ALA S.p.A. (EGM: ALA), a leader in Italy and a main global player in the supply of integrated logistics services and distribution of products and components for the aviation and aerospace industry, in both the civil and defence sectors (“Aerospace & Defence”), listed on the Euronext Growth Milan Market managed by Borsa Italiana, announced that Cerved Rating Agency — a rating agency specialising in assessing the creditworthiness of Italian non-financial companies — significantly upgraded ALA S.p.A’s public rating from B1.1 to A3.1.

The A3.1 rating upgrade reflects (i) ALA’s growing competitiveness within the industry; (ii) the positive operating results posted in FY22, consistent with Budget targets; and (iii) the continuing good financial equilibrium (NFP/EBITDA<2.0x) at the end of 2022, despite the M&A deal completed. The Business Plan outlines a major business development path for the coming years, benefiting from growing market demand and synergies arising from the acquisition of SINTERSA, a pattern underpinned by established positive economic performance. Leverage is also expected to be maintained at a largely sustainable level, a goal that Cerved Rating Agency believes ALA will be able to achieve thanks to its historical cash-flow generation ability.

Raffaele Carriola, Chief Financial Officer of Ala Group, commented as follows: “We are extremely proud of this result. The rating upgrade, from B1.1 to A3.1, proves our company’s strong market foothold and confirms our leading role in the field of integrated logistics services and distribution of products and components for use in the aerospace industry, both in the civil and defence sectors. This achievement will also boost the trust of our investors, customers and business partners as it demonstrates our responsible financial management and sound business strategy. We look forward with confidence, knowing that our commitment to excellence will lead us to reach new heights in the future. We will continue to work hard to maintain and improve our rating, ensuring stable and sustainable growth for all company stakeholders.”