Firms To Watch: Insolvency and restructuring

With the arrival of its new practice head Catarina Guedes de Carvalho, who joined in February 2022 from PLMJ, CTSU - Sociedade de Advogados, S.P., R.L., S.A.‘s restructuring and recovery practice is geared to advise on the sale of NPL portfolios, credit recovery proceedings and restructuring plans.
Under the leadership of Filipa Alfaia Barata, RRP Advogados‘ litigation, restructuring and insolvency practice continues to grows its client list of creditors, debtors and investors, who seek the team for advice on restructuring strategies, distressed investment and court proceedings.

Insolvency and restructuring in Portugal

Cuatrecasas

Cuatrecasas‘ team is geared to assist debtors and creditors in the gamut of restructuring and insolvency matters, covering distressed M&A, winding-up proceedings, debt restructurings and directors’ liability litigation, among other areas. The practice is noted for its wealth of experience advising international investment funds on the acquisition of distressed debt and defaulted loan portfolios. The department's leadership is split between Maria João Ricou, who heads the banking and finance and capital markets teams, and litigation and arbitration practice head Miguel De Almada, who is a popular choice for clients from the energy, construction, telecoms and banking sectors. The group was boosted following the firm’s incorporation with SLCM | Serra Lopes, Cortes Martins & Associados in January 2023, which brought to the team civil and commercial litigator Maria Raquel Moreira and Diana Simão Lourenço, who specialises in insolvency and restructuring related to banking and finance operations.

Practice head(s):

Maria João Ricou; Miguel de Almada


Other key lawyers:

Maria Raquel Moreira; Diana Simão Lourenço


Testimonials

‘This is an office with extensive experience, proactive and diligent.’

‘Maria Raquel Moreira stands out.’

‘Efficiency, dedication and price/quality ratio.’

‘Maria Raquel Moreira and Diana Simão Lourenço are recommended.’

Key clients

Cross Ocean Partners


Bank of Portugal


Novo Banco


Luminar Finance Limited


Banco Privado Português – Em Liquidação (BPP)


Summer Várzea, SA


Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch


Davidson Kempner


Ardent Financial Limited


Bank of America


Work highlights


  • Advised Cross Ocean on the restructuring of the bank debt of toll road concessionaire Douro Litoral (AEDL), prior to and following the enforcement by the lenders of their security.
  • Acted for Bank of Portugal in several judicial proceedings filed against the resolution measures it adopted relating to failing Bank Banif.
  • Represented Banco Privado Português (BPP) and its winding-up board in insolvency proceedings.

Linklaters

In Portugal, Linklaters houses a renowned restructuring and insolvency practice, drawing on the expertise of the firm's specialists in a wide range of fields, including tax, dispute resolution, corporate finance and employment. Offering leading international experience, the group frequently acts for all stakeholders in debt restructurings, distressed M&A, disposals of non-performing assets, insolvency litigation and out-out-court proceedings. Skilled in contentious and non-contentious restructurings, practice head Nuno Ferreira Lousa oversees the firm’s dispute resolution and international arbitration teams. He works alongside dispute resolution specialist Manuel De Abreu Castelo Branco and Gonçalo Veiga De Macedo, who advises corporates, sponsors and financial institutions on a broad range of finance work, including the sale and acquisition of NPL portfolios and debt restructurings. Managing associate Ricardo Silva Pereira left the firm in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Ferreira Lousa


Other key lawyers:

Manuel de Abreu Castelo Branco; Gonçalo Veiga de Macedo


Key clients

ECS – Sociedade de Capital de Risco, SA


Cerberus European Investments, LLC


DWS


Davidson Kempner European Partners


Bank of America Europe DAC


Lisgráfica – Impressão e Artes Gráficas, SA


Acciona Green Energy Developments SLU


Fluxys Lng SA


Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados

With ‘a very solid and in-depth knowledge’ of insolvency and restructuring matters, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados acts for debtors, creditors, investors, directors and shareholders in complex judicial and out-of-court insolvency proceedings. In addition to its strength in distressed investments and acquisitions, the group is highly experienced in restructurings and out-of-court settlements, including under the special revitalisation process (PER) and the non-judicial recovery regime (RERE). Highly recommended by clients, Nuno Gundar da Cruz leads the group and excels in complex PER and insolvency cases. Carlos Osório de Castro and Filipe Lowndes Marques are key names for financial restructurings, and Magda Fernandes is a popular choice for both debtors and creditors seeking representation in insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Gundar da Cruz


Other key lawyers:

Carlos Osório de Castro; Filipe Lowndes Marques; Magda Fernandes


Testimonials

‘MLGTS is assertive, quick at responding and presents alternative solutions and strategies. Its extensive knowledge gives us security, but above all, confidence in the solutions presented.’

