Hogan Lovells International LLP’s corporate and M&A team is experienced in major domestic and cross-border transactions, particularly energy, insurance and financial institution-related matters. Luca Picone has a ‘solid M&A background’; corporate M&A specialist Paola Barometro is a February 2024 recruit from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; and Francesco Stella’s track record encompasses acquisitions and joint ventures. Martina Di NicolaPierluigi Feliciani and Francesco De Michele are also key individuals in the team. Andrea Pretti joined the firm from White & Case (Europe) LLP in early 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Ability to adapt to the context of the operation - flexibility and responsiveness. The team is prompt in answering and produces valuable deliverables.’

  • ‘The team is exceptional in cross-border M&A transactions.’

  • ‘The biggest value is the ability to answer the client's questions clearly, as well as its ability to suggest alternative solutions to issues (foreseen and unforeseen).’

  • ‘Luca Picone is a very pragmatic lawyer and very capable at problem-solving - solid M&A background.’

  • ‘Pierluigi Feliciani is a key figure in the team and gets M&A deals done in a swift manner.’

  • ‘Paola Barometro and her team demonstrate the ability to adapt their skills to the needs of banking groups.’

  • ‘Francesco De Michele is an outstanding individual - he has become a trusted legal adviser for Italian transactions.’

  • ‘Francesco De Michele’s ability to communicate, find solutions and negotiate are excellent.’

Key clients

  • 21 Invest SGR
  • Banca di Credito Peloritano
  • Banca Generali
  • BNP Paribas Cardif
  • Brand Label
  • Bulgarelli Production
  • Calibre Scientific International
  • CDP Venture Capital
  • CNP Assurances
  • Co.Ri Sacchettificio
  • D’Auria Packaging
  • Enel Group
  • Farmacosmo
  • Fressnapf Group
  • Generali Italia
  • Gerresheimer
  • Guaresi Group
  • Hyle Capital Partners SGR
  • Trend
  • Valtenna

Work highlights

  • Advised Enel Perú on the sale of its entire equity stake held in Enel Distribución Perú and in Enel X Perú (for a total consideration of approximately $2.9bn) to China Southern Power Grid International (HK) Co.
  • Advised BNP Paribas Cardif on the establishment of a strategic bancassurance partnership with Iccrea Banca.
  • Advised Farmacosmo on the sale to G&Ph Holding of 67% of the share capital of Innovation Pharma.

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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Martina Di Nicola
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Francesco De Michele
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Luca Picone

Other key lawyers

Paola Barometro, Francesco Stella, Martina Di Nicola, Pierluigi Feliciani, Francesco De Michele, Martino Filippi, Andrea Foglia, Federico Urbani, Andrea Pretti