Araoz & Rueda > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
Araoz & Rueda Offices
PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA 164
28046 MADRID
Spain
Araoz & Rueda > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
Araoz & Rueda, an independent firm which started out as a corporate transactions boutique, demonstrates a strong capacity to handle a range of transaction types, including M&A, spin-offs, joint ventures, national and international contracts and day-to-day commercial affairs. Pedro Rueda fronts the practice, which is home to specialist knowledge in the health, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, construction, media, transport, logistics and renewable energy sectors. The recently promoted Guillermo Bueno is a key practitioner in the team, often acting on the due diligence and contract drafting components of transactions. Former practice co-head Israel De Diego has left the firm.Practice head(s):
Pedro Rueda
Other key lawyers:
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz; Francisco Solchaga; Guillermo Bueno; Vicente Paramio
Testimonials
‘The team was very responsive, even late at night and provided a level of service akin to London City law firms.’
‘The firm provided a very seamless service on a complex M&A transaction, with Pedro Rueda very much leading from the front and being the key contact at all times, obtaining input from specialists as and when needed. Strong, partner led team that anticipated what we wanted and how we like to work. They spend time building the relationship and their style is very much a trusted adviser. They make deals easier, especially for those with less experience of the Spanish market.’
‘Pedro Rueda is very strong, pragmatic, calm, charming and statesman like – someone we were very pleased to have on our side in difficult negotiations. Someone we trusted from the outset. Provided very clear, straightforward advice on complex issues and was always ready with solutions to issues that arose.’
‘Vicente Paramio is a strong performer, always available and conscious of the need to explain Spanish-market specific practices to us.’
‘Araoz has a team with a lot of experience, they answer any request in less than 24 hours and with an irrepressible quality.’
‘I have already worked with Pedro Rueda and Guillermo Bueno; they are all exceptional, considering the experience of each one. Organisation, control of the entire process and responsiveness is common to all.’
‘The main singularity is that they combine the capacity of large firms with the efficiency and craftsmanship of medium-sized firms, always dedicating adequately dimensioned team.’
‘They are all very solid lawyers with great experience, which means that they are always very focused on the economic-business context of the operations with a fluent handling and creativity of the law.’
Key clients
Molecor Tecnología
Affluence Corporation
Strategy Analytics
Abantos Desarrollo Empresarial
Bomi Italia, SpA
Assa Abloy Global Solutions Ibérica
Winchannel
The Phone House Spain
Axway Software Iberia
Avanza Spain
Amundi Private Equity
A Contracorriente Films
ENI
Vivendi
Work highlights
- Provided advice to ENI on the acquisition of Spanish electricity and gas trading company Aldro Energía.
- Advised Grupo Orpea on the acquisition of Hestia hospital group.
- Provided advice to the French fund Amundi Private Equity Funds on the acquisition of the group of companies led by the Spanish company The Reffeer Group.
Spain > Employment Tier 4
Araoz & Rueda's employment practice excels in all manner of senior management negotiations, and the team also frequently acts in collective dismissals, bargaining agreements and due diligence for transactional matters. After her promotion to partner in January 2021, Clara Mañoso now co-leads the practice alongside Alfonso Suárez.Practice head(s):
Alfonso Suárez; Clara Mañoso
Testimonials
‘Quality, speed and personalized service.’
‘Alfonso Suarez: exceptional legal quality of his work, proximity and availability, ease in explaining complex legal concepts, decisive.’
‘Clara Mañoso: excellent availability, speed and legal approach.’
Key clients
The Phone House Spain
Kotobuki Seating Co.
Hines
Grupo Cargo
Majórica
Enfinity
Bomi Italia
Omega CRM
OCS
Advent France
Work highlights
- Advised The Phone House Spain on a collective dismissal and substantial modification of working conditions procedure.
- Assisted the trustee of Majórica with the agreement reached with the employees’ legal representative and trade unions for the termination of 103 employment contracts within the company’s insolvency proceedings.
- Advised Castellana Golf on the processing and filing of a temporary layoff procedure (ERTE) due to production reasons derived from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 5
The ‘responsive, easy to deal with and straightforward' banking and finance group at Araoz & Rueda has particular expertise in the acquisition and sale of NPLs, REOs and asset portfolios. ‘Outstanding' practice head Rafael Bazán is a well-known name in the Spanish market and also has professional experience in banking. He works directly with all clients, and new names instructing the team this year have included JP Morgan and Terra Firma Capital Management. Javier Sánchez and Juan Viaño are the associate team.Practice head(s):
Rafael Bazán
Other key lawyers:
Javier Sánchez; Juan Viano; Alejandro Araoz
Testimonials
‘Very consolidated team, with great experience in the sector and very accessible.’
