Camilleri Preziosi > Valletta, Malta > Firm Profile
Camilleri Preziosi Offices
LEVEL 3, VALLETTA BUILDINGS
SOUTH STREET
VALLETTA VLT1103
Malta
Camilleri Preziosi > The Legal 500 Rankings
Malta > Aviation Tier 1
Steven Decesare leads the 'knowledgeable and responsive' team at Camilleri Preziosi, which has 'outstanding knowledge of the aviation sector'. The group has an impressive track record in assisting financial institutions with all aviation finance matters, which form a key pillar of Malcolm Falzon's practice. The department is also adept at assisting airlines and helicopter operators with aircraft acquisitions and leasing and operational matters. Ron Galea Cavallazzi is well versed in handling regulatory issues.Practice head(s):
Steven Decesare
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘ Outstanding knowledge of aviation sector. Steve Decesare provides pragmatic and commercial advice and a very swift response.’
‘I have worked with Camilleri Preziosi on numerous transactions over the past number of years. I have always found the team to be extremely hard working and diligent with their work product. I would not hesitate recommending the team to any lawyer looking for a Maltese law perspective on any aviation project that they need assistance with.’
‘Steve Decesare is a fantastic lawyer who goes above and beyond what is required from local counsel. Steve is approachable and puts my mind at ease when I have the pleasure of working with him.’
‘Camilleri Preziosi : team is reactive, skilled, easy to work with. Professional set up, full and complete services within time frames.’
‘A knowledgeable and responsive team who tailor their advice to the commercial drivers of the clients. User friendly and cost efficient.’
Key clients
Malta International Airport
Air Malta plc
Malta > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Camilleri Preziosi is lauded by clients as housing 'one of Malta’s top financial services practices'. Managing partner Louis de Gabriele is a highly regarded practitioner, with an excellent track record in handling acquisition and leveraged finance. Malcolm Falzon is well known for assisting with high-value equity and debt issuances, while Andrei Vella handles asset-backed finance, syndicated lending, and project finance. Andrew Caruana Scicluna advises on regulatory matters, and has established expertise in assisting with CET1 and CET2 instrument capital issues by banks. Associate Diane Bugeja is a key contact.Practice head(s):
Louis de Gabriele; Andrei Vella; Malcolm Falzon; Andrew Caruana Scicluna
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A corporate law firm in Malta capable to meet the needs of an operator like ourselves through a 360 degree approach, including funding (capital markets), contractual and if and when necessary negotiation and litigation.’
‘Very receptive and focused to find solutions. ’
‘They are thorough, specialised and upfront.’
‘We have used Camilleri Preziosi’s legal services since 2015. They are one of Malta’s top law firms, mainly within their financial services practice. We have found them to offer top notch legal advice, and they have always acted highly professionally and are responsive. ’
‘We have retained the services of Malcolm Falzon and Andrew Scicluna in the past. CP is our go-to law firm if we have capital markets issues that need to be addressed. These individuals are highly respected and capable and have very good standing in Malta. ’
Key clients
IZI Finance p.l.c.
AX Group p.l.c.
M.Z.I. Investment Services Limited as manager of the bond issue of The Ona plc
M.Z.I. Investment Services Limited as manager of the bond issue of Gap Group plc
M.Z.I. Investment Services Limited as manager of the bond issue of Juel Group plc
Global Ports Holding plc
Mariner Finance p.l.c.
Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c.
Izola Bank p.l.c.
Work highlights
- Advising IZI Finance p.l.c. on a €30 million unsecured bond issuance and all connected legal and regulatory matters.
- Assisted AX Real Estate p.l.c. with an application to the Malta Financial Services Authority for admittance to the Malta Stock Exchange.
Malta > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Camilleri Preziosi has a strong offering in M&A, often assisting international companies with investments in local companies in the manufacturing, logistics, banking, insurance and hotel sectors. Corporate governance and group restructuring matters are also key areas of expertise. iGaming is a key specialty of the department. Malcolm Falzon assists multinational entities with licensing and compliance matters. Louis de Gabriele and Donald Vella are highly regarded corporate practitioners, and Andrei Vella has strength in handling corporate governance matters.Practice head(s):
Louis de Gabriele; Donald Vella; Malcolm Falzon; Andrei Vella
Testimonials
‘Recommended for its sector expertise, local knowledge and reliability.’
