Shares in Acea tumble after French investor Suez cuts own stake

Acea SpA

18/03/2026 09:12

** Shares in Acea ACE.MI fall as much as 9.9% after French  waste and water group Suez said it had cut its stake in the Italian utility through an accelerated bookbuilding offering (ABO)

** Suez, currently the second largest shareholder in Acea, reduced its stake to around 19% from 23.33% previously, placing the shares at 23 euros/shr at a 7% discount from Tuesday's closing price

** "There is currently limited visibility regarding Suez's intentions for its remaining 19.2% stake," notes Akros, adding the stock price may be under pressure in the short term

** "We believe the placement is driven by the need to stabilize group debt ... rather than a strategic shift in its Italian positioning," broker Equita says, not expect further reductions in Suez's stake

** However, both brokers see the increase in free float - to around 24% according to Equita - as positive for liquidity in the mid term

 (Enrico Sciacovelli)

 ((Enrico.sciacovelli@thomsonreuters.com))