ONTIER > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
ONTIER Offices

PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA No 55
28046 MADRID
Spain
ONTIER > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3
ONTIER's ‘very reliable' insolvency and restructuring department is best known for its advice to debtors but also acts on the creditor side and is a frequent fixture in some of Spain’s largest financial restructurings and high-profile insolvency proceedings. Its sector coverage is broad, with clients including a number of banks, construction companies and healthcare organisations. ‘Excellent negotiator‘ Bernardo Guttiérez de la Roza is practice head and has 20 years of experience defending clients in insolvency proceedings. Eutimio Martínez Suárez and Daniel Rodríguez Ruiz de Villa are further key contacts.Practice head(s):
Bernardo Gutiérrez de La Roza
Other key lawyers:
Eutimio Martínez Suárez; Daniel Rodríguez Ruiz de Villa
Testimonials
‘They are a very reliable team.’
‘The best thing is that you can trust them. When they take care of an issue they fight it to the end, they look for all the ways to defend the interests of the client and they are reasonable in fees.’
‘Bernardo Gutiérrez de la Roza – Excellent negotiator with solid knowledge.’
‘Clearly pro-active, seeking and providing solutions with autonomy and efficiency. Great ability to find meeting points in negotiations, making them constructive.’
‘They get involved personally, as if the problem were theirs. They are not afraid to argue forcefully with big “opponents” who might be their future clients. Its commitment to the current client is absolute and seamless.’
‘It is a large team with the ability to manage the largest and most complex insolvency proceedings, which covers all the disciplines necessary to be able to deal with these types of processes with solvency and efficiency. Their experience in the field of insolvency gives absolute guarantees of obtaining the best result for the clients they represent. It is one of the best law firms in Spain for the treatment and management of insolvencies and restructuring.’
‘Bernardo Gutiérrez de La Roza: His extensive experience in this area consolidates him as one of the leading lawyers in the insolvency sector at the national level. With the capacity to settle and resolve the most complex issues and negotiations.’
‘Eutimio Martínez Suárez: His extensive knowledge of insolvency law allows him to define the best strategy to tackle the most complex insolvency or restructuring processes.’
Key clients
Dentix Health
Duro Felguera
Portocarrio Valores
Petrolífera de Transportes
Real Sporting de Gijón
Coordinadora Internacional de Cargas
Grupo Surave
Van Oord Ship Management
Vodafone
Modultec
Construcciones y Promociones Coprosa
Hulleras del Norte – Sepi
Biogas Fuel Cell
Urbar Ingenieros
Presidio Iberia
Solazoque
Laboratorio de Protesis Dental Alchi
Work highlights
- Acting for more than 10 Mexican investors in the insolvency proceedings of Banco Popular, of which they were the major shareholders.
- Advising Grupo Dentix on pre-insolvency proceedings, negotiation of refinancing and restructuring processes, and presentation of the application for insolvency proceedings in several international subsidiaries.
- Assisting Duro Felguera with the refinancing and restructuring of the company’s debt.
Spain > White-collar crime Tier 3
ONTIER's white-collar crime team provides a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporates, executives, former bank directors and entrepreneurs involved in high-profile and cross-border proceedings. Areas covered by the team range from tax fraud and money laundering to bribery and corruption, cybercrimes and crimes against honour. The team is headed by corporate criminal law expert Berta Aguinaga Barrilero, and is supported by Juan Casanueva Pérez-Llantada; both have notable experience acting for well-known companies and individuals.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Juan Casanueva Pérez-Llantada; Enrique Muñoz Blanco; Javier Cuairán García
Testimonials
‘The team is super professional. Cohesive. A super personalized dedication.’
‘Speed, availability, knowledge of the subject. Ontier takes care of each case, large or small, with exquisite care. They have everything under control without forgetting or neglecting any detail. They are very quick to respond, organized and efficient.’
‘Knowledge of the subject, dedication, efficiency and speed. I would highlight Berta Aguinaga, who can always be trusted because she responds perfectly, taking care of the interests of the company. I would also highlight Javier Cuairán and Enrique Muñoz Blanco.’
