EU and competition in Portugal

Linklaters

The ‘always available’ antitrust and foreign investment group at Linklaters is one of the first ports of call for an array of clients, especially international players, seeking assistance in high-profile cartel investigations, merger control and State Aid matters in Portugal. The Lisbon-based team stands out for its impressive track record of acting on the defendant side in some of the most challenging cartel and abuse of dominance cases in the country. The firm’s strong transactional practices also make it a first-choice for merger work at the national and EU levels, including Phase II investigations. On the State Aid front, following its successful performance in mandates involving banking resolutions and recapitalisations, the team was instructed by TAP (the Portuguese state-owned flag carrier airline) in relation to the support granted by the State in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the state aid filing with the European Commission. Department leader Carlos Pinto Correia, who enjoys a strong reputation among peers and officials at the Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA), led on the aforementioned matter. Counsel João Pateira Ferreira, a former senior legal officer at the PCA, is the other name to note in the team; he is retained by clients from the banking, insurance, energy, pharmaceutical and infrastructure sectors in all matters pertaining to antitrust law.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Pinto Correia


Other key lawyers:

João Pateira Ferreira


Testimonials

‘Always available, great know-how.’

‘Carlos Pinto Correia and João Pateira Ferreira are excellent.’

Key clients

SIBS – SGPS, S.A.


Banco BPI, S.A.


Farfetch UK Ltd.


TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A.


Beiersdorf Portuguesa, Lda.


Luz Saúde, S.A.


Lusitania, Companhia de Seguros, S.A.


Sanlam


The Navigator Company


Power Dot, S.A.


ECS – Sociedade Gestora de Fundos de Capital de Risco, S.A.


BNP Paribas Personal Finance, S.A., Sucursal em Portugal


Grupo 8 – Vigilância e Prevenção


Rail Logistics Europe


Glencore International AG


Vulcan Resources


Tereos Participations SAS


Work highlights


  • Advising Beiersdorf on an investigation by the Portuguese Competition Authority in the modern retail distribution sector for alleged hub-and-spoke practices.
  • Assisting TAP in its successful state aid filing with the European Commission (EC) and subsequent group restructuring imposed by the approval decision by the latter.
  • Advising Rail Logistics Europe (a subsidiary of the French Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (SNCF)) on the merger filing to the Portuguese Competition Authority and to the Spanish Competition Authority of the acquisition from Mota-Engil of 100% of the share capital of Takargo – Transporte de Mercadorias, S.A. and, indirectly, of Ibercargo Rail, S.A.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados

Highly rated by clients and peers alike, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados possesses market-leading capabilities across the full scope of antitrust investigations, merger control cases, State Aid matters, and competition litigation. Singled out for its skills in the most high-profile competition disputes and investigations in the country, the sizeable group is recurrently retained by governmental entities, and leading corporates operating in highly regulated sectors, including financial services, energy, TMT, insurance and retail. Joaquim Vieira Peres, whose ‘corporate and business approach‘ to competition matters is praised by clients, jointly heads up the group with the ‘brightLuís do Nascimento Ferreira. Both department leaders maintain a broad practice, comprising merger control, State Aid, restrictive practices and market dominance, and are seasoned in proceedings before the European courts. Other noteworthy individuals include Eduardo Maia Cadete, who has represented Portugal in several State Aid notifications and General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) communications before the European Commission; Gonçalo Machado Borges, who is particularly skilled in cartel investigations and merger filings, and a key point of contact for TMT clients; Pedro de Gouveia e Melo, a name to note for judicial appeals against infringement decisions by the PCA; and recently promoted partner Philipp Melcher, coordinator of the firm’s German desk. Also of note, Porto-based Inês Gouveia is actively involved in several judicial proceedings before the Competition, Regulation and Supervision Court and the Lisbon Appellate Court. Senior partner Carlos Botelho Moniz  is ‘a highly reputed lawyer‘ in the EU and competition law space.

Practice head(s):

Joaquim Vieira Peres; Luís do Nascimento Ferreira


Other key lawyers:

Carlos Botelho Moniz; Eduardo Maia Cadete; Gonçalo Machado Borges; Pedro Gouveia e Melo; Philipp Melcher; Inês Gouveia


Testimonials

‘The ML European and Competition team is for me, without a doubt, the best team in this area in Portugal. The main partners are very strong and the quality of several elements of the team, even the youngest associates I know, is very high. The team has a vision that seeks to cover all perspectives of client needs.’

‘Carlos Botelho Moniz, senior partner and a highly reputed lawyer in the area, is very wise and a strong negotiator. Joaquim Vieira Peres has a very good corporate and business approach to the matters. Luis Nascimento Ferreira – a bright partner with strong technical skills and ability to have a quick understanding of the problems at stake.’

‘The firm reveals great preparation and technical knowledge and establishes a collaborative relationship with the Client.’

