Linklaters has strengthened its burgeoning Italian arm with the hire of corporate finance partner Luca Picone from local independent Bonelli Erede Pappalardo, it was announced today (14 September).

Picone, who will join the Milan office of the magic circle law firm, focuses on M&A, joint ventures and restructuring.

The hire is the latest in a slew of high-profile appointments by the magic circle giant's Italian practice. In January, Linklaters reasserted its Italian ambitions after hiring Allen & Overy finance partner Davide Mencacci – becoming the firm's first Italian-qualified partner since its alliance with local leader Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners collapsed in 2002.

Since then, the City giant has taken on Pedersoli corporate partners Andrea Arosio, Dario Longo and Giovanni Pedersoli.

Commenting on the latest hire, Linklaters senior partner David Cheyne said: "Italy is an important market for us, with a number of our clients being based or doing business there. We are rapidly growing our Italian capability in all key areas and… are committed to further growth."