Watson Farley & Williams LLP > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
Watson Farley & Williams LLP Offices
MARIA DE MOLINA, 4
28006 MADRID
Spain
Watson Farley & Williams LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Spain > Projects and energy Tier 1
With deep expertise in the energy sector, Watson Farley & Williams LLP is a reference for clients seeking assistance with the financing and development of projects, M&A transactions and contentious matters. Managing partner MarÃa Pilar GarcÃa Guijarro, who has over 25 years' experience in the energy segment, supports investment funds, banks and industrial clients in a multitude of transactions. Singled out for his keen focus on renewable technologies, Rodrigo Berasategui is the name to note for project finance. Energy specialist David Diez often acts for domestic and international clients in M&A, project finance and development.Practice head(s):
MarÃa Pilar; GarcÃa Guijarro
Other key lawyers:
Rodrigo Berasategui; David Diez; Javier Ester
Testimonials
‘Firm with great specialisation in the sector.’
‘David Diez has a great knowledge of the energy sector.’
‘Kindness, effectiveness and efficiency.’
‘Knowledge and experience in a variety of transactions, (including M&A, financing, project contracts and regulatory issues). Very rigorous and at the same time commercial.’
‘The WFW team has great knowledge of current regulations as well as new interpretations of different organisations. ’
‘David Diez is a prestigious professionals, committed to his clients. He always provides very well-founded interpretations.’
Key clients
Cerberus Capital Management
CDPQ (Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec)
CIP (Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners)
CPPIB (Canada Pension Plan Investment)
Falck Renewables
Helios Energy Investment
Macquarie Capital
Noy Infrastructure & Energy Investment Fund
Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc
Ontario Pension Trust
Sonnedix
T-Solar
Q-Energy
Iberdrola
GALP
Saeta Yield
Acciona
FRV
Solaria
Cúbico
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo T-Solar Global, owned by private equity firm I Squared Capital, and its M&A advisers – Goldman Sachs and PJT Partners – on the sale of Grupo T-Solar Global and its portfolio of renewable assets located in Spain and Italy.
- Advised CIP on the acquisition of a portfolio of renewable wind assets under development with an aggregate capacity of c. 1,130 MW, located in the autonomous community of Aragón, Spain from Forestalia Group.
- Advised Green Arrow Capital SGR on the acquisition of a portfolio of solar PV projects under development in Spain with an overall expected capacity of 508 MW and a total value of €400m+ from Progressum Energy Development, through its subsidiary Green Arrow Infrastructure of the Future Fund.
Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
Singled out for its ‘in-depth knowledge of the Spanish renewable energy market‘, Watson Farley & Williams LLP is routinely engaged by corporations, financial institutions, industrial clients and investment funds in a variety of M&A work in this space. Typical mandates for the group range from share and asset deals, including portfolio transactions, to disposals, joint ventures and corporate restructuring. MarÃa Pilar GarcÃa Guijarro, who spearheads the corporate and M&A department, specialises in energy-related M&A and PE deals, with a special focus on the renewables segment. Ana Lorenzo is also part of the core team, advising energy and infrastructure clients on the entire spectrum of corporate and M&A mandates.Practice head(s):
MarÃa Pilar GarcÃa Guijarro
Other key lawyers:
Ana Lorenzo; Javier Ester; Gonzalo Aranzabal
Testimonials
‘What makes this practice exceptional is its ability to offer ongoing assistance in resolving queries related to the interpretation and compliance of framework agreements, sales and purchase agreements and development agreements, as well as any other query related to the transaction, whether of a commercial, administrative, tax or commercial nature. The firm has extensive experience in photovoltaic contracts, which allows us to receive precise and effective guidance. They stand out for their ability to address complex issues and offer practical solutions in real-time.’
‘This firm has in-depth knowledge of the Spanish renewable energy market. The team focuses on achieving excellence in its service. They carefully select the best lawyers and encourage their training and continuous development.’
‘ What distinguishes the firm’s lawyers is their unique combination of proximity, speed and deep knowledge of renewables. It stands out for its ability to offer alternatives and always being available to satisfy our needs as a client. In particular, Héctor Suarez Martin stands out as an outstanding associate. Their experience and skills are an invaluable asset that allows them to provide high-level advice in the energy sector. Outstanding qualities of the firm’s lawyers include a client-focused approach, quick response, deep knowledge of renewable energy, and Hector’s experience, which sets them apart from the competition. ’
Key clients
Northleaf Capital
Foresight Group
Axpo Services AG
RGREEN
Green Arrow Capital
Encavis AG
Sonnedix
REDEN
Ventient Energy
Isemaren
Work highlights
- Advising Northleaf Capital Partners (Canada) Ltd on the sale of a significant stake in the Holdco company NCP Mula Solar Spain SL to Q-Energy.