‘Partners Philipp Melcher and Gonçalo Machado Borges show technical knowledge, experience in competition matters and availability to advise the Client.’

PLMJ

The ‘creative, strategic and responsive‘ practice at PLMJ blends ‘extensive competition law expertise with innovative litigation strategy and a detailed understanding of wider EU law‘. The firm - a premier choice for domestic and international clients in high-stakes merger control and State Aid matters - fields a team of experts who are ‘highly regarded’ in the area of antitrust investigations and litigation in Portugal. Leading the group, Ricardo Oliveira  has worked on some of the most relevant competition law mandates in the country; his areas of expertise range from cartel cases to abuse of dominance proceedings, merger control, litigation and antitrust compliance issues. He receives key support from a strong team of associates: Rita Aleixo Gregório , who assists companies from the aviation, banking, energy, healthcare and infrastructure sectors in the full range of antitrust matters, and  Martim Valente, whose ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the Portuguese regime‘ is rated by clients. The practice was recently strengthened by the addition of senior counsel Alexandra Dias Henriques, who joined from Gómez-Acebo & Pombo in October 2022.


Practice head(s):

Ricardo Oliveira


Other key lawyers:

Rita Aleixo Gregório; Martim Valente


Testimonials

‘Very commercially focused, their approach is practical and solutions driven, they are responsive and easy to deal with, work collaboratively with us and we thoroughly enjoyed working with them.’

‘Ricardo Olivera, Martim Valente and Rita Aleixo are all excellent.’

‘This is a highly regarded firm in the area of antitrust litigation in Portugal with hardworking experts who are easy to work with. They are creative, strategic and responsive. Easy to deal with and helpfully planning ahead. I particularly enjoy working with Martim Valente, and Ricardo Oliveira.’

‘Great and knowledgeable team headed by Ricardo Oliveira, from my standpoint the best in Portugal.’

‘One of their collective key strengths is being able to blend their extensive competition law expertise with innovative litigation strategy and a detailed understanding of wider EU law to deliver holistic strategic advice on the Portuguese litigation in particular and how that aligns with our wider international strategy more generally.’

‘Our experience of working with the whole PLMJ team is fantastic – we have previously commended their great depth of talent across their team from senior partners to junior associates – and this continues to be the case. At the more senior end of the spectrum, individuals who particularly stand out are Ricardo Oliveira and Rita Aleixo Gregório, both of whom provide exemplary and incisive legal advice. We particularly appreciate their ability to be across the granular detail of each of the individual proceedings, but simultaneously the overarching strategy of the wider mandate as a whole.’

‘Martim Valente is the lawyer I have on speed-dial for anything related to the Portuguese market. In addition to having an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Portuguese regime, his advice is always tailored to the strategic needs of the client, and he has a fantastic ability to simplify what is a pretty contemplated regime for clients not familiar with its idiosyncrasies. Super sharp and articulate, he is also very responsive and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Ricardo Oliveira and Rita Aleixo Gregório are top lawyers in competition matters, always client-oriented, analytic, and with clear communication. They have solid knowledge and practical experience in this field that add great value to our organization.’

Key clients

Mastercard


PrimeDrinks


Volvo/Renault Trucks


NBC Universal


Grupo Bimbo


Tabaqueira (Philip Morris International Group)


Start Campus


Sandvik


Ford


Dreammedia


Eleven Sports Network


Oxy Capital


Generali


Continental AG


Aer Rantia International (ARI)


Novartis


Securitas


Arcelor Mittal


Also Holdings


IKEA


Work highlights


  • Advising the Mastercard group on the consumer class action brought by Ius Omnibus, a consumer protection association, that is asking for compensation for all Portuguese consumers who were allegedly impacted by Mastercard’s anticompetitive practices, as identified by the European Commission.
  • Advising Grupo Bimbo on a major investigation launched by the Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA) into the food retail sector, in particular, possible hub-and-spoke arrangements involving several suppliers and retailers.
  • Assisting Volvo / Renault Trucks in the preparation of their defence against dozens of damages claims stemming from an infringement decision issued by the European Commission relating to an alleged antitrust arrangement in the truck sector that led to the application of record-breaking fines totalling €2.93bn.

SRS Legal

At SRS Legal, the 'excellent' EU & Competition team demonstrates in-depth 'knowledge of applicable law and local specificities' and is well versed in big-ticket antitrust matters with multijurisdictional implications. Spearheaded by Gonçalo Anastácio, the group fields a strong bench of partners and associates, whose collective experience make them well positioned to advise on the entire spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters, including major proceedings before the PCA involving banking, consumer goods, insurance and telecoms clients, merger control, private enforcement cases and State Aid. Anastácio 'provides knowledgeable and practical advice' in all matters pertaining to competition and EU law; he has represented numerous clients before the PCA, national courts and the European Commission. Agribusiness, pharmaceutical and financial services players regularly turn to Sara Estima Martins for assistance with matters before the European Court of Justice; she is also proficient in horizontal practices, vertical agreements and abuse of dominance cases. Also recommended, managing associate Duarte Pirra 'shows great availability to process urgent requests' in the context of antitrust investigations and dawn raids, while Nuno Calaim Lourenço possesses a 'deep knowledge of legislation' and extensive experience in high-profile cartel cases.