‘Full availability and involvement of the team in monitoring the processes.’ 

‘A very solid and in-depth knowledge of the topics.’

‘I’d highlight Nuno Gundar da Cruz.’

‘Particularly noteworthy is Nuno Gandar da Cruz, who is always available, assertive and has solid knowledge in the area. I have complete confidence in the solutions presented.’

PLMJ

‘Excellent at providing strategic advice with respect to creditor rights in insolvency’, PLMJ is instructed in some of the most high-profile international insolvency cases. Acting for leading corporates, financial institutions and medium-size domestic companies, the practice collaborates with the firm’s banking and finance, tax, corporate and M&A, real estate and employment teams to offer a full service. The department is headed by duo Nuno Líbano Monteiro, who has more than 30 years of experience in litigation, insolvency and restructuring, and Joaquim Shearman de Macedo, who represents sellers and buyers in non-performing loan transactions and complex distressed M&A. Manuela Tavares Morais is a key contact for pre-insolvency restructuring processes and turnaround plans. ‘Well-known insolvency and restructuring practitioner’ Pedro Caetano Nunes is recommended for corporate and financial litigation. The team was bolstered in May 2022 with the arrival of senior counsel Ricardo Silva Pereira, formerly at Linklaters.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Líbano Monteiro; Joaquim Shearman de Macedo


Other key lawyers:

Manuela Tavares Morais; Pedro Caetano Nunes; Ricardo Silva Pereira


Testimonials

‘PLMJ is a law firm in which technology is part of everyday life. It is immediately apparent that the team is up-to-date and sophisticated. It achieves impressive speed due to efficient internal processes. The way the practitioners organise the processes allows them to answer any question online.’

‘Undoubtedly, I would highlight Pedro Caetano Nunes for his unquestionable level of expertise and impressive interventions. Pedro Caetano Nunes has professional qualities that make him unique and this can be seen in the quality of the matters he manages.’

‘Pedro Caetano Nunes is in my opinion the most well-known insolvency and restructuring practitioner in Portugal.’ 

‘Ricardo Silva Pereira is very competent and follows the insolvency proceedings very closely.’

‘PLMJ has a team with solid knowledge, covering the areas of banking and finance and restructuring and insolvency.’

‘Joaquim Shearman de Macedo is a lawyer with deep knowledge in the area of restructuring and insolvency. Joaquim has extensive experience in restructuring and insolvency and distinguishes himself from the competition for wanting to find new solutions for the proposed restructurings. Joaquim’s availability, ability to resolve complex issues as well as his vast experience make him a go-to lawyer for restructuring and insolvency.’

‘The team is excellent at providing strategic advice with respect to creditors rights in insolvency. I appreciate the fact of having one interlocutor for all matters. The team is always available, very responsive and takes my matters at hand with great care.’

‘Nuno Libano Monteiro has an excellent network and works with parties during proceedings, including tax authorities, social security bodies and banks.’

Key clients

Attestor Capital


Bank of America


BlackRock


Canada Pension Plan – Investment Board


Amitra Capital


Cross Ocean Partners


Davidson Kempner Capital Management


Espírito Santo Financial Group (ESFG), Insolvent Estate


European Investment Bank


Iberis Semper


KKR


Oxy Capital


PIMCO Investment Management


Strategic Value Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised international investment funds including Attestor Capital and Blackrock Group on the insolvency of a Portuguese bank, with major implications and involving around €5bn.
  • Assisted a client with the acquisition bid for a portfolio of loans, real estate assets, and the sub-participation of related exposures from Novo Banco with a face value in excess of €1bn.
  • Acted for investors Bank of America and Cross Ocean in the restructuring procedure of Monterei Group.

