Romano Minozzi, founder and president of the privately owned group Iris Ceramica, has become a key shareholder in Italian energy company Eni SpA with a 3.095% stake, according to documents filed with the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (Consob) on May 6. This acquisition positions Minozzi as one of the few family entrepreneurs to hold a significant stake in a major energy player in Italy.
The value of the stake is estimated at approximately €1.2bn ($1.33bn), based on market prices as of May 5. In addition, Minozzi also owns 7.4% of Snam SpA, the national operator of gas infrastructure. This dual presence in gas and oil strengthens his positioning in the energy sector, historically dominated by the state and institutional investors.
A notable entry into a strategic group
Eni, formerly a public monopoly, remains around 30% controlled by the Italian state via the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Minozzi’s acquisition, exceeding the 3% regulatory threshold, requires formal notification to Consob in line with Italian stock market transparency rules.
The arrival of this industrialist—until now linked to the building materials sector—into Eni’s shareholder structure reflects a strategy of asset diversification towards energy holdings. No public statements were made by Eni or Iris Ceramica on the matter.
Consolidating an energy portfolio
Minozzi is already active in energy infrastructure through his stake in Snam. Acquiring a part of Eni extends his exposure into upstream production and oil exploration. Eni operates in over 60 countries and holds a broad asset portfolio, including production zones in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
This diversification reinforces the strategic coherence of his holdings across energy transport and production. The stake level reached potentially allows some influence over key decisions, particularly during general meetings.
Growing weight of private investors in the sector
The increasing presence of private Italian investors in strategic companies such as Eni signals a shift in governance dynamics. Although the state retains a blocking minority, shareholders like Minozzi may influence industrial priorities without taking direct control.
According to Forbes, Romano Minozzi has an estimated net worth of $1.8bn. This level of capitalisation enables him to undertake targeted moves in capital-intensive companies. Future developments in Eni’s shareholder composition will be closely monitored by analysts covering investor relations in the energy sector.
