Watson Farley & Williams has announced that it has advised Humphrey Julian Nokes on the acquisition of a 35,33% shareholding in PRINCIPIA S.G.R. – Società di gestione del risparmio S.p.A., from MAZ&COS Venture S.r.l..

Humphrey Julian Nokes is a venture capitalist and the founder of ETV Capital, which has investments of over £300 million in more than 190 venture capital-backed technology, biotechnology and healthcare companies across Europe.

PRINCIPIA S.G.R. is the leading Italian venture capital firm with an ICT and lifescience investment focus. The company currently manages three investment funds, known as “Principia Fund”, “Principia II” and “Principia III – Health” which have collectively made about 40 “start-up capital” and “expansion capital” (so-called early stage private equity) investments.

WFW advised on the finalisation of shares’ acquisition contract as mentioned above, and on the regulatory aspects of the transaction for the purposes of the advance notice to obtaining permission (nulla osta), under Art.15 of Legislative Decree 58/1998 (TUF).

The WFW Italy team was led by Eugenio Tranchino, partner and Head of Italy, assisted by corporate senior associates Luca Sfrecola and Carlo Cosmelli, and associate Cristina Betti.

PRINCIPIA S.G.R. was assisted by Ettore Scandale, partner of King & Wood Mallesons.