CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo Offices
PASEO DE RECOLETOS, 7-9
28004 MADRID
Spain
Profiles
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2
Led by the ‘extraordinary‘ Javier Torre de Silva, an expert in telecoms regulation, CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo‘s Madrid-based data protection team draws strength from a wider TMC department and a combined spread of 70 offices across the globe to advise on multi-jurisdictional mandates surrounding security breaches and cybersecurity programmes. Among others, its client portfolio features the likes of Google and CaixaBank. With the goal of handling high-profile mandates from such clients, the practice features individuals such as of counsel José Luis Piñar, a well-known name in the regulatory landscape. Associate Miguel Recio is a further name to note, with a practice largely revolving around the personal data protection and e-commerce spaces.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
José Luis Piñar; Miguel Recio; Ignacio Grangel
Testimonials
‘CMS provides an excellent practice of law. Their teams are perfectly formed and oriented to the needs of the client. Its consolidation in the Spanish legal services market is based on the quality of its practice and the effectiveness of its corporate leadership.’
‘Javier Torre De Silva is an extraordinary lawyer. The breadth of his legal knowledge is based on excellent training and a solid and established track record.’
‘Ignacio Grangel is an excellent attorney. His experience in the sectors he advises make him a professional who masters the changing scenarios of his practice sector, to the full satisfaction of his clients.’
Key clients
CaixaBank
Ferrovial Group
Banco Sabadell
Amazon and Amazon Web Services
Commerzbank AG
SoftwareOne AG
Sierra Spain Shopping Centres Services
Techem Energy Services
The World Bank
Codere
Celine (LVMH Group)
LOEWE
Sending Transporte y Comunicación
International Personal Finance
Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 2
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo‘s TMT team sources expertise from its domestic and global offices to provide an offering based on ‘great knowledge of the sector’, which attracts clients in the technology, media and telecoms sectors. Madrid-based partner Javier Torre de Silva, who is also co-head of the firm’s telecoms group, leads these efforts with ‘incredible technical ability’ and extensive experience in the public law sphere. In Barcelona, the ‘very knowledgeable’ Jorge Sánchez is another standout, focused on dispute resolution, while María González Gordon in Madrid showcases particular expertise in IP, media and digital business issues.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jorge Sánchez; María González Gordon; Ignacio Grangel
Testimonials
‘Javier Torre de Silva is an exceptional lawyer who quickly identifies weak points and always proposes appropriate solutions to complex problems.’
‘Agility, professionalism, closeness, great knowledge of the sector and negotiation skills.’
‘Reasoned, practical solutions, great negotiation skills, trust, organizational capacity, availability. Especially the partner, Maria González Gordon, and the rest of the team.’
‘Jorge Sanchez – close, very knowledgeable about his market and a reliable advisor in the difficult moments of a trade.’
‘The incredible technical ability of Javier Torre de Silva, and the good work of Ignacio Grangel.’
‘Javier Torre De Silva is always to the point and extremely responsive. There is good cooperation between departments.’
‘Human relationship bring success and the people at the firm do that well. There is great understanding of client needs.’
Key clients
Amazon
AWS
Atresmedia
Banco Sabadell
Macquarie Capital
CaixaBank
Telefónica
Audible
Microsoft
Ferrovial Group and Fundación CI3
AIG
Cameron Mackintosh Limited
The World Bank
Siemens Energy
Primark
MOIA
IBM
Work highlights
- Advising Banco Sabadell and its technological subsidiary, Sabadell Information Systems, on the drafting and negotiation of three outsourcing contracts for the development and maintenance of digital applications.
- Advising Ferrovial Group on the RFP and drafting of the telecoms and digital services contracts for the entire group for the next five years.
- Advising Macquarie Capital on the disposal of a minority stake in Onivia, Macquarie’s Spanish vehicle holding all its fibre assets.
Spain > Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 2
The industrial and intellectual property and digital business group at CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo features a strong focus on trade mark registration, prosecution and the strategic assessment of trade mark portfolios. With a client base centred around the automotive, technology, e-commerce and telecoms sectors, the firm’s expertise also extends to transactional advice. María González Gordon heads the team from Madrid, accompanied by senior associate Ricardo Gómez-Barreda, who covers contentious and non-contentious matters. Counsel Jaime Bello joined from Gómez-Acebo & Pombo in November 2021.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Realogy Group
Adama Agriculture
Parfumerie Douglas
ITV Studios
Phantom Creek Estates
US Polo Association
Syngenta
Aldebarán Projects
Diageo
Work highlights
- Advising Realogy Group on an infringement proceeding for the “Sotheby’s International Realty” trade marks.
- Advised Adama in relation to the use of its sign “Adama” in Spain and infringement of third parties’ rights.
