CMS > Milan, Italy > Firm Profile
CMS Offices
GALLERIA PASSARELLA, 1
20122 MILANO
Italy
CMS > The Legal 500 Rankings
Italy > Industry focus: TMT Tier 2
Several global technology, media and telecoms organisations routinely turn to CMS’s team of experienced practitioners for advice on compliance and regulatory advice and representation in litigation. The department's workload also includes joint venture and e-commerce projects and cybersecurity, IT and blockchain matters. Practice co-head and worldwide co-head of the technology and sourcing practice Italo de Feo is a key contact, as is fellow co-head Paolo Scarduelli, who notably focuses on the music and sport industries, routinely advising companies on drafting publishing, record and sponsorship agreements. The team also includes recently promoted partner Matia Campo, whose broad practice spans regulatory and transnational matters, outsourcing, IT agreements, AI, and robotics and data protection matters.Practice head(s):
Italo de Feo; Paolo Scarduelli
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CMS has deep and remarkable expertise in the TMT sector, both in regard to traditional areas such as data privacy and software licensing and more “new” emerging technologies such as AI and the metaverse. CMS appropriately combines this knowledge with business acumen and understanding of the aim of the transaction they are supporting. The team has a good practical approach, excellent drafting skills, and clarity in oral and written communication.’
‘I usually work with Matia Campo, an extremely smart lawyer who combines legal industry knowledge with strong business acumen, a pragmatic approach, a problem-solving attitude as well as a deep understanding of the underpinning technology, which is quite rare.’
‘Client oriented and able to immediately understand the client’s needs and approach.’
‘Matia Campo’s commercial awareness is very strong thanks to his previous in-house role. He is able to deliver the best legal support negotiating and advising on sophisticated TMT transactions and issues such as fintech (blockchain), cloud, data transfer, GDPR and tech sourcing.’
‘Matia Campo is an excellent legal strategist with a strong commercial and corporate acumen – not just with regard to TMT matters.’
Key clients
Intesa San Paolo
Telepass
AIG
Zegna
Accenture S.p.A.
Keyless Technology
Wipro
Avanade
Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata
Warner Music Group
Work highlights
- Advised Intesa Sanpaolo on drafting and negotiating various agreements with Thought Machine for the evolution of the core banking systems of the bank and the creation of a brand new digital bank (Isybank).
- Assisted Brembo in negotiating a complex IT agreement for the deployment of an ERP tool with a major multinational services provider.
- Advised Accenture with respect to a huge journey to cloud involving several banks.
Italy > Investment funds Tier 2
Advising throughout the lifecycle of funds, CMS‘ Italian practice covers fund formation, regulatory and transactional work. The group covers a wide range of investment funds, including UCITs; and it is particularly specialised in alternative funds, such as private equity, real estate, and energy infrastructure funds, as well as hedge, venture capital, and credit and debt funds. The department is jointly led by Paolo Bonolis, who acts for funds on regulatory and transactional matters, while Andrea Arcangeli specialises in alternative investment funds. Alfredo Gravagnuolo also advises on investment fund regulation matters.Practice head(s):
Paolo Bonolis; Andrea Arcangeli
Other key lawyers:
Alfredo Gravagnuolo; Massimo Trentino
Key clients
AIMCo (Alberta Investment Management Corporation)
Heritage Capital Partners
ENPACL (Ente Nazionale Previdenza e Assistenza Consulenti del Lavoro)
Optimum Asset Management
Work highlights
- Assisted AIMCo in relation to a partnership with Pinebridge Benson Elliot LLP and the launch of a real estate alternative fund managed by Europa Risorse SGR.
- Assisted Heritage Capital Partners with the launch of a new fintech fund of funds.
