Leading Italian independent Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners has launched a combined China and India group, as the firm looks set to develop its Asian presence.

The firm yesterday (1 March) announced the formation of the new ‘Chindia’ group, which will be based in Rome and headed by senior associate Francesca Cesca. Cesca, who joined the firm in January, spent several years in China with magic circle giant Clifford Chance.