Linklaters is set to boost its Italian arm with the high-profile hire of an equity partner from respected local M&A boutique Pedersoli.

Giovanni Pedersoli, the youngest of the three Pedersoli brothers, is on the verge of joining the firm with partners close to the talks telling Legal Week there is a "very strong" chance of the deal being wrapped up in the coming weeks.

Pedersoli, who has been an equity partner at his family's firm since 2001, focuses his practice on M&A and private equity work. He also spent three years as an associate at M&A leader Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom's New York office between 1995 and 1998.

The hire would represent Linklaters' first heavyweight corporate addition in Italy. So far, the magic circle firm has focused on building up its finance capabilities.

The UK giant has already recruited Pedersoli banking partners Andrea Arosio and Dario Longo and Allen & Overy finance partner Davide Mencacci, all of whom joined earlier this year. Mencacci was the firm's first Italian-qualified partner taken on since its alliance with local leader Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners collapsed in 2002. Linklaters refused to comment.

Pedersoli, one of Italy's most respected independent firms, acts for banking clients such as Banche Popolari and Banca Intesa and has taken a number of roles on major banking mergers in the country during recent years.