The Legal 500

Within Corporate and M&A, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a third tier firm,

Demonstrating ‘high levels of professionalism’, Gonçalo da Cunha’s team at FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is noted for its ‘deep knowledge’ and ‘effective responses’. The ‘very dedicated and professional’ Pedro Guimarães advised Acxiom on the disposal of its interest in a Portuguese joint venture. Rodrigo Almeida Dias acted for ECS Capital on the sale of publishing house Verbo. Other clients include Logica, Avis and Foot Locker. Nuno Cadima Oliveira is also recommended.

Within Dispute resolution, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a third tier firm,

‘A very well-balanced firm’, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados’ practice is led by Miguel Castelo Branco. The ‘pragmatic’ Rodrigo Almeida Dias provides ‘invaluable legal advice’, and acts for Hewlett-Packard. Miguel Lorena Brito is recommended for public law litigation. Gonçalo da Cunha acted in a dispute relating to a fisheries joint venture in Cuba, and João Marçal Alves is advising Banco Espírito Santo in €30m debt recovery litigation. Among the associates, Patrícia Nunes Borges is ‘committed and effective’, and Rui Tabarra e Castro is also recommended.

Within EU and competition, tier 4

FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados provides ‘fast and accurate responses’ to clients including Sodexo, Renault Trucks, Medinfar, and Sugalidal. The ‘very collaborative and knowledgeable’ Pedro Guimarães has a ‘clear understanding of problems’. Gonçalo da Cunha and associate Pedro Alves da Silva are also recommended.

Within Employment, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a second tier firm,

Gonçalo da Cunha oversees a ‘very good’ employment team at FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados. Pedro Guimarães advises on employment transfers, personnel restructurings and workforce reductions, and is acting for Foot Locker in disciplinary proceedings and terminations of employment contracts. ‘Quick and concise’ associate Alexandra Almeida Mota leads the advisory side of the practice, and acts for Chronopost, Media Capital (PRISA Group), and Bayer. The team demonstrates ‘huge commitment’, and delivers a ‘personal service’.

Within Energy and environment, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a third tier firm,

The ‘very good and efficient’ team at FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados continues to act for REpower Systems and AE&E Lentjes. Miguel Lorena Brito, Miguel Castelo Branco and associate Dora Ribeiro are recommended.

Within Insolvency and restructuring, tier 4

FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados has insolvency, restructuring and debt collection experience. Miguel Castelo Branco leads the team, which acts for Stemcore, Opway and Banco Espírito Santo. Rodrigo Almeida Dias is advising ECS Capital on the acquisition and restructuring of publishing house Verbo. Rui Tabarra e Castro is also recommended.

Within Intellectual property, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a second tier firm,

At FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados, Nuno Cadima Oliveira continues to advise Logica on trade mark, patent and copyright filing and litigation. The firm is also noted for advising on IP protection in Angola.

Within Oporto: Leading commercial firms, tier 4

FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados’ Oporto and Lisbon teams work together to service clients including Casais, Banif and Silos de Leixões. Senior associate Susana Proença is advising an Irish investment group regarding its simultaneous €110m acquisition of three commercial and residential buildings in Oporto.

Within Project finance, tier 4

At FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados, public law practitioner Miguel Lorena Brito is rated for his ‘deep understanding’ and ability to ‘draw objective conclusions’. Brito is advising Portucel Soporcel on matters related to its portfolio of properties in Portugal. Clients include REpower Systems and Angolan construction group Siccal.

Within Public law, tier 4

FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados’ practice is led by Miguel Lorena Brito. A highlight was advising Doosan Lentjes as part of a consortium in an arbitration relating to a waste incineration plan. The team maintains close relations with former practice head Paula Teixeira da Cruz, who is now Portugal’s Minister of Justice.

Within Real estate, tier 4

At FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados, Miguel Castelo Branco is advising Bekinsa Group on the acquisition of several agricultural investment companies. Miguel Lorena Brito advised Innoliva and Olivos Naturales on construction issues relating to the installation of an olive oil plant in Portugal. Luanda-based associate João Robles advises Siccal and Imopway on operations in Angola.

Within TMT, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a third tier firm,

FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados counts Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell and Logica among its clients. Rodrigo Almeida Dias is advising SIBS – Forward Payment Solutions on a software licence and an outsourcing agreement.

Within Tax, FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados is a second tier firm,

At FCB&A – F Castelo Branco & Associados, Diogo Bernardo Monteiro’s team advises on tax restructuring and litigation. Among its work for new clients, it advised HSBC in relation to a $78m financing granted to the Angolan national airline, and also advised BNP Paribas on a $100m financing to the government of Angola.