Uría Menéndez > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
Uría Menéndez Offices

PRÍNCIPE DE VERGARA 187
PLAZA RODRÍGUEZ URÍA
28002 MADRID
Spain
Uría Menéndez > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 1
The wide-ranging banking and finance practice at Uría Menéndez spans acquisition finance, refinancings and restructurings, project finance (with a particular focus on the renewable energy sector), and real estate finance. Through its share in Ibero-American firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, the team is also well positioned to handle both domestic and cross-border transactions. Another key area of expertise is the sale and acquisition of non-performing loan portfolios, where practice head Ángel Pérez López is particularly experienced, although his practice also extends to the financing of real estate and energy projects. Other notable names in the team include Carlos de Cárdenas SmithPractice head(s):
Ángel Pérez López
Other key lawyers:
Carlos de Cárdenas Smith; Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María; Isabel Aguilar; Ignacio Álvarez Couso; Luis Jiménez; José-Félix Zaldivar; Ramiro Rivera
Testimonials
‘The close client relationships, availability, understanding of the client’s requirements, and the spirit of getting the deal closed, instead of promoting themselves unnecessarily – all this makes Uría stand out from other competitors. I would particularly like to highlight the work of Carlos de Cárdenas Smith.’
Key clients
Otis Worldwide Corporation
Banco Santander
Yelmo Films
Silver Lake Technology
Metrovacesa
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
Ence Energía y Celulosa
Natixis
NH Hotel Group
Grupo Cerealto Siro
Plenium Partners
Spain > Capital markets: Debt Tier 1
Highlighted for its 'level of commitment and depth of knowledge', Uría Menéndez advises an impressive client base, which includes leading domestic banks and corporates, on the Spanish law aspects of complex debt issuances on the Spanish and international markets. The team has expertise across a range of products, including high-yield bonds, covered bonds, hybrid bonds, structured and project bonds, and regulatory capital instruments; in one recent highlight, it advised Iberdrola and Iberdrola Finanzas on one of the first issuances of hybrid bonds by a Spanish entity. Javier RedonetPractice head(s):
Jaime Pereda; Javier Redonet
Other key lawyers:
Rafael Sebastián; Carolina Albuerne; Enrique Nieto; Alfonso Ventoso
Testimonials
‘What makes Uría Menéndez stand out in this practice area over other firms is its extensive experience, its mastery of market practices and the synergies derived from its leadership position in the equity market. Its relationships with the regulators and the different participants in transactions are close and fully consolidated, making the operations progress quickly and smoothly. It is a proactive team, capable of assuming leadership in the coordination of the different participants (and, in particular, of the foreign firms that normally have to be involved in these processes).’
‘The lawyers at Uría Menéndez are dedicated, committed to assisting with the client’s requirements, and proactive in detecting potential problems and offering solutions, and stand out for their degree of attention to detail and involvement in transactions. These are the main qualities that differentiate them from other firms and that in our opinion make them the preferred option. In the transactions that we have carried out with the firm, Enrique Nieto Brackelmanns has handled matters in an outstanding manner.’
‘Lawyers need to have a deep knowledge of the regulations related to the capital markets, as well as experience in advising different issuers to know the best practices or possible alternatives to unexpected setbacks. The Uría team exceeds other firms in terms of experience and knowledge, as well as in its understanding of the client’s needs.’
‘Rigour, absolute availability, experience, knowing how to put oneself in the client’s shoes and understand their needs. As an excellent partner I would highlight the work of Enrique Nieto Brackelmanns.’
‘Deep coordination between the different areas of the firm to provide a comprehensive service when advising on transactions.’
‘The team stands out for its level of commitment and depth of knowledge of the issues, involving the different departments of the firm that may have to contribute.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Goldman Sachs
Iberdrola
Indra Sistemas
Lar España Real Estate SOCIMI
AES Dominicana
Almirall
eDreams Odigeo
Renta Corporación Real Estate
Otis
Ok Mobility
UCI
Citi
JP Morgan
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander on the issuance of €1bn contingent convertible perpetual preferred tier 1 securities listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.
- Advised Iberdrola, S.A. on the issuance by Iberdrola Finanzas, S.A.U. of non-call undated deeply subordinated reset rate guaranteed securities for an amount of €750m, guaranteed by Iberdrola, S.A.
- Advised Banco Santander on the registration with the Spanish National Stock Exchange Commission (CNMV) and the Bank of Spain of a covered bonds programme to issue up to €55bn.
Spain > Capital markets: Equity Tier 1
Counting a number of Ibex 35-listed companies among its clients, Uría Menéndez has an impressive track record of advising on major Spanish IPOs and follow-on equity offerings. The team has recently been highly active in assisting with tender offers, as well as rights issues, accelerated bookbuild offerings, share buyback programmes and delistings, with extensive experience of advising clients in the real estate, hospitality, life sciences and energy sectors. Firm chairman Luis De Carlos leads the team alongside Javier RedonetPractice head(s):
Luis de Carlos; Javier Redonet
Other key lawyers:
Gabriel Núñez Fernández; Alfonso Ventoso; Marta Ríos; Enrique Nieto; Álvaro López
Testimonials
‘Gabriel Nuñez is our main contact at Uria Menendez and has vast expertise in the field of equity capital markets. He is also able to connect us with the firm’s finance and commercial departments when necessary. He stands out for his kindness and assistance in always finding a solution.’
‘Gabriel Nuñez and Álvaro López are excellent and intelligent in what they do. They have vast experience and they always want to get the best for our company; they are true partners in helping us meet our goals.’
Key clients
Otis Worldwide Corporation
Banco Santander
Greenalia
Metrovacesa
Millenium Hospitality Real Estate
Norbel Inversiones
Laboratorios Farmacéuticos Rovi
NH Hotel Group
Castlelake
eDreams ODIGEO
Neinor Homes
Ibi Lion SOCIMI, S.A.
Deutsche Finance International
Holaluz-Clidom
Work highlights
- Advised Otis Worldwide Corporation on its tender offer over all the issued shares of Zardoya Otis, S.A., including advising on the financing of the offer.
- Advised Metrovacesa in connection with FCC’s partial voluntary tender offer over 24% of its shares.
- Advised Millenium Hospitality Real Estate I SOCIMI, S.A. on its €156m non pre-emptive share capital increase.
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Uría Menéndez combines a broad national footprint with overseas offices offices in London, New York, Lisbon, Brussels and South America. The team, which represents numerous Fortune 500 and Ibex 35 companies, consists of 30 partners and 100 overall lawyers and is distinctly able to offer on-site English law expertise in addition to Spanish. Manuel EcheniquePractice head(s):
Manuel Echenique; Francisco San Miguel
Other key lawyers:
Rafael Núñez-Lagos; Eduardo Bagaría; Pedro Ravina; Jaime Pereda; Juan Martín Perrotto; Antonio Herrera; Christian Hoedl
Testimonials
‘The level of technical quality is very homogeneous among the different lawyers of the firm and is the highest in the market. Also, you get the feeling working with them that they really run things in anticipation of the client’s needs.’
‘Juan Marín Perrotto combines a great technical capacity with personal relationship skills that greatly help to bring the operations to a successful conclusion. He is the type of lawyer you want to have on your side in a complex operation.’
‘Technical knowledge, coordination between different areas of the office.’
‘Commitment and technical knowledge. Outstanding Partner: Christian Hoedl.’
‘Rafael Núñez-Lagos and Juan Martín Perrotto. They are both great professionals. His experience, technical and practical knowledge, ability to organize the team and his analytical and problem-solving vision stand out.’
‘We worked with Uria on a handful of smaller bolt on transactions. Uria continues to provide top quality, best-in-class legal services. We are used to working with the most sophisticated firms in the UK and US market, and Uria is right up there with the best of the best in those markets.’
‘We worked extensively with Manuel Echenique- he is a very personable partner to work with, who combines both good commercial savvy with technical skill. He is very well known within the market and is very close to what is going in the market, both commercially and technically.
‘Francisco San Miguel: Impressive dedication and focus. It withstands the pressure of the negotiation very well. He knows when to intervene and lead part of the negotiation and when to leave the leading role to the client. Excellent attorney.’