- Advising Foresight Group on its sale of a portfolio comprising 12 operational solar PV plants in Spain and Portugal with a total installed capacity of 54.5 MWp to Infranity .
- Advising Green Arrow Capital SGR on the acquisition of a portfolio of solar PV projects under development in Spain with an overall expected capacity of 508 MW from Progressum Energy Development, through its subsidiary Green Arrow Infrastructure of the Future Fund.
Spain > Environment Tier 3
Clients praise the environmental team at Watson Farley & Williams LLP for its ‘detailed technical-legal and commercial knowledge' and its 'practical approach to advice’. The team is well versed in matters concerning environmental permitting, waste management, contamination claims, administrative proceedings, compliance and carbon offsetting issues. With significant experience in regulated sectors and public law matters, David Diez is routinely sought out his strong track record in high-value corporate transactions in the energy space. Luis González GarcÃa regularly assists with matters relating to waste, industrial emissions and contamination.Practice head(s):
David DÃez; Luis González
Testimonials
‘Provides comprehensive support, including in the areas of administrative, regulatory, environmental law, etc. It has highly qualified professionals and carries out its activity in a coordinated manner with the client, showing great empathy. The partners are accessible and the quality of the work is excellent. ’
‘WFW has highly qualified lawyers. It is worth highlighting the fact that the partners participate directly in the work and are accessible to clients. In particular, I would highlight the work of David DÃez and Luis González.’
‘It is a highly specialised team, with the capacity to attend to matters extremely diligently, even in adverse conditions, such as the need to prepare documents in a very short space of time. I also value very positively their pro-activity in the matters assigned to them, as well as their absolute availability to take on any job at any time.’
‘Luis González is one of the best professionals I know, and stands out for his extensive knowledge, approachability and practicality, and for his friendly and simple character.’
‘Knowledge of regulations and practical experience in complex matters with previous clients.’
‘This is a team with deep technical-legal knowledge, close treatment and with an agile and practical response to the client to facilitate decision-making of the internal legal advice and the client’s business.’
‘Detailed technical-legal and commercial knowledge and the practical approach to advice.’
‘Commercial knowledge of the renewable energy sector. They are always very aware of the developments that affect the sector.’
Key clients
Solarpack Corporation
Alfanar
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
Opdenergy
Verbund
Econergy International
Premier Energy Engineering
Akuo renovables
Benbros
Plenium Partners
Abanca Corporación
Nexer
Q-Energy
Statkfraft
Verbund
Caixabank
Fuerzas Eléctricas de Zaragoza
Greenalia Biomass Power
Sonnedix
Villar Mir EnergÃa, S.A.
Tayan Energy
Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF)
Work highlights
- Advised Altano on a €90m financing transaction relating to 11 operating hydroelectric plants and a photovoltaic plant under development with a total capacity of 107.37 MW.
- Advised Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners through its CI Advanced Bioenergy Fund I on the environmental aspects of the purchase and sale of two large industrial-scale biogas plants in Spain.
- Advised Abanca on the refinancing of an infrastructure project comprising seven wastewater treatment plants in Aragón, Spain.
Spain > Private equity Tier 3
Best known for its strong credentials in the energy sector, Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises large private equity, pension and infrastructure funds on a range of mid-market and high-cap transactions. Recent highlights have seen the firm handle numerous acquisitions of renewable assets portfolios on behalf of large PE clients. Typical mandates also include LBOs, disposal processes, financings and venture capital matters – often with an international component. MarÃa Pilar GarcÃa Guijarro, who assists major international and Spanish funds with different risk profiles, chairs the practice. Ana Lorenzo is also proficient in PE investments in the energy and infrastructure segments.Practice head(s):
MarÃa Pilar GarcÃa Guijarro
Other key lawyers:
Ana Lorenzo; Javier Ester
Key clients
Northleaf Capital
Foresight Group
Axpo Services AG
RGREEN
Green Arrow Capital
Encavis AG
Sonnedix
REDEN
Ventient Energy
Isemaren
Plenium Partners
Noy Infrastructure & Energy Investment Fund
Work highlights
- Advised CIP on the acquisition of a portfolio of renewable wind assets under development with an aggregate capacity of circa 1,130 MW, located in the autonomous community of Aragón, from Forestalia Group.
