Ropes & Gray, a law firm known for its work with private equity clients, has opened a new office in Milan, Italy. This expansion strengthens the firm’s presence in Europe and supports its strategy to meet growing demand for cross-border legal expertise. The Milan office follows the recent opening of a Paris location and builds on the firm’s established operations in London.
Italy has become an increasingly important market for private equity, with 2024 marking a significant milestone as the country emerged as the fastest-growing private equity market in Europe. Deal volume more than doubled compared to the previous year, and Italy moved ahead of the Netherlands to become the fourth largest market in Europe by total investment. Ropes & Gray’s decision to establish a local office reflects its commitment to helping clients navigate this dynamic environment and deepen relationships across the region.
Joining the Milan office are three experienced partners: Cataldo (Aldo) Piccarreta, Giorgia Lugli, and Luca Maranetto. Aldo will serve as one of the co-heads of the firm’s European Private Equity Transactions practice. He is widely recognized for his expertise in private equity, corporate finance, and real estate, and has advised on a broad range of transactions, including major buyouts and joint ventures.
Giorgia Lugli brings extensive experience advising multinational private equity firms, financial institutions, and companies on investments, mergers and acquisitions, and restructurings. Her work often involves complex, cross-border deals, and she is known for guiding clients through every stage of the investment process.
Luca Maranetto specializes in advising both domestic and international clients, including private equity funds and their portfolio companies. His experience spans acquisitions, disposals, mergers, and joint ventures, and he has played key roles in several high-profile transactions in the Italian market.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our clients rely on us to lead on mission-critical work in the markets that matter most to them. The addition of best-in-class talent like Aldo, Giorgia and Luca will help us to move faster and more seamlessly across many of the geographies where our private equity clients are pursuing their most compelling opportunities. Our new partners’ deep expertise and impressive track records leading on complex, high-profile transactions significantly enhance our client offering.”
Julie Jones, Ropes & Gray chair
“With its strong focus on private equity and its longstanding relationships with the world’s leading sponsors, Ropes & Gray is an ideal home for our team. Italy offers tremendous opportunities as a dynamic and rapidly expanding market for private equity, M&A, and direct investment. We are energized to partner with clients who are already leading in the Italian market, as well as those who aspire to do business in the region.”
Cataldo (Aldo) Piccarreta
