Ashurst advised Amundi SGR on the launch of Cbus, the first alternative investment fund reserved for professional investors to finance stocks or agri-food businesses in Italy.

By subscribing to bonds issued by Italian agri-food companies backed by collateral, Cbus grants the issuers with a mid to long term financing that reduces the value of the stock on the producers' balance sheet due to the long ripening time of their products. Financed companies operating in sectors representative of Italian production excellence are experiencing a great success in international markets and need funding in support of their growth.

Developed by Amundi Alternative & Real Assets unit, the Cbus fund invests in bonds whose yield and value are linked to the stock of several producers.

The Ashurst team was led by Milan-based partner Paolo Manganelli, assisted by counsel Annalisa Santini and associate Anna Giulia Chiarugi.