Watson Farley & Williams has opened a new office in Milan, the top 50 UK firm announced today (6 May).

The new branch becomes Watson Farley's second office in the jurisdiction alongside an outpost in Rome and will focus initially on clients in the energy, shipping, transport and telecommunications sectors.

The Milan operation will be overseen by current Rome chief Eugenio Tranchino – who joined the firm in 2002 from leading Italian independent firm Carnelutti – and will be staffed by four associates.

Commenting on the opening, Watson Farley managing partner Michael Greville (pictured) said: "The opening of our second office marks the significant expansion of our presence in Italy [and is] an important milestone for the firm. We are excited by the prospects for further development of our business from this expanded platform."

Tranchino added: "Watson Farley… recognises the benefits of providing sophisticated legal support on the ground and in important expanding markets."

The news comes after Watson Farley last month promoted Rome-based corporate lawyer Elvezio Santarelli to its partnership, along with three other new partners overseas and five more at its City headquarters.

Last year the City firm called off its search for a merger partner after long-running talks with US firm Chadbourne & Parke failed to reach a successful conclusion.