I fondatori - Arrigo Benedetti ed Eugenio Scalfari. Benedetti č stato il primo direttore de "L’Espresso", dal 1955 al 1963, e a lui č subentrato Scalfari, rimasto alla guida del settimanale fino al 1968.
1955

The company N.E.R. (Nuove Edizioni Romane) publishing L'espresso is incorporated, with Adriano Olivetti as the majority shareholder. At the beginning of October the first copies of l'Espresso, under the editorship of Arrigo Benedetti, start rolling off the presses. 

1956

Carlo Caracciolo becomes the controlling shareholder of the company. Also Arrigo Benedetti and Eugenio Scalfari enter as major shareholders.

1958

Incorporation of Publietas, destined to remain the advertising agency of l'Espresso for many years to come. 

1963

Arrigo Benedetti hands over to Eugenio Scalfari as editor. Average circulation reaches 70,000 copies.

 
I fondatori - Scalfari insieme a Carlo Caracciolo, in una foto che risale al 1976, quando il gruppo editoriale diede vita al quotidiano "La Repubblica"
1965

Introduction of colour printing for photos, text and adverts.  

1967

Publication of a colour insert in a format already consolidated by the Sunday Times and the Observer. Circulation rises to 100,000.  

1968

Scalfari, elected to the lower house, leaves the position as editor in the hands of Gianni Corbi.