CMS > Lisbon, Portugal > Firm Profile
CMS Offices
Rua Castilho, 50
1250-071 Lisbon
Portugal
CMS > The Legal 500 Rankings
Portugal > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Benefiting from the firm’s international network, the dispute resolution team at CMS is often engaged in major domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes, covering M&A, concessions, commercial matters and construction projects. Highly regarded for its expertise in the banking sector, the group is a popular choice for financial institutions seeking assistance with litigation and arbitration involving securities, derivatives and other financial products. Led by Miguel Esperança Pina and Nuno Pena, the department has extensive experience in handling international arbitration proceedings, especially ICC arbitration. Esperança Pina is a key contact for civil and commercial disputes in the telecoms, real estate, financial services and energy sectors, and Pena handles corporate, banking and civil litigation. Rita Gouveia focuses on complex disputes involving financial transactions, commercial contracts and M&A, and is a member of the executive committee of the National Arbitration Commission of ICC Portugal. Another key lawyer is senior associate Cristina Rogado.Practice head(s):
Nuno Pena; Miguel Esperança Pina
Other key lawyers:
Rita Gouveia; Andrea Baptista; Cristina Rogado
Testimonials
‘Quick analysis of clients’ needs. Availability, easy communication, direct contact with lawyers.’
‘Premium facilities, responsibility and professional.’
‘Miguel Esperança Pina is experienced, provides legal certainty and has the ability to analyse clients’ needs and high technical capacity. Andrea Baptista is recommended for her work capacity, experience and legal knowledge.’
‘The team led by Miguel Esperança Pina has a very deep knowledge of arbitration proceedings and a very pragmatic approach in disputes.’
‘Miguel Esperança Pina leads his team and always provides excellent advice.’
Key clients
Unitel, SA
Guiatur
África Fertilizantes
Barclays Bank Plc
Goldman Sachs International
Blue Tagus Advisory, Lda
EDP Gestão da Produção de Energia, SA
AM48
Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP)
Davidson Kempner European Partners
Knorr-Bremse España, SA
KMS – Motorcycle Shop, Lda
Uria & Menéndez Abogados, S.L.P. (Portuguese branch)
GALP Energia, SGPS, S.A.’s Gas Concessionaires and REN´Gas Concessionaire
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Mercedes-Benz Portugal, SA
Work highlights
- Successfully represented EDP – Gestão da Produção de Energia in arbitration proceedings against the Portuguese state related to the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
- Acted for Unitel, the Angola telecoms company, in multi-jurisdictional litigation against a Dutch company held by Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of the former Angolan President.
- Assisted GALP Energia Gas Concessionaires and REN Gas Concessionaire in litigation procedures against ERSE, the Portuguese regulator for the gas sector.
Portugal > Employment Tier 1
At CMS, the employment and pensions is highly regarded for its expertise in large restructuring and redundancy programmes as well as union negotiations. Clients also turn to the team for advice on pension matters, disciplinary proceedings, immigration matters and labour disputes. The group is the first port of call for major domestic and international companies across the aviation, healthcare, financial services and automotive sectors, among others. Noted for her experience in collective bargaining negotiations and collective dismissal proceedings, Susana Afonso co-leads the practice with Sofia Mateus, who excels in pension fund matters, employment litigation and disciplinary measures. Another key lawyer is João Paulo Gomes, who heads the Madeira office and handles employment contracts, restructuring programmes and arbitration cases.
Practice head(s):
Susana Afonso; Sofia Mateus
Other key lawyers:
João Gomes; Catarina Gil Jorge; Leonor Barata da Cunha; Carlota Jardim; Margarida Rosenbusch
Testimonials
‘It is an office with broad expertise. It has very competent professionals.’
‘Great rigour and attention to detail. Advice based on in-depth knowledge of the legislation applicable to our sector. In addition, the team knows our company very well.’
‘Margarida Rosenbusch is very insightful, has a very comprehensive knowledge of labour laws and above all is a person with great people skills.’
‘I emphasise the speed in responding to requests made within the scope of labour legislation and beyond, as well as the competence and rigour inherent in each work presented. I highlight Catarina Gil Jorge as an outstanding lawyer for her competence, commitment and dedication.’
‘Catarina Gil Jorge and Leonor Barata da Cunha are recommended.’
‘Collaboration and availability are exceptional whenever needed.’
‘João Gomes is recommended for his ability to argue, his vision and anticipation of issues. Válter Diogo Dias is recommended for his negotiation and persuasion skills.’
‘Carlota Jardim is a promising lawyer, with great attention to detail in the legal analysis.’
