BonelliErede announces today two appointments in Milan.

Franco Agopyan joins BonelliErede as a partner and Co-Leader of the Private Equity Team, alongside the current Leader and Managing Partner of the firm, Eliana Catalano. Franco joins from a leading Italian law firm, where he has been practising since 1999. He is renowned both in Italy and more widely internationally for his advice on major private equity and M&A transactions. Franco has been ranked for many years as a leading lawyer by prominent international legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

Giovanni Colantuono joins BonelliErede as a partner from the same leading Italian law firm, which he joined back in 2017 following an earlier 6-year spell at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York and London. He has been admitted to the Milan Bar, the New York State Bar and the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. He has extensive transactional experience and specialises in advising Italian and international private equity houses.

Eliana Catalano, Managing Partner of BonelliErede, commented: “The appointment of Franco and Giovanni will bring further experience to our team, increasing the number of M&A partners to 11. Stefano Nanni Costa, Giulia Bianchi Frangipane and I will work together with Franco, Giovanni and the entire private equity team to further strengthen the positioning of our practice and continue to be the go-to law firm for private equity work in Italy for both international and Italian clients.”

Massimiliano Danusso, Chairman of BonelliErede, said: “We are pleased to welcome Franco and Giovanni to BonelliErede at such a momentous time for the firm, as we continue to expand. Their international profiles will further enhance our relationships, particularly with international law firms and private equity houses.”

Franco Agopyan commented: “BonelliErede was the natural fit for my practice because of their international and Italian strategic plans. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and renowned team alongside Eliana and I look forward to working together with Stefano, Eliana, Giulia, the broader private equity team and all the other people at the firm.”