EU and competition law

Legance - Avvocati Associati

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

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
Italatte
H.I.G. Capital
Gruppo San Donato
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Nextalia
De’Longhi
W-Group Holding S.p.A.

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.

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