‘They are a team with a lot of experience, always available, they transmit a lot of security and provide peace of mind.’
‘Very personal and close treatment. Much interest in how each court order affects the client.’
‘Not only do they have a deep knowledge of criminal law but they know how to anticipate what is going to happen at the hearing, making the client feel very comfortable. They do not leave any angle open.’
Key clients
Pescanova, S.A.
Bankia, S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising two former directors of Banco Popular in the criminal proceedings before the Central Examining Court number. 4 for the alleged commission of a crime of defrauding investors (among others).
- Defended Pescanova in the trial brought by Section 4 of the Audiencia Nacional which took place between the end of 2019 and mid-2020.
- Defending the interests of Bankia in the lawsuit against the former Ausbanc officials.
Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 4
Clients of ONTIER appreciate the ‘high degree of involvement of the most senior partners and associates‘, and the team’s ‘high knowledge of their clients’ business‘. The three-partner team remains busy, handling a broad range of cases for major companies in the retail, energy and telecoms sectors, among others, and has also been able to expand its client base recently with several new clients. The department is jointly led by ‘brilliant lawyer‘ Cristina Camarero Espinosa and Pedro Rodero Rodríguez, who demonstrates ‘great judgement‘, and also includes key associate Marta Rodrigo Lavilla. Miguel García Vigil is now a senior counsel with the firm.Practice head(s):
Pedro Rodero Rodríguez; Cristina Camarero Espinosa
Other key lawyers:
Marta Rodrigo Lavilla; José Luis Cabello Contreras; Miguel García Vigil; Miguel Fernández Benavides; Rafael Santacruz de Pedro
Testimonials
‘An enormous capacity to keep in mind all aspects of a multinational company and very long procedures. They are able to see the implications of the process from a civil, commercial and criminal point of view.’
‘It is a young team but with good experience, very hard-working and well coordinated. They study cases well’
‘Cristina Camarero’s team, with Miguel Fernández Benavides and Rafael Santacruz is very serious, rigorous and imaginative.’
‘Pedro Rodero: I consider Pedro to be one of the best litigators in the country, with extensive technical knowledge and great exposure of matters before the courts. Cristina Camarero: is an exceptional lawyer with great technical knowledge and very strong involvement in all matters in which she is involved, which makes the results she obtains excellent. In addition to the knowledge, I believe that the high degree of involvement of the most senior partners and associates is one of the firm’s strengths.’
‘ONTIER’s litigation team stands out for its seniority and involvement in the cases entrusted to them. I am interested in highlighting their way of organizing work and the allocation of resources to each project. It is a very organized, exhaustive and rigorous team. They devote special attention to the design of the strategy, the writing of clear, structured and well-founded writings and they are very meticulous in the preparation of all the interventions in the room. They have a high knowledge of their clients’ business and team up with in-house attorneys, which greatly facilitates communication and work. My opinion of them is excellent and I think they stand out from the litigation departments of other firms.’
‘Ontier’s dispute resolution team is able to convey the subtleties of the Spanish legal system to US clients and law firms in a way that stands out. The team of Pedro Rodero and Marta Rodrigo Lavilla have been responsive, proactive, and have provided excellent counsel.’
‘Pedro Rodero shows great judgement and is able to forcefully represent the client’s interests in disputes. He has a wealth of knowledge of the Spanish legal system. Marta Rodrigo Lavilla is hard working and is a great writer and analyst. She has tremendous people skills in terms of interacting with clients and witnesses. She is dedicated to her clients’ causes. She has a very positive attitude and is proactive in anticipating issues.’
‘Every time I have a possible legal proceeding, I think of Cristina Camarero for being an excellent lawyer not only in procedural law, where she has extensive experience, but also for being an advisor capable of proposing alternative and imaginative solutions with a deep understanding of the needs of the client.’
Key clients
Dentix
FCC Group
Vodafone España, S.A.U.
El Corte Inglés
Patentes Talgo
Redexis
Calidad Pascual
Yelmo Films
Securitas Direct
Iberdrola
Work highlights
- Advising one of the most important department store companies in Spain in two judicial proceedings for the modification of the leases of two large shopping centres in Madrid.