Key clients
LaLiga
Lone Star Funds
KKR
GIC
Neinor Homes
Rolls-Royce
Ferrovial
Renta Corporación Real Estate
DUNI
Glovoapp23
Work highlights
Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 1
The ‘highly gifted team‘ at Uría Menéndez has an exceptional reputation in the Spanish market, noted for its ‘technical knowledge, anticipation and rigor‘ and ‘positive relationship with clients‘. Beyond Spain, where it has offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia, the firm has also expanded into Latin America, where it now has a notable presence, through the cross-border merger with firms in Chile, Colombia and Peru. The firm is regularly involved in the most high-profile and high-stakes disputes to hit Spain, with recent highlights including its representation of La Liga in a lawsuit filed by several teams concerning a transaction between La Liga and CVC Capital Partners; Carles Vendrell led on the case. Cross-border disputes also feature in the department’s caseload, particularly those involving Latin America and other European jurisdictions. Jesús Remón Peñalver has overall leadership of the practice area, which is further divided into litigation, led by Javier Garcia Sanz, and an international arbitration group, which is headed by Gabriel Bottini. Álvaro López de Argumedo, who has been working with the firm for three decades, has vast experience as counsel in both litigation and arbitration, in addition to his practice as an arbitrator and mediator, and Cristian Gual Grau, based in Barcelona, acts in IP, unfair competition and contractual disputes. José Miguel Fatás and Manuel García-Villarrubia also receive praise.Practice head(s):
Jesús Remón Peñalver; Javier García Sanz; Gabriel Bottini
Other key lawyers:
José Miguel Fatás; Manuel García-Villarrubia; Álvaro López de Argumedo; Cristian Gual Grau; Carles Vendrell Cervantes
Testimonials
‘Highly gifted team with great knowledge, dedication and professionalism.’
‘Uria Menendez knows the subject very well and has a positive relationship with clients.’
‘Gabriel Bottini is always very available.’
‘Technical knowledge, anticipation and rigor make them different from other offices.’
‘I would highlight José Miguel Fatás and Manuel García-Villarrubia for their knowledge of the sector and the client; domain of the matter; approach and strategy; anticipation of the problem; and rigor.’
‘The firm Uría Menéndez offers very good prices and quality of work. Compared to other firms, it is very competitive.’
‘The attorneys at this firm tend to provide unique strategies that help us have a good defense despite contrary scenarios. They always go the extra mile. I’d highlight Gabriel Botti.’
Key clients
DAF Trucks, N.V.
Banco Santander, S.A.
Telefónica, S.A.
Repsol, S.A.
State of Malaysia
Meta
The Republic of Cuba
Acciona
Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional
Canal Extensia
The Dominican Republic
Mota-Engil
Enel/ Endesa
Globalvía
Work highlights
- Representing the State of Malaysia in a multi-jurisdictional dispute with eight private individuals regarding an 1878 cession agreement over specific territories in North Borneo.
- Representing Banco Santander in a claim for damages brought against it by former shareholders of Abengoa in connection with a forecast capital increase in 2015.
- Advising Banco Popular in all jurisdictions, including defining the strategy, coordinating with other firms and leading the defence in leading cases, in matters concerning Banco Popular Español.
Spain > Employment Tier 1
The employment experts at Uría Menéndez ‘stand out for their knowledge of current regulations‘ and ‘great knowledge of the sector‘, with a sizeable offering focused on redundancy procedures, temporary lay-offs, negotiations with unions, remuneration plans and complex litigation. Leadership of the team is divided between Mario Barros in Madrid, Juan Reyes in Barcelona and Raúl Boo in Valencia: Barros specialises in the drafting of senior executive termination contracts; Reyes handles restructurings and collective negotiations; and Boo stands at the forefront of the department’s transactional practice, acting on employment aspects of M&A deals. Madrid-based partner Sergio Ponce is a further name to note for redundancy procedures and collective bargaining, highlighted for having ‘rigorous knowledge of the applicable regulations‘. Ana Alós and associate Álvaro Navarro are additional standout practitioners in Barcelona and Madrid, respectively.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sergio Ponce; Ana Alós; Álvaro Navarro; David Martínez Saldaña
Testimonials
‘It is a law firm with exceptional client orientation and outstanding technical quality.’
‘Their strengths are extensive legal knowledge in competition matters, great knowledge of the sector and their wide availability.’
‘The Uria team is involved in the dynamics of the company and makes an effort to understand the business and its derivatives. This helps a lot to focus the different problems. Sergio Ponce and David Martínez Saldaña can be defined as outstanding from a technical, procedural and collective bargaining point of view.’
‘Sergio Ponce is one of the best lawyers in the field, he also has relational and empathetic skills with the client that make him outstanding.’
‘Team with extensive experience in the sector. They stand out for their knowledge of current regulations and labour legal advice in the management of investment projects.’
‘Sergio Ponce stands out for his complete disposition and client service, full capacity to adapt to sudden changes and rigorous knowledge of the applicable regulations. Likewise, I would mention the practical approach of his advice and the detailed knowledge of the business and business activity.’
‘The team stands out for its great legal-labour technical contribution, its constant availability, clarity in the answers to any query, and its way of requesting sensitive information.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Inditex
Aena
Port Aventura Entertainment
Mars Multisales Spain
Altadia Group
Avoris
Ferrovial Servicios
Altos Labs
Bureau Veritas Inversiones
Spain > Environment Tier 1
The well-established environmental practice at Uría Menéndez draws on the expertise of dedicated environmental law experts, with the ability to advise on the gamut of environmental law. The team is particularly strong in regulatory work and litigation, representing major domestic and international industrial clients in several contentious-administrative and criminal judicial proceedings. The team also is experienced in carbon trading, soil pollution, waste and transactional matters. Juan Antonio Loste Madoz, an administrative and environmental law specialist, and counsel Jesús Sedano, who has significant experience representing clients before contentious-administrative courts and the Spanish Constitutional Court, jointly lead the practice. Counsels Jaime Calvo Retuerto and Noemí Blázquez are other key individuals.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great professionalism and expertise in the entrusted matter.’
‘High predisposition and great knowledge of the law applicable to the issues raised.’
Spain > EU and competition Tier 1
Uría Menéndez has 'extensive knowledge' in a wide range of EU and competition matters, with particular expertise in advising major companies in the insurance and pharmaceutical sectors. The team is highly active in merger control cases, including multi-jurisdictional transactions, at both national and EU level, and is also representing clients in a series of high-profile cartel investigations and related litigation, EU law and state aid cases, and follow-on damages claims. Antonio Guerra leads the practice, while other key contacts include Patricia Vidal, who stands out for her strength in competition litigation, Alfonso Gutiérrez, an expert in competition matters in the pharmaceutical sector, and Tomás Arranz, who is highly experienced in merger control.Practice head(s):
Antonio Guerra
Other key lawyers:
Patricia Vidal; Alfonso Gutiérrez; Tomás Arranz; Jokin Beltrán de Lubiano
Testimonials
‘Their technical quality and experience is superior. They also manage to explain complex problems (and possible solutions) simply. They are able to help you make complicated decisions because they are not obvious or risk-free. Antonio Guerra deserves a special mention for his technical ability and experience.’
‘Their strong points are their extensive knowledge in competition matters, great knowledge of the sector and their full availability.’
‘The team stands out for its technical knowledge, excellent relationships with the regulators and great strategic vision.’
‘Alfonso Gutiérrez and Tomás Arranz are two of the best competition law lawyers in Spain. Their understanding of the issues on which the different cases centre is excellent; this is what makes them stand out above the rest of lawyers specialised in the subject matter.’
‘The Uría Menéndez team not only has the technical legal knowledge that is expected of any first-rate law firm, but also an extra understanding of the client and a specialised service is adapted to each client’s needs. Compared to other firms in Madrid, its strong point is in adapting to the needs of the client in each case, regardless of the team in charge. Uría Menéndez stands out above other firms in terms of quality and personalised attention. The firm regularly sends out an adapted bulletin with legal developments that specifically affect each area of the client’s business.’
‘Very available, brilliant and technically able.’
Key clients
DAF
Caixabank
Unicaja
Banco Santander
Cemex
Ferrovial
Acciona
AstraZeneca
Lone Star
Danone
Euskaltel
Iberdrola
Novartis
Nissan
Toyota
Philip Morris
Adidas
Hyundai
Amrest
Work highlights
- Acting for several clients in competition damages claims, including DAF in those related to the EU truck cartel case and Toyota and Hyundai in claims resulting from a 2015 CNMC decision.
