Chiomenti > Rome, Italy > Firm Profile

Chiomenti > The Legal 500 Rankings

Italy > Administrative and public law Tier 1

The thriving administrative law practice at Chiomenti remains a go-to choice for both public and private national and international clients, which turn to the team for assistance in public procurement related to works, services and supplies, as well as in the context of public-private partnerships (PPP), infrastructure and energy projects, and transport-related issues, often dealt with in litigation before administrative courts and the European Court of Justice. Notably experienced in litigation work, especially in the infrastructure sector, practice co-head Filippo Brunetti has also been instructed in challenging TMT and public transport matters, while fellow co-head Giulio Napolitano‘s broad practice covers foreign direct investment screening, state-owned corporations’ organisation and action, renewable energy incentives, and financial market supervision. Sports law expert Alfredo Vitale specialises in public concessions and the real estate sector, most notably in building and town planning regulation. Federico Vanetti was a new arrival in 2023.

Italy > Banking and finance: Bank regulatory Tier 1

Chiomenti leverages the bench strength of specialists in the regulatory frameworks of banks, investment firms, asset managers, insurance companies and payment institutions. The experience of practice head Alessandro Portolano covers ordinary and extraordinary transactions, proceedings before Italian and European Regulators and structuring business models and new market entries. The group also features Vincenzo Troiano, who advises banks, payment institutions, institutional and international investors, and insurance and asset management companies; Felice Azzollini, whose career includes working at CONSOB; and Flavia Pagnanelli, an adviser on the regulation of banking, insurance, finance, investment and asset management schemes.

Italy > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 1

Chiomenti‘s team acts for major corporations on acquisition, corporate and real estate finance, as well as refinancing. Gregorio Consoli is the firm’s finance and regulated entities head; Gianrico Giannesi advises both asset managers and investment funds; Giorgio Cappelli routinely assists with high-end financial transactions; Marco Cerritelli predominantly focuses on transport, healthcare and sport-related assets; Antonio Tavella brings expertise in corporate finance; and Giulia Battaglia specialises in structuring complex transactions. Other key figures are Riccardo Rossi, who maintains a broad finance practice, and counsel Andrea Martino.

Italy > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 1

The banking and financing team at Chiomenti is consistently sought out by major banks to advise on acquisition, corporate and real estate financings. The group also assists with refinancing deals and cross-border issues. The team is led by Gianrico Giannesi, who draws on an extensive background in banking, finance and related regulatory matters. Other key figures include Giulia Battaglia, who specialises in structuring complex transactions; Giorgio Cappelli, who focuses on acquisition finance; Marco Cerritelli, who brings project finance expertise; Antonio Tavella, who heads the group’s restructuring business unit; and Riccardo Rossi. Key support is provided by senior associate Girolamo D’Anna, who advises on national and cross-border acquisition and project financings.

Italy > Capital markets: Equity Tier 1

Chiomenti‘s team acts for issuers, guarantors, placement and underwriting syndicates and financial advisors, on major domestic and cross-border deals. The group is jointly led by Italo De Santis, whose broad practice encompasses public takeover bids, public exchange offerings, IPOs and capital increases; and Marco Maugeri, an adviser on capital increases. The practice further includes Manfredi Vianini Tolomei, whose practice covers public offerings and stock listings, and active practitioners Federico Amoroso and of counsel Giovanni Filippo Pezzulo. Other key figures include managing associate Maria Carmela Falcone and senior associate Matteo Costantino.

Italy > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Chiomenti routinely acts in the Italian market’s most significant transactions. The practice is co-led by Massimiliano Nitti, who advises domestic and international clients on private and public M&A, and Marco Maugeri, whose sector expertise covers banks, insurance and other regulated entities. Other highly-regarded advisers are extraordinary transaction specialist Filippo Modulo, as well as Luca Fossati, Carlo Croff, Michele Carpinelli, Francesco Tedeschini, Antonio Sascaro, Edoardo Canetta Rossi Palermo, and Luigi Arnaldo Cremona. In a major boost to the team, Mario Roli, Elena Busson and Livia Cocca joined from BonelliErede in early 2023.

