Gómez-Acebo & Pombo > Barcelona, Spain > Firm Profile

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo > The Legal 500 Rankings

Spain > Environment Tier 1

The leading environment, climate change & sustainability team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has dedicated expertise in environment, circular economy, water, and climate change matters, as well as over two decades of experience in the sector. Notably, the firm has recently seen an increase in its waste management-related work, due to new regulatory developments in the region. Market giants Pedro Poveda and Santiago Garrido co-head the team. Poveda has extensive experience in environmental law topics including waste, integrated pollution prevention and control, and environmental authorisations. Garrido often assists local and foreign clients on administrative and judicial proceedings relating to environmental, energy, and natural resources matters. Other key individuals include Eduardo Orteu, who specialises in water law, waste management regulation, and sustainability issues, and Helena Villena Romera, an expert in industrial environment, climate change and biodiversity.

Spain > Industry focus: Food Tier 1

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo offers cross-departmental expertise to a variety of clients operating in the food and beverage sector. Its service offering encompasses issues related to M&A, nutrition and health claims, regulation, food compliance, litigation and IP. Co-head José Luis Palma has a wealth of experience in food and administrative law and actively handles matters related to regulation, quality and animal welfare. Fellow co-leader Mónica Weimann undertakes a range of work, from M&A to advertising, and regularly advises food manufacturers and distributors on digital food marketplaces. IP specialist Sofía Martínez-Almeida has vast experience in advertising matters.

Spain > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 1

The multidisciplinary team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo offers advice on the entire spectrum of legal matters related to manufacturing. International and domestic companies from segments such as plastics, industrial equipment, shipping, automotive and life sciences routinely turn to the practice for assistance with corporate, commercial, contractual, financing, IP, data protection, administrative law and regulatory matters. Recently promoted partner Ainara Rentería is a key contact for clients from the automotive and mobility industries.

Spain > Industry focus: Retail Tier 1

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo fields a cross-departmental team that is skilled at handling the full range of retail-related matters, including real estate, IP, distribution, consumer and regulatory law, among other areas. Sofía Martínez-Almeida has a wealth of experience in retail and fashion law, and often advises on IP and technology matters. Daniel Marín and Iñigo Igartua are go-to contacts for commercial and M&A mandates. Isabella Crespo possesses expertise in IP and data protection issues.

Spain > Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 1

The IP group at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is predominantly instructed by clients from the life sciences and telecoms sectors, who turn to the team for assistance with trade mark litigation and advice on the protection, enforcement and licensing of brands. Jesús Muñoz Delgado, who has a strong presence in the biotech sector, oversees the department with Sofía Martínez-Almeida, who concentrates on online and digital issues. Muñoz-Delgado is noted for his aptitude in the protection and enforcement of trade marks, while Martínez-Almeida excels in litigation before the Spanish courts. Mónica Esteve is adept in both contentious and non-contentious matters concerning trade marks, designs and unfair competition, and Mercedes Corbal focuses on the management of trade mark portfolios.

Spain > Projects and energy Tier 1

The energy team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo advises on regulatory and transactional matters across the renewable and conventional energy landscape. The team also offers expertise on regulatory matters concerning green hydrogen and fuels development, renewable energy deployment, and oil and gas transport and infrastructure. Offering a particular focus on clean power transactions, renewables team head Verónica Romaní acts for power operators, energy distributors, and investors on solar power M&A and financing matters. Diego Martínez has carved out a specialist energy M&A practice, regularly assisting energy companies and investors on transactions regarding solar self-consumption projects.

Spain > Public law Tier 1

Drawing on its in-depth knowledge of environmental, regulatory and infrastructure matters, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s team is well versed in a wide range of public law mandates, including public procurement and contentious-administrative proceedings. Practice head Carlos Vázquez has a wealth of experience in contracts, concessions and public law issues concerning the waste, water and energy sectors. The department also features Irene Fernández Puyol, who is singled out for her expertise in regulatory issues concerning the healthcare and life sciences segments. Other notable practitioners include Santiago Garrido de las Heras, a name to note for matters involving regulated sectors, most notably energy, and Borja Carvajal, who is especially active in energy and infrastructure-related mandates.

Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is equipped to assist investment banks, distressed investors, hedge funds, insolvency administrators, private equity houses and corporations with debt refinancings, insolvency proceedings and restructuring transactions. Miguel Lamo de Espinosa, who shines in corporate finance, debt restructuring and deals involving credit portfolios, and Rodrigo López, who focuses on insolvency proceedings, co-lead the team. Additional names to note include Rafael Aguilera, who is skilled in refinancing processes and debt restructurings; litigator Irene Arévalo, who frequently acts for foreign investors in restructuring processes; and Paula Zarzalejos, another name to note for debt refinancing.

Spain > Venture capital Tier 1

The venture capital practice at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo acts for a diverse client base, including private equity firms, hedge funds, alternative investment funds, and distressed funds, providing support across the entire investment cycle. Beyond handling investment rounds, the team demonstrates strong expertise in fund formation, regulatory and tax structuring, financing, and tech-focused M&A. The practice is co-led by Álvaro Mateo, who specialises in strategic M&A, PE, and VC transactions, and David González, a key adviser to both investors and emerging-growth companies. Alex Pujol is another notable figure in the group, bringing significant experience in PE and VC transactions, fund formation, leveraged financings, and venture debt.

Spain > Banking and finance Tier 2

Both lenders and borrowers turn to Gómez-Acebo & Pombo for assistance with sophisticated financing and refinancing transactions in Spain, with the latter being a core area of strength for the firm. The group demonstrates proficiency across a diverse range of lending matters, including project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors, real estate finance, asset deals, as well as acquisition and corporate finance. Practice head Rafael Aguilera plays a prominent role in restructuring deals led by Spanish banks and advises banks and credit funds on corporate, acquisition and real estate financings. Miguel Lamo de Espinosa possesses significant expertise in advising alternative lenders on restructuring transactions, a field in which Ferran Foix is also highly active.

Spain > Capital markets: Equity Tier 2

At Gómez-Acebo & Pombo, the capital markets practice is skilled at handling a broad range of domestic and cross-border ECM transactions, with notable strength in the life sciences, industrial and financial services sectors. Its expertise spans IPOs on BME Growth, capital increases, and private placements. The group is jointly led by corporate governance specialist Guillermo Guerra, a key contact for Spanish-listed companies, and Augusto Piñel, who focuses on public M&A and ECM deals. Also part of the core team, Jacobo Palanca stands out for his contributions to corporate governance work, takeover bids, IPOs and M&A transactions.

Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has a solid track record in high-value M&A across key sectors such as TMT, banking, and energy, with the latter being a cornerstone of the firm’s activity. The practice is led by Álvaro Mateo, who specialises in strategic M&A, private equity, and venture capital deals. Managing partner Iñigo Erláiz brings extensive expertise in corporate and commercial law, with a strong focus on M&A, private equity, and insolvency matters. Pablo Fernández Cortijo shines in energy-related PE and M&A transactions, while Guillermo Guerra Martín stands out for his deep knowledge of corporate governance and transactional work. Jorge Martín is recognised for his proficiency in leveraged buyouts and infrastructure deals. Alexander Kolb is no longer at the firm.

Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Offering both contentious and advisory services, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo’s dispute resolution practice has strengths in corporate, commercial, competition, financial, and insolvency disputes. The team has extensive experience handling arbitration and litigation cases, and regularly acts before the ICC and the ICSID. Inés Vázquez, who co-heads the group alongside Rodrigo López and Irene Arévalo, specialises in civil and commercial litigation, as well as domestic, international, and investment arbitration. López stands out for his expertise in contentious insolvency matters, funding litigation, corporate liability actions, while Arévalo is adept in restructuring, insolvency, and commercial litigation. Other key practitioners include Luis García del Río and Almudena Larrañaga who are noted for their prowess in energy and infrastructure disputes. Luis López was notably made partner in January 2024.

