Strategy
·  EPISODE
405
Cross-Border M&A: How to Do Deals in Italy
Mauro Sambati and Donato Romano of Gianni & Origoni break down Golden Power, Italian labor law, and the cultural dynamics that make or break cross-border deals in Italy.
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Mauro Sambati, Partner – Gianni & Origoni 

Donato Romano, Partner – Gianni & Origoni 

Italy remains one of Europe’s most attractive markets for foreign investment. But cross-border deals in Italy are shaped by regulatory scrutiny, strict labor laws, and unique cultural dynamics that many investors underestimate. 

In this episode, Mauro Sambati and Donato Romano, Partners at Gianni & Origoni, explain what it truly takes to structure and close successful transactions in Italy.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why Golden Power must be structured as a condition precedent before closing
  • How strict Italian labor laws impact asset deals and post-closing restructuring
  • The differences in negotiation styles between US, UK, Japanese, and Korean buyers
  • How minority governance protections are typically structured in Italy
  • The evolution from closing accounts to lockbox pricing mechanisms

Mauro Sambati

Mauro Sambati is a Partner at Gianni & Origoni, where he advises on M&A, private equity, and corporate transactions. He has extensive experience representing international buyers in cross-border deals involving Italian targets, with particular focus on deal structuring, governance frameworks, and negotiation strategy.

Donato Romano

Donato Romano is a Partner at Gianni & Origoni, specializing in corporate M&A. He advises foreign investors on transactions in Italy with a focus on regulatory compliance, Golden Power filings, minority investment structuring, and cross-border negotiation dynamics.

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