Bird & Bird > Rome, Italy > Firm Profile
Bird & Bird Offices
VIA FLAMINIA 133
00196 ROME
Italy
Bird & Bird > The Legal 500 Rankings
Italy > Industry focus: Food Tier 1
Bird & Bird is well versed in matters spanning the entire food industry. Specialists are brought together from corporate, regulatory, IP, tax and competition to provide clients from food producers, packaging manufacturers and distributors to retailers and investors in the sector. The group also assists well-known associations with the protection of geographical indications and is experienced in the peculiarities of the sector, such as the use of agriculture chemicals, health and safety regulations and the introduction of novel foods. Massimiliano Mostardini and Giovanni Galimberti (who is also head of the IP group) lead the group – Mostardini’s expertise spans IP and unfair competition.Practice head(s):
Massimiliano Mostardini; Giovanni Galimberti
Testimonials
‘Bird & Bird Italy is a team composed by highly valuable professionals, with strong competences in various fields.’
‘I have been working with Bird & Bird for a long time and always appreciated their commitment to address to the extent it is possible the client’s needs with the legal scenario offering realistic solutions, with an excellent level of effectiveness.’
‘The qualities of the team are clearly mirrored in Massimiliano Mostardini and Giovanni Galimberti.’
Key clients
Autogrill Italia
Consorzio a Tutela del Vino Morellino di Scansano
Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano
Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata del Prosecco
Ferrero
Satispay
Solgar – Hino
Stoneweg
TooGoodToGo
Work highlights
- Successfully assisted Ferrero in a long and complex cross border trademark litigation.
- Assisted Autogrill Italia in successfully participating in a tender called by GESAP S.p.A. (management company of Palermo Airport – Punta Raisi) for the awarding of a 10-year concession relating to the management of refreshment outlets in both landside and air-side areas.
- Assisting Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano in a civil action brought forward by some Parmigiano producers for alleged breach of the antitrust rules resulting from some amendments of the Consorzio statutory provisions which are aimed at limiting the variety of cows whose milk can be used for the Parmigiano production.
Italy > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1
Bird & Bird provide a complete service to its clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. It advises on IP, regulatory, transactional corporate, EU and competition, data protection and dispute resolution matters. Massimiliano Mostardini and Giovanni Galimberti head the practice, both focusing on IP matters affecting the sector including trademarks, copyright and unfair competition. Within the practice, Antonella De Gregori utilises her specialist knowledge in the pharmaceutical sector, and Claudia Ricciardi drafts and negotiates patent/know how licences and assignment agreements. Evelina Marchesoni and Mauro Turrini are also of note. In May 2023, Elisabetta Bandera and Rita Tardiolo were made partners.Practice head(s):
Giovanni Galimberti; Massimiliano Mostardini
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They provide innovative ideas/solutions to complex issues. Teams properly formed with lawyers and patent attorneys. Good communication skills. Good timing in work delivery.’
‘Good knowledgeable team with sensible commercial advice.’
‘Giovanni Galimberti is very easy to work with and gives excellent commercial advice.’
Key clients
Alcon Italia
Astellas Pharma
Benefis
Doctolib
Fisher & Paykel
Gruppo San Donato
Heska Corporation
INCIPIT
Istituto Europeo di Oncologia
ISchema View
Kyowa Kirin Italia
Multimedica Clinical & Research Campus
Permedica
Polpharma group
San Donato Group
San Raffaele Hospital
Swiss Pharma International
Telethon Foundation
Work highlights
- Assisted Instituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare in connection with the conferment of a patent in T-One Therapeutics, a newly established company in which the Utopia Fund invested.
- Assisting Swiss Pharma International in invalidity proceedings before the Court of Rome, related to a patent claiming a dosage regimen of the active ingredient natalizumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis owned by Biogen.
- Assisted Gruppo San Donato in the creation of a contractual joint venture with Microsoft for the creation of an AI Center of Excellence for the development of artificial intelligence systems to treat certain type of cancers and other clinical projects.
Italy > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 1
Bird & Bird has a group dedicated to the industry with expertise in a wide range of matters, including corporate, commercial, IP, IT, tax, employment, regulatory, compliance and real estate matters. The firm is especially strong in relation to the automotive sector, with experience in innovative aspects of the industry such as autonomous driving. It also utilises its international footprint to assist clients on cross-border disputes involving a broad number of jurisdictions. Stefano Silvestri spearheads the practice, advising on M&A matters for major global organisations and financial investors.Practice head(s):
Stefano Silvestri
Testimonials
‘Expertise in IP law and in IP Italian dispute resolution matters.’
‘They explore new solutions with a practical and business driven approach.’
Key clients
BMW Group
Crocs
Flex-n-Gate Corporation
Giulio Fiocchi
Ledworks
Metalco Group
Shiloh Industries
Smiths Detection Italia
Solgar – Hino
VF International
Work highlights
- Assisting Giulio Fiocchi S.p.A. and Charme Capital Partners SGR S.p.A. in the sale of a majority stake in the holding company that controls Fiocchi Munizioni S.p.A. to an Italian company controlled by CSG Group.
- Advising Flex-N-Gate Corporation in the acquisition of AMS OSRAM AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS ITALIA S.R.L.
- Assisting VF International SAGL and VF Italia S.r.l. in a complex cross-border litigation involving the protection of the distinctive shapes and characteristics of the Napapijri brand’s garments and acts of unfair competition carried out to the detriment of the VF Group.