Italy > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Chiomenti‘s dispute resolution team assists in matters relating to corporate disputes, domestic and international arbitration and sports litigation, as well as fielding ‘strong expertise in the luxury retail field’. The firm is also experienced in mediation and conciliation. Silvio Martuccelli, in addition to heading the litigation practice, advises domestic and international clients on a wide number of disputes, including class actions. Francesco D’Alessandro heads the firm’s strong white-collar crime team with a focus on finance, bankruptcy, tax and environmental offences. In 2023, Alain Maria Dell’Osso and Massimo Proto were promoted to partner, Stefano Passeri was promoted to counsel and Ennio Alagia to managing associate. Since publication, Sara Biglieri joined the firm.

Italy > EU and competition law Tier 1

Chiomenti’s team of experienced practitioners provides comprehensive assistance in both national and EU competition law matters, spanning abuses of dominant position, cartels, and merger notification cases before the Italian Competition Authority and the EU Commission. Here is litigation specialist Marco Serpone the key contact. State aid proceedings, public procurement and concessions also belong to the team’s expertise, and represent Guido Bellitti’s practice focus. Further core workflows include assisting clients in disputes before civil and administrative courts on issues related to unfair business practices and abuse of economic dependence; an area in which EU and Italian competition law specialist Cristoforo Osti and Alessandra Prastaro are particularly active. Gian Michele Roberti is noted for his expertise in advising multinational groups and industrial and professional associations spanning the manufacture, banking, maritime, rail, and air transport sectors on both national and EU-level proceedings, while Patrick Actis Perinetto focuses on the pharmaceutical sector. Since publication, Marco D’Ostuni joined the firm.

Italy > Industry focus: Energy Tier 1

Chiomenti houses a team of experienced practitioners whose focus ranges from oil and gas and renewable energy to biomass, bio-fuel, energy efficiency and regasification matters. They can regularly be found advising clients on a range of energy-related matters including project development, project financing, PPAs, acquisitions and regulations. Practice head Carola Antonini maintains a broad practice, encompassing renewable energy projects, infrastructure deals, public tenders and gas transport and distribution, while Mario Roli advises industrial operators and funds on acquisition transactions. The team also includes Elena Busson, noted for handling complex transactions in the gas, airport, telecom towers and transport sectors in Italy; transactions expert Giulia Battaglia; and regulatory matters specialist Filippo Brunetti. Manuela Cerulli is well versed in both conventional and renewable energy sources.

Italy > Industry focus: Luxury goods Tier 1

Chiomenti spreads its luxury goods practice across the sector, advising on matters concerning transactions, private equity and employment. In addition, it retains expertise on IP, tax, contractual and litigation issues relating to the luxury goods industry. Its clients include luxury companies in the beauty, automotive, hospitality and gourmet sectors. Emanuele Barberis, a specialist in employment law as it affects the fashion and retail sectors, is the co-head of the luxury practice alongside Simone Bernard de la Gatinais, who focuses her advice on commercial contracts, private equity joint ventures, stock listing and capital increases.

Italy > Industry focus: Retail Tier 1

Chiomenti is tuned to the specific needs of the retail industry, in particular the regulatory landscape that affects the sector. The firm has expertise in a wide range of practice areas that relate to retail, including IP, administrative law, employment and antitrust. It also has extensive experience in major corporate and M&A matters. Massimiliano Nitti, who is experienced in M&A including private equity funds, strategic investments and joint ventures, leads the retail practice at the firm along with Patrizia Liguti, who focuses on real estate matters.