Italy > Tax Tier 2
In addition to its longstanding expertise in tax disputes and controversies, CMS' Italy group advises on corporate tax law, VAT, international taxation, transfer pricing, tax risk management, private client matters, and digital economy taxation. The team is jointly led by managing partner Giuseppe Ascoli and national and international tax law expert, Federico Raffaelli. The practice further features Giovanni Calì, an experienced adviser on M&A-related tax, and transfer pricing and corporate taxation expert Stefano Chirichigno, as well as Beatrice Fimiani, Stefano Giuliano, Carlo Gnetti, Mario Martinelli, Luca Vincenzi, and Vittoria Segre.Practice head(s):
Giuseppe Ascoli; Federico Raffaelli
Other key lawyers:
Giovanni Calì; Stefano Chirichigno; Beatrice Fimiani; Stefano Giuliano; Carlo Gnetti; Mario Martinelli; Luca Vincenzi; Vittoria Segre; Gaetano Buffone
Testimonials
‘A well-structured working group, with high levels of professionalism.’
‘Great attention to the cases proposed by the client.’
‘Ability to simulate future situations and related consequences, as well as provide updates on tax and corporate issues.’
‘Stefano Giuliano and his team are very thorough and reliable, and it is always a pleasure referring clients to them, both for domestic and cross-border matters.’
‘Stefano Giuliano is, frankly speaking, quite exceptional. He is very brilliant, creative and reliable, and has huge experience (both from a technical and human perspective).’
‘Stefano Giuliano is also very reasonable from a pricing perspective and very capable of connecting with clients emotionally.’
‘Stefano Giuliano is very practical and very hands on when it comes to making difficult decisions.’
Key clients
May River Capital
Industrial Flow Solutions
Bausparkasse Wüstenrot AG
SPAC SA
Work highlights
- Advised Industrial Flow Solutions LLC on the acquisition of Dreno Pompe, an Italy-based business specialising in electrical submersible pumps for industrial, municipal, and residential wastewater applications.
- Acted for Bausparkasse Wüstenrot AG in tax litigation concerning the reimbursement of withholding taxes levied on an Austrian bank.
- Assisted SPAC SA with the tax due diligence of an Italian company (Pinarello Cicli srl) that was to be purchased.
Italy > Banking and finance: Bank regulatory Tier 3
CMS' Italy practice is particularly active in relation to the regulatory aspects of investment services, asset management, insurance, fintech and payment services. The Rome-based group’s workload covers compliance issues, along with updates on legal developments. ‘Clients are in very good hands' with practice head Paolo Bonolis; Domenico Gaudiello is a renowned public finance sector expert; and Andrea Arcangeli focuses on alternative investments. Domenico Musso also maintains an active regulatory practice.Practice head(s):
Paolo Bonolis
Other key lawyers:
Domenico Gaudiello; Andrea Arcangeli; Domenico Musso; Massimo Trentino; Eva Selvaggiuolo
Testimonials
‘Clients are very impressed with CMS Italy.’
‘Once engaged, the team begins to work right away. Truly excellent English.’
‘A hassle-free experience.’
‘What makes CMS Italy stand out most is the sense of client service and excellent English skills.’
‘Clients are in very good hands with Paolo Bonolis.’
‘Paolo Bonolis always finds a way to accommodate requests, no matter how complicated.’
‘Paolo Bonolis has a fair, client-friendly approach. All administrative tasks are handled without complication – recommended without any reservation.’
‘Paolo Bonolis blends a unique ability to anticipate issues with a great knowledge of all regulatory, legal and commercial aspects.’
Key clients
Commerzbank AG – Italian Branch
Aberdeen Standard Investments Limited
Deutsche Bank
Aareal Bank AG
Legal & General Investment Management Limited
Ostrum Assets Management
Morgan Stanley
Binance Group
Worldline Group
Maquarie
Unicredit
Erste
IM Global Partner
CMC Markets UK Plc
Amazon
S.A.G. Soluzioni Assicurative Globali
Barings
La Banque Postale
Beerfin (Heineken Group)
ICBC
Unipol
Paypal
FTX Crypto Services Limited
1Inch
Classis Capital SCF S.p.A
Enpacl ‐ Ente nazionale di previdenza e assistenza per i consulenti del lavoro
Gens S.p.A.
Aviva Investors
Griffin European Markets
Keyless
Work highlights
- Advising Intesa Sanpaolo on regulatory issues.