Spain > Projects and energy Tier 2
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo is home to a broad energy offering, with the ‘cohesive multidisciplinary team‘ specialised in the cross-border corporate, finance and regulatory aspects of energy projects. The department's ‘great knowledge of the sector‘ extends to contentious proceedings, power purchase agreements as well as the acquisition of renewable asset portfolios. Managing partner César Albiñana, corporate specialist Luis Miguel de Dios and Ignacio Grangel head the practice, with Grangel noted for his ‘market-leading insights‘, which make him a ‘differential‘ factor in the field. Counsel José Luis Pérez-Campoamor is another standout in the team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CMS forms a very cohesive multidisciplinary team, with great knowledge, ability to adapt and resolve conflicts. One of the cornerstones of this business is regulation and social management. They have established the necessary contacts to be able to offer the services that are required of them, professional collaborations with the appropriate companies, diversity of academic and work training, keeping their clients up to date with all the news.’
‘Their great knowledge of the sector, professionalism and personalised treatment, as well as their reliability, involvement, efficiency, speed and safety. It is a very cohesive team and they represent all the above characteristics. It is the only office that brings together all these characteristics together, in addition to its good work, always with ethics and responsibility.’
‘Market-leading insights into energy sector regulation, deep industry experience, proactive client relationship management, star Ignacio Grangel.’
‘Ignacio Grangel is a well informed, insightful energy lawyer and also very focused on finding solutions to all regulatory and corporate law challenges. Ignacio is always able to drive to workable, robust solutions quickly and efficiently.’
‘CMS’s knowledge of the regulated market is a differential. For their relationship with many areas within the energy world and knowledge of the casuistry for the different technologies, as well as for their knowledge of the regulatory field. Specifically, the experience and knowledge of the functioning and dynamics of the main agents (Ministry, supervisory bodies, etc).’
‘The experience of Ignacio Grangel, as a State attorney and having been involved in defining the regulation, is a differential. In addition, his interest and knowledge of technical aspects of the energy world makes his way of posing challenges the most effective.’
Key clients
Northland Power
Eni
Iberdrola Renovables
CEE Alternative Investment
Nexus Energía
Villar Mir Energía
Fusion Fuel
Arena Power
EEW Eco Energy World
Siemens Gamesa
Work highlights
- Advised Siemens Gamesa on the sale of a major portfolio of wind farms located in Spain, France, Italy and Greece, with a total capacity of 3.46GW to SSE Renewables, worth €580m.
- Advised Spanish energy company Nexus Energía on the entry of the Japanese group Sojitz into its shareholding.
- Advised Iberdrola Renovables on appeals challenging the decisions of the Júcar River Basin Authority, concerning the hydroelectric power exploitation fee, free energy and compensation for energy reserved for the State for hydroelectric installations.
Spain > Public law Tier 2
The growing public law group at CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo features experts in public procurement, administrative claims, judicial reviews and regulatory aspects of M&A transactions, with an impressive portfolio of clients including the likes of Iberdrola Renovables and Mapfre. With extensive experience in the electricity and gas sectors, Ignacio Grangel heads the team, which includes public affairs expert Alfonso Codes and Javier Torre de Silva, a specialist in contentious matters. Counsel José Luis Pérez-Campoamor is another standout, with counsel Juan Moreno joining from Linklaters in March 2022 to bolster the firm’s contentious offering.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The treatment and collaboration together with competitive prices and adjusted to the scope and dimension of the work.’
Key clients
Iberdrola Renovables
Iberdrola Generación
Repsol
Grupo Boluda
Totem Towerco
Orange
Mapfre
Olympia Sports Investments
Siemens Gamesa
Cyvico
Ontower Telecom Infraestructuras
Grupo Ullastres
Playtomic
Work highlights
- Advised Siemens Gamesa on the sale of a major portfolio of wind farms located in Spain, France, Italy and Greece.
- Advised Iberdrola Renovables on appeals in cassation challenging the decisions of the Júcar River Basin Authority, concerning the hydroelectric power exploitation fee, free energy and compensation for energy reserved for the State for hydroelectric installations.
- Represented Orange in several cassation appeals admitted (ongoing) and one already upheld by the Supreme Court regarding the legal consideration of certain telecom infrastructures.
Spain > White-collar crime Tier 2
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo features a corporate crime practice which ‘stands out for its capacity, competence and professionalism‘, with an emphasis on representing financial institutions, managers and administrators of listed companies, as well as high-profile private individuals. Among its key areas of expertise, the firm is active in matters relating to fraud, corruption, money laundering, bribery and criminal compliance, where it advises domestic and foreign corporations on national requirements. Spearheading these efforts are Carlos Aguilar and Enrique Remón in Madrid, with the latter having joined the firm from the Public Prosecutor’s Office in January 2021. Barcelona-based partner Jorge Sánchez, noted for disputes in the telecoms sector, heads the practice alongside them. Counsel Emilio Moyano and senior associate Manuel Sánchez-Puelles are additional key contacts at the practice.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has some of the best lawyers in this practice in the Spanish jurisdiction. They are usually assigned matters of great relevance and stand out for their capacity, competence and professionalism.’
