Watson Farley & Williams LLP > Rome, Italy > Firm Profile

Watson Farley & Williams LLP
PIAZZA NAVONA, 49
2ND FLOOR, INT 2/3
00186, ROME
Italy

Italy > Shipping Tier 1

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams‘ maritime industry practice covers ship finance, vessel arrests, disputes, and vessel sales and purchases. Other areas are Italian registry issues, shipbuilding contracts, corporate law, joint ventures, and tax and private equity arrangements. The team further advises on distressed situations, NPLs, restructuring agreements, and shipping insurance. The group’s principal figures are shipping specialist Furio Samela, who is particularly focused on financial transactions, loan agreements, security packages, and restructuring and insolvency; Michele Autuori, whose practice includes leasing deals involving yachts; and ‘skilled lawyer‘ Davide Canepa.

Practice head(s):

Furio Samela

Other key lawyers:

Michele Autuori; Davide Canepa; Antonella Barbarito

Testimonials

‘This team is highly specialised in this space and client oriented.‘

‘Comprises attorneys with expertise in shipping and transportation law; and in this area, they bring a wealth of experience to the table to address complex legal challenges effectively. ‘

‘Stands out from other law practices due to its commitment to innovation, client-centred approach, and dedication to diversity and inclusion.‘

‘Furio Samela and Michele Autuori are very knowledgeable in their fields, very responsive, and solution oriented.‘

‘Michele Autuori is always ready to find the correct solution to each problem.‘

‘Davide Canepa possesses a deep understanding of all facets of transportation law, ranging from maritime regulations to the complexities of logistics, international trade intricacies, and the resolution of cargo claims. Clients who rely on him for their legal needs can rest assured that they have a lawyer who not only comprehends the law but is exceptionally well versed in its every detail.‘

‘Davide Canepa is a skilled lawyer, who is resourceful and solutions driven.‘

‘Very pleasant people, good lawyers, and always ready to help the clients.‘

Key clients

Snam

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

UniCredit

Banco BPM

BPER Banca

DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR

Navigazione Montanari

illimity Bank

ICCREA Banca – Istituto Centrale del Credito Cooperativo

Nemeca Z Maritime Company

Viking Line Abp

Prelios

Fratelli Cosulich

Nova Marine Carriers

AMCO Asset Management Company

Banca Popolare di Sondrio

Work highlights

  • Advised Snam Group on the drafting of commercial contracts relating to a floating regasification and storage unit.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (as facility agent, security agent and mandated lead arranger) on a $65m multi-tranche term syndicated loan facility made available to FINAV.
  • Advised CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company on the sale and leaseback of two luxury roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries.

Italy > Industry focus: Energy Tier 2

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams’ team routinely supports clients especially in the oil and gas industry on a wide range of operations related to energy transition, while also advising on M&A, financing, project finance, tax, regulatory, competition, environmental and administrative law. Practice head Eugenio Tranchino regularly advises major corporations, private equity funds and lenders on high-profile Italian and cross-border projects, while Tiziana Manetti is noted for her specialisation in regulatory advice on energy and natural resources-related matters. The team also includes Mario D’Ovidio, who is particularly active in the renewables and natural resources, transport and infrastructure sectors; Giannalberto Mazzei, noted for his expertise in gas transport pipelines; and Matteo Trabacchin, who focuses on energy production from renewable and traditional sources including wind, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, LNG and gas storage.

Practice head(s):

Eugenio Tranchino

Testimonials

‘WFW is an experienced practice group with strong credentials in domestic and international energy transactions. In Italy, they are the undisputed leaders in the sector.’

‘Eugenio Tranchino is a brilliant lawyer with a significant knowledge of the energy sector. He is also highly skilled when it comes to client engagement. A trustworthy advisor, his exquisite personality matches his extensive knowledge and understanding of the energy sector.’

‘WFW’s energy team is outstanding. They have impressive technical skills and a very good reputation in the industry. The team is characterised by competence, receptiveness, and dedication to their clients. They are problem solvers!’

‘Luca Sfrecola is a very competent lawyer in the renewable energy market. He is dedicated, practical and attentive.’

‘Eugenio Tranchino is outstanding. He has an exceptional knowledge of the market in all its aspects. He is a leading, influential figure in the energy industry.’

