Combining ‘legal excellence with a deep commercial mindset’, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Studio Legale advises on corporate governance, joint ventures, and both public and private M&A. The firm leverages its wide strengths in employment, tax, and data protection law to support in transactions. Augusto Santoro leads the team and supports clients in the healthcare, fashion, and gaming industries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This practice is truly unique in its ability to combine legal excellence with a deep commercial mindset, making it a standout choice.'
- 'Clients can rely on the team not only for their first-class technical expertise, but also for their rare ability to deliver clear, pragmatic, and actionable advice that directly supports business strategy.’
- ‘The individuals I have worked with stand out for their unique ability to combine deep legal expertise with exceptional business awareness. Unlike many competitors, they do not limit themselves to purely technical advice: their approach is always solution-driven, pragmatic, and tailored to the client’s commercial priorities.’
- ‘Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Studio Legale distinguishes itself in the mergers and acquisitions arena through a blend of deep sector expertise and forward-thinking legal strategies. The team’s ability to harmonize legal precision with business sense means clients receive advice that is not only technically sound but also strategically aligned to their commercial objectives.'
- ‘The individuals I have worked with at H&F stand out for their combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and genuine personal commitment to client success.'
- 'Augusto Santoro's experience in cross-border transactions consistently brings unique insights and strategic vision to complex deals.'
Key clients
- CSE
- Edison Next
- Enel
- Eni
- Extendam
- First Capital and Invest Italy SIM
- Glennmont Partners
- Nuveen Infrastructure
- GreenIT
- Growens
- Headway Capital Partners
- Higas
Work highlights
Assisted Elliott on its sale, along with other minority shareholders, of 100% of Gardant S.p.A. to Borsa Italiana-listed doValue S.p.A.
Assisted VTTI, a Dutch energy storage and infrastructure company, on the acquisition of a majority interest in Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l..
Assisted the club deal Pigreco Investment and its promoter Pigreco Corporate Finance in the leveraged-buyout transaction for the acquisition of Pigreco Consulting, a company active in the advisory on public subsidies and finance.
Lawyers
Firms to watch
Practice head
Augusto Santoro
Other key lawyers
Michella Morella