- Advising Santander Consumer Finance on the reorganisation of its collaboration with Stellantis, by which it becomes the main financing partner in eight countries, which entails three parallel merger filings with the European Commission and separate filings in Morocco, Switzerland, Turkey and China.
- Advising CaixaBank on the notification of the acquisition of two bancassurance joint ventures which Bankia held with insurance companies, with the aim of consolidating all of its activity under CaixaBank’s insurance division VidaCaixa.
Spain > Industry focus: Food Tier 1
Uría Menéndez's specialist food and health group provides ‘guaranteed quality’, an expectation fulfilled by a sizeable team of practitioners with experience in the M&A, regulatory, contractual and IP spheres. Leadership of the practice is divided between Montiano Monteagudo in Barcelona and Teresa Paz-AresPractice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sara García Vázquez
Testimonials
‘Very close to the business. Rapid. Efficient.’
‘They are the best. Exceptional quality. High quality standard. Efficient solutions.’
‘Uría Menéndez is a guarantee of quality; they are integrated into the case in such a way that they have to defend that they make it their own and they defend it tooth and nail.’
‘Uría is a multidisciplinary office. It is a safe firm to turn to when faced with a complex matter and/or with an impact on multiple jurisdictions. They are rigorous and transparent, with great technical solidity.’
‘Sara García Vázquez is an exceptional professional, with tremendous technical strength, extremely rigorous and 100% involved with the client. Empathises with the client, and is able to find the perfect balance between business and legal advice. These qualities make her very valuable for in-house lawyers, since the decisions that are adopted, supported by her advice, are always the best possible decisions, providing security and peace of mind to the in-house lawyer.’
Key clients
Danone
Primo Water
Coca-Cola European Partners
Diageo
Grupo Mahou
Mars Wrigley Group
Cerealto Siro
Galletas Gullón
Go Fruselva
Nomen Foods
Glovo
Fidia
Solutex
Work highlights
- Advising Grupo Cerealto Siro on its approximately €391m recapitalisation and debt restructuring.
Spain > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1
Uría Menéndez‘s health group offers a multidisciplinary offering underlined by an impressive track record, acting in contentious and non-contentious matters while keeping ‘well aware of new developments‘ in the field. The practice is led by a three-partner team, each with their own focus. In Madrid, Teresa Paz-AresPractice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Beatriz Cocina; Francisco Javier García; Ingrid Pi
Testimonials
‘The assignments made to this firm have always been attended to under the prism of teamwork between the different lawyers in the area in question, generating an environment of full trust with the client.’
‘The predisposition and agility in responding to queries without delay and the great knowledge of law by the lawyers.’
‘The Uría lawyers are up-to-date not only with developments in this area but also with other adjacent and relevant ones for companies in the sector. It can cover all needs without having to rely on several providers.’
‘Ingrid Pi has outstanding technical skills and deep knowledge of the pharmaceutical business. She is also good in proposing preventive actions.’
‘The team has skilled lawyers with a focus on new developments in the life sciences industry. They are well aware of new developments and always responsive.’
‘Francisco Javier García Pérez is highly experienced , especially with respect to multi jurisdictional clinical trial projects. He is responsive and reliable.’
Key clients
GSK
Novartis
PharmaMar
Grupo Quirón
Lilly
Rovi
Janssen-Cilag
Johnson&Johnson
Sanofi
FarmaIndustria
Laboratorios ViiV
Bayer Hispania
Astrazeneca
Grandvision Spain
Galenicum Health
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare
Elanco
Hestia Alliance
Nuevo Hospital de Burgos
Serveo
Laboratorios Servier
Work highlights
- Advising one of Spain’s largest private hospital groups and several concessionaire companies on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advised several pharmaceutical companies and the Pharmaceutical Industry Association on matters related to the possibility of promoting medicines which are still pending a resolution on price and reimbursement.
- Advised an American venture capital fund on the due diligence and bidding process of the Spanish-based fertility services giant IVI-RMA.
Spain > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 1
Uría Menéndez is well equipped to assist clients in the pharmaceutical, automotive, retail and construction markets, with horizontal sectorial groups designed to address surfacing matters in relation to competition, litigation, intellectual property, regulatory, commercial and corporate issues. The team features Borja Sainz de Aja, Teresa Paz-AresPractice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Engagement with the client. Comprehensiveness in matters and deep knowledge. Empathy with the client’s difficulties. Holistic view of the issues. These aspects make them stand out from other firms. Client training on specific topics is a novelty in recent years with great results.’
‘Dedication and knowledge.’
‘With extensive knowledge and with good judgement.’
Work highlights
- Advised Laboratorios Farmacéuticos Rovi on a contract with ModeRNA for a ten-year term large-scale production alliance.
Spain > Industry focus: Retail Tier 1
With an interconnected food and beverage and retail sector practice, Uría Menéndez offers an extensive package to its clients, which it accompanies in major transactions and multiple aspects of online distribution extending to the design of platforms, the negotiation of relevant agreements and IP competition matters. Patricia Vidal, a competition law expert, leads the practice alongside Borja Sainz de Aja, who is recognised for his broad expertise in matters surrounding IP, unfair competition and litigation.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Nuria Porxas; Alejandro Abad
Testimonials
‘Familiarity with the company, its structure, way of working and expectations regarding legal delivery.’
‘Nuria Porxas is the senior reference person within Uría. In order to provide a high-level legal perspective and coordinate multidisciplinary teams when necessary Alejandro Abad is the associate to turn to on a day-to-day basis, giving practical legal input fast and responding to expectations.’
Key clients
Alibaba
Mahou
Prénatal
Calida Holding
Santander Consumer Finance
Glovoapp23
Primark
Inditex
H&M
Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 1
With a ‘highly specialised team‘, the TMT practice at Uría Menéndez remains a key name in this space, with cross-practice expertise in platform and data-driven sectors, extending to IT and disruptive technologies, the protection of intangible assets, fintech, cybersecurity and IP. The team, led by seasoned expert Pablo González-Espejo and data protection specialist Leticia Lopez-Lapuente in Madrid, offers ‘extensive experience‘ and comprehensive advice from a tax, M&A, competition, data protection, regulatory and labour law perspective. Litigator Borja Sainz de Aja, ‘an excellent professional with great technical knowledge and a very commercial vision’ is another key point of contact, with Valencia-based senior associate Reyes Bermejo Bosch also noted.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The technical quality of its services is excellent. Great client service. The partner is involved first-hand in the issues and negotiations.’
‘Borja Sainz de Aja is an excellent professional with great technical knowledge and a very commercial vision of the business.’
‘It is a highly specialised team that is capable of responding to all the queries of the legal and business teams of the companies with which they work.’
‘They have extensive experience that includes clients from different sectors, which allows them to provide first-class advice adapted to the specific needs of the client.’
Key clients
Microsoft
Telefónica group
Glovo
Deliveroo
Match.com
Banco Santander
BBVA
Repsol
Experian
Johnson & Johnson
CaixaBank
Línea Directa
SABIC
Afiniti
Global Elobey
Euskaltel
Cogent
T-Mobile
Starlink
Equinix
Meta
Atresmedia
Mediaset
Unidad Editorial
Prensa Ibérica
Prisa group
Alibaba Group
Work highlights
- Providing continued advice in the EU to the whole Meta Group (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus, etc.) on tech and disruptive matters for Spain and Portugal.
- Advised Telefónica on its strategic deals, including its €2.7bn acquisition of Oi’s mobile assets, jointly with Telecom Italia and America Movil.
- Advising Unidad Editorial on all types of media, regulatory and commercial-related aspects, as well as contract work.
Spain > Intellectual property: patents Tier 1
The IP and unfair competition practice at Uría Menéndez is active in a range of advisory and contentious matters, covering patent infringements, revocation actions, market strategies, nullity proceedings and third-party patent rights. The practice covers the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, sanitary, cosmetic and general consumer goods sectors. Montiano Monteagudo and Ingrid Pi share leadership of the team, heading the practice from Barcelona and Madrid, respectively. Monteagudo has a particular focus on the healthcare and life sciences sector, while Pi, noted for having ‘sound knowledge‘ of relevant matters, is regularly involved in patent litigation applicable to the life sciences and plant patent space. In December 2021, José Massaguer retired from the firm.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Marcos Fraile
Testimonials
‘The IP team has vast and thorough knowledge of the legal framework regarding intellectual property and beyond. They encourage direct close collaboration with the client in order to approach every particular case in detail. Several kinds of technologies are employed: electronic communications, cloud services and many state-of-the-art resources that maximise success.’
