Dentons has launched its Italy practice with the hire of 21 lawyers, including seven partners, and an office in Milan.

The most significant hire is that of Federico Sutti, an energy, employment and real estate lawyer who joins with his team from DLA Piper. Fellow partners Matteo Falcione, an energy specialist, and real estate lawyer Federico Vanetti will also join the team.

The move marks further expansion for Dentons, which has undertaken a range of mergers in the past few years most notably with China’s Dacheng and US firm McKenna Long & Aldridge. In addition there are reports that Singapore outfit Rodyk & Davidson are also considering a tie-up.