Competition/European Law: Italy

THE FIRM This hugely respected Italian independent firm boasts one of the largest antitrust practices on the market, with specialists based in Rome, Milan, Brussels and London. It offers a full service in all aspects of competition and European law and frequently acts before EU courts and the Italian Antitrust Authority. In addition to domestic companies, the firm also represents a number of international clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters. In a recent highlight, the team advised TNT Post Italia in several cases regarding alleged abuse of dominant position in the postal industry.

Sources say: "Bonelli has an excellent antitrust team, no doubt about it. All the lawyers are available, reliable and proactive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Claudio Tesauro is lauded as "a brilliant lawyer, he knows competition regulations inside out and builds solid relationships with regulatory bodies." He has considerable experience in a number of sectors, including media, energy, finance and insurance.

Acting out of Brussels, Massimo Merola is hailed for his expertise in state aid. Clients regard him as "extremely knowledgeable and thorough." Indeed, one source enthusiastically claims that "reading his court submissions is a sheer joy." 

Aurelio Pappalardo is long-established in this field and continues to lend his wealth of experience to the team.

Splitting his time between Milan and Brussels, Maurizio Pappalardo focuses on state aid, tenders and community litigation.

Luciano Di Via is currently representing Liquigas in proceedings relating to alleged collusive conduct in the liquid petroleum gas distribution market.

International arbitration specialist Luca Radicati di Brozolo is recognised for his excellent academic profile.

Dario Ruggiero is another valued member of the team who continues to build his market reputation.

THE FIRM The feedback received for this team is both abundant and effusive. It attracts an impressive roster of high-profile clients with its strong global network and host of skilled practitioners, active in cartel, abuse of dominance, state aid and private enforcement work. The group recently advised Google on an investigation initiated by the Italian Antitrust Authority (IAA) into an alleged abuse of dominant position case in the online advertising sector. It also continues to represent energy giant Eni on various proceedings relating to international gas pipelines.

Sources say: "Cleary Gottlieb is simply one of the best law firms for antitrust in Italy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to market sources, Mario Siragusa is "the founding father of antitrust law in Italy" and "in a league of his own." He continues to contribute his enormous experience to the department, in addition to teaching competition law at the College of Europe in Bruges and Cattolica University in Milan.

Cesare Rizza is notably skilled in state aid matters and is described as "approachable and pleasant to work with."

Another vital member of the team, Matteo Beretta focuses on merger controls, cartels and antitrust litigation. He has a considerable amount of international experience, having worked in the firm's Brussels, Milan and Washington, DC offices.

Sources regard Marco D'Ostuni as a "rising star" within the practice. He also focuses on litigation and has noteworthy expertise in the telecoms and energy sectors.

THE FIRM This relatively small but dedicated team provides a full service in antitrust matters and is increasingly focusing on litigation, as the market has seen a surge in appeals against IAA rulings. The group invites considerable praise from interviewees, and represents international clients such as Sara Lee and Sky, in addition to domestic companies including Areoporti di Roma.

Sources say: "The firm exceeded my expectations, it is outstanding in terms of both skill and client care."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Silvia D'Alberti is greatly esteemed by both peers and clients. One source enthuses: "She is clear, focused and adept at explaining the local competition law system to non-Italians. She is willing to go the extra mile." A former official at the IAA, she also possesses great insights into regulatory organisations.

THE FIRM The antitrust team of this magic circle firm continues to attract a number of high-profile clients who appreciate its expertise in a wide variety of sectors. It recently represented Pfizer in an alleged abuse of dominant position case relating to the production of generic drugs. It is also active in the retail, insurance and transport industries.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate head Paolo Sersale is a contact for the team.

THE FIRM This prestigious competition and antitrust group continues to win a number of important mandates from clients in the energy, banking and pharmaceutical sectors. The team recently represented Solvay Pharma in a cartel investigation on alleged bid rigging and successfully convinced the IAA to drop the case. 

Sources say: "Tremendously helpful, available and knowledgeable"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Tommaso Salonico as "a lawyer of exceptional quality whose insight into the workings of the IAA has proved invaluable." He recently acted for E.ON in proceedings before the Administrative Court, challenging two rulings regarding a breach of the Italian Consumer Code.

