Mario D’Ovidio co-heads the team at Watson Farley & Williams, navigating a variety of leveraged and corporate acquisition finance transactions for borrowers in the rail, aviation and roads sectors, as well as the energy industry. Second co-lead Furio Samela specialises in financing deals in the maritime field, and Michele Autuori is engaged to advise on various transport-related transactions and disputes. ‘Brilliant lawyer’ Matteo Trabacchin focuses on infrastructure and energy project finance, handling a broad variety of arrangements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Watson Farley’s financing advice is spot-on and the way the team works across departments and countries makes everything run smoothly and efficiently.’
- ‘Matteo D'Ovidio has a way of making even the trickiest financing issues feel manageable. His advice to borrowers is always clear, grounded, and practical.’
- ‘This team brings together strong legal expertise in finance and energy with a refreshingly personal touch. They’re quick, switched-on, and always offer smart and practical solutions. A real asset in any transaction.’
- ‘Matteo Trabacchin has a knack for cutting through the noise. He’s a brilliant lawyer who keeps the deal moving and the team aligned. His financing advice is always of great value and geared towards success.’
- ‘The individuals within this practice are truly exceptional—not only for their technical legal abilities, but for their integrity, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to client service. Each member of the team brings a distinctive strength to the table, and together they form a cohesive unit that consistently delivers above expectations.’
Key clients
- Alpha Trains
- Sonnedix
- Ellomay
- Beyfin
- OX2
Work highlights
Advised the consortium of original lenders on the termination of the 44 Sonnedix existing financings pursuant to a €2.5bn refinancing granted to it by 15 new lenders.
Advised Ellomay on a €110m project financing for its 198 MW Italian solar portfolio.
Advised Beyfin on its acquisition of a one-third stake in UniverGas Italia, securing a loan provided by Intesa Sanpaolo.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Mario D’Ovidio; Furio Samela
Other key lawyers
Michele Autuori; Matteo Trabacchin