Firm Profile > Uría Menéndez > Madrid, Spain
Uría Menéndez Offices
PRÍNCIPE DE VERGARA 187
PLAZA RODRÍGUEZ URÍA
28002 MADRID
Spain
Uría Menéndez > The Legal 500 Rankings
Banking and finance Tier 1
Uría Menéndez offers 'tailor-made advice' and 'very strong knowledge of banking regulations'. It assisted a syndicate of lenders led by BBVA with the refinancing of Celsa Group's financial debt, and advised Abanca on the sale of a portfolio of unsecured non-performing loans (NPLs) with an aggregate outstanding balance of €477m to debt collection specialist EOS. Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María, Carlos de Cárdenas Smith, and Isabel Aguilar and Carolina Albuerne (both counsel) are also recommended. Ángel Pérez 'puts the client's needs above anything else'.
Capital markets: Debt Tier 1
Uría Menéndez frequently cooperates with foreign firms to advise on multinational transactions. For example, it worked together with a US firm when advising Banco Santander on the issuance of $2.5bn in second-ranking senior securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Other work included advising Telefónica Emisiones on the issuance of fixed-rate senior notes. Practice head Rafael Sebastián, Javier Redonet and counsel Carolina Albuerne are key names.
Capital markets: Equity Tier 1
Uría Menéndez covers the full range of equity work, including IPOs, follow-on offerings, rights issues, accelerated bookbuild offerings, equity-linked instruments and public M&A. It assisted the board of directors of Abertis with the voluntary tender offer by Hochtief. IPO work included advising Metrovacesa and the selling shareholders as well as - in a separate deal - Aedas Homes and its sole shareholder. Managing partner Luis de Carlos and Javier Redonet are co-leaders of the practice, with Gabriel Núñez Fernández and Alfonso Ventoso also recommended.
Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Uría Menéndez's corporate and M&A team has 'the capability to react to unexpected matters' and is 'fully available for its clients' concerns'. A highlight was advising Abertis on a voluntary takeover offer launched by Hochtief for all of the client's shares. Juan Martín Perrotto, the 'lawyer you want on your side of the table during complex transactions', is 'involved from start to finish' and 'outstanding in terms of technical capacity'. Juan Miguel Goenechea, Juan Falcón and Salvador Sánchez-Terán are leading lawyers in the field, and Stephen Hess, Manuel Echenique and senior associate Tomás Acosta are recommended.
Dispute resolution Tier 1
The multi-disciplinary litigation and arbitration team at Uría Menéndez works from offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia. Jesús Remón leads the department and has expertise in both judicial and arbitration proceedings, while the broader practice handles civil and commercial proceedings, as well as international and domestic arbitration. The experienced team also includes international arbitration specialist Miguel Virgós; contractual liability expert Alex Ferreres; and civil litigation expert Álvaro López de Argumedo, who represents clients in arbitration proceedings involving Spanish and Latin American jurisdictions. In a recent highlight, the firm is acting for Banco Santander and Banco Popular in civil claims arising from a previous decision that established a resolution scheme for Banco Popular. In other work, Javier Garcia Sanz is representing Bahía de Bizkaia Electricidad in challenging the administrative resolutions of the National Commission of Markets and Competition, which sets the tariffs paid by the client.
Employment Tier 1
‘Top performer’ Uría Menéndez specialises in collective dismissal and bargaining negotiations, as well as complex litigations. The ‘well-balanced’ practice is led by Ignacio García-Perrote, who focuses on contentious work before the labour courts and large labour negotiations, and ‘stand-out’ practitioner Mario Barros, who is ‘an expert in employment matters and litigation proceedings’. Also notable is counsel Álvaro Navarro, who is particularly experienced in advising on contracts. Clients include Aena, Bankia and Coca-Cola. The firm also acted for Vodafone España in negotiations to set up a voluntary termination plan for employees 55 years old or over. In another recent highlight, the team advised the Central Bank of Spain on the retirement of its Governor.
Environment Tier 1
The expertise at Uría Menéndez runs across the sector, with a particular focus on climate change, soil pollution and environmental liability. Practice heads Carlos de Miguel Perales and Juan Antonio Loste Madoz lead an experienced team, which includes counsels Jesús Sedano and Jaime Calvo Retuerto. Among the department’s key clients are Ikea, Ferrovial and General Motors Spain.
