Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho > Lisbon, Portugal > Firm Profile
Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho Offices
EDIFICIO RODRIGO URIA
PRAÇA MARQUÊS DE POMBAL, 12
1250-162 LISBOA
Portugal
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Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho > The Legal 500 Rankings
Portugal > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate and M&A team at Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho is praised for its ‘very good technical knowledge‘ and ‘great attention to detail.’ Esteemed as trusted advisers to private equity firms and corporates across all of Portugal’s major industries, the team is well placed to handle an array of corporate transactions. Key contact Francisco Brito e Abreu boasts considerable experience in corporate restructuring, M&A and private equity transactions, particularly excelling in the pharmaceutical sector, while Catarina Tavares Loureiro focuses on M&A transactions involving both private and listed companies. Joana Torres Ereio is routinely instructed by domestic and international corporates on M&A, private equity, venture capital deals and commercial agreements. Former practice head Duarte Garin retired in December 2023.Other key lawyers:
Antonio Villacampa; Francisco Brito e Abreu; Carlos Costa Andrade; Francisco da Cunha Ferreira; Catarina Tavares Loureiro; Joana Torres Ereio; Miguel Stokes
Testimonials
‘Very good technical knowledge, good client support, great knowledge of the market and the business.’
‘I recommend Catarina Tavares Loureiro – very comprehensive global vision, available and achieves a very good final result.’
‘Great attention to detail, total commitment to the client, a lot of proactivity and complete availability.’
‘The practice has very capable partners and associates, and provides a very tailored legal service suite for M&A in the Portuguese context.’
Key clients
Artá Capital
Bankinter Consumer Finance, E.F.C., S.A.
Pollen Street Capital Ltd
Ferrovial – Cintra
MCH Private Equity Investments S.G.E.I.C., S.A.
Hayco Manufacturing Limited (Hong Kong)
KKR
V Sports SCS
iCON Infrastructure LLP
Qatar Sports Investment
MD Group, S.A.
Bright Pixel Capital (former Sonae IM)
Fastfiber
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
Pré-Natal
Ascendum, S.A.
Rivercrown
Panigest, SGPS, S.A.
Sonepar
Värde Partners
Work highlights
- Acted for Bankinter Consumer Finance, E.F.C., S.A. in the incorporation of a joint venture with the Sonae group for the provision of consumer-credit products and services in Portugal.
- Assisted KKR in the issuance of €200m in convertible bonds.
- Assisted iCON Infrastructure LLP with the acquisition of Sonorgás, a natural-gas distributor holding 31 local licences for the distribution of natural gas from Dourogás SGPS.
Portugal > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Pre-eminent in the banking and finance sector, the ‘agile and available’ dispute resolution team at Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho is well versed in contentious proceedings involving securities, derivatives and other financial products. The team remains a go-to choice for clients requiring representation in corporate crime matters and internal investigations. The firm’s arbitration practice operates on a cross-border basis, specialising in international commercial and investment-related cases. With a particular focus on white-collar crime, civil and commercial litigation, Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho spearheads the team. Alexandre Mota Pinto is active in infringement procedures, while Francisco Proença de Carvalho focuses on white-collar crime cases related to financial institutions and capital markets. Nuno Salazar Casanova represents banks and financial institutions in arbitration and restructuring and insolvency proceedings, and David Sequeira Dinis handles corporate and commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes. Adriano Squilacce is another name to note for financial and white-collar crime contentious matters. Tito Arantes Fontes left the firm in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Mota Pinto; Francisco Proença de Carvalho; Nuno Salazar Casanova; David Sequeira Dinis; Adriano Squilacce; Constança Borges Sacoto
Testimonials
‘Well-equipped, agile and available team. Knowledge of the progress of the process up to the minute.’
‘Professionalism, competence, and effectiveness.’
‘High quality of service provided, strong commitment to clients’ interests, team availability.’
‘David Sequeira Dinis – great focus on the client, high sense of pragmatism aimed at resolving problems and achieving clients’ objectives.’
‘Availability. Closeness to the client and understanding of issues. Teamwork.’
Key clients
Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Salgado
Banco Santander Totta, S.A.
ORO, SGPS, S.A.
Caixa Económica Montepio Geral, António Tomás Correia and other former directors.
Bankinter, S.A.