Italy > Industry focus: Retail Tier 1
Bird & Bird assists clients in retail matters concerning a wide range of issues, such as brand management, franchising, e-commerce, data protection, employment, consumer regulation and dispute resolution. The firm is accustomed to assisting in multi-jurisdictional matters with offices across the globe able to enhance its advice to clients. Stefano Silvestri, the co-head of the practice has extensive experience in the retail industry with a focus on corporate and commercial transactions. Managing partner Giovanni Galimberti co-heads the practice and adds his expertise in IP law to the dedicated group.Practice head(s):
Stefano Silvestri; Giovanni Galimberti
Testimonials
‘The B&B Team has a great knowledge of the retail market and a keen attention to detail. The team combines great professionalism with the ability to respond to society’s needs in an always proactive and innovative way.’
‘Pragmatism and quick feedback on questions.’
Key clients
Autogrill
BMW Group
Bricoman Italia
Champion Products Europe
Consorzio a Tutela del Vino Morellino di Scansano
Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano
Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata del Prosecco
Crocs
Dolce & Gabbana
Ferrero
Flex – n – Gate Corporation
Glovo
Ledworks
Leroy Merlin
Loro Piana
Luxottica
MediaMarket
Metalco Group
Ponti
Satispay
Snaidero
Solgar – Hino
VF International
Work highlights
- Successfully assisting Ferrero S.p.A., the well-known Italian manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products, on three levels of proceedings which led to the definitive determination of the validity of Ferrero’s three-dimensional shape trademarks on Tic Tac packaging.
- Assisting VF International in a complex cross-border litigation involving the protection of the distinctive shapes and characteristics of the Napapijri brand’s garments and acts of unfair competition carried out to the detriment of the VF Group.
- Assisting Autogrill Italia S.p.A. in successfully participating in a tender called by GESAP S.p.A. (management company of Palermo Airport – Punta Raisi) for the awarding of a 10-year concession relating to the management of refreshment outlets in both land-side and air-side areas.
Italy > Intellectual property
Bird & Bird stands out in the market for its expertise in IP law, with experience across tech-centric sectors including communications, life sciences, healthcare, aviation and defence, as well as energy and utilities. The team is particularly active in the retail, consumer, media, entertainment and sports sectors. Giovanni Galimberti is routinely engaged by clients for his expertise in patents, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, copyright and unfair competition, while Massimiliano Mostardini notably focuses on both litigation and non-contentious IP, IT and regulatory issues. Other key names include Arturo Leone, recognised for his knowledge of advertising issues and brand reputation, and Antonella De Gregori, whose broad practice encompasses contentious and non-contentious patent and design-related matters, especially in the chemicals and pharma sectors. Of particular note are Rita Tardiolo’s specialisation in Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), advertising and unfair competition, and Edoardo Bàrbera’s focus on trade secrets, software, trademarks and designs.Practice head(s):
Giovanni Galimberti; Massimiliano Mostardini; Arturo Leone
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I worked with a very committed, skilled and talented team.’
‘They are open and available to every request, very good in respecting deadlines.’
‘The Italian Bird&Bird team is able to provide a full range of advice on various legal issues. Regarding IP rights management and protection, it succeeds in providing the client with an expert for every detailed aspect of the matters. The extreme availability and speed in providing advice and proactivity in resolving any issues make this a very reliable team that can be counted on for any need.’
‘Their incredible availability and problem solving attitude is a quid pluris to their expertise in the field.’
‘I have been working with this law firm in this practice for many years. They know perfectly how to handle difficult cases, and are very much business oriented.’
‘A quietly determined and ruthlessly professional team. No histrionics; just effective.’
Key clients
American Chambers of Commerce
Baldini & Castoldi
Dailymotion
La Nave di Teseo
Lottomatica
Pirelli and Pirelli Foundation
Banca Mediolanum
Champion Products Europe
Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco
CROCS
Dailymotion
DAZN
Ferrero
Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare
Pirelli Foundation
Sisvel
Fondazione Telethon
Ferrovie dello Stato
VF International
Work highlights
- Advised Pirelli and Pirelli Foundation on copyright law in the creation of the 2022 Calendar created by the photographer and musician Brian Adams.
- Advised Dailymotion on violation of copyrights of third parties in connection with the liability of the Internet Service Provider related to contents delivered by users.
- Advised the American Chambers of Commerce in Italy in the context of the working group “Corporate Heritage & Philanthropy” (former Art & Market), led by Daniele De Angelis.
Italy > Banking and finance: Bank regulatory Tier 2
Bird & Bird's wide-ranging expertise covers investment services, compliance with capital requirements, marketing investment funds and issuing financial products. Other key areas range from market abuse, insurance distribution and fintech, to sustainable finance regulation, AML, derivatives, consumer credit and payment services. Financial regulation specialist Raimondo Maggiore heads the banking and financial markets regulation department, which features Stefano Febbi, an expert in banking, financial services and insurance regulation; and Rossella Sansone, who routinely advises on asset management and financial services. Other active practitioners are Annapaola Schino, Diego Bobbo and Diego Cefaro.Practice head(s):
Raimondo Maggiore; Stefano Febbi; Rossella Sansone
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Allianz Group
Banca Agricola Popolare di Ragusa S.c.p.a.
Banca Passadore & C. S.p.A.
Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata S.c.p.A
Banca Popolare Pugliese S.c.p.a.
Banca Valsabbina S.c.p.a.
BlackRock Group
BMW Bank GmbH Succursale Italiana
BPER Banca S.p.A.
Ceresio SIM S.p.A.
CheBanca! S.p.A.
CNP Assurances SA
Consultinvest Investimenti SIM S.p.A.
Columbia Threadneedle Group
Crédit Agricole Italia S.p.A.
Credem Group
IQ EQ Fund Management (Ireland) Limited
DeA Capital SGR S.p.A.
Fideuram Asset Management SGR S.p.A.
Goldman Sachs Group
ICCREA Group
illimity Group
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.
Kairos Partners SGR S.p.A.
Kryalos SGR S.p.A.
M&G Group
Mediobanca S.p.A.