Clients admire Gian Luca Zampa's skill and approach. "He performs incredibly well and is a pleasure to work with," states an interviewee.

THE FIRM This three-partner team continues to attract a variety of significant mandates in spite of a challenging economic climate. It is particularly active in merger controls at a European level, in addition to cartels and abuse of dominance matters. It is also developing its capabilities in unfair commercial practices and can, therefore, offer a full service to both international and domestic clients. The practice also benefits from the firm's strong presence in Brussels, from where it handles a significant number of European law issues.

Sources say: "A high quality team, down-to-earth and easy to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice co-head Piero Fattori has a great deal of experience with the IAA and remains a widely respected practitioner.

Alberto Pera co-heads the department, and is "detail-oriented, thorough and diligent," say sources. Pera recently assisted Philips in connection with an investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour.  

THE FIRM The competition group at this highly regarded Italian firm retains its focus on merger controls and European law matters. It attracts much praise for its expertise in these areas, and acts on behalf of a number of high-profile figures including Enel Green Power, Veneto Banca and Unipol Gruppo Finanziario. 

Sources say: "The firm's sound advice and guidance has proved hugely helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cristoforo Osti recently joined the team from Clifford Chance, and is regarded as "an outstanding lawyer." In addition to his practice work, he lectures on competition law and economics at LUISS University in Rome and has published several articles on these subjects.

Stefania Bariatti splits her time between Milan and Brussels and is praised for her "deep knowledge of case law." In addition, she has "formed effective relationships with the regulators and is highly adept at managing negotiations," say sources.

THE FIRM This outfit maintains both an active market presence and the respect of its peers. It tends to serve domestic clients but does have some cross-border capacity through its Brussels office. Its focus is primarily on European law and state aid and it is equally adept at handling contentious and non-contentious matters.

Sources say: "One of the best antitrust boutiques in Italy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Gian Michele Roberti attracts praise for his "superb negotiation skills" and in-depth technical knowledge.

THE FIRM Dewey & LeBoeuf has greatly boosted its profile thanks to the arrival of Rino Caiazzo and team, being propelled into the rankings on the back of strong market feedback. The Caiazzo team brings with it an impressive list of international and domestic clients, which will undoubtedly benefit from the firm's strong global brand and network. Offering a full service in a range of antitrust matters, the group is gaining renown for its work in the telecoms and energy sectors. Most notably, it represented US private equity fund Bain Capital in proceedings before the Italian Administrative Court relating to a disputed merger.

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to sources, practice head Rino Caiazzo is "technically first-class, business-oriented and able to provide clear and concise advice in a timely fashion." He has a tremendous amount of experience in abuse of dominant position cases and has formed solid working relationships with the regulatory bodies.

Since publication, Dewey & LeBoeuf Studio Legale has merged with Grimaldi Studio Legale

Since publication, Rino Caiazzo has joined Caiazzo Donnini Pappalardo & Associati – CDP Studio Legale.

THE FIRM This relatively new firm is widely perceived as dynamic and ambitious, and the antitrust department is no exception. Its most notable areas of activity include cartels, abuse of dominance cases and merger filings. It represents a variety of international and domestic clients and is particularly active in the energy sector. In a recent highlight the team represented Italian oil giant TotalErg in proceedings relating to an alleged anti-competitive agreement for bitumen prices.

Sources say: "The lawyers really take the time to understand our business." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Denis Fosselard is highly regarded for his "pragmatic approach and client-friendly manner." He brings a wealth of experience to the team, having worked in both Italy and Brussels.

Vito Auricchio is another valued member of the team and clients rate him as "hard-working and technically skilled." His practice is largely focused on cartel cases.

Since publication, Denis Fosselard has joined Ashurst

THE FIRM This well-regarded independent outfit attracts enthusiastic praise from sources, who note its expertise and pragmatic approach. The team is experienced in a broad range of antitrust matters, including abuse of dominance, cartels, merger filings and commercial contracts. It tends to focus on domestic players but also represents some international clients in sectors varying from pharmaceuticals to luxury goods.

