Abreu Advogados‘ Angola desk offers advice on a wide range of matters, spanning M&A, tax, foreign investment, corporate law and employment. Its sectorial presence is equally broad, covering oil and gas, TMT, life sciences, manufacturing, automotive and energy. Dispute resolution is the key area of expertise for Guilherme Santos Silva, who is particularly active in the oil and gas, construction and shipping industries. João Bravo da Costa handles M&A, foreign exchange issues and restructurings. Also boosting the team’s M&A offering is Manuel Santos Vítor. Fernando Veiga Gomes is a key contact for transport and real estate clients seeking assistance with M&A and corporate matters.
Foreign firms in Angola
Abreu Advogados
Practice head(s):
Guilherme Santos Silva; João Bravo da Costa; Manuel Santos Vitor
Other key lawyers:
Fernando Veiga Gomes
Testimonials
‘The Abreu Advogados team consists of professionals of the highest level. All work is done accurately and on time.’
‘Manuel Santos Vitor and João Bravo da Costa are truly exceptional and seasoned lawyers, with a profound understanding of how the law works. Above all, they have an outstanding understanding of the idiosyncrasies of some of the African markets.’
‘Each employee of the company, regardless of their position, shows a high level of competence and willingness to work 24/7. The quality of consultations and prepared documents deserves the highest appraisal.’
‘Abreu is by far the most skilled foreign firm acting in Angola. The team has a deep knowledge of the jurisdiction, with high-profile practitioners who provide first class legal services. I highlight Abreu’s impressive growing path.’
‘João Bravo da Costa is an extremely dedicated lawyer with vast knowledge of Angolan laws, with a rare ability to deal with complex matters. He goes far beyond common legal strategies and is always looking for the most innovative solutions. We have worked with a few other reputable firms, but João Bravo da Costa is by far the best advisor we have ever had. He is a problem solver and doesn’t quit without finding the most favourable solutions to his clients.’
‘Good communication, proactivity, focus on resolving problems, creativity and empathy.’
‘The team provides advice and inputs in a timely manner. Commerical and friendly.’
‘Fernando Veiga Gomes is readily available, pragmatic and is good at finding solutions.’
Key clients
Clínica Sagrada Esperança, Lda
Work highlights
- Assisted Sagrada Esperança Clinic with its expansion and financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Eversheds Sutherland FCB
Eversheds Sutherland FCB has a well-established reputation in the Angola market, where it collaborates with the firm’s wider network to offer a full service to local and international clients. Under the leadership of Porto-based partner João Robles, the group is especially sought after by companies operating in the oil and gas, banking and finance, real estate and infrastructure segments. Robles manages a broad practice, covering banking and finance, M&A and commercial matters. Other key practitioners include Rodrigo Barbosa Souto, whose expertise spans real estate, corporate and employment law, and Pedro Guimarães, who is a popular choice for technology and energy clients seeking advice on cross-border M&A and corporate restructurings.
Practice head(s):
João Robles
Other key lawyers:
Rodrigo Barbosa Souto; Pedro Guimarães
Key clients
Chevron
DHL
Modec
SNC Lavalin
Teixeira Duarte
Vodafone
Elecnor
BNP Paribas
HP
IATA
Unisaúde
MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
Globaltec
TotalEnergies Renewable
Rina
Boeing
BNI
AP Foods
Banco BAI
Somoil
Bantubet
Work highlights
- Assisted AP Foods in due diligence matters and in negotiations with Webcor, its joint venture partner, for the incorporation of a new company in Dubai and another in Angola.
- Acted for Coca-Cola on the acquisition of a portfolio of trade marks from the Angolan Group Refriango and on the negotiations of a bottling and licensing agreement with Refriango.
- Advised TotalEnergies Renewables on the acquisition of a majority shareholding from the Eren Group through a SPV in Angola which will develop one of the first renewable projects in the solar power sector.
