With ‘specialised knowledge, multidisciplinary approach, and cross-border experience’, Legance - Avvocati Associati regularly advises clients on merger control filings, investigations and unfair commercial practices. The team is also very experienced in State aid issues, including litigation. Vito Auricchio leads the team, advising on antitrust and abuse of dominant position issues. Pietro Merlino is noted for having ’outstanding experience in antitrust compliance matters’. Guendalina Catti De Gasperi specialises in issues concerning State aid and foreign subsidy regulation regimes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'I always recognise the high quality of their work.'
‘Both Vito Auricchio and Pietro Merlino stand out for their great experience, ability to identify the relevant legal issues, and excellent drafting skills.’
‘One of the best antitrust team in Italy. Very well known and very efficient.’
‘Vito Auricchio is a very good partner, always available and sharp.’
‘Pietro Merlino has outstanding experience in antitrust compliance matters which allows him to immediately enter into the dynamics that characterize the markets he has to analyze.’
‘What makes Legance’s practice stand out is their specialised knowledge, multidisciplinary approach, and cross-border experience.’
‘Vito Auricchio, head of the antitrust practice, stands out due to a unique combination of experience, strategic vision, industry expertise, negotiation skills, thought leadership, and client-centric focus.’
‘The team has a unique expertise in antitrust, EU law, State aid, FSR and FDI matters across a broad variety of industries.'
Key clients
- Esso Italiana
- Automobile Club d'Italia - ACI
- IQ-EQ Fund Management (Ireland) Limited
- ASPI
- Zignago Vetro
- Ra.M.Oil
- Fincantieri
- Italgas
- San Quirico
- Lactalis
Work highlights
- Assisted in the merger control proceedings before the Italian Competition Authority concerning the acquisition by Italiana Petroli of the activities and assets of Esso Italiana related to fuels and refining.
- Assisting in an ongoing cartel investigation initiated by the ICA in the supply of BIO-fuels.
- Assisting in Automobile Club d'Italia in the investigation launched by the ICA for an alleged abuse of dominance aimed at extending ACI’s alleged dominance in the market for the organization of competitive motorsports to the neighbouring market for the organization of amateur car events.
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.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Pietro Merlino
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
Vito Auricchio
Other key lawyers
Guendalina Catti De Gasperi; Pietro Merlino