- Assisting companies operating as service providers or technological partners in the fintech space, such as Intesa Sanpaolo, Klarna, Paypal, Visa, Worldline, Amazon, Microsoft, Keyless and Quantessence.
- Providing regulatory assistance to major players in the cryptocurrency industry, such as Binance, Coinbase, FTX and 1inch.
Italy > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
CMS’ Italian team handles mid-market matters, in addition to large-value M&A mandates; and has sector expertise in energy, life sciences, healthcare, automotive, transportation, and construction. Leading the team, Pietro Cavasola has longstanding experience in corporate law, M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and international corporate contracts. Providing key support, Daniela Murer advises on corporate and commercial law, M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring, while Marco Casasole is particularly focused on cross-border issues.Practice head(s):
Pietro Cavasola
Other key lawyers:
Daniela Murer; Marco Casasole; Matteo Ciminelli; Massimo Trentino; Dietmar Zischg; Paolo Scarduelli; Giacomo Cavasola
Testimonials
‘Proactive team, professionalism, versatility, and distinctive skills.’
‘Proactive approach to projects, favourable rates, and great regulatory knowledge.’
‘Ability to support, from a legal point of view, the growth and development of new companies within their business sectors, establishing fruitful collaborations with companies operational structures, based on comprehension of company needs and the consequent identification of the proper legal advice.’
‘Great competence and professionalism from the people in the team, whether for M&A, commercial activities, or corporate governance management.’
‘The availability of information provided, as well as the completeness, depth of content, and empathy of the team mark a difference from other law firms.’
‘Massimo Trentino combines unique features, namely ethical values and proximity to the client from a human, as well as a professional stance.’
‘A special mention for Daniela Murer, who is able to deliver excellent diplomacy in relation to client relationships, with a strong and extremely fruitful approach to the achievement of the best possible results.’
‘Giacomo Cavasola is a young but very knowledgeable partner, who delivers outstanding support during transactions.’
Key clients
nVent
Emerson
Italy > Private equity Tier 3
CMS' multidisciplinary team is consistently mandated on complex private equity matters, with clients benefiting from its ability to work alongside the firm's finance, capital markets, tax and competition teams. Advising across the insurance, banking, automotive and TMCs sectors, Italy private equity department head Paolo Scarduelli regularly assists national and international private equity clients on corporate law, M&A, and corporate finance. Key support is provided by Pietro Cavasola and Massimo Trentino.Practice head(s):
Paolo Scarduelli
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of international contexts.’
‘The team is very good at cross-cutting across practices and able to provide support for cross-border issues too.’
Key clients
Telecom Italia
Telecom Italia Ventures S.r.l.
ENI (ENI) S.p.A.
Dussur
Heritage Capital Partners
Green Arrow Capital
Portals/Epiris
Sagitta – SGT Crescitalia PMI Fund
Columna Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Heritage Capital Partners on the set up, launch and operation of a €500m private equity master-feeder fund operating by way of a fintech platform.
- Advised Green Arrow Capital SGR on the launch of a private equity fund specialising in “Made in Italy” target assets.
- Assisted a private Family Office with the acquisition of 93% of Pinarello Cicli.
Italy > Compliance Tier 4
CMS' Italy team routinely advises on companies’ liability for crimes committed by their representatives and employees. The practice also assists with corporate compliance strategies. The track record of Italy fraud and corporate criminal defence department head Emilio Battaglia includes being appointed by companies as a member of their supervisory bodies.Practice head(s):
Emilio Battaglia
Other key lawyers:
Isabella Fortunato; Marisa Pellegrino
Key clients
Aareal Bank AG – Rome Branch
Rhoss S.p.A.
Porsche Italia S.p.A.
Renault Retail Group Italia S.p.A.
Porsche Haus S.r.l.
Nardò Technical Center S.r.l.
Ascenza Italia S.r.l.
Tradecorp Italia S.r.l.
Omya S.p.A.
Synlab Italia S.r.l.
