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☆ Pope Francis denounces 'pain and shame' of Mediterranean migrant deaths
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from his window at the Vatican, August 13, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERSMILAN, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday urged politicians to address the "open wound" of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean, saying he had been praying for the 41 people who died in a shipwreck earlier this month. More than 22,000 people have died or gone missing in its waters since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration. Port officials on the Italian island of Sicily recovered one body on Sunday after a boat carrying 13 migrants capsized on Saturday night off the nearby island of Marettimo, ANSA news agency reported. The pope also called for prayers for Ukraine and for the victims of the wildfires in Maui in Hawaii.

Persons: Pope Francis, Francis, Valentina Za, Frances Kerry Organizations: Vatican, Handout, REUTERS, Sunday, International Organization for Migration, Thomson Locations: REUTERS MILAN, Europe, Sicily, Marettimo, France, Britain, Ukraine, Maui, Hawaii

LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - U.S. hedge fund Davidson Kempner Capital Management (DK) said on Friday it had agreed to sell Prelios to fintech firm ION Group, in a long-awaited deal which two sources said valued the Italian credit manager at 1.35 billion euros ($1.5 billion). DK, which did not disclose the sale price, had been looking for a buyer for years, and held discussions for several months with ION. Dublin-based ION Group was in turn in talks with banks for months to secure funding for the deal. Founded by former Salomon Brothers trader Andrea Pignataro, ION Group provides services of trading, analytics, treasury and risk management for capital and commodity markets. In 2021 in Italy alone, ION bought banking software provider Cedacri for $1.8 billion and acquired Cerved in a deal that valued the credit data and management group at nearly 2 billion euros.

Persons: Salomon, Andrea Pignataro, UniCredit, Intesa, DK, Lazard, Prelios, Mediobanca, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Riccardo Serrini, Valentina Za, Pablo Mayo, David Goodman, Susan Fenton Organizations: Davidson, Capital Management, ION Group, ION ., ION, Reuters, BNP, Banco, Standard Chartered Bank, Mediobanca, UBS, X3, DK, Thomson Locations: ION . Dublin, Italy

☆ Exclusive: Intesa closer to gaining Moscow's OK for Russia asset transfer -source
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Valentina Za | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The logo of bank Intesa Sanpaolo is seen in Milan, Italy, January 18, 2016. A spokesperson for Intesa Sanpaolo declined to comment. Pressured by European banking supervisors to cut ties with Russia, Intesa has been working on reducing its exposure, which also includes cross-border loans. Local loans totalled 100 million euros, down 66% from a year before. Russian media has previously reported on possible exit options, including the potential transfer to local management led by Intesa Russia Chairman Antonio Fallico.

Persons: Stefano Rellandini, MILAN, Intesa, Intesa Sanpaolo, Vladimir Putin, Antonio Fallico, Fallico, Valentina Za, Bernadette Baum Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, UniCredit, Raiffeisen Bank, Intesa, European Central Bank, Thomson Locations: Milan, Italy, Moscow, Ukraine, Russia, Intesa, Russian

☆ The ultimate wedding gift? Newlyweds want cash for a down payment
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File PhotoNEW YORK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - When Valentina Valentini was putting together gift ideas for her wedding, the freelance journalist quickly realized that a traditional registry would not work. While asking for cash gifts makes financial sense, it is tricky. "Put a few traditional gifts on it, which they can purchase for you. PUT IT TO WORKWhatever does get donated to your down payment fund, it likely will not be enough to pull the trigger on a purchase right away. "This is a very practical idea for wedding gifts – and one that we have chosen for my sister-in-law's upcoming wedding."

Persons: Carlo Allegri, Valentina Valentini, Clare Trapasso, Realtor.com, Valentini, Realtor.com's Trapasso, Randy Bruns, –, Lauren Young, Richard Chang Organizations: REUTERS, National Association of Realtors, invitees, Thomson Locations: Long Island , New York, U.S, London, California, New England, Realtor.com, Naperville , Illinois

