The Legal 500

Within Administrative law, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Growth in energy-related projects and transactions provided a platform for Hogan Lovells Studio Legale’s administrative law practice, which ‘provides its services in a very timely way, providing talented and specialised work teams’. Rome-based practice head Francesca Angeloni ‘pays attention to details’, of counsel Francesca Covone and senior associate Gaia Gelera are ‘focused and available’, and Milan of counsel Maria Deledda ‘explains the different options, guiding the client towards decision’. The group has also developed a strong environmental law team.

Within Banking and finance, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale has ‘a professional and problem-solving approach’. It advised Ferrovie dello Stato on a €1.5bn reserve credit facility, and advised the sponsor on closing the first Italian project financing of a renewable energy PPP project. Federico Del Monte and Corrado Fiscale are the key banking contacts, and Jeffrey Greenbaum is noted for financial services and asset management matters. Greenbaum is ‘an extremely fine communicator and lobbyer, and enjoys great relations with the Italian regulators’. Recently appointed of counsel Carlo Massini is praised for his ‘commitment, legal knowledge, experience of negotiations and language skills’.

Within Debt, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale advised the arrangers on the assignment of a second rating, for European Central Bank eligibility purposes, in relation to notes issued in the context of seven securitisation transactions, and assisted several investment banks in establishing a platform for the issuance of certificates and listing of bonds on the Italian Stock Exchange. Federico Del Monte and Corrado Fiscale are recommended.

Within Equity, tier 4

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale’s Roberto Culicchi is practice head. The team assisted TAS, a provider of software solutions to financial institutions and public entities, on its rights issue and listing of shares on the Italian Stock Exchange.

Within Corporate and M&A: Milan and Rome, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper is ‘client-focused and has global coverage’. The team advised ACAM on its merger with Hera, KGAL on the purchase of five photovoltaic power projects, and Evanthe on the acquisition of Malo from Itierre in extraordinary administration. In Milan, Wolf Michael Kühne is ‘accountable and effective’, and private equity head Goffredo Guerra is ‘responsive and practical’. Rome-based Antonio Lombardo is also recommended. Fabio del Bene joined from Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners, and Alessandro Piermanni arrived from Hogan Lovells Studio Legale.

Within Dispute resolution, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

‘Excellent litigator’ Francesca Rollaheads Hogan Lovells Studio Legale’s litigation department. The recruitment in 2010 of Rome-based Massimiliano Marinozzi has enhanced the firm’s profile in the insurance, automotive and sports sectors. Marinozzi ‘provides a very prompt and efficient service’. Recently appointed of counsel Filippo Chiaves is experienced in contentious insolvency, and is ‘extremely responsive and very sound in his advice’. Cristina Pagni joined Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP.

Within EU, regulatory and competition law, tier 5

‘Top-quality firm’ Hogan Lovells Studio Legale specialises in competition law within the IT, pharmaceuticals, energy and transport sectors, as well as in the distribution of goods and vertical issues. Highlights included acting on the notification of the acquisition of 95% of Banca Caripe’s share capital. Gianluca Belotti heads the team.

Within Employment, tier 4

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale has employment-related litigation experience, as well as synergies with practice areas such as corporate and tax. The group advised Labelux on the labour law aspects of its acquisition of Belstaff. Vittorio Moresco is ‘precise, competent and helpful’.

Within Energy, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale closed five deals for Alchimia SpA, involving the acquisition of companies owning photovoltaic power plants. The practice also ‘understands the oil business’. Gianroberto de Giovanni is recommended.

Within Intellectual property, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale’s Giovanni Ghirardi and practice head Luigi Mansani are experienced in litigation and non-contentious matters concerning patents, trade marks, designs and copyright law. Ghirardi is also notable for IP arbitration. Non-contentious work includes licensing, distribution, franchising, and co-existence agreements. The team recently advised Labelux on acquiring the Belstaff trade mark portfolio worldwide.

Within Real estate, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale’s ‘professionals know the real estate market and business’. The team advised Segro, an industrial REIT, on negotiations with Alcatel for a bespoke construction and lease agreement. Marco Rota Candiani ‘inspires confidence’.

Within Restructuring and insolvency, tier 4

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale advises on debt restructuring, the renegotiation of financial documents, pre-insolvency procedures, debt trading and distressed acquisitions, and insolvency. Antonio Di Pasquale’s ‘advice is appropriate’.

Within TMT, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale is ‘simply outstanding’. It advises Google and its European subsidiaries on all legal issues in Italy, and recently assisted PayPal with the negotiation of commercial agreements with merchants. It also advised eBay on partnership and sponsorship contracts, and the drafting of standard contractual terms. Marco Berliri is ‘brilliant’. Massimiliano Masnada was promoted to of counsel.

Within Tax, tier 4

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale’s ‘professional and technically skilled’ team advised Ferrovie dello Stato on the tax issues concerning €1.5bn revolving and committed credits. Team leader Fulvia Astolfi is ‘very good’, and of counsel Serena Pietrosanti ‘mixes competence with a friendly approach’.