Noted for its ‘technical expertise, transparency, and flexibility’, the team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton assists blue-chip clients with high-value and complex transactions, cross-border mergers, disposals, and investment matters. Based in Rome, Giuseppe Scassellati-Sforzolini often handles privatisations, debt exchange offers, takeover bids, and divestitures. Roberto Bonsignore is well-regarded for his strength in energy and infrastructure matters, Matteo Montanaro adds expertise in corporate reorganisations, and David Singer brings insight into venture capital transaction contexts. Paolo Rainelli is well-versed in telecoms, oil and gas, and renewable energy-related transactions, with Gerolamo da Passano adding knowledge of the luxury and aviation industries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What makes this practice unique, despite its extremely high level of complexity, is the strong determination to achieve the set objective. Key distinguishing factors are its exceptional patience, diplomacy, and the ability to empathise with the opposing party.’
- 'Roberto Bonsignore is distinguished by his strong listening skills and his ability to anticipate the likely reactions of the opposing party, effectively guiding the counterpart in the desired direction.’
- ‘Cleary stands out for its integrated and innovative approach that combines specialised skills and client focus. What makes this firm unique is its ability to offer customised solutions based on ongoing dialogue and a deep understanding of each client's needs.’
- ‘Clients appreciate the combination of technical expertise, transparency, and flexibility: the team is made up of professionals with multidisciplinary backgrounds who work together synergistically, ensuring tangible results and high-quality service.’
- ‘Cleary Gottlieb's M&A practice is distinguished by its integrated global structure, which facilitates seamless execution of complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions.’
- ‘Roberto Bonsignore has deep knowledge of M&A and the relevant players, particularly within the energy and infrastructure sectors.'
Key clients
- F2i
- Eni
- Ardian
- Silicon Box
- A2A
- Sofidel
- Asterion Industrial Partners
- Retelit
- Edison
- Blue Pool Capital
- Allianz Capital Partners
- Citi
Work highlights
Advising F2i on the acquisition with KKR, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, ADIA, and CPPIB, of the fixed network of TIM.
Advising Eni, the controlling shareholder of Saipem, together with CDP Equity, on the €9bn announced cross-border merger of Subsea7 into Saipem.
Advising F2i and Ardian on the €5bn sale to Italgas of gas distribution group 2i Rete Gas.
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.
Giuseppe Scassellati-Sforzolini
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matteo Montanaro
David Singer
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Gerolamo da Passano
Paolo Rainelli
Practice head
Giuseppe Scassellati-Sforzolini; Roberto Bonsignore; Matteo Montanaro; David Singer
Other key lawyers
Paolo Rainelli; Gerolamo da Passano; Giulia Rimoldi