02
Oct
Strategic consolidation, innovation and increased scrutiny in Italy’s evolving defence sector
Italy’s defence sector is entering a new era. As geopolitical tensions intensify and Europe rethinks its defence posture, Italy is emerging as a pivotal player in the continent’s security architecture. With a defence industry anchored by state-backed giants like Leonardo, Fincantieri, and Avio, and supported by a dynamic network of SMEs, Italy is seeing renewed M&A interest across both core and adjacent defence sectors. This session explores where Italian dealmakers are finding value—and how they’re navigating regulatory scrutiny, modernisation demands, and a growing wave of cross-border interest.
- What defence capabilities and adjacent assets are attracting investor interest? And which sub-sectors are ripe for consolidation (aerospace, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing)?
- How is tech—especially AI and dual-use innovation—reshaping acquisition strategies and the supply chain?
- Regulatory hurdles: From Golden Power to EU-level scrutiny and other regulatory watchpoints
- The evolving role of private equity in a sector traditionally dominated by state and industrial stakeholders
-
SpeakersFrancesca Ricciardi Leveraged Finance and Private Credit Origination Europe Reporter Debtwire
Roberto Italia Chairman Avio
Luca Andrea Frignani Partner Chiomenti
Raffaele Perrone Partner M&A PwC Italy
Andrea Pescatori CEO & Managing Partner Sienna IM Italia
Confirm cancellation
Something went wrong.
An error occurred trying to play the stream. Please reload the page and try again.
CloseSign-up to join the ION Analytics Community to:
- Register for events
- Access market insights
- Download reports
Luca assists Italian and foreign clients with corporate-M&A matters, and in particular with extraordinary transactions and matters relating to company law and business contracts, with a focus on deals involving strategic-industrial investors and private equity funds, and also in relation to listed companies operating in supervised or regulated sectors. Co-Head of the Private M&A Practice Area, member of the International Practice Area, and head of the London office from 2018 to 2024, Luca has, in particular, developed a solid experience in cross-border corporate and M&A transactions, both inbound and outbound on the Italian market, which require an integrated and multidisciplinary expertise, assisting mainly foreign clients or Italian groups with a multinational dimension. Luca has gained a specific experience for manufacturing, aerospace, and defence businesses, and more generally in relation to investments made by private equity players. He is also one of the coordinators of the firm’s activities in the automotive sector. Luca is recognized as a leading lawyer in leading international guides, is a member of various committees and conference co-chairs of the International Bar Association, a past Director and member of theExecutive Committee of Lex Mundi and a member of theInstitutional Group of the European Network.