Key clients
Monese
Audatex
Armatis
Birkenstock
Altice Group
Millennium BCP
Banco Santander
QATAR Airways
Angelini Group
Mylan
Generis
ABANCA Corporación
Portway – Handling Portugal
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal
L’ORÉAL
DSV Transports And Logistcs
Takeda
Carestream
Grupo Nabeiro
Work highlights
- Advised Millennium BCP on the restructuring process of its retail banking services and its central services.
- Assisted Banco Santander in several legal matters, including legal actions, meetings with the employees’ committee and its restructuring process.
- Acted for Altice Group on its restructuring process in Portugal, which includes a collective dismissal involving 246 employees.
Portugal > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
The energy and climate change team at CMS is highly experienced across all sub-sectors of the energy market, including natural gas, electricity and renewables. Acting for domestic and international companies, the group excels in the implementation of energy projects, regulatory matters, M&A, litigation against public bodies, and cross-border transactions. Co-head of the practice and ‘strong relationship partner’ Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is sought after to advise on high-value projects in emerging markets and arbitration proceedings against governments. Fellow joint practice head Manuel Cassiano Neves was made partner in January 2022 and balances a broad practice, spanning environmental compliance, public tender procedures, administrative litigation and energy projects. Recently promoted partner Bernardo Cunha Ferreira has considerable experience in cross-border solar power projects and M&A.Practice head(s):
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco; Manuel Cassiano Neves
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Team with specialised know-how in the sector and multidisciplinary expertise. I also highlight the international network that CMS has, which allows the sharing of experiences and knowledge.’
‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is well known in Portugal, which is always a benefit to the client when she interacts with counterparties. She is assertive and objective. Manuel Cassiano Neves has an in-depth knowledge of legislations. Bernardo Cunha Ferreira is very professional, diligent and client oriented. Excellent at listening and understanding the client’s needs. Very objective in their interventions. Problem solvers.’
‘Manuel Cassiano Neves is a lawyer with deep knowledge of the sector and extremely available.’
‘The CMS energy team led by Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is very consistent in the way it approaches the issues and reveals a deep knowledge of the energy sector in Portugal, being an asset when dealing with issues of relevant complexity. Topics are handled efficiently and with a strong understanding of the client’s needs.’
‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco should be highlighted for her strong leadership and for being able to foster in the team members a deep knowledge of the energy sector and a client-oriented culture.’
‘Excellent cross-jurisdictional knowledge in relation to energy market and renewable sector regulation. Good internal coordination, allowing for a comprehensive service.’
‘Manuel Cassiano Neves offers excellent client service and dedicated attention. Great project management skills. She listens to the clients’ instructions. Monitoring of fees and good communication.’
‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is a strong relationship partner.’
Key clients
GreenVolt
Miio
OMIP
Swen Capital Partners SA
Ventient
RPower
Lightsource BP
EDP Group
Aquila Capital
Repsol
Acciona
Helexia Portugal
REN Group
Galp Group
Work highlights
- Assisted EDP in winning arbitration proceedings against the Portuguese state related to the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
- Advised Lightsource BP on legal and regulatory matters regarding its activity in Portugal.
- Acted for Greenvolt on matters related to its entrance in the self-consumption market.
Portugal > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
CMS has a loyal following of multinationals and domestic companies from a variety of sectors, such as aviation, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and distribution, and also continues to attract new clients. Drawing on the firm’s wider global footprint, the team is ‘able to advise on transactions involving different jurisdictions‘, ranging from M&A to private equity deals, privatisations, reorganisations and strategic alliances. João Caldeira, a key point of contact for international clients seeking assistance in M&A, joint ventures and corporate finance, leads the team alongside Francisco Xavier de Almeida, whose areas of activity cover restructurings, distressed assets and NPL transactions, and Fernando Cruz Trinca, who focuses on commercial contracts and regulatory issues. Alberto Galhardo Simões is the Lisbon-based partner to note for cross-border deals involving Lusophone Africa, while Margarida Vila Franca is particularly seasoned in transactions taking place in the energy and natural resources segments. Tiago Valente de Oliveira was welcomed to the partnership in February 2023.Practice head(s):
João Caldeira; Francisco Xavier de Almeida; Fernando Cruz Trinca
Other key lawyers:
Margarida Vila Franca; Alberto Galhardo Simões; Nuno Alves Mansilha; Tiago Valente de Oliveira
Testimonials
‘It is an international team able to advise on transactions involving different jurisdictions. They are fast and very efficient. CMS team stands out from other competitors in the industry in knowledge and involvement.’
