White & Case has agreed an alliance with Rome-based boutique Pescatore to bolster the corporate base of its Italian practice.

The New York-based firm formalised the exclusive referral arrangement with the boutique, which is headed by name partner and senior law professor Massimiliano Pescatore, in June.

The agreement, which will see the firms link up for joint pitches and advice, but not go as far as profit sharing, is already being used with Deutsche Bank on the financing of Telecom Italia's disposal of its $3.5bn (£2.2bn) stake in Seat Pagine Gialle.

One senior partner commented: "International firms in Italy traditionally have consulting arrangements with senior law professors because they are better connected to the Italian establishment.

"The idea is to combine the strength of the White & Case network with a strong independent [Italian] practice."

The White & Case alliance is a boost to the New York firm's Italian practice, which was secured through the 2001 merger with Varenti e Associati.

In May the firm sent senior Paris partner John Riggs to Rome in a bid to better integrate the local practice into the US giant.

First reported on www.legalweek.net (18 July).