‘WFW has a strong energy team, whose expertise ranges from financing to corporate, regulatory, litigation and administrative law. They offer excellent full legal services, and are able to establish a constructive and highly trusted relationships with clients.’

‘We work regularly with Matteo Trabacchin, who is an exceptional lawyer in the energy sector. He is approachable, analytical and well-informed, providing efficient and innovative solutions in the matters involved and very focused on client need.’

‘They have a good team of professionals, all skilled, available, and well-integrated. They have an impressive knowledge of the market, providing prompt and punctual industry and legal updates on latest trends relevant to our business.’

Key clients

Snam

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Elawan

Blue Elephant Energy

New Developments

Sonnedix

Iberdola

Amber Infrastructure Group

AvenHexicon

Altamin Limited

Falk Renewables

Sunprime

Axpo

Beyfin Group

Repower

European Energy

Simply Blue

Cero Generation

Next Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on its partnership with GreenIT and agreement to develop three offshore wind projects in Italy’s Lazio and Sardinia regions.
  • Advised Amber Infrastructure Group, as exclusive investment advisor to Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund, on the latter’s €150m investment in Poland’s R.Power.
  • Advised Sunprime on a €150m project finance loan granted by a consortium of lenders to finance a portfolio of 250+ Italian PV plants.

Italy > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams is able to draw on the firm's global network to act for clients in forms of dispute resolution, including arbitration and ADR. The team handles energy, infrastructure, financial services, antitrust, tax and real estate disputes among others. Elvezio Santarelli, who focuses on energy and infrastructure disputes, heads the practice, which includes Giuseppe Bulgarini, who is an experienced employment disputes lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Elvezio Santarelli

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Precise and professional.’

‘Paolo Biasin is competent and attentive to detail.’

Key clients

Ryanair

SC Lowy International Fund

Lighthouse Capital International Fund

A.C.E.P.E.R.

EF Solare

HIVE Energy

Tayan Energy

CVA

Tea Energia

GNERA Energy and Technology

Therium Capital Management

Work highlights

  • Acted for the Italian Association of Consumers and Producers of Renewable Energy, as representative of 15 photovoltaic operators, before the Lazio Administrative Regional Court in their claim against the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici – GSE S.p.A., the Italian government entity promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
  • Advised Ryanair in its successful appeal against the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s Decree No. 2/2020, which had imposed Public Service Obligations on scheduled air services to and from Trapani airport to guarantee territorial continuity, as well as subsequent procedures for assigning traffic rights, on an exclusive basis and with compensation, to competitor carriers TayaranJet Jet and AlbaStar.
  • Advised ACEPER association and its associates in a challenge before the Lombardy Regional Administrative Court.

Italy > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 4

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams' banking and finance team focuses on the firm’s core industry sectors, namely infrastructure, real estate, energy (including renewables and natural resources) and transport (encompassing maritime, aviation and rail). Co-heading the group are project finance specialist Mario D’Ovidio and shipping financing expert Furio Samela.

Practice head(s):

Mario D’Ovidio; Furio Samela

Other key lawyers:

Michele Autuori; Matteo Trabacchin; Amelia Garavaglia

Testimonials

‘WFW is an extremely professional law firm, with great attention paid to the client.’

‘Supports the client on a range of issues while respecting the defined deadlines.’

‘Extreme professionalism, availability and an excellent ability to establish a friendly relationship with the client, which is very useful in order to reduce the stress during negotiations.’

‘WFW is very responsive and able to assists with matters that are difficult. They always push for good solutions.’

‘A strong energy team, whose expertise ranges from financing to corporate, regulatory and administrative law. They offer an excellent full legal service, which is what clients need to carry out complex projects with ease.’

‘They are able to establish a constructive and highly trusted relationship with clients, and clients are particularly satisfied with their project finance team, which stands out for its attentiveness, competence and availability.’

‘Amelia Garavaglia and Mario D’Ovidio are very supportive and always very responsive.’

‘Matteo Trabacchin is an exceptional lawyer in the energy sector. Matteo is approachable, analytical and well-informed, providing efficient and innovative solutions.’

Key clients

Alpha Trains

Sunprime

Azimut

GreenGo

MSC Cruises

Nexrail

Work highlights

  • Advised Prysmian on the project finance structure for an interconnection project in the UAE.
  • Advised Alpha Trains on its raising of €548m through a combination of senior and HoldCo level-secured bank debt within its existing common terms financing platform.
  • Advised Sunprime on a €150m project finance loan, granted by a consortium of lenders to finance a portfolio of 250-plus Italian PV plants.

