CBA

Managing Partner: Angelo Bonissoni

Number of lawyers: over 120

Languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

Firm Overview:

CBA is an independent Italian law firm founded in 1985 with offices in Milan, Rome, Padua, Venice and Munich. The firm’s professional services are aimed at satisfying the clients’ needs by supplying tailor-made solutions that combine both legal and tax assistance with a multidisciplinary approach. CBA advises international companies seeking to invest in Italy, and Italian companies operating in the local and international markets. The firm is committed to excellence in the legal profession.

Corporate, M&A, Private Equity and Venture Capital:

The firm provides legal advice to private and public companies, domestic and international financial institutions as well as private equity funds in relation to virtually all kinds of corporate and commercial matters. The firm boasts experience in merger, de-merger and acquisition transactions, restructuring and reorganisation of companies. CBA’s assistance includes full support in the analysis of any relevant legal, tax, financial and accounting aspects to constantly provide outstanding services to clients. The firm has been involved in private equity since the beginning of this practice in Italy and offers top quality assistance regarding the formation of funds as well as the whole start-up investment and divestment process, from due diligence, drafting of prospectuses, analysis of regulatory issues, to drafting and negotiation of all relevant agreements.

Tax:

The firm provides general and specific tax advice to corporations, banks and investment funds in connection with typical M&A and PE deals, whether success or turnaround, restructuring plans, investment and disinvestments. Tax advice includes: advice on the interpretation and application of national and international tax laws, tax restructuring of sophisticated M&A and PE transactions, tax planning regarding income taxes, VAT and other indirect taxes, tax due diligence, legal and tax advice on every issue regarding companies’ statutory financial statements in accordance with Italian company law requirements and tax regulations; assistance in connection with tax disputes and before the Italian Revenue Agency and the Treasury and Finance Ministry.

Restructuring & Insolvency:

The firm has a strong focus on the practice of corporate restructuring and turnaround of companies, and it renders its services to distressed companies, potential buyers of turnaround businesses, as well as lenders and other financial investors.

Banking & Finance:

The firm offers in-depth expertise in legal, regulatory and tax aspects surrounding banking and finance, by assisting clients throughout the whole process, from structuring to negotiation of the relevant documentation, focusing on derivative and structured instruments; by providing assistance on the full spectrum of financial products and services, including the so-called ‘para-banking’ (i.e leasing, factoring), the issue of credit cards and prepaid cards, handling regulatory issues, requests and authorisations (Consob, the Bank of Italy).

Energy, Infrastructures and Project Finance:

The firm provides assistance specifically dedicated to the energy and environmental sector offering regulatory, antitrust, tax and project finance services in every area of this field.

Capital Markets and Regulatory:

The firm acts for banks as well as Italian and foreign corporations in connection with various equity and debt capital markets transactions (initial public offerings, secondary offerings, tender offers, increases, listings, issues of bonds/notes and private placements). The firm also represents Italian and foreign financial institutions in connection with the disclosure, tax and regulatory issues concerning the set up and the offer of investment funds in Italy.

Structured Finance:

The firm advises financial intermediaries, financial advisers and investment banks in structured and acquisition finance transactions, and has a particular expertise in finance transactions involving the securitization and/or the assignment of non-performing or distressed assets and in any regulatory aspects thereof.

Real Estate:

The firm provides a full range of services covering all aspects of multipurpose real estate properties, including residential, business, shopping centres, tourism/ hotels, ports and freight villages. The firm has a specific team dedicated to the practice of infrastructure and construction law that boasts long-standing experience and a very strong track record. Lawyers in this team interact continuously with colleagues in the real estate, project finance, public procurement and administrative law departments.

IP & IT:

The firm provides assistance in respect to the acquisition, protection, development and exploitation of rights over intangible assets and data protection, including to the drafting and negotiation of sales contracts, licenses, distribution agreements, franchising, merchandising, sponsorship, advertising and transfer technology contracts. The firm provides assistance with the acquisition, developments and exploitation of information technology (websites, multimedia products, etc.).

Litigation and Arbitration:

The firm gives full assistance in relation to civil, administrative and tax law matters and represents its clients before all competent courts. The firm has specific experience in the management and resolution of disputes in the context of domestic and international arbitration.

Corporate Governance:

The firm provides assistance to current and prospective shareholders, presidents, CEOs, BoDs, committees appointed within the BoDs, general counsels/chief governance officers and corporate secretaries on the matters of corporate governance strategies, organisation of corporate governance models and governance processes.