Competition/European Law
Europe Guide 2024 : Italy
Band 1
Chambers Review
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton continues to be a standout firm in Italy for competition law. The team offers impressive strength in both contentious and non-contentious matters, advising clients on high-value merger clearance matters and significant behavioural investigations. It is currently involved in some of the most high-profile cartel damages actions and challenges to blocked mergers. Clients benefit from the team's ability to collaborate with colleagues in Brussels for matters that are referred to the European Commission. It is a popular choice with clients from the TMT and energy sectors.
Work Highlights
- Cleary Gottlieb represented the Servizio Elettrico Nazionale in an appeal against an ICA finding of abuse of dominance.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Cleary Gottlieb has an unbeatable level of expertise."
"The advice has been very solid, sound and reliable, and enables us to plan our work, so we are very happy with the team and would recommend them highly."
"The team has great business acumen and a down-to-earth approach."
"We appreciate the team's competence and knowledge of our business."
"The team responds even under stress and challenging deadlines."
"Cleary Gottlieb has an unbeatable level of expertise."
"The advice has been very solid, sound and reliable, and enables us to plan our work, so we are very happy with the team and would recommend them highly."
"The team has great business acumen and a down-to-earth approach."
"We appreciate the team's competence and knowledge of our business."
"The team responds even under stress and challenging deadlines."
Notable Practitioners
Mario Siragusa stands out in the Italian market for his ability to represent high-profile clients in significant competition law investigations and subsequent appeals against fines and follow-on damages actions. He also advises clients on high-value merger clearance mandates, including on challenges to decisions to block mergers.
"He is one of the greatest antitrust lawyers in the country."
"He is a living legend regarding competition law."
"He is absolutely dominant in his own market."
Cesare Rizza has a strong behavioural practice, representing clients in investigations into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, as well as in appeals against decisions and in damages actions.
Matteo Beretta is particularly active in filing merger clearance applications. In addition, he represents clients in behavioural investigations, including in civil damages actions.
"He is a safe pair of hands and very sensible."
"He has wide expertise in his practice area."
Ranked Lawyers at
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Italy