‘Nuno Alves Mansilha and Francisco Xavier de Almeida have always been up to the task. CMS Portugal coordinated perfectly with CMS Spain, advising on M&A transactions and showing fantastic negotiation skills.’
Key clients
Swen Capital Partners SA
UBS Asset Management
Ventient
Amazon
Equistone Partners Europe
Lightsource BP
Magenwirth Technologies GmbH
Secil
SDCL- Sustainable Development Capital LLP
Aquila Capital
Crest Capital Partners
Vinci Energies, S.A.
VINCI Highways
Grupo Cardoso
Qover
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal
Keller Williams (Portugal)
Generis
Satepor – Indústria De Travessas De Betão
Work highlights
- Assisted Vinci Highways in the exercise of its pre-emption right in the acquisition of a stake of 17.21% of the share capital of Lusoponte – Concessionária para a Travessia do Tejo.
- Advised Equistone on all Portuguese law issues related to the acquisition of a majority stake in Gardengate.
- Advised Crest II – Fundo de Capital de Risco on the acquisition of a majority stake in the share capital of a company in the bath furniture segment by a private equity fund.
Portugal > EU and competition Tier 2
Singled out for its 'availability', 'innovative proposals' and 'solid knowledge' of competition and EU law matters, CMS acts for an impressive roster of Portuguese and international clients active in highly regulated markets, most notably energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, TMT and consumer goods. With the ability to represent both defendants and claimants in antitrust proceedings before the PCA, the team is seasoned in cases involving cartels, abuses of dominant position, vertical and horizontal agreements. Merger control work also features on the group's portfolio overseen by the 'excellent' Luís Miguel Romão, whose areas of expertise include competition litigation, antitrust compliance issues and State Aid. Associate Ana Cantanhede Gonçalves, who previously worked at the PCA, is also noted for her experience in antitrust and cartel cases.
Practice head(s):
Luís Miguel Romão
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Proximity, experience and solid knowledge of the subject, availability, flexibility and innovative proposals.’
‘Luís Miguel Romão – Excellent professional with extensive experience in the area and great quality and personal skills. Ana Cantanhede Gonçalves – Professional with enormous dedication and responsibility, with great potential for evolution and very solid support.’
‘A 100% available team, oriented to the client’s needs. It is noted that the ultimate goal, in addition to defending the interests of the client, is to understand their needs and peculiarities. It distinguishes itself from other companies, as it has a humble team, whose interest is not to stand out as individuals, but to work as a team on behalf of the client, accepting their suggestions and opinions.’
‘The CMS team was able to learn about a process already underway, taking on a difficult defence within a very tight deadline.’
‘The partner Luís Miguel Romão was extraordinarily available and diligently involved in the search for information and coordination of a group of co-parties.’
‘Luís Miguel Romão: lawyer with a lot of experience and a deep knowledge of the market.’
Key clients
Liga Portugal
Knorr-Bremse España, S.A.
Keller Williams
Accenture Portugal
Lidl Portugal
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
L’oréal Portugal
Goldman Sachs International
Betclic
MOP – Multimédia Outdoors Portugal
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal S.A.
Essilor Luxottica Portugal
Mercedes-Benz Group Ag, Mercedes-Benz Ag And Mercedez-Benz Portugal
Work highlights
- Advising Liga Portugal and 19 football clubs on the first “no-poach” agreement.
- Advising Accenture with respect to an anticompetitive agreement in pay-TV services, in which the PCA is developing the ‘third party facilitation’ theory.
- Assisting Lidl in its alleged participation in a ‘hub-and-spoke’ cartel, including more recently in drafting and filing a judicial appeal against the PCA’s infringement decision.
Portugal > Intellectual property Tier 2
CMS advises a roster of national and international clients on the full spectrum of transactional, advisory and contentious IP matters. Led by European patent attorney José Luís Arnaut, whose practice covers patents, trade marks, domain names, new technologies and competition law, the department has extensive experience in IP filing, prosecution and enforcement. João Leitão Figueiredo is well versed in the drafting, negotiation and termination of IP contracts as well as contentious matters. Another key name is counsel Miguel Quintans, who excels in the management of large IP portfolios.Practice head(s):
José Luís Arnaut
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The service provided in the area of intellectual property is impeccable. Proactive and excellent response timing.’
‘Dedication, knowledge and clarifications.’
‘Miguel Quintans and José Luís Arnaut are recommended for their speed and knowledge.’
