Araoz & Rueda > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
Araoz & Rueda Offices
PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA 164
28046 MADRID
Spain
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Araoz & Rueda > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4
Noted for being ‘reactive, pragmatic and solutions-driven‘, Araoz & Rueda manages a busy transactional workload where M&A features alongside PE deals, joint ventures and contractual matters. Its broad service offering is matched by an equally varied client base; companies from the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, media and transport sectors frequently retain the team in an array of corporate and M&A matters. The practice is jointly led by founding partner Pedro Rueda, who is active in buy and sell-side M&A, and the all-rounder Alejandro Fernández de Araoz.Practice head(s):
Pedro Rueda; Alejandro Fernández de Araoz
Other key lawyers:
Laura Vintanel; María Nieto; Lucía Medina
Testimonials
‘Multidisciplinary teams prepared to answer all types of questions.’
‘Closeness, flexibility and high reaction capacity.’
‘Great knowledge of the subject.’
‘Close, committed and very practical team.’
‘They are very reactive, pragmatic and solutions-driven.’
‘I have worked with Laura Vintanel and Maria Nieto. Laura is very business-oriented, always trying to understand clients’ needs. Maria is very organised, efficient and reactive.’
‘The entire team around Alejandro Fernandez de Araoz is absolutely unique. All lawyers are extremely well-trained and helpful. The processes are well structured and I have never worked with a firm that gave faster feedback than Araoz. All lawyers know at least a little German, some even fluently. An absolutely recommendable law firm.’
‘The team is exceptionally experienced, commercial and a pleasure to work with. They are proactive, sensible and very competent in advising clients on negotiations. Unlike other larger firms, they are very down to earth and get things done. I would definitely hire them again on any commercial and M&A project in Spain.’
Key clients
Multiscan Technologies
Stemar Capital Partners
Tight Co.
Cargo Group
Creara Consultores
EF Solare Italy
Sopra Steria Group
Beka Finance
Exclusivas JJL
Rimon Group
Work highlights
- Advised the listed Israeli company Rimon Group on the acquisition of the company Europea de Hincas Teledirigidas, S.A.U. from the Terratest Group.
- Advised Tight Co., holding company of Indiba, on the acquisition of the Italian company Eltech K-Laser.
- Assisted the shareholders of Multiscan Technologies in the sale of 100% of the company to Duravant.
Spain > Projects and energy Tier 4
With in-depth knowledge of the electricity and renewables segments, Araoz & Rueda is equipped to handle the financing, development, construction and implementation of projects. Francisco Solchaga is singled out for his strong regulatory capabilities, while Laura Vintanel is engaged in a variety of corporate and commercial matters in the renewable energy sector. The team was recently reinforced by the arrival of Fernando Pérez from Eversheds Sutherland.Practice head(s):
Francisco Solchaga; Laura Vintanel
Other key lawyers:
María Nieto; Fernando Pérez
Testimonials
‘Its main differential value is personalisation and knowing how to put itself in the client’s shoes, providing proactive solutions to possible future problems.’
‘Always available and very flexible.’
‘Always available, happy to listen to different points of view.’
Key clients
ENI Plenitude
Everwood Capital
Aurinka
Alantra Solar
Gashogar (Servigas)
OX2
Circle Energy
Aurea Capital/Dosa
Taaleri Energia
Plenium Partners
Work highlights
- Assisted Alantra with the launch of an investment platform focused on the development, construction and operation of solar plants in Spain and Italy part of a long-term collaboration agreement between Alantra and Solarig and the support as strategic co-investors of Reichmuth and Amundi Energy Transition.
- Advised Plenitude on the acquisition of a wind project with an aggregate capacity of 106 MW in Cuenca from Azora.
- Assisted Circle Energy with the acquisition of a minority stake in Comunidad Solar, a remote self-consumption company.
Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 5
Araoz & Rueda specialises in handling cases related to post-acquisition disputes and conflicts among shareholders, and the practice is particularly well-known for its energy sector expertise, most notably expropriation proceedings related to the development of new infrastructure and mining projects. The team, which handles both litigation and arbitration matters, is led by Eduardo de León , a key contact for administrative law issues; recently promoted partner Ángel Freire; and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz, an expert in corporate and commercial litigation as well as insolvency matters.Practice head(s):
Eduardo de León; Ángel S. Freire; Alejandro Fernández de Araoz
Testimonials
‘Cohesive, solid team, totally oriented to the client’s needs with exceptional service and ability to anticipate problems.’