‘The team has specialised experts in various fields. They strive to maintain a close relationship with their customers to understand their needs and requirements.’
‘We work very closely with the leading partners of the firm, namely Louis De Gabriele, Donald Vella and Malcolm Falzon. They all maintain a professional ethical relationship and whatever the issue they guide you to a solution.’
Key clients
BOV plc
NeoGames SA
Artemis Strategic Investment Corporation
Melita Limited
FBG Enterprises Top Holdco, LLC / Project Pretzel
Work highlights
- Advised on the proposed acquisition by Melita Limited from Netmore Group AB of the entire share capital of Netmore M2M AB.
Malta > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Camilleri Preziosi is ‘by far the best in the field of dispute resolution‘, in the words of one client. The practice continues to handle a high volume of domestic and international commercial arbitration work, particularly for entities in the construction, shipping, banking and insurance sectors. Practice head Marisa Vella stands out for her ‘strong presence in the court room‘, and has an excellent track record in advising on banking, commercial, corporate and shareholder disputes, as well as assisting with appeals against decisions issued by compliance, financial and regulatory authorities. Litigator Kristina Rapa Manche is well versed in advising on constitutional and public law cases and competition law disputes. Senior associate Francesca Galea Cavallazzi is active in corporate and financial services litigation.Practice head(s):
Marisa Vella
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is multi disciplinary and can therefore provide a holistic service to their clients. The team keeps itself updated with changes in legislation, and offers a hands on approach.’
‘Marisa Vella has extensive knowledge and a very structured approach in advising clients. This allows a clear discourse, and enables the client to be well informed on options available in response to a particular situation.’
‘Kristina Rapa Manche has a very practical and down to earth approach, making it very easy for clients without a legal background to grasp legal concepts more easily. Her knowledge and expertise has been an important factor in our working relationship.’
‘Both Marisa and Kristina, as well as other members of the team, give their clients an important sense of security, that they are in ‘good hands’ and that their interests will be safeguarded, particularly through their thorough approach to any situation.’
‘I have used many top end local law firms, however Camilleri Preziosi are by far the best in the field of dispute resolution. The main qualities that I look for are: a. technical competence b. objectivity and straight talking with client c. timely execution of task at hand with the right level of attention to detail. ’
‘Marisa Vella – Knowledge, Strategic thinking, negotiation skills and strong presence in the court room.’
‘In litigation the individuals I have worked with are formidable in their research of cases, and their capacity to deal with the hardest legal issues. Added to which their advocacy skills in the courtroom are effective.’
‘Camilleri Preziosi have a pool of deep qualified and experienced lawyers which most of the time makes it a great one stop shop for us. Firm is always ready to assist at short notice and the level of detail they go into in looking at our specific requirements is impressive. ’
Key clients
Phoenix Payments Limited
Bartolo Brothers Holdings Limited
Air Malta p.l.c
National Lottery p.l.c.
Credit Suisse
Malta Financial Services Authority
San Pawl tat-Targa Investments Limited
Bank of Valletta p.l.c
Perit David Pace
The General Soft Drinks Company Limited
Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c.
Malta International Airport p.l.c.
Amicorp Fund Services Malta Limited
FIMBank p.l.c.
Credence Advisory Services Limited
Truevo Payments Limited
Alf Mizzi & Sons Limited
Falzon Fuel Services Limited
Commissioner for Standards in Public Life
Debono Group of Companies
St Aloysius College
The Edible Oil Refining Company Limited
The Liquidator of Price Club Operators Limited
Fortel Services Limited
Supermarkets (1960) Limited
Vivaro Limited
Mizzi Organisation
Auto Sales Limited
Indian Empress Limited
Corinthia Group of Companies
Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp (ATG)
Trident Trust Malta
Dragonara Gaming Limited
Aircraft Handling Alliance Limited
Alter Domus Trustee Services Malta
Griffiths and Associates
Bitmac
Work highlights
- Represented Phoenix Payments Limited and Lombard Bank in constitutional proceedings concerning the law granting power to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit to investigate and impose fines, which was ruled to be unconstitutional.
- Acted for Malita Investments p.l.c. in successfully defending an injunction pursuant to a dispute which arose between Malita Investments p.l.c and one of its contractors, FES Projects Ltd.
- Acting for Lombard Bank Malta in ongoing constitutional proceedings, claiming that anti-money laundering legislation, which was applied when the bank was investigated by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, breached its fundamental right to a fair hearing.
