Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria > Milan, Italy > Firm Profile

Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria
LARGO TOSCANINI 1
20122 MILANO
Italy

Italy > Investment funds Tier 1

Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria boosted its fund formation practice in April 2024 through the hire of Eriprando Guerritore (and his team) from Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici. Regularly working alongside the firm’s corporate, real estate investment, tax finance specialists, the group acts for fund sponsors, initiators, GPs and FoFs in complex domestic and cross-border transactions involving real asset projects. ‘Go-to person’ Guerritore has longstanding experience in advising on the structuring and launch of complex domestic and international fund projects. Milan-based Guerritore also advises on the regulatory side to supervised and licensed entities.

Practice head(s):

Eriprando Guerritore

Other key lawyers:

Claudio Saba

Testimonials

Deep technical knowledge of the regulatory framework.’

‘Strong dedication to clients.

Very responsive and highly-engaged team.

Eriprando Guerritore recently joined Greenberg Traurig, adding invaluable expertise in investment funds’ regulatory issues.

Eriprando Guerritore is the key individual – he is the go-to person for investment funds’ regulatory issues.

Eriprando Guerritore is appreciated for his knowledge of Italian regulatory law and his work ethic.’

Eriprando Guerritore is a very practical and commercial lawyer.

Clients don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to Eriprando Guerritore for sounding out how to approach an issue strategically.

Key clients

Redo SGR

CDP Venture Capital SGR

VC Partners SGR

ENPAP

Miria Asset Management

CDP

CDP Equity

HAT SGR

Work highlights

  • Advised Redo SGR on the reorganisation of the Euromilano Italian real estate project.
  • Assisted FoF International with its investment into Seroba IV, an Irish-domiciled EUVECA venture capital fund specialising in the life sciences sector.
  • Advised VC Partners SGR on the structuring, setting-up and fundraising of its first Italian- domiciled EUVECA venture capital alternative investment fund (VC Partners I).

Italy > Compliance Tier 2

Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria's Italian practice acts on the gamut of compliance, white-collar crime and internal investigations work.  Its coverage encompasses the criminal liability of corporations, anti-money laundering, private corruption, commercial fraud, directors’ liability, and regulatory and privacy compliance. ‘In a league of his own’, co-chair of the firm’s European compliance practice Bruno Cova leads the Milan group. Cova routinely acts on internal investigations and related corporate governance, while Mariafrancesca De Leo assists with internal investigations. Massimo Ugo Maria Contesso focuses on compliance and corporations’ administrative and criminal liability.

Practice head(s):

Bruno Cova

Other key lawyers:

Giulia Pandini

Testimonials

The key feature is the ability to handle corruption issues, and support on anti-corruption policies.

Bruno Cova has strong compliance experience and it is extremely easy to work with him.

Bruno Cova is responsive and calm in any situation.

Bruno Cova is the one who makes the difference in the team. His seniority does not make him less involved in case – he always directly supports clients with sound advice.

This practice, led by Bruno Cova, clearly stands out in the market due to its unparalleled expertise in all aspects of compliance. Moreover, it benefits from the depth of Greenberg’s other practices such as corporate and EU law.

Bruno Cova is in a league of his own, being able to combine the expertise gained as GC of top companies in Italy with many years as a partner in different reputable firms.

Bruno Cova a professional who is able to translate Italy and its sometimes difficult legal framework to foreign investors.

Massimo Ugo Maria Contesso is a name to mention – his insights are always very interesting and combined with a hard-working attitude.

Key clients

Shell

Work highlights

  • Represented Shell in criminal investigations conducted by the authorities of five countries, the case involving Decree 231 compliance issues.

Italy > EU and competition law Tier 2

Demonstrating ‘exceptional capabilities in addressing complex issues’, Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria is well-versed in issues surrounding State aid. The firm is also adept at supporting clients through investigations and unfair commercial practices. The team is overseen by Edoardo Gambaro, who is highly experienced in State aid litigation. Pietro Missanelli advises clients on horizontal and vertical agreements, abuse of dominant positions and export controls.

Practice head(s):

Edoardo Gambaro

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Quality.’

‘The legal team has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in addressing complex issues. Their extensive knowledge of EU law, particularly competition law, has been a significant asset.’