Mediolanum Group
Polis Fondi SGR S.p.A.
Prelios SGR S.p.A.
SACE S.p.A.
Stripe Group
Vorvel SIM (formerly Hi-MTF SIM S.p.A.)
Wayflyer Limited
Work highlights
- Announcing, together with OXYGY and the European Commission, the opening of the applications for the first cohort of the European Blockchain Sandbox, which aims to provide a framework for regulators, supervising authorities and blockchain innovators.
- Supporting Allianz Group in Italy in assessing and implementing within the operations of its companies the European legal framework on sustainable finance.
- Advising Italian retail commercial banks on various issues relating to the interpretation and application of the European and national rules regulating the provision of investment services.
Italy > Compliance Tier 2
Advising on the entire spectrum of compliance work, Bird & Bird's Italy practice houses experts in regulatory compliance, corporate 231 matters, data protection, cybersecurity and product compliance. The team's expertise also covers advertising pre-clearance, consumer protection and antitrust. Key figures include financial regulation specialist Raimondo Maggiore; Stefano Febbi, a regulatory compliance adviser; and Simone Caddedu, who focuses on EU and Italian administrative regulation. In addition, the department features Rossella Sansone, who is experienced in asset management and financial services, and Federico Marini Balestra, a former legal officer at the Italian Communications Authority.Practice head(s):
Raimondo Maggiore; Stefano Febbi; Rossella Sansone; Federico Marini Balestra; Simone Cadeddu
Other key lawyers:
Mauro Turrini; Federico Grazioli
Testimonials
‘The team is characterised by the presence of individuals who are highly motivated and sensitive to compliance issues.’
‘The team displays flexibility in reading and interpreting the regulations, integrating them with efficiency and pragmatism into companies’ realities.’
‘The team is very collaborative and efficient.’
‘It always has an eye on the client’s business, and is very competent.’
‘Rossella Sansone brings great professionalism, competence and knowledge of company clients.’
Key clients
Allianz Group
Banca Agricola Popolare di Ragusa
BMW Group
BPER Banca
CheBanca!
Credem Group
Datafalls
DeA Capital
Europa Risorse
Fideuram
FlixBus Italia
ICCREA Group
Intesa Sanpaolo
Mediolanum Group
Polis Fondi
Telecom Italia
Work highlights
- Announced, alongside OXYGY and the European Commission, the opening of the applications for the first cohort of the European Blockchain Sandbox, which aims to provide a framework for regulators, supervising authorities and blockchain innovators.
- Advised Italian and Irish insurance companies on the long-awaited consultation commenced by IVASS during 2022 to review the Italian regulation of unit-linked contracts.
- Advising Datafalls on an ongoing basis in relation to privacy and data protection matters.
Italy > Investment funds Tier 2
Including former officers from the Supervisory Authorities, Bird & Bird‘s banking and financial markets regulation team practice is experienced in UCITS, as well as real estate, credit, and private equity alternative investment funds. The group is jointly headed by financial regulation specialist Raimondo Maggiore, an active adviser to Italian and international asset management companies on structuring real estate and private equity funds; and asset management and financial services expert Rossella Sansone. Sansone and Giovanni Bevilacqua, who assists fund managers with structuring investment products, are 'remarkable for their deep legal expertise'.Practice head(s):
Raimondo Maggiore; Rossella Sansone
Other key lawyers:
Giovanni Bevilacqua; Giuseppe Strippoli
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional, engaging, and very collaborative to work with.‘
‘The attention to detail and understanding and knowledge of local market practices and requirements are key factors in clients’ continued engagement with Bird & Bird.‘
‘Focused on providing knowledge and solutions for all legal and regulatory requirements.‘
‘Being able to rely on their local knowledge is of significant comfort for clients.‘
‘Fully engaged and collaborative in terms of arriving at the desired solution for all parties, with the upmost of importance given to satisfying all local and regulatory requirements.‘
‘Raimondo Maggiore’s team is a real champion in the investment funds legal market.’
‘Rossella Sansone and Giovanni Bevilacqua are remarkable for their deep legal expertise.‘
‘Clients find the attention to detail, knowledge, professionalism and availability of Giovanni Bevilacqua to be a significant factor. Giovanni, from the outset, takes time to understand and help clients develop their own knowledge and requirements of the local market, while also taking time to understand their own operating models and preferred approach.‘
Key clients
Alternative Capital Partners SGR S.p.A.
Ambienta SGR S.p.A.
Amundi S.G.R.p.A.
Asset Management One International Limited
BCC Risparmio&Previdenza S.G.R.p.A.
BlackRock Group
Columbia Threadneedle Group
CREDEM Private Equity SGR S.p.A.
DeA Capital Real Estate S.G.R.p.A.
Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH
Euromobiliare Asset Management S.G.R. S.p.A.
Europa Risorse S.G.R.p.A.
Fideuram Investimenti S.G.R. S.p.A.
Goldman Sachs Group
illimity Società di Gestione del Risparmio S.p.A.
Invesco Management Group
InvestiRE S.G.R.p.A.
Investitori SGR S.p.A. (Allianz Group)
IQ EQ Fund Management (Ireland) Limited
Kairos Partners S.G.R. S.p.A.
Kryalos S.G.R.p.A.
Mediolanum Gestione Fondi S.G.R.p.A.
M&G International Investment Group
Pictet & Cie (Europe) SA
Polis Fondi S.G.R. S.p.A.
Prelios S.G.R.p.A.
Work highlights
- Assisted InvestiRE SGR S.p.A. with the structuring, set-up and launch of a real estate alternative investment fund.
- Assisted Amundi SGR S.p.A. in relation to the set-up and launch of a private equity alternative investment fund reserved for professional investors.
