Arsenale Group, a leading Italian company in luxury hospitality and travel, announces it has successfully completed the placement of a €300 million senior secured bond, marking an important milestone in financing its long-term growth strategy.
The bond, with a four-year maturity, carries a floating-rate coupon indexed to 3-month Euribor, plus a 7.00% margin. Settlement took place on 30 June 2026, and the bond is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Proceeds from the issuance will support the implementation of the Group’s 2026-2030 strategic plan, complementing new equity contributed by its shareholders. Part of the funds raised will also be used to buy back the preference shares issued in 2022 to Oaktree Capital Management.
Paolo Barletta, Chairman and CEO of Arsenale Group, described the transaction as a major milestone, one he said confirms the strength of the Group’s long-term vision. He noted that the successful bond issuance provides additional financial flexibility to pursue an ambitious growth strategy while strengthening the Group’s capital structure, as Arsenale continues to redefine the future of luxury hospitality and travel. This financing, he said, will support the development of the Group’s project portfolio and further reinforce its position as a global leader in the luxury hospitality segment. Pareto Securities acted as financial advisor on the issuance.
Founded in 2020 by Paolo Barletta and Annabel Holding, Arsenale operates across two main divisions. The Hospitality Hotel and Resort division designs and manages hotel properties in collaboration with iconic luxury brands such as Soho House and Orient Express, with which the Orient Express La Minerva opened in Rome in April, while the second Orient Express hotel, in Venice, at the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, is due to open in 2026. The Group’s development plan also includes new strategic projects between Rome, Cortina, Tuscany and Southern Italy.
The second division, Luxury Train Cruising, gave rise to the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, the first sustainable rail tourism project combining a luxury offering, in collaboration with Orient Express, Trenitalia-Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato and the Fondazione FS. Since 2023, Arsenale has embarked on a process of international expansion, with four projects already signed: Dream of The Desert in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Railways; a train crossing the Middle East peninsula in the United Arab Emirates, with Etihad Railway; The Samarkand Express, Central Asia’s first luxury train, in Uzbekistan, expected in 2026; and Guardian of the Nile, in Egypt, with Egypt National Railway.
In September 2025, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd., a historic British company regarded as an international benchmark in long-distance luxury rail travel, a deal that consolidated its leading role in the global luxury tourism landscape.
At a Glance
Arsenale Group — €300M senior secured bond – Amount: €300 million senior secured bond – Maturity: 4 years, floating rate coupon, 3-month Euribor + 7.00% margin – Settlement: June 30, 2026; listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange – Use of proceeds: 2026-2030 strategic plan; partial buyback of 2022 preference shares held by Oaktree Capital Management – Financial advisor: Pareto Securities – Company: founded 2020 by Paolo Barletta and Annabel Holding – Portfolio: Orient Express hotels (Rome, Venice 2026), Soho House, La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (acquired Sept. 2025) – Pipeline: new projects between Rome, Cortina, Tuscany and Southern Italy