Key clients
Imperial Tobacco Ltd
Delta Cafés (Nabeiro Group)
Bensaude Group
SANRIO Co., Ltd
Stevens Hewlett & Perkins
Wonlegal International Intellectual Property Agent Co., Ltd
Amorim Group
Super Bock Group
EDP Group
Altice Group
Danone
LVMH Group
Richemont Group
L’ORÉAL
Generis
DanCake
Maximo Zanetti Beverage Iberia
Clarins Group
Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal
Work highlights
- Advised Galp Group on IP enforcement, prosecution and brand protection.
- Acted for Super Bock Group in counterfeiting matters related to the SUPER BOCK trade mark, both in Portugal and in China, and the management of its trade mark portfolio worldwide.
- Assisted EDP group with its rebranding in Portugal.
Portugal > Tax Tier 2
CMS fields ‘a very hands-on team with deep knowledge of the often complicated and opaque tax regimes in Portugal‘. The team acts on a raft of internationally significant matters, with a special focus on the structuring of transactions, including M&A, private equity, financings, capital markets deals, and project development. Advising on all fronts of tax law, the practice is also a popular destination for clients engaged in tax disputes before judicial and arbitration courts. Transfer pricing and wealth management work also feature on the team’s portfolio. Practice head Patrick Dewerbe is especially renowned for his transactional tax planning and litigation credentials, where he acts for private clients and corporates from the worlds of real estate, energy and financial services. Nuno Figueirôa Santos ‘is a fantastic tax partner‘, and especially sought out by private equity funds in relation to investments and financing deals. Susana Estêvão Gonçalves is no longer at the firm.Practice head(s):
Patrick Dewerbe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very hands on team with deep knowledge of the often complicated and opaque tax regimes in Portugal. Always willing to go the extra mile to find a solution that works from a legal as well as a commercial stand point.’
‘Nuno Figueirôa Santos is a fantastic tax partner. He is always available for his clients. He follows through with accountants, tax authorities, and other operators. Always looking for the best possible solution while mitigating risks.’
‘The reason that we love working with CMS is due to their capacity of finding solutions to any problem. I find that no matter the difficulty of the case, solutions are always found. The lawyers work around the clock and are available to answer any of our questions.’
‘Nuno Figueirôa Santos is truly the best tax advisor I’ve ever met! I’ve never met a tax lawyer that can find such good solutions and that has a way of explaining them in calmest and clearest way.’
‘I recommend Patrick Dewerbe and Nuno Figueirôa Santos.’
‘Patrick Dewerbe: He is one of the most experienced tax lawyers in the market. Nuno Figueirôa Santos: He is technically solid and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
GreenVolt
Equistone Partners Europe
R. Power Investment BV
Ventient Energy S.àr.l
Insula Capital SGOIC
Swen Capital Partners SA
Real Hotels Group
BP Energy
SIMI – Sociedade Internacional de Montagens Industriais, S.A.
Aquila Capital
Davidson Kempner European Partners
Crest Capital Partners
Barclays Bank Plc
Several Corporate Clients
CEPSA
Ricoh Portugal, Unipessoal Lda
FundBox
STAG Fund Management
Lince Capital
La Banque Postale Leasing & Factoring
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A
Atena Equity Partners
Banque Degroof Petercam Luxembourg S.A.
Astara Group
Work highlights
- Advising Equistone on the tax aspects related to the acquisition of a majority stake in Gardengate, a manufacturer of aluminium gates and doors.
- Advising Swen Capital Partners on the tax structuring of the REGA ENERGY GROUP SA acquisition related to the capitalisation structure (issuance of bonds) and Tax Due Diligence.
- Assisting Aquila in the tax due diligence of the targets/projects in which it invested as well as on the tax structuring of the acquisitions.
Portugal > Banking and finance Tier 3
Domestic and foreign banks, multilateral institutions and borrowers turn to CMS for assistance in the spectrum of financing transactions and banking regulatory matters. The team has been increasingly busy advising funds on the sale and acquisition of NPL portfolios and related litigation, and remains active in acquisition finance, debt work-out transactions, cross-border factoring deals and lending in the real estate space. Practice head António Payan Martins is singled out for his ‘experience and knowledge of complex finance deals‘; he specialises in structured products, corporate finance and distressed assets. Key support is offered by Francisco Xavier de Almeida and senior associate Filipa Gaspar Branco, both of whom have significant experience in NPL deals.
Practice head(s):
António Payan Martins
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘António Payan Martins has a lot experience and knowledge of complex finance deals, which is often hard to find outside of the main financial centres.’
‘António Payan Martins is great. Best finance lawyer in Portugal!’
