Firm Profile > Chiomenti > Rome, Italy

Administrative and public law Tier 1

Chiomenti distinguishes itself with its 'extreme competence, efficacy and ability to manage complex issues, which require a multidisciplinary approach’, and its ‘ability to engage in dialogue and negotiate with public administrations is at the top level in Italy’. The group was bolstered recently by several new arrivals, including senior attorney Katia Zulberti, who joined the team in September 2017 from Nctm Studio Legale; of counsel Loredana Giani Maguire, who joined in in January 2018 from Studio Legale Scoca; and of counsel Giulio Napolitano, who used to be a consultant for various firms and joined in October 2018. The ‘exceptional’ Filippo Brunetti, who has the ‘ability to quickly identify, with a flexible approach, business-oriented solutions in relation to complex issues’, and senior associate Alfredo Vitale successfully represented Iveco Orecchia in a high-profile dispute before the European Court of Justice regarding the public tender for the supply of buses’ replacement parts and the related interpretation of national public procurement provisions. Of counsel Francesco Scanzano is also recommended.

Banking and finance: Bank regulatory Tier 1

'Very professional and an expert in banking law', Chiomenti advises banks and insurance companies, as well as banking and insurance groups and financial conglomerates, on regulatory matters. The practice assisted N26, a German bank that specialises in the provision of online payment and account management services, with the regulatory, corporate, contractual and operational aspects surrounding its activities in Italy. 'One of the best banking lawyers in Italy', Alessandro Portolano was appointed head of the financial regulation department in 2018, Vincenzo Troiano is also highly rated and Gabriele Buratti was promoted to counsel. The senior associates to note are Felice Azzollini and Giovanni Giuliani. Alessandro Zappasodi left for Pedersoli Studio Legale.

Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 1

Chiomenti is well known for corporate lending and real estate acquisition, project, export, shipping and public finance. The recently appointed banking and finance department head Gregorio Consoli advised Astaldi on the amendment to a €500m facility agreement with a pool of banks; and Luca Bonetti led advice to Coima on a bank financing granted by the original lenders for a property development in Milan. Carola Antonini heads the energy business unit and Antonio Tavella heads the restructuring business unit. Other key names are Giulia Battaglia, Francesco Ago, Giorgio Cappelli, and recently promoted counsel Alfredo Lizio. Carmelo Raimondo joined Fieldfisher Italy.

Capital markets: Equity Tier 1

Chiomenti fields 'a very strong set of individuals who have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge and have a great reputation'. The practice advises on tender and exchange offers, public offerings of shares and other equity securities (including capital increases and rights issues), and private placements. It advised Carel Industries, as issuer, and the selling shareholder, on the offering of ordinary shares, which were to be admitted to listing on Borsa Italiana's Mercato Telematico Azionario (MTA). Corporate governance and capital markets head Manfredi Vianini Tolomei is 'serious, committed and creative in finding ways to achieve goals, while clearly outlining the pros and cons of any decision'. Also highly rated are Enrico Giordano and recently promoted Federico Amoroso; Gianfilippo Pezzulo was made counsel.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Chiomenti is for some clients 'the most experienced law firm in Italy'. The practice is experienced in both ordinary and extraordinary Italian transactions involving the capital structure of listed and regulated entities such as banks and insurance companies. Recent developments include Massimiliano Nitti, the current M&A head, ending his seven-year term as London office managing partner, and Andrea Sacco Ginevri making partner. Work highlights include Francesco Tedeschini advising UnipolSai Assicurazioni on the sale of its 50% (plus one share) stake in Popolare Vita to Banco BMP; and special independent counsel Michele Carpinelli leading advice to Luxottica Group (LG), and its independent directors, on Essilor International's mandatory exchange offer for LG's share capital. Other significant work includes managing partner Filippo Modulo acting for BC Partners on the acquisition of an Italian dental service business, and Manfredi Vianini Tolomei advising Snaitech on its majority stake sale (by Global Games and OI-Games) to Playtech. Other key practitioners are 'highly trusted adviser' Carlo Croff, Luigi Vaccaro, Marco Maugeri and Luca Fossati, together with Stefano Mazzotti, Franco Agopyan, Antonio Sascaro and Italo De Santis.

Debt Tier 1

Energy Tier 1

EU and competition Tier 1

Industry focus: luxury goods Tier 1

Chiomenti's Emanuele Barberis heads up the luxury sector team, whose expertise includes corporate and M&A, commercial contracts, IP, tax and employment. Reflective of the firm's first-rate reputation, Annalisa Reale and senior associate Paolo Carbone assisted Swarovski with the employment aspects of its reorganisation, while tax partner Massimo Antonini advised B&B Italia on a merger leveraged buyout. Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Roberto Cavalli are among other notable clients. Filippo Modulo, Stefano Mazzotti and Massimiliano Nitti are also recommended, along with practice head Emanuele Barberis.

