Banking & Finance: Italy

Charles Adams "is simply outstanding, almost of another world. He has strong commercial and managerial skills," say clients. He is a noted name in project finance and earns plaudits for his international experience, being qualified in both the UK and Italy.

Sources describe department head Giuseppe De Palma as "a superb negotiator who focuses on the business aspects of a deal." He recently assisted JPMorgan with the bridge-to-bond financing for the acquisition of the Bormioli Group.

Andrea Arosio is one of the most distinguished figures in the market, and clients describe him as "simply amazing – he's always reachable and responds to queries quickly." He recently led the team advising a consortium of banks as arrangers on the EUR985 million financing for BC Partners in its LBO of Gruppo Coin.

Tessa Lee heads the energy and project finance group and impresses sources with her expertise in energy and infrastructure projects. She was notably involved in the EUR2.1 billion multi-borrower financing for the acquisition of G6 Rete Gas by AXA and F2i. 

Dual Italian and UK-qualified Davide Mencacci has substantial experience in leveraged finance transactions, and is involved in high-profile acquisitions in both the domestic and international markets.

Francesco Faldi's recent activity has centred on restructurings, notably advising SEAT Pagine Gialle on the restructuring of its financial indebtedness. He is also experienced in leveraged finance, structured finance and real estate.

Clients enthuse about Catia Tomasetti, saying: "She's definitely one of the most important project finance lawyers in Italy." 

Emanuela Da Rin focuses on corporate finance, real estate finance and debt restructuring. She recently advised Banca Nazionale del Lavoro on a EUR30 million bridge facility for Valsoia for the acquisition of the 'Santa Rosa' trade mark from Unilever.

Paolo Oliviero is "an excellent individual," according to clients. He handles debt restructuring, structured finance and M&A transactions.

Andrea De Tomas is a partner in the London office and focuses on banking and finance, restructuring and corporate finance. He recently advised Amundi on real estate financing granted by Centrobanca for the acquisition of a property in Rome.

Also in the London office, Riccardo Sallustio focuses on leveraged finance, real estate finance and debt capital markets. He recently advised Buongiorno on a EUR94 million financing granted by Banca IMI, GE Capital, UniCredit, Cariparma and Agrileasing for the acquisition of Data.net.

Sources commend Francesco Ago's long-standing expertise and result-oriented approach. As one source reports: "He is very good at moving the deal forward."

Giorgio Cappelli's broad-ranging practice covers acquisition and leveraged financing, real estate finance and structured finance.

Real estate finance is a core area of strength for Luca Bonetti, who also draws praise for his commercial awareness and technical skill.

Interviewees highlight Giulia Battaglia's international perspective, especially her in-depth knowledge of the London market. She is recommended for structured finance work.

Roberto Ghio advises clients on structured finance and regulatory work.

Carola Antonini remains a prominent figure in project finance. She has handled a number of key deals for the group over the past year, including the Ansaldo Energia project financing for the construction and operation of an 865 MW combined cycle gas power plant in Kocaeli-Gezbe, Turkey.

Claudio Lichino specialises in structured finance, securitisations and covered bonds. He is dual-qualified and has leading knowledge of the UK market thanks to his previous experience in the London office.

Department head Riccardo Agostinelli is highly recommended for acquisition finance, project finance and restructuring matters.

Clients say Andrea Novarese is "very commercial, a good negotiator and great at staying calm in pressured situations. He has a strong background in banking and finance and a notable market profile."

Recently made partner Lorenzo Vernetti focuses on leveraged and corporate finance and restructuring. As one source reports: "He is always well prepared and helps to speed up the process."

Alberto Giampieri is a leading light in the banking and finance market, and is also adept at M&A transactions and structured finance. As one source notes: "He is reliable and technically strong. He enjoys maximum standing in the market."

Project finance specialist Monica Colombera "is very smart and provides high-quality advice," say clients.

Andrea Giannelli wins praise for his "creative" advice, with observers lauding him as "an outstanding practitioner." As well as general banking and finance he also handles derivatives and structured finance.

Giandomenico Ciaramella is often involved in key mandates relating to acquisition finance and real estate.

Stefano Sennhauser enjoys a tremendous market reputation and is regularly involved in some of the most high-profile mandates in the country. As one source acclaims: "He is outstanding – always reachable and extremely thorough. Definitely one of the best banking and finance lawyers."

Nicholas Clark recently joined the team from Allen & Overy's London office. He has considerable knowledge of the UK market, and sources anticipate his arrival will greatly enhance the firm's profile. He has advised on a number of high-profile debt restructurings in the UK, Greece and the Middle East in recent times.

Paul Flanagan was previously based in the Italian office, but recently relocated to London where he continues to offer a broad-based finance practice covering real estate finance, restructuring and leveraged finance. 

Managing partner Franco Vigliano is widely regarded as one of the best names in project finance. He recently led the team advising the lending banks on the EUR546 million bridge-financing extension granted to Società di Progetto BreBeMi for the construction of the Milan-Bergamo-Brescia toll road, and is currently advising the lenders for the EUR2 billion project financing.

Carloandrea Meacci's recent highlights include advising a pool of banks as lenders on the EUR126 million project financing granted to ERG Eolica Fossa del Lupo for a 97.5 MW wind farm already completed in Calabria.

Department head Mario D'Ovidio has substantial experience in SACE-backed export financing deals, advising arrangers such as BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit. He is adept at acquisition finance, real estate finance and debt restructuring.