Practice head(s):

Gonçalo Anastácio


Other key lawyers:

Sara Estima Martins; Duarte Pirra; Nuno Calaim Lourenço


Testimonials

‘The efficiency and availability of the partners and their team are one of the strengths that lead us to use their services. As the topics in question are of high importance, we decided to turn to a law firm with established credits in this field.’

‘In addition to the extremely high legal quality of the team and its high capacity for advising clients, it is worth mentioning their commitment to avoiding conflicts of interest. It is one of the leading firms in this area. The work carried out and the documents prepared are of the highest quality.’

‘Gonçalo Anastácio possesses a very high level of legal knowledge, the client’s business, and is extremely proactive. Duarte Pirra has a very strong knowledge of our market.’

‘The team shows very good knowledge of applicable law and local specificities. It also has a good relationship with the PCA, which is very important in complex and (many times) urgent merger control procedures where time is of the essence to ensure a clearance decision.’

‘Gonçalo Anastácio provides knowledgeable and practical advice, exploring frequently the good relationship he has with the PCA to provide additional comfort on the PCA’s assessment of cases. Duarte Pirra provides practical advice and shows great availability to process urgent requests.’

‘Nuno Calaim Lourenço – very available lawyer, with deep knowledge of legislation and the market. He is very capable of adapting to requests made by the client and of “speaking their language”. He is a highly recommended lawyer.’

‘The way we see it, SRS Advogados is one of the most respected firms in the Portuguese legal market. The firm’s Lisbon office has an excellent EU & Competition team. The firm brings a lot more to the table than just its local expertise in competition law. This is because their lawyers are well-versed in EU law and well known in the Iberian market for having a great combination of skill and efficiency.’

‘I would recommend Sara Estima Martins, who is very close to the client, ensuring constant feedback that is very important to reinforce confidence in the work performed. Furthermore, Sara is able to interpret and assist in complex situations, which is sometimes difficult to find in large law firms.’

Key clients

ACIBEV


AGEAS


Air Liquide


Alfamicro


ANO


ANT


APETRO


Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC)


Associação Nacional de Topógrafos (ANT)


Barclays Bank


BASF


Beiersdorf AG


Boehringer Animal Health


Boehringer Ingelheim


AASO


Blueotter


Campofrio Food Group


Cannary


Centromarca


Colgate-Palmolive Company


CoRe


EGEO


Electrolux


EMEF (Empresa De Manutenção De Equipamento Ferroviário)


Empresa Águas do Vimeiro


Fábricas Lusitana – Produtos Alimentares


Finançor


Fromageries Bel Portugal (Bel Group)


Galp Energia


Grupo Sousa


Hero Group


IQVIA


Lion Re:Sources Iberia


Menold Bezler Rechtsanwä


Merkle


MSTF Partners


Mylan


Nestlé


OGMA


Oxy Capital


Port of Sines


Portuguese State


Repsol


Sage


Santander Bank


Securitas Direct


Soavifreixo


Sogrape


Solenis


Sumol + Compal


Thales


Trinseo


Trofa Saúde


Unilever


Vesuvius


VIRBAC Portugal Laboratórios


Vortal


Vueling Airlines


Work highlights


  • Acting for the suppliers in five Hub and Spoke cartel investigations.
  • Assisting Santander and Barclays in an investigation concerning the alleged existence of an illegal exchange of commercially sensitive information related to certain volumes of production of credit products.
  • Assisting Trofa Saúde in an investigation launched by the Portuguese Competition Authority.

VdA

VdA‘s competition and EU practice is consistently engaged by some of the biggest domestic companies and leading international players in high-stakes regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters. The ‘extremely responsive‘ group excels in competition litigation cases, merger control and State Aid mandates on behalf of clients from a broad range of industries (inc. TMT, sports, banking, insurance, healthcare, infrastructure and energy), and showcases particular strength in articles 101 and 102 TFUE investigations. Under the leadership of Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro, the team has managed to secure a leading position in the market when it comes to handling cases before the European Commission, European Courts and in other jurisdictions, most notably Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Practice head Bordalo Junqueiro and the highly regarded Nuno Ruiz have represented numerous clients in high-profile antitrust investigations and cartel cases at both the domestic and EU levels. Managing associate Cláudia Coutinho Da Costa is a key contact for merger control and antitrust proceedings involving the banking, telecoms, infrastructure and aviation sectors, while Nuno Carrolo dos Santos – ‘an extremely capable associate who provides strategic advice‘ in cross-border competition matters – stands out for his experience in antitrust investigations and merger control in the pharmaceuticals space.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro


Other key lawyers:

Nuno Ruiz; Cláudia Coutinho da Costa; Nuno Carrolo dos Santos; Leonor Bettencourt Nunes


Testimonials

‘Extremely responsive and always willing to discuss fees.’