Private equity Tier 1

Chiomenti's practice covers not only large transactions, but also mid-cap and venture capital and distressed situations; it also regularly works alongside the firm's tax experts on structuring transactions. Franco Agopyan advised OpCapita Consumer Opportunities Fund II on the acquisition of Sebeto, which is active in the casual-dining restaurant business; and Carlo Croff and Luca Liistro acted for Investindustrial on the acquisition of Lifebrain, which invests in the laboratory diagnostic services sector, from MCI Capital and BIP Investment Partners. Also highly regarded are Luigi Vaccaro, Luca Fossati, Vincenzo Troiano, Antonio Sascaro and Massimiliano Nitti. Edoardo Canetta Rossi Palermo is an experienced senior associate.

Real estate and construction Tier 1

Noted for being ‘one of the most robust legal firms within the real estate industry’, Chiomenti specialises in advising on structuring and fund formation as well as real estate developments and transactions. The team, led by the ‘proactive and competent’ Giuseppe Andrea Giannantonio, also includes Patrizia Liguti, who has 'an impressive experience in a wide range of fields’, the ‘exceptional’ Umberto Borzi and newly promoted of counsel Paolo Fedele. Recent highlights include assisting Eurocommercial Properties with the sale of a retail and shopping centres portfolio and acting for Logistic Capital Partners on the development of a logistics facility to be leased to Amazon.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Assisting distressed companies, financial creditors and third-party investors, Chiomenti is highly rated for its experience in restructuring and turnaround transactions, as well as for its expertise in insolvency and pre-insolvency proceedings. Antonio Tavella heads the restructuring and insolvency business unit; Giulia Battaglia advised Banca Popolare di Milano, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Mizuho Bank, Banca Ifis and Unione di Banche Italiane on the debt restructuring of Elettra Produzione and the quotaholder. Experienced senior associate Marco Amoruso left for Studio Legale Tributario in Association with Ernst & Young in March 2019.

Tax Tier 1

Chiomenti is 'especially well known for structuring matters but the firm also has a strong tax litigation and international tax practice'. The practice has been particularly active in tax matters involving the finance, real estate, luxury and fashion, automotive and energy sectors as well as tax-related private client work and transfer pricing. Head of the tax and tax planning department Raul-Angelo Papotti 'understands what clients need' and of counsel Giovanni Carpenzano is 'great to deal with'. Paolo Giacometti advised Bank of America Merrill Lynch International on the tax aspects of a complex restructuring of its Italian operations, which involved withholding tax exemption issues, tax litigation and the updating of transfer pricing policies. Massimo Antonini, Marco Di Siena and Giuseppe Andrea Giannantonio are also highly rated; Antonino Guida was promoted to counsel.

Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 2

Chiomenti advises on major Italian deals involving structured finance, shipping finance and pure lending transactions. Energy business unit head Carola Antonini advised Banca Europea per gli Investimenti on the financing of a merchant line connecting France and Italy. Gregorio Consoli is the recently appointed banking and finance department head and Antonio Tavella heads the restructuring business unit. Other key advisers are Luca Bonetti, Giulia Battaglia, Francesco Ago and Giorgio Cappelli, and the counsels to note are recently promoted Alfredo Lizio and Andrea Martina, as well as Fraser Wood. Carmelo Raimondo joined Fieldfisher Italy.

Capital markets: Debt Tier 2

Chiomenti is highly regarded for EMTN and covered bond programmes as well as the issuance of corporate bonds and structured finance securities. The practice advised Unione di Banche Italiane, as issuer, on the annual update and maintenance of several debt issuance programmes as well as the issuance of a series of notes. Manfredi Vianini Tolomei is capital markets head, Gregorio Consoli is banking and finance head, Giulia Battaglia specialises in structuring complex transactions and Francesco Ago is also highly rated. Senior associate Benedetto La Russa and counsel Fraser Wood are other key contacts. Carmelo Raimondo joined Fieldfisher Italy.

Dispute resolution Tier 2

The department at Chiomenti has good strength in depth and international capabilities in administrative, financial and corporate law and is praised for being ‘professional, efficient, dedicated and transparent in its relationship with the client’. In recent highlights, the team represented Cooperativa Muratori e Cementisti in a dispute arising from the construction of a luxury hotel in Sudan, and acted for the relative majority shareholder Vivendi in proceedings aimed at suspending a resolution made by the statutory auditors of Telecom Italia. Practice head Silvio Martuccelli, Andrea Bernava and counsel Sebastiano Zimmitti are the key contacts in the practice. Luca Ferrari was promoted to partner in January 2018. Ennio Maria Cicconi left to found his own boutique in October 2018.