‘Ingrid Pi and Marcos Fraile have sound knowledge of the matter at hand in terms of legal framework and applicable sector specific regulations. Outstanding support and engagement with the client.’
Key clients
Sanofi Aventis
Gilead Sciences
Telefónica
Primark
Nador Cott Protection
Laboratorios Rovi
Spain > Private equity Tier 1
In addition to its expansive footprint throughout Spain, Uría Menéndez has expanded to New York, Brussels, Lisbon, London and Latin America; its private equity team operates at the forefront of colossal investment, distressed M&A, turnarounds and divestment transactions, in addition to fund formation, fundraising, debt financing and management incentives. Manuel EcheniquePractice head(s):
Manuel Echenique; Francisco San Miguel
Other key lawyers:
Christian Hoedl; Jaime Pereda; Eduardo Bagaría; Pedro Ravina
Testimonials
‘Availability is absolute. That for me, as a client, is basic. The average response time is the lowest I have seen compared to other firms. In addition to the quality of the response. In addition, they are distinguished by the permanent dialogue with very senior staff of the organization (practically always, with the partner). In other offices, that does not happen.’
‘Technically they are the most brilliant and imaginative. Faced with a complicated situation, they always come up with creative solutions. They provide a 360 service, with specialists in all matters that make the client feel in good hands.’
‘Pedro Ravina in particular is excellent.’
‘All the members of the URIA team are very solvent, they take great care in dealing with the client and the other lawyers with whom they collaborate/negotiate. Adapted to the latest developments in terms of technology tools.’
‘They have technical qualities of the highest level in Spain.’
Key clients
KKR
Bridgepoint
Investindustrial
GlovoApp23
GPF Capital
Brookfield
Typeform
bd-capital Partners Limited
SLP Beethoven (Silver Lake – USA)
Asterion Industrial Partners
Work highlights
Spain > Public law Tier 1
Uría Menéndez features a market-leading practice characterised by ‘an excellent team of lawyers‘ dedicated to public law issues, ‘with great technical knowledge and a business vision that gives enormous added value to their advice’. Among its key areas of expertise, the firm specialises in regulatory and litigation matters, considered a standout name for clients in the finance, energy, infrastructure, railway, natural resources, telecoms and healthcare sectors. Mariano Magide, who ‘combines technical knowledge with great practicality‘ leads the team, which also includes José Miguel Fatás and associate Xavier Codina.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
José Miguel Fatás; Xavier Codina; Manuel Vélez
Testimonials
‘Uría has an excellent team of lawyers. They have in-depth knowledge of public law in general. They know the procedures and give excellent advice on the matter.’
‘Uría usually has the best and strives to provide a high quality service, above average. That differentiates it in the market. Mariano Magide represents that profile of an excellent lawyer: he has a deep knowledge of administrative law and is very commercial with clients.’
‘Experts in public law, with great technical knowledge and a business vision that gives enormous added value to their advice.’
‘Mariano Magide is a great expert in public law, combines technical knowledge with great practicality in the matter.’
‘Manuel Vélez is a lawyer with a very deep knowledge of the sector regulations, which allows the risks of the transaction to be correctly evaluated and weighted.’
‘Team with depth of resources, which allows facing stages with exceptional workloads.’
‘The two characteristics that stand out from the office are the attention, they are always there when needed, and the training, constantly updated with the latest news.’
Key clients
QuirónSalud Group
Nuevo Hospital de Burgos
Serveo
Minera Los Frailes
AMC Mining Spain
Grupo México S.A.B de C.V.
Cintra Autopista del Sol, C.E.S.A.
AENA, S.A.U.
Telefónica
SNCF Voyageurs and Ouigo, S.A.U.
UCI
Generali
Farmaindustria
Repsol
Banco Santander
Suez
SEOPAN
Iberdrola
Endesa
Farmaindustria
Enusa
Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 1
The real estate team at Uría Menéndez is made up of over 40 lawyers across the firm’s Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao offices. The practice has assisted SOCIMIs, investment funds and banks on matters involving logistics assets and plots of land for development. Fernando AzofraPractice head(s):
Fernando Azofra; Diego Armero
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great involvement of the entire team in the affairs. Extensive knowledge, autonomy and availability of all team members.’
‘Excellent work, proactive and value-added contributions. Leadership and coordination of the different aspects of operations.’
‘The team is incredible. Rafael Jiménez is a very technical and at the same time business oriented lawyer. In addition to being a committed professional with a great capacity for work, he is a person with great business intelligence. An absolute trading strategist and highly skilled negotiator.’
‘Large team of experienced lawyers, strong focus on client service, leading practice.’
‘Diego Armero is very good at maintaining client communications and understanding our business priorities.’
‘Technical knowledge. They are brilliant.’
‘It is one of the best law firms in Spain for its professionalism, its team, and its ability to work.’
‘Rafael Jiménez is a formidable lawyer who has perfect knowledge of the market and the law, as well as an ability to anticipate the problems and closings of outstanding operations.’
Key clients
Corpedificacions
Talus Real Estate and NW1 Partners
Testa Residencial SOCIMI
The Prudential Insurance Company of America
PGIM Real Estate European Value Partners II
Azora European Hotel & Lodging FCR
IKOS Hotel Management
Metrovacesa
Dospuntos Asset Management
Sixth Street Partners
Millenium Hotels Real Estate I, Socimi
Panattoni Group Griffin Real Estate
Morgan Stanley
BNP Paribas
Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
Uría Menéndez stands out for its ‘experience and knowledge‘ across a wide spectrum of restructuring and insolvency matters, including debt refinancing, distressed M&A, insolvency proceedings and out-of-court restructurings. In addition, the team frequently assists Spanish financial institutions with the sale and acquisition of non-performing loans and real estate assets. Practice co-heads Carlos de Cárdenas SmithPractice head(s):
Carlos de Cárdenas Smith; Ángel Pérez López
Other key lawyers:
Ángel Alonso; Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María; Manuel García-Villarrubia; Eduardo Geli; Javier Yáñez; Luis Jiménez; Antonio José Moya; Javier Rubio Sanz
Testimonials
‘I would like to highlight the specialisation and flexibility of this team.’
‘Personal service, experience and knowledge. In addition, they are involved on the business side, helping a lot in decision-making beyond the legal field.’
‘The added value of the firm is the lawyers, who are professionals in the field and willing to work together with clients. They are always accessible and create a sense of trust.’
‘Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María, Javier Yañez and Luis Jiménez stand out for their exceptional service, deep knowledge of the issues, superb treatment of clients and great availability.’
‘What sets them apart is their professionalism, their knowledge and their readiness to resolve any issues that are raised quickly and diligently.’
‘Eduardo Geli is an excellent lawyer with extensive experience who always provides us with the added value that these types of negotiations need.’
‘Excellent and meticulous work. This Uría Menendez team provides outstanding advice.’
‘Ángel Pérez López and Raquel Yannone have excellent knowledge and experience in this area.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Crédit Agricole
CaixaBank
HSBC
Bankinter
BBVA
Lone Star
The Odeon Group (Cinesa Compañía de Iniciativas y Espectáculos, S.A.)
Abanca Corporación Bancaria
Grupo Cajamar
Tubos Reunidos, S.A.
Banco de Sabadell
Instituto de Empresa
Molecor
MCH Private Equity Fund.
Cerealto Siro Foods
Spain > Tax Tier 1
Uría Menéndez‘s practice has an excellent reputation for handling the gamut of tax matters. Key areas of instruction include assisting with the tax aspects of high-profile transactions, including M&A, investments and group restructurings, with notable strength in the real estate sector. Tax disputes and tax inspections are also prominent in the group’s workload. On the wealth management side, the team reports an increase in advising high-net-worth individuals and family businesses. Corporate tax expert Víctor VianaPractice head(s):
Víctor Viana
Other key lawyers:
Rafael García; Guillermo Canalejo; Jesús López Tello; David López; Gloria Marín; Violeta Pina; Darya Budova; David Vilches
Testimonials
‘The personal service provided by Uria Menéndez is unique. The highly qualified lawyers give our team a sense of security because they do not simply deal with general legal questions but dive deep into the matter. Their perspective is always global and not local, which is a very important key capability since we are operating internationally. Compared to other law firms, what stands out is their clarity. Also, their communication is always clear and straightforward, and outstandingly friendly. There is never any interruption of service and the quality just keeps increasing.’
