Cuatrecasas > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile

Cuatrecasas > The Legal 500 Rankings

Spain > Banking and finance Tier 1

Split between Madrid and Barcelona, Cuatrecasas is well placed to handle large financing transactions and high-profile banking matters in Iberia and Latin America, benefitting from its strong international network of offices. Typical engagements for the team, which has recently experienced an uptick in mandates related to sustainable and alternative financing, include refinancings, debt restructuring processes, acquisition and corporate finance, direct lending, as well as real estate and project financings. Its financial services regulatory capabilities, which cover the full range of financial products, banking and payment services regulations, and fintech issues, are also noteworthy. Íñigo Rubio showcases notable expertise in the financing of infrastructure and real estate projects; corporate and asset finance, as well as debt restructuring are other key areas of activity for the practice head. Jorge Canta takes the lead on financial services regulatory matters, which is also an area of expertise for Fernando Mínguez (currently on leave from his position as inspector of credit and savings institutions at the Bank of Spain). Miguel Sánchez Monjo is a key point of contact for domestic and international banks, credit institutions, investment firms, fintechs, funds and payment institutions, who rely on him for regulatory advice.

Spain > Capital markets: Debt Tier 1

Singled out for its experience in advising originators, management companies, joint-lead managers, arrangers and rating agencies on securitisations, Cuatrecasas‘ finance group has been particularly active in deals involving green, receivables, non-performing loans (NPLs) and warehouse securitisations. Additionally, the group fields a team of seasoned capital markets practitioners who assist with a combination of commercial paper programmes, high-yield bonds and corporate issuances, including green and sustainability-linked transactions. Jaime De La Torre is recommended for securitisation and structured finance mandates, while Miguel Cruz is highlighted for his experience in high-yield matters, commercial paper programmes, and notes issuances; both practitioners are based in Madrid. Ana Mª Gamazo is a key name in the Barcelona office for ordinary and convertible bonds issues.

Spain > Capital markets: Equity Tier 1

A popular destination for large companies and controlling shareholders, Cuatrecasas is home to a multidisciplinary capital markets practice with a deep bench of ECM experts, covering IPOs on the Madrid Stock Exchange and BME Growth, secondary offerings, delistings and capital increases. The group is also noted for its significant experience in public M&A and corporate governance issues concerning listed companies. The well-rounded department is led by a capable duo based in Madrid: corporate governance and ECM specialist Juan Aguayo, the trusted adviser to several Spanish listed companies; and José Luis Rodríguez, who boasts a strong track record in the listing of companies on the Spanish securities market and BME Growth. In the same office, Ignacio Escrivá De Romaní has been especially active advising on share capital increases and listings on the Spanish alternative stock market. Gerard Correig, another name to note for capital markets transactions and corporate governance, splits his time between Barcelona and Santiago (Chile). Pere Kirchner in Barcelona is a reference for M&A involving publicly-held companies.

Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Cuatrecasas has a sizeable litigation and arbitration practice, which is particularly noted for its proficiency in mandates concerning the infrastructure, construction, energy, banking, and insurance sectors. The firm, whose client base includes Spanish and international corporates, investors, and public entities, is singled out for its cross-border capabilities. The team is led by Madrid-based Alfonso Iglesia and Antonio Carreño from Barcelona. Other key members within the team include Alvaro Mendiola, who handles a range of judicial and arbitration proceedings, Alberto Fortún, an expert in cross-border disputes, and Alfonso Gómez-Acebo, a highly regarded arbitrator for private parties, states, and state-owned entities. The team also features active members César Rivera, Esther de Félix, and María Pérez, all of whom are skilled in commercial, corporate, and competition-related disputes.

Spain > Employment Tier 1

With trained specialists working across the full spectrum of employment law matters, market leader Cuatrecasas attracts instructions from an impressive client roster comprised of local businesses, large multinationals and public institutions operating in an array of sectors. WIth a wealth of experience advising on the labour aspects of high-cap M&A deals, the firm is also well positioned to handle large workforce restructurings, collective agreements and internal investigations. The practice is jointly led by Barcelona-based Rubén Agote, who advises on collective bargaining, company policies and employment disputes, and Juan Bonilla in Madrid, who is renowned for his experience in contract terminations, pension issues and corporate transactions. Both practitioners are well versed in acting for clients at court appellate level. Other key individuals include labour law specialist and former senior judge Jordi Puigbó and Isabel Merenciano, whose expertise covers corporate, litigation and criminal matters in this space.