‘In addition to their preparation and academic training, their professional experience is a very important aspect and indeed it compares favorably with respect to other firms.’
‘The team made up of specialists in the field is very powerful and has proven experience. Collaboration is excellent.’
‘In addition to the knowledge and experience of both partners, the team has great knowledge of the judicial world in its operation in all areas, beyond the strictly procedural one that they amply dominate.’
‘Carlos Aguilar and Enrique Remón are excellent criminal lawyers and offer cordiality. Enrique Remón is a former prosecutor, which provides security.’
Key clients
Arcadia Music
Red Eléctrica de España
Banco Sabadell
Abbey Energy
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo forms a piece of a global corporate and M&A team with over 1,000 practitioners across 43 counties. The practice, which is particularly accomplished within the energy, food and beverage, automotive, transport, infrastructure, telecommunications, retail and real estate sectors, is well-placed to act for French and German-speaking clients owing to dedicated desks and lawyers with fluency in each languages. Managing partner César Albiñana leads the practice, receiving support from merger, reorganisation, tender offer and LBO expert, Rafael Suárez de Lezo . In addition, Luis Miguel de Dios often advises overseas investors on renewable energy-related acquisitions.Practice head(s):
César Albiñana
Other key lawyers:
Rafael Suárez de Lezo; Luis Miguel de Dios; Carlos Peña; Mariano Bautista; Ignacio Zarzalejos; Elena Aguilar; Ignacio Cerrato; Pedro Ferreras; Irene Miró
Testimonials
‘The team is very professional, committed and capable of reacting to needs in any area of law that is necessary. In addition to the above, we must highlight the understanding of the characteristics and needs of the client and the ability to make a joint team that makes the difference with other firms.’
‘The ability to assemble a team with the client and be all completely aligned on the project.’
‘Closeness to the client and perfect understanding of the “value for money” of each differentiated field of advice.’
‘In the right balance between provision of quality service and abstraction of the “obsession” for billing hours in order to reach a favourable solution for both parties.’
Key clients
Bluegem Capital
Siemens Gamesa
E2OPEN Parent Holdings
Fomento Urbano de Castellón
Biogroup
Labelys
Ferrovial
KKR
Boluda Corporación Marítima
WSP Global
Nexus Energía
Kärcher
Ditec Automóviles
CAM Alternatives
OMNES Education
Rentokil Initial
Work highlights
- Advising listed renewable energy multinational Siemens Gamesa on sale of a major portfolio of wind farms located in Spain (31 projects), France (19 projects), Italy (9 projects) and Greece (14 projects), with a total capacity of 3.46 GW to SSE Renewables worth €580m.
- Advised E2open Parent Holdings, a leading network-based provider of a 100% cloud-based, mission-critical, end-to-end supply chain management platform, on its USD 1.7 billion acquisition of BluJay Solutions, a leading cloud-based, logistics execution platform.
- Advised Fomento Urbano de Castellón, a Spanish company dedicated to the management and acquisition of real estate and urban land, on the sale of a 10% stake in its subsidiary Aguas de Valencia to Spanish investment fund Incus Capital.
Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 3
The sizeable dispute resolution team at CMS is ‘capable of providing complete and multidisciplinary advice‘ in the context of a broad range of cases. Banking litigation is a key area of activity for the practice, which attracts instructions from major financial institutions operating in Spain. The team also counts IBEX 35 and international companies from varied sectors among its clients. In a significant case in the EU audio-visual market, the team secured a victory for Atresmedia before the European Court of Justice and the Spanish Supreme Court in a case concerning copyright and neighbouring rights. Carlos Aguilar is ‘a brilliant specialist in criminal law‘, and Luis Javier Vidal is ‘commercially brilliant and hard-working‘. Jorge Sánchez has notable expertise in public law and dispute resolution, and maintains a particular focus on the telecoms sector, and Juan Ignacio Fernández Aguado balances a busy practice covering civil and commercial litigation, bankruptcy proceedings and economic criminal law.Practice head(s):
Carlos Aguilar
Other key lawyers:
Luis Javier Vidal; Nicolás González; Jorge Sánchez; Juan Ignacio Fernández Aguado; Antonio Fernández de Hoyos; Alvaro Feu; Gonzaga Guerrero; Elisa Martín Moreno
Testimonials
‘Team with very different and complementary skills, very diverse too. They are capable of providing complete and multidisciplinary advice, collaborating with colleagues from other departments but in a coordinated and complete manner, so that the final result is stupendous.’
‘It is a Firm with the best preparation in matters and they adapt perfectly to the needs of their client. It is fantastic to work with them.’
