Bird & Bird is best known for its ability to handle a spread of matters related to IP, M&A, real estate and cybersecurity matters for an array of clients operating in the retail sector. The team possesses strong credentials in transactional work, with a particular focus on the automotive, food, fashion, luxury goods and life sciences spaces. Co-head Lourdes Ayala handles M&A, private equity and venture capital deals for institutional and industrial investors. Practice leader Antonio Cueto, who specialises in IP, is a key point of contact for European fashion brands. Senior consultant Diana Sendagorta is well versed in advising technology, food and beverages companies on cross-border private equity and venture capital mandates.

Major retailers and investors look to global firm DLA Piper for assistance with a wide range of legal matters, from commercial agreements to IP rights. Orson Alcocer heads up the team, advising Spanish and international clients on real estate transactions, with a special focus on shopping centres. Diego Ramos is a regular point of contact for big retail clients seeking assistance with copyright, branding and privacy issues within the sector.

The multidisciplinary retail team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is well versed in assisting clients with matters relating to real estate, environmental and regulatory issues as well as commercial contracts, consumer law and IP, among other areas. Iñigo Igartua Arregui co-chairs the practice from Barcelona, specialising in corporate, commercial and M&A transactions, alongside the Madrid-based Sofía Martínez-Almeida, whose wide practice encompasses both retail and fashion law, as well as IP and technology matters. Senior associate Isabela Crespo, who sits in the Madrid office, regularly handles data protection, cybersecurity and IP mandates.

Cuatrecasas fields a team of lawyers who bring together expertise in IP, corporate, tax and labour law to advise retail, fashion, cosmetics and consumer goods clients on the entire spectrum of matters. Typical mandates for the team also include real estate transactions, franchise agreements, negotiations with suppliers and consumers as well as consumer rights issues.

Retail clients praise the team at Garrigues for its ‘knowledge of the sector,’ ‘availability and ability to provide solutions’ on the gamut of issues. The group is well positioned to handle M&A, real estate transactions and commercial agreements, and is also skilled in IP, advertising, compliance, and tax issues pertaining to this industry. Mónica Martín De Vidales and Álvaro López-Jorrín jointly lead the practice, where Sergio González Galán and María José Pardo are names to note for M&A and corporate governance matters.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is called upon by an array of manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of retail and consumer products on matters concerning M&A, IP rights, regulatory issues, privacy, employment law and litigation. Practice head Alex Dolmans shines in M&A, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Jon Aurrekoetxea handles commercial and corporate disputes, while Adrián Fernández showcases in-depth knowledge of consumer protection, retail trade, e-commerce and advertising regulatory issues.

Clients highlight the ‘knowledge, work capacity, closeness and availability’ of the retail team at Uría Menéndez, which is comprised of lawyers specialised in commercial, IP, competition and regulatory law. Focused on the fashion, luxury goods, food and beverages sectors, the group is also skilled at assisting with distribution and e-commerce issues. EU and competition law specialist Patricia Vidal jointly oversees the practice with Borja Sainz de Aja, who is adept in IP, distribution and advertising matters.