‘Commitment and flexibility.’
‘Team prepared and updated on the latest news.’
‘This is a team in which there is a lot of talent. The professionals who work there are highly knowledgeable in their specialty. Their advice is prudent, reasoned, intelligent. They stand out especially for their personalised, tailored and immediate treatment on each occasion.’
‘Tailor-made treatment combined with enormous knowledge They also stand out especially for their interpersonal skills.’
Spain > Employment Tier 5
The employment team at Araoz & Rueda boasts considerable expertise in contentious matters, collective bargaining agreements and dismissals. Drawing on the firm's M&A and tax departments to enhance its offering, the team is well versed in transactional matters and restructurings. Head Clara Mañoso attracts instructions from a spread of domestic and international companies seeking assistance with M&A, workforce restructurings and contract terminations.Practice head(s):
Clara Mañoso
Other key lawyers:
María Cano
Testimonials
‘Responsive and friendly lawyers who speak English well.’
‘Clara Mañoso is responsive, commercial and a delight to work with. I would work with her again.’
‘We received high level service for a specific issue, with practical advice to quickly solve our problem. Clara was quick to respond to our questions and provide advice and documents as needed.’
‘Knowledge of the client’s business; attention to detail; quality in the result.’
‘Clara Mañoso and her team are market leaders.’
‘Responsive team and clear advice. They anticipated all possible speed bumps along the way.’
‘Clara is very experienced and has good and deep international experience. There was no issue with language or communication skills at all.’
Key clients
Ecoalf
Exclusivas JJL
Merz Group
Fusion Media
Sensient Essential Oils
Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG)
Lumeon
GEP Management
Michael Kors
Supreme (Gourmey)
Work highlights
- Assisted the managers of Exclusivas JJL on the labour aspects arising from the acquisition of a majority stake in the company from the Italian Celli Group.
- Assisted Merz Group with the labour aspects arising from the business transfer of the therapeutics business from Merz Pharma España to Merz Therapeutics Iberia.
Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 5
Primed with a blend of ‘knowledge and professionalism’, Araoz & Rueda covers the full spectrum of real estate and urban planning matters, providing advice on hotels, student accommodation and senior living projects. Jesús Conde steers the group, predominantly acting for international clients seeking assistance with corporate real estate matters.Practice head(s):
Jesús Conde
Testimonials
‘We really liked the team’s professionalism and seriousness. I feel that they were also very quick with their responses, their drive and their desire to work. I highly recommend them.’
‘They are attentive to absolutely all the details, down to the smallest details. Total availability. Flexible when it comes to billing.’
‘The team is highly sophisticated and provides prompt responses. It team clearly points out legal issues and proposes practical solutions against the issues.’
‘Knowledge and professionalism. They accompany the client throughout the entire process. I especially want to highlight Jesús Conde for his advice.’
‘I have worked with Jesús Conde and I highlight his ability to defend our interests as a client, his good performance in international transactions, his practical nature when solving problems, and his extensive knowledge of real estate. He knows how to work so that transactions go ahead.’
Key clients
Spotify
Miranza
Hesperia
Fidelidade Sociedade Gestora
Groupe CAT
Beka Finance
Eni
Foundation de France
Hipoges
Ralph Lauren
Gestor Spain
Castelus
Work highlights
- Assisted the Belgian group Equilis Investments with the acquisition of a residential building in Madrid located in the Arganzuela area.
- Advised Fidelidades Sociedade Gestora on the acquisition of Orion Building, a prestigious office complex in Madrid.
- Assisted Beka Finance with the real estate aspects of the acquisition of 100% of Trea Asset Management.
Spain > Tax Tier 5
Noted for its extensive experience in the tax planning of transactions, the tax practice at Araoz & Rueda also offers clients assistance with international taxation, restructurings, proceedings initiated by domestic tax authorities, and tax inspections. The team is often called upon by Spanish and foreign companies, family-owned enterprises and private clients, and particularly stands out for its proficiency in the structuring of private equity and real estate investment funds. The ‘reliable‘ Javier Prieto heads up the practice, which also features Andrés Máiz and Elly Wang.Practice head(s):
Javier Prieto
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Javier Prieto is eager to help, reliable, and easy to work with.’
‘Araoz & Rueda is our key partner for Spanish tax issues. Their main strengths are responsiveness and efficiency.’
