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30 October 2025

ACEA thinking outside ACEA: How a 110-years old, asset-intensive company innovates its Innovation model and designs an Innovation Factory

Authors: Maria Isabella Leone, Laura De Lorenzis.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Abstract: Even today, as in the times of ancient Rome, May is considered the month of sowing and new opportunities. Also, in Acea it is time for unveiling a new course of actions. Born in the south of Italy but grown up in Milan, Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, was aware of this opportunity, when he entered the Acea main building, in the role of the new CEO in May 2017. Donnarumma’s mission was not the most ordinary one: to launch Acea into the future, not in a progressive way but in an incomparable leap forward. In Donnarumma's mind, a single imperative: how to turn an industrial, asset-intensive company into an open and smart company and do it fast. Download Case Study Request Teaching Notes

Case Studies

30 October 2025

Banca FINNAT. “HNWI WEALTH: Growth through Transparency” – ENG

Authors: Paolo Nattino, Carlo Pittatore, Maurizio Corsoni, Enrico D’Onofrio                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract: Paolo Nattino stood in his office in the prestigious Palazzo Altieri, looking out of the window overlooking Piazza del Gesù in Rome, pondering the future of Banca Finnat Euramerica (BFE), which had been founded by his family well over a century earlier. His mind was immersed in the dilemma presented by the imminent introduction of the Retail Investment Strategy (RIS), which was in the process of being approved by the European Commission and which could lead to the implementation of a new integrated and holistic advisory contract. As Paolo contemplated the situation, the opportunities and risks of this new strategy emerged in his mind. On the one hand, an integrated approach would have allowed the bank to offer more comprehensive and personalised advice to its clients, taking into account a wide range of factors, including financial goals, wealth situation and risk profile. This could have led to greater customer confidence and satisfaction, as well as potential business growth opportunities. On the other hand, there were also risks considering. An incorrect or ineffective implementation of the new consultancy contract could have led to increased operational complexity and potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the introduction of a new strategy required adequate staff training and significant investments in technology and human resources. Download Case Study Request Teaching Notes

Case Studies

30 October 2025

Benelux Baltics in Business Case

Authors: Agne Nainyte, Gabriel Mayrink                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract: Benelux Baltics in Business (BBinB) is a non-profit networking organization founded by four Lithuanian professionals residing in both Lithuania and the Netherlands. Established in 2020, BBinB aims to connect entrepreneurs and business professionals from the Baltic and Benelux regions to facilitate international business growth and networking opportunities. The organization’s flagship event, an annual conference in Amsterdam, has become a pivotal platform for fostering connections and promoting business collaboration these regions. This business case explores the founding story, motivations, key events, challenges, and future strategies of BBinB, providing insights into the dynamics of establishing and sustaining an international networking organization. Download Case Study Request Teaching Notes

Case Studies

30 October 2025

Italcer – Il progetto Advance

Author: Gianni Lorenzoni                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract: Italcer nasce l’8 maggio 2017 per iniziativa del fondo Mandarin Capital Market e di Graziano Verdi con l’obiettivo di creare un gruppo che aggreghi varie imprese del distretto ceramico di Sassuolo. Secondo Alberto Forchielli, partner fondatore di Mandarin C.P. “La ceramica è uno dei pochi settori in cui l’Italia mantiene una indiscussa leadership mondiale. Abbiamo i due più grandi produttori di macchinari per ceramica. Sarebbe un delitto rinunciare a un grande accesso al mercato dei capitali, per un’azienda locale con un management che pensa globale”. Graziano Verdi, per molti anni all’interno del settore ceramico, ha guidato la crescita di Graniti Fiandre e la quotazione in Borsa della società, poi in Technogym e ancora nel gruppo Iris. Verdi dichiara: “L’obiettivo è creare un polo presente nei vari segmenti di prodotto che ha come filo conduttore l’alto di gamma attraverso il quale posizionare l’azienda sul mercato”. Nei 5 anni successivi vengono acquisite 7 imprese con prodotti e dimensioni diverse a partire da La Fabbrica, un’azienda ceramica in provincia di Ravenna. A questa hanno fatto seguito Elios e Elle Ceramica (fusa in Elios) e Devon & Devon, sempre nel 2017; nel 2018 le acquisizioni di Ceramica Rondine e di Spray Dry mentre nel 2020 è la volta di Cedir e nel 2021 della Spagnola Equipe. Nel 2022 di Fondovalle. È ancora in stand by l’investimento per un impianto di produzione 4.0 negli Stati Uniti per consolidare la presenza del gruppo sul mercato e per sfruttare le opportunità di rifornimento di materia prima e il più basso costo di energia di un’azienda energivora. Download Case Study Request Teaching Notes

Case Studies