‘Our main contact at Uria is Victor Viana, who stands out in every way imaginable: competence, experience, leadership of his team, listening skills and advice. He also has the ability to deliver bad news in a constructive manner.’
‘What sets the team apart is the attention they pay to the operations they analyse and to the details of the matter and the execution, something that others tend to forget. The post-transaction service is exceptional. The follow-up on projects from their beginning to their completion and subsequent verifications by the administration is unparalleled.’
‘The technical quality of the team is extraordinary, as well as their empathy, close contact with clients and full availability. They understand our approach, which means they can anticipate when to seek the greatest tax efficiency compatible with the least possible risk. They are tremendously practical and save me time that I don’t have when it comes to analysing alternatives and approaches. For me they are the ideal companions on a deal.’
‘The Uría team are a strong, solid group who complement each other very well, so they have a unified approach that gives clients confidence. This does not happen in other offices where the teams appear to be more disjointed. Since the beginning of the pandemic, they have introduced webinars on very diverse topics where they offer summaries of current issues.’
‘Uría’s lawyers are always available to their clients without exception – if it’s not the partner, it’s an associate, but you always find answers to your questions. They are very hard-working and sophisticated in the way they work, as well as good lawyers. I would like to highlight Víctor Viana.’
‘The dedication, the effort and the limitless talent make the practice group a sure bet as a client. Uría has always shown know-how and superb client service that makes it stand out above the rest of the firms.’
‘It is the mixture of knowledge, attention to customer needs and savoir faire that distinguish the firm from the rest.’
Key clients
TELEFÓNICA
CCR (BRASIL)
NEINOR HOMES
BBVA
BANCO SANTANDER
BANCO SABADELL
LONE STAR
REPSOL
KLEPIERRE
GOLDMAN SACHS
PORCELANOSA
UCI
UBS
GRUPO LASUTO
BANCO SAFRA
ALCOA
BNP PARIBAS
ACCIONA
COCA COLA EP
REPSOL
F2I FONDI ITALIANI
FERROVIAL
UNICAJA
ANGELO GORDON
TRISTAN CAPITAL PARTNERS
METROVACESA
BLACKSTONE
VISMA INTERNATIONAL
Work highlights
- Advised sports company LaLiga on all tax issues concerning its strategic agreement with global investment fund CVC.
- Represented two Spanish companies, indirectly owned by Canadian pension funds managed by AIMCO and PSP Investments, in a successful appeal before the Spanish National Court, involving issues around the interpretation of anti-abuse rules by the Spanish tax authorities.
- Advised BBVA on the tax aspects of its acquisition of the company Tree Inversiones Inmobiliarias, SOCIMI S.A from Merlin Properties, SOCIMI S.A.
Spain > White-collar crime Tier 1
The corporate crime and internal investigations team at Uría Menéndez has an ‘impeccable‘ offering, characterised by market-leading advice in matters relating to money laundering, fraud, regulatory compliance, corruption and tax offences. With financial institutions as key clients, the practice is best known for its defense work in high-profile financial cases. Leading the team are white-collar crime expert Jaime Alonso and bank fraud specialist Ismael Clemente, who stand out for their advising of leading construction, finance, real estate, pharmaceutical and IT corporations. Other notable figures include Patricia Leandro and Enrique Rodríguez Celada, with combined experience in a range of white-collar matters. Associate Sara Sanz Castillo and Oscar Morales left the firm. All named lawyers are based in Madrid.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘In general, the work of this firm is impeccable and cannot be compared with other firms.’
‘In professional rigor, they anticipate what the client wants, they are orderly, strict, close, educated and experts in the field.’
‘The Uría economic penal team is exceptional. They manage complicated situations with great mastery and professionalism.’
‘Rigor, professionalism and closeness.’
‘Dedicated team with sound knowledge.’
‘Jaime Alonso is a specialist. He is very accurate and flexible.’
Work highlights
- Advising a financial entity in a criminal investigation regarding Banco Popular’s rights issue worth €2.5bn before the Spanish National Court.
- Advising a Spanish financial entity in a criminal investigation for alleged espionage before the Spanish National Court.
- Advising a Spanish multinational engineering and construction company in a criminal investigation for alleged public corruption.
Spain > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2
Uría Menéndez‘s ‘practical’ sector experience extends to a variety of data protection and data privacy issues, with cross-border data transfers, GDPR compliance matters, the protection of intangible assets, cybersecurity and AI issues at the forefront of the firm’s offering. Another distinguishable factor is the firm’s client base, featuring data-driven companies such as Facebook and Microsoft, with further footing in the banking, food delivery and pharmaceutical sectors. Leticia López-Lapuente, considered a ‘reference in this area‘, leads the privacy and digital law group, with particular expertise in the negotiation of outsourcing, cloud computing and digitalisation contracts. Accompanying her in Madrid is senior associate Álvaro Seijo, bolstering the team’s experience in terms of IP, unfair competition and advertising law.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the subject, practical vision and flexibility.’
‘Practical knowledge of the reality of companies and the sector. Continuous updates.’
‘Strengths and skills of the team are their deep knowledge in international data protection, cybersecurity and security breach management. They have implemented a work and documentary methodology that, together with communication, makes it a great work team that offers unparalleled quality.’
‘Leticia López Lapuente is outstanding because she stands out for her temperance in crisis management, her clear and precise communication, and the work she performs with the work methodology she has implemented makes the service, quality and results outstanding. She takes great care of response times, the quality of work, and her exceptional knowledge of data protection and cybersecurity matters make her a benchmark in this matter.’
Key clients
Microsoft
Telefónica
Glovo
Deliveroo
Banco Mediolanum
Match.com
Banco Santander
BBVA
Repsol
Experian
Johnson & Johnson
CaixaBank
Línea Directa
SABIC
Afiniti
Teka
Work highlights
- Advising the Meta group including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus on day-to-day communications and proceedings with the Spanish Data Protection Authority.
- Assisting the Santander Group in the negotiation of agreements with over 70 tech partners and strategic vendors.
- Providing Microsoft with strategic assistance on data protection, AI, e-privacy and cybersecurity matters.
Spain > Insurance Tier 2
Uría Menéndez is well equipped to assist clients in an array of mandates, including employment, regulatory and commercial work. The practice is engaged in large corporate transactions in the domestic market, as well as the restructuring of banking-insurance agreements. Guillermo San PedroPractice head(s):
Guillermo San Pedro
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Extremely well connected and has an exceptional track record in our industry. A great reputation.’
‘Always available and very helpful, transparent and goal oriented.’
‘Excellent team in terms of experience, knowledge of the market and its players, and availability of the senior team.’
‘Great ability to adapt and respond to client needs. Very high level of commitment at all times.’
‘Really specialised in the insurance sector. Immediate availability of the team to address any matter including judicial representation. Ability to work with tight deadlines’
‘Competence, passion, availability.’
‘Uría Menéndez has a deep knowledge of the subject matter, its proposals and solutions are aligned with the business and they seek innovative solutions that allow compliance with current legislation. Their work is of very high quality.’
‘Technically very good, with a great vision of the market and experience.’
Key clients
CaixaBank, S.A.
El Corte Inglés, S.A.
VidaCaixa S.A.U. de Seguros y Reaseguros
Zurich Life Assurance plc
Santander Seguros y Reaseguros, Compañía Aseguradora, S.A.
Banco Santander, S.A.
ING Bank NV
SegurCaixa Adeslas, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros
Bankinter, S.A.
AON and Willis Towers Watson.
Allianz X
Helvetia Schweizerische Versicherungsgesellschaft AG
Unión Española de Entidades Aseguradoras y Reaseguradoras / Spanish Association of Insurers and Reinsurers (UNESPA)
Mutualidad General de la Abogacía
Mutualidad de Previsión Social a Prima Fija
AVANZA Mutual de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A.
Work highlights
- Advised CaixaBank on the termination of life and non-life bancassurance alliances between Bankia and Mapfre after CaixaBank absorbed Bankia through a merger.
- Advised Bankinter on the establishment of a bancassurance alliance with Liberty Seguros to jointly develop and commercialise motor and home insurance products.
- Advised El Corte Inglés on the establishment of its strategic alliance with Mutua Madrileña for the development and commercialisation of life and non-life insurance products, investment products and pension funds.
Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 2
The ‘exceptional‘ intellectual property practice at Uría Menéndez showcases expertise in both an advisory and litigious context, acting in purchase agreements, regulatory compliance, infringement claims, administrative proceedings and counterclaims. The firm attracts clients from a wide range of sectors thanks to its ‘impeccable‘ advice, including from the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, healthcare, cosmetic and general consumer goods industries. An experienced litigator in commercial matters and unfair competition, Carles Vendrell and Montiano Monteagudo, who acts in a range of IP, IT and unfair competition matters, lead the practice from Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. Working alongside Monteagudo in Barcelona, ‘top notch lawyer‘ and counsel Francisco Javier García receives praise for his broad knowledge of IP issues. In October 2021, the firm saw the departure of Rafael Sánchez Aristi.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Uría Menéndez is an exceptional firm and you know the advice is going to be impeccable. Above all, it is the reliability that it transmits.’
‘Francisco Javier García Pérez is a top notch lawyer.’
Key clients
Telefónica de España
Bioiberica
Kukuxumusu Ideas
Atresmedia
Loewe
LaLiga Entertainment
Spotahome
Work highlights
- Advised AERC on proceedings before the Spanish Copyright Board against a collective management organisation to determine the applicable tariffs for the use of specific types of content in radio programmes.
- Advised Kukuxumusu Ideas in a copyright case before the Supreme Court related to the scope of exploitation rights.
Spain > Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 2
The IP and unfair competition practice at Uría Menéndez is recognised for its comprehensive advice on non-contentious matters as well as regulatory work and IP proceedings. Among its key clients, the firm regularly represents leading chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and consumer goods clients in the enforcement of foreign judgments, infringement claims, unfair competition matters and third-party rights. The practice features Barcelona-based partner Montiano Monteagudo and Ingrid Pi in Madrid, heading the team jointly with combined expertise in unfair competition and a range of contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Other standouts include senior associate Francisco Javier García, a key contact for IP litigation. In December 2021, the team saw the retirement of José Massaguer, the team’s former co-head.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Port Aventura Entertainment
Danone
Uriach
Bayer
Elanco
Spotahome
Ineos Automotive
Magic Box Int
Value Retail Barcelona
Value Retail Madrid
Cabify España
Hispano Suiza Cars
Spain > Projects and energy Tier 2
Regarded by clients as ‘one of the most consolidated teams in the projects and energy sector‘, Uría Menéndez showcases impressive talent in financial and corporate transactions, acting as a key point of contact for lenders, borrowers and leading energy companies. Led by Juan Ignacio González RuizPractice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Uría Menéndez has one of the most consolidated teams in the projects and energy sector. They offer support and accompaniment in all phases, from M&A, project contract negotiation (EPC, O&M, PPAs, etc.), financing, to regulatory and day-to-day issues.’
‘As a whole it is a solid, balanced and complete team, with a high level of availability and very competent when dealing with any situation that arises.’
‘Juan Ignacio González demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the energy sector and its regulation. José-Félix Zaldívar is a brilliant, tenacious and very agile lawyer when it comes to providing solutions. He is also directly involved in matters and has a level of availability above the average of other partners in similar firms.’
‘The team has in-depth knowledge of very specific matters, which are sometimes unique projects. They are permanently up-to-date with new developments, practices, jurisprudential and arbitration interpretations. Its flexibility, adaptability and availability is maximum.’
‘At all times they are in a position to provide solutions or alternatives in the negotiation and in the defense of the client’s interests, always going one step ahead. They are essential in certain matters that require specific experience.’
Key clients
Acciona
Amarenco
Azora Capital
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
Brookfield
Bruc Energy
China Three Gorges
Ence
Endesa
Engie
Falck Renewables
Fortia
Global Infrastructure Partners
Grupotec Servicios Avanzados
Iberdrola
Lightsource BP
Nexwell Power
Plenium Partners
Repsol
Solarpack
The Renewables Infrastructure Group
Trilantic
Spain > Transport: Shipping Tier 2
Uría Menéndez features a shipping, transport and logistics group dedicated to matters surrounding vessel construction and finance, carriage contracts, marine casualties, insurance, M&A and litigation. Key clients include banks, shipowners, charterers, insurance companies, port operators and P&I clubs. Carlos López-Quiroga, who is regarded for providing ‘a practical vision’ in line with his ‘enormous legal knowledge’, leads the practice, accompanied by managing associate Luz Martínez De Azcoitia, who specialises in M&A and banking and finance transactions in the shipping and aviation sectors. Other notable figures from the associate ranks include tax lease structure expert Diego Pérez.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Their strengths are extensive legal knowledge in matters of maritime transport, great knowledge of the sector and their wide availability.’
‘Carlos López-Quiroga has enormous legal knowledge, great knowledge of the sector and provides closeness and accessibility to the client.’
‘Law specialisation based on the international trade of goods by sea, including specific application rules, client-supplier relations and shipping company. Uría stands out in the advice it provides here. Additionally, Uría is always available to the client. Its network of contacts allows timely advice in other countries where it may be necessary (port regulations, for example).’
‘Carlos López-Quiroga is an excellent professional, with a practical vision of the facts. Speed and efficiency. He stands out not only in technical knowledge but also in the speed of his response and availability.’
‘Highly experienced in the subject matter, and through transactions they prove to be knowledgeable and efficient throughout the process.’
‘Knowledgeable and efficient, Diego Pérez and Carlos López-Quiroga are thorough.’
Key clients
Knutsen Group
Seadrill Global Services
Cosco Shipping Port (Spain) Terminals
Copemar
Clydesdale Bank
ING Bank
Astilleros Canarios
Astilleros de Santander
ANESCO
Creuers del Port de Barcelona
Klepierre Group
Maicerías Españolas
Korea Development Bank
Banco Sabadell
Nordea Bank ABP, Finland
Asica Farms
Centro Portuario de Empleo Almería
Centro Portuario de Empleo Motril
Aleática
Bahía de Bizkaia Electricidad
Van Oord Ship Management
Ibérica de Congelados
TMEIC
Work highlights
- Advising the Spanish National Association of Stevedoring Companies and Employment Centres (ANESCO) on the preparation and drafting of a legal report to request the relevant Spanish authorities to review the Spanish Ports Law.
- Advised Astilleros de Santander on a potential dispute regarding a vessel repair contract in connection with the vessel “Evrima” owned by a company belonging to the Ritz Carlton group.
- Advised Van Oord Ship Management on a dispute regarding the correct enforcement of a performance guarantee in the construction of a vessel.
Spain > Transport: Other transport Tier 3
With a practice catering to aviation, rail, urban mobility and logistics clients, Uría Menéndez draws from the expertise of practitioners based across Madrid, London, New York and several other major cities. The multidisciplinary team covers a range of areas, extending to aviation finance, regulatory matters, the implementation of digital platforms and M&A. The shipping, transport and logistics group is led by Carlos López-Quiroga, a maritime law expert with expertise in M&A transactions in the transport sector. A team of associates supports these efforts, with notable practitioners including Luz Martínez De Azcoitia, also active on the M&A and financing front, and Nicolás Nägele, an expert in the development, operation and acquisition of infrastructure and transport companies.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Santander Consumer Finance
Coca Cola European Partners Iberia
C.H. Robinson Europe
One Asia
Zhejiang Cainiao Supply Chain Management
DHL
Work highlights
- Advising Cainiao on its entry into the Spanish market by reviewing the legal status of its activity from public and private-law perspectives.
- Advised Santander Consumer Finance on the legal implications and the preparation of the contractual framework for the launching of Wabi, a novel car subscription service.
- Advised CCEP on various land-transport regulatory matters and on the negotiation, termination and resolution of transport and logistics agreements.
Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
Uría Menéndez has a long history in Latin America and has extended its commitment through Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, its associated regional firm with a Chile- Colombia-Peru footprint. It represents a range of Spanish corporates and investors, such as Telefonica and Repsol, along with other multinationals and financial sponsors. Along with having broad geographic coverage, the firm has also made a commitment to the Cuba market through counsel Lourdes Dávalos, who leads the Cuba desk. Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira has led the Latin America practice for nearly 20 years and is a seasoned professional in M&A in the region. Juan Martín Perrotto has also spent long periods in the region and is noted for cross-border transactions involving European and Asian investors. Pablo González-Espejo has a long history with Brazil, having launched the firm’s Sao Paulo office in 1999 and was resident there until 2003. All named individuals are based in Madrid.Practice head(s):
Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira
Key clients
Telefónica
Repsol
Invivo Grains
Roca Santitario
Cemex España
Hortifrut Inversiones Internacionales
Brookfield Spain Asset Management
Bd-capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Telefonica on a binding offer for the mobile assets of Oi (the Brazilian telecoms operator) jointly with Telecom Italia and América Móvil (Claro) in relation to the judicial reorganisation of Oi in Brazil.