Malta > Real estate Tier 1
Camilleri Preziosi has 'in-depth understanding of real estate law'. The practice is well placed to advise on the full range of real estate matters, and has a solid track record in handling the acquisition and disposal of all types of interest in real estate. The group has seen an increase in work involving landlord and tenant matters, as well as a range of construction contractual issues. Practice lead Marisa Vella garners praise for her 'in-depth knowledge and experience in the sector'. Kristina Rapa Manche is a name to note.Practice head(s):
Marisa Vella
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have known and collaborated with Camilleri Preziosi for several years and they have maintained a stable level of quality, in depth knowledge of the sector and retained their boutique type level of service.’
‘The partner we have dealt with most frequently is Marisa Vella who we have identified as an advisor with in-depth knowledge and experience in the sector. In particular we appreciate her eye for detail and her resilience in resolving issues of great difficulty.’
‘The team is multi disciplinary and can therefore provide a holistic service to their clients. This gives them an edge over smaller competitors, and enables them to provide clients with a more solid service. The team keeps itself updated with changes in legislation, and offers a hands on approach.’
‘Marisa Vella (Partner) has extensive knowledge and a very structured approach in advising clients. This allows a clear discourse, and enables the client to be well informed on options available in response to a particular situation.’
‘Kristina Rapa Manche has a very practical and down to earth approach, making it very easy for clients without a legal background to grasp legal concepts more easily. Her knowledge and expertise has been an important factor in our working relationship.’
‘Both Marisa and Kristina, as well as other members of the Team, give their clients an important sense of security, that they are in ‘good hands’ and that their interests will be safeguarded, particularly through their thorough approach to any situation.’
‘I have worked with Camilleri Preziosi and I was very impressed with their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to their clients. Their in-depth understanding of real estate law, combined with their practical approach to solving legal challenges, made a significant difference in the outcome of any legal issues. ’
‘CPM have vast knowledge in the legal field and a diversified team. Their attention to detail is second to none and they follow up all required action in a timely manner.’
Key clients
PG Group of Companies
Mizzi Estates Limited
Fortel Group
United Group plc
Arkadia Marketing Ltd
SD Holdings Ltd
Townsquare Sliema Ltd
The Quad Ltd
Paradocs Real Estate Ltd
Plaza Centres plc
Supermarkets (1960) Ltd
Kindred Group plc
Gasan Group of Companies
Kitchen Concepts Limited
Malita Investments plc
San Pawl tat-Targa Investments Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Mellieha Bay Hotel Ltd in connection with the refurbishment and development of its hotel in the bay of Ghadira, Malta.
- Assisted Malita Investments plc with a contentious matter concerning a development for affordable housing.
- Assisted Townsquare Sliema Limited with a promise of sale of its property to a prospective buyer.
Malta > Fintech Tier 2
Led by Malcolm Falzon, Camilleri Preziosi's practice fields expertise in fintech and blockchain matters. Falzon is well versed in advising on regulatory, licensing and corporate issues in the space, while banking expert Andrei Vella handles investment and e-commerce mandates. Senior associate Diane Bugeja is a name to note.Practice head(s):
Malcolm Falzon
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Metaverse Group Ltd
Tether International Limited
Computime Limited
Aqubix Limited
Gamechainger Limited
Mediarex Enterprises Limited
Mastercard
Work highlights
- Acts as counsel to Aqubix Limited and its sister company Finopz Limited on KYC portal protection matters.
- Advised on financial regulatory issues pertaining to Mastercard’s MATCH system.
Malta > Intellectual property Tier 2
Steve Decesare leads the 'very talented' team at Camilleri Preziosi. The IP practice has a solid track record in handling registration, enforcement and regulatory IP matters in Malta. Senior associate Sharon Xuereb garners praise for her 'impressive depth of legal knowledge', and is well versed in handling transactional IP mandates for clients in the telecoms, food and beverage, aviation, financial services and gaming sectors. Associate Alexia Valenzia is 'a skilled professional with a wealth of positive attributes'.Practice head(s):
Steve Decesare
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very talented. They are very efficient yet diligent and within a short time-span they could find a solution to our IP dispute.’
‘Sharon Xuereb is particularly talented and professional. She is very thoughtful and also a good listener who delivered on time and on budget.’
