Linklaters scores a hat-trick in the heartland of ItalyLinklaters & Alliance's Italian member firm, Gianni Origoni & Partners, has opened its third Italian office.Gianni Origoni & Partners already has offices in Rome and Milan.Linklaters described north eastItalian city of Padua - where Clifford Chance already has an office - as 'the backbone of the Italian economy', because of its high concentration of medium and large-sizedItalian companies.Francesco Gianni, managing partner of Gianni Origoni, said: 'The new office in Padua will create a presence for Gianni Origoni & Partners, Linklaters & Alliance in this important manufacturing and industrial area.'Many of the companies based there are household names and have a global presence, but are still privately owned,' he added.'The global trend towards [international public offerings] and mergers & acquisitions is also very tangible in Italy, so the demand for top quality corporate legal services is rapidly increasing.' The new Padua office will open with an initial team of five lawyers, and will be the 36th Linklaters & Alliance office.Anne Mizzi