Italy

With regard to dismissal for exceeding the statutory sick leave period, the employer’s prolonged inaction following the employee’s return to work may constitute a tacit waiver of its right to terminate the employment contract, with the consequence that previous absences, for which the decision not to dismiss has already been made, cannot subsequently be “recovered” by adding them to the calculation of the statutory sick leave period for the purposes of dismissal. This was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, in ruling no. 7975 of 31 March 2026, in relation to a case in which a female employee had been dismissed for exceeding sick leave limit, calculated in instalments, as set out in the applicable National Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCBA) and amounting to “120 days over the three-year period preceding the most recent illness.” In particular, the employee had exceeded the aforementioned limit between June and August 2019, accruing 134 days of sick leave; nevertheless, after returning to work and before the notice of dismissal was served, the employment relationship – albeit punctuated by short periods of absence – had continued for over a year. Hence the unlawfulness of the dismissal challenged by the employee, as the employer’s inaction following the exceeding of the statutory sick leave period had generated in the employee “a reasonable and blameless expectation that the employment relationship would continue.” The Court of Appeal of Catanzaro, overturning the first-instance decision, had upheld this approach, ordering the company to reinstate the employee and to pay her compensation amounting to twelve months’ salary. In particular, the Court of Appeal – referring to the case law of the Supreme Court according to which, from the date of the employee’s return to work, any prolonged inaction on the part of the employer may be “objectively indicative of a willingness to waive the power to dismiss” — had held that the period elapsed since the employee’s return to work was sufficient to establish a tacit waiver of the power to dismiss on objective grounds. The employer therefore appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, complaining of an alleged misinterpretation by the Courts of merit of the contractual clause regarding fractioned sick leave and arguing that the subsequent periods of illness should have resulted in a “postponement” of the reference period, thereby allowing for a reassessment of previous absences as well. In rejecting the claim, the Supreme Court confirmed the correctness of the calculation method adopted by the Court of Appeal and reaffirmed the principle that, once an employee returns to work and the employer allows the employment relationship to continue for a significant period of time without terminating it, such inaction may be interpreted unequivocally as a waiver of the power to dismiss, thereby giving rise to a legitimate expectation on the part of the employee on continuation of employment. The scope of such a waiver – the Supreme Court clarified – is, however, limited to the specific absences already “tolerated” and which led to the exceeding of the permitted absence limit, with the consequence that the employer’s power to dismiss in the event of new and further absences remains unaffected. Thus, the Supreme Court, confirming a principle already established, issues, on the one hand, a clear warning to employers, which risk automatically waiving the right to dismiss in the event of the absence limit being exceeded if they do not act promptly; on the other hand, it strengthens the protection of the employee, recognizing the full legal validity of their reliance on the continuity of the employment relationship. Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-House Counsel With regard to dismissal for exceeding the statutory sick leave period, the employer’s prolonged failure to cease the employment relationship following the employee’s return to work may constitute a tacit waiver of the right to terminate the employment contract. In the light of the above, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the principle that, once an employee returns to work and the employer allows the employment relationship to continue for a significant period of time without terminating it, such inaction may be interpreted unequivocally as a waiver of the power to dismiss, thereby giving rise to a legitimate expectation on the part of the employee on the continuity of employment.  

Milan, June 3, 2026 – As part of its ongoing expansion plan, MediaWorld has opened a new store in Cuneo at the “Gallerie del Territorio” shopping center. The new store is the 18th in Piedmont. The new store, spanning over 700 square meters, offers, among other things: PickUp services, including 30-minute pickup, and Pick&Pay, for an even faster and more flexible shopping experience in-department payment to complete the transaction directly with a sales associate via mobile devices a SmartBar for setting up new devices, out-of-warranty repairs, and software installation MediaWorld, the electronics experience champion, is part of the international MediaMarktSaturn group and is characterized by a widespread presence throughout the country and online, thanks to e-commerce, as well as the marketplace www.mediaworld.it. For this new opening as well, MediaWorld’s Real Estate Department was supported in all legal matters by LegisLAB, with a team comprising Partner Walter Marini, Esq., and Senior Associate Marco Giuffrida, Esq. (pictured).