Credit Suisse
Portugal > Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 1
Portugal > Projects and project finance Tier 1
A variety of clients - including financiers, concessionaires, funds, and companies - turn to Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho for assistance with the structuring and financing of greenfield projects; M&A involving regulated assets, refinancing transactions, PPPs, and dispute resolution are also part of the firm's service offering in this space. Co-head Bernardo Diniz de Ayala
excels in guiding grantors, sponsors, and lenders in project finance deals, which is also a key area of expertise for fellow co-leader Antonio Villacampa. Other noteworthy individuals include João Louro e Costa, who oversees cross-border transactions within the transport and energy sectors, and Gonçalo Andrade Sousa, who offers expertise in project development, PPPs, and M&A in regulated sectors. Former head of the practice Pedro Ferreira Malaquias is no longer at the firm. Practice head(s):
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala; Antonio Villacampa
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It is a team with high technical and sector knowledge.’
‘Bernardo Ayala is an excellent lawyer who is always present in all topics. Gonçalo Andrade Sousa is very dedicated and knowledgeable of the subject and the sector.’
‘Uría Menendez – Proença de Carvalho has unparalleled knowledge in the market. This firm includes several members with excellent technical capacity, in-depth knowledge of the sector, speed, attention to detail, and sophisticated services.’
‘João Louro e Costa coordinates a highly qualified projects team, capable of providing answers to complex questions in very competitive times and with a level of detail and depth that exceeds, in many cases, our expectations.’
Key clients
P2X-EUROPE GmbH & CO. KG
Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, S.A.
Euroscut Açores (Cintra-Ferrovial Group)
AEDL – Autoestradas do Douro Litoral, S.A. and the Portuguese State
KGAL Portuguese PV
Floene Energia, S.A.
Banco Santander Totta, S.A.
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd.
Axpo Iberia, S.L.
Bright Sunday AB
AGS – Administração e Gestão de Sistemas de Salubridade, S.A.
Sunshining, S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising Euroscut Açores (Cintra-Ferrovial Group) on the financial rebalance procedure of the Açores motorway concession.
- Assisting P2X Europe with all aspects of developing and implementing an innovative, commercial scale, “power-to-liquid” eFuels industrial project.
- Advising KGAL on the development of an 82 MW solar photovoltaic plant, including the negotiation of the EPC and O&M contracts.
Portugal > Real estate and construction Tier 1
With significant expertise in M&A, warranty and indemnity insurance policy negotiations, restructurings, and financings in the real estate space, Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho offers ‘innovative and pragmatic solutions’ to a variety of clients, most notably investors, financial entities and developers. The practice is led by Rita Xavier de Brito, who specialises in the sale, purchase, and development of logistics, offices, and retail properties, and Francisco da Cunha Ferreira, who brings expertise in acquisition finance, corporate restructurings in the real estate and hospitality sectors, and mortgage-backed loan portfolio acquisitions. Duarte Garin retired at the end of 2023.Practice head(s):
Rita Xavier de Brito; Francisco da Cunha Ferreira
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Pedral Sampaio
Testimonials
‘We will never stop using Uría Menéndez. The team provides innovative and pragmatic solutions that are always in our interests, while strictly adhering to all legal and ethical aspects.’
Key clients
M7 Real Estate
MD Group (Alantra)
Rivercrown Group
Azora
Multi Corporation
Corum Investments
Bondstone
Tikehau Capital
Banco Santander Totta
Explorer Investments
Savills Investment Management
Tristan Capital Partners
Davidson Kempner / ECS Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander Totta on the sale of an REO portfolio known as “Project Guadiana”.
- Advised M7 Real Estate on the acquisition of five logistics properties located in Lisbon and Porto.
- Advised Davidson Kempner / ECS Capital on the sale of the Hotel Hilton Vilamoura to Arrow through a share deal.
Portugal > Tax Tier 1
Counting venture capital funds, financial institutions, real estate players, domestic and international companies among its key client roster, the tax group at Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho handles a steady stream of high-profile instructions, spanning the full spectrum of tax-related matters. Praised for its ‘attention to detail’, the team routinely assists clients with high-value M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions, but also fields strong credentials in tax litigation and wealth management matters. At the helm is Filipe Romão, recognised for his focus on navigating tax issues in company acquisitions, mergers, IPOs, and joint ventures. Key support is offered by Marta Pontes, a name to note for real estate transactions and project finance. Recommended for his extensive experience in transactional tax matters, António Castro Caldas is also skilled in wealth structuring issues. Counsel Cláudia Reis Duarte handles a mix of tax litigation, tax inspections, inheritance tax, social security and international tax planning.Practice head(s):
Filipe Romão
Other key lawyers:
Marta Pontes; António Castro Caldas; Cláudia Reis Duarte; Catarina Fernandes
Testimonials
‘The level of work, attention to detail and knowledge produced by Uría is outstanding.’
