Norton Rose is set to launch an antitrust, regulatory and competition practice in Italy with the hire of Linklaters' competition and antitrust head in the country.

Andrea Zulli, who was a managing associate in Linklaters' Milan base, will join Norton Rose's local office as a partner in the coming months.

He relocated to the region from London in May 2009 to launch a competition and antitrust practice for Linklaters.

His focus at Norton Rose will be on financial institutions, technology and consumer brands. The firm plans to grow the practice over the coming year.

Zulli said: "This was simply too good an opportunity to turn down. I have been at Linklaters for 10 years and it was time for some new challenges that reflected existing market conditions.

"Antitrust activity is currently on the up in Italy so it was a great time to help Norton Rose launch this practice in Italy and look to grow it in the future."

Norton Rose Italy head Paolo Daviddi said: "Andrea's expertise will assist our clients in dealing with cartel and general competition issues that may impact the day-to-day operation of their businesses as well as the growth of their businesses, given the increasingly important role that competition law plays in complex M&A activities."