VdA

VdA houses a dedicated corporate restructuring and insolvency practice with specialist lawyers, which attracts a roster of premier financial institutions, fund managers, corporates, board members and public sector clients. Known in the market for his extensive experience in high-profile insolvency cases, Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, who founded the firm’s litigation and arbitration practice, heads up the department. With a strong background in restructuring and insolvency matters in the financial services and telecoms sectors, Terresa Pitôrra is another key practitioner. Also recommended is managing associate Catarina Carvalho Cunha. Former co-head Filipa Cotta left the firm in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Frederico Gonçalves Pereira


Other key lawyers:

Terresa Pitôrra; Catarina Carvalho Cunha


Key clients

Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, SA


Directorate General for Structural Reform Support of the European Commission


Rio Forte Investments, SA


Atena Equity Partners


Maló Clinic SA


European Investment Bank (EIB)


Banif Finance Ltd


Board members of Dizin Lda


Caixa Gestão de Ativos, SA (CGA)


Insolvent Estate of Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Fechado Promovest


Banco de Portugal


Valeo Systèmes de Contrôle Moteur


Banco português de Fomento


Work highlights


  • Advised Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral on the refinancing and restructuring of its debt.
  • Acted together with KPMG for the Ministry of Justice of Portugal on a project to implement the Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament on preventive restructuring frameworks.
  • Assisted Rio Forte Investments in its insolvency and liquidation process, with a special focus on the liquidation of its assets held in Portugal.

Sérvulo & Associados

With a proven track record in bank liquidation and insolvency proceedings’, Sérvulo & Associados‘ practice is regularly involved in high-profile restructuring and insolvency cases, with a particular focus on the financial services sector. Praised for its ‘promptness and excellence in service and client care’, the group advises a diverse client list of asset management firms, financial institutions and companies operating in the automotive, aviation, pharmaceuticals and real estate industries. Manuel Magalhães is a popular choice for major banks, and Mafalda Ferreira Santos focuses on dispute resolution and is well versed in in- and out-of-court restructuring and insolvency cases. António Teles and João Saúde are specialised in litigation and arbitration and are especially active in liquidation proceedings involving financial institutions.


Practice head(s):

Manuel Magalhães; Mafalda Ferreira Santos; António Teles; João Saúde


Other key lawyers:

Francisco Boavida Salavessa; Alexandra Valpaços; Margarida Sepúlveda Teixeira; Maria José Lourenço


Testimonials

‘A team with a proven track record in bank liquidation and insolvency proceedings in Portugal. Diversified knowledge of the matters covered in the judicial liquidation process. In-depth knowledge of the client’s situation.’

‘Manuel Magalhães monitors and supervises the work being carried out and has many years of experience. Francisco Boavida Salavessa is experienced in financial institution liquidations. Mafalda Ferreira Santos is noted for her ability to work under pressure, technical quality and experience in insolvency proceedings. Maria José Lourenço is recommended for her experience and technical quality and degree of knowledge of the client.’

‘The quality of work is a differentiating factor.’

‘Promptness and excellence in service and client care.’

‘Mafalda Ferreira Santos is professional, empathetic and clear in her requests and answers.’

‘Efficiency and knowledge of the subjects. Permanent availability of teams. Prices adjusted to the service provided.’

‘Manuel Magalhães, Alexandra Valpaços and Margarida Sepúlveda Teixeira are recommended.’

Key clients

TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, SA


BANCO ESPÍRITO SANTO, SA – Em Liquidação (BES)


BANCO INTERNACIONAL DO FUNCHAL, SA – Em Liquidação (BANIF)


BANCO PRIVADO PORTUGUÊS, SA – Em Liquidação (BPP)


FERROVIAL/MSF – BARRAGENS A.C.E.