‘Its closeness and technical quality. Confidence that your work is perfectly controlled.’
‘Luis Javier Vidal is commercially brilliant and hard-working, he does not limit himself to supervising the work as a partner, but rather gets involved with his team in detail. Carlos Aguilar is a brilliant specialist in criminal law.’
‘Formulation of strategy vs counterpart. Organization and active listening to the client to work together.’
‘I’d highlight Luis Javier Vidal and Nicolás González.’
Key clients
Caixabank
Mr. Alexandre Rosell
BBVA
Atresmedia Corporación de Medios de Comunicación
Banco Santander
AENA
Serrano Alberca
Telefónica
Fundación Benéfica Virgen de los Dolores
Work highlights
- Advising CaixaBank on court proceedings initiated to challenge the Spanish Data Protection Authority’s decision imposing a fine of €6m and the obligation to adapt its internal procedures and protocols in order to comply with the decision.
- Represented the former President of Barcelona Football Club (FCB) Sandro Rossell in a multimillion state liability claim for damages resulting from his preventive imprisonment.
- Advises Banco Santander in over 8,000 litigation proceedings initiated by shareholders and bondholders relating to the resolution of Banco Popular, investment products and general terms and conditions.
Spain > Employment Tier 3
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo‘s employment department offers extensive ‘knowledge of the market‘, with noteworthy practitioners including César Navarro, a specialist in labour implications derived from M&A transactions and corporate restructurings, and Elena Esparza, a dispute resolution expert. Supported by recently promoted counsel Eva Ceca, ‘an outstanding professional with deep knowledge of the Spanish labour legal framework‘, the firm is a regular point of contact for clients in the financial services, energy, technology, real estate, consumer products and pharmaceutical sectors seeking advice on litigation, senior executive employment contracts and collective restructurings.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledge of the market. Personal treatment and reaction speed. Keeps clients always up to date on the status of negotiations. Takes care of all aspects before and after the process.’
‘Eva Ceca is an outstanding professional with deep knowledge of the Spanish labour legal framework.’
‘Cohesion in the team and good interaction with the client.’
‘Theoretical analysis but with a practical and contextualised approach to the reality of the client.’
‘It keeps the client informed of legislative developments, it is always available, and it takes care of its clients.’
‘It is very accessible and it tries to find creative solutions adapted to the business.’
Key clients
Siemens Gamesa
TE Connectivity
Haitong
Solera
Dynabook
Stuart
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Amazon
Club Med
Blueground
Work highlights
- Advised Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy on the preparation, negotiation and implementation of a collective redundancy procedure to close two plants in Spain.
- Advised TE Connectivity on the preparation, negotiation and implementation of a collective redundancy procedure to close the manufacturing plant in Montcada i Reixac.
- Advised Boluda on the implementation of the disciplinary dismissals of three executives in connection with a fraud detected by the company.
Spain > Insurance Tier 3
The insurance department at CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo is particularly active in litigation and mediation, and possesses knowledge of the full spectrum of insurance regulatory issues. The practice is also equipped to assist in fintech matters, covering cryptocurrency and open banking as well as M&A insurance transactions, including W&I. Jaime Bofill joined the team from Hogan Lovells International LLP and is adept in fintech and insurtech, with experience acting for companies involved in retail banking and payment services. The team has been further strengthened by the arrival of Raquel Sánchez Candela from the Spanish Insurance Business Association, while Macarena Sanz González left the department in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Jaime Bofill
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CMS has a knowledgeable insurance practice who provide commercially focused advice and have to ability to reassign non-insurance requests to other departments where necessary.’
‘The whole team were always available to by email or by conference call in our questions after delivering the legal products. The due dates were respected and when additional time was needed due to additional research or questions, this was communicated in full transparency.’
Key clients
Generali
Nationale Nederlanden
Ibercaja/Pensumo
Lovys
DUAL
Howden Group Holding Limited
Aserta Aseguradora
Monument Assurance Luxembourg
PIB Group Spain (UK) Limited
CNP Santander
HgCapital
Targobank
Tokio Marine HCC
Monument Life
Zurich
Chubb
Solunion
Griffin Insurance
ANV
Luko
Work highlights
- Advised Nationale-Nederlanden on setting up online platform WELI, an innovative project to provide healthcare assistance services to elderly people.
- Advised Ibercaja Banco and Loyalty Platform Pensumo on their collaboration for submitting an innovation project to the Spanish regulatory sandbox.
- Advised French insurtech company Luko, which has created a 100% digital house insurance application, on its entry into the Spanish market.
Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 3
The intellectual property and digital business offering at CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo focuses on copyright, software and digital technologies, with notable expertise in IP litigation. Apart from advising clients in the media, tech, entertainment, e-commerce and banking sectors, the firm is also regularly sought by clients in the life sciences and healthcare sector; the firm is capable in a range of transfer agreements, software licensing, outsourcing agreements, publishing contracts and the assignment of film rights. IP litigator María González Gordon stands at the helm of the department, overseeing senior associate Ricardo Gómez-Barreda, who is active across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are strong in collaborative work and in the use of digital tools.’
‘Excellent personal treatment and good dedication and knowledge.’
‘Total collaboration and availability, closeness and professionalism.’
‘The team and especially Maria González Gordon are people who generate trust and offer quick, reasoned and very practical solutions.’
Key clients
Atresmedia
Audible
Sabadell Information Systems
Cameron Mackintosh Limited
Banco Sabadell
CBRE
Squirrel Media
Roku
Fortum
Ford
Solera
Audatex
Gmp Property SOCIMI
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Atresmedia before the ECJ regarding the absence of the obligation for broadcasters to pay remuneration rights of synchronised phonograms in broadcasted audiovisual works.
- Advising Audible on the drafting and negotiation of over 200 licence and distribution agreements with authors and publishers in Spanish to be included on the platform.
- Advice SABIS on the drafting of an outsourcing agreement to be used as a basis for negotiations and contracting with potential service providers.
Spain > Intellectual property: patents Tier 3
With a notable intellectual property and digital business offering, CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo exhibits particular expertise in contentious matters surrounding patent and utility model infringements. Among its key clients, the firm is often retained by companies in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, acting for these in e-health, regulatory and advertising matters. The Madrid-based team features María González Gordon at the helm, a seasoned practitioner specialised in dispute resolution in this field. Senior associate Ricardo Gómez-Barreda supports these efforts, acting in a range contentious and non-contentious matters. In November 2021, the firm saw the arrival of counsel Jaime Bello from Gómez-Acebo & Pombo, joining after Sofia Ramos, who left Telefónica to join the firm in September 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
CBRE
Syngenta
Eli Lilly and Company
Closure Systems International
Phi 4 Technology
Playtomic
Chargy Technologies
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to CBRE on the protection of all its intangible assets, including on the filing of a range of trade marks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets assessment.
- Advising Sygenta on its anti-counterfeiting activity, particularly in customs proceedings, where the firm acts as its representative before the Spanish customs authorities.
- Advising Chargy Technologies in relation to a claim filed against its former in-house technology team regarding patent and trade mark infringement, unfair competition and trade secrets protection matters.
Spain > Tax Tier 3
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo has a strong transactional tax practice. The team frequently handles the tax aspects of major M&A deals and corporate restructuring matters, with a particular emphasis on assisting foreign companies with investments in Spain. The group is highly active in advising domestic and international clients in the real estate, insurance and energy sectors, and is also noted for its expertise in tax disputes and advising on tax issues concerning employee share plans. The 'outstanding' Diego de Miguel heads up the practice, and he is supported by the 'fantastic' counsel Ricardo Héctor, who advises private equity funds and multinational entities on tax structuring issues.Practice head(s):
Diego de Miguel
Other key lawyers:
Ricardo Héctor; Marion Taylor; Marta Burgos
Testimonials
‘Diego de Miguel and Ricardo Héctor are two fantastic lawyers. Extremely professional, great work capacity and excellent customer service.’
‘A very accessible team (including partners) and the quality of work is fantastic.’
‘The outstanding partners and associates with whom I have worked are Diego de Miguel and Ricardo Héctor.’
‘In my experience, Diego de Miguel stands out from the rest of the lawyers. His experience, ability to work, technical qualification and empathy and communication with clients make him truly unique.’
‘The CMS tax team stands out for being a very senior team with a lot of experience. It stands out especially for the close collaboration with teams from other areas within the firm.’
‘The best quality of the people at the firm is their availability and involvement. I would like to highlight Diego de Miguel and Ricardo Héctor.’
‘A differentiating element of this practice with respect to that of other law firms in Spain is the direct participation of lawyers with a lot of seniority in the client’s affairs – as a result, there is faster and more efficient communication, which generates greater trust.’
‘Without a doubt, Diego De Miguel stands out, as well as Ricardo Héctor. Both have very good technical knowledge and have very close relationships with clients.’
Key clients
Macquarie Capital
BlueGem Capital Partners
Your First Sports
CAM Alternatives
Kabel Information Systems
Primevest Capital Partners
Franklin Templeton Social Infrastructure Fund (FTSIF)
RothschildCo Spain (RothschildCo Group)
Grupo Bergé
Cee Group
Work highlights
- Advising Macquarie Capital on the tax aspects of the entry of Arjun Infrastructure Partners as a long-term investor in the Onivia wholesale fibre network, of which Macquarie is the principal shareholder.
- Advised BlueGem on the tax aspects of its acquisition of the FoodBox restaurant group (Volapié, Santa Gloria, MasQMenos, Papizza and L’Obrador).
