The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 5

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP ‘finds the right financial structure in order to close a deal’. The practice advised Banca IMI, among others, on a syndicated loan to Euticals for its acquisition of Archimica, which involved security in five jurisdictions. Fabrizio Dotti is recommended, as is Davide D’Affronto, who is ‘clever and technically skilled, and can solve any dispute between the lender and borrower’.

Within Debt, tier 4

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP welcomed senior associates Piergiorgio Leofreddi and Annalisa Feliciani from Clifford Chance, boosting the group’s bond issue capabilities. The practice also has a securitisation practice and is noted for structured products, funds and derivatives. Romeo Battigaglia has ‘wide industry knowledge’. Michael Dodson, Filippo Pingue and Vinicio Trombetti are also key contacts.

Within Equity, tier 4

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP advised on Lima Corporate’s IPO. The group was joined by Michaela Castelli, formerly head of the Legal Affairs Listing department at Borsa Italiana.

Within Corporate and M&A: Milan and Rome, tier 4

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP is ‘a well-organised firm with lawyers experienced in specific areas’. The team represented Refresco Group on the acquisition of drinks manufacturer Spumador. Milan-based Andrea Accornero heads the corporate practice, within which Marco Franzini is responsible for the ‘vastly experienced’ Italian private equity team. Paolo De Carlo is well regarded, Riccardo Papetti ‘quickly understands the complex issues’, and Rome-based Daniela Sabelli is ‘prepared for any matter in which she is involved’.

Within Dispute resolution, tier 4

‘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 4

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP assisted Refresco in relation to the notification to the IAA of a concentration by way of the acquisition of beverages manufacturer Spumador. Rome-based team head Filippo Fioretti and senior associate Flora Santaniello are the principal contacts.

Within Employment, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP ‘identifies the critical points’. It recently advised on restructuring and reorganisation exercises, as well as employment contracts. Team head Davide Sportelli ‘can advise on complex matters at short notice’. Counsel Giuseppe Menegazzi is also recommended.

Within Energy Other recommended firms

Within Restructuring and insolvency Other recommended firms

Within TMT, tier 4

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP attracts instructions from software companies. The practice also recently advised a mobile telecoms operator on IT procurement, regulatory and litigation issues. Filippo Fioretti is recommended.

Within Tax, tier 4

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP assisted Luxottica with the tax aspects of a major welfare project. Michele Citarella is the key contact.