Monumental Residence – Empreendimentos Imobiliários, SA


Orey Financial – Instituição Financeira de Crédito, SA – Em Liquidação


Grünenthal


Nilit France, S.A. (Nilit France)


Exact Software Iberia, SL


Aguia Enlica, Lda (Aquila Capital Group)


Work highlights


  • Represented TAP in the insolvency proceedings of SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, commercially known as Groundforce, a company that provides handling services.
  • Acted for BES and its liquidation committee in pre-litigation and litigation matters, including banking and financial, regulatory, commercial, corporate, civil, insolvency and European law issues.
  • Advised MSF – ENGENHARIA on its insolvency, including claims of creditors and negotiations with the insolvency administrator, after a global restructuring plan that failed.

Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho

With expertise across dispute resolution, corporate, tax and labour law, Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho‘s ‘always available, smart and very commercial’ insolvency and restructuring team advises debtors and creditors in the banking, real estate and tourism industries. Notable for its experience in both domestic and cross-border transactions, the group excels in advising international investors on the acquisition of NPL portfolios. Restructuring and insolvency expert David Sequeira Dinis is often sought after to handle litigation and out-of-court schemes. He oversees the practice alongside litigation specialist Nuno Salazar Casanova, who is recommended for multi-jurisdictional proceedings. Pedro Ferreira Malaquias  left the firm in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

David Sequeira Dinis; Nuno Salazar Casanova


Other key lawyers:

Raquel Cardoso Nunes


Testimonials

‘The best mix of legal and commercial knowledge. Committed professionals that I have known for decades.’ 

‘Always available, smart and very commercial.’

‘The team assists you in making decisions that match with your risk profile, you can sleep at night knowing nothing was left behind.’

‘I enjoy working with the whole team. David Sequeira Dinis, and Raquel Cardoso Nunes are recommended.’

Abreu Advogados

Offering an agile, cordial and specialised service’, Abreu Advogados‘ restructuring and insolvency team features specialists in distressed M&A, corporate restructurings, asset tracing, recovery plans and insolvency proceedings. The practice is particularly active in the financial services, real estate and tourism industries and is led by Francisco Patrício, who acts for creditors, boards of directors, shareholders and insolvent companies. Gonçalo Delicado is active in legal proceedings related to debt recovery and corporate restructuring, with a focus on the banking, real estate and energy segments. Eduardo Peixoto Gomes was promoted to partner in April 2022. The practice was strengthened in January 2023 by the arrival of Pedro Ferreira Malaquias from Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Patrício


Other key lawyers:

Gonçalo Delicado; Eduardo Peixoto Gomes; Pedro Ferreira Malaquias


Testimonials

‘The insolvency department has high expertise and technical quality, being very accurate and assertive in its answers. The service is agile and transparent.’

‘Francisco Patrício manages matters with mastery and is always available to defend his clients’ interests.’

‘Francisco Patrício is recommended for his comprehensive knowledge of various matters. He stands out especially for the attention dedicated to the client.’

‘Eduardo Peixoto Gomes is a well known practitioner, especially in the area of insolvency-related transactions.’

‘Cordial and specialised service.’

Key clients

Caixa Geral De Depósitos


Fundo Investimento Imobiliário Imomarina


Fundo Investimento Imobiliário Real Estate


Grupo Marques


Organismo Coletivo de Investimento Imobiliário Imonegócios


Parvalorem SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted Fundo Investimento Imobiliário Real Estate in insolvency proceedings filed by its main creditor, EuroBic bank.
  • Acted for Parvalorem in several insolvency proceedings and special revitalisation processes.
  • Advised Fundo Investimento Imobiliário Imomarina on several insolvency proceedings and special revitalisation processes.

CMS

At CMS, the restructuring and insolvency team features specialists from a wide range of practice areas, covering banking and finance, litigation, M&A and tax, among others. Acting for the whole range of stakeholders in restructuring and insolvency matters, including banks, distressed investors, companies and private equity firms, the group excels in transactional work and cross-border matters. With more than 20 years of experience in civil, commercial, corporate and banking litigation, Nuno Pena has a strong track record in restructuring and cross-border insolvency disputes. He co-heads the practice alongside Miguel Esperança Pina, who focuses on judicial and extrajudicial proceedings. Other key practitioners include litigation and arbitration expert Rita Gouveia and António Payan Martins, who advises on transactions involving distressed assets and non-performing loans. Diogo Castanheira Pereira left the firm in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Pena; Miguel Esperança Pina