Key clients
Norinchukin Bank
LCM Partners
Erste Bank
Bybrook Capital LLP
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Klarna Bank AB
WElink Finance 2 limited
Deutsche Bank AG
Goldman Sachs
Davidson Kempner Partners
Galp Group
Work highlights
- Advising LCM Partners on its bid for the acquisition of Pools 56 and 57 Portfolios.
- Advising Davidson Kempneron its bid for the acquisition of the Harvey Portfolio.
- Assisting the Bel Group in the setting up of an international trade receivables securitisation transaction.
Portugal > Capital markets Tier 3
CMS's capital markets group is highly involved in domestic and cross-border capital markets mandates, advising investment banks, international financial institutions, asset managers and large corporates on a host of transactional mandates. Debt capital markets work, including green and sustainable bond issuances, is a core focus for the group, which is able to draw on other strong practices within the firm, and provide ancillary expertise in the context of M&A, private equity, financial services regulatory issues and privatisations. Francisco Xavier de Almeida, whose notable areas of practice include bond issuances, takeover bids and NPL deals, spearheads the department, which also features Margarida Vila Franca, a key contact for public offerings and transactions involving the energy sector.Practice head(s):
Francisco Xavier de Almeida
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Catella
Swen Capital Partners SA
Equistone Partners Europe
Société Générale
WElink Energy
Aquila Capital
Barclays Bank Plc
Caixa – Banco de Investimento (CaixaBI)
CPPIB
Goldman Sachs
Work highlights
- Advising Aquila Capital Group on the issuance of bonds registered at Interbolsa.
- Advising JLMs on Portuguese law matters.
- Advising Equistone and the issuer on the issuance of convertible bonds.
Portugal > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3
Led by José Luís Arnaut, the data protection team at CMS often acts for large domestic and multinational companies from a wide range of industries, most notably technology, healthcare, retail, life sciences and energy. The group is noted for its wealth of experience advising on cross-border compliance projects, data transfers, privacy policy matters and GDPR work. Arnaut is especially sought after to handle the implementation of compliance projects. Another key practitioner is João Leitão Figueiredo, who excels in contentious, transactional and regulatory data protection matters.Practice head(s):
José Luís Arnaut
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Fromageries Bel
Galp Group
Delta Cafés (Nabeiro Group)
Bensaude Group
Essilor Luxottica Portugal
DaVita Group
Angelini Group
Solera Group (Audatex)
SRT Group (Stuart)
NAV Portugal
DOUGLAS GmbH
EDP Group
IKEA
Work highlights
- Advised all companies of GALP Group on a daily basis on data protection and privacy matters.
- Acted for all companies of Bensaude Group on a daily basis on data protection and privacy, and compliance matters.
- Assisted all companies of Nabeiro Group (Delta Cafés) on a daily basis in data protection and privacy compliance matters in Portugal, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Angola and Brazil.
Portugal > Insolvency and restructuring Tier 3
At CMS, the restructuring and insolvency team features specialists from a wide range of practice areas, covering banking and finance, litigation, M&A and tax, among others. Acting for the whole range of stakeholders in restructuring and insolvency matters, including banks, distressed investors, companies and private equity firms, the group excels in transactional work and cross-border matters. With more than 20 years of experience in civil, commercial, corporate and banking litigation, Nuno Pena has a strong track record in restructuring and cross-border insolvency disputes. He co-heads the practice alongside Miguel Esperança Pina, who focuses on judicial and extrajudicial proceedings. Other key practitioners include litigation and arbitration expert Rita Gouveia and António Payan Martins, who advises on transactions involving distressed assets and non-performing loans. Diogo Castanheira Pereira left the firm in June 2022.Practice head(s):
Nuno Pena; Miguel Esperança Pina
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Davidson Kempner European Partners
Goldman Sachs
Banco de Fomento Internacional SA
Multiparques A Céu Aberto
GCC Lisboa – Gestão De Centros Comerciais (GCC Picoas)
Ondas & Neblinas Lda
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
Bank of America
Coelima, SA
Bybrook Capital LLP
Imoholding
PALMELA SUMMER, S.A., SPV from the Discovery Real Estate Fund, SICAV-FIS
ROYAL SUMMER, S.A., SPV from the Discovery Real Estate Fund, SICAV-FIS
SUMMER Ria, S.A., SPV from the Discovery Real Estate Fund, SICAV-FIS
Work highlights
- Advised Goldman Sachs International on a clawback claim filed by joint liquidators of Banco Espírito Santo.
- Acted for Davidson Kempner European Partners in the acquisition of five NPL portfolios with total outstanding balance of more than €3bn.
- Assisted Bybrook Capital in the acquisition of NPL and REO portfolios with a total outstanding balance of more than €150m.