☆ Italy sets 0.1% cap for new bank tax after market rout
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Intesa Sanpaolo bank logo and decreasing stock graph are seen in this illustration taken March 12, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationROME, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Italy has set a cap at 0.1% of total bank assets for the new tax targeting profits lenders reaped from higher rates, after the surprise announcement of the new levy sparked a market sell-off on Tuesday. Italian banks closed down 7.6%, with sector leader Intesa Sanpaolo (ISP.MI) losing 8.6% and mid-sized BPER (EMII.MI) down 10.9%. In a bid to reassure markets, the Treasury late on Tuesday said the proceeds from the tax would not amount to more than 0.1% of lenders' total assets. As the European Central Bank raised official rates, banks have been hiking the cost of loans while holding off on rewarding depositors more for their cash.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Intesa Sanpaolo, Giorgia Meloni, Alvise Armellini, Valentina Za, Stephen Coates Organizations: REUTERS, Treasury, Tuesday Citi, European Central Bank, Thomson Locations: Italy, Spain, Hungary, Rome

☆ Italy, KKR discussing terms of state investment into fixed line grid - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Telecom Italia (TIM) logo is seen displayed in this illustration taken, May 3, 2022. The preliminary agreement could be signed as early as this week, one of the sources said, adding that discussions were still ongoing. The Treasury could join KKR in its preliminary 23 billion euro ($25 billion) bid for TIM's grid and secure a government stake in the venture that will own the network, alongside other potential state-backed investors, the sources said. Debt-laden TIM has granted KKR an exclusivity period until the end of September to negotiate a binding bid for Netco, a venture comprising both TIM's fixed domestic access grid and submarine cable unit Sparkle. ($1 = 0.9127 euros)Reporting by Elvira Pollina and Giuseppe Fonte; writing by Valentina Za; Editing by Alvise ArmelliniOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Elvira Pollina, Giuseppe Fonte, Valentina Za, Alvise Organizations: Telecom Italia, REUTERS, Treasury, KKR, Telecom Italia's, TIM, Netco, Thomson Locations: MILAN

☆ Denmark beat Italy in men's team pursuit to avenge Olympic defeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

GLASGOW, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Denmark reclaimed their world title in men's team pursuit as they defeated Olympic champions Italy in the final at the UCI World Championships in Glasgow on Saturday. In a repeat of the gold-medal battle at the Tokyo Games in 2021 which Italy won in a world record time, Denmark exacted revenge as they reeled in the Azzuri to win comfortably. Denmark also won the title in 2020 and were favourites going into the Olympics. In the women's team pursuit final later, Britain -- led by local favourite Katie Archibald -- take on New Zealand, seeking to win the title for the first time since 2014. Austria's Valentina Holl won the women's title.

Persons: Lasse Leth, Niklas Larsen, Rasmus Pedersen, Carl, Frederik Bevort, Chris Hoy, Filippo Ganna, Katie Archibald, Charlie Hatton, Hatton, Austria's Andreas Kolb, Valentina Holl, Martyn Herman, Hugh Lawson Organizations: GLASGOW, Olympic, Italy, UCI, Tokyo Games, New Zealand, Australia, Thomson Locations: Denmark, Glasgow, Tokyo, Italy, Britain, New Zealand, Fort William, Glasgow's

☆ Italy's MPS sees 2023 profit above 1 billion euros after tenfold rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Valentina Za | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

FILE PHOTO-The logo of Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank is seen in a bank entrance in Rome, Italy August 16, 2018. Like peers, Monte dei Paschi (MPS) reaped the benefits of higher rates which have allowed banks to charge more for loans while what they pay out on deposits lags. To fund the voluntary staff exits by sending people into early retirement, Lovaglio oversaw a 2.5 billion euro ($2.7 billion) capital raise in tough markets last November. Shares in MPS traded 3.5% higher by late morning at 2.568 euros each. Core revenues jumped 10% on a quarterly basis to 941 million euros, leapfrogging expectations, with net interest income nearly doubling from last year and up 15% from the first quarter.

Persons: Max Rossi, Siena, Monte, Luigi Lovaglio, Lovaglio, Andrea Orcel, Valentina Za, Alvise Armellini, Keith Weir Organizations: REUTERS, STATE, MPS, Bankers, Thomson Locations: dei, Siena, Rome, Italy, MILAN

☆ NB Renaissance invests in app developer Bending Spoons, eyes IPO
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MILAN, Aug 3 (Reuters) - NB Renaissance has invested in Milan-based mobile app developer Bending Spoons to help the company expand in a fast-growing market, including through merger and acquisition deals, the private equity firm said on Thursday. Bending Spoons is one of the world's top app providers with 500 million downloads and 100 million active users a month. "In securing the deal, NB Renaissance leveraged its strong relationship with Bending Spoons' founding team," it said, adding they had first worked together in 2019 on a potential U.S. acquisition deal. NB Renaissance did not disclose the size of the investment, saying only it had taken a minority stake, with NBR's senior partner Stefano Bontempelli appointed as member of the board. NB Renaissance is part of Neuberger Berman, a private, independent and employee-owned investment manager with $443 billion of assets under management.

