Aponte to refinance GNV

Genoa - Shipowner Gianluigi Aponte, who controls Grandi Navi Veloci, the Genoese shipping company, is preparing to refinance the company’s debt for more than 300 million, through a consortium of banks consisting of Mediobanca, Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Monte dei Paschi, Popolare Milano, Banco Popolare and Ubi Banca. According to rumours reported by Il Sole 24 Ore, Mediobanca and Unicredit would be at the forefront of the deal. The possible participation of a mezzanine capital fund is also being considered. According to experts the deal should present no significant difficulties.