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Mergers and Acquisitions in Italy

Mergers and Acquisitions in Italy

Companies interested in entering into a merger or acquisition can rely on our business and corporate lawyers in Italy for complete assistance during the financial transactions, and the most important post-merger steps. Understanding the legal framework governing mergers and acquisitions In Italy (M&A) is an important step before commencing these transactions.

The Civil Code is one of the main sources of law governing mergers and acquisitions in Italy. It applies in the case of joint stock companies and Italian limited liability companies. Other laws that govern and control corporate mergers and acquisitions include the Italian Antitrust Law, as well as rules interpreted according to or adapted to relevant EU laws and principles.

Working with a law firm in Italy that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, such as our local experts, if important not only for meeting the merger legislation and the provisions of the relevant, law-enforcing authorities but also to ensure a smooth transition and takeover.

Our team can assist with complete solutions for an M&A in Italy, as well as with solutions for ongoing legal compliance for foreign and local companies doing business in the country.

Types of corporate acquisition in Italy

In a corporate acquisition, one company effectively purchases another legal entity. For the purpose discussed herein, a local or a foreign company may decide to purchase an Italian legal entity, be it s private or a public corporation.

Acquisition transactions in Italy may be categorized as:

  • share or quota deals,
  • asset deals,
  • purchase and sale of assets,
  • contribution of assets.

Shares and quota deals in acquisition cases in Italy apply mostly to joint stock corporations and limited liability companies. The corporate capital of joint stock corporations is usually represented by share certificates, which will be transferred in front of an Italian public notary or bank officer in case of acquisitions

The capital of an Italian limited liability company is represented by quotas, which will be transferred before a public notary by signing an agreement. The agreement must be then submitted to the Italian Companies Registrar.

Corporate mergers in Italy

With respect to merger transactions, these may be categorized as mergers and de-mergers in Italy. The structure of the transaction depends on the deal and other tax considerations.

Italian mergers are set out in articles 2501 through 2505 of the Civil Code which establishes two types of mergers:

  • mergers by acquisition,
  • mergers by incorporation.

Mergers by acquisitions are the cases of a company merging with an existing enterprise with the transfer of all assets and liabilities. Mergers by incorporations are represented by the merger of two or more companies into a newly formed company in Italy.

Article 2506 in the Civil Code also establishes the procedure for de-mergers in ItalyDe-mergers are represented by the transfer of an Italian company’s assets and liabilities to other previously or newly formed companies. De-mergers may happen without the Italian company’s liquidation or winding up.

Please keep in mind that the legal resources mentioned herein are only briefly outlined. In practice, corporate mergers are governed by a broader set of rules and laws, including relevant European laws to which Italy adheres. One of the key Italian authorities that has control over M&A in Italy is the Italian Competition Authority.

Important issues concerning mergers and acquisitions in Italy

In practice, mergers and acquisitions are two different approaches: while the first relies on combining two existing companies to form a new legal entity, the second refers to the situation in which one company completely absorbs the other (through a takeover).

In some cases, M&A in Italy can also take place through special purchase vehicles, or special purpose acquisition companies.

Working with a team of Italian lawyers, such as our experts, is advisable in both cases. Below, we list some of the most important steps involved in M&A transactions:

  1. Initial information: the company that is interested in being bought or absorbed expresses this intent in a Memorandum published with the purpose of attracting a suitable buyer;
  2. Negotiation: this is the stage during which the two companies decide on important matters concerning the governing competition laws, employment law, licensing, and financial matters;
  3. Due diligence: a key step for any M&A in Italy, it is an essential and comprehensive verification of the company that will be bought/absorbed/merged with;
  4. Post-closing negotiations and closing: before the two parties finalize the M&A agreement, they can decide to negotiate further on important points; when working with us, our lawyers in Italy are present during all of these steps;
  5. Implementation: once the transfer is complete, the companies will focus on integrating the changes, and maximizing the way in which the two businesses work together (for mergers).

According to a regional outlook reported by KPMG, M&A in Italy continued to present important opportunities and, in fact, perform well when compared to other European markets. Our team summarizes some of the data below:

  • M&A deal activity in the country rose by 8% on a year-on-year basis (in 2023 vs. 2022);
  • In 2023, the number of deals was upwards of 241;
  • Most M&A in Italy took place in the retail sector; Apparel deals amounted to 22% of the total deal volume;
  • In one of the biggest deals, a French luxury group acquired a 30% stake in a famous Italian fashion house for approximately EUR 1.7 billion.

Our attorneys in Italy can give you more information about merger and acquisition issues such as seller and buyer rights and duties, the legal aspects of asset deals and those of the share/quota deals, and other relevant law principles. We also assist those who wish to buy a house in Italy.

For details about taxation aspects in cases or mergers and acquisitions, you may contact our attorneys in Italy.