‘Ricardo Junqueiro has empowered his associates to get on with it. Nuno Carrolo dos Santos is an extremely capable associate who provides strategic advice.’

Key clients

Active Brands


Altri


Banco Comercial Português (BCP)


Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola


Coloplast A/S


CUF


CTT


Dia Portugal Supermercados, S.A.


Grupo 2045


Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft


Horizon Partners


Lusíadas Saúde Group


Mapfre Seguros Gerais, S.A. (Mapfre Group)


McDonalds


MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia


Nintendo


Noble Corporation


Novartis


OLX–OLX Portugal, S.A.


Oaktree


Parpublica / TAP


Puma Energy (Angola)


SATA Air Açores


Saipem SpA


Somafel – Engenharia e Obras Ferroviárias, S.A.


Sport Lisboa e Benfica


Standard Bank Angola


Trafigura Group Pte Ltd


The Walt Disney Company


Universal Music


Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.


Zurich Insurance PLC – Sucursal Portugal


CMS

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:

Ana Cantanhede Gonçalves


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.

Cuatrecasas

Antitrust infringement investigations and subsequent appeals, State Aid and competition litigation are all key areas of activity for the competition and European law practice at Cuatrecasas, which particularly stands out for its involvement in merger control matters. Companies operating in a range of segments, including retail, TMT and distribution, routinely turn to the team for assistance with proceedings before the European Commission, PCA and competition authorities in Angola and Mozambique. The ‘extremely professionalPedro Marques Bom, whose experience in antitrust mandates spans more than two decades, leads the department that also features associate Luís Bordalo e Sá, who draws on his background as a legal officer at the PCA’s antitrust department to advise on high-profile investigations and dawn raids. The firm’s recent integration agreement with SLCM | Serra Lopes, Cortes Martins & Associados further reinforced the competition bench; the addition of Miguel Pena Machete and Catarina Pinto Xavier strengthened the team in the areas of compliance, merger control and regulatory matters. Bruno De Zêzere Barradas is no longer at the firm.


Practice head(s):

Pedro Marques Bom


Other key lawyers:

Luís Bordalo e Sá; Miguel Pena Machete; Catarina Pinto Xavier


Testimonials

‘Their availability, expertise and proximity to the client are unparalleled.’

‘Pedro Marques Bom is extremely professional, available and has a consistent knowledge of the subjects.’

‘Miguel Machete stands out for his deep knowledge of the subject and practice; for the quality of his follow-ups; and for the ability to analyse and advise on different issues.’

Key clients

Auchan Retail Portugal (Auchan Group)


GALP


Inetum Group


Castel Group


CVC Partners


Roche Pharmaceutical (F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Group)


Nowo Communications (MásMóvil Group)


Wonderbox SAS


Votorantim


Bauer Media Group


El Corte Inglés


Infinitas Learning


Ferrovial Serviços (currently PreZero)


Coca Cola Europacific Partners


Searchlight Capital Partners


Comsa Group


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing Auchan Retail Portugal in the first hub-and-spoke cases investigated in Portugal.
  • Advising CVC Partners on the acquisition of a relevant stake in Sonae MC for €528m, within the specific context of the massive probe against mass retailers for alleged price fixing through hub-and-spoke infringements.
  • Representing Comsa group before the courts following the cartel infringement decision by the PCA for bid-rigging.

DLA Piper ABBC

DLA Piper ABBC‘s versatile practice has a strong reputation for handling complex competition law issues arising in the context of large-scale M&A deals, antitrust proceedings and related litigation. The highly regarded Miguel Mendes Pereira is rated for his ‘professional competence above the market average‘, and ‘total availability‘; he brings together longstanding experience in this space, guiding clients in cartel cases, State Aid matters and merger control in the food, pharmaceuticals, energy, financial services and TMT sectors. These are also among associate Carla Marcelino‘s core areas of focus, who benefits from a background in litigation.

Practice head(s):

Miguel Mendes Pereira


Other key lawyers:

Carla Marcelino


Testimonials

‘Excellent experience of working with partner Miguel Mendes Pereira. I recognise the qualification and diversity of the Lisbon-based team and its total availability to respond to the clients’ needs.’

‘I would like to highlight the lawyer I’ve worked with – Miguel Mendes Pereira – for his professional competence above the market average, his intelligence in finding the best solutions for his clients and his total availability to give a timely answer to all the questions that arise.’