- Assisted Polis Fondi SGR S.p.A. with the structuring, set-up and launch of an Italian real estate alternative investment fund.
Italy > Administrative and public law Tier 3
Bird & Bird’s public law department is routinely entrusted by national and international clients from the infrastructure, energy and utilities, TMT, life sciences, aerospace and defence sectors, both on regulatory matters and administrative litigation. Simone Cadeddu heads the practice and is noted for his expertise in dispute resolution before administrative courts and regulatory authorities, and also advises leading international companies on infrastructure, concessions and state aid. The team also includes Jacopo Nardelli, whose practice spans public procurement contracts, public incentives and pharmaceutical regulatory matters, and Paola Bologna, who specialises in environmental issues.Practice head(s):
Simone Cadeddu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm can boast an administrative and public law team of highly competent professionals who are familiar with administrative justice. Always willing to collaborate and able to interact with different stakeholders. ’
‘Simone Cadeddu consistently provided timely, expert advice for the Italian healthcare market.’
‘The team is very professional and competent, and works in strict collaboration with the other departments of the same law firm, providing a synergic and effective support to the client.’
‘The individuals are very prepared. In particular, I recognise the expertise of Simone Cadeddu. He is very knowledgeable, knows extremely well the administrative and public dynamics and the pharmaceutical sector, and he is able to properly advise the client.’
‘A team of professionals able to respond impeccably to every request, even just for quick consultations. They advise when and whether to intervene legally, without initiating lawsuits when they are not necessary.’
‘Jacopo Nardelli is a young professional with incredible experience and knowledge of the subject. He analyses the practices to give opinions on whether to proceed or not, always putting himself on the client’s perspective. The results are always very positive.’
‘Excellent, uniquely prepared, and extremely competent. They look at the client’s comprehensive needs. Particularly suited to support local subsidiary vs. foreign headquarters interactions, acting also as “cultural interpreters” when needed.’
‘Simone Cadeddu’s strategic advice is 100% reliable, well thought and always conjugating outstanding legal support with a deep understanding of business practicalities. He is greatly appreciated by our business, our partners and even our adversaries.’
Key clients
Aliseo
Alcon Italia
Apollo Endosurgery
Ardian Group
Astellas Pharma
ASM Terni
Autogrill
Bunge Italia
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Deutsche Bank
Doctolib
EOS Investment Management
Fisher & Paykel
Fred Olsen Renewables
Huawei Technologies
ISchemaView
MediaMarket
Metalco Group
Multimedica Clinical & Research Campus
Permedica
Policlinico San Donato
Recycla
Regus Business Centers Italia
Rei Lancia
Servier Italia
Smiths Detection
Sicamb S.p.A.
Solaris Renewables
Telecom Italia
Terna
Thales Alenia Space
Work highlights
- Assisted Autogrill Italia in participating in a tender called by GESAP (management company of Palermo Airport – Punta Raisi) for the awarding of a 10-year concession relating to the management of refreshment outlets.
- Assisted a dozen medical device companies in separate appeals to the Administrative Tribunal for Lazio against the decree by which the Ministry of Health certified the overrun of the expenditure ceiling for the purchase of medical devices for the period 2015-2018.
- Assisted Terna in the preparation of two tender procedures to be launched by Terna itself for the selection of the private contractor which will develop two projects.
Italy > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3
Bird & Bird's dedicated team advises on a wide range of cybersecurity and data protection matters, from transactions, crisis management, data breaches and regulatory and internal investigations to disputes and incident-related preventions and responses. The department is co-led by privacy, data protection and security specialist Adriano D’Ottavio and Debora Stella, who brings extensive experience in data protection and IT issues.Practice head(s):
Adriano D’Ottavio; Debora Stella
Testimonials
‘Bird & Bird’s data protection team constantly informs its client about any relevant legal news.’
‘Adriano D’Ottavio is always able to assist clients with all data protection issues.’
Key clients
Datafalls
FlixBus Italia
Lastminute.com
Work highlights
- Advising Datafalls on an ongoing basis with regards to privacy and data protection matters.
- Advising FlixBus Italia on an ongoing basis on privacy and data protection matters.
- Regularly advises Lastminute.com Group on the implementation of marketing activities in several jurisdictions, including handling data transfers and data sharing within the group.
Italy > Dispute resolution Tier 3
Bird & Bird's team is able to draw on the firm's global network to handle a range of contentious matters with the group also able to offer clients access to its disputes resolution knowhow portal, Disputes+. The team advises on domestic and international commercial disputes, white-collar criminal law, arbitrations, and non-adjudicative ADR methods. Managing partner Giovanni Galimberti heads the practice and has particular expertise in IP, pharmaceutical and automotive disputes.Practice head(s):
Giovanni Galimberti
Other key lawyers:
Edoardo Lombardi
Testimonials
‘The team is very prepared and ready to provide timely technical answers.’
‘Edoardo Lombardi is very capable and always attentive to solving legal problems in the best possible way.’
‘Competent and willing to discuss.’
‘Professionalism, commitment and flexibility characterise this law firm.’
Key clients
Allianz Bank
Banca Agricola Popolare di Ragusa
Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata
Banca Mediocredito del Friuli Venezia Giulia
Bricoman Italia
BusItalia
CheBanca!
Claas Italia
Usines Claas France
Crédit Agricole Italia
Dailymotion
Europa Risorse
Leroy Merlin Italia
Mondo Convenienza
Polis Fondi
Sisvel
Snaidero
Telecom Italia
VF International
Work highlights
- Assisted Ferrero, which obtained from the Court of Cassation a ruling relevant to the issue of validity and counterfeiting of shape trademarks.
- Assisting several banks and other financial intermediaries in a huge number of disputes pending before the local Courts or the Italian Supreme Court concerning alleged violations of banking and financial regulation.