- Advised the shareholders of Kabel Information Systems on the tax aspects of the sale of the company to Avanade.
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 4
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo has been particularly active in acquisition finance and debt refinancing, recently handling a series of high-profile transactions in the telecoms, renewable energy, hospitality and aviation sectors. In addition, the team advises on real estate and project finance - especially in relation to solar power projects - and is singled out for its ‘outstanding‘ financial services regulatory practice, led by Ricardo Plasencia, who has extensive experience in regulatory and fintech matters. The growing client base ranges from Spanish and international banks to private equity firms, fund managers and fintech institutions. The experienced Guillermo Muñoz-Alonso leads the ‘excellent‘ team.Practice head(s):
Guillermo Muñoz-Alonso; Ricardo Plasencia
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Salgueiro; Marta González Araña
Testimonials
‘Ricardo Plasencia provides a very personalised service, adjusted fees and punctual follow-up.’
‘The regulatory department led by Ricardo Plasencia is one of the most outstanding departments in the Spanish market in its area of practice. Ricardo has extensive knowledge that makes him stand out from the competition.’
‘An excellent team who are very skilled in their area of expertise. Responsive and client oriented.’
‘They were communicative and open to our comments and feedback, taking the necessary action to accommodate our specific requests and assisted us with clarifications in a timely manner.’
‘I especially value the fact that my lawyer worked for the regulator, and has special intuition, experience and contacts when it comes to addressing sensitive issues.’
‘This is clearly an expanding practice and their profile has risen substantially in the last couple of years. Their work ethos encourages adopting a holistic view of the client’s requirements, which is a welcome change since clients normally get very fragmented pieces of advice. Client communication is excellent. Another notable point is that partner involvement is a constant of this team. The CMS banking and finance team is our preferred choice and in terms of value for money compares very favourably with most if not all comparable firms.’
‘Our strong preference is to work with Guillermo Muñoz-Alonso. He is an outstanding lawyer with massive experience and fantastic commercial skills, equally at ease in local and international deals. Guillermo is not confrontational and always manages to run matters smoothly. He is always willing to go the extra mile to achieve the client’s objectives, and at the same time he will not waste time in discussing irrelevant points; he always knows where to focus the team’s efforts for the sake of maximum efficacy and efficiency.’
‘Guillermo Muñoz-Alonso stands out for his very high level of technical and legal knowledge, great availability, willingness to search for efficient solutions, and ability to put himself in the client’s position and know their requirements.’
Key clients
Bankinter
Rabobank
Deutsche Bank
CEE Group
Schroders
Northland Power
Pradera and Universal-Investment
Global Student Accommodation
Arquimea Group
Credit Suisse Bank (Europe)
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure
Work highlights
- Advised international technology group Arquimea Group on the first issuance of bonds under its €100m commercial paper programme arranged by Banco Santander, as global coordinator and placement entity, and Beka Finance and PKF Attest, as placement entities, with admission for trading on the Spanish alternative fixed-income market, MARF.
- Advised listed investment firm Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure on the renewal of its commercial paper programme for 2021, arranged by Bankinter, with admission for trading on MARF.
Spain > EU and competition Tier 4
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo's 'fantastic' competition team advises a growing client base of leading domestic and international clients, particularly in the consumer products and industrial sectors, on matters including merger control filings before the CNMC and the European Commission, abuse of dominance and cartel investigations at both the national and European levels, and competition law compliance programmes. 'Outstanding' practice head Carlos Vérgez has recently been active in several high-profile merger control cases. Senior associate Aida Oviedo is also a key contact.Practice head(s):
Carlos Vérgez
Other key lawyers:
Aida Oviedo; Edward Crespo
Testimonials
‘The CMS team strive to learn everything related to the client’s business and anticipate their needs. They are very empathetic – they not only see things from a legal perspective but also take into account the business they are providing the service to.’
‘Their best quality is their close communication and empathy with clients. They know how to get down from their position as lawyers to be able to connect with the business and its needs. They adapt a lot.’
‘The CMS Albiñana & Suarez de Lezo team provides the necessary experience and specialisation for competition and EU law matters. Its approach has been essential for decision-making in these aspects.’
‘The team stands out for its experience and knowledge, as well as its professionalism, close relationships with clients and high level of availability. We would like to highlight Carlos Vérgez, Aida Oviedo and Edward Crespo.’
‘Pragmatic and solid lawyers for mid-market transactions. Value for money.’
‘Carlos Vérgez has extensive experience in competition law. He is also charming and trustworthy.’
‘The CMS competition law practice in Spain is simply fantastic! Carlos Vérgez is the key to its success. In my experience, this practice group has a very sophisticated level of expertise in every phase of competition law involving an M&A transaction. Carlos Vérgez and his team provide excellent, efficient and seamless legal services. Their advice is very commercial and they are very collaborative, which is a wonderful value add. The entire team are also especially helpful in keeping the entire process moving forward, whether it is with opposing counsel, government authorities or other members of the client’s team.’
