(June 20, 2017) “Silvano Merlatti is an exemplary figure, both professionally and humanly. In all the contexts in which he has worked, he has always distinguished himself for his organizational qualities and for the ability to work in close synergy with Italian and of Italian origin institutions and operators”: this is what is stated in the motives for the Knights of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, delivered to one of the most successful Italian entrepreneurs in Australia by the Italian Consul General in Melbourne, Marco Maria Cerbo. Formal delivery took place at the Melbourne Club, one of the most exclusive reception venues in the city, with the presence of a select representation of businessmen. Merlatti is from Savignano, in the province of Cuneo, and worked for the Italian Commercial Bank for a long time before moving to Australia where he has the license for the Italian sportswear brand Fila. “In Melbourne, in particular – is again stated in the motives of the prestigious recognition – it has not only created a commercial network of significant proportions, contributing significantly to the diffusion and knowledge of ‘made in Italy’ in Australia and in the rest of Oceania, but has also been able to effectively connect to the world of traditional immigration, acting as a bridge between the attachment to the traditions that are typical of Italian-Australians and the innovation that characterizes our country”. Merlatti is also a passionate collector of contemporary Italian art and some of his pieces were exhibited at the end of 2016 at the Italian Cultural Institute in Melbourne. (Red)