‘The team is familiar with the client’s business sector and products and provides useful opinions and recommendations for handling antitrust issues in compliance with laws and practices, supporting the client’s business.’

‘Edoardo Gambaro and Pietro Missanelli are always promptly available and highly competent.’

‘The antitrust team lead by Edoardo Gambaro is technically extremely prepared, responsive and constructive.’

‘Edoardo Gambaro is always open to better understanding the clients’ needs without losing the high level of competence needed to analyze complex cases.’

Key clients

Federalberghi

Scuola Elementare Maria Montessori

Nextalia

Gruppo Iper

Progetto Grano S.p.A.

Several Private Parties

Delcomar

Napoleon Abrasives S.p.A.

Work highlights

  • Assisted Federalberghi, the association of Italian hotels, in several EU and competition law-related matters, including a referral for a preliminary ruling before the EU Court of Justice concerning the applicability to Airbnb of a tax statute on short rents adopted by the Italian State.
  • Successfully represented the appellants before the European Court of Justice in a State aid case relating to the tax exemption on the municipal tax on real property granted by Italy to non-commercial bodies.
  • Assisted Progetto Grano S.p.A. in raising specific European law issues in proceedings pending before the Court of Cassation over the interests that should be paid on export refunds for agricultural products that have never been disbursed by the competent public administration.

Italy > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Standing out for its ‘exceptional expertise’, the team at Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria specialises in a broad swathe of real estate and construction matters, with particular experience in site and portfolio acquisitions. The firm is also highly knowledgeable in advising alternative real estate investment funds in portfolio management and related transactions. Practice co-head Marzio Longo advises on transactions of retail, office and logistics portfolios, whilst fellow co-head Paolo Bolis aids clients with development projects and asset management. Within the team, Gloria Molteni focuses on town planning and zoning.

Practice head(s):

Marzio Longo; Paolo Bolis

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘GT Law’s real estate and construction team excels in its pragmatic, resourceful approach to client service. What sets them apart is their ability to read situations and understand the nuances of each negotiation, adjusting their strategy to secure the best outcomes for their clients.’

‘Marzio Longo is a standout leader in the team. His vast experience and ability to navigate complex legal landscapes make him an indispensable resource in high-level negotiations.’

‘Paolo Bolis brings a dynamic and detail-oriented approach to every project. His hands-on involvement in negotiations and transactions ensures that every nuance is addressed, and his ability to adapt quickly to evolving situations adds significant value.’

‘The team stands out for its human-centred approach, focusing on crafting tailored solutions that meet clients’ specific needs. One of their key strengths is the diversity of skills within the group.’

‘Paolo Bolis is a remarkable leader, known for his strategic vision and dedication to delivering tailored solutions, making him a key differentiator in the market.’

‘This real estate law practice stands out for its exceptional expertise, combining deep industry knowledge with a client-centred approach.’

‘The individuals I’ve worked with in this practice are truly exceptional, bringing a combination of professionalism, expertise, and personal dedication that sets them apart from competitors.’

‘The team stands out for their sharp intellect, expansive network, and vast experience.’

Key clients

Weerts Logistic Parks

Starwood Capital

Carlyle Real Estate SGR S.p.A.

Deka Immobilien

MT – Manifattura Tabacchi S.p.A.

Kervis SGR S.p.A.

Aermont Capital

Bracco Real Estate

Europa Capital

UniCredit S.p.A.

DeA Capital Real Estate SGR S.p.A.

Villa d’Este S.p.A.

Aventicum Real Estate Partners Europe II Scsp

Work highlights

  • Representing Villa D’Este S.p.A. in the acquisition of the Hotel Miralago of Cernobbio from a local family with a view to turning it into a 4-star hotel under Villa D’Este management.
  • Representing Kervis SGR S.p.A., as the management company of the alternative investment fund denominated “KREF II”, in the acquisition of an office property located in Milano, Via Tortona 37, with a view to converting it into residential development.

Italy > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 3

The Milan-based practice at Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria is particularly active in NPL matters and real estate financings. Corrado Angelelli is group head; Alessio Gerhart Ruvolo‘s workload includes sustainable and impact finance; and Davide Bonsi focuses on structured finance. In a significant boost for the practice, the firm hired veteran banking, finance and restructuring lawyer Riccardo Agostinelli, along with Daniele Migliarucci and Marco Leonardi, from Molinari Agostinelli in October 2024.