EU and competition law Tier 2

At Chiomenti, clients include Amazon and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Practice head Cristoforo Osti is strongly recommended, along with of counsel Stefania Bariatti. Recent developments saw Emilio Cucchiara promoted to counsel in January 2018. The group acted for Toyota Financial Services in proceedings initiated by the ICA regarding an alleged cartel in the car financing services sector, and is representing Areti, as external legal counsel, in proceedings originally opened against the Acea Group pertaining to an alleged abuse of dominant position through the exploitation of privileged information allegedly obtained from the client.

Industry focus: Energy Tier 2

The 'highly professional and customer-oriented' Carola Antonini heads the energy practice group at Chiomenti, which is noted for its 'knowledge of the industry at an international level'. Corporate and M&A and banking and finance are the main areas of focus. The team advised Enel on multi-tranche bonds worth $8bn issued by Enel Finance International for investors in the US. Other highlights include assisting European Investment Bank with drafting and negotiating a €100m facility agreement with Piemonte Savoia. Giulia Battaglia , who leads the firm's finance department, is highlighted for her expertise in energy infrastructure and procurement. Beyond the team's strengths in corporate and banking work, clients also count on the experience of Filippo Brunetti, who heads up the administrative law department. Also recommended are senior associates Alfredo Vitale, Marta Andreano and Katia Zulberti. Former head of legal at Sanpaolo IMI Group (now Intesa Sanpaolo) Marco Cerrittelli joined the firm in January 2019 and brings project and infrastructure finance.

Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 2

Luca Andrea Frignani leads Chiomenti's manufacturing department. The team assisted Grandland Holding Group with its €457m acquisition of Permasteelisa from the Lixil group. In another matter, Cristoforo Osti and others are representing Buzzi Unicem in an appeal of the Italian Competition Authority's decision to fine the client €60m for its alleged involvement in a price-fixing cartel in the cement sector.

Industry focus: Retail Tier 2

Notable clients of Chiomenti's retail, food and consumer goods department include vending machine retailer Necta and liqueur producer Casoni Fabbricazione Liquori. The group is most active in corporate, banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency and IP. Its work included advising De Rigo on its acquisition of the 50% share capital of Remdottica from Mondottica. Head of team Luigi Vaccaro is a key contact. Paolo Bertoni is another name to note.

Industry focus: TMT Tier 2

Chiomenti's TMT department 'offers a truly multi-disciplinary service'. Key practice areas include corporate and M&A, litigation, administrative law, competition and regulatory. Practice head Gilberto Nava led the group that successfully acted for Kaleyra in a proceeding before the Italian Competition Authority against Vodafone for abuse of a dominant position and margin squeeze on certain mobile services. The firm is representing the client in subsequent appeal proceedings started by the counter-party. Other highlights include advising RadioMediaset on its purchase of 100% of Radio Subasio and Radio Aut. Antonio Sascaro is 'a top-level professional'. Senior associate Giulio Vecchi is also recommended.

Investment funds Tier 2

Chiomenti 'always demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the investment funds market in terms of regulation and market practices'. The practice's scope of work includes asset management agreements, the incorporation of asset management companies and corporate vehicles, establishment of investment funds, and the acquisition and sale of funds' assets. Vincenzo Troiano assisted FSI, which focuses on private equity investments, with the first and second closing of a private equity fund that is focused on investments in Italian medium- to large-cap companies; other key contacts include Alessandro Portolano, who heads the financial regulation department, and co-private equity business unit head Franco Agopyan.

Compliance Tier 3

Chiomenti 'has unique expertise and proposes innovative solutions to complex matters'. The firm's business unit on white-collar crimes and business integrity advises on compliance programmes and corporate liability, including Decree 231 issues, AML matters, bribery and corruption, and internal investigations. In other areas the practice advised Fincantieri on the review of its internal dealing and privileged information proceedings in relation to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Francesco D’Alessandro, who was recently promoted to the partnership, and of counsel Stefano Manacorda are the key names.

Employment Tier 3

The ‘available and trustworthy’ team at Chiomenti often acts for clients in the luxury goods sector, as evidenced by its advice to Ralph Lauren regarding the restructuring of its corporate functions following a large redundancy plan, and to Pomellato on the redefining of the wage treatment of management and employees, including negotiations with the union. Emanuele Barberis, who heads the practice, and Annalisa Reale are the key names to note.

Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3

The team at Chiomenti provides 'commercially viable advice', with clients noting that it has 'particular expertise' in corporate and M&A, antitrust and litigation. In 2018, a highlight involved assisting Andrea Recordati with the sale of a €3bn majority stake in Recordati to CVC Capital Partners. Elsewhere, a group led by Filippo Brunetti and of counsel Francesco Scanzano are advising Abbott on the award of contracts to supply the National Health Service's bodies with medical equipment. Becton Dickinson and Zambon are also noteworthy clients. Corporate and M&A specialist Luca Liistro is a key contact.

Intellectual property Tier 5