KPMG Abogados, Spain > Palma de Mallorca, Spain > Firm Profile
KPMG Abogados, Spain Offices
Avda. del Comte de Sallent, 2 - 2º A
Palma de Mallorca
Spain
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KPMG Abogados, Spain > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Tax: The Big Four Tier 2
KPMG Abogados, Spain offers clients a full-service tax law offering, showcasing notable strength in the structuring of business transactions and tax disputes at the local and European level. Other key areas of expertise for the team include real estate and financial services tax issues, customs and excise duties, as well as international and indirect tax. The team, which is overseen by Alberto Estrelles, features corporate income tax and tax litigation specialist Julio César García Muñoz, and Natalia Pastor, who is a key contact for both domestic and international indirect tax issues. Jose Diaz-Faes is proficient in international tax and transfer pricing.Practice head(s):
Alberto Estrelles
Other key lawyers:
Julio César García Muñoz; Natalia Pastor; Jose Diaz-Faes; Pilar García Molinero; Irene Cao; Ricardo Valencia
Key clients
Banco Santander
Inditex
Microsoft
BBVA
Repsol
Banco De España
Telefonica
Ferrovial
Melia Hotels International
Siemens Gamesa
Work highlights
- Represented two of the seven main operators in the fuel energy sector in the challenge of the non-tax patrimonial benefit established on a temporary basis by Law 38/2022.
- Acted on behalf of energy supplier DISA in a CJUE preliminary ruling referred by the Supreme Court of Spain in the context of a cassation appeal brought by DISA.
- Advised Investindustrial on the divestment of 100% stake in the Neolith Group.
Spain > Employment Tier 3
KPMG Abogados, Spain’s expertise spans the gamut of employment matters, including collective dismissals, equality plans, social security issues and litigation. Leadership is shared between Francisco Javier Hervas Martinez, who is noted for his skills in collective bargaining agreements, corporate restructurings and remuneration schemes, and Francisco Fernandez Diez, who predominantly handles M&A work. Blanca Mercado Grande, who joined from Ceca Magán Abogados in November 2022, possesses a strong track record in dismissals, collective negotiations and labour disputes.Practice head(s):
Francisco Javier Hervas Martinez; Francisco Fernandez Diez
Other key lawyers:
Blanca Mercado Grande; Francisco Artacho Sanchez
Testimonials
‘Very efficient team with a lot of technical knowledge. Furthermore, they are always very attentive, even when there is a lot of pressure.’
‘The team is very accessible and it is easy to collaborate even when different legal systems are involved. They have a very practical approach.’
‘They are very practical and objective, they always look out for the client’s interests, and they are very good at relating to and managing clients, even when they are difficult.’
‘This team has very high availability and flexibility, as well as excellent legal service.’
‘I would highlight KPMG’s agility when it comes to answering questions and its flexibility in providing advice.’
‘We really like Francisco Fernandez for his closeness and his vision when it comes to working together with internal legal advisers of companies.’
‘Always available and with practical solutions.’
‘Great training, excellent at understanding the complexities of daily business practice.’
Key clients
Adient
Econocom España
ILUNION
Orlegi Sports
Grupo Prim
Investindustrial
Greening Group
Gonzalez Byass Uk Ltd.
Acerca de CHEP España
Canon Medical Systems
Cook Medical
Work highlights
- Represented Grupo Ilunión in litigation proceedings against the Ministry of Employment and Social Economy before the Social Chamber of the High Court of Justice of the Community of Madrid.
- Advised Adient Automotive on collective negotiations with works councils and trade unions in order to implement an employees’ voluntary separation plan in different worksites of the company in Spain.
- Assisted Mexican group Orlegi Sports with the employment law aspects of the acquisition of a majority stake in Spanish football club Real Sporting de Gijón.
Spain > Insurance Tier 4
The ‘highly specialised’ insurance team at KPMG Abogados, Spain is adept at handling regulatory, litigation, M&A and tax restructurings for its diverse client roster. With a wealth of experience in commercial, regulatory and transactional insurance matters, financial regulatory specialist Pilar Galán Gavilá oversees the alongside Irene Cao Ruiz, who has a keen focus on tax issues pertaining to the financial and insurance sectors. Francisco Carrasco Bahamonde leverages his strong background in the insurance segment to advise industry clients on regulations, corporate governance, drafting of policies and contracts, among other matters.Practice head(s):
Irene Cao Ruiz; Pilar Galán Gavilá
Other key lawyers:
Francisco Carrasco Bahamonde; Pablo Alonso Montes
Testimonials
‘Firm with a highly specialised team in insurance regulation.’
