Automa S.r.l. is an Italian company based in Ancona and a leader in the development of technological solutions for the digitalization and monitoring of gas networks. Thanks to its in-house expertise in software, telemetry and data analytics, the company has established itself as one of the leading players in the smart grid and energy infrastructure market.

PAI Partners, through the PAI Mid-Market Fund II, has acquired a majority stake in Automa as part of its plan to expand its activities in the environmental monitoring and engineering sector. PAI had previously acquired Orion, a group operating mainly in water and air monitoring, in this sector. Following the transaction, Automa will retain its operational independence from Orion as a ‘sister’ company and will assume the role of the Group’s consolidation platform in the gas monitoring sector, driving the external growth strategy in this segment. The founder, Giorgio Giorgetti, will retain a 30% stake in Automa and will hold a strategic leadership role within the Group, whilst continuing to lead the company as Chief Executive Officer.

Cross Border acted as exclusive financial adviser to Automa’s shareholders, structuring and managing a competitive process aimed at maximizing the company’s value and identifying the most suitable partner to support its long-term growth. The team coordinated the entire process, from preparing the information pack to managing the due diligence, right through to structuring and negotiating the final agreements, contributing to the success of a strategic transaction that will enable Automa to accelerate its development both in Italy and on international markets.