‘Top-tier commercial law firm in Malta. Definitely recommended.’
‘Steve Decesare – leads a very efficient team delivering timely, practical and cost-effective responses to complex national and international IP issues.’
‘Alexia Valenzia is an upcoming associate within Camilleri Preziosi’s IP department. One to watch.’
‘Their team’s knowledge and expertise were evident throughout our engagement. They demonstrated a deep understanding of trade mark law. This level of expertise not only instilled confidence but also ensured that we were making informed decisions every step of the way.’
‘Steve, Sharon, and Alexia from Camilleri Preziosi collectively made an outstanding team in guiding us through the trademark registration process. Their expertise and commitment were truly commendable, and they played an instrumental role in addressing the objections we encountered.’
‘They stand out because they are so trustworthy in all the legal advice provided and work that they performed. We never have to worry that the work is not being done at the highest standard. Alexia Valenzia was extremely knowledgeable and always fast to respond and take action on all tasks and queries we posed. I am certain she has a bright future ahead of her and would recommend her and Camilleri Preziosi to other potential clients. ’
Malta > Investment funds Tier 2
Camilleri Preziosi garners praise as 'a very proactive firm' with a team of 'responsive and high calibre solicitors'. The group stands out as 'very knowledgeable in the investment funds area'. The investment funds practice is led by Louis de Gabriele, who brings over 25 years of experience in advising on the establishment of funds and asset management matters, to name a couple of areas. Andrew Caruana Scicluna is 'extremely knowledgeable on the financial sector'.Practice head(s):
Louis de Gabriele; Andrew Caruana Scicluna
Testimonials
‘Andrew Caruana Scicluna is great lawyer. Always very helpful, trying to understand the issue of a client. His communication and advice is very efficient, easy to understand and precise.’
‘Andrew and his team exhibit all I look for in a legal firm.’
‘I deal mainly with Andrew Caruana Scicluna who is extremely knowledgeable on the financial sector, not just from a legal perspective but also on the actual intricacies of managing a fund or an asset manager.’
‘Very proactive firm, responsive and high calibre solicitors.’
‘Andrew is always very punctual with delivery times and super efficient. ’
‘They are very knowledgeable in the Investment Funds area and I have my mind at rest that whenever I have a legal issue/query, through their knowledge they can offer an appropriate solution. The most knowledgeable person of the team in my opinion is Dr Andrew Caruana Scicluna.’
‘Camilleri Preziosi are one of Malta’s top law firms, mainly within their financial services practice. We have found them to offer top notch legal advice, and they have always acted highly professionally and are responsive.’
Malta > Private client Tier 2
The private client group at Camilleri Preziosi focuses predominantly on assisting clients with tax issues, however the team is also recognised for representing HNWIs in estate planning, wealth preservation and trusts matters. Donald Vella and Kirsten Debono Huskinson co-head the practice.Practice head(s):
Donald Vella; Kirsten Debono Huskinson
Malta > Shipping Tier 2
Camilleri Preziosi‘s shipping practice, led by Steve Decesare, is well versed in representing ship and yacht owners in a range of contentious matters. The group is also recognised for its strength in advising on ship finance matters, enforcement of maritime claims, mortgages and the acquisition, registration, and operation of vessels.Practice head(s):
Steve Decesare
Work highlights
- Acted for Grand Harbour Marina p.l.c. in proceedings against M/Y Nautonnier concerning debt recovery issues.
Camilleri Preziosi > Firm Profile
The firm: Camilleri Preziosi shares a commitment to deliver considered and practical outcomes and add value to its clients – this is done through a strong work ethic, based on integrity, mutual respect, and excellence in the practice of law.
The firm is respected by clients and peers for its consistent ability to deliver pragmatic and solution-driven advice to clients by combining innovation in thought and technical excellence in the law. The firm is organised into practice areas and industry sectors each headed by a partner as head of practice. The firm’s clients interact better with lawyers they know well and who know them and their businesses. The close relationships Camilleri Preziosi develops and the keen interest it takes in clients’ businesses enable the firm to give practical, effective advice and innovative solutions under the most challenging situations. The level of specialisation within the firm and its lawyers’ constant exposure to commercial transactions enables it to advise on the most complex commercial and finance transactions and disputes.