‘I highlight Cláudia Reis Duarte for her experience, attention to detail, concern for the client and leadership skills.’
‘Uría is a reference law firm in the Iberian Peninsula with high quality full-service capabilities. I highlight partner Filipe Romão.’
‘Filipe Romão has knowledge and experience in all matters of a tax nature, at the intersection of private wealth and business.’
‘Maximum knowledge, delivery and dedication, in accordance with best international practices.’
‘Filipe Romão: agility, prompt service and objective answers.’
‘Claudia Reis Duarte: tireless and with an excellent level of knowledge and leadership skills.’
Key clients
Altice
Grupo Pestana
Explorer
Klepierre
Glovo
Avoris
Bankinter
Arrow
SPX
BTG
Julius Bar
ITAU
Work highlights
Portugal > Banking and finance Tier 2
The banking and finance team at Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho, rated for its ‘holistic perspective’, regularly advises credit institutions, financial companies, investment firms and insurance undertakings on a broad range of complex financial-services regulatory matters and high-value transactions. Practice head and co-manager of the firm’s Lisbon office Antonio Villacampa Serrano has extensive experience in managing and coordinating cross-border deals. Francisco da Cunha Ferreira is a name to note for project and acquisition finance; these are key areas of expertise for Miguel Rodrigues Leal, who is also skilled in financial services regulatory issues.Practice head(s):
Antonio Villacampa Serrano
Other key lawyers:
Francisco da Cunha Ferreira; Hélder Frias; Miguel Rodrigues Leal; José António Reymão Nogueira
Testimonials
‘The team was very supportive and provided a holistic perspective. They were available to help to answer any of our questions and creative in finding a way to resolve the lenders requests. A crucial part was having the expertise of different offices (and countries) involved in the transaction.’
‘Uría’s team was very supportive. They were very good at following up the whole transaction.’
Key clients
Banco Santander Totta, S.A.
Getnet Europe, Entidad de Pago, S.L.U.
Federated Hermes
Barclays Bank Ireland LLC
Unión de Créditos Inmobiliários
Santander Consumer Finance
Associação Portuguesa de Bancos
CaixaBank
ING Bank (Portugal)
Bankinter, S.A. (Portugal)
AP Pension
WiZink Bank, S.A.U. – Sucursal em Portugal
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander Totta and Getnet Europe on Getnet Europe’s acquisition of Banco Santander Totta’s merchant-acquiring business.
- Advised Anglo-Eastern International Shipmanagement Ltd. on its acquisition of CMI Group.
- Advising Bankinter on the acquisition of a 50% stake in Universo IME, a Portuguese e-money institution.
Portugal > Capital markets Tier 2
Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho‘s capital market practice is routinely instructed by listed companies, financial institutions and international investors in the Ibero-American market in a host of transactional mandates. The practice is highly regarded for its strong regulatory capabilities and relationships with regulators, most notably the Portuguese Securities Markets Commission (CMVM). Steering the practice is Carlos Costa Andrade, who covers a range of capital markets transactions from takeovers and IPOs, to structured bonds and other complex securities. A litany of public listed companies turn to Miguel Stokes for his experience in privatisations, structured finance, debt and equity offerings.Practice head(s):
Carlos Costa Andrade
Other key lawyers:
Miguel Stokes; Duarte Martins
Key clients
Citigroup
Morgan Stanley
J.P. Morgan
Goldman Sachs
BNP Paribas
KKR
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft
Société Générale
Rivercrown
JB Capital Markets
Azul Linhas Aéreas, S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG, Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, J.P. Morgan SE and Morgan Stanley Europe SE, as managers, on the capital increase of EDP – Renováveis, S.A. through an issue of 50,968,400 new shares and admission of the same to trading on Euronext Lisbon, in a total deal value of approximately €1bn.
- Advising BNP PARIBAS, Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG and Morgan Stanley Europe SE, as managers, on the capital increase of EDP – Energias de Portugal, S.A. through an issue of 218,340,612 new shares and admission of the same to trading on Euronext Lisbon, in a total deal value of approximately €1bn.
- Advising Groupe Bruxelles Lambert on its acquisition of a majority stake in Affidea for approximately €1bn.