Portugal > Planning law Tier 3
The planning law team at CMS advises on all phases of urban development operations, from allotment matters to the expansion and rehabilitation of buildings. The group is a popular choice among domestic and international companies and asset management firms and has a wealth of experience in real estate and tourism planning-related matters. Notable for her track record in major urban operations and environmental planning, Sara de Almeida Barroso oversees the practice.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Efficient, precise, well-elaborated reports and a clear understanding of the planning processes in Portugal.’
‘Sara de Almeida Barroso is an extremely effective communicator, who lays out the issues in a simple and clear manner. A great assistance for good decision making.’
‘Reliable, proactive and thorough.’
‘Commitment, professionalism and ethics demonstrated in all phases of the project.’
‘In particular, I would like to highlight Sara de Almeida Barroso for her assertiveness and competence demonstrated throughout the entire process.’
‘Invoicing is clear and detailed.’
‘Professionalism.’
Key clients
ANACAP
Aquila Capital
Atenor SA
Bondstone
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Davidson Kempner Partners
Duchess Developments
Elegant Group
Estoril Capital Partners
Estoril Sol
EUNEA Investments
Finangeste
Jackyll
Lidl Portugal
Key Lavra, Unipessoal Lda
Martinhal Group
Optylon
RAN CAPITAL
SIL Group
SILVIP
United Lisbon Education Hub
Work highlights
- Advised United Lisbon International School on all the urban planning and licensing procedures to implement a complex of student residences, itech company offices, academies of fine arts, and music and language schools.
- Acted for Finangeste in the acquisition of the shopping centre Dolce Vita Miraflores and its rehabilitation and development.
- Assisted Jackyl in the urban licensing of the Aquaterra project, a shopping and leisure centre in Santa Cruz, Oeiras.
Portugal > Projects and project finance Tier 3
The 'very dedicated' projects and infrastructure team at CMS is singled out for its 'professionalism, work capacity and efficiency'. Focused on transactional work involving infrastructure and energy projects, the group regularly acts for large companies and lenders seeking legal guidance in the financing and development of projects in Portugal and abroad. Noted for its experience in mandates involving Lusophone Africa, the team is often seen advising on projects in the renewables segment - including the financing of wind farms and solar plants - and in the Portuguese transport sector. António Payan Martins, a finance specialist, has recently led several project finance matters involving Angola. Alberto Galhardo Simões is further highlighted for his experience in Africa; he assists multilaterals, construction companies and financial institutions throughout all stages of a project. Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is a reference in the energy market; she brings together strong regulatory expertise and wide knowledge of financing agreements.Practice head(s):
António Payan Martins
Other key lawyers:
Alberto Galhardo Simões; Mónica Carneiro Pacheco; Joana Brito Paulo
Testimonials
‘The Projects team reveals a strong knowledge of the sector. Through its international network of offices, they are able to handle multi-jurisdictional issues whenever they arise.’
‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is fully available to address relevant issues, always presenting solidly based solutions that represent added value for the client.’
‘The CMS project team is very dedicated, presenting a high level of legal quality, professionalism, work capacity and efficiency. The work carried out by this team demonstrates and reflects the legal and business knowledge of its members, presenting objective, efficient and clear solutions, indicating risks and pointing out alternatives, always working and in collaboration with clients in order to find the best solutions for the problems posed and in a very structured way.’
‘The entire team that works under Mónica Carneiro Pacheco stands out for its professionalism, dedication, quality of work presented, efficiency and trust.’
‘Very complete team, with broad competences. They work very closely and are able to promote decisions and understandings very quickly.’
‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco – high reference in the sector in Portugal. She has unparalleled knowledge of the legislation, the players and the market. Assertiveness and objectivity.’
Key clients
Sun Africa LLC
Gemcorp
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal
VINCI Airports
Caixa de Crédito Agrícola
Work highlights
- Advised Sun Africa on a project to design, finance, build and operate seven solar power plants in Angola.
- Acted EDP in the winning arbitration proceeding against the Portuguese State related to the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
- Assisted Vinci Airports in the project finance, drafting and negotiation regarding the Concessionaire’s Alternative to the Cape Verde Airport.
Portugal > Public law Tier 3
CMS‘s public law practice acts for a roster of large domestic and international clients from across a wide range of industries, most notably banking, media, transportation, energy and infrastructure. Companies turn to the team for assistance in competition law matters, administrative and judicial litigation, concessions and public procurement issues, among others. The group is led by the ‘excellent’ Gonçalo Guerra Tavares, who has extensive experience advising on complex arbitration cases and construction projects. He works alongside managing associate António Magalhães Menezes, who focuses on public procurement and administrative law.Practice head(s):
Gonçalo Guerra Tavares
Other key lawyers:
António Magalhães e Menezes
Testimonials
‘The CMS team always responds immediately and in a very professional manner.’