The firm is in touch with the world’s leading international law firms. This resource provides the firm’s clients with access to cutting-edge advice and best practice, particularly in the case of multi-jurisdictional transactions. Similarly, the reverse is true. As a market leader, Camilleri Preziosi’s assistance is called upon by its international counterparts. The firm’s advice is frequently sought on the implications of Maltese law on a wide array of transactions. From time to time the firm is asked to form part of integrated, international teams engaged in complex cross-border projects.
Main areas of practice:
- ADR and dispute resolution
- Anti-financial crime
- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- Commercial contracts
- Corporate and M&A
- Corporate governance and risk management
- Data protection, privacy and whistleblowing
- Employment, industrial relations and pensions
- Environment
- ESG and sustainable finance
- EU law, competition and state aid
- Financial regulatory and compliance
- Funds and investment management
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Public procurement
- Real estate and construction
- Tax
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Partner | Donald Vella | donald.vella@camilleripreziosi.com | +356 21238989 |
Partner | Malcolm Falzon | malcolm.falzon@camilleripreziosi.com | +356 21238989 |
Business Development Manager | Stephanie Heitkemper | stephanie.heitkemper@camilleripreziosi.com | +356 21238989 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Total number of lawyers : 46Languages
Maltese English (fluent) Italian FrenchMemberships
INTERLAW European Aviation Association Swiss-Maltese Chamber of CommerceOther
:Press Releases
Intellectual property rights discussed in the Brompton bicycle case
25th September 2020 On 11 June 2020, the Court of Justice of the EU issued a preliminary ruling concerning C-833/18 - Brompton Bicycle v. Chedech/Get2Get, where it provided that copyright protection may also subsist in designs which are shaped to attain a particular technical result provided certain conditions are met. In other words, the CJEU allowed the overlap of copyright and patent protection in specific cases.On 11 June 2020, the Court of Justice of the EU issued a preliminary ruling concerning C-833/18 - Brompton Bicycle v. Chedech/Get2Get, where it provided that copyright protection may also subsist in designs which are shaped to attain a particular technical result provided certain conditions are met. In other words, the CJEU allowed the overlap of copyright and patent protection in specific cases.Legal Developments
CP assists Phoenix Payments in Landmark Constitutional Judgement
3rd May 2023 In a landmark judgement handed down by the First Hall, Civil Court, presided by the Hon. Justice Audrey Demicoli, earlier today the court found that the law granting the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (“FIAU”) the right to investigate and impose hefty administrative fines on subject persons as a result of certain regulatory breaches violate the the applicant’s right to a fair hearing under Article 39(1) of the Constitution. As a result the Court declared certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (“Act”) (Chapter 373 of the Laws of Malta) and the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (“PMLFTR”) (Subsidiary Legislation 373.01) dealing with the imposition of administrative penalties null and void and also declared the investigative process as well as the imposition of the fine itself null and void.COVID-19 and back-to-school privacy concerns
21st October 2020 The Government of Malta is, thus far, set on opening schools come September. The debate on appropriate safety protocols is ongoing, and questions on how best to deliver lessons abound. Online or in-class lessons, or a mix of both with part of a class at home and the other following from home? The implications on privacy of the individual have, to date, not featured much in the ongoing debate. Here we attempt to explore the main concerns that arise in this respect.Malta publishes legislation extending DAC 6 reporting deadlines
21st October 2020 Malta has implemented the extended DAC 6 reporting deadlines, following the Commissioner for Revenue’s announcement back on the 2nd July 2020 to defer the first reporting deadlines arising as a result of the DAC 6 applicable legislation, namely, the Cooperation with other Jurisdictions on Tax Matters Regulations (SL 123.127).A new vision for Europe’s capital markets: Final report on the Capital Markets Union published
24th September 2020 On 10 June, 2020, the High-Level Forum (HLF) on the Capital Markets Union (CMU), an expert group set up by the European Commission composed of highly experienced industry executives and top international experts in the area of financial markets, issued its final report for the further development of the CMU, the policy initiative launched by the European Commission in 2015 to achieve fully functioning and integrated capital markets across EU Member States.he EU needs the CMU now more than everCOVID-19 Wage Supplement – Social Security Implications for Self-Employed Persons
4th June 2020 The Commissioner for Revenue (“CfR”) has published a notice to self-employed persons, outlining the social security implications attached to the COVID-19 Wage Supplement.Social Security Implications for Self-Employed Person- Aviation
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