‘Rafael Bazan – Outstanding in everything.’
‘We have worked with this firm for many years and enjoy doing so. They have a very good knowledge of the market we operate in. They are responsive and reliable.’
‘Alejandro Araoz and Rafael Bazan are both extremely good and commercial in approach. They are very approachable. They understand our sector very well which is very helpful.’
‘Responsive, easy to deal with and straightforward. Consistently high quality across practice areas.’
Key clients
Banking pool led by Bankia, Santander, Deutsche Bank and BBVA
Metal Exchange Corporation
Ellington Management Group
Terra Firma Capital Management
Trainvest SAS
Tikehau Management
Savile Funding 2 Sarl
Capza
GoldCup 20117 AB (Rockton Group)
Anthesis Group
Palatine Private Equity
JP Morgan
LCM Partners
Global Loan Agency Services (GLAS)
Work highlights
- Assisted Terra Firma Capital Management with the negotiation and signing of the contracts to finance the costs arising from the filing of lawsuits against the dairy companies sanctioned by the CNMC by 300 farmers.
- Advised Curium Pharma Spain on the extension and ratification of the existing security package as a result of the extension of the financing tranches.
- Acted for JP Morgan on the acquisition of Global Release Liners from Magnum Industrial Partners by Neenah Grows, and on the granting of the Spanish security package in the asset-based lending financing.
Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 5
Araoz & Rueda has considerable experience handling post-acquisition and shareholder disputes, and its energy-sector expertise is also of note. Eduardo de León leads the team and is active in domestic litigation and arbitration, and is also well versed in administrative law and proceedings. Ángel Freire specialises in domestic and international arbitration and is a name to note at the senior associate level.Practice head(s):
Eduardo de León
Other key lawyers:
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz; Ángel Freire; Arturo Brugger
Key clients
SHOP BUSINESS SPAIN
ORPEA IBÉRICA
EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL
DOSA RENOVABLES
PA CONSULTING GROUP
VIVENDI
RON TRANSACTLANTIC ADVISORS
INSTALACIONES DE TENDIDOS TELEFÓNICOS
AUREA CAPITAL
ALTEN ENERGÍAS RENOVABLES
Work highlights
- Advised VIVENDI in Commercial Court and Appeals Court proceedings seeking to suspend Mediaset’s intended merger with its subsidiary Mediaset España.
- Provided advice to Ron Transatlantic Advisors in court proceedings seeking the performance of the obligations arising from a Mediation and Brokerage Agreement entered into with a Spanish Company.
- Represented ITETE in Madrid Court of Arbitration proceedings and litigation proceedings involving disputes with subcontractors concerning performance of the services hired.
Spain > Projects and energy Tier 5
Praised for its ‘absolute knowledge of the sector and its players’, Araoz & Rueda has particular expertise in the promotion, construction, financing, start-up and operation of renewable energy projects, mainly photovoltaic plants. The team is co-headed by the ‘outstanding’ Laura Vintanel, and Francisco Solchaga, who according to a client ‘is a perfect expert in the energy regulatory framework’ and experienced in the development of renewable energy projects.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Alejandro Araoz
Testimonials
‘Extensive knowledge of local legislation and great experience in the operations that we currently carry out in Spain. This facilitates transactions by knowing what the market standard is and the best way to proceed in practice.’
‘I’d highlight its extensive experience and knowledge of renewable operations.’
‘Experience in the sector. Its flexibility in dealing with the client is also a strong point. Special mention to Francisco Solchaga.’
‘The Araoz & Rueda team is united, with a high degree of understanding and, as a strong point, the absolute knowledge of the sector and its players.’
‘Laura Vintanel, outstanding for knowledge of the energy sector, involvement, service and knowledge of competition lawyers. Francisco Solchaga, outstanding for knowledge, service and experience with competition lawyers.’
‘Francisco Solchaga is a perfect expert in the energy regulatory framework and has extensive experience in dealing with all issues related to the development of renewable energy projects.’
‘Lots of experience in the sector combined with an exceptional personal treatment.’
