CC opts for Maisto in Italy as Vitali association ends

Clifford Chance has signed an exclusive alliance with Italian tax boutique Maisto e Associati, after news that its former tie-up with
tax firm Vitali Romagnoli Piccardi will end this month.

The magic circle giant signed the deal with five-partner Maisto last Wednesday (5 May). Led by Guglielmo Maisto, the tax firm is regarded as one of the top-tier Italian boutiques, with a strong reputation for advising large corporates. Clients include the likes of designers Armani and Versace, tobacco company Philip Morris
and Vodafone and Pirelli.

Clifford Chance Italian managing partner Nicholas Wrigley said he had looked at bringing the tax capability in-house, but decided the new alliance was a better option. “What we worked out was that the best people are all in the three top [independent] firms,” he said.

Maisto is headquartered in Milan, has a small presence in London
and is shortly due to open an office in Rome.

Vitali has this week also signed a new alliance with Italian firm Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners.