Uría Menéndez > Barcelona, Spain > Firm Profile

Uría Menéndez > The Legal 500 Rankings

Spain > Banking and finance Tier 1

With an excellent lender and borrower perspective of the market and relevant precedents, Uría Menéndez is often called upon to advise on landmark financings, including corporate lending, project finance, restructurings, asset deals and acquisition finance, to name a few. In addition to its strength in major transactions within the Iberian Peninsula, the firm is also well positioned to handle cross-border matters with ties to other European countries and Latin America. Corporate, acquisition and project finance are notable practice areas for department head Ángel Pérez López, who also has significant experience in debt restructuring. These are also key areas of expertise for Carlos de Cárdenas Smith, who leads the corporate and commercial group. With strong credentials in project finance restructurings in the energy sector, Luis Jiménez advises lenders and borrowers in a variety of transactions, ranging from corporate lending to acquisition finance. José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica, the firm’s New York resident partner, is particularly active in financings within the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors.

Spain > Capital markets: Debt Tier 1

With ‘in-depth knowledge of all branches of law that are key to providing advice to companies listed on the continuous market‘, Uría Menéndez houses a seasoned capital markets team, which is recognised for its strong credentials in all types of DCM work. Covering hybrid securities, regulatory capital instruments, structured and project bonds, the group regularly acts for blue-chip corporate clients and financial institutions in high-value and innovative transactions. Department head Rafael Sebastián maintains a broad practice which encompasses capital markets, structured finance, M&A and corporate restructuring. Singled out for her banking regulatory expertise, Carolina Albuerne often advises on deals involving hybrid debt, which is a key area of focus for Javier Redonet. The ‘technical and commercial‘ Enrique Nieto assists issuers and investors in both ECM and DCM transactions.

Spain > Capital markets: Equity Tier 1

Housing a team of ‘proficient and knowledgeable’ capital markets experts, Uría Menéndez is well-known for its broad service offering, which encompasses IPOs, follow-on offerings, rights issues, accelerated bookbuild offerings, delistings and equity-linked instruments. Showcasing a stellar track record in some of the biggest IPOs and equity raisings in the country’s history, the group, which is retained by both issuers and underwriters, stands out for its cross-border capabilities and strong credentials in public M&A. Specialised in finance, corporate, and securities law, practice leader Javier Redonet has a longstanding reputation in the market, advising on IPOs, offers of shares, and corporate governance issues. Other ‘outstanding partners‘ include Gabriel Núñez Fernández, who handles a mix of capital markets, public M&A, banking and finance, and corporate governance work, while Enrique Nieto, who is noted for his expertise in stock exchange listings and Spanish real estate investment trusts(SOCIMIs)-related matters. Alfonso Ventoso focuses on ECM deals and corporate governance, which are also core areas of activity for senior associate Álvaro López.

Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

‘One of the best in the market‘, Uría Menéndez works with a broad range of strategic clients, including Fortune 500 and Ibex-35 companies, on a wealth of headline-grabbing transactions. With a strong presence in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world, the firm is a prime destination for M&A deals in Iberia and those with links to Latin America. The highly regarded Manuel Echenique is trusted by many Spanish listed companies and private equity firms in domestic and cross-border M&A and financing transactions. He oversees the corporate and commercial practice alongside Francisco San Miguel, who excels in public and private M&A, and is a key contact for large and mid-market private equity players. Bringing together expertise in M&A, corporate law and governance issues, Rafael Núñez-Lagos is often engaged in mandates involving financial institutions and the infrastructure segment. Guillermo del Río stands out at senior associate level for his regular involvement in sophisticated M&A, joint ventures and strategic investments.

Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Uría Menéndez‘s dispute resolution team adopts an interdisciplinary approach, providing insight and advice on civil and commercial proceedings, international and domestic arbitration, as well as administrative, constitutional, and criminal law. The team is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: José Miguel Fatás, who assists with administrative and civil litigation, and arbitration proceedings at the domestic and international level; Gabriel Bottini, who oversees the international arbitration practice; and Javier Garcia Sanz, who is in charge of the litigation group. The team also includes commercial litigation specialist Carles Vendrell; Álvaro López de Argumedo, who is experience in the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards; and Jesús Remón Peñalver, who takes the lead on administrative litigation issues.

Spain > Employment Tier 1

Uría Menéndez fields a team of employment law specialists who are well versed in the gamut of labour issues, providing advice on hiring and termination procedures, collective bargaining, remuneration issues and court proceedings. In Madrid, Mario Barros is counsel of choice for domestic and international clients in employment contracts, workforce restructurings and transactional issues, while Barcelona-based Juan Reyes regularly handles insolvency layoffs, takeovers and redundancies. The Valencia office is led by Raúl Boo, who steers the team in high-profile M&A transactions. Sergio Ponce is another name to note in Madrid for his expertise in collective bargaining and redundancy procedures. Recently promoted partner Daniel Cerrutti handles a mix of transactional matters, restructurings, C-suite issues and collective agreements. Álvaro Navarro is no longer at the firm.

