Linklaters strengthens global corporate platform with hire of Giovanni Colantuono in Italy

Linklaters has hired Giovanni Colantuono as a corporate partner in Italy, further strengthening the firm’s global M&A and private equity offering.

Giovanni has a strong private equity focus, advising leading financial sponsors and multinational corporates on high-value and strategically significant cross-border transactions.

He is recognised as a Next Generation Partner by Legal500 and is admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales, and the New York State Bar.

He is also a member of the Milan Bar (Italy). He joins from leading Italian firm BonelliErede, having previously spent time at Chiomenti and at Sullivan & Cromwell in London and New York.

Giovanni follows Linklaters’ hiring of leading M&A dealmaker, Massimiliano Nitti, as Head of Corporate in Italy.

Roberto Egori, Linklaters’ National Managing Partner in Italy, commented:

“We are on a clear growth trajectory in Italy and Giovanni’s hire is the next step in scaling our M&A and private equity capability in Milan. Together with Massimiliano, we are in a strong position to win and deliver strategic, private equity-driven deals for clients and we are delighted to welcome to Giovanni to Linklaters.”

Simon Branigan, Global Head of Corporate, stated:

“Italy continues to be one of the most active M&A markets in Europe. We are seeing strong and growing demand from private equity and other private capital clients for Italian M&A support, both on standalone mandates and as part of cross border transactions. Giovanni’s arrival significantly deepens and broadens our private equity coverage for Italian and international clients and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

Massimiliano Nitti, Head of Corporate in Italy, added:

“I am delighted to welcome Giovanni to the team. I have had first-hand experience of Giovanni’s capabilities on complex sponsor-backed and cross-border mandates. His strong private equity profile and established reputation in the Italian market make him an excellent fit for Linklaters, as we continue to scale our M&A platform in Milan.”

Linklaters is ranked Band 1 by Chambers Global 2025 for Corporate/M&A and Private Equity, and Tier 1 for both M&A and Private Equity in the Legal500 Worldwide rankings.