Ontier adds two new teams in Litigation and Corporate M&A in Italy

Ontier strengthens its presence in Italy with the addition of two teams led by Simone Grassi, new partner in Litigation, and Stefano Zappalà, head of Corporate M&A and Project Finance. The new additions bring the total number of lawyers to seven, including Guido Tancredi and Andrea Preziosi in Litigation, and Monika Sardo, Maria Cristina Fonti, Rosaria Pilia and Martina Zottola in Corporate.

Luca Pardo, managing partner of Ontier Italy and Regional Head of Europe, highlighted that “the incorporation of Simone Grassi and Stefano Zappalà, together with their teams, represents the natural continuation of our growth strategy in Italy. Their good nature, exceptional talent and extensive experience in key areas such as Litigation, M&A and asset restructuring enable us to offer an even more robust, innovative service that is closely aligned with the real needs of our clients, both in Italy and globally.”

Photo: Stefano Zappalà, Monika Sardo, Martina Zottola, Maria Cristina Fonti and Luca Pardo

Litigation department

Grassi joins as a partner in the Litigation department alongside Guido Tancredi and Andrea Preziosi. With extensive experience in resolving complex disputes in corporate, commercial and asset management law, he also stands out for his specialisation in trusts and succession, where he regularly advises high-profile clients both in Italy and internationally.

Regarding his appointment, Grassi comments that ‘it is an honour to join Ontier, a firm with a global vision and a client-focused approach. I am excited to contribute my experience and work alongside such a dynamic team to deliver excellent legal solutions.’

Corporate M&A and Project Finance department

Stefano Zappalà joins the firm to head up the Corporate M&A and Project Finance department, together with his team of five lawyers: Monika Sardo, Maria Cristina Fonti, Rosaria Pilia and Martina Zottola. All of them have solid experience in M&A, Project Finance, Compliance and Labour Law and, after working for large international law firms, they co-founded Juridicum Avvocati Associati, from where they have advised leading market operators on highly complex transactions.

Zappalà, who will lead the expansion of Corporate M&A, comments that ‘joining Ontier represents a unique opportunity to be part of a leading firm that combines professional excellence with an international vision. We are committed to driving our clients’ success with innovative legal solutions aligned with their business objectives’.

Carmen Fernández Vadillo, co-director of Ontier Italy and partner in Corporate M&A, adds that ‘these additions reflect our approach to growth: with ambition, but without losing sight of what is essential. At Ontier Italy, we are committed to a model that combines technical excellence, team well-being and a culture of collaboration that multiplies value for our clients.’

Growth strategy

These two operations are part of the firm’s strategy for sustained and balanced growth in Italy, in line with other significant integrations carried out in the last year, such as that of Natalia Bagnato and her ESG Compliance team, and the incorporation of Giovanni Marino as a partner in the Corporate M&A department.