- Assisting VF Group in a complex cross-border litigation involving the protection of the distinctive shapes and characteristics of the Napapijri brand’s garments and acts of unfair competition carried out to the detriment of the client.
Italy > Employment Tier 3
Bird & Bird acts for clients on contentious and non-contentious, domestic and international employment law matters. The firm is experienced in hiring and disciplinary procedures, incentives plans and disputes as well as individual and collective dismissals. The practice is headed by HR management expert Amedeo Rampolla and Cristiano Pambianchi, who advises on daily employment matters as well as on dismissals and employment litigation and arbitration. In May 2023, Daphne Diorio Borri was promoted to counsel within the practice.Practice head(s):
Amedeo Rampolla; Cristiano Pambianchi
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly competent.’
‘Fantastic business knowledge.’
‘Cristiano Pambianchi is responsive, pragmatic and takes time to understand the business.’
Work highlights
Italy > Industry focus: Energy Tier 3
With strong expertise in renewable energies and PPAs, gas distribution and energy storage, Bird & Bird’s cross-practice team routinely assists in M&A, project financing, project development and regulatory issues, and also has a track record in administrative litigation before the Italian Administrative Courts. Project finance expert Pierpaolo Mastromarini is noted for advising on complex hydrogen projects and offshore wind farms in Italy, while regulatory, antitrust and public procurement specialist Simone Cadeddu represents leading international companies in infrastructure and concessions, as well as renewables and oil and gas installations. Andrea Semmola notably focuses on the renewable energy sector.Practice head(s):
Pierpaolo Mastromarini
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Experienced, qualified, up to date on what is happening in the market, and down to earth.’
‘The team is able to support the client in the most effective way to reach your target, no matter if you are a private entrepreneur or a financial institution, they are able to define the best path for you and support you through it.’
‘Pierpaolo Mastromarini is a qualified and friendly partner, effective and quick in his answers and support, he is able to coordinate his team ensuring that the client is always covered by a legal support. He is also very proactive.’
‘Excellent empathy with the overall team, always available and ready to work on different aspects.’
‘Bird & Bird’s energy team is highly experienced in the Italian energy and infrastructure market. They are able to provide assistance on the full range of legal matters, have a very professional approach, and demonstrate a real commitment to the client.’
‘Pierpaolo Mastromarini’s strong personality and great experience in the energy field make him a very reliable professional, with outstanding skills and availability for any kind of issue.’
‘A well-structured team that puts together all the necessary competences to assist a client in this sector. Their experience in project financing is very helpful in the development process of renewable projects.’
Key clients
Aliseo
Arpinge
ASM Terni
Campo Eolico Ariano
Emeren Limited
EOS Investment Management
ERG
Iberdrola Renewables
Macchia Group
Rei Lancia
Solaris Renewables
Sunwin Energy
Terna
Work highlights
- Assisted Campo Eolico Ariano – CEA in the project financing for the wind power plant to be built in the Campania region by the client, a company belonging to the Austrian group W.E.B.
- Assisted Arpinge Group in implementing a corporate reorganisation with the purpose of simplifying the administrative, tax and financial organisation model.
- Assisted Terna in the preparation of the tender procedure to be launched by it and Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz for the selection of the private contractor to develop a subsea cable line between Tunisia and Italy.
Italy > Industry focus: Luxury goods Tier 3
The luxury goods-focused team at Bird & Bird assists a broad array of organisations in the luxury, fashion and retail space. The team leverages its connections with the firm’s international offices to provide expertise on multi-jurisdictional matters. Massimiliano Mostardini maintains a focus on IP litigation connected to trademarks, copyright and advertising for its luxury goods clients. Rita Tardiolo has a particular strength in advising clients on advertising campaigns in the digital and non-digital spaces. Giovanni Galimberti further complements the practice with experience in domestic and international litigation.Practice head(s):
Massimiliano Mostardini; Rita Tardiolo; Giovanni Galimberti
Key clients
BMW Group
La Rinascente
Ralph Lauren
Renè Caovilla
Solgar – Hino
Tomorrow London
VF International SAGL
VF Italia S.r.l.
Work highlights
- Assisting VF International SAGL and VF Italia S.r.l. in a complex cross-border litigation involving the protection of the distinctive shapes and characteristics of the Napapijri brand’s garments and acts of unfair competition carried out to the detriment of the VF Group.
- Assisting BMW Group on antitrust aspects with particular reference to the planning and implementation of new business projects, the development of business relationships with partners and suppliers in Italy.
- Assisting Solgar – Hino in setting a new, online & offline, selective distribution system for its top end well-being products, taking advantages of the new VBER.
Italy > Industry focus: TMT Tier 3
Bird & Bird’s team works closely with the firm’s antitrust, commercial and corporate law experts to advise clients on the full spectrum of TMT activities, ranging from regulatory and commercial advice to data protection and dispute resolution. Massimiliano Mostardini represents clients in non-contentious regulatory matters related to IT, maintenance, outsourcing, disruptive technologies and pre-clearance advertising. TMT law and regulations expert Federico Marini-Balestra and corporate and commercial transactions specialist Stefano Silvestri are also recommended. Giovanni Galimberti and Simone Cadeddu are other names to note.Practice head(s):
Massimiliano Mostardini; Giovanni Galimberti; Federico Marini Balestra; Simone Cadeddu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very organised, fast, prepared, and available at any time to solve problems that are often urgent. We particularly appreciated the precision and thoroughness in carrying out the work requested, and the clarity of the answers given.’
‘We have a very good relationship with Bird&Bird’s professionals, which is based on trust and esteem. We never had issues with them, always managed to make our needs understood, including in relation to the response times which have often required the team to provide us with support in a very short time.’
