Pasubio S.p.A., a leading specialised provider of premium leather for the automotive industry, is pleased to announce the creation of the UNICA S.p.A. platform (“UNICA”) following the recent acquisitions of Conceria Antiba S.p.A. from brothers Paolo and Graziano Balducci and SKIN S.r.l. from Daniele Salassa and Arrigo Calorini. The founders of Antiba and SKIN have become shareholders in the group’s holding company, alongside PAI Partners and the Pretto family, and will invest significant financial and human resources into UNICA.

In establishing UNICA, Pasubio aims to create a uniquely Italian champion in terms of offering and positioning: an industrial and commercial excellence platform designed to serve the luxury sector in all its forms, providing Italian artisanal craftsmanship across automotive, bags, shoes, accessories, apparel and home interiors.

With its expertise in the creation of customised and bespoke products, Pasubio currently produces over 1,600 SKUs, meeting the specific needs of its long-standing partners (such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Range Rover and BMW) with precision and quality. Antiba has deep heritage in the production of calf and goat leathers in the luxury sector, with clients including Hermès, Chanel and Bottega Veneta. SKIN is a key provider of commercial services and product scouting in the fashion world, thanks to established relationships with all major international fashion brands.

UNICA will offer a comprehensive range of premium services and materials, including high-quality leathers, refined fabrics such as jacquard, denim and silk, and innovative materials such as bio-based polyurethane. The group culture of quality, savoir-faire and craftsmanship will be codified and protected through the introduction of cutting-edge AI-powered solutions, ensuring long-term quality and Italian excellence for all partnership brands.

Luca Pretto, CEO of Pasubio, said: “We’re delighted to launch UNICA and to welcome Antiba and SKIN to this new platform for the luxury sector. I am confident that with our diverse and combined skill-sets, longstanding partnerships and commitment to excellence, UNICA will be well positioned to serve as a one-stop-shop of premium services and materials. I look forward to working with the group and to further building on this platform over the coming months.”

UNICA will be managed through divisions and specific management teams for each vertical, with the former entrepreneur-founders playing a fundamental guiding role within the group and overseeing their clients, in continuity with their past work. A management committee actively involving the founders will aim to enhance the overall efficiency of the group, with a particular focus on sustainability and material traceability, along with reduced development and lead times.

Pasubio was assisted by District Advisory, with legal support from Latham & Watkins on corporate, regulatory and finance matters. EY-Parthenon handled financial and commercial due diligence, STS Deloitte handled tax due diligence and FRM provided tax and structuring advice. Banor Sim (through its Family Office department), Bank of America, CACIB, Intesa Sanpaolo, and JP Morgan provided financing for the transaction. All buyside advisers were coordinated by Group CFO Cristian Filocamo and Group COO Stefano Gelsomini.

 

About Pasubio

Pasubio is the leading European provider of premium leather for the luxury and premium segments of the automotive industry. Combining artisanal excellence with advanced industrial processes, Pasubio offers a diverse product portfolio, including finished leather for seats, dashboards, steering wheels and other upholstery applications. In 2023, Pasubio acquired Innova, thereby incorporating polyurethane (PU) in its product portfolio. The Group is also implementing a vertical integration project aimed at expanding its offering into the sewing segment, in order to provide ready-to-install interior linings. Pasubio’s core market is Europe, and the Group maintains a significant presence in North America, Asia and Africa. Pasubio revenues were €328 million in 2024, with an EBITDA margin above 20%.