Francisco Xavier de Almeida > CMS > Lisbon, Portugal > Lawyer Profile

Routinely engaged by domestic and foreign banks, multilateral institutions and borrowers, the team at CMS is well positioned to assist with an array of banking and finance mandates, including NPL deals, real estate finance, acquisition finance, structured products and financial disputes. The team is led by António Payan Martins, who has a strong track record in the financing of infrastructure projects and in the structuring of foreign investments. A variety of domestic and international companies and banks regularly turn to Francisco Xavier de Almeida, who brings together expertise in securitisations, M&A, private equity and capital markets issues. Senior associate Filipa Gaspar Branco offers key support in pan-European and cross-border factoring transactions.

Covering both domestic and cross-border matters, CMS showcases particular strength in debt capital markets transactions, most notably sustainable bond issuances. A diverse client roster, comprised of asset managers, financial institutions and large issuers, regularly turn to the team for advice on large-cap deals and sophisticated regulatory issues. Practice head Francisco Xavier de Almeida, who brings together expertise in M&A, banking and finance, and capital markets, is active in bond issuances, public offerings, credit securitisation and structured products.

The ‘very professional’ team at CMS leverages the firm’s expansive global network to advise on complex cross-border M&A transactions and is actively involved in a range of private equity deals, privatisations, reorganisations and strategic alliances. Counting multinationals, private equity firms, venture capital funds, government agencies and domestic companies among its client roster, the team’s broad sectorial expertise covers aviation, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and distribution. Founding partner João Caldeira boasts an impressive track record in private equity transactions, M&A, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, capital markets, and corporate finance. He leads the team alongside Francisco Xavier de Almeida, praised for his ‘hands-on approach’, and Fernando Cruz Trinca who regularly provides assistance to credit financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Tiago Valente de Oliveira acts for domestic and international clients in matters concerning M&A, corporate and commercial law. Senior associate David Apolónia is also a key figure in the team.