- Representing a real estate group in litigation proceedings related to a claim involving an M&A transaction within a corporate group for a total amount of €400m.
- Acting for a major client in the healthcare sector in a dispute.
Spain > Employment Tier 4
ONTIER‘s employment team has a strong domestic presence and supports clients in matters ranging from collective dismissals and restructuring to transactional support, while employment litigation is a standout strength. Practice co-heads Javier Aurelio Rodríguez Pérez and Eduardo González-Biedma are based in Oviedo and Seville, respectively, with associate Luis Sánchez Quiñones being the practice’s main contact in Madrid.Practice head(s):
Javier Aurelio Rodríguez Pérez; Eduardo González-Biedma
Other key lawyers:
Luis Sánchez Quiñones; Santiago Zamora Antón; Sara Blanco Menendez
Testimonials
‘The team of lawyers distributes matters well according to their nature and importance, directed by the partner in the labor area, who also intervenes directly in specific matters.’
‘We value the ease of access to their lawyers and the speed with which they take on the issues that we raise, ease in dealing with them to understand and contrast questions and alternatives with us, giving a technically good service.’
‘Ontier is a firm with extensive experience in labour matters, which has professionals fully involved in the matters they defend. They are close, and always look out for the client.’
‘Close people, empathetic and easy to understand – Javier Rodríguez and Sara Blanco.’
‘Great dedication and professionalism.’
Key clients
Fomento De Construcciones Y Contratas
Abengoa
Duro Felguera
Tata Consultancy Services
Caser Seguros
Grupo Itevelesa
Camara De Comercio, Industria Y Servicios De Madrid
Daorje
Dentix Group
Laboratorios Protesicos Alchi
Work highlights
- Advised Dentix on its €70m acquisition by Advent International.
- Representing Abengoa in a number of disputes arising from collective dismissals and suspensions.
- Advising Duro Felguera on its internal labour restructuring.
Spain > Projects and energy Tier 4
Corporate and M&A partner Pablo Enrile and senior associate Lucía González Fernández jointly head the projects and energy department at ONTIER, which is especially dedicated to the sale and acquisition of energy projects. A trusted advisor for several renowned Spanish banks, the firm has a solid track record in energy deals in Spain, Italy and Latin America.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The senior members of the team have great experience and knowledge, having participated in numerous previous transactions, which facilitates the proposal of alternative solutions to problems in contract negotiation, especially.’
‘Pablo Enrile is one of the most experienced lawyers in the renewables sector, with great experience and, above all, great sector knowledge to be able to transfer the special characteristics of the projects acquired to the contract of sale.’
‘Pablo Enrile leads a powerful team.’
Key clients
A&G Renewables Iberian Solar I,
Iberia Solar, S.L.
Banco de Sabadell, S.A.
Imasa, Ingeniería Y Proyectos, S.A.
Abei Energy & Infraestructure, S.L.
Eland Private Equity
Hanwha
Ric Sun, S.L.
Tayan Energy
Work highlights
- Advising Iberia Solar on the sale of a portfolio of four solar photovoltaic projects throughout Spain to Lightsource BP.
- Advising Banco de Sabadell on the project finance for the financing of a wind farm with an installed capacity of 45MW located in Huelva.
- Advising RIC regarding the sale of a portfolio of several solar photovoltaic projects throughout Spain to Hanwha QCells.
Spain > Public law Tier 4
ONTIER has an ‘in-depth knowledge of public law regulation’, as well as a ‘good relationship with public administrations’, according to a client. The practice is led by Jorge Álvarez González, who specialises in administrative law, following the departure of former practice co-head Pedro Rubio. Silvia San Felipe, who has a focus on energy and regulatory matters, and Beatriz Fernández, who handles matters related to transport and competition, are other key members of the team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘ONTIER has a very good team in its Public Law department. It brings together highly experienced professionals with young junior lawyers with a great capacity for work.’
‘Quick response to inquiries. In-depth knowledge of Public Law regulations. Good relationship with the Administrations that facilitates consultations and contacts for the negotiation solution of many issues’
‘They have great involvement and empathy with the client, in addition to the necessary knowledge.’