Dual UK and Italian-qualified Martin Pugsley has a strong global client base, including household names such as GE Capital Interbanca, HSBC and UBS. His practice covers project finance, asset finance and real estate finance.

Francesco Novelli recently joined the firm, where he focuses on project finance. He is widely regarded as a leader in the field, and it is expected his arrival will greatly boost the firm's profile.

Istanbul-based Francesco Ferrari advises a largely multinational clientele on construction and project finance mandates.

Corrado Angelelli recently assisted ECE Projektmanagement with an EUR87.8 million secured financing granted to Megalò by the Italian branch of Aareal Bank, for debt refinancing in the context of an acquisition transaction.

Enrico Castellani is best known for his litigation practice, which allows him to handle a wide range of banking and finance disputes as well as restructuring and insolvency mandates and regulatory investigations.

Raffaele Lener focuses on financial services, banking, regulations and securities matters. He often advises clients from the Middle East, including banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

Jeffrey Greenbaum is qualified in Italy, the UK and the USA. He leads the firm's work in investment services and asset management, and has broad expertise in investment funds. 

Sources commend Mario Lisanti's technical expertise and practical solutions. He is qualified in Italy and England and Wales, and is regularly involved in complex domestic and cross-border leveraged finance transactions.

Department head Arturo Sferruzza remains a well-known figure in project finance, especially in projects relating to the energy and infrastructure sectors. He is also experienced in international trade finance and shipping finance.

Stefano Maria Zappalà focuses on administrative law and projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He also often advises government entities.

Patrizio Messina impresses interviewees with his "hard-working approach and high level of commitment." He is particularly strong in leveraged and structured finance transactions.

Structured finance is a key focus for Gianrico Giannesi, who draws praise for his expertise in asset finance and securitisation.

Dorothy De Rubeis enters the rankings on the back of strong market feedback. One client enthuses: "She is extremely reliable and always meets the deadline."

The highly regarded Alberto Del Din is best known for his expertise in structured finance and securitisation. He recently assisted a joint venture between Morgan Stanley Special Situations Fund and Prelios Real Estate with the maturity extension and amendment of a EUR200 million equity financing.

Clients say Alessandro Stoppa "is extremely astute and always gives us his full attention no matter how busy he is. He's there on a Saturday night – I don't know how he does it!" Stoppa is currently assisting Sonnedix Solar LP with various project financings in the solar sector.

Corporate partner Antonio Azzarà is experienced in restructurings, M&A and capital markets. His recent activity includes distressed debt transactions and restructurings.

Stefano Febbi recently advised Banca Nazionale del Lavoro on the acquisition financing for Tesla's purchase of TES Transformer Electro Service. He principally advises banks, financial intermediaries, insurance companies and investment companies.

Practice head Raimondo Maggiore is well known for his regulatory expertise and has notable experience in Italian and European asset management and finance services regulations.

Clients appreciate Roberto Bonsignore's breadth of expertise, which encompasses M&A and restructuring transactions, as well as general banking law.

Carlo de Vito Piscicelli  is qualified in both New York and Milan, and focuses on leveraged finance and restructuring matters. He recently moved back to Italy after two years in the New York office. Highlights include advising TPG Capital and Affinity Equity Partners on their acquisition of United Test and Assembly Center.

Eugenio Grippo handles project finance, M&A and joint ventures. He advised Eni on a EUR25 million vendor loan to Idrocarburi Italia, in connection with the acquisition by Gas Plus of Eni's subsidiary Società Padana Energia.

Clients enthuse about project finance partner Ottaviano Sanseverino, saying: "He is very well prepared and up to date with new regulations. It's a very efficient and reliable service – he doesn't waste your time."

Matteo Bragantini focuses on acquisition finance, private equity transactions, restructuring and syndicated lending. He recently led the EUR300 million facility agreement for RAI.

Marco Zaccagnini specialises in capital markets and financial markets regulations. He is based in London and has been particularly active of late advising IT clients on various banking and finance transactions.

The highly regarded Francesco Squerzoni draws praise for his business acumen and strong work ethic: "He has a very commercial attitude and will work all night if he has to."

Stefano Padovani's broad expertise encompasses corporate finance, acquisition financing, secured transactions and M&A.

Vittorio Valieri's area of focus includes banking and finance, restructuring and corporate matters.

London-based Matteo Gallanti specialises in IT, banking and finance and restructuring. 

Maura Magioncalda "has amazing legal knowledge coupled with strong commercial awareness," according to clients. Her wide-ranging practice covers restructuring, acquisition finance and real estate finance. 

Recent arrival Alessandro Fosco Fagotto wins tremendous client feedback, with one interviewee declaring: "He is technically well prepared as well as very commercial. He is always present during the difficult stages of the operation and is willing to work all night if necessary." Fagotto's areas of expertise include structured finance transactions and real estate finance. 

UK and Italian-qualified Stefano Cirielli has particular experience in cross-border and domestic acquisition finance, LBOs and syndicated lending. Clients value his business acumen and efficient service, saying: "He's commercially aware and his work is always punctual and of a high standard."

Clients say Iacopo Filippo Canino "provides exceptional support on all aspects of a transaction." His wide-ranging practice covers corporate finance, restructuring and corporate law.

UK and Italian-qualified Nicholas Lasagna wins rave reviews from clients, who say: "He is very forward-thinking, commercial and technically prepared." He recently advised Piaggio on the revolving credit facility arranged by BNP Paribas, HSBC and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.