Italy > Private equity Tier 1

Chiomenti‘s team has a strong reputation for LBO strategies, along with an enviable track record in structured investments in private and listed companies. The group is co-led by international contract expert Franco Agopyan and Mario Roli, an adviser to industrial operators and funds on acquisitions. The team further features senior partner Carlo Croff; managing partner Filippo Modulo; Elena Busson, who advises private equity funds on M&A; and Luigi Vaccaro, an adviser to Asian investors. Additional key figures are Antonio Sascaro, Massimiliano Nitti, Edoardo Canetta Rossi Palermo, and Giovanni Colantuono.

Italy > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Chiomenti assists large multinational corporates and financial services companies with their real estate and construction investments in Italy. The firm specialises in all essential aspects of real estate and construction, covering civil, tax, finance, regulatory and administrative law. Patrizia Liguti heads the real estate practice and brings significant experience assisting major institutional investors in real estate matters. Umberto Borzi, who is well versed in real estate transactions, is a key member of the practice. Promoted to partner in January 2023, Paolo Fedele is an expert in insurance matters within real estate. Alessandro Giacosa is another key member of the department, which grew further in September 2023 with the arrival of Federico Vanetti from Dentons.

Italy > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Chiomenti maintains a strong insolvency and restructuring practice and is a popular choice among major national and international banks. Its department is responsive to the ever-changing field of restructuring and insolvency, advising on the central aspects of insolvency law, including arranged agreements, distressed M&A, lending transactions and non-performing loans (NPLs). Antonio Tavella heads the practice and routinely advises major domestic and foreign clients on the purchase of receivables, debt restructurings, litigation and distressed acquisitions. Giulia Battaglia is a notable member of the team, specialising in assisting debtors, banks and investors in complex transactions. Giada Caravello is a managing associate with a focus on debt restructurings and assistance to companies in financial distress.

Italy > Tax Tier 1

Traditionally strong in the M&A and financial sectors, Chiomenti‘s tax expertise extends to corporate matters, real estate, international tax, transfer pricing, private clients, and tax litigation. Raul-Angelo Papotti is ‘a leader in the Italian tax sector’; Massimo Antonini is a renowned tax litigator; and Marco Di Siena focuses on extraordinary corporate deals M&A and tax litigation. Also key to the practice are Paolo Giacometti and Giuseppe Andrea Giannantonio along with Antonino Guida, Gabriele Paladini, Giuseppe Zorzi and Gian Gualberto Morgigni. Raffaele Russo was made partner in January 2023. Irene Pellecchia left the firm at the end of 2023.

Italy > Capital markets: Debt Tier 2

Harnessing the bench strength of ‘a very strong team with outstanding professionals‘, Chiomenti remains a go-to for structured finance work, including securitisation transactions. The practice also handles EMTN notes, standalone issuances, minibonds, hybrid instruments, high-yield bonds, and covered, ESG, project and catastrophe bonds. The team is headed by Gianrico Giannesi, who brings experience in securitisation deals and bond loans; and Benedetto La Russa, a specialist in securitisation work, and hybrid, high-yield, equity-linked and exchangeable notes. Managing partner Gregorio Consoli brings expertise to matters involving financial entities and the regulated sector. Counsels Anna Maria Perillo and Ludovica Cipolla are other names to note.

Italy > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2

Chiomenti‘s privacy and cybersecurity practice advises on GDPR, the Italian Data Privacy Code, and data-related breaches, transfers and privacy issues. The team is also experienced in tech, communications, compliance, investigations and litigation. The group additionally advises companies that are undergoing digital transformation, and assists with the data protection aspects of the Metaverse, blockchain and machine learning systems. Pierluigi Perri, a specialist in the structuring of data governance plans, heads up the department, which includes experienced data protection practitioners Marilena Hyeraci and Ersilia Lazzara. Former practice leader Gilberto Nava left the firm in October 2023.

Italy > Employment Tier 2

Chiomenti supports Italian and foreign entities with a wide variety of employment law service on standalone matters and in connection with the firm’s transactional work. The firm is experienced in assisting clients with industrial relations and social security. It focuses on employment matters related to restructurings and reorganisations, internal policy advice, collective agreement negotiations and drafting employment contracts. Emanuele Barberis heads the practice and specialises in employment matters relating to the fashion and retail industries. Within the practice, Annalisa Reale is recognised for her employment advice connected to complex restructurings. In late 2023, Valeria De Lucia was made partner.