EU and competition Tier 1
Specialising in global competition work, Uría Menéndez provides ‘quality advice, in particular the ability to understand multi-disciplinary and complex matters’. Leading the ‘strategic, pragmatic’ and ‘highly-skilled’ team are Jaime Folguera, who has expertise in competition law issues arising from M&A deals, and Antonio Guerra, who is experienced in competition law in various jurisdictions. Also recommended is cartel specialist Patricia Vidal, who ‘relentlessly pursues excellence, focusing on understanding the business needs of the client’. The practice is acting for DAF on a number of damage proceedings brought in Spain regarding the European truck cartel case, as well as representing Banco Santander and Banco Popular in 102 proceedings before the European Union General Court, resulting from the resolution of Banco Popular by the EU Single Resolution Board.
Industry focus: Food Tier 1
Elena Úbeda leads Uría Menéndez's food and beverage law practice group, which integrates 20 partners from areas of practice including corporate, intellectual property, litigation and regulatory. The multi-disciplinary team is advising Kerry Group on the acquisition of Harinas y Semolas del Noroeste, a Galicia-based company specialised in the manufacturing of special flours, batters and tempuras, as well as representing champagne producer Champagne Louis Roederer, in litigation relating to the enforcement of damages for a trade mark infringement.
Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1
Uría Menéndez’s expertise lies in regulatory and competition matters, with particular experience acting for biopharmaceuticals and multinational pharmaceutical companies. Practice head Teresa Paz-Ares focuses on corporate, commercial and M&A in the healthcare sector. Notable in her team is José Massaguer, who specialises in innovation and intellectual property. The department is advising Roche on the divestment of a medicines manufacturing business in Spain and Portugal, transferring all assets and liabilities to Recipharm Group. In another highlight, the firm is representing five multinational pharmaceutical companies in infringement proceedings initiated by the Spanish antitrust authority, concerning allegedly anti-competitive agreements with Spanish distributors.
Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 1
The ‘highly-skilled practice’ at Uría Menéndez is ‘excellent in its work’. The diverse team has experience in different disciplines and is known for being ‘skilled in law, business and languages’. Leading the department is EU and competition law specialist Patricia Vidal; intellectual property expert José Massaguer; and Teresa Paz-Ares, who focuses on corporate and M&A. The firm advised French fund Eurazeo on the purchase of fragrance manufacturer Iberchem from Magnum Industrial Partners, and is assisting Victoria PLC, a floor-coverings manufacturer, with the acquisition of Keraben Grupo, a Spanish manufacturer of branded floor and wall-ceramic tiles, from Tensile Holdings.
Industry focus: Retail Tier 1
The ‘exceptional and client-focused’ team at Uría Menéndez is ‘committed to delivering a great service and is always available’. The firm is noted for its multi-disciplinary expertise in a variety of business sectors and the retail practice works particularly closely with the food and beverage law sub-group. The ‘broad and skilled team’ is led by Patricia Vidal, Ramiro Rivera and Borja Sainz de Aja, who provide ‘excellent work’. Also noteworthy is M&A specialist Antonio Herrera, who gets ‘exceptional results’ and comes up with ‘imaginative solutions to complex issues’. The department advised Burger King Spain on the acquisition of 100% shares of Megafood, and assisted Uniqlo with the lease and set-up of its flagship stores in Barcelona and Madrid. Other key clients include Telepizza and Inditex.
Industry focus: TMT Tier 1
Uría Menéndez's multi-disciplinary digital business team is focused on key areas including cybersecurity, AI, big data and fintech. Cross-border specialist Pablo González-Espejo leads the practice and focuses on commercial and company law in the sector. His team includes expert litigator Borja Sainz de Aja, who is experienced in acting for engineering and technology multinationals, and counsel Leticia López-Lapuente, who advises on commercial and regulatory issues in the sector. The firm is representing Facebook in administrative sanctions proceedings initiated by the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos, and is advising the Ferroglobe group worldwide on the implementation of the GDPR. Other key clients include Twitter, WhatsApp and Microsoft.
Insurance Tier 1
The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ group at Uría Menéndez is recommended for its ‘client-focused approach and availability’. Working across the sector, the practice has particular expertise in cross-border transactions, bancassurance and litigation. José María Segovia leads the team with the ‘very smart’ Guillermo San Pedro, who is known as ‘a good negotiator’. Also notable is experienced senior associate Alejandro Linares. The firm advised on the bancassurance agreements signed by Banco Santander with Aegon, after the acquisition of Banco Popular by Banco Santander, and assisted Ibercaja Banco with the acquisition of Reale’s shareholding stake in non-life insurer CAI Seguros Generales. In another highlight, the department is advising Liberty Mutual on a restructuring of the group’s activities in Spain, Ireland and Portugal, which includes a cross-border merger.
Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 1
Uría Menéndez’s team has a strong track record handling a range of copyright matters for media corporations. Montiano Monteagudo leads the practice. Agustín González is also noted.
Intellectual property: patents Tier 1
José Massaguer leads the team at Uría Menéndez, and acts for Telefónica in patent infringement concerning on pay TV services, including handling a defence and a patent revocation action. Montiano Monteagudo acts for large pharmaceutical clients, and Ingrid Pi i Amorós acts for SK Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor España.
Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 1
Uría Menéndez is acting for a number of household name clients in unfair competition, pre-litigation advisory and infringement matters. It is representing champagne producer Louis Roederer, as the claimant, in proceedings regarding the enforcement of foreign decisions ordering the defendant to pay damages for trade mark infringement. José Massaguer leads the team. Montiano Monteagudo and Ingrid Pi i Amorós are also noted.
Private equity Tier 1
The 'proactive and experienced' private equity group at Uría Menéndez often handles cross-border deals with a special focus on Latin America. For example, it advised Summit Partners on the acquisition of a majority interest in Advance Medical and its Brazilian, Chilean and Portuguese subsidiaries. Other work included assisting GPF Capital I with a co-investment in leisure and entertainment group Pacha together with other PE funds. Christian Hoedl and Juan Miguel Goenechea Domínguez lead the team.
Projects and energy Tier 1
The ‘quick, reliable and adaptable’ team at Uría Menéndez is ‘strong in arbitration’ with ‘a deep knowledge of regulations and business’. The firm is known for energy infrastructure projects and financing, providing cross-border expertise, notably in the renewables market. The ‘honest and professional’ practice is led by Ángel Pérez, Juan Ignacio González Ruiz, Javier Valle Zayas and counsel María José Descalzo, who focuses on finance and energy. Also recommended is M&A and restructuring specialist Carlos de Cárdenas Smith. The team advised Ence group on the financing instruments for two biomass plants, and assisted Mercurio Solar Tinajeros with the refinancing for the construction, development and operation of a solar plant project. Other key clients for the firm include Bio-Oils Energy, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Repsol.
Public law Tier 1
Uría Menéndez is a 'powerhouse in public law'. It assisted Berkeley Minera España with the permitting process to open a uranium mine in Salamanca, and advised Quirónsalud on concession contracts for the construction and management of hospitals. On the contentious side, it defended water distribution and treatment group Agbar against litigation launched by several municipalities seeking to terminate concession contracts in order to recover the management of local water services. Mariano Magide, José Miguel Fatás and Jesús Remón have strong track records and a good reputation for public law matters.
Real estate and construction Tier 1
The ‘strong’ team at Uría Menéndez stands out for its ‘excellent knowledge and experience level’. Team co-head Fernando Azofra is leading advice to Metrovacesa Suelo y Promoción on the €1bn purchase of 179 land plots comprising 3,500 land registry units. Fellow co-head Diego Armero is assisting Goldman Sachs with the sale to Axa, through a share deal, of 1,000 residential units. Barcelona-based Ignacio Albiñana is also noted.
Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
Uría Menéndez provides an 'all-round service' and 'creative problem-solving skills'. A highlight was assisting financial institutions such as CaixaBank and Santander with the restructuring of Abengoa's debt. Insolvency work included advising Grupo Isolux Corsán on its judicial insolvency proceedings. Ángel Alonso and Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María co-lead the team, which also includes Carlos de Cárdenas Smith and Ángel Pérez López, who has 'sound knowledge and negotiation skills'.
Tax Tier 1
The ‘international and local knowledge’ of Uría Menéndez gives the firm the ability to provide ‘a robust and global analysis’, particularly in the area of transactional advice and litigation. The ‘team of specialists emphasises client relationships’ and is led by expert in corporate tax law Rafael Fuster. His group includes the ‘outstanding’ Víctor Viana, who has ‘very deep knowledge of taxes in Spain as well as in general in Europe’ and ‘a level of commitment, prudence and availability that makes him a great adviser’. Also recommended are experienced tax practitioner David López Pombo and senior associate Roberto Medrano. The firm is advising Banco Santander on tax issues relating to the twofold capital market transaction concerning the acquisition of Banco Popular. In another highlight, the department is assisting Cinépolis Group with the Spanish tax law aspects of a syndicated credit agreement subject to New York law. Other clients include Alcoa, Telefónica and UBS.
