Ancor block
1970s
Industrial origins
Carlo De Benedetti acquires control of CIR (Concerie Italiane Riunite), an historic Turin tannery listed on the stock exchange, transforming it into an industrial holding company (Compagnie Industriali Riunite).
CIR enters Olivetti, launching the production of personal computers and electronic devices and beginning a major industrial restructuring. In the 1990s, Olivetti enters telecommunications—particularly mobile—creating Omnitel (now Vodafone Italia). CIR fully exits Olivetti in 1998.
1980s
Expansion and diversification
Acquisition of Sogefi, destined to become a leading player in automotive components.
Entry into the food sector with the acquisition of Buitoni-Perugina, later sold to Nestlé.
Start of Sogefi’s expansion with the acquisition of Rejna and the stock exchange listing.
Entry into publishing by acquiring control of Mondadori and, through it, of L’Editoriale L’Espresso. The Group becomes a leader in national private radio (Radio Deejay, Radio Capital, m2o), national press (la Repubblica, L’Espresso) and local newspapers (Il Piccolo, Messaggero Veneto, la Nuova di Venezia e Mestre, Gazzetta di Mantova), as well as in advertising sales (A. Manzoni & C.).
1990s
Consolidation in media and new sectors
Conclusion of the “Segrate war” with the partition of Mondadori. CIR strengthens its position in publishing with Espresso, la Repubblica and local newspapers.
Rodolfo De Benedetti becomes Chief Executive Officer.
Continued investments in food with the acquisition of Socalbe (later divested) and entry into energy with Sorgenia, both divested later.
Sogefi acquires the Allevard group, consolidating the Group’s leadership in Europe in suspensions.
2000s
Entry into healthcare and telecommunications
Sogefi acquires Filtrauto, strengthening its position in vehicle filters.
HSS (later KOS), Holding Sanità e Servizi, is founded with the aim of creating a platform in private healthcare, particularly in elderly care and rehabilitation.
HSS grows with entry into psychiatry, the management of the Suzzara Hospital, and the acquisitions of Anni Azzurri, Medipass and Santo Stefano. Morgan Stanley temporarily joins the shareholding.
2010
AXA enters in KOS.
AXA Private Equity (later Ardian) enters the share capital of KOS with a minority stake. In 2016 Ardian exits KOS, selling its 47% stake.
2011
Acquisition in engine systems
Sogefi acquires Mark IV Systèmes Moteurs (engine systems). The deal expands the product range to air management and engine cooling, enables penetration into the North American, Chinese and Indian markets, and increases presence with German premium OEMs. KOS pursues international development by starting the outsourcing management of medical technologies and related medium- to long-term services at public and private hospitals in the United Kingdom and India
2011
CIR enters the hospitality sector
CIR enters the hospitality sector by acquiring 20% of Swiss Education Group, a global leader in hospitality management education. The stake is sold in 2015 with a significant capital gain.
2012
Generational succession
Generational succession: Carlo De Benedetti completes the process launched in 2009 by transferring control free of charge to his three sons. He is appointed Honorary Chairman of the company.
2013
Rodolfo De Benedetti becomes chairman and Monica Mondardini CEO of CIR
The Board of Directors appoints Rodolfo De Benedetti Chairman and Monica Mondardini Chief Executive Officer; Mondardini had been in the Group since 2008 as CEO of Gruppo Editoriale L’Espresso.
CIR wins the civil action related to Lodo Mondadori
CIR wins the civil action related to the Mondadori arbitration (“Lodo Mondadori”), obtaining damages of around €490 million.
2016
Merger between Espresso and ITEDI, GEDI is born
Merger between Espresso and ITEDI, giving rise in 2017 to GEDI Gruppo Editoriale through the incorporation of ITEDI into Gruppo Espresso. CIR becomes the controlling shareholder of the new group with a 43.4% stake.
2016
F2i enters in KOS
F2i enters KOS. CIR rises to 60% of the capital; the remaining stake is held by F2i Healthcare, a fund controlled by F2i and participated by other institutional investors, including the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
2019
KOS enters the German market
KOS enters the German market by acquiring 100% of Charleston Holding, a German company managing 47 nursing homes. It is the Group’s first operation in Germany.
2020
Merger CIR-COFIDE
Merger of CIR into its parent company COFIDE. The new holding company, controlled by F.lli De Benedetti, takes on the historic name CIR.
2020
CIR divests in publishing
CIR divests its 43.78% stake in GEDI to EXOR.
KOS completes the sale of Medipass to Inframedica S.r.l. .
2024
Sale of Sogefi’s Filtration division
Sogefi sells its Filtration division to the investment fund Pacific Avenue Capital Partners. The transaction monetizes a business area that had reached record results and reorients the Group’s industrial profile, reducing exposure to risks linked to the transition to e-mobility.