Spain > EU and competition Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is a prominent force in the M&A arena, frequently securing merger clearance for high-profile transactions. The team is also recognised for its litigation strength, representing blue-chip clients in critical disputes across the postal, dairy, and consumer goods sectors. Iñigo Igartua Arregui leads the team, handling a wide array of claims before Spanish and EU/EC courts and tribunals. Andrew Ward, who joined from Cuatrecasas in 2023, adds exceptional expertise in merger control, FDI, and antitrust investigations. Eduardo Gómez De La Cruz plays a pivotal role in competition matters, particularly within the TMT sector.

Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s TMT department is comprised of specialised IT and telecoms teams, both of which have a robust offering which includes corporate, commercial, and regulatory support, as well as assistance on finance, tax, and litigation matters. With cross-border capabilities, the firm has amassed a strong client roster consisting of household technology companies such as Nintendo. Almudena Arpón de Mendívil, who specialises in telecoms projects co-leads the department alongside digital business expert Sofía Martínez-Almeida, life sciences expert Jesús Muñoz Delgado, and entertainment and art law authority Anna Viladás Jené. The group benefits from the aptitude of Isabela Crespo and Isabel Bandín who stand out for their deep knowledge of the technology and digital sectors.

Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s group is a popular choice for businesses from the consumer goods, media, entertainment, and technology sectors seeking advice on contractual, regulatory, and transactional issues, as well as litigation and advisory matters. Jesús Muñoz Delgado, who specialises in litigation involving all types of IP rights, including copyright, and Sofía Martínez-Almeida, a key contact for retailers and fashion brands, co-lead the department. Other key practitioners include Anna Viladás Jené, who possesses significant expertise in art law, representing artists and cultural institutions, and Bárbara Sainz De Vicuña, a name to note for tech and advertising-related matters.

Spain > Intellectual property: patents Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s IP department is instructed by clients, most notably major names from the life sciences and telecoms sectors, in relation to patent licensing, protection, transfer and litigation. The group is jointly led by Jesús Muñoz Delgado and Sofía Martínez-Almeida; Muñoz-Delgado specialises in enforcement litigation, patent transfers, and protection, while Martínez-Almeida frequently handles patent litigation in the luxury goods, fashion, technology, and entertainment sectors. Rais Amils joined from Pérez-Llorca in January 2025.

Spain > Private equity Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo houses a strong private equity practice adept at handling fund formation, investments, divestments, and financing transactions. The team’s expertise has seen the group advise on high levels of activity in Spain’s M&A market, both in terms of deal value and volume. Team head Álvaro Mateo specialises in private equity, M&A, and venture capital transactions. Pablo Fernández Cortijo garners praise for his involvement in high-profile M&A deals. Jorge Martín has notable expertise in leveraged buyouts and infrastructure transactions. Iñigo Erláiz is a key figure for corporate and M&A matters.  

Spain > Transport: Other transport Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is equipped to advise on aviation, automotive and logistics matters, namely regulatory work, financings and litigation. Leadership is shared between Fernando Herrero, Ainara Rentería and Miguel Ángel García Otero. Herrero leads on asset financing, banking and debt capital markets transactions; Rentería advises automotive industry players on regulatory mandates; and García Otero specialises in inland transport and logistics matters. José Canalejas excels in structured finance, project finance and asset finance.

Spain > White-collar crime Tier 2

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with matters relating to financial crime, fraud and forgery, and money laundering, as well as asset tracing and environmental and labour issues. The team offers advisory services, representation before judicial bodies, and corporate compliance services. With a broad offering and cross-border capabilities, the practice continues to attract new clients from a range of industry sectors such as banking and finance, technology, and insurance, among others. Carlos Sáiz and Vanessa Fernández jointly lead the department; Sáiz specialises in representing banking and finance clients in criminal proceedings, while Fernández concentrates on corporate compliance and money laundering allegations.