Spain > Industry focus: Food Tier 1

Cuatrecasas fields a strong team of lawyers specialised in Spanish and EU food law, offering advice to large international and domestic food and beverage companies on a spread of matters, from production and branding rights to transportation and advertising issues. Its broad service covers corporate, regulatory, competition issues as well as litigation and IP. Focused on IP, data protection and new technologies, Alejandro Negro handles a mix of advisory work, contractual matters and litigation for major food companies.

Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 1

Cuatrecasas acts for large private companies across the TMT space, as well as social media businesses, digital platforms, e-companies, software creators, and technology corporations on matters ranging from the drafting of technology agreements to IP, regulatory issues and cybersecurity. Barcelona-based partner Albert Agustinoy and Álvaro Bourkaib in Madrid lead the technologies and digital media practice, which counts a number of blue-chip multinationals among its clients. Outsourcing and litigation expert Alejandro Negro; Rafael Sánchez Aristi, who advises on business models based on software and databases; and telecoms specialist María Pérez also play pivotal roles in work for major clients.

Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 1

Cuatrecasas is home to a sizeable IP team which handles some of the most sophisticated copyright matters in Spain. The intellectual and industrial property, and trade secrets group is well versed in both complex litigation proceedings and transactional matters. Albert Agustinoy in Barcelona, who acts for numerous multinational e-commerce and IT operators, and intangible protection and transfer expert Álvaro Bourkaib in Madrid are the lead practitioners. Rafael Sánchez Aristi frequently advises radio and television bodies, cinemas, and hotel chains on the negotiation of rates with large-scale owners of copyrighted material. IP litigator Jorge Llevat and Alejandro Negro, who focuses on IP, data protection, and new technologies, also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Spain > Projects and energy Tier 1

Recognised for its broad service offering in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, Cuatrecasas is well positioned to handle the corporate side of energy deals, regulatory issues and project finance matters. The group is jointly led by a Madrid-based duo: Luis Pérez De Ayala  draws on his extensive administrative and regulatory expertise to advise on large-scale M&A in the energy space, while Fernando Bernad, a name to note for project finance. Also in Madrid, Agustín Cerdá is another key contact for financing matters, with a particular focus on the renewable sector. Héctor Bros, who is based in the Barcelona office, often assists with project finance, PPPs and PFI structures.

Spain > Public law Tier 1

Cuatrecasas offers a wide range of services in all public specialties, including public procurement, regulatory advice on corporate and finance transactions, town planning and environmental law matters, among others. Practice head Luis Pérez De Ayala, a key contact for both public and private companies, regularly handles regulatory and administrative mandates, with a keen focus on the energy sector. Félix Plasencia Sanchez has considerable expertise in public contracts and related litigation within the healthcare, construction, and energy sectors, while Nicolás González-Deleito focuses on regulatory law, administrative concessions, and town planning. PPP specialist Jorge Botella routinely handles transactions in regulated sectors and public procurement, while Alejandro Auset is noted for his proficiency in public law litigation.

Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

The restructuring, insolvency, and special situations practice at Cuatrecasas is a vital resource for creditors, debtors, management teams, shareholders, investment funds, banks, and corporates seeking advice on restructuring transactions and general insolvency proceedings. The team is adept at representing both creditors and debtors, and is frequently engaged in crisis management matters, ranging from refinancing and distressed M&A to winding up and directors’ liability issues. The team is led by dual-qualified partner (Spain and New York) Ignacio Buil, who is based in Madrid and specialises in financing and debt restructuring transactions. Other key team members include Patricia Álvarez and Fedra Valencia, both based in Madrid. Additionally, Antonio Carreño and Javier Sánchez, working from Barcelona, play crucial roles in supporting clients in large-scale insolvency proceedings.