Practice head(s):

Corrado Angelelli; Alessio Gerhart Ruvolo

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The uniqueness of this work team lies in their empathy and high levels of professionalism.’

‘They are an extremely well-prepared and professional team, but at the same time empathetic and close to their clients.’

‘They are very organised and know how to resolve any problem – always supportive of clients.’

Expertise, precision and availability.’

‘Corrado Angelelli is a well-rounded professional.’

‘Corrado Angelelli is an outstanding professional with plenty of experience in the finance space.’

‘Corrado Angelelli’s long-lasting career and extensive network are real assets, as well as his deep knowledge of the NPL market and alternative financing structures.’

Antonio Enrico Izzi is an excellent professional – always available and accurate in the work he does.

Key clients

Garbe Industrial Real Estate Italy

Azora European Hotel & Lodging FCR – Bluserena

Henderson Park

Savills SGR

Savills Investment Management SGR

Threestones Capital

Realterm Logistics

Melzo Logistica

Savills Investment Management SGR

Kervis SGR

Pietro

Pj Sintagma

Kervis SGR

Work highlights

  • Advising Bluserena on a mortgage loan financing granted by Caixabank (as global coordinator, original lender, mandated lead arranger and bookrunner), UniCredit (as original lender, mandated lead arranger and bookrunner) and Loan Agency Service (as agent).
  • Advising Savills SGR (on behalf of San Cristoforo Fund and San Nicola Fund) on two term-loan financings.
  • Advising Garbe Industrial Real Estate Italy and SFO Capital on their partnership, in relation to the acquisition and financing of a greenfield area.

Italy > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 3

Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria's 14-strong team advises major banks and lenders on NPL matters and real estate financings. ‘An outstanding professional’, Corrado Angelelli is finance group head; and Alessio Gerhart Ruvolo's workload includes sustainable and impact finance issues. In a major boost for the practice, the firm hired renowned banking, finance and restructuring lawyer Riccardo Agostinelli, along with Daniele Migliarucci and Marco Leonardi, from Molinari Agostinelli in October 2024.

Practice head(s):

Corrado Angelelli; Alessio Gerhart Ruvolo

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The uniqueness of this work team lies in their empathy and high levels of professionalism.’

‘Extremely well-prepared and professional team.’

‘They know how to organise themselves and solve any problem that arises.’

‘Expertise, precision and availability.’

‘Corrado Angelelli is an outstanding professional with plenty of experience in the finance space, and very committed and nice to work with ’

‘Corrado Angelelli is a well-rounded professional.’

Key clients

Wingspire Capital

Rhize Capital

illimity

Solution Bank

Work highlights

  • Acted for Solution Bank on a refinancing transaction involving a real estate sector company .
  • Assisted Rhize Capital (as arranger) and a special purpose securitisation vehicle (as lender) with a financing for two Italian closed-end real estate funds for the acquisition and development of two student housing buildings in Milan.

Italy > Capital markets: Debt Tier 3

Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria's 14-strong group in Milan assists public and private companies, sovereign entities, and financial institutions with the gamut of debt capital markets work. The team is particularly experienced in the non-performing loans sector. Corrado Angelli has wide-ranging experience in debt products; and Alessio Gerhart Ruvolo's practice covers real estate, corporate, leverage and structured finance. Other names to note are Davide Bonsi and Antonio Enrico Izzi.

Practice head(s):

Corrado Angelelli; Alessio Gerhart Ruvolo

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

The uniqueness of this work team lies in their empathy and high-level professionalism.

They are an extremely well-prepared and professional team.

They know how to organise and solve any problem, and are always of great support to clients.

Expertise, precision and availability.

Very good market knowledge and involvement of lawyers of the right seniority at all stages of the legal advice.

Corrado Angelelli is a very well-rounded professional.

Corrado Angelelli is an outstanding professional with plenty of experience in the finance space and very nice to work with.

Clients appreciate Corrado Angelelli for his market and commercial knowledge, as well as for how he manages his team.

