Ethica Group, together with Nextalia — an innovative investment platform founded by Francesco Canzonieri — in the acquisition of Costa Edutainment, an Italian company that is a leader in the management of sites and large public and private facilities dedicated to recreational, cultural, educational, and scientific research activities.
Costa Edutainment, a historic Italian company active since 1997, operates 12 facilities, including 3 aquariums, 3 water parks, 6 theme parks, experience museums, villages and a tour operator — among them Acquario di Genova, Aquafan, and Italia in Miniatura. The company currently generates revenues of approximately €80 million and aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality leisure experiences by combining culture, science, education, entertainment, emotion and fun into unique and meaningful experiences.
The transaction involves the acquisition of Costa through a vehicle indirectly controlled by Nextalia (on behalf of the Nextalia Private Equity Fund) and Ponte Ter, owned by the Costa family, which will retain a 30% stake in the new ownership structure in order to ensure continuity in the Group’s vision and strategic direction.
Following the involvement of Palladio in 2015, Oaktree Capital Management in 2019 and DeA Capital Alternative Funds (now Green Arrow Capital) in 2022, the entry of Nextalia marks the fourth shareholder restructuring for Costa Edutainment in 11 years.
