Lovells has strengthened its Italian practice after bagging a seven-lawyer corporate team from the local arm of Ernst & Young (E&Y), including M&A partner Paolo Tanoni.

The City giant announced earlier this week (30 May) that Tanoni, formerly head of Ernst & Young's global M&A group, is to join Lovells as a partner early this month after a unanimous partner vote.

Tanoni, who is set to bring around six corporate associates with him, focuses on M&A and commercial law. He specialises in the luxury goods and fashion sectors, with key clients including Hugo Boss and Jill Sander.

The appointment comes after Lovells this year promoted three new partners for its Italian practice, with Domenico Borzumato, Silvio Tersilla and Gianroberto de Giovanni made up in tax, insolvency and corporate finance respectively.

Lovells' former Italian managing partner, Paolo Criscione, left the firm last year, continuing a run of senior departures for UK firms in Italy.

Commenting on the latest appointment, Lovells managing partner David Harris said: "[Tanoni's] recruitment reflects our commitment to building a practice that competes head-on with some of the strongest domestic firms."

He added: "Paolo's appointment comes just before the firm moves into bigger offices in both Milan and Rome, reflecting the successful development of the Italian practice and plans for continued growth in the future."

Tanoni commented: "I was particularly attracted [to Lovells] by the depth of expertise it already has in Italy as well as opportunities to develop clients on a cross-border basis."