Sérvulo & Associados

Led by Miguel Gorjão-Henriques, Sérvulo & Associados' European and competition law group is reputed for its strength in high-profile investigative proceedings, the full range of State Aid matters and antitrust compliance issues. A powerhouse in the public law space, the firm attracts instructions from private and public entities from an array of sectors, including TMT, energy, retail, healthcare and financial services, and is experienced in handling pre-litigation proceedings and cases heard before European courts, the European Commission and the European Central Bank. In recent months, the team has acted in several major restrictive practices cases before the PCA. Alberto Saavedra offers key support in the fields of merger control, restrictive practices and State Aid.

Practice head(s):

Miguel Gorjão-Henriques


Other key lawyers:

Alberto Saavedra; Guilherme Oliveira e Costa; Francisco Marques de Azevedo


Testimonials

‘Fast, clear, available, innovative and comprehensive advice.’

‘Miguel Gorjão Henriques stands out.’

‘I highlight the quality and excellence of the service provided to the client, as well as the deep knowledge and experience in competition law. Miguel Gorjão Henriques is our go-to person.’

Key clients

Banco Português de Fomento – BPF (National Promotional Bank)


Government of the Madeira Autonomous Region


EuroBic Bank


EGEO


BPI Bank


“Insolvency mass of the BES Bank” (Banco Espírito Santo, S.A.)


LG Portugal


Portuguese Federation of Tobacco Wholesalers (“FPGT”)


Jerónimo Martins Group


Municipality of Lisbon


JMDB


Fresenius Medical Care group


Pingo Doce


TIS – Europe Economics – European Commission


AMP – Área Metropolitana do Porto (Metropolitan Area of Oporto)


Work highlights


  • Representing Pingo Doce in several hub & spoke cases being investigated and decided by the Portuguese Competition Authority.
  • Assisted BPF in notifying individual aids or aid schemes to the European Commission, under the Covid-19 Temporary Framework.
  • Representing Banco BPI in a litigation matter before the ECJ under article 267 TFEU.

Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho

Praised for its ‘great technical knowledge‘, Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho‘s competition team is a popular destination for leading domestic and international clients operating in a variety of regulated sectors, including energy, financial services, and healthcare. The firm has well-established strength in complex merger cases at the domestic and EU levels, including Phase II investigations and gun jumping cases. Of particular note is its work in high-profile restrictive practices investigations, private enforcement cases, and compliance. Tânia Luísa Faria, who provides ‘reliable and appropriate analysis in a swift manner’, steers the team in antitrust and merger control proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Tânia Luísa Faria


Other key lawyers:

Margot Lopes Martins; Guilherme Neves Lima; Raquel Marques Nunes


Testimonials

‘I believe that the team has solid technical knowledge in this matter, and I value the collaborative and assertive approach with the client (including the rigour in meeting the defined deadlines and timely information of all steps), as well as the dynamics that it imprints with the Competition Authority in the sense of obtaining a positive outcome of the process.’

‘Great technical knowledge, and the projects are made up of multidisciplinary teams that truly complement each other. Total availability and monitoring of the clients’ concerns. Great knowledge of the business and ability in finding alternative solutions and implementing them.’

‘Great technical knowledge. Enormous persistence and ability to work. Very focused. It is worth mentioning Tânia Luisa Faria.’

‘Tânia’s team works seamlessly and smoothly and is always there for you to address your queries.’

‘Based on her in-depth experience, Tânia can provide clients with reliable and appropriate analyses in a swift manner.’

Key clients

DST, SGPS, S.A.


JCDecaux Portugal Mobiliário Urbano, Lda


Moody’s Corporation


Banco Santander Totta, S.A.


Unión de Créditos Inmobiliários, S.A., Establecimiento Financiero de Crédito (Sociedad Unipersonal) – Sucursal em Portugal


DAF Trucks


Hospital Particular do Algarve, S.A. (HPA)


Allianz Group


Unilabs


Aire Networks


Électricité de France S.A. (EDF)


Prénatal Retail Group, S.p.A.


MELIAHotelsInternationalS.A.


Futebol Clube de Famalicão – Futebol SAD


Arrow Global Group


Fastfiber – Infraestruturas de Comunicações, S.A.


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing JCDecaux in competition matters, including merger control proceedings, resulting from the Portuguese tender for outdoor advertising displays in Lisbon, as well as in the subsequent judicial appeals.
  • Advising Moody’s Corporation on competition law matters before the PCA.
  • Representing Hospital Particular do Algarve, S.A. in connection with the PCA’s antitrust investigation into the domestic private hospitals sector.

Abreu Advogados

Abreu Advogados houses a strong competition practice that is capable of advising on a range of non-contentious issues, as well as litigation. In such matters, the team is sought out by Portuguese and international companies operating in myriad sectors, from sports to consumer goods, energy and healthcare. The firm has a notable track record in merger control, and is also trusted by clients in abuse of dominance position proceedings, cartel cases and EU law matters. Practice leaders Armando Martins Ferreira and Inês Sequeira Mendes, both of whom have a wealth of experience in the gamut of EU and competition law mandates, jointly manage the ‘solid and experienced team‘. With the ability to advise on all areas of competition law, Ricardo Henriques, a key contact for TMT clients, is particularly seasoned in anti-competitive practices and compliance programmes. Sónia Gemas Donário, who joined from Albuquerque & Almeida in February 2022, reinforced the practice’s capabilities in cases before the PCA and European Commission.