Transport: Shipping Tier 2
Uría Menéndez handles vessel arrests and accidents and has a particular focus on shipbuilding contracts. It advised Astilleros de Santander on an agreement with a Dutch shipping company for the finalisation of a new-build dredger following the insolvency of the original shipyard. The team, which includes Carlos López-Quiroga, Tomás Fernández-Quirós and managing associate Luz Martínez de Azcoitia, has a strong Scandinavian client base.
White-collar crime Tier 2
Uría Menéndez's 'determined and persistent' lawyers offer 'analysis paired with excellent communication skills'. The team represents numerous banks and industry companies in criminal allegations - with a focus on financial cases - and assists listed companies with compliance matters. Óscar Morales and Ismael Clemente are recommended along with senior associates Alberto Gómez Fraga and Patricia Leandro.
Transport: Other transport Tier 3
Aviation finance is one of Uría Menéndez's areas of focus, with Carlos López-Quiroga the name to note. On the rail transport side, he advised Ferrovial on launching a digital platform for the planning of transport routes.
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 132 partners and over 400 associates in 14 offices in the most important financial centres in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The firm’s international structure allows it 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
Corporate and commercial: the firm covers all areas of corporate and commercial law, including M&A, commercial contracts, energy and utilities, and food and beverages.
Financial: the firm handles all matters relating to banking, corporate finance insurance, investment funds, project finance, securities and securitisation.
Restructuring and insolvency: the firm plays an active role in complex debt restructuring and refinancing transactions, advising both borrowers and lenders.
Tax: the firm offers advice on all areas of tax law, focusing on: M&A, financial products and capital markets, international tax planning, real estate, project finance, insurance and pension funds, family businesses and high-net-worth individuals and tax investigation and disputes, including criminal tax issues.
Competition and EU: the firm is experienced in all areas of competition law, ranging from preventative advice to representing and defending clients in administrative sanction proceedings, appeals and claims before Spanish, Portuguese and EU bodies.
Intellectual property: covers all aspects of industrial and intellectual property issues, trade marks, patents, copyright, data protection, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Telecommunications, media and entertainment: the firm has vast experience in dealing with e-commerce, information technology, media and entertainment, sports and leisure, telecommunications and advertising.
Litigation and arbitration: the firm covers civil and commercial proceedings, local and international arbitration, administrative and constitutional law, contentious administrative proceedings, tax and criminal law.
Real estate and urban planning: the firm provides advice on all aspects of real estate, including sale, leasing and purchase of land, project management, investment and financing, and urban planning.
Environment: the firm advises companies and public entities on all types of environmental issues, assisting clients at every phase of sanction proceedings deriving from alleged infringements of environmental regulations.
Energy: the firm provides comprehensive advice on every aspect of the energy sector, from regulatory and contractual issues to financing and acquisitions.
Employment and pensions: the firm advises on a wide range of issues including contracting, collective negotiation, corporate restructuring, litigation and pension fund management.
Maritime and transport: the firm provides advice on administrative and regulatory proceedings, finance and insurance to companies in the maritime and transport industries.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | Mariano Magide | ||
| Arbitration and litigation | Jesús Remón | ||
| Arbitration and litigation | Miguel Virgós | ||
| Arbitration and Litigation | Javier García Sanz | ||
| Banking and securities | Ángel Pérez López | ||
| Bankruptcy | Ángel Alonso | ||
| Capital Markets | Javier Redonet | ||
| Commercial and corporate | Carlos de Cárdenas Smith | ||
| Competition | Jaime Folguera | ||
| Competition | Antonio Guerra | ||
| Energy | Juan Ignacio González | ||
| Environmental | Carlos de Miguel | ||
| Environmental | Juan Antonio Loste | ||
| Intellectual property and copyright | José Massaguer | ||
| Intellectual property and copyright | Agustín González | ||
| Labour | Ignacio García-Perrote | ||