‘Its ability to adapt to the client’s times and needs stands out. The team produces concise and technically correct deliverables. We highlight Pilar Galán Gavila as an outstanding partner.’
Key clients
Santander Mediación Operador De Banca-seguros Vinculado, S.A / Santander Seguros Y Reaseguros Compañía Aseguradora, S.A.
Vida-caixa, Sociedad Anónima De Seguros Y Reaseguros
Liberty Seguros, Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A.
Axa Seguros Generales, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros
Santander Assurance Solutions, S.A.
Mediterráneo Vida S.A., de Seguros y Reaseguros
Chubb European Group S.E, Sucursal en España
Hannover Rück SE, Correduría De Seguros
Work highlights
- Advised AXA on the acquisition of the Spanish insurance and non-insurance companies of French financial group Crédit Mutuel.
- Advised Mediterraneo Vida on the acquisition of the insurance business of Metrópolis Seguros.
- Advising the Spanish branch of Chubb on tax issues, particularly in relation to CIT and NRIT.
Spain > Public law Tier 4
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 5
KPMG Abogados, Spain stands out for its extensive knowledge of financial services regulatory matters, including compliance, investor protection, blockchain and fintech, as well as regulatory transactions and projects. Supported by a strong international network and benefitting from constant contact with the Spanish regulatory authorities, the group is adept at assisting new players with the development of technologies within the financial market, covering crypto assets, robo-advisors and digital services. Francisco Uría Fernández is a key contact in this space; he often advises credit institutions on banking and insurance-related issues, and the implementation of regulations. Another leading figure in this field, Pilar Galán Gavilá is knowledgeable of fintech and blockchain, e-payments and crowdfunding regulations. On the transactional front, the practice particularly excels in asset-backed deals, including aircraft and ship finance.Practice head(s):
Francisco Uría Fernández; Pilar Galán Gavilá
Other key lawyers:
Luis Fernández; Carlos Rey; Pablo Alonso Montes; Manuel Aguilar García; José Millán
Testimonials
‘Francisco Uría Fernández is a unicorn, his experience, knowledge, and talent make him stand out from any competitor.’
‘Knowledge of regulations and trends in our sector.’
‘The entire team is very responsible. They are experts in this field and know our company well. Efficiency and clarity in responses.’
Key clients
SingularBank, S.A.
CaixaBank, S.A., Banco Santander, S.A., Credit Suisse, A.G. Sucursal en España, Credit Suisse Gestión, SGIIC, S.A., Amundi Iberia, SGIIC, S.A.U
Asociación Nacional de Entidades de Gestión de Cobro (ANGECO)
Caja Rural de Navarra, Sociedad Cooperativa de Crédito, Caja Rural del Sur, Sociedad Cooperativa de Crédito
Banco Santander S.A.
Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI)
United Europhil EP, S.A., Digital Virgo EP, S.A.
Banco Santander, S.A.
CaixaBank, S.A.
PayXpert Spain, S.L., PayXpert Group
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5
The ‘excellent professionals‘ at KPMG Abogados, Spain are equipped to handle all manner of corporate and M&A matters. Typical instructions range from disposals and acquisitions, to joint ventures, share capital increases and corporate governance issues. Based in Barcelona, Eneko Belausteguigoitia is active in corporate restructurings and in the negotiation of M&A contracts. Rafael Aguilar is a key contact in Madrid for private equity funds, private companies and public entities. Francisco Vázquez joined as partner from Ashurst LLP in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Eneko Belausteguigoitia
Other key lawyers:
Rafael Aguilar; Borja Marqués Triay; Alejandro Blázquez; Francisco Vázquez
Testimonials
‘Excellent professionals, empathetic and with solid knowledge. Rafael Aguilar and Alejandro Blázquez are recommended.’
Key clients
Toppan Group
WMG Management Europe Limited (Wasserman)
VAM Investments Group s.p.a.
Plenius by Mirovia AB
Armònia SGR S.p.A.
Grupo Econocom España, S.L.
Telefónica Digital España, S.L.
Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 5
With particular strength in corporate structuring, M&A and joint ventures, KPMG Abogados, Spain is singled out for its ‘technical knowledge’, ‘flexibility and proactivity’. Leading the practice, Carlos Bardavío is regularly engaged by a variety of international and domestic clients from across the healthcare, hospitality and retail sectors for his experience with project finance and real estate asset management. María Llorens and Beatriz Ron are also noteworthy for their proficiency in real estate transactional matters.Practice head(s):
Carlos Bardavío
Other key lawyers:
María Llorens; Beatriz Ron
Testimonials
‘KPMG’s real estate team is differentiated by its flexibility and proactivity. They are always willing to look for solutions adapted to their client.’
