The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 5

Raposo Bernardo has ‘deep banking knowledge’ and has experience in several Lusophone countries; it provides ‘constructive suggestions for the most complex problems’. ‘Spectacular lawyer’ Nelson Raposo Bernardo heads the team, which acts for Banco Espírito Santo Cabo Verde, Alior Bank, and Banco Keve. It is acting for new client China Development Bank in two financings for projects in Angola.

Within Corporate and M&A, tier 4

‘A firm with a brilliant future’, Raposo Bernardo fields a team of ‘profound connoisseurs’ providing ‘top-quality’ service. It continues to advise Banif Mais Bank as a shareholder of Finibanco regarding Finibanco’s €341m takeover by Banco Montepio-Geral. BES Africa is another key client. The team also advised Toronto-listed Colt Resources on its €10m acquisition of land for a leisure and retreat centre. ‘Skilled negotiator’ Nelson Raposo Bernardo has ‘experience and “bulletproof” confidence in any matter’, and Joana Andrade Correia is ‘superb at solving complex problems’.

Within Dispute resolution, tier 5

The ‘exceptional firm’ of Raposo Bernardo recently represented Banif Mais Bank in debt recovery actions totalling €100m, and advised Teodoro Gomes Alho in litigation relating to its consortium project to build a highway in Poland. Ana Cláudia Rangel is ‘a rare specialist’, and ‘assesses risks properly’.

Within EU and competition, Raposo Bernardo is a third tier firm,

Raposo Bernardo provides ‘accurate advice’, and advises clients from the pharmaceuticals, health, construction and tourism sectors. Sofia Ferreira Enriquez, who is ‘brilliant in court’, is advising Menarini in a price-fixing dispute with the PCA. The team advised Euro Atlantic Airways on competition issues regarding its acquisition of a tourism company.

Within Employment, tier 4

Raposo Bernardo provides ‘answers to complex legal issues in a timely manner’ and ‘focused and technically solid advice’. The ‘very sound’ Abel Sequeira Ferreira is advising tour operator Terra Brazil on restructuring and the termination of 100 employee contracts. Other clients include Manuel Nunes Cash & Carry and LogicWorks. On the contentious side, Ana Cláudia Rangel ‘never gives up on finding a solution to a problem’.

Within Energy and environment, Raposo Bernardo is a third tier firm,

Raposo Bernardo’s ‘dynamic’ team provides ‘tailored advice’ to clients, including advising Self Energy in implementing a new solar PV project in Poland, and Glintt Energy on a 10MW photovoltaic plant. Nelson Raposo Bernardo has ‘an outstanding ability to find solutions for the most complex problems’.

Within Insolvency and restructuring, tier 4

The ‘fantastic’ José Carvalhosa heads Raposo Bernardo’s ‘bright’ group, which advised Cash Converters on the restructuring plan for over 60 Iberian stores, and assisted EU-Steel with its corporate restructuring. Insolvency work includes advising Mega Madeira and Manuel Nunes.

Within Intellectual property, Raposo Bernardo is a third tier firm,

Raposo Bernardo provides ‘technical reliability’ and ‘strategic legal advice’. The ‘very professional’ Alexandra Pereira dos Reis is advising Petchey Leisure Hotels and Resorts on the protection of its Oura Beach brand. The team is advising South African Airways on brand protection in Angola and Cape Verde. Carolina Coelho da Silva joined from an investment bank in October 2010.

Within Project finance, Raposo Bernardo is a third tier firm,

Raposo Bernardo has an excellent reputation for its expertise in Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Nelson Raposo Bernardo is ‘intelligent and poised’, and ‘one of the best negotiators around’. It advised Martifer Group on the financing of a photovoltaic plant in Cape Verde. Other clients include Soares da Costa Group and Viva Power. Joana Andrade Correia provides ‘quick and effective reasoning’ to solve complex problems.

Within Public law, tier 6

At Raposo Bernardo, the ‘reputable’ Nelson Raposo Bernardo is ‘a strategist in any operation’ and is recommended for public procurement. The team is advising Menarini Diagnostics on public procurement issues, and also acts for Efacec and Fomentinvest. Clients appreciate the group’s ‘unique and pragmatic approach’.

Within Real estate, Raposo Bernardo is a third tier firm,

Raposo Bernardo’s ‘experienced team’ provides ‘strong attention to detail and clients’ needs’. Manuel Esteves de Albuquerque is ‘a great real estate practitioner’, and advised Sirona Health Club and Spa on the negotiation and construction of its planned €3.5m health club. Other clients include Colt Resources, ERA Real Estate and Global Fenix.

Within Shipping and transport, Raposo Bernardo is a second tier firm,

Raposo Bernardo’s cohesive and knowledgeable team is experienced in marine insurance, disputes and contracts work. Sofia Ferreira Enriquez is ‘very hardworking’ and ‘an excellent support in any operation’. Enriquez advises major cruise companies, including Princess Cruises, Star Clipper and Royal Caribbean, and also represents insurer Tranquilidade.

Within TMT, tier 4

Abel Sequeira Ferreira heads Raposo Bernardo’s TMT group, which is advising Glintt on all issues relating to its planned expansion in Poland and Spain, and assisting Logicworks in licensing proceedings before ANACOM. Novabase Consulting, Phone House and Diusframi are also clients.

Within Tax, Raposo Bernardo is a third tier firm,

Alexandra Pereira dos Reis and the ‘diligent and insightful’ Joana Andrade Correia provide tax advice at Raposo Bernardo following José Pedroso de Melo’s move to CCA Advogados. Clients include Delta Airlines and Glintt Technologies. Clients rate the group’s ‘extremely prompt responses’, and ‘helpful and informative advice’.