Miranda & Associados
Led by Rita Correia, Miranda & Associados‘ Angola group houses both Portugal and Angola-qualified practitioners, who have a wealth of experience advising local and international clients from a wide range of industries, most notably oil and gas, energy, banking and renewables. Correia heads the tax practice and is adept in foreign investment and joint ventures. Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro manages the banking and financing team, and Ricardo Alves Silva is a popular choice for LNG and refinery projects. Nuno Marques Antunes leads the energy and natural resources group and is a key contact for public law and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Rita Correia
Other key lawyers:
Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro; Ricardo Alves Silva; Nuno Antunes
Testimonials
‘We are pleased to underline the following main aspects concerning Miranda & Associates: reliability, professionalism, technical expertise, good internal coordination, internal resources to cover all legal disciplines, rapid responses, good relationship with clients and availability.’
‘All individuals, including partners and senior and junior associates, have a sound and reliable technical knowledge in their respective practice areas. I would like to highlight the personal and professional relationship with the labour and commercial teams, always obtaining high success rates and providing assistance in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Total EREN
Greentech
Work highlights
- Assisted Total EREN and Greentech in negotiating and setting up contractual structures for a solar portfolio of two power plants.
PLMJ
PLMJ‘s Angola desk is part of the firm’s wider Africa focus group, which is equipped to provide local and international clients with a full-service offering, covering corporate and M&A, foreign investment, tax, projects and public law. Headed by Inês Pinto Da Costa, the group handles high-profile transactions across the region’s key sectors, including mining, oil and gas, energy, telecoms and aviation. Pinto da Costa has a wealth of experience advising on private equity, project finance and construction matters. Senior counsel Renata Valenti is especially sought after to assist companies in setting up their operations in Angola. Managing associate Rúben Brigolas is particularly active in the Angolan, Mozambican and Portuguese markets, where he advises international companies on investment projects.
Practice head(s):
Inês Pinto da Costa
Other key lawyers:
Ruben Brigolas; Renata Valenti; Ana Nunes Teixeira; André Abrantes
Testimonials
‘PLMJ is a long-term partner that I have been relying on for various projects. Its capability to respond with top expertise to a wide range of matters makes PLMJ unique among law firms.’
‘High expertise, client focus and sectorial knowledge are the best features of the PLMJ team. Standout lawyers include Ruben Brigolas, Ana Nunes Teixeira and André Abrantes.’
Key clients
Huawei
Baker Hughes General Electric
BayQi
Unitransfer
SUEZ Group
Afentra PLC
Galp Energia
Jean Boulle Group
Recherche Exploitation Produits (REP)
Refriango Group
Work highlights
- Advised Rarest Diamonds (Jean Boulle Group) on the establishment of a joint venture with Angolan mining group Rio Branco.
- Acted for Galp Energia on a potential sale of the group’s 9% non-operated stake in Block 14, its 4.5% non-operated stake in Block 14K and its 5% non-operated stake in Block 32.
- Assisted Afentra in acquiring four non-operated stakes from Sonangol P&P and INA d.d (Croatia).
Raposo Bernardo
Raposo Bernardo‘s strong banking and finance offering attracts a roster of major financial institutions and domestic and international companies operating in key sectors of the Angolan economy, most notably oil and gas, energy, infrastructure and transportation. With over 20 years of experience practising in Angola, Ana Cláudia Rangel is a key contact for real estate, oil and gas, tourism, banking and pharmaceuticals clients seeking assistance with matters relating to their operations in the country. Notable for his vast expertise in cross-border matters, managing partner Nelson Raposo Bernardo handles a broad practice, which spans M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, project finance and private equity. Júlio Martins Júnior, who excels in the sale and acquisition of shares and assets, has been particularly busy advising on privatisations in the aviation sector.
Practice head(s):
Ana Cláudia Rangel; Nelson Raposo Bernardo; Júlio Martins Júnior
Testimonials
‘Raposo Bernardo is unique in Angola for many reasons: it has a level of service with top European standards, a very sophisticated team, used to large international transactions, and always available to assist its clients.’
‘Nelson Raposo Bernardo and Ana Cláudia Rangel are both incredible lawyers, the best I know. When it comes to important and complex matters, Nelson Bernardo is the lawyer we turn to. There is no other like him. He has vision, sophistication, insight, and experience in international financing. Cláudia Rangel is amazing. I would highly recommend her for matters in Angola. She assisted us throughout some very difficult times with her legal expertise, kindness and compassion.
