GA Expands into Armenia with the Addition of Legelata LLC to the Alliance

GA, an international law and tax firm with 12 offices in Italy and direct offices in New York, Lugano, Brussels, London, and Paris, and professionals present in over 70 jurisdictions, led by Managing Partner Francesco Sciaudone, further strengthens its presence in Asia with the addition of LLC Legal and Tax to the Alliance, to assist clients in Armenia.

Legelata – GA’s new partner – based in Yerevan, is one of the leading law firms in Armenia. With the new partnership, GA will be able to assist clients in various practice areas, including banking & finance, M&A, litigation and arbitration, intellectual property, and tax law.

GA aims to become a reference point for international clients interested in the Caucasus region. Armenia's strategic location, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, makes it a highly relevant market for international investments, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

“We are very pleased to welcome the qualified professionals of Legelata and the opportunity to start operations in Armenia. This is an important growth for GA, which aims to increasingly offer a one-stop shop for clients seeking to grow in international markets,” said Francesco Sciaudone, Managing Partner of GA.

We are delighted to share that our Partners, Francesco Pellone and Gianluigi Serafini, actively participated as speakers at the event organized by ELITE, titled: “Designing Corporate Governance to Support Growth and Development Projects.”

During the event, our Partners made significant contributions to the panel discussion:"Planning Generational Transitions – Tools such as Trusts, Family Agreements, Family Holding Companies, Family Buy-Outs, and Related Tax Profiles." They addressed critical aspects of effective and sustainable corporate governance, offering their expertise and valuable insights to the conversation.

The event took place on January 16th in Milan, gathering representatives from over 100 companies, including:

Designing well-structured corporate governance bodies; Identifying strategic individuals for key roles; Streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing transparency in communication with stakeholders and shareholders.

Economic and geopolitical scenarios, role of investments, financial strategies to accompany growth.

3 december 2024

RCS Academy in collaboration with the Corriere della Sera is organising a morning of discussion between entrepreneurs, economic players and representatives of institutions, dedicated to the evolution of the global economy, its impact on financial systems and the business of companies, in a delicate balance between evolving economies and emerging markets.

Themes: digitalisation of financial services, tools to promote the real economy by guaranteeing access to credit and sustainability of the system.

Our Managing Partner Francesco Sciaudone participated as a speaker in the panel entitled ‘The Business Point of View’.

Find out more at the following link: https://rcsacademy.corriere.it/business-talk/geoeconomy-talk/

The event organized by RCS Academy and Corriere della Sera represented an important opportunity for discussion on strategic issues related to global economic and geopolitical scenarios, with a focus on the role of investments and financial strategies to support Europe’s development. The participation of prominent representatives from institutions, businesses, and the banking sector provided valuable insights into the key challenges and opportunities for the continent's economic growth.

Key themes addressed: European Autonomy in Digital PaymentsPiero Cipollone, member of the Executive Committee of the European Central Bank, highlighted a significant vulnerability of the European Union: 64% of card transactions are processed through non-European networks, with an increase in scheme fees from 2018 to 2022. In this context, the introduction of the Digital Euro represents a priority to enhance autonomy and strengthen the role of the euro as a reserve currency and means of exchange at the international level. Role of the Banking SystemLeading banking institutions discussed their contribution to supporting businesses in a complex global context. Roberto Parazzini of Deutsche Bank Italia emphasized the need to move beyond the traditional banking credit model, while Alessandro Decio of Banco Desio highlighted the importance of sustainable models for proximity banks. Marianna Leoni of BCG and other banking representatives, including Angelo Campani of Credem and Riccardo Corino of the BCC Iccrea Group, reiterated the social role of credit institutions in fostering local development. Support for SMEs and Market DiversificationPaolo Gerardini of Assolombarda emphasized the importance of diversifying markets for small and medium-sized enterprises, a crucial element for ensuring resilience and growth. Francesco Sciaudone of Grimaldi Alliance stressed the significance of a strategic and legal approach to facilitate the internationalization of businesses. Representatives of Confcommercio also discussed access to credit for microenterprises, a central issue for supporting local activities. Green Transition and Sustainable FinanceFrancesco Beccali of Terna presented a 2 billion euro investment plan aimed at creating a digital electricity grid to transport renewable energy from southern to northern Italy, using advanced technologies such as sensors and artificial intelligence. Valerio Capizzi of ING outlined the financial sector’s commitment to achieving a global target of up to 7 billion euros in annual loans for environmentally sustainable projects. The Future of Digital TransactionsLuca Corti of Mastercard announced that by 2025, digital transactions in Italy will surpass cash transactions for the first time, marking a significant milestone toward a more digital and cashless society.