‘Stands out for its professionalism, technical knowledge of the subject and ability to adapt and simplify problems.’
‘Carlos Bardavío and his entire team are great professionals.’
‘Highly compensated and complete team providing multidisciplinary advice on real estate matters. It is a very well-rounded and compact team. Without a doubt a team on par with any other player on the legal market.’
‘Carlos Bardavío stands out for his fantastic technical advice.’
Key clients
Patrizia
Brookfield
Logistik Service
Segro
Healthcare Activos
Thor
Mahou
Globe Iberia Estates
Omo Retail Invest
Camina Capital & Gestion
Work highlights
- Advised real estate investment manager Patrizia on the acquisition of 2 student housing complexes in Barcelona.
- Advised Segro on the sale of one of its largest properties in Spain, a logistics warehouse in Castellar del Vallés (Barcelona) let to top logistics operator IDL, to Hines.
- Advised Omo Retail on a joint venture with a Spanish family office for the development and letting of a retail park in El Cañaveral, one of Madrid’s new urban developments.
Spain > EU and competition
Spain > Restructuring and insolvency
Interviews
Francisco Uria, Global Head of Banking & Capital Markets at KPMG
KPMG abogados is on the threshold of a new era in which our professionals will form part of multidisciplinary teams offering our clients solutions to complex problems, sharing tools and platforms with them in order to make our communications easier and more secure. Being multidisciplinary, global and IT-evolved is our key strategy. What do you see as the main points that differentiate kpmg abogados from your competitors?
“KPMG-abogados” is different from other law firms as we are part of a global, multidisciplinary services firm such as KPMG. This gives us the possibility to work with many other advisory and audit professionals who contribute relevant expertise in different fields, and the capability to use the most advanced technology.
As a legal firm within the “Big Four” we have brought on board many highly-ranked professionals from the different and most prestigious lawyers´ rankings (Chambers, Legal500, Best Lawyers, IFRL1000, etc.). This combination of quality, multidisciplinary approach and being highly IT-based is quite unique.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
The Spanish economy is recovering quite rapidly from the last crisis, with growth and employment showing a very positive trend in recent years. This has attracted additional interest in our economy from global investors. Areas related to M&A and transactions (including real estate) are the beneficiaries of this drive. I would also add that legal activity concerning regulatory implementation, especially in the financial sector (MIFID II, GDPR, PSD2 or PRIIPS), remains strong.
The activity surrounding Brexit has also been growing in recent months, with UK-based companies seeking different location alternatives, and Spanish companies established or with relevant activity in the UK wanting to gain a better understanding of the potential situations they are going to face in the coming years.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
One of the effects of the last crisis has been clients’ sensitivity to costs. This is something that it is not going to change (at least dramatically) in the near future, so we have to adapt to a situation in which prices are going to be low compared with traditional standards.
We need to be more efficient in order to be able to provide high quality legal services at a moderate cost while also protecting our profitability and ensuring proper remuneration for our professionals. There is no doubt that technology is the only way to make this happen.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
The change is already here. We are working to offer our clients shared tools and platforms in order to make our combined work more efficient and more secure. We are investing heavily in making this a reality for our clients.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
We prefer not to talk about individual clients or proposals but, generally speaking, I think that in the main regulatory implementation projects in which we have being participating over the last two years (MIFID II, GDPR, PSD2, PRIIPS or IDD) we have been able to help our clients in their strategic reflection, providing legal advice on the interpretation of new rules and helping them to effectively change their internal governance, systems and processes using a multidisciplinary team of lawyers and advisors.
I think those projects are a good illustration of the kind of complex projects we are equipped to deal with.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
In nearly all kinds of legal work there is a prior need for strategic reflection on the new regulatory aspects that are going to affect your business model, your profitability, the way in which clients will perceive you, the position you will occupy in the marketplace and your ability to compete with new entities (i.e. fintech or bigtech).
Data & analytics will be crucial to being in a position to provide sophisticated analysis and predictability to our clients, both in terms of customer behavior or future judicial decisions. I see KPMG as a multidisciplinary, global firm able to provide solutions to our clients by combining different perspectives, including tax and legal, and supported by technological capabilities we are only beginning to know.