Key clients

Rhize Capital (Pj OWN)

AMCO – Asset Management Company

KKR

Nomura International, Goldman Sachs International

illimity

Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia Onlus

Castello SGR

Investcorp

CRIF

Work highlights

  • Advised Banca Credito Attivo and Kinetic Capital, as arrangers, on a securitisation aimed at financing two Italian closed-end real estate funds.
  • Assisted AMCO with the purchase from around 80 Italian credit institutions of portfolios of UTP and NPLs receivables.
  • Advised an Investcorp group fund on a green facility agreement with Société Générale Milan Branch.

Italy > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

Leveraging its global network of offices, Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria has significant experience in cross-border mandates. Public and private M&A and private equity expert Luigi Santa Maria is ‘an excellent negotiator who comes up with creative solutions’; and Mario Santa Maria is a joint venture and M&A specialist. The team also includes Pietro Caliceti, an adviser on high-profile transactions in both Italy and abroad, and private M&A lawyer Carlo Scaglioni.

Practice head(s):

Luigi Santa Maria; Mario Santa Maria

Other key lawyers:

Pietro Caliceti; Carlo Scaglioni; Francesca Torricelli; Alessandra Boffa; Luigi Iovino

Testimonials

‘Very cohesive team that is well balanced in terms of seniority and key competences.’

‘Everyone is outstanding. The firm is made up of professionals who respond promptly and with a spirit of collaboration.’

‘The team is exceptional in its ability to manage the issues involved.’

‘Excellent assistance is provided at due diligence and legal documentation preparation stages.’

‘Luigi Santa Maria is an excellent negotiator who comes up with creative solutions to difficult problems.’

‘Carlo Scaglioni is able to handle critical issues with high-level professionalism, through his coordination of all levels of corporate organisations, from commercial managers to group legal management.’

‘Francesca Torricelli is technically outstanding and very rigorous.’

‘Francesca Torricelli’s engagement and expertise are exceptional and critical to processes.’

Key clients

Azzurra Capital Management FZE

Fontana Fasteners Group

SPA – Società Prodotti Antibiotici

Berrier Capital

Ver Capital SGR

Neva SGR

Versalis

Villa D’Este

Investo Uno

Rentokil Initial Italia

Work highlights

  • Assisted Azzurra Capital with the sale and purchase agreement for its entry into the share capital of Gruppo Desa.
  • Advised Fontana Group on a group reorganisation involving, inter alia, a reverse merger.
  • Assisted Versalis with the acquisition of Tecnofilm.

Italy > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Combining a longstanding regional presence with a strong international network, Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria offers expertise on local and international issues in action and pre-action contexts. With expert advisors on white-collar crime, enforcement proceedings and restructuring disputes, the firm has developed its environmental litigation specialisation. Mariafrancesca De Leo, an environmental litigation expert, and Alberto Santa Maria, who assists clients with EU and competition law disputes, are the firm’s heads of practice. Bruno Cova is knowledgeable of internal investigations and corporate governance issues.

Practice head(s):

Mariafrancesca De Leo; Alberto Santa Maria

Other key lawyers:

Bruno Cova; Alfredo Pentimalli; Iacopo Stasi; Bertone Biscaretti

Testimonials

‘The team is familiar with the client’s business sector and client’s products’ peculiarities and can easily identify the strengths of its position, in order to set up the best defence of its interests.’

‘Able to provide assistance in various matters (commercial, tech, privacy issues).’

‘Bertone Biscaretti is available and always ready to provide business-oriented solutions.’

‘Approachable, pragmatic, direct. professionals that one can trust.’

‘Maria Francesca De Leo is an outstanding litigator. A superb strategist, she provides brilliant client service and is very user-friendly.’

Key clients

DeA Capital Real Estate SGR S.p.A

ENI S.p.A.

Unes Maxi S.p.A.

Shell Plc

PNE/EXERGIA

Work highlights

  • Representing DeA Capital Real Estate, in its capacity as management company of the Real Estate Fund Diamond, in two proceedings before the Court of Rome against Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria.
  • Representing Shell Plc in criminal investigations conducted by the authorities of five separate countries under suspicion of corruption of foreign public officials in Nigeria for an alleged bribe of US 1,3 billion.
  • Representing ENI in a dispute before the Court of First Instance of Potenza brought by 80 plaintiffs, involving a large on-shore oil field in Western Europe.