Spain > Environment Tier 1

The environment and sustainable development team at Uría Menéndez is equipped to advise on transactional, regulatory and litigation matters, attracting instructions from domestic and international clients from key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, waste management, manufacturing, mining and energy. Based in Barcelona, Juan Antonio Loste Madoz advises public administrations and governments on environmental policy and infrastructure-related matters, whileJaime Calvo Retuerto is a seasoned practitioner in contentious-administrative proceedings surrounding emissions, pollution and contamination. Jesús Sedano is a key contact in the Madrid office for public and private sector clients looking for assistance with public and regulatory law.

Spain > EU and competition Tier 1

Uría Menéndez ‘has one of the largest teams of competition lawyers in Spain,' covering 'all areas with a high level of specialisation’, including cartels, abuse of dominant position cases, state aid, merger control and litigation before domestic and EU courts. Department leader Antonio Guerra is the trusted adviser to several clients within the finance, media, telecoms and energy sectors seeking representation before the CNMC and the European Commission. Alfonso Gutiérrez regularly advises on multijurisdictional mergers, and ‘stands out for his deep knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector’. Other noteworthy individuals include Patricia Vidal, who adeptly handles national and international cartel cases and infringement proceedings. Tomás Arranz acts for clients from the worlds of real estate, insurance, banking, manufacturing and consumer goods in cartel investigations and in the implementation of compliance programmes.  

Spain > Industry focus: Food Tier 1

Bringing together multidisciplinary expertise in transactions, contracts, regulatory issues, competition and IP rights, Uría Menéndez advises on the gamut of matters that arise within the food and beverages sectors. The team manages a busy workload where joint ventures and M&A feature alongside advertising, distribution and contentious matters. Montiano Monteagudo co-leads the group from Barcelona, attracting unfair competition and corporate mandates from domestic and multinational players. Fellow co-head Teresa Paz-Ares is based in Madrid, and advises clients in this space on regulatory, corporate and commercial issues.

Spain > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1

The ‘highly specialised‘ team at Uría Menéndez maintains its stellar reputation for handling the full gamut of issues within the healthcare and life sciences spaces. In addition to assisting clients with their internal public procurement policies, the group advises investors on their public-private relationships, and regulatory issues surrounding the promotion of medicines. Teresa Paz-Ares and Montiano Monteagudo co-lead the team from Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Paz-Ares has extensive expertise in corporate and M&A transactions in the life sciences sector, while Monteagudo acts for numerous global pharma laboratories in disputes involving copyright and patents. Beatriz Cocina in Madrid regularly advises medtech, healthcare, and biotech clients on a broad range of mandates, including pricing and market access, promotional disputes, and financing. Working out of the Barcelona office, Francisco Javier García is noted for his deep knowledge of IP issues, with particular emphasis on privacy, unfair competition litigation and drug advertising.

Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 1

Uría Menéndez has ‘a team with deep knowledge of technical matters related to new technologies‘. The firm, which counts major sports companies, retailers, and social media companies among its clients, provides a comprehensive service encompassing privacy, cybersecurity, IP, M&A, tax, competition, regulatory and employment matters. The lead partners are Pablo González-Espejo, who handles commercial and company law in the audiovisual, telecoms, media, sports and IT sectors, and ‘extraordinary professional‘ Leticia Lopez-Lapuente, who specialises in data protection. Litigator Borja Sainz de Aja is the key contact for contentious matters.

Spain > Private equity Tier 1

Offering ‘a unique blend of local expertise and European reach‘, Uría Menéndez maintains a top-tier position in the Spanish private equity market. With ‘a wide coverage of the financial sponsors sector‘, the firm handles the gamut of PE transactions, ranging from fund formation and fundraising to equity deals, debt financing and divestments. Drawing on its presence in London, New York and Brussels, and solid working relationships with international firms, the group excels in cross-border mandates, showcasing particular strength in deals with a Latin American component. Manuel Echenique, the main point of contact for several major global PE firms, and Francisco San Miguel, who handles both large-scale and mid-market transactions in this space, jointly oversee the department. Other ‘industry-leading experts‘ include Christian Hoedl, who regularly acts for PE funds in big-ticket private and public-to-private (P2P) transactions.