‘Carlos Vergez is a true standout. He has a keen and deep expertise in the field of competition law. Additionally, I truly valued how he was always able to communicate and discuss legal issues with me and my non-legal colleagues in a clear, concise and very comprehensible manner. He was also very helpful in addressing commercial issues in addition to legal matters. He is the type of outside counsel whom I always felt comfortable inviting on calls with my business colleagues. This was very valuable to me because it helped me meaningfully manage risk and expectations on behalf of my organisation. Finally, it was simply a pleasure working with Carlos – he is lovely and was always a bright part of my workday! Potential clients will find that Carlos Vérgez and his team are a ten out of ten!’
Key clients
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Thomson Reuters
Logista
Boluda
Macquarie Capital
Hero AG
Hexpol
Asociación de Vehículos Compartidos en España
SUMINCO (Alpla’s subsidiary)
Bruker
Wolters Kluwers
Egis Pharmaceuticals Plc
KKR
Work highlights
- Advising Thomson Reuters on the competition law aspects of the joint sale of its legal publishing business in Spain (Aranzadi), together with the Spanish and French businesses of Wolters Kluwer, to Karnov.
- Advising Macquarie Capital and Aberdeen Standard Investments on the notification to the European Commission of the incorporation of Arjun Infrastructure Partners as a joint-controlling long-term investor in Onivia, the joint venture created by Macquarie and Aberdeen.
- Advising Boluda Corporación Marítima on the merger control analysis of various acquisitions, including the acquisition of Iskes Towage & Salvage and on the sale of a joint-controlling shareholding over its subsidiary, Boluda Maritime Terminals, to DIF.
Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 4
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo is well equipped to assist clients in the full life cycle of real estate assets, and the team has recently been active in acquisitions in the retail and hospitality sectors. The group also frequently advises on construction and development mandates. Álvaro Otero leads the department and is seasoned in sale and leaseback transactions. Javier Colino is a new arrival from Latham & Watkins LLP; he advises on sale and purchase transactions, horizontal property regimes and the financing and refinancing of real estate companies.Practice head(s):
Álvaro Otero
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Allianz Real Estate / VGP
Aquila Capital
Catella AM
CBRE Investment Management
Cordia Group (Futureal)
Delin Capital
EQT Exeter
Franklin Templeton Social Infrastructure Fund (FTSIF)
Panattoni
Pradera
Primevest Capital Partners Deutschland GmbH
Principal
Savills Investment Management
Schroders Capital
Seguros Santalucía
Work highlights
- Advised on the joint venture between Allianz Real Estate and VGP NV on the Spanish aspects of the acquisition of a portfolio of 13 logistic warehouses in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania.
- Advised Aquila on the turnkey forward sale of a logistics warehouse in Illescas (Toledo) to AXA Real Estate Investment Management.
- Advised Catella AM on the acquisition of a residential development project (build-to-rent) in Valencia from AQ Acentor.
Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo specialises in insolvency matters and acts in many high-profile proceedings in the Spanish market, however the team also has expertise in handling debt restructurings and refinancings and distressed transactions. The team represents both debtors and creditors in restructuring and insolvency mandates; the client base includes major domestic and international banks and infrastructure concessionaires. Juan Ignacio Fernández Aguado, who is highly regarded for his expertise in insolvency litigation, leads the practice, supported by senior associate Elisa Martín Moreno.Practice head(s):
Juan Ignacio Fernández Aguado
Other key lawyers:
Guillermo Muñoz-Alonso; Elisa Martín Moreno; Marta González Araña
Key clients
Chamartín La Grela and Inmobiliaria Chamartín
Grupo ITEK
Haitong Bank and Novo Banco
Portobello Capital Fondo IV FCR, S.A.
Ibercaja Banco, S.A.
Engie Group
Abanca Corporación Bancaria, S.A.
Banco Santander
Tayara Corporate, S.L.
MGO By Westfield
Creativa 360, S.L.
Grupo Casabella Proyectos Inmobiliarios
Work highlights
- Advised Haitong Bank and Novo Banco on the insolvency proceedings of Spanish toll roads including Ciralsa, Radial 3 & Radial 5, Madrid-Toledo, Eje Aeropuerto and Radial 2.
- Advised Portobello on the refinancing of the Cartera Vivanta group, an investee of the client, as part of a complex restructuring process valued at €200m.
- Advised Chamartín La Grela, a subsidiary of Inmobiliaria Chamartín, and Inmobiliaria Chamartín on its involuntary insolvency.
CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo > Firm Profile
Ranked as a top global law firm, CMS is present in 43 countries and boasts 75 offices worldwide. Our 4,800 plus CMS lawyers offer you specialist advice on numerous sectors, tailored to your needs whether in your local market or across multiple jurisdictions.
