NaturaSì denies takeover rumors, cites steward ownership model

NaturaSì, the Verona-based organic food group, has denied recent media reports suggesting that shareholder Bonifiche Ferraresi, which holds a 16.7% stake, is attempting a takeover of the company.

President Fabio Brescacin emphasized that the company utilizes a ‘steward ownership’ model, also known as ‘responsible ownership.’ Under this structure, the majority of shares are held by a non-profit foundation tasked with preserving the company’s mission and safeguarding its community of workers, rather than pursuing speculative financial gains.

Brescacin noted that this ownership model is designed to protect the company from being treated as a mere commodity for economic-financial capital. The group highlighted that steward ownership is a recognized international practice used by other major entities such as Bosch, Rolex, Zeiss, and Patagonia.