Italy > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 4

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams' banking and finance team advises on the firm’s core sectors, namely energy, transport, infrastructure and real estate. Mario D’Ovidio specialises in energy and infrastructure sector-related project finance; and shipping specialist Furio Samela assists with financings, loan agreements and security packages.

Practice head(s):

Mario D’Ovidio; Furio Samela

Other key lawyers:

Michele Autuori; Matteo Trabacchin; Amelia Garavaglia

Testimonials

‘In recent years, the firm has consolidated its leadership in Italy in the export finance and project finance spaces (in particular energy and shipping).’

‘One of the main strengths of WFW (also compared with other firms) is the continuous involvement of senior members throughout the deal.’

‘The finance team is truly at a high level. Consistently delivers excellent solutions.’

‘Overall, they stand out for their technical skills, availability and collaboration.’

‘The assistance is innovative from both technological and contractual perspectives.’

‘Mario D’Ovidio is a well-reputed banking lawyer who is recognised for providing sophisticated legal advice and resolves complex situations.’

‘Mario D’Ovidio can leverage a brilliant team composed of talented junior lawyers.’

‘Matteo Trabacchin is an outstanding professional, whose technical skills in finance are impressive. He provides the best solution to every matter. He’s also reliable, perceptive and very understanding of clients’ concerns.’

Key clients

HSBC Bank

Intesa Sanpaolo

SACE

Bayerische Landesbank

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

Illimity Bank

Banco BPM

ICCREA Banca – Istituto Centrale del Credito Cooperativo

Deutsche Bank

IDeA CCRII Fund

The Export-Import Bank of China (Cexim)

Work highlights

  • Advised illimity Bank on two loans granted to Kalypso Compagnia di Navigazione to finance the acquisition of a container ship.
  • Advised HSBC Bank Middle East and HSBC Bank on a $300m push facility (guaranteed by the Italian Export Credit Agency) for the Oil and Gas Holding Company B.S.C.
  • Advised Bayerische Landesbank on a €15m multi-tranche loan facility made available to BEE Piemonte.

Italy > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5

Widely respected for its energy sector expertise, Watson Farley & Williams LLP also acts for real estate, infrastructure and transport clients. Founder of the firm’s Italy practice and corporate and energy group leader, Eugenio Tranchino, is ‘a longstanding and highly-regarded energy lawyer’, and Carlo Cosmelli specialises in cross-border and domestic M&A.

Practice head(s):

Eugenio Tranchino; Carlo Cosmelli

Other key lawyers:

Tiziana Manenti; Luca Sfrecola; Roberta Sturiale; Arianna Neri

Testimonials

‘Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills.’

‘Currently among the leading firms in Italy dealing with innovative technologies in the renewables sector.’

‘They deal with complex transactions and yet they manage to deliver the best results possible.’

‘Nothing but high-level assistance from this multidisciplinary team. Their professionalism is undisputed. They are the problem-solvers of the energy sector and their dedication to all things renewable is unparalleled. Very adaptable to strict deadlines too.’

‘The M&A practice of this firm has expertise and attention to detail that are quite exceptional, and the attention to clients’ needs and responsiveness are always prompt.’

‘Eugenio Tranchino is a longstanding and highly-regarded energy lawyer. He is a go-to practitioner for renewable energy and knows the business logic behind the changes in the market very well. He excels in leading on crucial transactions that hold significant strategic and economic value.’

‘Carlo Cosmelli stands out for his expertise in international contracts and assistance during investment rounds, with particular focus on biotech/pharma start-ups. Stands out for his competence, speed and availability, also supporting companies from a strategic and business development point of view.’

‘Roberta Sturiale is competent and always responsive, with a remarkable quality of work – well above average.’

Key clients

Snam S.p.A.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S

Amber Infrastructures

Yanolja Cloud

Altamin Limited

Vortex Beteiligungs GmbH

Panattoni Italy Holding S.À R.L.

Atlante S.r.l.

Falk Renewables S.p.A.

P3 Logistic Parks

Logista

Axpo Services AG

Rigenerand S.r.l.

