The process for the sale of Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, the two companies in extraordinary receivership operating under the Piaggio Aerospace brand, is entering its final stage. After the due diligence phase and after having received the relevant authorisation from the Italian Ministry for Economic Development, five different entities spread over three continents have been formally invited to submit their offers to purchase the business complexes of both companies. The deadline is set for 5 March.

The announcement was made by the extraordinary commissioner of Piaggio Aerospace, Vincenzo Nicastro, during a meeting between the company and representatives of the local trade unions, which took place on 24 February.

Answering the questions of the workers' representatives, Nicastro pointed out that the letters were sent to those who explicitly confirmed their interest in purchasing the company and who reaffirmed their willingness to take over the business complexes in their entirety. “Having five bidders on the shortlist is a very positive result,” he comments. “Particularly if we consider that the pandemic discouraged several overseas entities, especially those that most suffered from travel restrictions.

“I thought it useful at this stage to make the offers non-binding, in order to allow me to start all-round negotiations with those who will submit the best proposal in terms of the industrial plan, guarantees for the future and purchase price.”

Negotiations are expected to last no longer than a month to then get to an irrevocable and binding offer. “I intend to start this last phase as soon as possible,” points out Mr Nicastro. “Immediately after we shall get a further authorisation requested by the Ministry, which I hope will soon be granted in order not to further slow down the sale process.”

The company, which employees about 940 people, is meanwhile carrying forward its production and commercial plans, with some further orders close to being signed.