The event underscored the need for a strategic and coordinated approach that combines innovation, targeted investments, and collaboration between institutions and businesses. Thanks to the contributions of key players such as Grimaldi Alliance, a clear framework of priorities emerged to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

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In Grimaldi Alliance, we value the well-being of our team!

Specifically, in our Treviso headquarter, we have introduced a Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga programme to promote a healthier work environment, tailored to help our professionals manage stress and improve both their physical and mental well-being.

A healthy mind is a professional’s most powerful tool

WHY WELL-BEING MATTERS

The legal profession is notoriously demanding: long hours, constant pressure, and the need to make quick, critical decisions. Both body and mind are tested on a daily basis. That’s why it’s essential to find effective ways to manage stress and stay sharp.

Our well-being is the foundation of our success

Grimaldi-Alliance-YogaDownload

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course consists of ten weekly sessions of one hour each, scheduled for 7.15 p.m. Sessions will cover key areas such as posture improvement, breathing techniques for stress management, and meditation for deep relaxation.

Classes are taught by certified instructor.

Invest in yourself – one hour a week can make all the difference

From April 6, 2025, the United Kingdom may abolish the tax regime for non-domiciled residents (Res Non Dom), replacing it with a new special 4-year regime.

Starting from the fifth year, all residents may be subject to ordinary taxation on global income, prompting many taxpayers to consider relocating to countries with more favorable tax regimes.

During the meeting, we will analyze the possible changes of the reform, relocation opportunities for High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) in Switzerland and Italy, which offer similar flat-rate regimes, and the latest news based on the positions taken by the UK Government.

Agenda

16:30 – 17:00 Welcome and workshop presentation 17:00 – 17:20 Possible abolition of the Res Non Dom regime in light of recent positions taken by the UK Government 17:20 – 17:40 The alternative expenditure-based tax regime in Switzerland 17:40 – 18:10 The regime for new residents under Article 24-bis of the Italian TUIR as provided by the Italian decree 18:10 – 18:30 Round table discussion

Speakers

Arianna Bonaldo, GA Switzerland – Stelva Group Vincenzo Borelli, GA United Kingdom Carlo Cugnasca, GA Italy

The Global Forum 2024 was the event where the key participants shared their impressions, feelings, and ideas during the event.

Let’s hear their opinions in these short video clips!

Zeynep Gürsoy Ergin , Junior Partner at BALAY, ERYIGIT & ERTEN

Alexander Todorov, Partner at Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. Law Firm

Panagiotis Drakopoulos, Managing Partner at Drakopoulos

Luisa Bossi, Counsel at Grimaldi Alliance

Itzik Amiel, Founder of THE SWITCH

Gianvirgilio Cugini, Founder of STELVA Group

Bahaa Alieldean, Managing Partner at Alieldean Weshahi & Partners

Ade Ayeyemi, CEO at Ecobank 

See more:Global Forum 2024

Agenda of the day:

09:00 – 10:00 | Welcome Breakfast 

Networking and start of the second day 

10:00 – 10:10 | Speaker Session: Emmanuel Conte, Councillor for Financial, Economic and Patrimonial Resources, City of Milan 

10:30 – 10:45 | Expanding Agribusiness Opportunities 

Massimiliano Cattozzi, Head of Department Agribusiness, Intesa Sanpaolo  

10:45 – 11:00 | Unlocking Potential in Emerging Markets 

Bahaa Alieldean, Managing Partner, GA MENA  

11:00 – 11:15 | Smart Collaboration GA/Survey Results  

11:15 – 11:30 | Speaker Session 

Bernardo Giorgio Mattarella, Of Counsel Grimaldi Alliance  

11:30 – 12:00 | Break 

12:00 – 12:20 | The Hitachi Internationalisation Framework 

Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO, Hitachi Rail 

12:20 – 13:00 | Round Table: Candice Yang, Lawyer and Giulia Lovaste, Counsel Grimaldi Alliance 

14:00 – 14:20 | Africa as the new frontier of growth 

Mahmoud Mohieldin, Former Managing Director of the World Bank 

14:30 – 15:50 | Focus Group Session 

Participants into working groups on specific themes to discuss collaborative opportunities and challenges.  Following the areas with the most referrals, it will be useful to have teams work in 3 groups: M&A, Litigation, Commercial Trading 

