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In 2025, Brazilian Rebeca Pinheiro launched RNP Growth, the first female-led traditional SF in Spain, with the support of 15 investors. While searching in Spain, she came across an opportunity through a Brazilian M&A broker to acquire an Italian company and decided to pursue the opportunity. She has just announced the successful acquisition of Duco Travel Summit, a Milan-based B2B luxury events platform. The deal was structured with equity, senior debt provided by Banco BPM, and reinvestment from Carolina Perez, Duco’s founder, who will remain a shareholder and continue to serve as a Strategic Board Member, supporting the company’s long-term future. Among the investors backing the deal are Istria Capital, Inseta Partners, Cerralvo Capital, The Cromwell Harbor Partnership, Martell Capital Partners, Celium, Spectra Investments, and Jurgen Rilling.
Founded in 2016, Duco pioneered an entirely new format in high-end travel: boutique, exclusive summits dedicated to a single destination at a time. The company connects leading luxury hospitality suppliers, such as hotels, DMCs, and premium experiences and services, with a carefully curated selection of qualified travel advisors and tourism partners from English-speaking markets, primarily the United States. Beyond the events themselves, DUCO has established itself as a channel for the continuous promotion of each destination. Today, it brings together established editions in Italy, France, and Spain & Portugal, with a debut already scheduled for the United Kingdom & Ireland in 2026.
As Rebeca explained to us, each Duco event is designed to foster meaningful relationships while showcasing the culture, hospitality, and character that make each destination unique. The company is a proven leader in its niche, with repeat clients such as Four Seasons, Six Senses, and Rosewood, and will continue to explore opportunities for future destination expansion.
M&A: IGC Partners / Legal: PedersoliGattai (Italy) and Barrilero (Spain) / DD: KPMG / Fiscal: Maisto e Associati / Debt: Essentia
