Banking & Finance
This compact practice delivers a steady seam of quality work and has lately been kept busy advising on numerous bilateral credit facility deals for RBS. Commentators praise Claudio Visco’s thorough work in the sector, identifying him as one of Italy’s standout project finance specialists. He heads the banking and finance practice alongside Giuseppe Schiavello, “a methodical and solution-driven adviser” who is active on a wide range of finance-related areas. Recent highlight work for the team has included advising Altor on a EUR420 million acquisition financing granted by Svenska Handelsbanken and working with Morgan Stanley of a number of securitised loans.

Capital markets
Although this firm may have shifted out of the spotlight somewhat when it comes to securitisation work, the team is nevertheless still active in all capital markets transactions. Recent notable work includes advising on a EUR750 million revolving securitisation of trade receivables relating to Italian public administrations, in which the team assisted the purchasers of the receivables, SF Trust and RBS. The group also advised the originator Sorin on a EUR42 million revolving trade receivables securitisation. The firm recently lost partner Umberto Mauro to Norton Rose; the new contact for capital markets work is Pietro Fulvio.

Corporate
This 21-lawyer team is recognised for its international outlook, with multilingual lawyers who are knowledgeable about foreign legal systems. It also has a strong network throughout the country and solid tax and financial expertise. Rome-based partner Claudia Bortolani has expertise in telecoms and M&A matters.

Tax
Traditionally strong in tax litigation, transfer pricing and VAT, this team works out of offices in Rome and Milan and recently reinforced its finance tax practice with a number of lateral hires. The group is considered good value for money and is appreciated for “providing fast and efficient assistance without putting the clients at risk.” Much of the team’s profile is due to Bruno Gangemi, whose great expertise and impressive contacts make him a prominent name both in Italy and internationally. He is described as “a knowledgeable, outstanding attorney, with a calm approach and an ability to explain things clearly.” He acted as an expert witness on behalf of a major US bank in a court case involving Italian tax matters.