‘The leading position of this law firm is undeniable in the Angolan market. The leading individuals at the firm are Ana Cláudia Rangel and Nelson Raposo Bernardo. Ana Cláudia is a top lawyer, completely involved in every step of the projects, always available and very intelligent. Nelson is the best of the best, very clever, pragmatic and strong academically. A strategist for major operations.’
‘When we selected Raposo Bernardo as the law firm to support our activities in Angola, we made a very careful selection and the ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters was one of the main criteria of choice. The team goes beyond others in terms of its in-depth analysis of matters. They do the research that others don’t do.’
‘The individuals that stand out are Nelson Raposo Bernardo, Ana Cláudia Rangel and Júlio Martins Júnior. Nelson Bernardo is well known for his experience handling major transactions in Angola. I have worked with many prestigious lawyers worldwide, but it is rare to find a lawyer like Nelson who is very complete and skilled in almost every practice area and business sector. Ana Cláudia Rangel is an experienced lawyer, very pragmatic, extremely efficient and very clever. Júlio Martins Júnior is very skilled and delivers the best results. He is considered one of the best lawyers on the ground.’
‘What makes Raposo Bernardo unique is its excellent client care and irrepressible level of responsiveness. The firm is very experienced in major transactions, always finding solutions to complex matters. Its lawyers clearly understand the Angolan market and know what should be done to achieve a successful outcome.’
‘Nelson Raposo Bernardo is a top lawyer that always surprises us with his solutions and alternative legal structures in our most complex projects. He can always give us a step ahead of what might happen in a given situation. Ana Cláudia Rangel is extremely competent and an excellent support for our local activities. She is always well informed and extremely proactive in making us aware of the new legal rules and local practices. She has extensive experience and has become an important support for us.’
‘What makes Raposo Bernardo’s practice unique is a combination of several factors that are difficult to find in another law firm: the client is in the centre of all, practical sense, truly specialists in finding solutions and solve complex problems, highest sophistication in all transactions and a team with a profound knowledge of the laws in Angola. A brilliant team.’
Work highlights
- Advised a client on a global financing of integrated infrastructure projects involving water supply, wastewater treatment and municipal solid waste.
- Acted for a client in an important private investment in public equity transaction to raise $360m to develop public infrastructure projects.
- Assisted a client with the purchase of 15% participation rights in an oil exploration block in a global investment of around $680m.
VdA
VdA is recognised for its ‘significant experience and know-how in handling matters in Angola’. The group often advises on high-profile transactions across key sectors of the economy, with a focus on oil and gas, mining, energy, telecoms and banking. João Afonso Fialho heads the oil and gas practice and is recommended for projects in Portuguese-speaking countries and Francophone Africa. José Miguel Oliveira covers corporate and M&A as well as shipping and energy matters. Paulo Trindade Costa is frequently retained to handle M&A, restructurings and corporate finance transactions, while Hugo Moredo Santos is a key practitioner in the banking and finance team, often acting for financial intermediaries, issuers and investors. Another key name is Magda Cocco, who leads the information, communication and tech practice.
Practice head(s):
João Afonso Fialho; José Miguel Oliveira; Paulo Trindade Costa
Other key lawyers:
Hugo Moredo Santos; Maria Inês Costa; Magda Cocco
Testimonials
‘The team has significant experience and know-how in handling matters in Angola.’
‘José Miguel Oliveira is a high-profile practitioner in the market, Angolan qualified and has an in-depth knowledge of the local markets.’
‘Senior associate Maria Inês Costa is responsive, always available and sharp.’
Key clients
BIOCOM
KT – Kinetics Technology
Odebrecht Angola
Standard Bank Angola
Trafigura Group Pte Ltd
Puma Energy
Mota Engil Group
OPS Angola
Unitel – Angola
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Bank Angola on the privatisation process of Banco de Comércio e Indústria for the sale of 100% of its share capital on the first stock exchange auction held in Angola.
