H.I.G. Capital Strengthens Its Portfolio with Protos S.p.A. Acquisition

H.I.G. Capital, a prominent global alternative investment firm, has recently announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Protos S.p.A., a well-regarded independent technical consulting company. This strategic investment is set to bolster H.I.G.'s influence in the growing technical consulting market, which is increasingly important in today's economy, characterized by energy transition and infrastructure renewal.

Background of the Acquisition

On March 11, 2025, H.I.G. declared that one of its affiliates had successfully acquired Protos, with the backing of the firm's existing management team. With $67 billion in capital under management, H.I.G. is poised to effectively leverage its resources to support Protos' strategic growth objectives, both in Italy and internationally.

Protos, headquartered in Rome, also has offices in Milan and Genoa. It specializes in a variety of technical advisory services, which range from inspections and certifications to environmental and engineering services. With a multidisciplinary team composed of skilled professionals, Protos prides itself on providing tailored solutions that encompass all stages of project development, ensuring clients receive the utmost in technical expertise, independence, and transparency.

Industry Relevance

The technical consulting industry is experiencing significant growth driven by various factors including the global shift towards renewable energy, the need for infrastructure modernization, and the rise of stringent regulatory standards. Raffaele Legnani and Giovanni Guglielmi, both Managing Directors at H.I.G. Capital in Italy, emphasized that Protos stands out as an industry leader due to its competitive positioning and its reputation for technical excellence. They noted that H.I.G. is prepared to help Protos scale its operations amidst these evolving market dynamics.

Expectations from the Partnership

Franco Masera and Luca Mazzoni, key figures within Protos, expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership with H.I.G., anticipating that it will accelerate their growth trajectory. They view H.I.G. as an ideal partner that can enhance Protos' strategic vision and operational capabilities, marking a significant advancement in the company’s journey as a leader in technical consulting in Italy.

This acquisition also positions Protos advantageously amidst a shifting landscape that values compliance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, thus making their services increasingly critical to clients across various sectors.

Protos S.p.A. Profile

Founded in the Italian capital, Protos has carved a niche for itself by delivering comprehensive technical-engineering consulting services. These services encompass due diligence, certifications, engineering support, insurance risk advisory, and litigation support, among others. The firm caters to a diverse clientele, which includes large corporations, financial institutions, and public entities. Its expertise spans significant market segments such as real estate, energy, and financial services.

Protos leverages a dynamic and multidisciplinary approach that allows them to customize solutions to meet specific project needs. This adaptability has been a key factor in their success, and with H.I.G.'s support, they plan to enhance this aspect further.

About H.I.G. Capital

Established in 1993 and headquartered in Miami, H.I.G. Capital specializes in providing both debt and equity financing primarily to mid-sized companies globally. With a robust international presence, including offices in major U.S. cities and affiliates in Europe and Latin America, H.I.G. operates across various sectors. Their history includes managing over 400 companies, showcasing their capability and expertise in fostering business growth.

As part of their growth strategy, H.I.G. invests through various means, including management buyouts and resourceful partnerships with businesses like Protos, which they believe will yield significant returns.

For more information about Protos and H.I.G. Capital, visit protos-spa.it and hig.com, respectively.