Sources say: "The firm has an impressive capability in antitrust and offers great value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Stefano Grassani specialises in transactional work and draws much positive feedback from both peers and clients. "He is a practical and skilled lawyer. He understands our business and its constraints and has proved a real asset to our team," say interviewees.

THE FIRM This nine-lawyer team is most active in merger filings and cartel cases but is increasingly branching out into other areas, such as unfair commercial practices and private enforcement. It continues to expand its client base and has won some important new mandates in the telecoms, energy and insurance sectors.

Sources say: "DLA Piper has a solid presence in Italy and a strong global network, and we're extremely happy with its performance."

KEY INDIVIDUALS As the practice leader, Francesca Sutti maintains her market visibility and generates much positive feedback. Sources hail her as "business-oriented, always well prepared and adept at building strong relationships with her clients."

THE FIRM This small yet dedicated team continues to make its presence felt on the market by attracting several new mandates from big-ticket clients in the retail and electronics sectors. It is most notably active in cartel cases, but it also collaborates frequently with the firm's Brussels office when handling European law issues. The Hogan Lovells international network is cited as a great asset for clients with multi-jurisdictional needs. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say that Gianluca Belotti "has a great deal of experience, remarkable technical expertise and always gives concrete and practical advice." Commentators also praise his keen business acumen and solid relationships with industry regulators.

THE FIRM The Milan-based antitrust team of this US firm has expanded in recent times to a total of six lawyers. The group has a particularly international flavour, as several of its staff are qualified to practise in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany or the USA. It offers a full service in antitrust matters, but is notably strong in litigation and advising US companies on compliance with EU competition law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Veronica Pinotti receives recommendations for her "commercial and business-focused approach" and increasing market profile. She leads on a number of the firm's most important mandates, representing major players in the food and beverage industries on various antitrust matters.

THE FIRM Despite several staff departures in the past year, the competition practice at NCTM remains active on a number of key mandates. It frequently acts before the IAA, representing domestic clients in cartel and abuse of dominant position cases. In a recent highlight, the team advised De Agostini Group on a large merger filing.

Sources say: "Collaborative and proactive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe litigation specialist Luca Toffoletti as "analytical and reflective. His arguments are always objective and logical."

Alberto Toffoletto receives similar praise, with interviewees rating him as "a great practitioner, hard-working and dedicated."

THE FIRM The antitrust group at this well-established Italian firm is best known for its activity in the banking and finance sector. As well as advising banks and financial institutions on complex merger filings and abuse of dominant position issues, it has also expanded into other sectors and now boasts a number of industrial clients.

Sources say: "We always receive a great service from the team, it is quick to respond and communicates easily and efficiently with parties based in other countries."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Davide Cacchioli is lauded for his "superb combination of knowledge and experience." He continues to advise long-standing client Intesa Sanpaolo on a variety of antitrust issues.

THE FIRM This Milan-based boutique is renowned for its capabilities in antitrust litigation. It concentrates on domestic clients active in the telecoms, insurance and transport sectors. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Enrico Adriano Raffaelli is highly esteemed by peers for his "exceptional academic credentials and sharp litigation skills."

THE FIRM This firm has recently undergone a period of restructuring, which has seen the consolidation of its IP, dispute resolution and competition teams into one practice group. The competition team still handles standard matters such as cartel cases and merger controls, but closer links with the dispute resolution group has reinforced its capacity for antitrust litigation. The team is also active in European law issues, working in conjunction with the firm's Brussels office.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Filippo Fioretti is recognised for his abilities as a litigator and continues to impress with his industry-specific knowledge. One interviewee says: "He always meets our high expectations and delivers on time."

THE FIRM This team continues to build its market visibility and now boasts a number of significant domestic clients. It is most active in abuse of dominant position cases but also handles a considerable amount of advisory work. Clients highlight the team's expertise and cost-effectiveness as key strengths.

Sources say: "We receive great service and expertise for a very reasonable fee."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giorgio Alù is the practice head and most prominent team member. He specialises in competition law compliance and has recently advised Birra Peroni on several antitrust issues.