Spain > Tax Tier 1

With a strong focus on corporate taxation, tax litigation, and wealth management matters, the group at Cuatrecasas maintains a robust position in the Spanish tax market. Its reputation is upheld by the stature of its client base, which includes some of the largest Spanish and multinational corporates. The group is also well positioned to advise on international tax structures, especially in Latin American jurisdictions, leveraging its connections with offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. The practice is led by Alicia De Carlos, who focuses on corporate transactions, restructurings and wealth management. Other noteworthy individuals include tax litigation specialist Miró Ayats, as well as Carlos Ferrer, Andrés Sánchez, and Antonio Barba, who are all knowledgeable of corporate and financial taxation.

Spain > White-collar crime Tier 1

The corporate crime group at Cuatrecasas handles a spread of matters related to fraud, corruption, environmental crime and insolvency offences at the national and international level. Based in Madrid, co-head Joaquín Burkhalter acts for large Spanish and international clients, including banking, technology and construction companies, in high-profile investigations into money laundering and tax evasion. Fellow co-leader Josep Riba in Barcelona handles mandates concerning bankruptcy, social security and environmental crimes. The team also includes criminal lawyer José Bonilla, who has a strong focus on the financial sector, and Alfredo Domínguez, who is a key name to note for litigation, investigations and the design and implementation of compliance and crime-prevention programmes.

Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Cuatrecasas is routinely sought out by a litany of Spanish and international corporates across the retail, consumer goods, life sciences, insurance, industrial and energy sectors. The practice has continued to concentrate its position as an adviser in high-end domestic and cross-border M&A, benefitting from its strong network of offices stretching across Latin America, New York and London. The department is under the joint leadership of Alejandro Payá, who regularly advises on M&A deals, joint ventures and strategic alliances in the financial services, infrastructure and life sciences segments, and José Luis Rodríguez, a reference for domestic and multijurisdictional acquisitions and corporate restructurings. Javier Villasante focuses on M&A and PE matters, while Javier Martí-Fluxá maintains a broad practice covering M&A, joint ventures, ECM deals and takeover bids.

Spain > Environment Tier 2

With strong credentials in all manner of administrative, civil and criminal proceedings relating to natural resources, pollution, waste disposal, heritage and land use, the environmental law group at Cuatrecasas is retained by impressive client roster of large Spanish and multinational companies, especially key names within the energy and chemical sector. In addition to its capabilities in contentious matters, the firm is also well versed in the environmental implications of corporate transactions and projects. Focused on regulatory and energy-related mandates, Luis Pérez De Ayala steers the group from Madrid. The team is also home to Yolanda Guerra in Barcelona, who possesses deep knowledge of climate change and contentious matters, and Joaquín Lozano in Seville, who often advises on urban planning and regulatory issues.

Spain > EU and competition Tier 2

Working in close collaboration with the firm’s private enforcement and corporate practice, Cuatrecasas provides Spanish conglomerates and multinationals from key industries, such as life sciences, automotive, technology, energy and media, a full-service EU and competition offering. The group is well positioned to handle merger control, state aid, abuse of dominance cases, cartel investigations and related litigation. Over in the Barcelona office, practice head Irene Moreno-Tapia advises clients on merger control matters and antitrust investigations, while María López Ridruejo in Madrid offers assistance with multijurisdictional cartel cases, damage claims as well as vertical and horizontal agreements. Andrew Ward is no longer at the firm.

Spain > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 2

Cuatrecasas provides support to a diverse client base of biotech corporates, hospitals, and research institutes. Leading the team from Barcelona, Elena Cuatrecasas acts for a multitude of clients within the biotech and pharma sectors in M&A and contractual matters, while Ariadna Casanueva regularly assists with clinical trial, co-promotion, and distribution agreements, as well as pricing and reimbursement matters. Málaga-based Jorge Robles, a key contact for public law issues, is known for his deep knowledge of the regulations governing medical devices and medicinal products.

Spain > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 2

Drawing on its multidisciplinary capabilities, Cuatrecasas is equipped to handle a mix of corporate, IP, employment, tax and litigation matters for an impressive client roster. Manufacturing companies, including players from the automotive and heavy industry sectors, regularly seek the firm's assistance with high-value M&A and financing transactions.

Spain > Industry focus: Retail Tier 2

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.

Spain > Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 2

The IP and trade secrets practice at Cuatrecasas is highly proficient in trade mark and infringement matters, as well as cases relating to the protection of trade secrets. The firm is a key adviser to clients in the life sciences sector, though it is also active in the IT and media industries. Albert Agustinoy in Barcelona co-leads the practice with Madrid-based Álvaro Bourkaib, who has a broad knowledge of copyright, patents, trade marks and designs. Barcelona-based IP litigator Jorge Llevat and Alejandro Negro in Madrid, who has extensive expertise in new technologies, are also standout practitioners.