‘Alejandro Araoz, Francisco Solchaga and Laura Vintanel are the people with whom we have dealt the most. Each has proven to be a 10 in their area and together they are the best team I have ever met.’
Key clients
Taaleri Energía
ENI Gas e Luce
Greenmont
Everwood Capital
Rios Renovables
Total
Alantra Solar
Econergy
Circle Energy
Nace Energía
Work highlights
- Advised ENI on its €240m acquisition of Spanish electricity and gas trading company Aldro Energía.
- Assisted Visalia Energía with the acquisition of energy trading company Watium.
- Advised EverwoodCapital on the sale of a 50MWp PV project already in operation in the Zaragoza region to Italian listed company Falck Renewables.
Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 5
Founded in 1994, Madrid firm Araoz & Rueda advises major fashion labels, energy providers, multinational property investment and asset management companies, among others. The group is led by Jesus Conde, who specialises in transaction negotiation and execution, restructuring, sale and leaseback transactions, retail leases and due diligence processes. In addition, the team also assists providers of student housing.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable team of professionals. Available on short notice.’
‘Professional, friendly, competent, well-informed.’
Key clients
Aparto
Ralph Lauren
Europi Property Group
Amundi
Rothschild Family Office
Hines
Neinver
Pimko
Kefren Capital Real Estate
Equilis Investment
Mid Med Hispania
Michael Kors
Spain > Tax Tier 6
Javier Prieto leads the tax group at Araoz & Rueda, which handles international advisory and transactional tax matters, assisting with strategy, inspections and restructuring. Commended for its ‘extensive knowledge of Spain real estate tax', the team also acts in a variety of other sectors, with recent new international clients in the energy and entertainment industries.Practice head(s):
Javier Prieto
Other key lawyers:
Andrés Máiz
Testimonials
‘Great Team! Pleasant to work with, reactive, strong technical skills, pragmatic.’
‘Javier Prieto is not only a great professional but a very nice human being.’
‘Very reactive team, extensive knowledge of Spain real estate tax aspects, excellent quality of the deliverables provided.’
‘Javier Prieto and Andrés Máiz are together a very talented team. They provided a very efficient assistance for our queries regarding Spanish tax matters. In addition to their obvious qualities as tax practitioners, it is worth mentioning their patience, their flexibility and their qualities in human terms.’
Araoz & Rueda > Firm Profile
ARAOZ & RUEDA is a leading Spanish independent firm with broad-based corporate and commercial practice and particular expertise and market recognition in M&A and private equity. Formed in 1994, the firm was recognised early on by the specialised magazines and legal guides as an ‘M&A boutique’. Having grown in size and expanded its scope of services over time, the firm has participated in many of the most significant national and international transactions with blue-chip clients and other leading law firms and involving both listed and non-listed companies. The firm has a strong and growing international orientation with a significant base of international clients and most of its lawyers having international experience and/or education. The firm also provides legal advice in a wide range of practice areas, including:
Private Equity & Venture Capital:
The firm has broad experience in advising private equity investors and venture capital entities in a variety of sectors and for all forms of investments (shares, senior, mezzanine and participative loans, etc.) and divestments.
M&A/Corporate:
The firm has wide experience advising in:
- Mergers and acquisitions of companies, takeover bids and purchase of assets, including the performance of these transactions in bankruptcy and pre-bankruptcy scenarios.
- Incorporation of companies and joint-venture structuring.
- Demerger, liquidation and dissolution of companies.
- MBOs, MBIs, LBO´s, BIMBO´s, etc.
Energy:
The firm has a highly specialized and multidisciplinary team of lawyers with a sound understanding knowledge of the energy sector, particularly in relation to renewable energy projects where they provide clients with a comprehensive legal advice, providing practical solutions in all legal issues arising from an energy project at any stage and combining the regulatory, contractual, real estate, corporate and finance aspects.
Tax:
The firm’s tax practice covers all aspects of corporate taxation and tax structuring.
Employment:
The firm’s advice includes collective and individual dismissals, union-related matters, plant closings and work transfers and involves an extensive litigation practice.
Banking & Finance:
The firm advises financial entities as well as borrowers in a broad range of sectors and transactions, including corporate financing, structured finance, acquisition finance, project finance and real estate finance.
Litigation:
In the litigation area the firm acts in all sorts of judicial proceedings in corporate and commercial matters, representing clients before courts of all levels.