Spain > Capital markets: Debt Tier 3

The capital markets team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is recognised for its expertise in high-yield bonds, private placements, and investment-grade debt offerings, attracting frequent mandates from issuers, lead arrangers, and underwriters. The group also maintains a significant presence in the securitisation market, while its capabilities extend to advising on sustainability-linked products. Guillermo Guerra, a specialist in corporate governance, brings extensive experience in both ECM and DCM matters, including commercial note programmes. Ferran Foix – head of the London office – often advises on bond restructurings and note issuance programmes.

Spain > Employment Tier 3

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s employment team is geared to handle collective negotiations, M&A transactions, hiring proceedings, and employment contracts. Heading up the department is Ignacio Del Fraile who stands out for his breadth of expertise which ranges from litigation to remuneration schemes, while Carlos de la Torre concentrates on employment inspections. Borja González is adept in restructuring, while Lourdes Escassi and Carmen Abad are among other notable names in the practice. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of social security specialist Pablo Santos from EY Abogados in late 2024.

Spain > Insurance Tier 3

The team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is well positioned to advise on a range of insurance mandates, including M&A transactions, insurance mediation and bancassurance, securities-related insurance, regulatory issues, and policy drafting and negotiation. Leadership of the group is shared between Ana Martínez-Pina and managing partner Iñigo Erláiz. Martínez-Pina specialises in financial and accounting regulation and audit supervision, acting on behalf of insurance entities and pension funds, credit institutions, asset managers and investment firms. Erláiz handles M&A transactions involving insurance companies and bancassurance agreements.

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 3

Combining 'excellent technical quality with a deep knowledge of the real estate sector', Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has expertise in tax structuring, fund formations, and joint ventures, as well as acquisitions, development projects, financings, and planning issues, with a particular focus on flex-living, student housing, senior living, and build-to-rent. Enrique Isla, who concentrates on property transactions and leases, heads up the practice alongside Jaime Díaz de Bustamante, noted for his aptitude in acquisitions and divestments of real estate assets. Jaime Hidalgo joined from PwC Tax & Legal Services in November 2023.

Spain > Tax Tier 3

With extensive expertise in local and international tax matters, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo offers a comprehensive range of services, covering transactional support, corporate tax advisory, planning, and contentious work. The group is frequently engaged by major Spanish companies, multinationals, private equity funds and financial institutions, and also provides tax planning advice to private clients in relation to their estates and assets. Leading the practice is Enrique Ortega, a reputed corporate tax expert who regularly handles the tax aspects of transactions. Javier Vinuesa is a key contact for internal tax, corporate tax, wealth planning, and tax disputes Eduardo Martínez-Matosas and Mariana Díaz-Moro shine in transactional tax matters.

Spain > Data privacy and data protection Tier 4

The data privacy and data protection group at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has experience advising on cyber security, data disclosure agreements, and data breaches, as well as audits and due diligence. With cross-border capabilities and involvement in emerging areas such as NFTs and the Metaverse, the team is a key contact for technology and insurance clients. Technology and software specialist Isabela Crespo co-heads the practice alongside e-commerce expert Bárbara Sainz De Vicuña.

Spain > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 4

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is well-known for its strong corporate and M&A capabilities and its expertise in financing work. Practice head Irene Fernández Puyol often advises on regulatory issues concerning healthcare service requirements, the promotion of medicinal products, and public procurement issues. Jesús Muñoz Delgado is an IP expert with vast expertise in unfair competition, with a strong focus on biotech and plant variety matters. The team was strengthened by the addition of Rais Amils from Pérez-Llorca in January 2025.

Spain > Transport: Shipping Tier 4

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s shipping capabilities are centred on financing, for which it is frequently instructed by banks, financial institutions, shipping and charter companies, and shipbuilders. The team is overseen by Madrid-based Carlos Rueda and Fernando Herrero, along with Vigo-based María García de la Concha Álvarez. Rueda specialises in asset financing, infrastructure financing and project finance transactions; Herrero has focused his practice on asset finance, banking and debt capital markets work; and García de la Concha Álvarez advises shipping and charter companies on the refinancing of loans.