Milan, June 4th, 2026 – LawaL Legal & Tax Advisory announces the appointment of its Partner, Paolo Comuzzi, as Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors of Croda Italiana S.p.A. This appointment underscores the recognition of Comuzzi’s professional expertise in the areas of corporate governance, statutory audit, and corporate and tax advisory services, with particular experience in advising national and international industrial groups. Part of the international Croda Group, Croda Italiana S.p.A. operates in the specialty chemicals sector, developing innovative ingredients and solutions for high-value-added markets, including personal care, pharma, life sciences, and industrial specialties. The company is distinguished by its strong focus on research and development, sustainability, and technological innovation—core elements of the group’s global strategy. “I am honored to take on this role at an internationally renowned industrial company such as Croda Italiana,” stated Paolo Comuzzi. “I will bring my professional experience to the company with the aim of contributing to the maintenance of high standards of governance, transparency, and oversight.” With this appointment, LawaL Legal & Tax Advisory further strengthens its presence in the field of corporate advisory and governance, consolidating its role in supporting companies operating in strategic and highly innovative sectors. FOR MORE INFORMATION Ambrogio Visconti, Partner PBV & Partners Srl [email protected] Mob +39 3386728934   Tel +39 0332.700542 ************ ABOUT LAWAL LEGAL & TAX ADVISORY LAWAL è una società tra avvocati società benefit operativa sulle quattro sedi di Milano, Roma, Torino e Parigi. Nata nel 2022 come studio multipractice, si occupa di Regolamentare Bancario e Finanziario, M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, TAX, Media, Risorse Umane, Litigation, Contrattualistica, Diritto delle Costruzioni, Diritto Fallimentare e Ristrutturazioni. ************ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LawaL Legal & Tax Advisory: il Partner Paolo Comuzzi nominato Presidente del Collegio Sindacale di Croda Italiana S.p.A Milano, 4 Giugno 2026 – LawaL Legal & Tax Advisory annuncia la nomina del proprio Partner Paolo Comuzzi a Presidente del Collegio Sindacale di Croda Italiana S.p.A.. L’incarico conferma il riconoscimento delle competenze professionali maturate da Comuzzi nel campo della governance societaria, del controllo legale e della consulenza in ambito societario e fiscale, con particolare esperienza nell’assistenza a gruppi industriali nazionali e internazionali. Parte del gruppo internazionale Croda, Croda Italiana S.p.A. opera nel settore della chimica specializzata, sviluppando ingredienti e soluzioni innovative destinate a mercati ad alto valore aggiunto, tra cui personal care, pharma, life sciences e industrial specialties. La società si distingue per il forte orientamento alla ricerca e sviluppo, alla sostenibilità e all’innovazione tecnologica, elementi centrali della strategia del gruppo a livello globale. “Sono onorato di assumere questo incarico in una realtà industriale di rilievo internazionale come Croda Italiana,” ha dichiarato Paolo Comuzzi. “Metterò a disposizione della società la mia esperienza professionale con l’obiettivo di contribuire al mantenimento di elevati standard di governance, trasparenza e controllo.” Con questa nomina, LawaL Legal & Tax Advisory rafforza ulteriormente la propria presenza nell’ambito della consulenza societaria e della governance, consolidando il proprio ruolo al fianco di imprese attive in settori strategici e ad alto contenuto innovativo.

Milano, 25 maggio 2026 – LegisLAB ha assistito Lizard Renewables S.p.A. nell’operazione che prevede l’acquisizione della partecipazione di controllo di PLC S.p.A. detenuta da Fraes S.r.l., pari al 73,53% del capitale sociale della società quotata su Euronext Milan. L’accordo sottoscritto prevede che, a seguito del perfezionamento dell’operazione, Lizard Renewables – anche tramite una società interamente controllata – promuova un’offerta pubblica di acquisto obbligatoria sulle restanti azioni in circolazione di PLC, finalizzata al delisting della società. L’operazione rappresenta un passaggio strategico nel settore delle energie rinnovabili e mira alla creazione di un integrated independent power producer, combinando le competenze industriali e operative dei due gruppi nel comparto delle infrastrutture energetiche e della produzione da fonti rinnovabili. Il team di LegisLAB che ha seguito l’operazione è stato guidato dal Partner Daniele Iorio ed è stato composto dal Senior Associate Gianluca Brambati. Nell’ambito dell’operazione, EY ha agito quale advisor per le attività di financial e tax due diligence, mentre Norton Rose Fulbright e Strada Borghetti Cavo e Associati hanno assistito Fraes rispettivamente in qualità di advisor legale e advisor finanziario. Lizard Renewables, fondata nel 2019, opera nello sviluppo e nella costruzione di progetti nel settore delle energie rinnovabili, con focus su impianti fotovoltaici, eolici, biometano, green data center e sistemi di accumulo energetico (BESS). PLC Group è invece attivo nel settore delle infrastrutture elettriche di alta e media tensione a servizio degli impianti di produzione di energia da fonti rinnovabili, offrendo servizi di ingegneria, procurement, costruzione e manutenzione. Avv. Daniele Iorio, Partner di LegisLAB e Avv. Gianluca Brambati, Senior Associate di LegiaLAB.   PER MAGGIORI INFORMAZIONI / FOR MORE INFORMATION Ambrogio Visconti, Partner PBV & Partners Srl [email protected] Mob +39 3386728934   Tel +39 0332.700542     ************   LegisLAB nasce nel 2016 come laboratorio giuridico multipractice, per offrire soluzioni legali innovative e modellate sulla strategia di sviluppo di ciascun cliente. Lo Studio affianca imprese, gruppi industriali, fondi di investimento e clienti privati, a livello nazionale e internazionale, con team di professionisti altamente specializzati e orientati alla trasformazione della normativa vigente in un fattore di accelerazione delle attività di business dei propri assistiti. www.legislab.eu ************   -------------------- ENG   LegisLAB supports Lizard Renewables in its acquisition of a controlling stake in PLC S.p.A. Milan, May 25, 2026 – LegisLAB advised Lizard Renewables S.p.A. on the transaction involving the acquisition of the controlling stake in PLC S.p.A. held by Fraes S.r.l., representing 73.53% of the share capital of the company listed on Euronext Milan. The agreement provides that, following the completion of the transaction, Lizard Renewables — including through a wholly-owned subsidiary — will launch a mandatory tender offer for the remaining outstanding shares of PLC, with the aim of delisting the company. The transaction represents a strategic move in the renewable energy sector and aims to create an integrated independent power producer, combining the industrial and operational expertise of the two groups in the energy infrastructure and renewable energy generation sectors. The LegisLAB team that handled the transaction was led by Partner Daniele Iorio and included Senior Associate Gianluca Brambati. As part of the transaction, EY acted as advisor for financial and tax due diligence, while Norton Rose Fulbright and Strada Borghetti Cavo e Associati assisted Fraes as legal and financial advisors, respectively. Lizard Renewables, founded in 2019, operates in the development and construction of projects in the renewable energy sector, with a focus on photovoltaic, wind, biomethane, green data centers, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). PLC Group, on the other hand, is active in the high- and medium-voltage electrical infrastructure sector serving renewable energy production facilities, offering engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance services.