With a strong presence in energy and infrastructure project finance, the team at Ashurst is led by Riccardo Rossi, and advises clients on core banking and debt finance products, handling high-value portfolio financing, leveraged finance, securitisations, club deals, bilateral financings and various other structured finance transactions. Carloandrea Meacci focuses on energy and infrastructure financing, and Umberto Antonelli advises on the structured, corporate and capital markets financing of projects in Italy and overseas. Luca Maria Chieffo is experienced in alternative lending, and real estate and acquisition financing, and Nicola Toscano is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is extremely professional and supportive. They provide continuous assistance and have demonstrated the ability to successfully handle complex cross-border operations.’
- ‘Ashurst’s banking team stands out for its rare combination of deep technical expertise, commercial pragmatism, and sector‑specific insight. The team doesn’t just execute transactions — they understand the commercial drivers behind them. They take the time to learn the nuances of each client’s business model and strategic objectives, which means their advice is not only legally robust but also aligned with market realities and growth ambitions.’
- ‘Carloandrea Meacci is a standout figure in the Italian market for project finance and infrastructure transactions. His ability to combine technical precision with a pragmatic, solutions‑driven approach has been instrumental in delivering landmark deals, including multi‑jurisdictional renewable energy portfolios and strategic infrastructure acquisitions. Carloandrea’s calm authority, commercial acumen, and skill in navigating regulatory and contractual complexities set him apart from competitors.’
- ‘Riccardo Rossi is an outstanding lawyer with strong experience in LBO and corporate financing. He is very familiar with the needs of banks and has excellent negotiating skills.’
- ‘The Ashurst team is distinguished by its dedicated client service, specialised expertise, innovative practices, and a commitment to achieving exceptional results. These factors make the Ashurst team an ideal partner for clients looking for a firm that understands their needs and can provide tailored, effective solutions.'
- ‘I often work with Luca Maria Chieffo: his commitment to excellence, collaborative spirit, and adaptability are qualities that not only make Ashurst stand out but also create significant value for our clients. Additionally, Luca possesses a remarkable strategic vision, exceptional communication skills, and a strong mentorship approach, which further enhance Ashurst's team's effectiveness and foster a culture of growth within the firm.’
Key clients
- Anima Alternative sgr
- Ares Management Infrastructure Debt Funds
- ARES Private Equity
- Banco BPM
- Banca ifis S.p.A.
- Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena
- BNP Paribas
- BPER Banca
- Cassa Depositi e Presititi S.p.A.
- Crédit Agricole Italia
- Deutsche Bank
- European Investment Bank
Work highlights
Advised a consortium of banks, including JP Morgan, UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banco BPM and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Sien,a along with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. and Banca Europea per gli Investimenti (EIB), on a €1.7 billion project financing for the construction of the new works of the Lombardy region Pedemontana Lombarda toll road project.
Assisted a pool of lenders, which included Banco BPM S.p.A., Bayerische Landesbank, BPER Banca S.p.A., Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank Milan Branch, Crédit Agricole Italia, Deutsche Bank AG, Eurobank Private Bank Luxembourg S.A., ING Bank N.V. Milan Branch, Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., KfW IPEX-Bank, Societe Generale Milan Branch and UniCredit, with the €800 million refinancing of IGS SpA.
Assisted a pool of lenders in the €1 billion sustainability-linked financing granted to FNM.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Riccardo Rossi
Other key lawyers
Carloandrea Meacci; Umberto Antonelli; Luca Maria Chieffo; Nicola Toscano