- Assisted KT – Kinetics Technology in the implementation of the engineering, procurement, construction and implementation contract for the modernisation and expansion of the Luanda Refinery.
- Represented OPS Angola in a large VAT refund claim against the Angolan tax authorities.
Clifford Chance LLP
With ‘highly qualified and knowledgeable lawyers’, Clifford Chance LLP‘s Angola team acts for financial institutions, investment funds and large multinational companies on both inbound and outbound matters. The group is noted for its experience handling cross-border financing transactions in a wide range of sectors, including telecoms, oil and gas, construction and transportation. Highly regarded as ‘one of the most active and knowledgeable foreign lawyers acting for lenders in Angola’, Leonard Cleland advises on trade financing, margin lending, commercial loans and ECA-backed financing. He leads the group alongside Kayode Oladipo, who is specialised in cross-border loan financing in emerging markets.
Practice head(s):
Leonard Cleland; Kayode Oladipo
Other key lawyers:
Filippo Tassoni
Testimonials
‘This team is unique due to its highly qualified and knowledgeable lawyers, high responsiveness and client-oriented approach.’
‘The individuals of this firm who we have worked with have a remarkable attention to detail and turnaround time. We take the opportunity to highlight in particular Filippo Tassoni.’
‘Leonard Cleland has been one of the most active and knowledgeable foreign lawyers acting for lenders in Angola for the past 15 years.’
‘Clifford Chance has been advising clients on cross-border financing transactions involving the Angolan State and private companies on a regular basis. The team has good knowledge of local laws, legal requirements, local formalities and local practices.’
‘Kayode Oladipo and Leonard Cleland are recommended.’
Key clients
GE Capital EFS Financing Inc
Gemcorp Capital LLP
Credit Suisse AG, London Branch
HSBC
VTB Capital
Africell Holding Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Africell, a fast-growing mobile network operator with operations in four African countries, on facilities arranged by Gemcorp Capital to support the group’s expansion into the Angolan telecoms market.
- Acted for Africell on the procurement of key infrastructure and services from Nokia to support the roll-out of a nationwide mobile network in Angola.
CMS
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.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
Jointly led by Lisbon-based partner Claudia Santos Cruz and André de Sousa Vieira in Porto, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados‘ Angola practice advises clients on both inbound and outbound investment transactions, with a focus on large-scale project finance deals. Notable for her experience advising clients on the cross-border aspects of their investment operations in Angola, Santos Cruz is a key lawyer in the banking and finance team. Sousa Vieira is particularly active in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors, where she advises lenders, sponsors and governments on project finance transactions. The group works in association with local firm ALC Advogados, whose founding partner Catarina Levy Osório is recommended for private investment, tax and labour matters.
Practice head(s):
André de Sousa Vieira; Claudia Santos Cruz
Other key lawyers:
Catarina Levy Osório
Cuatrecasas
Cuatrecasas‘ Luanda office works closely with Lisbon-based experts to assist Iberian and international companies with their investment operations in Angola as well as local businesses with outbound matters. Jointly led by Maria João Ricou and André Duarte Figueira, the group is especially focused on the oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, logistics and energy segments. Ricou focuses on project finance, banking matters, restructuring and corporate finance, while Duarte Figueira is a key contact for regulatory matters, lease negotiations and participation agreements in the oil and gas and mining sectors.
Practice head(s):
Maria João Ricou; André Duarte Figueira
Other key lawyers:
Aida Kellal
Testimonials
‘A young but experienced team that contributed greatly to our successful concession bidding.’
‘Andre Duarte Figueira played a very important role in helping us close the gap between legal requirements and desired results. Aida Kellal was a driving force in finding win-win solutions.’
‘The ability to communicate in simple language is surely its distinctive factor. Responsiveness and pragmatism.’
‘I’d highlight André Duarte Figueira.’
Key clients
DP World (Dubai Ports World)
Africana Discount (Anseba)
McKinsey & Company
TechnipFMC Angola
Omatapalo
Amazon
Elecnor
Vinci
Inavic
ABT Associates
Work highlights
- Advised DP World on a regular basis on all matters related to the administration of Luanda Port’s multipurpose terminal.