- Advised Repsol on the acquisition of a 50% stake in a portfolio of six renewable energy projects located in Chile and owned by Grupo Ibereólica, totalling up to 2,600MW.
- Advised Invivo on the negotiation and execution of a first-of-its-kind agreement for the provision of services related to the development of a sustainable and efficient corn sector in Cuba.
Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 5
Iberian powerhouse Uría Menéndez handles Latin America arbitration matters from its Madrid, Lisbon and Barcelona hubs. The firm’s dispute resolution head Jesús Remón Peñalver co-leads international arbitration practice from Madrid alongside arbitration and public law specialist Gabriel Bottini, who is regularly sought out to act as an arbitrator; and Lisbon-based Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho, who also heads the firm’s litigation department in Portugal. The team supports clients in commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes, with particular experience in the construction, agriculture, transport and utilities sectors, among others.Practice head(s):
Jesús Remón Peñalver; Gabriel Bottini; Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho
Testimonials
‘Uria presents a competent, capable and diverse team that adapts to the needs of the client.‘
‘Partners Alexandre Mota Pinto and Gabriel Bottini are supportive, understand client strategy and provide good advice.‘
Key clients
The Cuatro Ríos Cuenca Consortium
Mota Engil Ingeniería y Construcción
Telefónica
Enel
The Republic of Chile
Republic of Cuba
Work highlights
- Representing Telefónica in an investment arbitration relating to a dispute pertaining to tax measures imposed by a Latin-American state against the client’s local subsidiary.
- Advising the Dominican Republic on PCA investment arbitration proceedings brought by Azucarera del Guadalfeo and Joaquín Francisco Martín Montero, regarding state measures that resulted in an expropriation.
- Advising Mota-Engil in a dispute related to a public works contract to develop a metro-bus project in Paraguay and concerning the alleged breach of a major construction contract.
Uría Menéndez > Firm Profile
The firm: Uría Menéndez is one of the most prestigious independent law firms in the Iberian market. Founded in the 1940s, it comprises 134 partners, and over 400 associates in 12 offices in the most important financial centres in Europe and the Americas.
The firm’s international structure allows them to provide Spanish, Portuguese and EU legal advice to clients on their investments in the Iberian Peninsula and abroad.
The firm focuses on banking and capital markets, company and commercial, environment, litigation and arbitration, infrastructures, project finance, private equity, telecommunications, EU and competition, intellectual property, labour, tax, maritime, transport, logistics and real estate.
Areas of practice
Banking and Finance: We have extensive experience advising on Spanish and Portuguese law, as well as English law through the Financing Hub, a bilateral group created in collaboration with Slaughter and May. Our strong international focus is reinforced by our presence in all the main financial centres (London, New York and Brussels) and in Latin America through PPU’s offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru.
We work with borrowers and lenders (or buyers and sellers in the case of NPAs) to find truly balanced solutions and support the market’s main players (banks, funds, real estate investment trusts, listed companies, large corporate groups, infrastructure and energy funds and asset-management platforms) in all types of financing
Capital Markets: With our extensive experience and capacity for dialogue with the main regulatory authorities, we can provide advice of the highest calibre to issuers, selling shareholders, investment banks, private equity firms, financial advisers and offerors and companies affected by takeovers.
Among all the firms in the Iberian Peninsula, our multidisciplinary team and practice is unparalleled in its balanced representation of issuers and underwriters, winning us credibility and recognition in the market
Company Law and Corporate Governance: Our knowledge of domestic and international markets and capacity to provide advice on all aspects of market practice in company law, including in highly regulated sectors, enable us to support boards, proactively manage risks and protect business interests by implementing sustainable frameworks.
Our team is made up of experts in company law who provide advice on all stages of the company life cycle.
Competition and EU Law: Our specialist lawyers share an in-depth understanding of the regulations and leverage extensive experience liaising with the competition authorities and advising our clients on how to realise their business strategies.
In a constantly changing environment, we offer advice that is technically sound and guaranteed to be of the highest quality, both on the traditional strategic sectors and the new digital economy.
Copyright: Our solid track record with domestic and international players in the information technology, broadcasting, entertainment and cultural industries has given us a thorough understanding of the sector and regulations. We deliver valuable solutions that pursue our clients’ objectives and defend their interests.
We work with a wide range of clients, from literary publishers and newspapers to audiovisual producers, as well as museums, art galleries, cultural foundations, radio and television organisations, information technology companies, digital platforms and telecommunications operators.
Corporate Crime and Internal Investigations:
We specialise in economic criminal litigation and pursue the interests of large corporations and management teams in the main economic sectors, assisting them to develop well-informed risk-management strategies that encompass effective corporate governance and robust anti-corruption frameworks.
This includes conducting internal investigations and implementing and reviewing compliance programmes that respond to legal obligations and reputational considerations, all while providing comprehensive solutions that protect business interests.
Digital Economy: Our multidisciplinary team takes a 360º approach to tackling the legal questions that technology raises in corporate transactions and litigation, including the intellectual property, employment, tax and competition law aspects. We work together to offer our clients creative and pragmatic solutions.
What sets us apart and ensures all aspects of our clients’ projects are covered is our passion for innovation, our commitment to continual learning and our tireless academic efforts.
Employment: Our specialist lawyers use their comprehensive understanding of business, academic vocation and first-hand experience in the labour and social security authorities to support the human resources departments of large and medium-sized companies in all aspects of employment and social security law.
We also advise on employment issues that arise in the context of mergers, acquisitions, transfers of undertakings and outsourcing.
Energy and Natural Resources: When it comes to tackling regulatory, financial or business challenges, our team specialises in the needs of the energy, mining and raw materials industries and understands all angles of the issues involved.
Environment and Sustainable Development:
Our multidisciplinary team has more than 25 years’ experience and offers both preventive and corrective advice on environmental matters. We are in a position to establish a dialogue with public bodies and the main regulatory authorities, which allows us to closely follow developments affecting our clients’ interests.
We advise corporate groups whose activities have an environmental impact, regardless of their sector, and entities participating in M&A transactions raising environmental issues.
Financial Regulation : Our team is highly specialised, client-focused and capable of handling all areas of financial regulation to provide first-class technical advice for both the Ibero-American and international markets. We are in continual contact with the supervisory authorities and our experience enables us to offer an innovative and practical approach.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: We are experts in the healthcare, life sciences and chemicals sectors (medicines, food, cosmetics, mixed categories) and take a multidisciplinary approach covering a range of angles: corporate and contractual, administrative and regulatory, competition law, intellectual property, M&A and compliance.
We advise clients from the start of their activity and throughout the research, development, manufacturing, commercialisation and advertising cycle of their products and services. Our knowledge of the market enables us to provide first-rate legal advice that is pragmatic and tailored to each individual case.
IP and Unfair Competition: What sets us apart is our close relationships with clients, built on a wealth of experience and a thorough understanding of the technical, practical and commercial problems that arise in their regulatory environments and when pursuing their long-term strategies.
We are known for our role in developing doctrine through academic publications that have been accepted and relied upon by courts, as well as for our rigorous analysis and innovative approach to delivering solutions.
Receiving commercially savvy advice is vital for the most innovative and efficient companies – it can prove to be the difference in difficult cases and plays a key role in monetising R&D&I and designing new business strategies.
We advise clients spanning the main strategic sectors on a broad range of matters: pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automobiles, electronics, cosmetics, textiles, defence, services (telecommunications, software, media, banking and finance, public works), food and beverages, farming (plant varieties) and commerce (e-commerce, consumer goods and retail).
Infrastructure Projects: Our versatile team of lawyers provides multijurisdictional advice through our network across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. Our comprehensive understanding of business and fluid dealings with the regulatory bodies enable us to anticipate the challenges associated with each type of infrastructure, actively participate in preparing draft legislation, and design innovative contractual solutions.