Portugal > Employment Tier 2
Noted for its ‘in-depth knowledge of labour regulations', Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho’s 'competent' employment team is recognised for its role in major M&A transactions in Portugal, complex litigation proceedings and company restructurings. Clients operating in a variety of sectors - including financial services, manufacturing, retail and insurance often retain the group, which is overseen by André Nascimento, a specialist in employment litigation, collective bargaining, pensions and social security law. Senior associate Susana Bradford Ferreira showcases notable strength on litigation and social security issues.Practice head(s):
André Nascimento
Other key lawyers:
Susana Bradford Ferreira; Liliana Silveira de Freitas
Testimonials
‘The team is super available and professional and also very close to the clients. This proximity, monitoring of matters and the ability to solve problems are what best distinguishes the firm.’
‘We recommend lawyers André Nascimento and Susana Bradford Ferreira.’
‘Excellent service, team of great quality and expertise, very agile, professional and always available.’
‘Highlights include André Nascimento and Liliana Silveira de Freitas, who provide excellent service and support to clients.’
‘The very competent team has in-depth knowledge of labour regulations.’
Key clients
Banco Santander Totta
Getir Portugal
Parity Technologies
Explorer Investments
Grupo Mapfre
Otis Elevadores
GrandVision Portugal
Barclays Bank
Wizink Bank
Santander Consumer Finance
Ascendum
Movicortes Group
Renova
Burberry
Korn Ferry
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander Totta on a restructuring procedure.
- Advised Ineos Automotive on the closure of its plant and termination of all employment agreements.
- Advised Pollen Street Capital Ltd. on the acquisition of a majority stake in Finsolutia.
Portugal > Energy and natural resources Tier 2
Described as ‘undoubtedly one of the most technically competent and prepared law firms in the Portuguese market’, Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho is home to an energy and natural resources practice, which is a key port of call for domestic and international corporates, as well as financial institutions, on matters pertaining to M&A, project finance and litigation. The team, which showcases extensive experience in the renewables and gas distribution segments, is led by a capable duo: Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, who specialises in public law and projects; and João Louro e Costa, who is praised for his ‘very deep knowledge of the energy sector‘. Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa handles a mix of public procurement, M&A involving regulated assets, project development and finance.
Practice head(s):
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala; João Louro e Costa
Other key lawyers:
Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa; Jill de Soet Palmeiro
Testimonials
‘Uría has an interdisciplinary team that is highly efficient in managing transactions in the energy field. Interaction with any of the areas concerned is simple to the extent that the responsible partner encourages such dialogues.’
‘João Louro e Costa is the reference person, standing out not only for his very deep knowledge of the energy sector but also for his great availability, which gives him a complete understanding of the typology of issues and concerns that surround the function of the energy sector.’
‘Uría Menendez – Proença de Carvalho is undoubtedly one of the most technically competent and prepared law firms in the Portuguese market. The legal services provided by the firm are characterised by high quality, in-depth study of the issues raised by the client and very relevant knowledge of the energy sector, in many cases exceeding our expectations, even in the most complex and sophisticated matters.’
‘The flexibility demonstrated in complex transactions, the knowledge of the renewable energy business, the proximity to the biggest players in the market and the proactivity in searching for solutions in difficult scenarios make this company an exceptional partner, providing peace of mind to the business in relation to the matters entrusted to the desk.’
‘Uría Menendez – Proença de Carvalho has a multidisciplinary team that ensures that matters are analysed from different perspectives, always presenting complete solutions to the questions raised. Coordination, both at the micro and macro levels, by the most senior members of the teams is notable, and allows for a guarantee of high quality.’
‘I would particularly recommend of counsel João Louro e Costa, who coordinates matters related to licensing, regulatory and infrastructure. This lawyer demonstrates constant availability, notable technical capacity and the ability to understand, without the need for detailed explanations, the concerns of the business.’
‘The team stands out for its know-how. The effectiveness, professionalism and speed in legal advice and evaluation is out of the ordinary compared to offices at the same level.’
‘I would recommend the following individuals: Gonçalo Andrade de Sousa, João Louro e Costa ando Jill de Soet Palmeiro.’
Key clients
Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, S.A.
KGAL
Axpo Iberia, S.L.
Bright Sunday AB
P2X-EUROPE GmbH & CO. KG
iCON Infrastructure LLP
Floene Energias, S.A.
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd.
Sunshining, S.A.
KKR
Work highlights
- Advised Iberdrola on the development of eight solar photovoltaic power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 200 MW.
- Advised KGAL on drafting, preparing and negotiating O&M and EPC agreements for a 82 MW greenfield solar photovoltaic power plant in Portugal.