‘People make the difference, and I particularly appreciated the helpfulness and attention of the B&B staff. ‘
‘I particularly appreciated the helpfulness and respect for deadlines from Jacopo Nardelli’.
Key clients
Aircall
Banca Mediolanum
Blooming Experience
BSO
Capgemini
Champion Products Europe
Cisco
CM.com
Dailymotion
DAZN
Doctolib
DuckDuck
Equinix
Globastar
GTT
Ledworks
NEC Italia
NTT
Pirelli and Pirelli Foundation
Ring Central
Satispay
Sisvel
Telecom Italia
Twilio
Zendesk
Work highlights
- Assisted Capgemini in the negotiation of a complex international agreement with Stellantis for the provision of software development services related to AI for driver assistance systems (ADAS).
- Assisted Telecom Italia in the appeal against a €116m fine imposed by the AGCM regarding an alleged exclusionary strategy committed by Telecom in the market for ultra-wideband access services.
- Assisted Satispay, an Italian fintech scale-up which recently reached Unicorn status, in the acquisition of Onyon, an Italian start-up.
Italy > Capital markets: Equity Tier 4
The Milan team at Bird & Bird advises on a range of capital markets transactions, including public offerings, listings, secondary offerings and public takeover bids. The group is jointly led by ECM specialist Federico Valle, who acts for major commercial banks and Italian Stock Exchange-listed companies; and fellow partner Alberto Salvadè.Practice head(s):
Federico Valle; Alberto Salvadè
Key clients
Athesia Group
Fondo Rilancio managed by CDP Venture Capital
Invesco US
Spafid
Techstars Central LLC
Work highlights
- Assisted CDP Venture Capital SGR S.p.A. – Fondo Rilancio with an investment in the share capital of Eligo S.p.A.
- Assisted Athesia Group with the negotiation and execution of, inter alia, a subscription and security holders’ agreement.
- Assisted Invesco US with reference to various interlocutions with Consob, in respect of the drafting, updating and submission of forms to be used in accordance with Article 120 of Italian Legislative Decree No. 58/1998.
Italy > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4
Key areas for Bird & Bird’s Italian corporate team are M&A, private equity, venture capital, restructuring, joint ventures, and commercial and company law. Alberto Salvadè focuses on M&A and private equity transactions, while Stefano Silvestri acts for technology, fashion, luxury, retail and consumer businesses. Edoardo Courir is another experienced practitioner.Practice head(s):
Alberto Salvadè
Other key lawyers:
Stefano Silvestri; Edoardo Courir; Pierpaolo Mastromarini; Afra Casiraghi; Calogero Porrello; Sara Calamitosi
Testimonials
‘Bird and Bird is a great team of passionate lawyers.’
‘Clients enjoy working with them because they are able to understand and meet the needs of businesses easily.’
‘The team understands clients’ specific needs and issues with great knowledge and availability. It feels like working with an in-house lawyer team.’
‘Any interaction is pragmatic, smooth and straightforward, even with regard to billing.’
‘Each team member seems to be part of the in-house lawyer team, they are all very empathic and kind, always available at any time, very proactive, pragmatic, and very efficient. Some M&A deals could have never been achieved without them.’
‘An extensive knowledge of market dynamics and past evolutions, as well as a rock-solid track record of precedents. In addition to the standard legal deliverables and services, Bird & Bird’s professionals help clients with strong long-term market views.’
‘Pierpaolo Mastromarini is a strong leader and a brilliant professional. His emotional intelligence is, during M&A negotiation phases, an impressive addition to his technical skills.’
‘Calogero Porrello is a great professional. Clients like his ability to listen to others, which guarantees that company needs are properly understood.’
Key clients
Alcedo
Ardian
Arpinge
BFF Banking Group
Blooming Experience
CDP Venture Capital
Doctolib
Emeren
ERG
Flex – N – Gate
Giulio Fiocchi
Gruppo San Donato
Ledworks
Ospedale San Raffaele
Ponti
Sunwin Energy
Satispay
Usaldusfond Trind Ventures
Techstars Central LLC
Work highlights
- Assisted Giulio Fiocchi and Charme Capital Partners SGR with the sale of a majority stake in the holding company that controls Fiocchi Munizioni.
- Advised Ledworks S.r.l. on the sale of 60% of its share capital to DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR S.p.A.
- Advised an Ardian Group company on the purchase of a portfolio of photovoltaic projects.
Italy > EU and competition law Tier 4
Spanning merger control filings, state aid and anticompetitive agreements, as well as high-profile international and national cartel investigations, Bird & Bird’s antitrust practice team regularly appears before both the EU Courts and national courts. Practice head Federico Marini-Balestra is recognised for his expertise in antitrust and regulatory proceedings, as well as administrative and commercial litigation. Nicola Cearolo has recently joined the team from Nunziante Magrone, bringing in new expertise especially in energy law and regulation, information technology, and utilities.Practice head(s):
Federico Marini Balestra
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Cearolo; Simone Cadeddu
Testimonials
‘They understand what your needs are and provide useful and practical solutions.’
‘I want to thank Federico Balestra for his timely feedback that helped my work proceed quickly and well. They are very close to their customers, and this is much appreciated.’
Key clients
BMW Group Italy
BusItalia
Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano
Consorzio Ecopolietilene
Leroy Merlin Italy
Mondo Convenzienza
Solgar-hino
Telecom Italia
Telt
Trenitalia
ZED Entertainment’s World
Work highlights
- Assisted Consorzio Ecopolietilene in the investigation under Article 102 TFEU initiated by AGCM against Polieco for abuse of dominant position.
- Assisted Trenitalia in the investigation under Article 102 TFEU initiated by the AGCM on July 19, 2022: according to the AGCM, since 2021 Trenitalia has been engaging in a constructive refusal to supply aimed at excluding its only competitor, Italo-Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, in the high-speed train sector.