Italy > Administrative and public law Tier 5
The administrative and public team at CMS is regularly engaged by major contracting authorities and international businesses on public procurement and tenders, contracts and concessions, as well as non-contentious environmental and urban planning matters. The team is jointly led by Marco Iannacci, whose broad practice spans energy law, public procurement, expropriation and construction law, and Pietro Cavasola, who advises clients on complex issues regarding public procurement, public concessions and administrative authorisations.Practice head(s):
Pietro Cavasola; Marco Iannacci
Testimonials
‘Effectiveness and proactivity.’
‘Competence and availability.’
Key clients
Italiana Petroli S.p.A. and IP Industrial S.p.A.
Conduent Business Solutions Italia S.p.A.
TotalEnergies EP Italia S.p.A. (former Total E&P Italia S.p.A.)
Go Fit Life Science and Technology S.A. (former Ingesport Health and SPA Consulting S.A.)
Encavis A.G.
Progroup AG
Work highlights
- Assisted Italiana Petroli and Ip Industrial in litigation before the Council of State and the Supreme Court of Cassation concerning the new tariffs regulations approved by the Port Authority of Civitavecchia and Fiumicino.
- Advised TotalEnergies EP Italia on public law matters relevant to the company (as operator of the JV with Shell and Mitsui) for the development of the Tempa Rossa Project.
- Assisted Conduent Business Solutions Italia, a multinational US-based company active in business process outsourcing (BPO) services, on its participation in public tender offer procedures.
Italy > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 5
CMS' Italy team advises on borrower-side financings and refinancings, along with acquisition finance and debt restructuring deals. Leading the team, Paolo Bonolis is a longstanding banking and finance specialist, who acts for clients from the investment services, insolvency, shipping and private equity sectors. Domenico Gaudiello is the public finance department head.Practice head(s):
Paolo Bonolis
Other key lawyers:
Domenico Gaudiello; Andrea Arcangeli; Maria Giovanna Pisani; Domenico Musso
Key clients
Apcoa Group
Scannell Group
Novelis Inc.
LGT Capital
Debt Capital Markets
B2 Kapital Group
Impresa Percassi S.p.A.
Work highlights
- Assisting B2Holding Group with a refinancing transaction.
Italy > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 5
The recent experience of CMS' Italy team includes advising major banks and lenders on financings, refinancings and debt restructuring. Paolo Bonolis is a longstanding banking and finance specialist; Domenico Gaudiello is a well-known public finance expert; and Maria Giovanna Pisani's workload covers corporate, project and real estate finance.Practice head(s):
Paolo Bonolis
Other key lawyers:
Domenico Gaudiello; Maria Giovanna Pisani; Gianfabio Florio; Domenico Musso
Key clients
Aareal Bank AG
Morgan Stanley
Commerzbank AG – Italian Branch
Intesa Sanpaolo
Barings
La Banque Postale
Beerfin (Heineken Group)
ICBC
Unipol
Illimity
LGT Capital
Italy > Dispute resolution Tier 5
At CMS, the team has strong expertise handling matters before all levels of the Italian court system, including the Supreme Court, State Council and Constitutional Court. Additionally, it is adept in arbitration proceedings, with lawyers experienced in international arbitral matters, including practice co-head Laura Opilio. Fellow co-head Paola Ghezzi is qualified as a civil and commercial mediator and arbitrator.Practice head(s):
Laura Opilio; Paola Ghezzi
Other key lawyers:
Vincenzo Giangiacomo
Testimonials
‘CMS has an incredible depth, having lawyers knowledgeable in almost every area of the law. They are extremely reliable and efficient, they are a great law firm to handle the vast majority of legal matters in any given jurisdiction.’
‘Vincenzo Giangiacomo quickly understands complex products and applies that in the work for us. He tailors his advice perfectly. It’s a pleasure working with him.’
Key clients
Generali Italia S.p.A.
Merck Serono S.p.A.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SA
AmTrust Europe Ltd
Brit Insurance Holdings Ltd
Allianz S.A.
AIG S.A.
QBE Insurance Europe Ltd
Arch Insurance Europe
WRB Ltd
Diageo S.p.A.