Persons: NBR's, Stefano Bontempelli, Cherry, Neuberger Berman, Valentina Za, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: MILAN, Cherry, Cherry Bay Capital Group, Banco, Engineering, Thomson Locations: Milan, Cherry Bay, Inetum

☆ Sweden to play US in last 16 after beating Argentina while South Africa makes history
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A meeting between Sweden and the US in the first knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup was confirmed on Wednesday as the Scandinavian side beat Argentina 2-0. Banyana Banyana’s 3-2 win at the Wellington Regional Stadium marked the African nation’s first win ever at a Women’s World Cup having qualified twice. South Africa makes historyOver in Hamilton, Banyana Banyana had to come from behind after Arianna Caruso put Italy ahead through a penalty early on. Benedetta Orsi is consoled by her teammate Lucia Di Guglielmo after scoring an own goal against South Africa. Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesThe second half saw something of an onslaught from South Africa, who continually regained the ball high up the pitch and got numbers forward en masse.

Persons: Sofia Jakobssen, Rebecka Blomqvist, Argentina’s, Elin Rubensson, Banyana Banyana, Arianna Caruso, Robyn Moodaly, Benedetta Orsi, goalkeepr Francesca Durante, Durante, Orsi, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Catherine Ivill, Hildah Magaia, Banyana, Cristiana Girelli’s, Caruso, Gireilli, Thembi Kgatlana, Desiree Ellis, Valentina Giacinti, Kgatlana, Ellis ’, FIFA’s Organizations: CNN, Argentina, Wellington, Cup, South American, Waikato, Sofia, FIFA, US, Tokyo, National Team, South, Portugal Locations: Sweden, Italy, South Africa, Hamilton, New Zealand, Africa, Netherlands, England, Australia, Argentina

☆ Italy's Banco BPM lifts 2023 profit goal after solid quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A woman walks in front of the Banca Popolare di Milano (BPM) bank in downtown Milan, Italy, January 29, 2016. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo/File PhotoMILAN, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Italian bank Banco BPM (BAMI.MI) on Wednesday joined bigger peers in lifting its 2023 net profit goal - the third such upgrade in as many consecutive quarters - as the sector reaps the benefits of higher interest rates. Italy's third-largest bank said it now expects a full-year net profit of at least of 1.2 billion euros, or 80 euro cents per share up from a previous 75 euro cents per share. Banco BPM said net profit for April-June came in at 359 million euros, above a 335 million analyst consensus compiled by Reuters. The bank said it would update its shareholder reward targets when it presents a new business plan by the end of December.

Persons: Alessandro Garofalo, MILAN, Andrea Mandalà, Valentina Za Organizations: Banca Popolare, REUTERS, Banco, Wednesday, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Milan, Italy

☆ Russian hackers crash Italian bank websites - cyber agency
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ROME, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Italy's cyber security agency on Tuesday said it had detected hacker attacks against websites of at least five banks, which temporarily made it impossible to access some of their services. A spokesperson for the agency told Reuters that targeted banks included Intesa Sanpaolo (ISP.MI), Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS.MI) and BPER Banca (EMII.MI), along with FinecoBank (FBK.MI) and Banca Popolare di Sondrio (BPSI.MI). The agency "identified the reactivation of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack campaigns by pro-Russian ... groups against national institutional subjects," a statement said. In DDoS attacks, hackers attempt to flood a network with unusually high volumes of data traffic in order to paralyse it. The agency said it provided swift assistance to the firms targeted by attacks from activists in the Noname057(16) group in order to mitigate any impact.