- Advised Icon on the acquisition of Sonorgás, a Portuguese natural gas distributor holding 31 local licences for the distribution of natural gas, from Dourogás SGPS.
Portugal > EU and competition Tier 2
Singled out for its ‘very good technical knowledge’, the team at Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho excels in a broad range of antitrust matters, making it a preferred choice for both leading domestic and international clients who operate across a myriad of regulated sectors, most notably energy, financial services, and healthcare. The team is spearheaded by the ‘very competent’ and ‘efficient’ Tânia Luísa Faria, who has extensive experience in coordinating antitrust and merger control proceedings. Faria is supported by associate Margot Lopes Martins, who focuses on merger control issues, restrictive practices and abuse of dominant position matters.Practice head(s):
Tânia Luísa Faria
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very good technical knowledge. Very good knowledge of our business. Perfect monitoring of topics. Great commitment and work capacity.’
‘I reecommend Tânia Luísa Faria for her robust knowledge, global vision, creativity and resilience.’
‘High quality team and service.’
‘Tânia Luísa Faria is a very competent professional with excellent expertise.’
‘Very good technical knowledge and availability.’
‘Tânia Luísa Faria stands out for her availability and expertise.’
‘Led by Tânia Luísa Faria, the competition team is very efficient and responsive and is well versed in various competition issues. They are also easy to work with.’
‘TTânia Luísa Faria is highly experienced in all aspects of competition law and is always there when you need her advice. Her confidence provides you reassurance as well.’
Key clients
Banco Santander Totta
Unión de Créditos Inmobiliários
JCDecaux
Fastfiber
Unilabs
Hospital Particular do Algarve
Booking
DAF Trucks
DST
Arrow Global
Meliá Hotels International
Möet Hennessy
Prénatal
Danone
Grandvision
Work highlights
- Advising and representing Banco Santander Totta and Unión de Créditos Inmobiliários in an antitrust case concerning alleged anticompetitive conduct in the form of information sharing among several Portuguese credit institutions.
- Representing JCDecaux in competition matters, including merger control proceedings and subsequent judicial appeals, resulting from the Portuguese tender for outdoor advertising displays in Lisbon.
- Acting for Hospital Particular do Algarve, S.A. in connection with the PCA’s antitrust investigation into the domestic private-hospitals sector.
Portugal > Insolvency and restructuring Tier 2
Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho offers expert guidance to both debtors and creditors in domestic and international cases, with a particular focus on preventive restructuring mechanisms, insolvency proceedings, related litigation, and the development and implementation of step-in structures. Leading the team are David Sequeira Dinis, who specialises in bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, managing both litigation and out-of-court settlements, and 'competent, experienced, and results-oriented' Nuno Salazar Casanova, who represents clients in insolvency and restructuring proceedings at the national and international level. Luís Bértolo Rosa maintains a broad non-contentious and contentious practice covering litigation, preventive restructuring, loan-to-own strategies, and NPL deals.Practice head(s):
David Sequeira Dinis; Nuno Salazar Casanova
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The quality of work, technical knowledge, unbeatable attention to detail and tireless work capacity make this team the best team in Portugal in restructuring and insolvency.’
‘David Sequeira Dinis is by far the best restructuring and insolvency lawyer in Portugal.’
‘Uría’s Lisbon team has the best mix of commercial understanding and legal advice in the market.’
‘David Sequeira Dinis gives the best advice for my interest.’
‘Very good team with a willingness to work.’
‘They showcase collaboration, practical sense, availability, technical quality, and knowledge.’
‘Very complete team, with comprehensive and creative responses.’
‘Nuno Salazar Casanova is competent, experienced, and results-oriented.’
Portugal > Planning law Tier 2
Showcasing a 'deep understanding of the complexities of the Portuguese planning system’, Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho handles a host of mandates, covering licensing issues, environmental assessments, public-domain matters, and real estate transactions. Gonçalo Reino Pires, who advises both public and private sector clients in urban and spatial planning, including residential, commercial, industrial and logistics developments, steers the practice. Pedro Teixeira de Sousa focuses on licensing procedures and real estate projects, guiding clients in the acquisition of real estate assets, as well as contractual, regulatory, and planning matters.Practice head(s):
Gonçalo Reino Pires
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Gonçalo Reino Pires has very strong technical knowledge.’
‘The team has deep understanding of the complexities of the Portuguese planning system.’
‘Both Gonçalo Reino Pires and Pedro Teixeira de Sousa have provided an excellent service. Their advice, dedication, and relationships were invaluable to our project.’
