JUNE 25TH 2009 SORGENTE SGR PURCHASED THE GALLERIA ALBERTO SORDI IN ROME BY THE DAVID COMPARTMENT OF THE DONATELLO FUND 

The prestigious building was sold by the Toti family, handing over 100% of the shares previously owned by the “Società Immobiliare Colonna ‘92”. The transaction was facilitated by Banca Leonardo.

The acquisition of the building complex was undertaken by the David Compartment of the Donatello Fund, an investment fund reserved for qualified investors, which is to operate in diverse sectors both within Italy and internationally. This is the first investment of the fund, and was participated in by Enasarco, a pension fund for commercial agents.

The investment confirms the regard held by the Sorgente Group for unique and exceptional buildings of historical interest. The Group, which operates in real estate finance since 1999, has launched five real estate investment funds, four in Italy and one in Luxemburg. At the end of 2008 the authorized equity of the funds exceeded 1.7 billion euro in value, which, in consideration of ongoing initiatives and financial leverage allows for potential investments of over 6 billion euro. Recent initiatives include the “Historical & Trophy Buildings Fund” a real estate investment fund reserved for qualified investors and specialised in so-called ‘trophy’ buildings, acquiring majority and minority stakes in buildings of considerable prestige located in the historical centres of global cities such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan and Venice. A recent acquisition of particular note is the Flatiron Building in New York.
Furthermore, between 2004 and 2008, the Group bought and re-sold a majority share of the Chrysler Building.

On the purchasing, Prof. Valter Mainetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sorgente SGR, stated that “The Galleria, which has an estimated value of over 200 million euro, is a historical building of particular note, situated in the historical and commercial centre of Rome. It is one of the four structures surrounding Piazza Colonna, along with Palazzo Chigi (seat of government), Palazzo Wedeking (headquarters of Il Tempo) and Palazzo Ferrajoli. Designed by Dario Carbone and completed in 1922, the Galleria underwent important restoration and adjustment works under the Lamaro Group in 2003.”

The Chairman of Enasarco, Dott. Brunetto Boco, called the move “Another important step in the cultivation of our architectural heritage. We are particularly proud to have been involved in this investment, which enabled the Sorgente Fund to acquire a historic building outclassing foreign competition”.

Cavaliere del Lavoro Pierluigi Toti stated “We are particularly proud of the conclusion to the development of the renowned Galleria Colonna, a process which began several years ago among friends from Compagnia San Paolo and Rinascente that ultimately facilitated the restitution of one of the capital’s great historical buildings to roman people, after so many years of neglect and decay. We are also very pleased that the buyer is a fund managed by Sorgente, an Italian Savings Management Company of great standing that is committed to the acquisition of trophy buildings in Italy and worldwide.”

For further information: www.sorgentegroup.com

Rome, 26TH June 2009