Other key lawyers:

Rita Gouveia; António Payan Martins


Key clients

Davidson Kempner European Partners


Goldman Sachs


Banco de Fomento Internacional SA


Multiparques A Céu Aberto


GCC Lisboa – Gestão De Centros Comerciais (GCC Picoas)


Ondas & Neblinas Lda


ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA


Bank of America


Coelima, SA


Bybrook Capital LLP


Imoholding


PALMELA SUMMER, S.A., SPV from the Discovery Real Estate Fund, SICAV-FIS


ROYAL SUMMER, S.A., SPV from the Discovery Real Estate Fund, SICAV-FIS


SUMMER Ria, S.A., SPV from the Discovery Real Estate Fund, SICAV-FIS


Work highlights


  • Advised Goldman Sachs International on a clawback claim filed by joint liquidators of Banco Espírito Santo.
  • Acted for Davidson Kempner European Partners in the acquisition of five NPL portfolios with total outstanding balance of more than €3bn.
  • Assisted Bybrook Capital in the acquisition of NPL and REO portfolios with a total outstanding balance of more than €150m.

Garrigues Portugal

The restructuring and insolvency team at Garrigues Portugal combines experts from the firm’s corporate, banking and finance, and litigation and arbitration departments. The practice acts for domestic and international clients and is particularly active in advising on debt restructurings, distressed investments, NPL transactions and pre-insolvency matters. The group is jointly led by João Duarte De Sousa, who heads up the litigation and arbitration team and is sought after to handle cross-border disputes, and Diogo Leónidas Rocha, whose practice covers banking and finance, M&A and capital markets transactions. Noted for his strong background in non-performing loan portfolios, distressed debt and corporate restructurings, Vasco Rodrigues was promoted to partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

João Duarte de Sousa; Diogo Leónidas Rocha


Other key lawyers:

Vasco Rodrigues; André Gualter de Vasconcellos


Testimonials

‘Technical quality, clarity, quick response and partnership.’

‘In addition to its in-depth technical knowledge, the team is flexible, adapting to the situation in question.’

‘Vasco Rodrigues is highly professional and dedicated to the client. Focused on results.’

‘André Gualter Vasconcellos is recommended for his technical knowledge, empathy, creativity, efficiency and clarity.’

Key clients

Davidson Kempner


Njord Partners


IBM


Alain Afflelou


Angelini


BNP Paribas Factor


Atena Equity Partners


Keller Cimentaciones S.A.U.


Eastbanc


The Bank of New York Mellon


Work highlights


  • Advised Njord Partners on all legal issues arising from the servicing of non-performing loans from Novo Banco and BCP in relation to the Elevolution Group and subsequent restructuring of the debt.
  • Acted for Atena Equity Partner in the acquisition of non-performing loans in the amount of €27m held by Davidson Kempner entities over Cariano and the restructuring of the debt.
  • Assisted Bank of New York Mellon as security agent for a syndicate of banks financing Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral in the negotiation of a restructuring agreement and the refinancing of the existing debt.

SRS Legal

The restructuring and insolvency team at SRS Legal is recognised for its specialists in financial litigation and its track record in proceedings before the Portuguese courts. Acting for creditors, distressed companies and investors in the real estate, financial services, tourism and automotive segments, the group excels in special revitalisation plans, refinancings and creditor claims. José Jácome leads the department and is highly experienced in litigation and arbitration matters. With a strong background in civil, commercial and banking litigation, Natália Garcia Alves is noted for her expertise in credit recovery proceedings.

Practice head(s):

José Jácome


Other key lawyers:

Natália Garcia Alves; Vasco Correia da Silva; Ana Ribeiro da Costa


Testimonials

‘High quality technical knowledge. Added value advice.’ 

‘Vasco Correia da Silva is recommended for his knowledge of insolvency law.’

‘Ana Ribeiro da Costa is always available and has a broad expertise.’

APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L.

APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L. acts for creditors and debtors and has extensive experience in restructuring procedures, insolvency work and winding-up proceedings. Joao Marques De Almeida heads the team and is well versed in cross-border insolvency proceedings; he works alongside João Pedro Alves Pereira, who leads the firm’s employment practice.