Practice head(s):

Armando Martins Ferreira; Inês Sequeira Mendes


Other key lawyers:

Sónia Gemas Donário; Ricardo Henriques


Testimonials

‘Solid and experienced team. Mainly active in the field of merger control.’

‘I would highlight Armando Martins Ferreira. Lawyer with a lot of experience and a solid reputation in the market.’

‘The speed of response, always combined with quality outputs, are the team’s main differentiating factors.’

‘Armando Martins Ferreira stands out.’

Key clients

Tokyo Gas


KELAG International


CD Tondela


Grupo Bel


Alsa/National Express


National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel


SPORT LISBOA E BENFICA


LIDL & CIA


Continental


STATKRAFT


GLOBALVIA


CBRE GLOBAL INVESTORS


COMPAÑIA DE SERVICIOS DE BEBIDAS REFRESCANTES, S.L.


DAIMLER


APIFVET


RESITEJO / RSTJ


STAPLES


FROMAGERIES BEL PORTUGAL


MISUMI / DAYTON PROGRESS


FREY


Embraer


Newpal


CARMONTI


IGAS


SERVILUSA


Work highlights


  • Advised Embraer on the transfer of its factories in Évora to the Spanish company Aernnova Aerospace, S.A.U.
  • Advised IGAS on the acquisition by South African Gas Development Company Soc Ltd and Companhia Moçambicana de Gasoduto S.A. of the Republic Of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company Proprietary Limited, including in the merger case decided and cleared by the Mozambique Regulatory and Competition Authority.
  • Advised Newpal – Investimentos, SGPS, S.A. – a Portuguese management company, subsidiary of OXYCAPITAL MEZZANINE FUND (venture capital fund) – on the acquisition of 84% of the share capital of COPAM – COMPANHIA PORTUGUESA DE AMIDO, S.A.

Cruz Vilaça Advogados

Founded in 2019 by José Luís da Cruz Vilaça, a former judge at the the Court of Justice of the European Union, boutique Cruz Vilaça Advogados is entirely devoted to competition matters and EU affairs. The firm occupies a unique position in the market and has already established a strong presence in this space, acting for clients from a wide range of industries, such as energy, pharmaceuticals, transport, digital business and financial services, and public entities in high-stakes cases at the national and European levels. Besides its in-depth knowledge of EU law, State Aid and fundamental rights, the practice is also engaged in proceedings before the PCA, such as cartels and hub-and-spoke cases. Practice head Cruz Vilaça ‘stands out for his unparalleled first-hand knowledge of EU Courts‘. Rita Leandro Vasconcelos left the firm in December 2o23.

Practice head(s):

José Luis Cruz Vilaça


Other key lawyers:

Paulo de Almeida Sande; Mariana Tavares; Mariana Martins Pereira


Testimonials

‘I would like to point out as the main assets the great knowledge of law and legislation of the European Market, based on many years of work of its professionals in this area both in Portugal and in Brussels, as well as the high professionalism and availability of the team.’

‘I highlight Paulo de Almeida Sande and Mariana Tavares. I consider them to be professionals of the highest quality, both in terms of technical knowledge and in the availability to cover new specific subjects of great complexity.’

‘Reputation, knowledge and experience of the founding partner who gives the firm its name. Availability and speed in the provision of services, combined with an exceptional quality and a very high flexibility and ability to apprehend what the Client wants are undoubtedly the main attributes of this firm.’

Key clients

AEPSA – Association of Portuguese Companies for the Environment Sector


Ana Carla Mendes de Almeida – European Prosecutor


Barraqueiro Transportes


Belron Group


Ferrero Ibérica – Sucursal em Portugal


Fortum Sverige, AB


Google LLC


Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude, I.P. (IPDJ) – Portuguese Republic


Medway – Operadores Ferroviários, S.A.


Pingo Doce – Distribuição Alimentar, S.A. (Jerónimo Martins)


Qualcomm Inc.


Região Autónoma da Madeira


Sport TV Portugal, S.A.


Tabaqueira, S.A. (Philip Morris International’s subsidiary)


Vapo Atlantic S,.A. (distributor of Kuwait Petroleum)


Work highlights


  • José Luís da Cruz Vilaça intervened on behalf of the Republic of Portugal at the hearing of the European Super League Company case (C-333/21) before the CJEU (Luxembourg), concerning the possibility of Europe’s top clubs to create an alternative league outside the scope of UEFA and FIFA competitions.
  • Representing Vapo Atlantic, S.A. in a request for a preliminary ruling with the Court of Justice of the European Union, concerning the free movement of goods.
  • Assisted Jerónimo Martins with the purpose of supporting Pingo Doce’s judicial appeal against two infringement decisions issued by the Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC).