‘Gonçalo Guerra Tavares and António Magalhães e Menezes are both excellent professionals. I highlight their availability, experience and technical knowledge.’
Key clients
Inspire Capital Atlantic – Sociedade de Investimento e Consultadoria, Lda
Vinci Energies, SA
Cascais Envolvente – Gestão Social da Habitação, EM, SA
Knorr-Bremse España, SA
Sun Africa LLC
Gemcorp
Goldman Sachs
REN Group
Endesa – Energia, Sucursal em Portugal
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal SA
TVI
Futrifer, SA
Ricoh, SA
MOP – Multimédia Outdoors Portugal
EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency)
Betclic
Beckman Coulter
Avanza Group
LNEC (National Laboratory for Civil Engineering)
Work highlights
- Advised Goldman Sachs on administrative proceedings related to the resolution of BES and the decision of the Bank of Portugal to transfer back to BES the loan extended by Oak Finance.
- Assisted REN Group on a day-to-day basis with procurement procedures for the award of public works, supply and service contracts and pre-litigation proceedings.
- Acted for MOP – Multimédia Outdoors Portugal in public tender and concession matters.
Portugal > Real estate and construction Tier 4
CMS‘s real estate practice acts for domestic and international companies, financial institutions and asset managers. The group is particularly skilled in acquisitions, ownership structures and usage rights matters, and is co-led by João Pinheiro da Silva and Luís Abreu Coutinho. Pinheiro da Silva is highly experienced in transactions involving large hotels, offices and shopping centres, while Abreu Coutinho is seasoned in the development of major projects for industrial and commercial use.Practice head(s):
João Pinheiro da Silva; Luís Abreu Coutinho
Testimonials
‘The real estate team stands out in terms of collaboration between its lawyers.’
‘I’d highlight João Pinheiro da Silva and Sandra Teixeira Arsénio.’
Key clients
Parquesoles Inmobiliaria Y Proyectos – Investimentos Imobiliários, SA (Vía Célere Group)
Douro-Atlantico – Sociedade Imobiliária SA (Vía Célere Group)
BPI Gestão De Ativos – Sociedade Gestora De Organismos De Investimento Coletivo, SA
GreenVolt
EUNEA Investments
Lince Capital SCR SA
Davidson Kempner European Partners LLP
Aquila Capital
Tesla
Davita Group
Finangeste
Catella
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
Work highlights
- Advised BPI Gestão de Ativos on the acquisition of the majority of the accommodation units of the Hotel Intercontinental Estoril from Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Fechado Turístico II.
- Advised Finangeste on the acquisition of a major urban building located in Porto.
- Acted for Catella European Residential Fund (CER) in its first venture into the Portuguese investment market for student housing, with the acquisition of an asset in Cascais.
Portugal > TMT Tier 5
CMS is instructed by a broad roster of leading domestic and international companies from the technology, advertising, telecoms, gaming, media and transport industries. The group is adept in M&A, software licensing, sponsorship contracts, data protection and litigation. Noted for his significant expertise in IP and IT contracts, João Leitão Figueiredo heads the team.Practice head(s):
José Luís Arnaut
Key clients
Solera Group (Audatex)
SRT Group (Stuart)
RTB House
Inveready
Comcast & Paramount Global
Galp Group
Super Bock Group
Bensaude Group
Essilor Luxottica Portugal
DaVita Group
EDP Group
Delta Cafés (Nabeiro Group)
Infor Global Solutions
NAV Portugal
Thales Group
Axians
Angelini Group
Work highlights
- Advised SRT Group (Stuart) on its incorporation in Portugal and related licensing and compliance matters.
- Acted for Solera Group (Audatex) on the restructuring of its business in Portugal and related data protection and advertising matters.
- Assisted Super Bock Group in monitoring advertising campaigns and related consumer law and advertising matters.
Angola > Foreign firms Tier 2
At CMS, the Angola group is part of the firm’s wider Lusophone Africa team, which works in association with Luanda-based law firm LBR Advogados to provide clients with a full-service offering. Prominent in the energy, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure and transportation industries, the practice is highly rated for its ‘unique knowledge of the Angolan and Portuguese tax environment, which allows clients to structure cross-border projects in a tax efficient way’. Notable for his extensive experience advising on project finance and M&A, Alberto Galhardo Simões co-heads the team with Nuno Alves Mansilha, whose practice covers cross-border matters, foreign exchange issues and commercial contracts.Practice head(s):
Alberto Galhardo Simões; Nuno Alves Mansilha
Other key lawyers:
Maria Figueiredo
Testimonials
‘The CMS team is very creative and has unique knowledge of the Angolan and Portuguese tax environment, which allows clients to structure cross-border projects in a tax efficient way.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable regarding tax matters in the oil and gas sector and in emerging markets.’
