Gianni Origoni signs up former Clifford Chance tax ally

Leading Italian firm Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners has signed an alliance with tax boutique Vitali Romagnoli Piccardi e Associati, a former ally of Clifford Chance.

The association between Vitali, which is regarded as one of Italy’s top tax boutiques, and Clifford Chance comes to an end this month, as first reported by The Lawyer (26 April).

Although Gianni Origoni already has some in-house tax capability, the deal will allow the firm to provide a much enhanced tax offering.

Gianni Origoni name partner Francesco Gianni said: “The agreement falls within our strategy to develop and broaden the services we offer our clients.”

The alliance will act as an exclusive referral relationship, although
the firms will remain independent. However, some sources suggest that the alliance may be a precursor to a merger further down the track.

The move is a coup for Gianni Origoni, which had a stellar year in 2003, topping the M&A tables in the region. Earlier this year it backed out of its exclusive agreement with Linklaters, but it still continues to work closely with the magic circle firm.

Meanwhile, Clifford Chance has signed a new agreement with another of Italy’s elite tax boutiques, Maisto e Associati, as reported by The Lawyer (10 May).