Italy > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

The ‘excellently structured’ team at Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria is well-versed in restructuring and insolvency issues across Europe. The team combines specialists across a range of disciplines with experts in special situations, distressed M&A and credit management matters. The team is led by Bruno Cova, who focuses on complex transactions and compliance issues. Francesco Horvat is noted within the team, focusing on debt restructurings, turnaround processes, distressed acquisitions and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Bruno Cova

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They get straight to the matter and are able to get solutions to problems in a quick way and with high-quality end results.’

‘They are able to listen and to tailor solutions to specific needs. I particularly appreciated the assistance of Dante Campiverdi in finding creative solutions on matters related to real estate, securitisation and banking contracts.’

‘Excellently structured team with highly trained, proactive and always available professionals.’

‘All the professionals are competent in their area of expertise, are proactive, helpful and always find the best solution.’

‘Dante Campiverdi stands out for his brilliant knowledge in NPLs compared to many other lawyers. He is an efficient, capable, helpful, collaborative lawyer.’

‘The firm’s approach is innovative and geared toward client satisfaction. Dante Campiverdi’s team, in particular, is characterized by an excellent propensity for teamwork where different skills are enhanced.’

‘The team works with a great spirit of cooperation and is always goal-oriented.’

Key clients

Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management LLC

Stellex Capital Holdings Luxembourg S.à r.l.

MAN GLG Limited

Kervis SGR S.p.A.

Unés Maxi S.p.A.

Wingspire Capital LLC

Work highlights

  • Advised international funds Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management LLC, Man GLG Limited and Stellex Capital Holdings Luxembourg S.à r.l., shareholders of Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., in the post-completion matters relating to the complex in-court restructuring transaction of Officine Maccaferri S.p.A.
  • Assisted Trico Italy S.r.l. in the return of certain assets owned by Trico Italy but held by RDS Moulding Technology S.p.A. undergoing a bankruptcy proceeding.

Italy > Intellectual property Tier 4

The IP group at Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria is well-versed in assisting clients in the pharma industry and those in media, film, and entertainment, routinely handling patent litigation and licensing agreements among various other IP activities. Practice head Luigi Fontanesi is joined by Camilla Di Fonzo who acts for names in the fashion and luxury, media, entertainment, and advertising sectors. Bertone Biscaretti di Ruffia focuses on privacy.

Practice head(s):

Luigi Fontanesi

Testimonials

‘We worked with Luigi Fontanesi and Camilla di Fonzo and their work was excellent.’

‘Very reliable, serious and professional people.’

Key clients

Moto Pictures, LLC

Villa d’Este S.p.A.

Anytime Italia S.r.l.

Bracco Foundation

Gabbanelli Accordions & Imports, LLC

Bracco Group

Biofer S.p.A.

Italian Friends of the Citizens Foundations

CB Digital Company S.r.l.

ICE Media S.r.L.

Work highlights

  • Advised Moto Pictures LLC in all activities necessary in the production of the biopic “Ferrari”, including the clearance of all signs, trade marks, footage, videos and songs used in the movie, as well as in the negotiation and drafting of agreements with different rights holders.
  • Advising on an ongoing basis ICE Media S.r.L., in the negotiation and drafting of agreements and in managing transactions between brands and influencers and celebrities, including the negotiations of the product placement of jewellery brand Fope in Jennifer Lopez’s video “Can’t Get Enough”.

Italy > Industry focus: Energy Tier 5

With experience in power generation and transmission asset acquisitions, Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria handles energy regulatory compliance. Paolo Esposito oversees the practice and is highly skilled at project finance, while Ester Latorre is often engaged in antitrust matters. Luigi Lovino is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Paolo Esposito

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘With thirty years of experience and deep expertise, Paolo Esposito, the department head, offers outstanding responsiveness and availability.’

‘The firm’s international network further enhances their capabilities.’

‘They have deep knowledge of the market.’

Key clients

Versalis S.p.A.

ENI S.p.A.

PNE

EXERGIA

Eredi Campidonico

Work highlights

  • Advised Versalis S.p.A. on the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Tecnofilm S.p.A.
  • Advised Eredi Campidonico S.p.A. on the sale of its entire share capital of EC Rete.