
BonelliErede‘s private equity team has significant experience in large-scale acquisitions. The team, which also covers leveraged finance structures, is co-led by Eliana Catalano, a corporate law, M&A, private equity, joint venture and commercial agreement specialist, and Franco Agopyan, a November 2024 hire from Chiomenti and adviser to private equity sponsors and strategic buyers. The practice further includes corporate law expert Stefano Nanni Costa and Giulia Bianchi Frangipane, who has ’outstanding technical skills’, along with Augusto Praloran and Francesca Ricceri. Private equity deal specialist Marco Bitetto was made partner in January 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Clients appreciate the commitment to the final results and the ability to manage very complex deals involving different practices within the law firm - clients are very satisfied.’
‘Incredibly strong and supportive.’
‘Giulia Bianchi Frangipane - very easy to collaborate with. On top of her outstanding technical skills, Giulia is extremely skilled at understanding the different phases of very long negotiations.’
‘Giulia Bianchi Frangipane - able to suggest practical solutions that are key to reaching positive conclusions.’
‘Stefano Nanni Costa is a strong leader.’
‘Eliana Catalano and Marco Bitetto are professionals of a very high standing.’
‘Marco Bitetto - very good knowledge.’
‘Francesca Ricceri - a very smart lawyer.’
Key clients
- Bravo Capital
- Fondo Strategico Italiano
- Investindustrial
- L Catterton
- Nextalia SGR
- Palladio Holding
- Progressio SGR
- Tikehau Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Crown BidCo (L Catterton) on launching a voluntary totalitarian tender offer aimed at acquiring 36% of Tod’s Group.
- Advised L Catterton on a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Italian beauty brand KIKO Milano from the founding family.
- Advised Investindustrial in relation to a partnership agreed upon between the founding family of Sammontana, Frozen Investments, and the senior management of the two companies to combine Sammontana with FdA Group.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Eliana Catalano, Franco Agopyan