetti Industrie S.p.A., best known worldwide for its iconic Moka coffee pot.
The transaction involves the acquisition of 78.567% of the company’s share capital, paving the way for a mandatory public tender offer (OPA) aimed at delisting Bialetti from the Milan Stock Exchange.
The deal marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history, symbolizing the end of an era for the historic Italian brand founded in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti. For decades, Bialetti has been synonymous with traditional Italian coffee culture, with its octagonal aluminum stovetop espresso maker becoming a symbol of domestic design and everyday ritual.
The Chinese group behind the acquisition, whose identity is expected to be officially confirmed in the coming days, reportedly plans to maintain the brand’s Italian roots while expanding its global presence, particularly in the Asian market. However, the news has stirred mixed reactions in Italy, where Bialetti holds a place of deep cultural significance.
Bialetti has struggled financially in recent years, facing increased competition and changes in consumer habits. The move to delist from the stock exchange is seen as a strategic attempt to restructure the company away from the pressures of public markets and refocus on long-term growth.
As the Moka pot prepares to leave the trading floor, many Italians are left wondering what the future holds for one of the country’s most cherished symbols of homegrown innovation and style.