Spain > Public law Tier 1

The public and environmental law practice at Uría Menéndez acts for a diverse roster of contractors, concessionaires, and domestic and foreign companies operating in heavily regulated sectors. The team offers support throughout the entire life cycle of public contracting, and is well placed to assist with complex dispute resolution matters, including administrative proceedings and appeals. Mariano Magide, who heads up the practice, and José Miguel Fatás advise on all aspects of constitutional and administrative law, including public contracts, infringement proceedings, and administrative litigation in the energy, infrastructure, telecoms and healthcare sectors. With in-depth knowledge of regulated sectors, Manuel Vélez is a key contact for public procurement matters and sanctioning proceedings.

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Noted by clients for being equipped with the ‘best real estate knowledge and experience in Spain’, Uría Menéndez is a first point of contact for SOCIMIs, banks, investment funds, developers, and private and listed companies seeking assistance with real estate projects. The group is jointly led by Fernando Azofra, who advises on real estate M&A and financing matters, and Diego Armero, who is particularly skilled in acquisitions and disposals of real estate property. The ‘deep bench’ also includes: Ignacio Albiñana, a key name to note for real estate funds; ‘top’ lawyer Rafael Jiménez, who often handles transactions involving commercial and logistic assets, and Javier Ruiz-Cámara, who stands out for his combined knowledge of real estate, corporate, and finance law. Recently promoted partner Ivan Abad advises clients on the entire life cycle of real estate investments.

Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Uría Menéndez‘s restructuring and insolvency practice is renowned for its deep expertise in a variety of high-profile contentious and non-contentious matters, encompassing company and group restructurings, debt refinancings, direct lending, special situations, as well as general insolvency proceedings and related litigation. The client roster includes both creditors and borrowers, who represent leading Spanish and multinational banks, corporates, and financial institutions. The practice is co-led by Carlos de Cárdenas Smith and Ángel Pérez López, both of whom possess a successful track record in finance and restructuring transactions. Other key team members include corporate and insolvency litigation specialist Javier Yáñez and Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María, who focuses his practice on banking law.

Spain > Tax Tier 1

The tax practice at Uría Menéndez ‘brings innovative legal strategy and finds creative solutions to problems’ in an array of business transactions; this includes corporate reorganisations, equity and finance restructurings, capital markets deals, real estate transactions, and corporate investments. The team is also equipped to represent clients in contentious proceedings, including claims and appeals in relation to tax offences. Additionally, the practice caters to high-net-worth individuals, advising them on inbound and outbound matters, such as tax planning and investments in start-ups. The team is led by corporate tax law expert Víctor Viana, who often advises on the tax aspects of M&A, corporate restructuring, and real estate transactions. With strong expertise in both corporate and international tax, Miguel Cremades regularly takes the lead on customs procedures and tax litigation matters, the latter of which is a core area of activity for David López Pombo, a name to note for tax investigations and disputes. Violeta Pina has a wealth of experience in the taxation of financial transactions and capital markets instruments. The team was further strengthened in January 2023 by the appointment of former state tax inspector David Vilches as counsel.

Spain > White-collar crime Tier 1

Boasting a wealth of experience in cases concerning money laundering, fraud, corruption and tax offences, Uría Menéndez is a key point of contact for clients, particularly financial institutions, seeking representation in the defence of high-profile criminal proceedings. The department is overseen by highly regarded Jaime Alonso, who specialises in white-collar crime matters, and Ismael Clemente, ‘an excellent professional’ who not only ‘studies cases carefully’ but is ‘brilliant in the way he defends them’. The ‘exceptional criminal lawyer’ Alberto Gómez Fraga also stands out.

Spain > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2

Uría Menéndez has a stellar roster of clients, who turn to the firm for ‘the quality of the responses and understanding of the client’s needs‘ in data protection matters. Practice head Leticia López-Lapuente is highly regarded by peers and clients alike, garnering praise for her ‘practical knowledge and experience‘. She frequently assists a major multinational social media company with privacy and digital matters – including data protection, cookies and social networks – and offers representation in proceedings before the Spanish Data Protection Authority. Counsel Francisco Javier García also plays a key role in advising clients in the pharmaceutical, tobacco, e-commerce, IoT, software, cosmetics and fashion industries on privacy matters.

Spain > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 2

Clients, who often come from the food and beverages, automotive, construction and healthcare sectors, turn to Uría Menéndez for its ‘large team of excellent litigators’, corporate, competition, IP and regulatory specialists. In the Madrid office Borja Sainz de Aja is the trusted adviser to national and foreign companies seeking litigation advice, Teresa Paz-Ares leads the firm’s health law practice and is skilled in transactional matters, while Patricia Vidal, who possesses a strong background in EU and competition law, is well versed in cartel proceedings. The Barcelona office is home to Jaime Calvo who brings over two decades’ experience in public law and environmental matters.