Garrigues Portugal

The ‘highly reliable‘ competition and EU law team at Garrigues Portugal receives plaudits for its ‘tremendous experience and acute business sense‘. It maintains a core focus on merger control proceedings, and stands out for its representation of clients in complex cartel cases. Domestic and international companies operating in the automotive, technology, consumer and banking sectors seek regular assistance from the practice, which works in close collaboration with peers from Spain, Brussels and across Latin America. ‘Top lawyerLuís Pinto Monteiro, who is singled out by clients for his ‘permanent availability and responsiveness’, has been involved in numerous antitrust cases, cartel infringement proceedings, and merger filings before the PCA and the European Commission. Entirely devoted to this area of law, Sofia Vilas Boas has been busy advising clients on hub-and-spoke cases and international merger proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Luis Pinto Monteiro


Other key lawyers:

Sofia Vilas Boas; Miguel Cortes Martins


Testimonials

‘It is a highly reliable team that puts the client’s interests above everything else. Available 24/7 to discuss problems and think of solutions. The team is extremely consistent and very well-prepared. They dive into the details without losing the focus on the greater picture. They consistently come to meetings to impress, and they tend to show results at their maximum level. Their focus and business awareness are higher than others in the field, which is very much appreciated.’

‘We very much enjoy working with Garrigues. Luis Pinto Monteiro stands out as a top lawyer in Competition law. He makes sure that the team is always available and performs extremely well. He is aware of every detail, even though others may be handling the issues. That is crucial and comforting for us.’

‘They work transversally to solve their clients’ problems.’

‘Garrigues has demonstrated its permanent readiness to respond to all requests and high technical competence.’

‘Luís Pinto Monteiro stands out for his permanent availability and responsiveness.’

‘The team is absolutely outstanding. All the team members are extremely proactive, always available and technically solid. They always excel, providing us the best advice without hindering our business performance. They work as well under pressure, and never lose their calm. It is always a pleasure working with them.’

‘The team has tremendous experience and an acute business sense. Luis Pinto Monteiro is the team leader and makes sure that clients get what they want. Their attention to strategy and detail is unbelievable. They are always one step ahead of our counterparties. That is a huge advantage when compared to their peers that provide the same services.’

Key clients

WPP PLC


KKR & Co. Inc


Boston Scientific Corporation


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (“BBVA”)


Samsung


Prestibel


Volvo


Honda


Banco CTT


Polestar


Empor


Jaguar Land Rover


Work highlights


  • Assisting BBVA in cartel case involving the banking sector concerning the alleged exchange of confidential information related to commercial conditions and production volumes of various financial products.
  • Assisting Prestibel – Empresa de Segurança, S.A. in an alleged cartel sanctioned by the Portuguese Competition Authority.
  • Assisting Boston Scientific Corporation in a horizontal merger related to the acquisition of MI Tech which develops, manufactures, and provides medical devices in the field of digestive endoscopy.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo maintains an active EU and competition practice, which is well placed to handle the gamut of matters, from merger control to complex antitrust investigations and related litigation. ‘Composed of highly competent and very committed professionals’, the team attracts mandates from companies active in a broad range of industries seeking legal support in relation to cartels, compliance, private damages actions and leniency cases before the PCA. Mário Marques Mendes  ‘possesses phenomenal leadership and technical skills‘; clients highlight his ‘great knowledge of jurisprudence‘ and excellence in finding solutions. Pedro Vilarinho Pires, who oversees the TMT practice, is also active in antitrust law matters. Alexandra Dias Henriques is no longer at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Mário Marques Mendes


Other key lawyers:

Pedro Vilarinho Pires


Testimonials

‘Despite not being large, GA_P competition team is composed of highly competent and very committed professionals.’

‘Mário Marques Mendes is a very knowledgeable leader, always focused on providing clients with high quality service and advice.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and understands well our business and its environment.’

Key clients

Procter & Gamble


IVECO


Algeco


Henkel


Logoplaste


Grupo Prisa


B. Braun


Creditors of BES


Grupo Nabeiro – Delta Cafés


Sixth Street


ESPRINET SpA


Elevolution


CAE Inc.


Rebonave


De’Longhi


Work highlights


  • Representing Procter & Gamble in investigations and ongoing complex procedures before the Portuguese Competition Authority.
  • Advising and representing IVECO in private damages litigation.
  • Representing Algeco in a damages action brought against the companies condemned by the Competition Authority.

TELLES

TELLES has an impressive track record in merger control filings before the PCA and the European Commission, where it often acts for domestic companies, multinationals, foreign subsidiaries and branch offices of Portuguese companies located across Europe, Asia and America. The team of competition law specialists ‘provides practical advice‘ in matters involving horizontal and vertical agreements, abuse of dominant position, State Aid and cartels. With extensive experience of acting for clients from the technology and start-up sectors, Leyre Prieto is a name to note for merger control proceedings and antitrust compliance programmes. Joaquim Caimoto Duarte left the firm in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Leyre Prieto


Testimonials

‘They are specialists in competition law and provide practical advice to international clients.’