Practice head(s):

João Marques de Almeida


Other key lawyers:

João Alves Pereira


Key clients

Ameriprise Financial


Amway Iberia, SA


B2S – Sistemas de Informação, Lda


Dupi Import SL


Free Now, Unip. Lda


Garza Capital, SL


Geobrugg Ibérica, SAU


Grammer AG


IPG Mediabrands


Lanificio Zignone S.p.A.


Megameios, ACE


Miki Travel Limited


Rentokil Initial Portugal, Lda


Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Limited


Valormed – Sociedade Gestora de Resíduos de Embalagens e Medicamentos, Lda


Veralia Corporación, SL


Work highlights


  • Represented a leading Italian textile company in the insolvency proceedings of Dielmar, a premium menswear manufacturer.
  • Advised the Interpublic Group of Companies (Mediabrands Portugal) on the insolvency proceedings of several local companies.
  • Represented several institutional senior bondholders in the judicial liquidation of Banco Espírito Santo.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is a popular choice among financial institutions, investors and bondholders seeking assistance in restructuring and insolvency proceedings as well as resolution measures taken by the Banco de Portugal. The group excels in special revitalisation matters, debt restructurings and acquisition finance. Mafalda Barreto works closely with the firm’s offices in London, New York, Brussels and Madrid to handle cross-border transactions. She leads the team alongside Miguel Castro Pereira and Miguel de Avillez Pereira. At the associate level, Rita Espiríto Santo covers civil litigation, insolvency and white-collar crime matters. Filipa Cotta joined from VdA in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Mafalda Barreto; Miguel Castro Pereira; Miguel de Avillez Pereira


Other key lawyers:

Rita Espírito Santo; Filipa Cotta


Testimonials

‘Team with exceptional training. I highlight the professional and personal qualities of the team.’

‘Rita Espírito Santo is an excellent professional.’

Key clients

IVECO


CNH Industrial


Sindicato dos Jogadores Profissionais de Futebol


Work highlights


  • Advised IVECO on several insolvency proceedings.
  • Acted for CNH in several insolvency proceedings.
  • Advised a client’s associates from Sindicato dos Jogadores Profissionais de Futebol in several insolvency proceedings and special revitalisation processes.

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

PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL‘s competent and exceptionally available’ insolvency and restructuring practice is known for its specialism in advising on special revitalisation proceedings. Acting for debtors and creditors in the construction, media, banking and agriculture sectors, the group is also geared to handle large-scale litigation proceedings and judicial recovery matters. The department is led by credit recovery and insolvency expert Susana Santos Valente. She is supported by senior associates Andrea Damásio and Paula Magalhães Dos Santos.

Practice head(s):

Susana Santos Valente


Other key lawyers:

Andrea Damásio; Paula Magalhães dos Santosl; Rita Mendonça


Testimonials

‘PRA stands out essentially for its proximity to the client. Its lawyers are innovative and creative in the legal solutions proposed. The team is led by Susana Santos Valente, who has over 20 years of recognised experience in the area. The way she closely monitors matters and her vast national and international experience convey enormous confidence in the solutions proposed. The team is competent and exceptionally available.’

‘Law firm with expertise in all legal areas, with the ability to respond to the most diverse problems. Very good quality of service.’ 

‘Susana Santos Valente, Paula Magalhães dos Santos and Rita Mendonça are recommended for their experience, dedication and leadership skills.’

‘Susana Santos Valente is an excellent lawyer, with whom I have worked for many years and who has always provided the best advice.’

‘I’d highlight Susana Santos Valente and Andreia Damásio.’

‘The team, which is led by Susana Santos Valente, stands out for the quality of its service and speedy responses. Additionally, it maintains a high level of communication with the client.’

‘Susana Santos Valente stands out for her leadership skills and speedy responses. I highlight the team’s proposed strategies, which proved to be efficient in credit recovery and procedural matters.’

