Italian firm Tonucci & Partners has been active this year and is described as "pioneers" by some of its peers. Apart from the benefit of winning mandates from Italian clients, the multi-lingual firm prospers from its alliance with Mayer Brown and its regional network for cross-border deals....
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Italian firm Tonucci & Partners has been active this year and is described as "pioneers" by some of its peers. Apart from the benefit of winning mandates from Italian clients, the multi-lingual firm prospers from its alliance with Mayer Brown and its regional network for cross-border deals. Driven by Marco Monaco Sorge and Neritan Kallfa, this year has been no different. Clients are pleased to engage the firm's network. "We like it very much when there is a broad menu," says one client.
There were however, elements of discontent when it came to the local team. "The Italian side was good. The local one has to improve here. They are not used to talking in front of the judges," says one client. Nevertheless, as another client says: "They are here. They are knowledgeable and have a good reputation." Artur Asllani is described as an "active and good lawyer" by one recent client.
The firm is described by clients as being technically very good, "accessible and responsive" and having the required "depth of knowledge". They are also considered good value for money with one client saying: "They were good value when compared with others."
Tonucci & Partners' strength for cross-border matters was exhibited in its deal list over the past year. The firm advised the EBRD (European Bank of Reconstruction and Development) on €36 million senior and mezzanine loans to TEG (Tirana East Gate -Shopping Mall). Furthermore, the firm advised Messer group on its expansion in Albania in the context of its takeover of Sofigaz, the Albanian subsidiary of the Italian gas group Sapio.
On the local front, the firm advised Plus Communication (the Albanian telecom operator) on a €35 million loan from a consortium of Banks including Raiffeisen Bank, Union Bank, Tirana Bank and Intesa San Paolo Bank.
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