‘I would describe it as reliable, meaning a set of solid legal and procedural knowledge, and a response within reasonable deadlines and financial requirements.’
‘Jorge Álvarez González is an outstanding partner.’
‘Great knowledge of commercial law.’
‘I think the main difference is dedication to projects, always putting itself in the client’s shoes.’
Key clients
Grupo Kaluz
Cabify
Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas, S.A.
Alsa Group of Companies
Alstom Transporte
Indra Sistemas
Fundacion Barrié de La Maza
Yelmo Films, S.L.U.
Damas, S.A.
Energías de Portugal, S.A. (Edp)
Matinsa
Dupont Group
EBN Bank
Construcciones y Promociones Coprosa, S.A
Imasa Ingeniería y Proyectos, S.A.
Industrias doy Manuel Morate, S.L.
Fomensa Hispania, S.L.
Ayuntamiento de Oviedo
Duro Felguera
Constructora Los Álamos, S.A.
Bluefloat Energy
World Duty Free
Tata Communications
Isdefe
Work highlights
- Represented Grupo KALUZ in an appeal before Court of Justice of the EU against the Single Resolution Board (SRB) and European Commission resolution action taken in respect of Banco Popular Español.
- Representing Vecttor/Cabify and Alsa in the judicial procedure on a damages claim of more than €400m, against the Spanish Government.
- Assisting Hormigones Nalón since the unannounced inspections carried out in the premises of the company by the competition authorities and leading its defence during the administrative sanctioning procedure.
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 5
ONTIER's banking and finance group saw some personnel changes in 2021, with Álvaro Barro joining from Watson Farley & Williams LLP to take over leadership of the team; previous practice head Ramón Ruiz de la Torre Esporrín left in March 2021. Barro’s specialist area is in project finance, particularly in the energy sector. He is supported by senior partner Alberto Manzanares, who has overseen the firm branching into banking work in recent years.Practice head(s):
Álvaro Barro
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ride On Consulting
Banco De Sabadell
Grupo Norte Agrupación Empresarial de Servicios
RedMaine Junction
Transportes Boyaca
Bankinter
EBN Banco De Negocios
Deutsche Bank
Banca March
Banco Sabadell
Ride On Consulting
Duro Felguera
CIFI Latam
Work highlights
- Acting for Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos De Entidades De Crédito (FGD) on a bridge loan with a syndicate of seven banks on a corporative loan on an amount of €4bn.
- Advised Servicios Finacieros Carrefour on the sale of a portfolio of unsecured non-performing loans worth €178m to a Portuguese investment group.
- Acting for Banco de Sabadell on the €44m refinancing of 10MV photovoltaic plants owned by Grupo Alfonso Gallardo.
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5
ONTIER's corporate and M&A department handles a mix of domestic and cross-border transactions and is led by Pablo Enrile, a specialist in corporate law, transactions and financing, with specific expertise in the renewable energy, maritime and industrial sectors. The team is active in a number of infrastructure and energy projects across the Mediterranean and includes senior associate Víctor Artola Recolons, a lawyer who complements his prowess in M&A with an in-depth knowledge of private equity and capital markets matters.Practice head(s):
Pablo Enrile
Other key lawyers:
María Jesús Dehesa; Víctor Artola Recolons; Francisco Fenoy; Bernardo Gutiérrez de la Roza
Testimonials
‘Immediacy, service, disposition and attention 24 hours.’
‘María Jesús Dehesa provides direct treatment, personal attention to the client and efficiency when solving problems; this makes her an essential ally to handle complex matters and solve them in a short time.’
Key clients
Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas, S.A. (FCC)
Inversora Carso, S.A. De C.V.
CMA CMG
Iberdrola
Iberdrola Renovables
Eliantus Energy
Ingenico
Duro Felguera
A&G
Grupo Dominion
Grupo Adelanta
Patentes Talgo
Ric Energy
Indra
Alstom
Cox Energy
Abei Energy Infraestructure
Kratos Integral
Ayesa
Innoliva
Work highlights
- Advising Patentes Talgo on the consortium between 12 Spanish companies for the development of the high-speed project between Meca and Medina in South Arabia.