‘Very close to the clients and their needs. Concerned about anticipating issues and risks.’

‘They are highly qualified professionals, super accessible and very attentive. I highlight as a differentiating factor the attention they give to problems and how they involve us in decision-making, facilitating our understanding of the multiple issues.’

Work highlights


  • Advised Alpac Capital, regarding Portuguese and European Union law merger control matterson the acquisition of the European news broadcaster, EURONEWS.
  • Legal representation of Super Bock Bebidas Group, in the Preliminary Ruling proceedingsbefore the European Court of Justice.
  • Merger control assessment to Teak Capital, B.V. and Tangor Capital, S.A. on the acquisition ofjoint control over Cerealis – SGPS, S.A. and its respective affiliates.

PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL

Split between Porto and Lisbon, PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL is a popular choice for domestic companies in merger filings, competition litigation and day-to-day regulatory and compliance advice. The team is also trusted by a growing number of international players, and has been recently engaged in cross-border transactional matters with competition law implications. With ‘a growing presence in the market‘, founding and managing partner Miguel Miranda is the ‘go-to person’ in the firm for complex antitrust issues; his skills ‘in defending plaintiffs in damages claims for breach of competition law’ are particularly highlighted by clients. Efigénia Marabuto Tavares, ‘a very bright‘ associate, is rated for her ‘solid technical knowledge‘ of this space.

Practice head(s):

Miguel Miranda


Other key lawyers:

Efigénia Marabuto Tavares


Testimonials

‘This firm is equipped with a diversity of lawyers in various professional areas, which gives us security in the individual knowledge of each one. The service provided is very close to the client. I particularly highlight Miguel Miranda.’

‘Dedication to the client and the certainty of only ending the follow-up when the case in question truly ends.’

‘Miguel Miranda stands out.’

‘Miguel Miranda has a growing presence in the market, particularly in defending plaintiffs in damages claims for breach of competition law.’

‘Working with PRA is synonymous of excellence and professionalism. They are meticulous, always provide solutions, anticipate all scenarios and are involved until the end in all matters. It is a real privilege to have them in competition matters.’

‘The competition team has proven to be able to handle complex legal issues.’

‘Miguel Miranda is my go-to person for cases involving competition matters. He has excellent mastery of this area. Apart from his excellent experience in all relevant legal aspects, he has thorough knowledge of a wide range of market sectors so that he is able to determine the right strategy.’

‘I would like to highlight the work of Efigénia Tavares. I find Efigénia a very bright lawyer, with very solid technical knowledge. Efigénia knows the market very well and she’s always available, which is much appreciated. She understands our business and is able to deliver straightforward advice.’

Key clients

Aviludo, SGPS, S.A.


AR Telecom


IT Sector


Raposo Bernardo

Praised for its ability ‘to bridge the gap between law and the management of a company‘, Raposo Bernardo is equally adept in merger control, abuse of dominance cases and antitrust compliance matters. The team provides a ‘first-rate service in the prevention of competitive practices, regulatory investigations, state aid, and competition issues in general‘, acting for an array of clients from the worlds of banking, insurance, and pharmaceuticals, among other sectors. The ‘extremely methodical and organisedMafalda Contumélias Baptista, a key contact for TMT clients, oversees the competition and EU law practice.

Practice head(s):

Mafalda Contumélias Baptista


Testimonials

‘The lawyers of the European and Competition Law department are extremely attentive, very competent, gifted in law, with a very strong practical sense, and know how to bridge the gap between law and the management of a company.’

‘Mafalda Contumélias Batista has done an absolutely magnificent job. Mafalta has many professional characteristics that I admire; she is very determined, focused, proactive, efficient, and always available.’

‘They have a team of extraordinary quality; all of them are extremely complete, have an exceptional legal know-how, and provide quality services.’

‘They all have great legal, professional and even human qualities. Mafalda Contumélias Batista is totally focused on results and 100% pragmatic. She is always available to her clients, is very proactive, and is totally reliable.’

‘Long experience in competition and European law matters, with many relevant cases won before the Competition Authority and European Courts. As a team, they provide a first-rate service in the prevention of competitive practices, regulatory investigations, state aid, and competition issues in general.’

‘ Mafalda Contumélias Batista stands out for being a creative thinker, and coming up with very original solutions that unlock problems.’

‘Complete command of European and Competition law.’

‘Mafalda Contumélias Batista is responsible for this department at Raposo Bernardo, and has done a magnificent job. She is extremely methodical and organised.’

Work highlights


  • Advising a client on natural gas supply agreements containing several competition clauses.
  • Acting for a client in an investigation by the PCA involving a distribution agreement.
  • Advising a client on competition matters.