Italian politics may be colourful, but the wider legal and economic legacy of a country led by frequent coalition governments makes for considerable uncertainty

In April 2008, Italy held its third general election this decade, the last being only two years ago. While a change of government may bring a boost to Italy’s economic fortunes it also presents a potential challenge for investors

Italy has finally reached regulation on covered bonds. Covered bonds pay a vital role in Europe’s capital markets. But the new simpler Italian rules aim to encourage the growth of the Italian covered bond market as well as in other parts of Europe

After a long career as Managing Director at one of Italy’s leading industrial groups, Umberto Belluzzo founded Belluzzo&Associati in 1982 and the Firm recently celebrated its 25th anniversary

A fundamental re-writing of Italy’s tax legislation is having a significant impact on tax-planning by the business community, especially in acquisition financing

Filippo Pingue, of Simmons&Simmons in Italy talks to World Finance about the financial climate in Italy and the benefits of mezzanine structured deals

Switzerland’s financial services sector makes a uniquely large contribution to the economy compared with other European countries, accounting for about 12 percent of gross domestic product

Andreas Rötheli and Stefan Eberhard believe that 2007 has been an extremely strong year in terms of M & A activity in Switzerland. Though the current uncertainties on the world capital markets will also have their impact on the Swiss economy

Changes in the tax system could place Germany among Europe’s top competitors for overseas investment, but the native business community wanted more

There were no surprises when London was voted the top city in a recent financial magazine survey ranking European cities of the future. What may have come as a surprise to some is that Flanders is exceedlingly attractive for FDI

The rapid success of specialised investment funds, a flexible and highly tax-efficient structure, is helping Luxembourg broaden its appeal to international investors

Poland, a country experiencing rapid economic growth, and the largest beneficiary of EU funds is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for foreign direct investment (FDI)

Russia’s largest companies are transforming themselves as they grasp expansion opportunities, according to a new report

Zurich and the rest of Switzerland becomes key investment hub, according to survey’s by Ernst & Young and the OECD

Despite Iceland’s tiny population – just 312,000 according to 2006 UN figures – Iceland punches truly above its weight on the international financial arena