Spain > Industry focus: Retail Tier 2

Clients highlight the ‘knowledge, work capacity, closeness and availability’ of the retail team at Uría Menéndez, which is comprised of lawyers specialised in commercial, IP, competition and regulatory law. Focused on the fashion, luxury goods, food and beverages sectors, the group is also skilled at assisting with distribution and e-commerce issues. EU and competition law specialist Patricia Vidal jointly oversees the practice with Borja Sainz de Aja, who is adept in IP, distribution and advertising matters.

Spain > Insurance Tier 2

Covering employment, regulatory and commercial work, Uría Menéndez fields a team of ‘highly experienced people who coordinate and integrate perfectly’ to readily advise on a spread of insurance and reinsurance matters. Transactional work is a core area of strength for the department, which is well versed in the renegotiation of bancassurance agreements. Practice head Guillermo San Pedro handles domestic and cross-border corporate, M&A and regulatory matters, while Jaime Del Fraile is skilled in bancassurance joint ventures, insurance distribution and reinsurance mandates. Julio Iglesias is the name to note for insurance disputes.

Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 2

Uría Menéndez is a key adviser to companies in the pharmaceutical, electronics, software, food, textile, homecare products, education and retail sectors. The copyright team, which is part of the firm’s digital law group, is known for its ‘high technical level and commitment‘ in both advisory work and litigation. Blending expertise in IP, IT and unfair competition, Montiano Monteagudo in Barcelona and Madrid-based partners Carles Vendrell, Ingrid Pi, and Borja Sainz de Aja lead the practice. Vendrell in particular has a strong focus on copyright and neighbouring rights disputes. Counsel Francisco Javier García, who frequently acts for companies in the advertising and fashion industries, is another name to note in the team.

Spain > Intellectual property: patents Tier 2

Uría Menéndez's IP and unfair competition practice is strong in both advisory matters and litigation, including both licensing and business transactions. The firm has a highly specialised IP practice for which patents are a key focus, particularly on behalf of clients in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, digital food and chemical sectors. Lead partners Montiano Monteagudo in Barcelona and the Madrid-based team of Ingrid Pi, Borja Sainz de Aja and Carles Vendrell combine skills in  TMT, digital law, and IP matters, enabling the firm to advise on patents as part of large M&A transactions, as well as actions to nullify or protect patents in infringement cases. Senior associate Marcos Fraile also plays a key role in the practice.

Spain > Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 2

Uría Menéndez has a four-partner IP and unfair competition practice that provides both advisory and litigation services in relation to trade marks, including licensing and business transactions. IP and IT partner Montiano Monteagudo in Barcelona and Madrid-based partners Ingrid Pi, Borja Sainz de Aja and Carles Vendrell lead the practice. ‘They advise with a degree of depth, sophistication and strategic vision‘, remarks one client, picking out Vendrell’s ‘ability to anticipate risks and concerns that could arise in the future‘. Senior associate Francisco Javier García in Barcelona frequently acts for clients in regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, tobacco, e-commerce, IoT, software, cosmetics and fashion.

Spain > Projects and energy Tier 2

Uría Menéndez 'has a large team highly specialised in energy', which excels in project finance, M&A involving energy assets, regulatory issues and dispute resolution. A popular destination for lenders, borrowers, energy and infrastructure sector players, the team is highlighted for its 'outstanding command of market standards in corporate financing negotiations'. Leading the practice is Juan Ignacio González Ruiz, a key contact for the financing of renewable energy projects. Key support is offered by Ignacio Álvarez Couso, whose combined knowledge of M&A and energy law allows him to assist clients with the sale and management of assets, José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica, who oversees the firm's New York office. The team was strengthened by the arrival of Roberto Fernández , a former State Attorney at the Ministry for Energy Transition and the Demographic Challenge, in May 2023.

Spain > Transport: Shipping Tier 2

The shipping and transport department at Uría Menéndez is lauded for its ‘excellent industry knowledge‘, ‘in-depth advice‘, and tendency to go the ‘extra mile‘ when assisting clients. Typical mandates for the group include advising on both dry and wet shipping matters, including shipbuilding and financing contracts, M&A, insurance claims and collisions, among others. Practice head Carlos López-Quiroga focuses on transport and maritime law, showcasing particular experience in M&A and restructuring matters. Luz Martínez De Azcoitia is the name to contact for banking and finance mandates in the transport sector. Other notable individuals include Diego Pérez, a key contact for domestic and foreign shipowners and port terminals seeking advice on vessel construction, repair and acquisition contracts, and Laura Peláez, who is recommended for administrative proceedings before port authorities.

Spain > Transport: Other transport Tier 3

Maritime law expert Carlos López-Quiroga heads up the shipping and transport team at Uría Menéndez, which is lauded by clients for ‘finding solutions to unique problems‘. Companies from the logistics, urban mobility, aviation, and rail industries rely on the group for regulatory advice and support in industry-related M&A, financings and litigations. Nicolás Nägele is noted by clients for being ‘very helpful in transactions‘.