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Italy

Withers looks to expand family business offering in Italy

May 6, 2011

Law firm Withers has added three new members to its Milan office as part of its strategy to increase its services for family businesses in Italy.

Roberta Crivellaro, managing partner at Withers’ Milan branch told CampdenFB: “Running a family firm, especially in Italy, is no easy business, but we are committed to making sure that our clients have the smoothest ride possible by building each and every one of our practices that together cater for the complicated world of the family business.”

Italian family businesses breathe a sigh of relief

March 23, 2011

News that the Italian government is looking to protect local companies against unwanted takeovers is likely to be greeted with relief among family businesses in the country – at least in the immediate future.

But longer-term pressures on family businesses in Italy won't be resolved by government intervention. Nor for that matter will they be anywhere else in the world.

Luxottica founder quits Generali

February 23, 2011

Founder and chairman of family-controlled eyewear group Luxottica, Leonardo Del Vecchio, has resigned from the board of insurance firm Assicurazioni Generali due to concerns over the company’s governance, say various reports.

Fiat chief in hot water

February 8, 2011

Chief executive of carmakers Fiat and Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, is facing wrath from Italy and the US for his comments on shifting Fiat’s headquarters, and describing the interest rates charged on American bailout loans as “shyster”.

Chief executive of carmakers Fiat and Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, is facing wrath from Italy and the US for his comments on shifting Fiat's headquarters, and describing the interest rates charged on American bailout loans as "shyster".

Legendary family dynasties play cat and mouse

January 13, 2011

Turin and Wolfsburg might not have much in common at first glance, writes David Bain.

Turin and Wolfsburg might not have much in common at first glance, writes David Bain.

For one thing, Wolfsburg is in Germany and has a population of just over 100,000, whereas Turin is in Italy with nearly one million inhabitants. It's probably also fair to say that the temperament of each other's citizens might have little in common.

But there is one thing that unites both of these towns – car making.

Lavazza continues expansion with North America purchase

August 12, 2010

Luigi Lavazza SpA, the Italian coffee manufacturer owned by the founding Lavazza family, announced yesterday it plans to acquire a 7% share in US coffee company Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc for $250 million.

Sunglass billionaire buoyed by strong results

July 27, 2010

Leonardo Del Vecchio might be expected to take that extra special summer holiday after his company announced better-than-expected second quarter results.

Luxottica, the world's biggest eyewear group and 70% owned by Del Vecchio (pictured), recorded a 30% year-on-year rise in net profits in the second quarter of the year to €150 million. Analysts were expecting profits of €145 million.

Missoni: Enduring luxury with family ideals

May 4, 2010

Second-generation CEO Vittorio Missoni tells Claire Adler how the family-run fashion house is riding out the recession in style

Second-generation CEO Vittorio Missoni (pictured) tells Claire Adler how the family-run fashion house is riding out the recession in style.

The supposedly glittering world of high-priced luxury goods has taken a battering of late. Many small and medium companies without the financial and managerial muscle to react to difficult market conditions have sought bankruptcy protection including Christian Lacroix, Escada and Gianfranco Ferre.

Elkann confirms family member will become Juventus president

April 30, 2010

Italy’s Agnelli family, owner of automobile giant Fiat, confirmed yesterday that fourth-generation family member Andrea Agnelli will become the president of Italian football club Juventus in the summer.

Italy's Agnelli family, owner of automobile giant Fiat, confirmed yesterday that fourth-generation family member Andrea Agnelli will become the president of Italian football club Juventus in the summer.

Benetton family quits Telecom Italia and strengthens Slim ties

October 29, 2009

The Benetton family, founders of the international clothing group that bears its name, is pulling out of its investment in the Italian communication company Telecom Italia.

The Benetton family, founders of the international clothing group that bears its name, is pulling out of its investment in the Italian communication company Telecom Italia.

The family is part of a shareholder consortium, the Telco Group, which owns the Italian company's largest stake with 24.5%. The Benettons were the smallest investors in the group with an 8.4% stake.