Istituto Figlie di San Camillo
Italy > Real estate and construction Tier 5
CMS operates as a one-stop-shop for real estate matters, advising on planning, environmental and construction law. The firm advises a wide range of clients, including investment funds, banks, retailers and developers. The real estate practice is led in Rome and Milan respectively by Marco Casasole, who frequently advises clients on domestic and cross-border transactions, and Dietmar Zischg, who advises investment funds on property purchases.Practice head(s):
Marco Casasole; Dietmar Zischg
Key clients
Allianz Real Estate
Immofinanz AG
Franklin Templeton
Scannell Properties
Prinzhorn Holding GmbH
Amazone Real Estate
Jefferies GmbH
Morgan Stanley Europe SE
Axa Reim and Axa Alt IM
Roveda S.r.l.
Truma Industrial S.r.l.
Turner & Townsend
Erste Bank Hungary
First European Title
Work highlights
- Assisted in the acquisition by Allianz Real Estate of a portfolio of 13 logistic buildings located in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania.
- Advised Franklin Templeton on the acquisition of the Villa Maria hospital located in Padova and managed by Centro di Medicina.
- Assisted a client in the disposal, through a share deal, of a logistic building located in the Province of Novara in favour of Realon Luxembourg.
Italy > Industry focus: Energy Tier 6
The energy practice at CMS covers M&A, commercial contracts, administrative and regulatory matters as well as tax law, where tax energy specialist Stefano Chirichigno is a key contact. The team can regularly be found advising clients in the renewable energy sector, and routinely represents investors in the acquisition, disposal and restructuring of photovoltaic plants, as well as in related litigation. Practice head Pietro Cavasola comes highly recommended, and Matteo Ciminelli notably focuses on energy M&A, permitting, subsidy arrangements and project contracts.Practice head(s):
Pietro Cavasola
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
Italy > Industry focus: Food
Italy > Data privacy and data protection
CMS > Firm Profile
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking and finance | |||
EU and competition | |||
Consumer products | |||
Corporate/M&A | |||
Dispute resolution | |||
Employment and pensions | |||
Energy | |||
Fraud and corporate criminal defence | |||
Hotels and leisure | |||
Infrastructure and project finance | |||
Insurance and funds | |||
Intellectual property | |||
Life sciences | |||
Private equity | |||
Real estate and construction | |||
Tax litigation | |||
Corporate tax law | |||
Taxation of individuals | |||
International taxation | |||
Transfer pricing | |||
VAT | |||
TMC – technology, media and communications | |||
Commercial | |||
Administrative law |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Paolo Scarduelli | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 100 at this office : 20Languages
Albanian English French German SpanishOther
Contact : Paolo Scarduelli Other offices : Rome Other offices : Tirana CMS members : CMS is an international full-service law firm, acting for major global and domestic corporations. 4,500 lawyers work for CMS in over 74 offices.Legal Briefings
-
Doing business in the UAE
CMS’s John O’Connor and Harkee Wilson discuss the challenges and issues businesses face operating in the UAE and investigate some of the recent changes in the business environment.
Comparative Guides
-
United Arab Emirates: Advertising & Marketing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Ben GibsonKhiloni JobanputraJaleela JohnsonEve Brady
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Advertising & Marketing laws and regulations applicable in United Arab Emirates.
-
United Kingdom: Advertising & Marketing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Tom ScourfieldStuart Helmer
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Advertising & Marketing laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
-
Italy: Advertising & Marketing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Paola GhezziGiulia Tomassini
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Advertising & Marketing laws and regulations applicable in Italy.
-
Sweden: Lending & Secured Finance
Published: April 2024
Authors: Ulf ForsmanHåkan Lindgren Per Englund
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Lending & Secured Finance laws and regulations applicable in Sweden.
-
Singapore: Construction
Published: May 2024
Authors: Lynette Chew Kelvin Aw Asya Jamaludin Grace Lu Andy Yeo Dian Tambunan
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Construction laws and regulations applicable in Singapore.
-
Germany: Class Actions
Published: June 2024
Authors: Dr. Thomas LennarzDr. Peter Wende, LL.M.
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Class Actions laws and regulations applicable in Germany.
-
Budget 2024: Renewed Focus on Singapore’s Social Compact
Published: March 2024
Authors: Wei Ming Tan