Early Life
Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone was born in Rome, Italy, on March 2, 1943. He came from a family deeply involved in manufacturing and construction. His grandfather built the first buildings in Palermo in the late 1800s. His early exposure to the construction sector laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Rise to Success
After studying engineering in Rome, Caltagirone, along with his brothers and cousin, revived the family business. In the 1970s, he became a major shareholder. In 1984, he acquired Vianini Lavori S.p.A. and became its president, expanding into infrastructure projects. A pivotal moment was his acquisition of Cementir S.p.A. in 1992, which he transformed into a multinational company. In the mid-nineties, he gained full control of the Caltagirone Group.
Key Business Strategies
Caltagirone's strategies included strategic acquisitions and diversification. He ventured into the media industry by acquiring several newspapers, including Il Messaggero and Il Gazzettino. He established Caltagirone Editore, which became a significant publishing group in Italy. His focus on infrastructure, cement manufacturing, real estate, and media created a diversified portfolio. He also expanded into the financial sector, acquiring stakes in insurance and financial institutions.
Philanthropy
Information on exact philanthropy amounts is not readily available, but Caltagirone is known to be involved in philanthropic activities. He has supported causes like education and social welfare.