- Assisted Telecom Italia in proceedings under Article 102 TFEU No. A514 initiated in June 2017 by the AGCM regarding an alleged exclusionary strategy committed by Telecom in the market for ultra-wideband access services.
Italy > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4
Bird & Bird assists clients in a wide range of insolvency procedures, including bankruptcy litigation, claw-back actions, restructurings and liability advisory work. The team is experienced in advising clients across industries, with banks, leasing companies and financial creditors regularly approaching the firm for assistance. Alberto Salvadè heads the firm’s restructuring practice in Italy and regularly supports clients through the acquisition of distressed assets.Practice head(s):
Alberto Salvadè
Testimonials
‘The firm has a very capable and close-knit restructuring team. Even the youngest members are inserted and supported in the activity of professional growth.’
‘The team is composed of a very experienced partner, but also of experienced associates who are very present in the practice. Nothing is treated superficially.’
Key clients
Shiloh Industries Italia
Work highlights
- Assisted Shiloh Industries Italia in the composition with creditors procedure in front of the Court of Aosta.
Italy > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 5
Active in corporate, real estate and project-related structured finance deals, Bird & Bird's Italy team advises development companies, sponsors, public entities and contractors on infrastructure-related financings and refinancings. Pierpaolo Mastromarini is an energy and utilities sector expert, while Michele Arruzzolo specialises in project finance.Practice head(s):
Pierpaolo Mastromarini
Other key lawyers:
Michele Arruzzolo; Andrea Semmola
Testimonials
‘An excellent department with high levels of professionalism, expertise and client focus.’
‘Pragmatic approach with competence, skills and fast execution.’
‘The team has great expertise in the subject matter, and exceptional market knowledge and commercial acumen.’
‘Pierpaolo Mastromarini and Michele Arruzzolo have outstanding knowledge in the subject matter. They are also actively present in the management of the assignment through the coordination of the team, and they provide direct contributions.’
‘Pierpaolo Mastromarini and Michele Arruzzolo both have proactive behaviour and understand actual business needs, which assists with identifying the best solution.’
‘Michele Arruzzolo is very experienced and greatly motivated.’
‘Solid experience and a team that is focused on project finance – an amicable team with good availability and fast response times.’
Key clients
Alcedo
Campo Eolico Ariano
MSE Solar
Parco Solare Friulano 3 and Parco Solare Friulano 4
Work highlights
- Assisted Campo Eolico Ariano – CEA with the €101m project financing for a wind power plant to be built in the Campania region.
- Assisted Parco Solare Friulano 3 and Parco Solare Friulano 4, as borrowers, together with Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale, with the project financing for two photovoltaic power plants.
- Assisted Demetra with the negotiation of a €11m facility agreement.
Italy > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 5
Bird & Bird's Italy team routinely acts for banks and financial institutions on both financing and refinancing transactions. The group, which is headed up by energy and utilities sector expert Pierpaolo Mastromarini, is particularly focused on the traditional and renewable energy sectors, including the realisation of public and private works.Practice head(s):
Pierpaolo Mastromarini
Other key lawyers:
Michele Arruzzolo; Andrea Semmola
Key clients
BPER Banca
Cassa di Risparmio di Bolzano
Work highlights
- Advised Deutsche Bank AG on the drafting and negotiation of a €120m facility agreement for the refinancing of 58 operational PV plants.
- Assisted BPER Banca with the project financing for eight photovoltaic plants.
- Assisted Iccrea Banca with the drafting and negotiation of a €12m facility for the construction of two plants in Sardinia.
Italy > Real estate and construction Tier 5
Bird & Bird's multidisciplinary expertise complements its real estate practice, allowing the firm to handle a broad range of matters. In particular, it is familiar with real estate and development finance. Antonella Ceschi leads the real estate practice and assists clients with the development of retail, logistics, hotel and entertainment assets.Practice head(s):
Antonella Ceschi
Key clients
APRC
Bricoman Italia
Equinix
Glovo
Immobiliare Novoli
InvestiRE SGR
Leroy Merlin Italia
MPS Capital Services Banca per le Imprese
Satispay
Tecnomat
TooGoodToGo
Kryalos
DXC
Work highlights
- Assisted Bricoman Italia before the Regional Administrative Court of Emilia Romagna which rejected the application, filed by the company Brico Io, for the annulment of the construction permits and commercial authorisations for a new store in Rimini.
- Asssiting APRC Sasu, through its subsidiary Chivasso Immobiliare Logistic, in the acquisition of the former Alfa plant in Chivasso.
- Assisted Leroy Merlin Italia in connection with the valorisation of an area within the Municipality of Padova (site name Foro Boario).
Italy > Tax Tier 5
Bird & Bird’s Italian tax department advises individuals and private companies across a wide range of the taxation life cycle, including planning, compliance and litigation. The group, which is led by Gaetano Salvioli, also has longstanding experience in international tax and transfer pricing. Giuliana Polacco was made partner in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Gaetano Salvioli
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great clarity.’
‘Solid expertise in all tax aspects – local taxation, transfer pricing and litigation.’
‘Global expertise and network, along with competence, availability, pragmatism and ethics.’
‘Their good understanding of the tax legal framework allows them to provide innovative solutions, anticipating and assessing any potential risks.’
‘Their attitude to presenting solutions that take into account the actual characteristics of the business is much appreciated.’
‘Thanks to his deep knowledge, Gaetano Salvioli delivers innovative solutions that are very useful for overcoming impasses during deal negotiations.’
Key clients
Arpinge Energy Efficiency and Renewables
Energie Zukunft Schweiz
Sunwin Energy
Work highlights
- Assisted Arpinge Energy Efficiency and Renewables S.r.l. with the cross-border merger with German company Windpark San Lupo GmbH.