‘They offer meticulous analysis of the topics.’
‘This is a tremendously prepared team, capable of capturing the client’s needs in an agile way and also providing the solution quickly.’
‘We have worked with the firm on international tax projects involving investments in Spain. We found the firm to be responsive and reasonably priced.’
‘What I really like about this firm is how coordinated it is in all areas of law.’
‘The team members are distinguished by their personal treatment, accessibility and great control of all issues.’
‘I would say the personalised service and breadth of contacts makes this practice unique.’
Key clients
Ecoalf
Andritz
Stemar Capital Partners
West Pharmaceutical Services and
Xelios Biometrics
International Asset Management
Exclusivas JJL
The LYCRA Company
HB Aesthetics
Work highlights
- Assisted Stemar Capital Partners with the different tax alternatives proposed for the acquisition of Mistral Fertility Clinics, S.L.
- Advised Exclusivas JJL on the restructuring of the companies owned by the Vázquez family.
- Acted as sole Spanish tax advisers to International Asset Management regarding the VAT implications of its financial advisory services.
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 6
Noted for its experience in NPL, REO and asset portfolio transactions, the ‘proactive, efficient and commercial‘ practice at Araoz & Rueda handles a mix of asset-backed lending deals, debt restructuring, and corporate and acquisition financings. These are all key areas of activity for department head Rafael Bazán, who is trusted by lenders, borrowers, creditors and debtors alike. The group is also well positioned to advise on regulatory matters, with a particular focus on anti-money laundering issues.Practice head(s):
Rafael Bazán
Other key lawyers:
Javier Sánchez; Juan Viaño
Testimonials
‘An incredible team, highly trained and very good disposition.’
‘They know how to communicate, understand the client’s problem and be practical.’
‘Araoz and Rueda’s lawyers are exceptionally talented and experienced. They are very proactive, efficient and commercial. They understand the nuances of a dynamic deal process and, with their experience in the Spanish banking and finance market, they can advise their clients on the best market terms available.’
‘The team at A&R is experienced and engaged. They are reachable, responsive and will help drive a process through.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas, S.A, sucursal en España
Charme Capital Partners
Affluence Corporation
Consolis Ibérica, S.A
ING Bank, NV, Amsterdam, Lancy/Geneva
Curium Pharma Spain
Caixabank, S.A
Stemar Capital Partners
Capza
Aleph Capital
Work highlights
- Advised BNP Paribas S.A., Sucursal en España and Banco de Santander, S.A. on the negotiation and signing of a syndicated loan granted to Equatorial Coca Cola Bottling Company, S.L., a subsidiary of Cobega, S.A., to finance the acquisition of a number of companies in Algeria.
- Advised Grupo Inversor Hesperia, S.A. and its subsidiaries on the negotiation and execution of the financial agreements relating to the public financial support granted by the Fund to Support the Solvency of Strategic Companies managed by the State Company for Industrial Participations (Spanish acronym: SEPI).
- Acted for Charme Capital Partners and Miura Capital in the negotiation and execution of the facility agreement granted by Tresmares/Bank of Ireland in order to finance the acquisition of Indiba and certain subsidiaries (Intelis Instruments Ltd and Eltech K-Laser).
Araoz & Rueda > Firm Profile
ARAOZ & RUEDA is a leading Spanish independent firm with a 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and securities regulation: The firm has advised various listed Spanish companies in a variety of transactions involving the securities markets.
Insolvency and 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 and 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 and 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 |
| M&A/Corporate | Pilar París | paris@araozyrueda.com | + 34 91 566 63 52 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Mr Rafael Bazán | Partner in the Banking & Finance Department at Araoz & Rueda since… | View Profile |
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Mr Jesús Conde | Partner in the Real Estate Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2016. | View Profile |
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Mrs Clara Mañoso | Partner in the Employment Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2021. | View Profile |
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Mr Javier Prieto | Javier Prieto, partner of the Tax Department at Araoz & Rueda since… | View Profile |
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Mr Francisco Solchaga | Partner in the Energy Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2007. | View Profile |
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Mrs Ainhoa Veiga | Partner in the EU/Competition Law Department at Araoz & Rueda since 2005. | View Profile |
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Mrs Laura Vintanel | Partner in the Energy Department at Araoz & Rueda, since 2020, she… | View Profile |
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Mr Eduardo de León | Partner in the Dispute Resolution and Administrative Law Department at Araoz &… | View Profile |