Founded in 1995 and mainly known for the global success of the Winx, the animation studio Rainbow, based in Loreto in the Marche region and led by Iginio Straffi, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the famous fairies with an important novelty: it is rumoured to be opening its capital to a financial partner. With the support of Raine’s advisors, Straffi has identified The Equity Club (TEC), promoted by Mediobanca, as the ideal partner to support the company’s growth.

The negotiations, which are taking place on an exclusive basis, envisage an investment of 100 million by TEC, largely intended to support Rainbow’s foreign expansion. In return, the fund will obtain a significant minority stake, while Rainbow will achieve an overall valuation of around 200 million. The signing of the agreement could come shortly.

The investment will be used to finance Rainbow’s growth plans. Rainbow will be able to invest in the creation of new productions, acquire third-party licences, and boost expansion through the acquisition of competitors.
In 2023, Rainbow reported revenues of 108 million, with a profit margin of 43 million. In recent years, the company has expanded its portfolio from children’s animation to the production of live action and television content.

Photo credits: Contactrbw CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons, adopt size