Persons: Intesa, Siena, Angelo Amante, Valentina Za Organizations: Reuters, BPER Banca, Banca Popolare, Thomson

☆ UniCredit proposes giving audit powers to board
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

UniCredit logo and stock graph are seen displayed in this illustration taken, May 3, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File PhotoMILAN, Aug 1 (Reuters) - UniCredit (CRDI.MI) on Tuesday proposed amending its by-laws to give its board audit powers, which would no longer be exercised by a separate body, in a push to make controls more effective, it said. At present the board of directors exercises management and strategic supervision functions, to which it would add the audit one. The new system ensures a greater effectiveness of controls by bringing the "the control body within the board, which would fully appreciate the inputs of the members of the control body through their direct participation in decision-making," Unicredit said. Reporting by Valentina Za Editing by Keith WeirOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, MILAN, Intesa, Unicredit, Valentina Za, Keith Weir Organizations: REUTERS, Thomson

☆ Intesa lifts profit outlook after record first-half
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Valentina Za | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Intesa posted a 2.27 billion euro net profit for April-June, above a Reuters analyst consensus of 1.82 billion euros ($2 billion), with lower than expected loan loss provision also helping to offset rising costs. Intesa now sees its full year profit "well above" a previous forecast of 7 billion euros, with further growth projected in 2024 and 2025. Under the strategy unveiled in February last year Intesa had originally aimed for a 6.5 billion euro 2025 net profit. Intesa expects to reap more than 13.5 billion euros in 2023 from its net interest margin, and grow it further in 2024 and 2025. "(Intesa's) '24/'25 profit guide is supported by growing net interest income, recovery in commissions, cost reduction and low cost of risk," Jefferies said.

Persons: Intesa, Carlo Messina, Messina, Jefferies, Valentina Za, Keith Weir, Gavin Jones Organizations: MILAN, TECH, Thomson Locations: Italy's, Italy, Europe

☆ Mediobanca to launch new $223 mln buyback after record year
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MILAN, July 27 (Reuters) - Italy's Mediobanca (MDBI.MI) said on Thursday it would buy back its own shares for around 200 million euros ($223 million) in its new fiscal year after closing the previous one with record revenues and profits. The bank posted a 13% yearly rise in net profit to 1.03 billion euros in the 12 months through June, after one-off hits totalling around 190 million euros. Mediobanca booked a 49.5 million euro impairment on Swiss asset manager RAM while also setting aside 26 million euros to fund voluntary staff exits to boost generational turnover. "Mediobanca in the next three years will deliver strong growth in wealth management, more efficient risk weighted asset (RWA) management, and enhanced shareholder remuneration," Chief Executive Alberto Nagel said in a statement. ($1 = 0.8976 euros)Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro; editing by Valentina ZaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mediobanca, Alberto Nagel, Gianluca Semeraro, Valentina Za Organizations: MILAN, Thomson

☆ Unprecedented ocean heat is changing the way sharks eat, breathe and behave
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Rachel Ramirez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“An increase in metabolic rates means that sharks are using more energy to just be alive and swim,” Di Santo told CNN. Some fish species are not able to find new, suitable habitats, which causes a decline in their population. “It is important to consider that sharks are very much tuned in the behavior of their prey,” Di Santo said. “These small-scale movements can be just as crucial for their survival as poleward relocations,” Di Santo said. Zidowitz said progress on conservation to protect shark species is “too slow to keep pace” with the numerous threats they face, yet she remains hopeful.

Persons: Heike, Michele Spatari, Valentina Di Santo, biomechanist, Di, ” Di Santo, Di Santo, ”, Joseph Prezioso, Zidowitz, ” Zidowitz Organizations: CNN — Sharks, International Union for Conservation of, World Wildlife, CNN, ”, Cape, Getty, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: Germany, Umkomaas, Durban, South Africa, AFP, Cape Cod , Massachusetts

☆ Azimut to start marketing funds to UniCredit clients in Q1
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 27 (Reuters) - Italian asset manager Azimut (AZMT.MI) said its partnership with UniCredit (CRDI.MI) was on track and would start contributing to net profit from early next year, when it begins marketing products built for the bank's clients across its branches. UniCredit, which sold its asset management operations in 2017 to boost capital, has turned to Azimut as it works to grow its fee income by bringing back in house parts of the business. "We have entered into stage two of the ... strategic partnership with UniCredit," CEO and CFO Alessandro Zambotti said in a statement, as Azimut posted a 15% yearly rise in first-half net profit. Under the deal unveiled in December, Azimut will set up in Ireland an asset management business tailored to UniCredit clients' needs which the bank has an option to acquire for a token price within five years. Azimut has said it expects to reap a 0.5% profit margin on the sales of new products to UniCredit clients.