Spain > Private equity Tier 2

Major PE firms and an increasing number of venture capital funds turn to Cuatrecasas for advice on sophisticated transactions, both domestic and cross-border. Private equity veteran Francisco José Martínez Maroto demonstrates particular proficiency in transactions involving the infrastructure and renewable energy segments. Javier Villasante and Javier Martí-Fluxá, who possess substantial experience in cross-border mandates with ties to Europe, the US and Latin America, are other noteworthy private equity specialists. Diana Rivera and Isabel Gandoy lead on venture capital transactions, with a notable focus on the technology and financial services sectors.

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Fielding a multidisciplinary team of lawyers across 13 national offices, Cuatrecasas offers clients, including investment vehicles and international funds, expertise in the entire spectrum of real estate mandates, including contractual, transactional and litigation matters. With extensive experience in acquisitions, joint ventures and real estate development, Ramón Gil steers the group from the Madrid office alongside Joaquín Garaulet, who assists clients with the drafting and negotiation of construction agreements.

Spain > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

Cuatrecasas frequently acts as data protection officer for large corporate clients, among them Primavera Sound and Sony Music Entertainment. As well as assisting companies with day-to-day data protection advice, the firm is also helping clients adapt to the current regulations in Spain as they evolve. Counsel and practice head Alejandro Negro in Madrid stands out for regulatory advice on data protection and privacy compliance, data security breaches, investigations, and enforcement actions. Technology partner Albert Agustinoy, who is based in Barcelona, also handles data protection compliance matters as part of his broad practice. Partner Rafael Sánchez Aristi is also a key adviser on technology and digital media matters.

Spain > Insurance Tier 3

Insurers, lenders, brokers and credit agencies look to Cuatrecasas for its extensive coverage of insurance matters, ranging from litigation to commercial and regulatory issues. Practice leader Ruth Duque, whose broad practice covers M&A, reinsurance agreements, portfolio transfers and bancassurance alliances. Rebeca Rodríguez is the name to note for insurance companies seeking advice on tax-related issues, while Carlos Bonhome assists insurers and banks with commercial and regulatory matters. Amara Odériz stand out at the associate level for her extensive experience in acting for insurers, intermediaries, pension funds and financial institutions in the design of insurance products, bancassurance partnerships and tax matters.

Spain > Intellectual property: patents Tier 3

Cuatrecasas calls on expertise across its network of international offices to advise on intellectual and industrial property and trade secrets, and its local offices are frequently involved in the protection of inventions and designs, as well as litigation concerning the validity and ownership of patents. Albert Agustinoy in Barcelona and Álvaro Bourkaib in Madrid oversee the five-partner practice, with Bourkaib handling much of the client-facing work. He specialises in the protection and transfer of intangible assets - from traditional IP to groundbreaking technology - in all types of commercial and corporate transactions for clients in diverse sectors, including life sciences, manufacturing, automotive and gaming.

Spain > Transport: Other transport Tier 3

The transport team at Cuatrecasas is well placed to handle litigation, finance, and regulatory issues for companies from the freight, rail, road and air segments. Recent work includes advising on corporate financing, joint ventures, and shareholder disputes.

Spain > Transport: Shipping Tier 4

The logistics and transport team at Cuatrecasas is particularly experienced in port law and international trade, regularly advising shipowners, domestic and international companies, and port authorities on an array of shipping mandates. Iñigo Quintana leads the team and is the key contact for international dispute resolution matters – both litigation and arbitration – in the maritime and transport sectors.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 4

Cuatrecasas’ multi-office strategy in Latin America continues to pay dividends. The offices in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru advise a range of financial institutions, funds and corporates on acquisition finance, project finance, trade finance, and refinancings and restructurings, among other matters. It is noted for Spanish law-governed financings and has landed a number of major restructuring engagements. Bogota partner Manuel Quinche leads the team and has a fine record in corporate lending, project finance and real estate finance. Santiago’s Roberto Guerrero V has impressed in the restructuring field and Lima partner Aldo Reggiardo is well regarded for project finance. Mexico City partner León López is another important figure in project finance; while Madrid partner Carlos Lasarte regularly advises on Spanish law financings in Latin America, notably advising Bancóldex on its Spanish law bilateral loan agreement with BBVA.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 4