16:00 – 16:30 | Focus Group Results 

16:30 – 16:45 | Mobile Check 

16:45 – 17:00 | Speaker Session: Federico Ghella, Presidente Comitato Lavori all’Estero, ANCE  

17:00 – 17:45 | Cultivate a Growth Mindset  

Itzik Amiel, Founder & CEO, THE SWITCH 

17:45 – 18:00 | Concluding Remarks  

See more:Global Forum 2024

Agenda of the day:

09:00 – 10:30 | Speaker Session: Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf region 

10:00 – 10:05 | Speaker Session: Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy 

10:30 – 11:00 | Enhancing Collaboration Across International Offices 

Open discussion led by: Zsófia Bitai and Cagatay Erten 

Identifying challenges in collaboration between offices  Concrete proposals to increase referrals and operational synergies between locations  Action plan to incentivize inter-jurisdictional collaboration 

11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break 

11:15 – 12:00 | Review of the Constitution of the "Legal Umbrella" Company in Belgium 

Led by: Daniel Fesler and Michael Bray 

Presentation of the legal and fiscal structure of the "Legal Umbrella" company  Discussion of the advantages and operational implications for the Grimaldi Alliance network  Proposals for optimizing the legal framework. 

12:00 – 12:30 | Network Expansion and New Growth Opportunities  

Open discussion led by: Luisa Bossi and Gianluigi Serafini 

Identifying strategic jurisdictions for expanding the network.  Discussion of opportunities to attract new partners or members.  Analysis of emerging legal trends and markets to explore. 

12:30 – 12:50 | Focus on Local and Multinational Clients and Expanding the Global Client Base  

Open discussion led by: Panagiotis Drakopoulos and Lisa Alice Julien 

Identifying key sectors and multinational clients to target  Defining a plan to improve Grimaldi Alliance’s positioning with global clients  Strategies to attract new international mandates 

12:50 – 13:00 | Closing and Next Steps 

Led by: Francesco Sciaudone 

Summary of key points and decisions  Assigning responsibilities and outlining next steps for each member  Confirmation of future meetings and major upcoming events 

15:00 – 15:10 | Welcome Greetings by Francesco Sciaudone, Michael Bray, and Daniel Fesler 

Francesco Sciaudone, Michael Bray, and Daniel Fesler officially welcome the attendees and introduce the event 

15:10 – 15:30 | Opportunities in financial sector 

Giovanni Sabatini, Senior Advisor, Grimaldi Alliance 

15:30 – 15:50 | The Future of Grimaldi Alliance by Francesco Sciaudone 

Francesco Sciaudone presents the strategic vision and future directions of the Alliance 

15:50 – 17:20 | Speakings Session: Vojtěch Jiraský and Shady William

17:30 – 18:10 | Narration of the Journey Leading to GA Perfume 

Presentation of the journey that led to the creation of Grimaldi Alliance's olfactory identity 

18:15 – 18:30 | Speaker Session: Mario Nava, Director-General – Directorate General “Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion” (EMPL) 

18:30 – 18:35 | Concluding Remarks by Francesco Sciaudone 

Francesco Sciaudone wraps up the day with a summary of the discussions and previews the next day’s activities 

See more:Global Forum 2024

Agenda of the day:

13:00 – 13:30 | Welcome and Strategic Updates

Introduction by Francesco Sciaudone Overview of the latest developments at Grimaldi Alliance Focus on the successes achieved since the last meetin

13:30 – 16:30 | Areas for Improvement and Growth Opportunities

Discussion on the following areas for improvement: Transition from a national firm to a global alliance in client perception: How can we position ourselves more decisively as a global player in the minds of current and potential clients? Reaching legal multinational companies: Strategies to connect with and work with large multinational corporations Increasing referrals and exchanges between member firms: How can we enhance collaboration and referral flow within the alliance to boost shared business? Entering or expanding into new markets where there is a demand for specialized legal services Exploring opportunities for new service offerings or legal products that could attract a wider client base Identifying legal tech solutions that could improve efficiency, client service, and internal collaboration Suggesting tools or methods to improve internal communication and foster a sense of community within the Alliance

Open discussion: gathering specific feedback and suggestions16:30 – 16:45 | Break16:45 – 18:30 | Conclusions and Next StepsSummary of the proposed ideas

Definition of an action plan with short- and long-term objectives Identification of immediate priorities for the upcoming year Allocation of resources and responsibilities to address the areas for improvement

See more:Global Forum 2024