Persons: Azimut, UniCredit, Alessandro Zambotti, Andrea Orcel, Pietro Giuliani, Enrico Sciacovelli, Valentina Za Organizations: UniCredit, Wednesday, Thomson Locations: Italian, Ireland

☆ ECB mulled raising banks' mandatory reserves in inflation fight -sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The ECB raised interest rates for the ninth consecutive time on Thursday in its year-long effort to bring down inflation. It also decided to stop remunerating banks' minimum reserves to contain the amount it pays in interest and the losses it is likely to make. The ECB is currently remunerating lenders' mandatory reserves in the same way as their deposits, which are reserves held above the minimum. On Thursday it increased the deposit rate to 3.75%, in a widely expected decision, while cutting to zero the rate on minimum reserves. "Since then, the efficiency aspect has risen in relevance, in line with the higher level of the key ECB interest rates," it said.

Persons: Arne Petimezas, Petimezas, Francesco Canepa, Balazs Koranyi, Valentina Za, Christina Fincher, Catherine Evans Organizations: Central Bank, Reuters, ECB, AFS Group, Thomson Locations: FRANKFURT, Amsterdam

Higher interest rates helped UniCredit (CRDI.MI) strongly beat earnings expectations in the second quarter. Germany's financial regulator BaFin has been calling on banks to raise the amount of money they set aside for bad loans. Deutsche Bank on Wednesday said provisions for bad loans nearly doubled in the second quarter from a year earlier to 401 million euros. Santander's financial chief said bad loans in Brazil may have already peaked. This sent the bank's shares up around 2% on Wednesday, with Jefferies saying that it sees upside potential to net interest income.

Persons: Ralph Orlowski, Lloyd's, Andrea Orcel, BaFin, James von Moltke, UniCredit, Jefferies, Tom Sims, Jane Merriman Organizations: Germany's Deutsche Bank, REUTERS, Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Lloyds, JPMorgan, Monetary Fund, European Central Bank, Union, Thomson Locations: Frankfurt, Germany, MILAN, MADRID, Europe, Spain, Santander, Brazil

☆ Italy vs Argentina: Giulia Dragoni, 16-year-old 'Little Messi', makes debut at Women's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The Women’s World Cup saw a moment that will live long in the memory for 16-year-old Giulia Dragoni as she started for Italy against Argentina on Monday. Dragoni – born on November 7, 2006 – began the Group G clash in the heart of Italy’s midfield and became the youngest player to represent Italy in the competition’s history. In contrast, 39-year-old Vanina Correa was in goal for Argentina – she had already made her debut for her country when Dragoni was born. Italy – quarterfinalist in 2019 – was the strongest team throughout the opening game for both sides at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, with some late quality from Cristiana Girelli proving decisive as Italy won 1-0. After the break, with both sides not wanting to lose their opening game, chances were few and far between with the teams prioritizing the avoidance of mistakes over attacking recklessness.

Persons: Giulia Dragoni, Dragoni –, –, ‘ Little Messi, ’, Vanina Correa, Argentina –, Dragoni, Italy –, Girelli, Arianna Caruso, Valentina Giacinti, Cristiana Girelli, Kim Price, she’s Organizations: CNN, Argentina, FIFA, Italy – quarterfinalist, Italy Locations: Italy, European, Italy’s, Barcelona, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Argentina

☆ Mediobanca teams up with UK's Founders Factory in fintech push
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Elvira Pollina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MILAN, July 24 (Reuters) - Mediobanca (MDBI.MI) will partner with London-based Founders Factory, an early-stage investor in new businesses, to promote fintech start-ups, the two companies said, as the Italian bank works to grow its international and tech footprint. Mediobanca will invest 12 million euros ($13 million) in a joint venture with Founders Factory with a view to building up 35 fintech ventures over the next five years. Founders Factory has invested so far in more than 300 tech companies, including nearly 50 financial technology ventures. "The (Mediobanca-Founders Factory) venture studio will build, finance and launch new fintech ventures that utilise advanced technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, to innovate the financial services market", the companies said. ($1 = 0.9029 euros)Reporting by Elvira Pollina; editing by Valentina Za and Gavin JonesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Alberto Nagel, Mediobanca, Nagel, Elvira Pollina, Valentina Za, Gavin Jones Organizations: MILAN, Factory, fintech, Founders Factory, Arma Partners, Thomson Locations: London, Acre

☆ Super sub Girelli earns Italy 1-0 win over Argentina
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"When you have a player like Cristiana Girelli on the bench and you see that you can't actually score ... my choice was very simple," Italy coach Milena Bertolini said. After a slow start to the second half, Italy settled into their rhythm and looked more likely to score. Manuela Giuliano's free kick drifted over the crossbar before Giadda Greggi drew a smart stop from Correa in the 82nd minute. Argentina caused plenty of problems for Durante but could not manage a shot on target until Bonsegundo's free kick in the 94th minute. They next face South Africa on Friday in Dunedin, with both teams still searching for a first World Cup victory.