- Advised Dentix on the sale of all of its Spanish business to Advent International.
- Advised Kratos Integral on the sale of its stake (100%) in Spanish renewable energy sector company Energías Renovables y Desarrollos Alternativos to the German group Robur.
Spain > EU and competition Tier 5
The arrival of Francisco Cantos in October 2020 certainly put ONTIER's competition practice on the map. Cantos, who previously founded the antitrust department at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's Spanish office, has longstanding experience representing leading Spanish and multinational companies in cartels and abuse of dominance matters; damages claims and appeals against fines imposed by the competition authorities; as well as EU state aid matters.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The incorporation of Francisco Cantos has certainly been a plus, bringing that degree of specialisation that the firm was lacking.’
‘Experience and practicality.’
Key clients
Duro Felguera
SEPI
Japan Tobacco International (JTI)
General Motors
FCC No
Oakley Capital
Abengoa
Grupo Viamed Salud
Yelmo
Iberia Solar
Dentix
Work highlights
- Advising Duro Felguera in relation to the EU state aid regime.
- Advising General Motors on the appeal before the Spanish Supreme Court against the €22.8m fine imposed by the CNMC.
- Advising FCC on cartel proceedings and bid-rigging launched by the CNMC in the Spanish motorway concessions market.
ONTIER > Firm Profile
The firm: ONTIER is a global law firm, headquartered in London, with a presence in 13 countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Spain, the USA, Mexico, Paraguay, Perú, UK and Venezuela. It is currently the international firm with the largest footprint in Latin America.
ONTIER is a full-service law firm. While it is active in all areas of legal practice, it is known for specialising in complex corporate and commercial transactions and international commercial disputes. Some of ONTIER’s areas of expertise include: international litigation and arbitration, corporate, white-collar crime, real estate, tax, labour, finance and capital markets, family, IT and IP, insolvency and restructuring, and regulatory, public law, urban planning and competition. The firm has a wealth of experience in the energy sector and in advising family-run companies.
The firm’s know-how: All ONTIER offices worldwide share identical principles and values and are well established in their native jurisdictions. The firm’s philosophy accentuates each local partner’s excellence, values and ‘soul’ within the multinational legal structure. Global tools and strategies are combined with home-market know-how and the expertise of its lawyers, who solve a host of legal issues using local regulations, arguments and laws. Knowledge of the local markets and proximity to its clients; understanding that people are the most important thing; and providing clients with a bespoke service in the markets in which they operate are some of the essential tenets of ONTIER.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Litigation and arbitration | Pedro Rodero | ||
Litigation and arbitration | Cristina Camarero | ||
Corporate | Bernardo Gutiérrez de la Roza | ||
Corporate | Pablo Enrile | ||
Corporate | Óscar Murillo | ||
Banking and financing | Ramón Ruiz de la Torre | ||
White-collar crime | Berta Aguinaga | ||
White-collar crime | Juan Casanueva | ||
Regulatory, Public Law, Urban Planning and Competition | Jorge Álvarez | ||
Regulatory, Public Law, Urban Planning and Competition | Pedro Rubio | ||
Regulatory, Public Law, Urban Planning and Competition | Adolfo Menéndez | ||
Real estate | Jaime Díaz de Bustamante | ||
Tax and wealth management | Francisco de Haro | ||
Tax and wealth management | Sandra Cabrero | ||
Tax and wealth management | Manuel Díaz | ||
Succession in companies and family | Bernardo Gutiérrez de la Roza | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Bernardo Gutiérrez de la Roza | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Eutimio Martínez | ||
Capital markets | Ramón Ruiz de la Torre | ||
Employment | Eduardo González Biedma | ||
Employment | Javier Aurelio Rodríguez Pérez | ||
Industrial and intellectual property and new technologies | Miguel García | ||
Industrial and intellectual property and new technologies | Joaquín Muñoz | ||
Energy and natural resources | Pablo Enrile | ||
Regulatory, Public Law, Urban Planning and Competition | Jorge Álvarez | ||
Environmental Law | Martín J. Silván Gutiérrez-Cortines |