We advise public authorities, construction groups, developers and lenders on all types of issues and help businesses execute those that are particularly complex, ranging from public-infrastructure projects and concessions to public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI), doing so at every stage of the value chain.
Insolvency and Financial Distress: Our experience tackling business issues and our multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional capabilities enable us to coordinate and manage each matter to optimise processes and ensure the right knowledge and resources are in place so that our clients’ interests are always protected.
Market confidence in our abilities has seen us advise many of the leading Ibero-American financial entities, distressed-debt funds and investors, alternative financiers and distressed businesses on a number of the most important matters in this area.
Insurance and Reinsurance: Our multidisciplinary capabilities, extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry enable us to support clients faced with a complex regulatory framework, challenging market conditions and digitalisation programmes, and major changes to distribution channels. We tackle the legal and business issues that can arise when designing and executing corporate and financing transactions, along with regulatory and commercial strategy issues to reinforce market share, capital position and commercial performance.
Our team is made up of expert lawyers who handle all legal aspects of insurance and reinsurance in litigation and commercial, tax, employment, data protection, administrative and competition law.
International Arbitration: Our team of specialist lawyers from nine different jurisdictions is able to work in seven languages and apply all the main international rules. We represent companies and high-net-worth individuals before the world’s main arbitral tribunals (the CCI, LCIA, Swiss Courts, CIADI, CAM, CIMA and Spanish Arbitration Court) and in ad hoc arbitrations.
Internet and Privacy: Our in-depth knowledge of the digital environment and technologies such as big data, AI, apps and social networks enables us to meet the needs of companies no matter their sector.
We assist our clients with all aspects of data protection and cyberspace.
Litigation: Clients trust our reputation for rigorous, sophisticated, and above all practical advice in all types of proceedings and arbitrations on business-related matters. We set the standard and stand apart in the market.
We carry out a detailed overall analysis of each matter to offer the most effective and appropriate solution to achieve the client’s objectives, providing the necessary resources and team to handle the litigation, but also exploring every possible avenue to resolve the dispute out of court.
We are leaders in multijurisdictional legal defence and appear before all Spanish and Portuguese courts, the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as all domestic and international arbitral tribunals.
Our strong presence in Latin America (in Chile, Colombia and Peru) and our Best Friends network in Europe enable us to provide first-class advice to companies, high-net-worth individuals and family businesses.
M&A: We offer comprehensive advice that takes a multidisciplinary approach, placing our experience across all areas of law and unparalleled working standards at the disposal of our clients. They can rely on lawyers with training in finance and business – as well as chaired university professors of commercial, civil and employment law – to address all legal and business aspects of their activity.
We tailor our teams to each transaction with lawyers from other practice areas to ensure the advice we deliver covers all aspects of M&A transactions, no matter the sector and whether they are domestic or cross-border. Our established presence in finance and industry enables us to provide the highest-quality advice on how to design, implement and execute transactions and achieve business objectives.
Knowing our clients and their businesses means we can anticipate the impact that changes in legislation and case law will have in their field and offer creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.
We invest long-term in our relations with clients and accompany them through each transaction with top-quality advice and a practical, efficient and creative approach.
Media, Sport and Leisure: We advise on the corporate governance, commercial contracting, regulatory and consumer relations aspects of large corporate transactions in these sectors.
We assemble teams of multidisciplinary lawyers based on the approach and strategy necessary in each case to offer tailored solutions, efficiently manage risks and pursue business objectives. Our resources and wide-ranging international experience allow us to accompany our clients step by step through their cross-border projects, collaborating with the top specialists in each jurisdiction.
Our track record in sports law has earned our team a reputation for excellence in added-value transactions and particularly complex cases. We are there to support companies, clubs, national and international federations, leagues, event organisers and athletes, as well as financers, sponsors, major sporting equipment brands, broadcasters and audiovisual rights holders.
Private Equity: Our clients benefit from the experience of leading lawyers across all areas of law: corporate, contractual, finance, tax, employment, regulatory, environment, public, IP, IT, data protection, capital markets (both ECM and DCM), litigation and arbitration. We have private equity specialists throughout the firm, enabling us to organise multidisciplinary teams quickly and efficiently to handle both purely domestic transactions in Spain and Portugal and those with a cross-border component.
Over the last 40 years we have advised the majority of the main funds on their investments and divestitures across all sectors. We understand the risks and requirements involved in private equity and our strong presence in finance and industry enables us to provide funds and their management teams with the highest-quality advice on designing, implementing and executing transactions so that they can achieve their business objectives.
We accompany our clients through each phase of the private-equity investment cycle, from fund structuring and fund raising to equity and debt investment, R&W insurance, senior management incentives, recaps, build-ups and divestitures (trade-sale, secondary, IPO). We invest long-term in our relations with clients and tie ourselves to their success, always offering a practical, efficient and creative approach.
Public Law: Our specialist team assists contractors and concessionaires of infrastructures and services in their relations with public bodies, advising companies in heavily regulated and industrial sectors, foreign companies – including investment funds – making bids in Spain and Portugal, and Ibero-American companies when they are carrying out infrastructure and public services projects abroad.
Our academic standing, our close relationships with the main players and professional and industry associations, and our capacity to foster dialogue with public bodies and regulators mean that we are best placed to propose novel solutions for public projects and public-private partnerships.
Real Estate and Planning: Our in-depth understanding of our clients’ activities and objectives, excellent knowledge of the law and the market, creativity and capacity to organise multidisciplinary teams enable us to offer alternative solutions for real estate and planning transactions.
We work with the main players in the real estate market (investment funds, asset managers and local partners, real estate investment trusts and owners of all types of assets, real estate developers and banks) to design and implement their projects.
Tax: We are equipped to handle the most complex aspects of tax law, with many of our lawyers dual qualified in law and business administration. Our clients also benefit from the insights provided by two ex-tax inspectors and a PhD in Law.
We provide multidisciplinary advice to large corporations, financial entities, private equity and investment funds, majority shareholders of large companies and family groups.
Our international dimension enables us to advise any client with an international presence on Spanish, Portuguese or EU law, with a special focus on the Latin American market where we provide local advice through PPU’s offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Transport and Mobility: Transport, logistics and mobility form the backbone of the current economic, social and business environment. The result is a dynamic and complex regulatory framework that requires an all-encompassing approach to legal advice and transactional support.
Our multidisciplinary and versatile team knows how to design and implement regulatory and financing structures, execute corporate and infrastructure transactions, and manage risks in the maritime, aviation, rail, logistics and urban-mobility sectors of the main Ibero-American markets.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate & Commercial | Carlos de Cárdenas | ||
Financial | Ángel Pérez López | ||
Restructuring & Insolvency | Ángel Alonso Hernández | ||
Tax | Víctor Viana Barral | ||
Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment | Pablo González-Espejo | ||
Litigation & Arbitration | Jesús Remón | ||
Competition | Antonio Guerra | ||
Energy | Juan Ignacio González | ||
Environmental | Carlos de Miguel | ||
Environmental | Juan Antonio Loste | ||
Litigation & Arbitration | Gabriel Bottini | ||
Litigation & Arbitration | Javier García Sanz | ||
Real Estate / Urban Planning | Fernando Azofra Vegas | ||
Environment | Juan Antonio Loste Madoz | ||
Energy | Juan González Ruiz | ||
Employment & Pensions | Mario Barro García | ||
Maritime & Transport | Carlos López-Quiroga |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers worldwide : 583Languages
English French German Italian Japanese Portuguese Spanish ChineseMemberships
Lex MundiOther
Other offices : Barcelona Other offices : Bilbao Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Lisbon Other offices : London Other offices : New York Other offices : Porto Other offices : Valencia Other offices : Bogotá with a stake in Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría. Other offices : Lima with a stake in Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría. Other offices : Santiago de Chile with a stake in Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría.- Banking and finance
- Capital markets: Debt
- Capital markets: Equity
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Employment
- Environment
- EU and competition
- Industry focus: Food
- Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences
- Industry focus: Manufacturing
- Industry focus: Retail
- Industry focus: TMT
- Intellectual property: patents
- Private equity
- Public law
- Real estate and construction
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Tax
- White-collar crime
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Data privacy and data protection
- Insurance
- Intellectual property: Copyright
- Intellectual property: Trade marks
- Projects and energy
- Transport: Shipping
Firm Rankings
- Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A