CMS’ Spanish-based firm, CMS Albiñana & Suárez de Lezo, employs more than 120 lawyers located in Madrid and Barcelona. It is highly regarded and is among the leading business law firms in Spain, advising corporate and public entities on all areas of business law, including contentious matters. The firm has particular standout experience in the energy, construction, financial, TMT, consumer goods and hotels and leisure sectors.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate / M&A | Capital Markets | Cesar Albiñana | cesar.albinana@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Rafael Suárez de Lezo | rafael.suarezdelezo@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Carlos Peña | carlos.pena@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Luis Miguel de Dios | luismiguel.dedios@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | José María Rojí | josemaria.roji@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Antonio Pino | antonio.pino@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Mariano Bautista | mariano.bautista@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Capital Markets | Ignacio Zarzalejos | ignacio.zarzalejos@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Pedro Ferreras | pedro.ferreras@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Rafael Sáez | rafael.saez@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | José Ramón Meléndez | joseramon.melendez@cms-asl.com | |
Public Law & Regulated Sectors | Ignacio Grangel | ignacio.grangel@cms-asl.com | |
Public Law & Regulated Sectors | Reyes Robledo | reyes.robledo@cms-asl.com | |
Public Law & Regulated Sectors | José Luis Pérez-Campoamor | joseluis.perez-campoamor@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | White-Collar Crime | Carlos Aguilar | carlos.aguilar@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | María Dolores de Cospedal | mdolores.decospedal@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | Insolvency & Restructuring | Juan Ignacio Fernández Aguado | juanignacio.fernandez@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | Luis Javier Vidal | luis.vidal@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | Jorge Sánchez | jorge.sanchez@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | Antonio Fernández de Hoyos | antonio.fernandez@cms-asl.com | |
EU & Competition | Carlos Vérgez | carlos.vergez@cms-asl.com | |
Tax | Diego de Miguel | diego.demiguel@cms-asl.com | |
Tax | Ricardo Héctor | ricardo.hector@cms-asl.com | |
Employment & Pensions | Eva Ceca | eva.ceca@cms-asl.com | |
Employment & Pensions | César Navarro | cesar.navarro@cms-asl.com | |
Employment & Pensions | Elena Esparza | elena.esparza@cms-asl.com | |
Intellectual / Industrial Property & Digital Business | María González Gordon | maria.gonzalezgordon@cms-asl.com | |
TMC / Data Protection | Javier Torre de Silva | javier.torredesilva@cms-asl.com | |
TMC / Data Protection | Jorge Sánchez | jorge.sanchez@cms-asl.com | |
Real Estate & Construction | Álvaro Otero | alvaro.otero@cms-asl.com | |
Energy & Natural Resources | César Albiñana | cesar.albinana@cms-asl.com | |
Energy & Natural Resources | Ignacio Grangel | ignacio.grangel@cms-asl.com | |
Energy & Natural Resources | Luis Miguel De Dios | luismiguel.dedios@cms-asl.com | |
Insurance | Carlos Peña | carlos.pena@cms-asl.com | |
Insurance | Rafael Sáez | rafael.saez@cms-asl.com | |
Consumer Products | Carlos Vérgez | carlos.pena@cms-asl.com | |
Infrastructure & Projects | Javier Torre De Silva | javier.torredesilva@cms-asl.com | |
Life Sciences & Healthcare | Mariano Bautista | mariano.bautista@cms-asl.com | |
Hotels & Leisure | Mariano Bautista | mariano.bautista@cms-asl.com | |
Hotels & Leisure | Álvaro Otero | alvaro.otero@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Ignacio Cerrato | ignacio.cerrato@cms-asl.com | |
Litigation & Arbitration | Emilio Moyano | emilio.moyano@cms-asl.com | |
Corporate / M&A | Irene Miró | irene.miro@cms-asl.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Total workforce in Spain : 180 Number of lawyers : 110Languages
Spanish English German FrenchOther
Barcelona : barcelona@cms-asl.comCMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo > Firm Profile
CMS’ Spanish-based firm, CMS Albiñana & Suárez de Lezo, employs more than 100 lawyers located in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, and is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the Spanish market, striving to establish a close working relationship with clients in order to fully understand their needs and offer innovative solutions in all areas of Law.
Ranked as a Top 10 Global Law Firm, CMS is present in 41 countries and 72 offices worldwide. Our 4,800 plus CMS lawyers offer specialist advice on numerous sectors tailored to our clients needs, whether in the local market or across multiple jurisdictions.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner | César Albiñana | cesar.albinana@cms-asl.com | |
Managing Partner | Rafael Suárez de Lezo | rafael.suarezdelezo@cms-asl.com |
Languages
Spanish English French GermanLegal Briefings
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