- Acted for Africana Discount on the contact for exploitation and management rights of the supermarket network Keto.
- Assisted TechnipFMC with the new legal regime for local content in the oil and gas sector and the risks of the partial acquisition of TechnipFMC’s local partner’s stake in Angola.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
The Angola practice at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo sits within the firm’s wider African group. The team combines experts from a wide range of areas, including corporate and M&A, foreign investment, arbitration and tax. Led by Miguel Castro Pereira, the group is particularly active in the real estate, financial services and construction industries. Castro Pereira is specialised in banking and finance and tax; he works alongside Miguel de Avillez Pereira, who covers M&A, private equity, restructuring and insolvency.
Practice head(s):
Miguel Castro Pereira
Other key lawyers:
Miguel de Avillez Pereira
Key clients
Eaglestone
Banco de Poupança e Crédito (BPC)
Recrédito
LEAD Advogados
Paraurbana
Associação dos Hotéis e Resorts de Angola (AHRA)
Work highlights
- Advised Eaglestone on the incorporation of a securities broker and an asset management company.
- Acted for Banco de Poupança e Crédito (BPC) and Recrédito on the structuring of ABS securities.
- Assisted the Angolan law firm LEAD Advogados with the structuring of a crowdfunding platform in Angola.
Linklaters LLP
The Angola group at Linklaters stands out for its ability to leverage the firm’s full-service capabilities in Lisbon, Paris and London to assist clients with their operations in the country. The practice is noted for its strength in corporate, finance and dispute resolution. Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho is a key name in the banking and finance team and is particularly sought after to advise on projects in Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde. From Lisbon, he oversees the practice alongside London-based partner Andrew Jones, who is especially active in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Jones; Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho
Other key lawyers:
Diogo Plantier Santos
Testimonials
‘The Linklaters team has built a very solid offering. Clients are assisted by partners with the right balance of legal skills and experience.’
‘We have been working with partner Diogo Plantier Santos. It has been a remarkable experience. Diogo has the legal skills required for the job, including a strong connection with Africa. He is always available and very hands-on even regarding matters that he could defer to others.’
Key clients
Banco de Fomento Angola, SA
Work highlights
- Advised Banco de Fomento Angola (BFA) acting as a financial intermediary on the initial public offering (IPO) of Sonangalp – Sociedade de Distribuição de Combustíveis.
Mayer Brown
At Mayer Brown, the Angola group is part of the firm’s wider Lusophone Africa desk, which is recognised for its longstanding focus on the energy sector. Gonçalo Falcão is a key contact for oil and gas projects, foreign investment, foreign exchange issues and labour and immigration matters. Falcão jointly leads the team with Alexandre Chequer, who often assists clients in Brazil, Asia and Africa with project development and related regulatory matters. Falcão and Chequer split their time between Rio de Janeiro and Houston.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Chequer; Gonçalo Falcão
Testimonials
‘Trustworthy, available, deep knowledge of regulatory and legal frameworks and practical.’
‘The team is very business oriented and ensures that matters are dealt with in a legal and commercial way.’
‘Always available to respond, solution driven and risk mitigation-based approach.’
‘Gonçalo Falcão is an outstanding and skilled professional, business and results orientated, a problem solver and well respected by his peers and local authorities.’
White & Case LLP
With experienced practitioners across Europe, the US, Latin America and Asia, White & Case LLP‘s cross-practice Angola group is sought after for advice on project development, credit facilities and arbitration proceedings. London-based partner Mukund Dhar leads the practice and is particularly active in African jurisdictions, where he often advises on oil and gas projects. In Paris, François-Guilhem Vaissier is a key project development and finance lawyer, while Charles Nairac and Christophe Von Krause are recommended for international disputes and investor-state arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Mukund Dhar
Other key lawyers:
Francois-Guilhem Vaissier; Charles Nairac; Christophe Von Krause
Key clients
PT Ventures SGPS, SA
Work highlights
- Represented PT Ventures, a Portuguese telecoms company, in a number of interrelated proceedings in relation to its shareholding in Unitel.