Strategic Shift Sees Exit from Football and Divestment of Non-Core Assets

MILAN — In a significant realignment of its corporate portfolio, Fininvest — the Berlusconi family’s financial holding — has posted improved financial results, marked by declining debt and rising profits. The transformation reflects a broader strategic reorganization, including the family’s complete exit from the world of professional football and the sale of several non-strategic assets.

According to the latest financial statements, Fininvest reported a consolidated profit increase of 14% year-over-year, supported by strong performance in media, publishing, and investment divisions. At the same time, the group’s debt levels have fallen to their lowest in over a decade, aided by asset sales and a renewed focus on core business units.

“This is a new phase of disciplined governance,” said Marina Berlusconi, chairwoman of the Fininvest board. “We are prioritizing financial solidity and sectoral leadership in areas where we have the history, strength, and competitive edge.”

Among the most notable moves was the family’s decision to formally exit football. Fininvest had been a major player in the sport for decades through AC Milan, which was sold to Chinese investors in 2017, and more recently through AC Monza, which has now also been ceded to new ownership. Analysts say the exit signals a shift away from legacy prestige assets and toward value-driven investments.

Another pillar of Fininvest’s reorganization includes divesting from properties, entertainment subsidiaries, and minority stakes that no longer align with its long-term strategy. While the group continues to maintain control over Mediaset and Mondadori — two flagship brands in broadcasting and publishing — it has withdrawn from peripheral ventures in sports media, regional real estate, and hospitality.

Financial experts note that Fininvest’s approach mirrors a broader trend among family-owned conglomerates in Europe, which are consolidating resources amid shifting market dynamics and generational transitions.

“Post-Silvio, the Berlusconi heirs are showing a pragmatic approach,” said Giovanni Trani, a media economy professor at Bocconi University. “They are adapting to the reality that old empires must evolve to survive in a digital and post-linear era.”

Indeed, digital transformation has played a key role in the company’s resurgence. Mediaset’s streaming platform MFE has outperformed expectations in Southern Europe, while Mondadori has seen strong growth in e-commerce-driven book sales and educational publishing.

The transition hasn’t been without controversy. Some loyalists criticize the move away from iconic sectors like football as a betrayal of the Berlusconi legacy. Yet many insiders argue the family is simply realigning legacy power with modern market logic.

As Fininvest heads into the next fiscal year, its streamlined portfolio, stronger balance sheet, and renewed digital focus position it as a leaner, more agile player in Italy’s media and financial landscape.

With the Berlusconi dynasty entering a new chapter, the empire’s foundations may be changing — but its ambitions remain unmistakably bold.