A notable feature of recent mergers and acquisitions activity has included venture capital investment and this has become in Italy a growing source of funds for companies in both the early stage and the development stage. It has not yet grown to become a major source but the positive trend has suggested the need for a dedicated team of Private Equity professionals. The Team in Italy comprises of lawyers and tax professionals with in depth of knowledge in each of the specialist fields required in the course of a private equity transaction, including specialists in banking, employment, competition law, property, intellectual property, information technology, tax and pensions law.