‘Maria Figueiredo is always available. Her creativity and broad network in Angola and Portugal are impressive. She really partners with her clients and lets them know if there are any opportunities to optimise their operations. She also provides very good tax trainings.’
Key clients
Endiama E.P
Secil
Kinda Home
Maersk Drilling
Hilton
The HALO Trust
Enterprise Philippe Lassarat
Bumi Armada
ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG
Mota Engil Angola
Bechtel
Sun Africa LLC
BP Energy
Ferpinta
Sanlam
Clariant
ZTE Corporation
Bureau Veritas
Saipem SA
Work highlights
- Assisted Sun Africa with an energy project.
- Advised BP Energy on Angolan law aspects of a merger with ENI’s Angolan oil and gas businesses.
- Acted for Secil Angola on the sale of its 51% stake in its Angolan subsidiary Secil Lobito.
Mozambique > Foreign law firms
CMS > Firm Profile
Firm profile: We are part of the CMS global team, a world leader in the ranking of the Top 10 Global Law Firms with in-depth local knowledge and local experience in over 40 countries.
Clients from CMS Portugal benefit from the experience, the legal know-how, the deep knowledge of several sectors in the industry and also an international coverage, unique in Portugal, that allows us to provide a truly global service with a rapid response capacity.
The high standards required by the digital and traditional world are transforming the markets and boosting new business models. At CMS we provide a monitoring focused on the client, anticipating the market tendencies in order to develop quick and efficient solutions in the face of constant challenges.
Our office has been active for nearly 50 years combining an international outlook with deep local roots. CMS lawyers are recognized leaders in the field and ranked by the most prestigious international directories.
CMS, the largest organization of law firms in Europe, aims to be the best European organization for legal services, capable of providing legal and tax advice of undisputed quality and agility.
The unique way in which CMS is organized provides its clients with high quality and consistent advice that is absolutely client-focused and coordinated across borders.
CMS is present in 74 cities, 44 countries.
Main areas of practice: CMS offers a wide range of expertise through 19 practice area and sector groups, providing advice on local, national and international issues. These expert groups are firmly established across CMS.
- Antitrust, competition and trade
- Banking and finance
- Commercial
- Consumer products
- Corporate/M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Employment and pensions
- Energy and climate change
- Funds
- Hotels and leisure
- Infrastructure and projects
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Life sciences and healthcare
- Private equity
- Public procurement
- Real estate
- Tax
- Technology, media and communications
Clients: The firm’s clients include large and mid-sized companies, banks, public, national and multinational institutions active in Portugal or conducting cross-border business. They include several important national and multinational enterprises, operating in industries ranging from energy, oil and gas, renewables, construction, steel, automotive, car rental, transportation, pharmaceuticals and electronics, to general and credit insurance, brokerage and banking. It also represents a number of public entities and private individuals.
CMS: Founded in 1999, CMS is an integrated, multi-jurisdictional organisation of law firms that offers full-service legal and tax advice. With 70+ offices in 40+ countries across the world, employing over 5,000 lawyers, CMS has longstanding expertise both at advising in its local jurisdictions and across borders. CMS offers specialist, business-focused advice to clients – from major multinationals and mid-caps to enterprising start-ups – operating in complex business and constantly changing regulatory environments.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner | José Luís Arnaut | joseluis.arnaut@cmsportugal.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 100+ Number of partners : 25+Languages
English French German Italian PortugueseOther
Other offices : Funchal Other offices : LuandaLegal Briefings
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CMS’s John O’Connor and Harkee Wilson discuss the challenges and issues businesses face operating in the UAE and investigate some of the recent changes in the business environment.
Comparative Guides
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United Arab Emirates: Advertising & Marketing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Ben GibsonKhiloni JobanputraJaleela JohnsonEve Brady
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Advertising & Marketing laws and regulations applicable in United Arab Emirates.
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United Kingdom: Advertising & Marketing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Tom ScourfieldStuart Helmer
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Advertising & Marketing laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
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Italy: Advertising & Marketing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Paola GhezziGiulia Tomassini
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Advertising & Marketing laws and regulations applicable in Italy.