Italy > Industry focus: Food Tier 2

Chiomenti advises leading companies, including well-known food and hospitality brands on acquisitions, compliance audits, product integration and new product launches. It also supports clients in formulating new distribution strategies and utilises its multidisciplinary approach to best accommodate the needs of each client. Massimiliano Nitti is the head of the food practice group and advises clients on corporate and M&A matters, particularly those concerning private equity, strategic investments and joint ventures.

Italy > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 2

Chiomenti maintains a dedicated multidisciplinary team for the healthcare and life sciences industry. It regularly advises on acquisitions and broader corporate matters in addition to areas such as tax planning, compliance and anti-trust. Its clients range from pharma manufacturers, research companies and producers of medical devices to companies that offer healthcare and hospital services. Luca Liistro leads the practice group whilst assisting clients on corporate and commercial matters. Filippo Brunetti advises on a range of corporate matters, pricing and market access together with compliance issues (he liaises with various authorities such as the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency. Corporate/M&A specialist Francesca Villa includes a number of pharma and medtech companies among her clients.

Italy > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 2

Chiomenti is well placed to advise investors on transactions within the manufacturing sectors, including the relevant regulations. It is also home to specialists in IP, tax and restructuring.  The firm is accustomed to working at the domestic and international level. The multidisciplinary nature of the firm also allows it to draw on professional with the requisite expertise for each of its clients’ matters. Luca Andrea Frignani, whose speciality is extraordinary transactions and contractual matters, leads the practice alongside Massimiliano Nitti, who assists clients from across the globe in private and public M&A matters.

Italy > Industry focus: TMT Tier 2

Chiomenti is a go-to choice for an array of operators in the electronics, media and IT industries seeking advice on regulatory and contractual issues and other commercial matters involving the use of innovative technologies such as cryptocurrencies, IoT and AI. The team is also active in advising on consumer protection matters and adopting ICT outsourcing solutions. Gian Michele Roberti notably focuses on the electronic communications, broadcasting and audiovisual sectors. Former practice head Gilberto Nava left the firm in October 2023.

Italy > Investment funds Tier 2

Chiomenti‘s team routinely advises on the establishment of investment funds, along with transactions involving funds. The practice additionally leverages the expertise of the firm’s banking, insurance, real estate, corporate, tax, and finance departments. The team is jointly led by Vincenzo Troiano, whose wide-ranging practice includes the structuring of investment platforms and products, as well as private equity funds; and Alessandro Portolano, who is a highly-regarded specialist in banking, financial, insurance, payment services, and asset management regulations. Also key to the team are experienced practitioners Felice Azzollini and Flavia Pagnanelli.

Italy > Compliance Tier 3

Acting for production, commercial and finance companies, Chiomenti’s white-collar crime and investigation team advises on the full spectrum of compliance matters. Francesco D’Alessandro focuses on bribery and corruption, financial crime, bankruptcy, Decree 231-related corporate liability, and tax and environmental crime; Stefano Manacorda advises on corporate compliance and business criminal law; and Pierluigi Perri is data protection and cybersecurity head. Alain Maria Dell’Osso and Marilena Hyeraci are also experienced practitioners. Since publication, Sara Biglieri joined the firm.

Italy > Intellectual property Tier 3

Chiomenti houses a team of experienced practitioners equipped to advise on a broad range of IP matters, ranging from licensing, franchising and IP-protected content production and distribution to litigation related to patents, trademarks, designs, trade secrets and copyright. The team is jointly led by Paolo Bertoni, who is particularly skilled in cross-border patent disputes, while also handling trademark registrations and licence agreements, and Anna Gardini, who is highly praised for her expertise in complex cross-border proceedings and the negotiation of agreements. Strong in the fashion and pharma sectors, senior associate Sara Molina is also noted.