Persons: Cristiana Girelli, Barbara Bonansea, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Cristiana, Girelli, Giulia Dragoni, Vanina Correa, Milena Bertolini, Italy's Ariana Caruso, Valentina Giacinti, Mariana Larroquette's, Manuela Giuliano's, Greggi, Francesca Durante, Florencia Bonsegundo's, Bertolini, Giulia, Durante, German Portanova, Hritika Sharma, Toby Chopra, Christian Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Italy, Argentina, Eden, South Americans, G, South, Girelli, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Italy, Argentina, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Sweden, Wellington, South Africa, Correa, Argentine, Dragoni, Africa, Dunedin, German, Hyderabad

☆ Italian asset manager Azimut targeted by BlackCat hackers
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MILAN, July 24 (Reuters) - Italian asset manager Azimut (AZMT.MI) said on Monday it had suffered a cyberattack that did not harm its customers' sensitive data, and had received a ransom request which it rebuffed. Israeli hacking monitoring start-up DarkFeedsaid the attack was carried out by BlackCat, the same ransomware group which in September stole large amounts of data from state-owned Italian energy services firm GSE. Tel Aviv-based DarkFeed said on its website that Azimut had been hit on July 21, listing it as one of BlackCat's 477 victims. BlackCat, also known as ALPHV, emerged in late 2021 and is known for having launched sophisticated attacks on scores of companies across the U.S. and Europe. Reporting by Elvira Pollina and Valentina Za, editing by Gavin JonesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Azimut, BlackCat, DarkFeed, Elvira Pollina, Valentina Za, Gavin Jones Organizations: MILAN, Thomson Locations: Italian, Tel Aviv, Europe, Italy

TUA Assicurazioni, a non-life company founded in 2003, is valued at around 300 million euros ($335 million), according to the sources. Two sources mentioned German insurance heavyweight Allianz (ALVG.DE), fellow German insurer Talanx (TLXGn.DE) and France's Groupama as potential bidders. One of them also named Italy's Itas as one of up to five parties that could bid in the second round. Talanx has expressed interest in ICCREA's non-life business and is competing with Swiss Helvetia Group (HELN.S), Groupama and Italian cooperative insurer Assimoco. ($1 = 0.8946 euros)Additional reporting by Gianluca Semarero in Milan, writing by Keith Weir Editing by Keith Weir and Louise HeavensOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: TUA, TUA Assicurazioni, Italy's, ICCREA, Talanx, Rothschild, Mediobanca, Groupama, Gianluca Semarero, Keith Weir, Louise Heavens Organizations: Generali, Cattolica, Allianz, Swiss Helvetia Group, Itas, Thomson Locations: MILAN, Generali, Mediobanca, Talanx, Milan

In mid-2020 Rome secured the lion's share of a 724-billion-euro kitty aimed at helping EU members emerge from COVID greener and more tech-friendly. Italy's 191.5 billion euros ($210 billion) of cheap loans and grants, to be received in tranches through 2026, was intended for productive investments in the bloc's most chronically stagnant economy. MICRO-PROJECTSMore than half the EU money is meant to go on digitalisation and ecological transition, with the rest devoted to sustainable transport, education, social cohesion and health. The government is still awaiting a 19-billion-euro tranche of the EU funds blocked in March over missed policy targets stemming from 2022. It brings Italy's byzantine rules closer to EU standards, but Gobbato said people will initially find it hard to adapt.

Persons: Flavio Lo Scalzo, Rome, Roberto Perotti, Giorgia Meloni, Mario Draghi, Giuseppe Conte, Carlo Messina, Intesa, Vittorio Soldavini, Davide Carlucci, It's, Gustavo Piga, Rome's, Ilaria, Dentons, Gobbato, Catherine Evans Organizations: REUTERS, Milan's Bocconi University, Treasury, European Central Bank, Technology, Tor Vergata University, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Milan, Italy, ROME, MILAN, tranches, Brussels, Italy's, Italian, Parma

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