Italy > Capital markets: Debt
Italy > Private equity
Bird & Bird > Firm Profile
The firm: Bird & Bird is an international law firm, with a long-established reputation for having a rare and invaluable grasp of strategic commercial issues. The firm combines exceptional legal expertise with deep industry knowledge and refreshingly creative thinking, to help clients operating at the forefront of their industries to achieve their commercial goals.
Bird & Bird has over 1,400 lawyers and legal practitioners with broad advisory transactional and contentious capability, with a particular focus on key industry sectors. The firm has an extensive international reach with 32 offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, offering a seamless, cross-border service between locations and sector and practice groups.
The Italian offices are located in the city centre and have a special focus on the banking and financial services, communications, electronics, energy and utilities, food and beverage, IT, intellectual property, life sciences and media industry sectors, providing a full service across these sectors.
As an international law firm the firm co-ordinates its activities across all its international offices to ensure an integrated approach, continuity of client care and regular exchange of know-how and best practice.
Areas of practice: Underpinned by deep client and industry knowledge, the firm’s key sectors include:
Automotive: advising on all stages of a life cycle of a motor vehicle, from initial design, to sales and distribution, through to disposals.
Aviation, aerospace, defence and security: advising on asset management and financing, civil aviation matters, including airlines, regulatory and competition issues, and aerospace and defence, including PPP/PFI and product liability.
Electronics: advising clients operating in or serving the electronics industry, from R&D and component manufacturing, to technology licensing agreements.
Energy and utilities: advising large multinationals, investors, project companies and large energy consumers on electricity generation, energy trading, renewable energy, cleantech and climate change, and upstream oil and gas.
Financial services: advising global clients in the financial services sector, such as global retail and investment banks, investors and hedge funds, on transactions, regulatory issues, commercial contracts and dispute resolution.
Food and beverage: advising on a full range of areas, including branding, labelling, health claims, fair trade and patents on novel foods.
Life sciences and healthcare: advising clients in biotechnology, bioinformatics and pharmaceutical companies on licensing and drug development agreements, R&D collaboration, IP acquisitions and joint ventures.
Media and entertainment: advising clients from across the media spectrum on a wide range of issues, including exploitation across all forms of digital media and emerging areas, such as user-generated content exploitation.
Sports: advising clients such as national and international sports governing bodies, event organisers and sponsors on issues including exploitation of commercial rights, brand management, regulatory and disciplinary issues.
Technology and communications: advising on matters ranging from smaller innovative projects to some of the largest, most complex and ground-breaking transactions and disputes of recent years. Its team includes lawyers with a particular focus on communications, devices and components, digital tech and eCommerce, and software and services as well as a number of more specialist industries including data centres, postal and satellites.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Competition and EU | Federico Marini Balestra | ||
Dispute resolution | Edoardo Courir | ||
Dispute resolution | Giovanni Piazza | ||
Dispute resolution | Andrea Giussani | ||
Dispute resolution | Osvaldo Lombardi | ||
Regulatory and administrative (public) | Simone Cadeddu | ||
Banking and finance | Raimondo Maggiore | ||
Banking and finance | Stefano Febbi | ||
Employment | Amedeo Rampolla | ||
Real estate | Alberto Salvadè | ||
Real estate | Stefano Febbi | ||
Corporate | Alberto Salvadè | ||
Corporate | Stefano Silvestri | ||
Corporate | Edoardo Courir | ||
Tax | Gaetano Salvioli | ||
Intellectual property | Massimiliano Mostardini | ||
Intellectual property | Giovanni Galimberti | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Alberto Salvadè | ||
TMT | Arturo Leone | ||
TMT | Massimiliano Mostardini | ||
TMT | Giovanni Galimberti |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Simone Caddedu | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Valentina Cadoppi | Counsel | View Profile | |
Mr Diego Cefaro | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Ms Antonella Ceschi | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Adriano D’Ottavio | Counsel | View Profile | |
Mr Federico Marini Balestra | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Pierpaolo Mastromarini | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 1,400 in this country : 130Other
Other offices : Abu Dhabi Other offices : Amsterdam Other offices : Beijing Other offices : Bratislava Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Budapest Other offices : Copenhagen Other offices : Dubai Other offices : Dusseldorf Other offices : Frankfurt Other offices : Hamburg Other offices : Helsinki Other offices : Hong Kong Other offices : London Other offices : Luxembourg Other offices : Lyon Other offices : Madrid Other offices : Milan Other offices : Munich Other offices : Paris Other offices : Prague Other offices : Shanghai Other offices : Singapore Other offices : Stockholm Other offices : Sydney Other offices : The Hague Other offices : WarsawComparative Guides
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Germany: Franchise & Licensing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Dr. Jiri Jaeger Jie Zhang Michael Brooks-Zavodsky
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Franchise & Licensing laws and regulations applicable in Germany.
-
United Kingdom: Pharmaceutical Advertising
Published: December 2023
Authors: Sally ShorthosePieter ErasmusMax Gross
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Pharmaceutical Advertising laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
-
United Kingdom: Venture Capital
Published: March 2024
Authors: Struan PenwardenBenjamin Simon
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Venture Capital laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
-
United Kingdom: Employment and Labour Law
Published: March 2024
Authors: Alison DixonAnish PathakOlivia Baxendale
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employment and Labour laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
- Industry focus: Food
- Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences
- Industry focus: Manufacturing
- Industry focus: Retail
- Intellectual property
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance: Bank regulatory
- Compliance
- Investment funds
Firm Rankings
- Administrative and public law
- Data privacy and data protection
- Dispute resolution
- Employment
- Industry focus: Energy
- Industry focus: Luxury goods
- Industry focus: TMT
- Capital markets: Equity
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- EU and competition law
- Restructuring and insolvency