Work highlights

  • Advised Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on its partnership agreement with GreenIT to develop three offshore wind projects in Lazio and Sardinia.
  • Advised Amber Infrastructure Group, as exclusive investment advisor to Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund S.A. SICAV-RAIF, on the latter’s €150m investment in Poland’s R.Power.
  • Advised Yanolja Cloud on its acquisition of Go Global Travel from Gorilla Holdco.

Italy > Employment Tier 5

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams handles both contentious and non-contentious employment matters for its clients. The firm’s scope of practice is wide, covering industrial relations, individual and collective dismissals, restructurings, M&A-related transactions, disciplinary procedures and senior management agreements. Its clientele includes major national and multinational corporations. The practice is led by Giuseppe Bulgarini d’Elci who regularly advises across the spectrum of labour and trade union law.

Practice head(s):

Giuseppe Bulgarini d’Elci

Testimonials

‘High professionalism and wide expertise in the whole team.’

‘Trusted, prepared lawyers giving prompt feedback.’

Key clients

Statkraft Italia S.r.l.

Triumph International Rome S.p.A.

Fratelli Branca Distillerie S.p.A.

FleetCor Technologies Group

Do&Co Group

Gènèrale pour l’Enfant – GPE (SM Italia – Du Pareil au Même)

Conceria di Cuneo S.r.l.

Louisiane S.p.A.

Atelier HCI S.r.l.

Bormioli Luigi S.p.A.

La Tecnica di Preti Giorgio e Fratelli S.n.c.

Labeyrie Fine Foods S.a.s.

Logista Italia S.p.A.

Norwegian Air Resources Limited

Enplus Italia S.r.l.

Deca Italia S.r.l.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems Italia S.p.A.

Pini Group S.r.l.

Pini Group S.A.

Gelati Menne S.r.l.

Mariotti S.r.l.

Poste Italiane S.p.A.

Florens Asset Management (Italy) S.r.l.

Eurovision Italy S.r.l.

Elements S.r.l.

Work highlights

  • Advised Fratelli Branca Distillerie S.p.A. in the negotiation and drafting of five collective company agreements aimed at overcoming a stratification of over 80 years of company agreements on various issues impacting in various areas the management of staff.
  • Advised Statkraft Italia S.r.l., the Italian wing of Norwegian renewable energy producer Statkraft Group, on a flexible working agreement negotiated with the trade union Fisascat-Cisl.
  • Advised PINI GROUP S.A., Swiss company in the field of infrastructure design and underground works, in a procedure for the acquisition of a business from a bankrupt company, Geodata S.p.A., whose complexity lay in agreeing with the trade unions the transfer of a number of employees lower than that employed on the company site to be acquired.

Italy > EU and competition law

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams’ young and dynamic antitrust team is led by aviation industry expert Irene De Beni, who regularly advises clients on unfair commercial practices, merger control, abuse of dominant position and state aid proceedings. A growing number of clients from the energy, travel and shipping sector also turn to the team’s expertise.

Dedicated to client care, industry focus and investment in our people
We are a sector specialist international law firm in the Energy, Infrastructure and Transport sectors advising on complex transactions and disputes through local knowledge and an integrated international network.

Our business exists to help our clients achieve their goals, partnering with them to meet the challenges they face today and will face tomorrow.

Our values rest on developing deep and long-lasting relationships externally and internally through respect, sharing, communication and integrity.

We strive for excellence in all that we do and view investment in our people as key to achieving our business goals and values.

Our teams are integrated across legal disciplines and offices delivering consistently high levels of service locally and in combination across borders.

History: Sector focus has been at the heart of our strategy since we opened for business in 1982.  Having started life as an asset finance boutique focussing on the maritime and aviation industries, our transport focus quickly expanded to other supply-chain led industries, most notably, renewable and conventional energy and infrastructure across these industries.

Through our offices around the world, we provide a full suite of services within our core sectors enabling us to deliver exceptional value to our clients.

Facts

  • Founded 1982
  • 200+ partners
  • 700+ lawyers
  • 19 offices

Senior Partner: George Paleokrassas
Managing Partner: Lindsey Keeble

Key Contacts
Aviation: Jim Bell, Charles Viggers
Energy: Malte Jordan, Henry Stewart
Infrastructure: Florian Kutzbach, Jose Maria Anarte
Maritime: George Macheras, George Paleokrassas
Mining & Commodities: Sumeet Malhotra, Jan Mellmann
Oil & Gas: Chris Kilburn

Partners : 200+
Lawyers : 700+
Offices : 19
25+ languages