Containing an ‘excellent’ competition practice, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is experienced in competition issues across the globe, advising Italian and multinational firms on restrictive agreements, State aid and abuse of dominant positions matters. The firm is particularly well-versed in assisting clients before the European Commission in both M&A authorisations and investigations. Spearheading the team, the Rome-based Mario Siragusa is an experienced antitrust litigator, and Milan-based Matteo Beretta is adept at merger control procedures. Alice Setari is noted within the team for her assistance in investigations brought by competition authorities. In July 2024, Marco D’Ostuni left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are able to provide all-round customer care.’

  • ‘They are very professional, focused on client's needs and very competent.’

  • ‘Strong knowledge, competence and partnership.’

  • ‘This practice is probably the most well-known in Italy and it deserves such a success due to the outstanding level of competence, experience and attention to the client.’

  • ‘Mario Siragusa is the top lawyer in competition law.’

  • ‘Mario Siragusa is exceptional. An incredible communicator and strategic advisor. One of the best in the business.’

  • ‘Matteo Beretta is knowledgeable, helpful and attentive to customer needs.’

  • ‘It is one of the best competition practices, if not the best, I have dealt with. They are excellent.’

Key clients

  • TIM
  • A2A
  • F2i and Ardian
  • IREN Mercato
  • Google
  • Unicredit
  • Ryanair DAC
  • Illumina
  • Smurfit Kappa
  • CONOU
  • Avis Budget Italia S.p.A.
  • ENI
  • Asterion Industrial Partners
  • F. Hoffmann-La Roche
  • Lactalis
  • PETRONAS
  • Servizio Elettrico Nazionale
  • SNAM
  • QuattroR

Work highlights

  • Represented TIM in a case involving the provision of value-added services delivered through non-geographic numbers.
  • Advised A2A in relation to a sale and purchase agreement with e-distribuzione, an Enel Group company active in the electricity distribution sector.
  • Acting as counsel to F2i and Ardian in the contemplated 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.
Mario Siragusa
Hall of fameCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Alice Setari
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matteo Beretta
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mario Siragusa, Matteo Beretta

Other key lawyers

Alice Setari