Key clients
1875 Finance
Accor Group
Azora
Bachmann Group
Bondstone
Cetim
Cobble Capital
Deka Immobilien
Davidson Kempner / ECS Capital
Explorer Investments
Fibeira Group
Finsolutia
Gingko Advisor
Grand Bay Residences
Habitat Invest
Iberdrola
Ikos Resorts
IMP BV
Magnawoods / Larmag Group
Multi Development
Nelson Group
Overseas Group
Qantara Capital
Quest
Renova
ReyalUrbis
Second Episode Living
Sonagi
Sostate Group
Universidad Europea
UpSight Investments
Urbanipera
Vilaminho
Wolf Capital
Work highlights
- Advising 1875 Finance on the development of an execution unit in Lisbon, encompassing an area of approximately 250,000 square metres.
- Advising BBondstone on the acquisition and development of Morgadinho in Loulé, covering approximately 67 hectares with a construction area of 114,500 square metres.
- Advising Habitat Invest on the acquisition and development of Almar in Almada, featuring a construction area of about 51,000 square metres.
Portugal > Public law Tier 2
At Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho, the team is commended for its 'deep and solid knowledge of all areas of public law', including public contracts, privatisations, complex regulatory proceedings and public law litigation. The practice is led by Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, who is singled out for his deep expertise in public procurement, public law disputes, as well as public sector finance, and environmental law. Afonso Choon is distinguished for his proficiency in contentious matters and public procurement. With extensive experience in both contractual and litigious issues in the energy sector, João Louro e Costa often guides clients through privatisations and regulatory proceedings. Practice head(s):
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala
Other key lawyers:
Afonso Choon; Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa; Mariana Viana Pedreira; João Louro e Costa
Testimonials
‘Bernardo Diniz de Ayala is a true leader and has a very good command of public law and litigation issues. Mariana Viana Pereira, associate, has demonstrated enormous technical capacity and a lot of good knowledge.’
‘The public law team has valuable technical know-how combined with a lot of practical experience. The lawyers are very quick in responding, available for occasional contact and flexible in terms of evaluating matters, allowing them to make complete assessments. ’
‘Bernardo Diniz de Ayala always brings a very pragmatic approach to the matters submitted to him, helping to achieve the best solutions. Afonso Choon stands out for his pragmatic and assertive approach.’
‘Very consistent and solid team, deep knowledge of the area, and a strong degree of specialisation.’
‘Bernardo Diniz de Ayala is a very present and knowledgeable partner. Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa is an excellent lawyer, and Mariana Viana Pedreira is a junior to watch.’
‘The team has deep and solid knowledge of all areas of public law, with a special focus on public procurement and projects.’
‘Bernardo Ayala is an excellent example for everyone; João Louro e Costa is exceptional and has comprehensive legal knowledge of the energy area; Afonso Choon has solid knowledge of public law (especially public procurement and administrative litigation), is dedicated, and searches for the best solutions.’
‘Mariana Viana Pedreira is an up-and-coming associate who runs the whole team. Hugely impressive.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Euroscut Açores (Cintra-Ferrovial Group)
European Investment Bank (EIB)
JCDecaux S.A.
Booking.com
Avincis (formerly Babcock)
XAIA Investment
Ecodeal
Ancala
Reyal Urbis, S.A.
Growing Spring – Investimentos Imobiliários e Turísticos, S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising Euroscut Açores (Cintra-Ferrovial Group) on the financial rebalance procedure of its Açores motorway concession.
- Advising JCDecaux on an injunction filed against a merger control decision from the Portuguese Competition Authority.
- Representing Avincis (formerly Babcock) in several public law matters, including administrative, judicial and arbitration proceedings.
Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho > 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 130 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 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
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Finance | Pedro Ferreira Malaquias | ||
| Capital Markets | Carlos Costa Andrade | ||
| Competition | Tânia Luísa Faria | ||
| Corporate / M&A | Francisco Brito e Abreu | ||
| Corporate / M&A | Antonio Villacampa | ||
| Dispute Resolution and Arbitration | Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho | ||
| Employment | André Pestana Nascimento | ||
| Energy and Natural Resources | Bernardo Diniz de Ayala | ||
| Intellectual Property | Francisco Brito e Abreu | ||
| Project Finance | Bernardo Diniz de Ayala | ||
| Public | Bernardo Diniz de Ayala | ||
| Real Estate and Planning | Duarte Garin | ||
| Restructuring and Insolvency | David Sequeira Dinis | ||
| Tax | Filipe Romão |