Cuatrecasas’ prominence in Latin America-related international arbitration field stems from its commitment and track record in Spain, coupled with its growing presence in Latin America itself. Unlike many other international firms, it has a sizeable team of international arbitration specialists based in Latin America. With a steady influx of investment and commercial arbitration engagements, the team is best known for energy, infrastructure and construction cases. It has represented parties in a series of headline infrastructure disputes. Madrid partner Alfonso Iglesia leads the international arbitration group and is hugely experienced in Latin America-related arbitrations, including those involving Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Panama, Ecuador and Dominican Republic; he has acted in a series of recent ICSID and ICC cases. Santiago partner Cristián Conejero is a senior figure in the team and is noted for construction arbitrations. Alberto Zuleta is another experienced arbitration expert in Bogota along with René Irra in Mexico City and Domingo Rivarola in Lima. Madrid partners Alberto Fortún and Manuel Franco are also active in Latin America cases, both noted for construction, infrastructure and energy disputes. Raised to the partnership in April 2022, Uruguay-qualified Juan Manuel Rey (in the Santiago office), is also noted.  

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 4

Cuatrecasas’ projects and energy practice in Latin America is largely driven by its local office in the region, in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru. It has a broad-based practice covering transport infrastructure, social and community infrastructure, and energy (including renewables, oil and gas, and mining). The firm has worked on a series of road and highway projects in Colombia and Mexico, and advises a range of project sponsors and lenders in the wider region. Bogota partner Manuel Quinche is an experienced project finance expert, especially in the transport infrastructure (including roads, railways and metro lines) and renewables segments. Lima’s Aldo Reggiardo is also a recognised project finance specialist in the energy, infrastructure and mining fields. Mexico City partner León López is another key figure.

Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration

Providing ‘complete guidance on arbitration issues', Cuatrecasas' practice comprises experts in international disputes that arise from construction and engineering contracts, energy agreements, and international sales and supplies. The 13-strong team also acts in arbitrations involving international investment protection, services contracts, shareholder and company disputes, and M&A and joint ventures. Clients additionally appreciate the group’s specialist knowledge of other Latin American jurisdictions, particularly Colombia, Mexico and Peru , where the international firm has offices. The department is led by former ICC Secretariat Counsel for Latin America, Cristián Conejero, who routinely acts for major companies in high-stakes commercial and investment arbitrations. Further support at partner level is provided by Gianfranco Lotito, whose wide-ranging practice also covers domestic and international arbitration work; and recently-promoted partner Juan Manuel Rey, whose international arbitration caseload encompasses disputes concerning M&As, share agreements, and construction, infrastructure and concession contracts. Valentina Alamo, whose career includes a stint in Paris at the ICC, is the senior associate to note.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

Cuatrecasas is a significant player in Latin America thanks to its offices in Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Chile. Alongside its growing teams in these jurisdictions it has a substantial group of Latin America-facing practitioners in Iberia and New York. It is among the most prolific advisers on Latin America transactions, excluding Brazil. Along with a range of local transactions, the firm has extensive experience in cross-border deals, including private equity investments and exits. In January 2023, the firm absorbed Mexican four-partner firm Rico, Robles, Libenson, S.Cl into its local Mexico office and wider Latin America team – which  remains best known for operations in the energy and infrastructure, healthcare and retail sectors. Alfonso Ugarte transferred from Santiago to New York in 2022 to head the Latin America M&A, finance and special situations practice in North America. He joined an established Latin America-facing M&A team there, including Antonio Baena and Diego Pérez-Yarza; Baena recently advised Patria on the sale of Odata, the local company that operates a network of data centres in Latin America. Alfonso Reina led the launch of the Bogota office before returning to Madrid where he continues to have a strong focus on cross-border M&A in Colombia. Peru-based Oscar Trelles is head of the Latin America M&A and private equity practice and has a fine record in cross-border transactions, including intra-regional deals. Chile’s Roberto Guerrero V, Colombia-based Juan Felipe Vera and Santiago Ferrer in Mexico City are also key partners.