Key clients

BATISTAS S.A


Biosurfit


Construtora do Tâmega, SA


Primores do Oeste, SA


Tâmega Group, SA


Grupo OS LINOS, SA


Groundforce Employees


Nuno Miguel Manta Ribeiro Dos Santos


Work highlights


  • Advised professional football coach Manta Ribeiro as creditor in the insolvency of Clube Desportivo das Aves, Futebol SAD.
  • Represented a group of Groundforce’s workers as creditors in the company’s insolvency proceedings.
  • Acted for Biosurfit in its insolvency proceedings in which the main creditor is the European Investment Bank.

Raposo Bernardo

With ‘an impeccable legal service’, Raposo Bernardo has a wealth of experience handling insolvency proceedings, restructuring plans and rescue financing in a wide range of sectors, most notably banking, aviation, real estate and transportation. The department is led by the reliable, highly competent, well-known and prestigious’ Ana Cláudia Rangel, whose practice covers insolvency, restructuring, labour law, litigation and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Ana Cláudia Rangel


Testimonials

‘With an impeccable legal service of superior quality, Raposo Bernardo has extensive capabilities. All the work is very well done, error free, focused precisely on what we need and technically very solid. The team established a very open dialogue with our internal team.’

‘In my opinion, Ana Cláudia Rangel is without a doubt a leading practitioner.’

‘Raposo Bernardo’s service is excellent. The team is accessible at any time and we always get a quick response. In the development of the work, opportunities as well as risks are analysed in detail and discussed in an understandable way. As clients, we feel that we are in very good hands, well advised and professionally represented. The open, friendly and objective way the team take care of our affairs has created a very trusting relationship between us and the firm.’

‘I highlight Ana Cláudia Rangel, the leader of the insolvency and restructuring department. She is reliable, highly competent, well known in the market and prestigious. With her in charge, we feel security and confidence. The team has performed brilliantly. Ana Cláudia Rangel is our go-to-lawyer in Portugal.’

‘The quality of services provided by Raposo Bernardo is excellent, including the speed, clarity and focus of its service. In general, the entire relationship with our company is one of total professionalism. The team of lawyers reveals a complete commitment to achieving the best results for us and you can see the value they bring to our business.’

‘Ana Claudia Rangel distinguishes herself for her availability, commitment, timely manner responses and being present whenever necessary. She is an excellent lawyer, who has easily become indispensable to us.’

‘The department is led by Ana Cláudia Rangel, a fantastic lawyer. She is extremely diligent, prompt, efficient and very effective. Her attitude towards any emergency is spectacular, she is always receptive to help us. This is an area that requires a lot of precision and rigour and Cláudia is excellent at this, always meeting deadlines.’

‘Regarding fees, it is important to note that as clients we can opt for fixed, variable, mixed or cap-fee models adjusted to our needs at any given time. All invoicing is fully transparent, indicating the description and time of the interventions carried out by date and the lawyers involved. We are super happy and confident in our relationship with Raposo Bernardo.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a client on a large corporate restructuring involving the acquisition of the three insurers.
  • Assisted a client in its restructuring and the rearrangement of the company’s business for increasing its efficiency and profitability.
  • Acted for a client in its judicial applications against its corporate debtors, which did not repay financing granted by the bank.

DLA Piper ABBC

DLA Piper ABBC is retained by investors, companies, banks and other financial institutions to advise on contentious and non-contentious restructuring transactions and credit recovery proceedings. Notable for his expertise in M&A, cross-border deals and privatisations, Nuno Azevedo Neves co-heads the practice with João Costa Quinta, who is particularly active in the private equity market. The team also features litigation specialist Vanessa Antunes. Gonçalo Castro Ribeiro is no longer at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Azevedo Neves; João Costa Quinta


Other key lawyers:

Vanessa Antunes


Testimonials

‘The quality of the service and the results the time has provided us distinguish DLA Piper ABBC from other law firms in our experience.’

‘Nuno Azevedo Neves stands out for his competence in this area and management of the team.’

Key clients

Caixa Geral de Depósitos


Work highlights


  • Advised Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) on legal opinions and the insolvency request of Investifino SGPS, registered in Malta, and Manuel Fino SGPS.
  • Represented Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) in the enforcement of guarantees provided in financing contracts, involving Portuguese, Dutch and Brazilian jurisdictions.
  • Assisted Swissport in the due diligence for its acquisition of 50.1% of Groundforce shares.