BDM MCC LOAN FOR COHESION SMES & MIDCAPS

This funding line for Medio Credito Centrale Banca del Mezzogiorno Group (MCC - BdM) will support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps in Italian cohesion regions. 30% of the total new loan portfolio that MCC - BdM commits to originate will be allocated to the agriculture and bioeconomy sectors. While the operation sets a 60% cohesion target, it is reasonably expected that the real allocation to businesses in Italian cohesion regions will exceed this threshold.

The funding line, structured as a subscription to a senior note within a Residential Mortgage Asset-Backed Securities (RMBS) framework promoted by Banca del Mezzogiorno MedioCredito Centrale Group (MCC-BdM), will be deployed to support Italian SMEs and MidCaps in addressing both investment and working capital needs. In line with MCC's strategic mandate, the operation will prioritise lending to businesses located in Italy's Cohesion regions namely Southern and Insular areas which will account for at least 60% of the new portfolio target. Furthermore, 30% of the new lending will be earmarked for enterprises operating in the agri-food and bioeconomy sectors, reflecting a targeted focus on sustainable and innovation-driven industries. This initiative complements MCC's role as a regionally focused financial intermediary and reinforces its mission to promote industrial and economic development in structurally disadvantaged areas of Southern Italy. The EIB's participation will enhance MCC's capacity to deliver on this mandate, while also supporting the Italian Government's strategic initiative "ZES Unica" (Single Special Economic Zone), aimed at fostering investment and competitiveness in the South.

The operation directly addresses the persistent financing gap faced by SMEs and mid-caps in Italy, supporting their investment activities during a period of economic uncertainty and heightened borrowing costs, further exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. By targeting smaller and medium-sized enterprises, whose access to credit is often limited due to banks' preference to lower-risk, larger corporates, the facility delivers genuine financial additionality.

A key aspect of the operation is its strong regional focus: at least 60% of the funds will be allocated to Italy's Southern Cohesion regions, where business encounter higher borrowing costs, stricter collateral requirements, and weaker lending relationships. This approach is closely aligns with the national Zona Economica Speciale Unica (ZES) strategy, which aims to forster investment, economic development, and employment through targeted fiscal and administrative incentives.

The facility also dedicates at least 30% of its resources to the agriculture and the bioeconomy sectors which are challanged by climate-related risks, supply chain fragility, and adaptation needs. By providing long-term financing and reduced borrowing costs, the operation enhanced resilience, sustainability, and productivity in these vital sectors.

EIB involvement is catalytic: it mobilises additional private financing by increasing lending capacity at the financial intermediary level and offering technical and advisory support, such as Green Checker eligibility and reporting guidance. This blend of financial leverage, sectorial focus and expert support amplifies the operation's impact, sustaining employment, stimulating regional entrepreneurship, and contributing to sustainable economic growth in Italy.

The Final beneficiaries will be required to comply with applicable national and EU legislation in respect of environmental and social matters, as appropriate.

Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.