Real Estate:
The firm has broad experience in sale and purchase agreements, transfer, lease agreements and management and administration of all kinds of real estate assets and real estate companies and advises on the financing of real estate projects and carries out related due diligence.
Regulatory & Compliance:
The firm helps clients manage the myriad of national, regional and local regulations affecting their industries. It also represents clients in proceedings before regulatory authorities such as the Spanish Energy Commission, the Spanish Telecommunications Commission as well as the Spanish Securities Commission.
Capital Markets & Securities Regulation:
The firm has advised various listed Spanish companies in a variety of transactions involving the securities markets.
Insolvency & Restructuring:
The firm has a specialisation in insolvency law and restructuring, having provided advice both in the preparation of the petition for voluntary insolvency proceedings and defence of the client’s interests during the whole processes and to the administrators appointed by the Commercial Courts. The firm also regularly advises creditors in insolvency proceedings.
Administrative:
The firm advises numerous clients in a wide range of sectors (outdoor advertising, street furniture, motorways, defence, etc), evaluating the proposals of potential bidders in tenders with the Public Administration and advising on the necessary legal requirements.
Competition (Antitrust):
The firm advises on all aspects of competition law, including merger notifications, antitrust compliance programmes, transactional matters and co-operative agreements.
Unfair Competition:
The firm has made successful court claims against acts of unfair competition injurious to the interests of its clients.
Intellectual Property:
The firm is particularly involved in licensing, contractual and commercial exploitation of intellectual property.
National & International Contracting:
The firm advises in national as well as international commercial contracting in a wide range of manufacturing, distribution, purchasing, sale, licensing, installation, outsourcing, marketing, telecommunications, sponsorship, etc.
National & International Arbitration:
As a natural offshoot of its corporate and commercial orientation, the firm advises clients in arbitral proceedings, under the rules of both international and domestic institutions. Furthermore, partners of the firm are frequently designated as arbitrators in international arbitrations administered by the aforementioned arbitral institutions.
Clients:
The firm represents foreign clients in a variety of industries, including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemicals, engineering, telecommunications, media and technology, automotive, healthcare, transport and logistics and leisure industries.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and finance | Rafael Bazán | bazan@araozyrueda.com | +34 91 566 63 53 |
| Capital markets and securities regulation | Alejandro Fernández de Araoz | araoz@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 06 |
| Competition/Unfair Competition | Ainhoa Veiga | veiga@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 02 |
| Employment | Alfonso Suárez | suarez@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 23 |
| Energy | Francisco Solchaga | solchaga@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 10 |
| Insolvency/restructuring | Eduardo De León | leon@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 49 |
| Energy | Laura Vintanel | vintanel@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 48 |
| Litigation and arbitration | Eduardo De León | leon@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 49 |
| M&A/Corporate Law | Alejandro Fernández de Araoz | araoz@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 06 |
| M&A/Corporate Law | Pedro Rueda | rueda@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 18 |
| Employment | Clara Mañoso | manoso@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 31 |
| Private equity/venture capital | Pedro Rueda | rueda@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 18 |
| Private equity/venture capital | Guillermo Bueno | bueno@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 22 |
| Real estate | Jesús Conde | conde@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 38 |
| Tax | Javier Prieto | prieto@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 03 |
| IP/IT | Ainhoa Veiga | veiga@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 02 |
| M&A/Corporate Law | Guillermo Bueno | bueno@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 22 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mr Rafael Bazán | Partner in the Banking & Finance Department at Araoz & Rueda since… | View Profile |
 | Mr Guillermo Bueno | Partner in the M&A/Corporate Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2021. | View Profile |
 | Mr Jesus Conde | Partner in the Real Estate Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2016. | View Profile |
 | Mrs Clara Mañoso | Partner in the Employment Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2021. | View Profile |
 | Mr Javier Prieto | Javier Prieto, partner of the Tax Department at Araoz & Rueda since… | View Profile |
 | Mr Francisco Solchaga | Partner in the Energy Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2007. | View Profile |
 | Mr Alfonso Suárez | Of-Counsel of the Employment Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2015. | View Profile |
 | Mrs Ainhoa Veiga | Partner in the EU/Competition Law Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2005. | View Profile |
 | Mrs Laura Vintanel | Partner in the Energy Department at Araoz & Rueda, since 2020, she… | View Profile |
 | Mr Eduardo de León | Partner in the Dispute Resolution and Administrative Law Department at Araoz &… | View Profile |