Friday, July 18, 2025
H&A, the Milan-based events and incentive travel specialist, has been acquired by Italy’s Gattinoni Group, which has taken a 51% stake in the business. Although the value of the transaction was not revealed, the operation is an important one from a strategic point of view for Gattinoni, which is now planning to strengthen its position in the area of events and incentive travel. The purchase is aimed at expanding Gattinoni’s know-how in managing large events and developing its offerings to out-compete in the travel sector.
Both companies confirmed that they would continue to operate as separate entities with distinct brands, structures, and teams. However, they highlighted that the partnership would be driven by shared values and a common industrial vision, fostering collaboration and synergy between the two organizations. This move is seen as an opportunity for both Gattinoni and H&A to build upon their respective strengths and tackle challenges in a rapidly evolving market that increasingly demands a blend of strategy, creativity, and performance.
Strengthening Gattinoni’s Event Division
Gattinoni, which already has separate departments for business travel, leisure, and events, sees this acquisition as a way to enhance its events division. By integrating H&A’s expertise in organizing corporate events, incentive travel, and large-scale meetings, Gattinoni aims to expand its capability in handling complex, high-profile events. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve Gattinoni’s service offerings and capitalize on growing demand for such services in Italy and beyond.
Franco Gattinoni, president of Gattinoni Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We will work together to develop new projects and tackle the challenges of a constantly evolving market that demands integration between strategy, creativity, and performance.” Gattinoni’s statement emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in positioning the company as a leading player in the events and incentive travel industries.
Growth Prospects and Financial Impact
The acquisition of H&A presents significant revenue potential for the combined companies. Gattinoni and H&A anticipate generating nearly €100 million in total revenues, with Gattinoni Events projected to earn approximately €70 million in revenues by 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by the synergies between the two companies and their ability to offer integrated solutions in the events sector.
Gattinoni’s business travel division also reported strong performance, with gross sales of €267 million in 2024. The company is ranked as the sixth-largest travel management company in Italy, as reported in BTN Europe’s Leading TMCs 2025 list. This ranking underscores Gattinoni’s position as a key player in the Italian travel industry, with the acquisition of H&A further strengthening its market presence.
H&A’s Continued Independence
Despite the acquisition, H&A will maintain its independence in terms of operations and branding. This allows both companies to preserve their unique identities while benefiting from the collaborative synergies created by the partnership. H&A’s founder and CEO, Giancarlo Giumelli, welcomed the partnership, calling it a growth opportunity for both companies. He added, “While maintaining our independence, we will benefit from new synergies, strengthen our market position, and face new challenges, including at the international level.”
For H&A, this acquisition provides the opportunity to expand its reach and tap into a broader client base. The combined expertise of both organizations will enhance H&A’s ability to deliver innovative solutions for corporate events, incentive travel, and other large-scale programs. At the same time, Gattinoni benefits from H&A’s reputation and experience in the events sector, which complements its own offerings in business travel and leisure.
Meeting Market Demands
The events and incentive travel industry is increasingly competitive, especially as the market rebounds from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The acquisition allows both Gattinoni and H&A to stay ahead of the curve by providing integrated solutions that combine strategy, creativity, and performance. As the global market continues to evolve, the two companies are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for innovative events and travel experiences.
Both Gattinoni and H&A have a shared commitment to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of their clients. As travel restrictions ease and international demand for events and incentive travel grows, the companies are poised to leverage their combined strengths to capture new opportunities.
The Path Forward for Gattinoni and H&A
Looking ahead, the partnership between Gattinoni and H&A is expected to drive growth and innovation in Italy’s events and incentive travel sectors. The two companies plan to continue collaborating on new projects that align with their shared goals and vision. As the market evolves, Gattinoni and H&A are focused on expanding their reach both domestically and internationally, while adapting to the changing demands of the industry.
For Gattinoni, the purchase is an enlightened forward investment in the future of the company’s events and travel divisions. As the portfolio of the company still grows, it wants to stay in the lead of the Italian and international tourism and events industry. © 2021 SPH Magazines Pte Ltd The purchase of H&A represents the start of an exciting new era for both brands, with plenty of growth, success, and forward-thinking solutions on the horizon.
Through the continued partnership of The A to Z of MICE, the two companies are expected to leverage their collective experience to address the changing face of the events and incentive travel markets. Through the combination of strategy, creativity, and performance, Gattinoni and H&A are well placed to carry on thriving and adapting to a market in constant evolution.