| Maritime, transport and logistics | Carlos López-Quiroga | ||
| Mergers and acquisitions | Francisco San Miguel | ||
| Mergers and acquisitions | Manuel Echenique Sanjurjo | ||
| Project finance | Ángel Pérez López | ||
| Real estate | Fernando Azofra Vegas | ||
| Real Estate | Diego Armero | ||
| Tax | Rafael García Llaneza | ||
| Telecommunications | Pablo González-Espejo |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Mr Luis Acuña | View Profile | |
|
Mr Jaime Alonso | View Profile | |
|
Mr Angel Alonso Hernández | View Profile | |
|
Mr Diego Armero | View Profile | |
|
Mr Fernando Azofra | View Profile | |
|
Mr Mario Barros | View Profile | |
|
Mr Gabriel Bottini | View Profile | |
|
Mr Carlos Bueren | View Profile | |
|
Mr Fernando Calbacho Losada | View Profile | |
|
Mr Guillermo Canalejo | View Profile | |
|
Mr Agustín Capilla Casco | View Profile | |
|
Mr Ismael Clemente | View Profile | |
|
Mr Miguel Cremades | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Lourdes Dávalos león | View Profile | |
|
Mr Emilio Díaz Ruiz | View Profile | |
|
Mr Manuel Echenique | View Profile | |
|
Mr Juan Francisco Falcón | View Profile | |
|
Mr José Miguel Fatás | View Profile | |
|
Mr Tomás Fernández-Quirós | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Eva Ferrada | View Profile | |
|
Mr Jaime Folguera Crespo | View Profile | |
|
Mr Antonio Gómez Cid | View Profile | |
|
Mr Rafael García Llaneza | View Profile | |
|
Mr David García-Ochoa | View Profile | |
|
Mr Ignacio García-Perrote | View Profile | |
|
Mr Manuel García-Villarrubia | View Profile | |
|
Mr Javier Garcia Sanz | View Profile | |
|
Mr Juan Miguel Goenechea Domínguez | View Profile | |
|
Mr Agustín González García | View Profile | |
|
Mr Juan Ignacio González Ruiz | View Profile | |
|
Mr Pablo González-Espejo | View Profile | |
|
Mr Antonio Guerra | View Profile | |
|
Mr Alfonso Gutiérrez Hernández | View Profile | |
|
Mr Stephen Hess | View Profile | |
|
Mr Christian Hoedl | View Profile | |
|
Mr David López | View Profile | |
|
Mr Jesús López Tello | View Profile | |
|
Mr Álvaro López de Argumedo | View Profile | |
|
Mr Carlos López-Quiroga | View Profile | |
|
Mr Mariano Magide | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Gloria Marin | View Profile | |
|
Mr José Massaguer | View Profile | |
|
Mr Yásser-Harbi Mustafá | View Profile | |
|
Mr Gabriel Núñez Fernández | View Profile | |
|
Mr Rafael Núñez-Lagos | View Profile | |
|
Mr Ángel Pérez López | View Profile | |
|
Mr Ángel Pérez Pardo de Vera | View Profile | |
|
Mr Fernando Pérez de la Sota | View Profile | |
|
Mr Carlos Paredes | View Profile | |
|
Mr Cándido Paz-Ares | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Teresa Paz-Ares | View Profile | |
|
Mr Jaime Pereda Espeso | View Profile | |
|
Mr Juan Martín Perrotto | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Ingrid Pi i Amorós | View Profile | |
|
Mr Sergio Ponce | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Marta Ríos | View Profile | |
|
Mr Pedro Ravina | View Profile | |
|
Mr Javier Redonet | View Profile | |
|
Mr Jesús Remón | View Profile | |
|
Mr Ramiro Rivera | View Profile | |
|
Mr Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira | View Profile | |
|
Mr Javier Ruiz-Cámara | View Profile | |
|
Mr Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María | View Profile | |
|
Mr Salvador Sánchez-Terán | View Profile | |
|
Mr Borja Sainz de Aja | View Profile | |
|
Mr Francisco San Miguel | View Profile | |
|
Mr Guillermo San Pedro | View Profile | |
|
Mr Rafael Sebastián | View Profile | |
|
Mr Javier Tortuero Ortiz | View Profile | |
|
Mr Eduardo Trigo | View Profile | |
|
Mr Manuel Vélez | View Profile | |
|
Mr Alfonso Ventoso | View Profile | |
|
Mr Víctor Viana | View Profile | |
|
Mrs Patricia Vidal | View Profile | |
|
Mr Miguel Virgós | View Profile | |
|
Mr Javier Yáñez | View Profile | |
|
Mr Carlos de Cárdenas Smith | View Profile | |
|
Mr Luis de Carlos Bertrán | View Profile | |
|
Mr Carlos de Miguel Perales | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers worldwide : 602Languages
Chinese English French German Italian Japanese Portuguese SpanishMemberships
Lex MundiOther
Other offices : Barcelona Other offices : Beijing Other offices : Bilbao Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Lisbon Other offices : London Other offices : Mexico City 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.Top Tier Firm Rankings
- 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
- Insurance
- Intellectual property: Copyright
- Intellectual property: patents
- Intellectual property: Trade marks
- Private equity
- Projects and energy
- Public law
- Real estate and construction
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Tax