Spain > Transport: Other transport Tier 3
Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s maritime, aviation, and transport team is praised for its ‘excellent service‘. Jointly led by the ‘outstanding‘ Alfredo Cabellos and Laura Cadenas, the practice has a particular focus on aviation and rail, with expertise spanning insolvency, regulatory matters, and the registration and financing of aircraft. Joana Roca Marimón is a core contact for acquisition finance and tax lease transactions.Practice head(s):
Alfredo Cabellos; Laura Cadenas
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very reactive and also proactive. Always striving to provide – and actually delivering – an excellent service.’
‘Great relationship with clients and collaboration.’
‘The spirit and work carried out by Alfredo and his team is absolutely unique.’
‘Alfredo Cabellos is an outstanding professional. It is always a pleasure to work with him. My experience with Alfredo is always extraordinary. ’
Key clients
Edda Wind
Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
Axpo Iberia
Royal Greenland
Bankinter
Greenalia Logistics
Downwind
Prow Capital
Spain > Transport: Shipping Tier 3
Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s asset and structured finance team - jointly led by the ‘pleasant‘ Alfredo Cabellos and recently promoted Laura Cadenas - is singled out for its experience in ship finance matters and its niche expertise in the aquaculture sector. The team, which attracts instructions from shipowners, financial entities, charterers and P&I clubs, is also adept at advising on construction contracts and purchase and sale agreements. Jose MarÃa Pery is a name to note for asset finance, purchases, and sales in the maritime sector; his expertise also extends to shipping disputes.Practice head(s):
Alfredo Cabellos; Laura Cadenas
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are very professional, well-informed and have a high level of service.’
‘Alfredo Cabellos is such a pleasant man to work with. He knows his field of practice very well and his advice is always to the point and highly valued by us and our clients.’
Key clients
UBS
Alsaker
Havila Kystruten AS
ABN AMRO
Edda Wind ASA
Caixabank
DNB
Nordic Trustee
Work highlights
- Advised Fiskebas Fishing Company Limited on the implementation of a tax lease structure in Spain for the construction, acquisition, finance and exploitation of a 69.60 m. midwater trawler which is presently under construction at a shipyard in the north of Spain.
- Advised Havila Kystruten Operations AS, as Spanish counsel, on the dispute before the English High Court in relation to the financing of 2 vessels to be built in Spain by Astilleros de J. Barreras, which were cancelled.
- Advised the company Edda Wind, and the lenders (UBS and ABN Amro) in relation to the Spanish aspects of the financing of one offshore support vessel, under construction at Astilleros Gondán, in Spain and more particularly with the delivery of the vessel under a Spanish tax lease scheme.
Spain > Banking and finance Tier 4
Watson Farley & Williams LLP is home to a ‘dynamic team with great partner accessibility‘ that is regularly engaged by banks, investors and major corporates in a host of banking and finance matters. The group is ‘able to excellently advise on a range of complex transactions in the infrastructure and energy space‘. In addition to its strong credentials in the project finance space, the firm is also equipped to assist with acquisition finance, asset-backed deals, real estate-related transactions, trade finance and debt restructurings. Rodrigo Berasategui, whose notable areas of practice include the financing of energy (chiefly renewable) and infrastructure projects, spearheads the department. Project finance is also among Jose MarÃa Anarte‘s legal specialisms, while Laura Cadenas, who was promoted to the partnership in May 2023, specialises in asset finance, encompassing the financing of ships and aircraft.Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Berasategui
Other key lawyers:
José MarÃa Anarte; Laura Cadenas; Alfredo Cabellos; Antonio Cáneva
Testimonials
‘An exceptional legal team made up of magnificent professionals who always give 100% to represent the client. Absolute disposition, extensive experience that provides added value in collaboration and work of the highest quality. ’
‘Very professional and exceptional quality of work. ’
‘Knowledge, reliability in their contracts, negotiation skills with the counterparty and knowledge of the market in general.’
‘The team works very efficiently and can excellently advise on a range of complex transactions in the infrastructure and energy space. They provide the full array of services across all disciplines from financing to corporate and have a second-to-none regulatory department. They have a client-centric approach and are always willing to go the extra mile. ’
‘Rodrigo Berasategui is very knowledgeable and good to have on one’s side. He is very much available but also has a very capable team.’
‘Dynamic team with great partner accessibility.’
‘It is a team willing to work hard and with sector knowledge. They are very deal-driven.’
‘Team of great professionals.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO and Commerzbank
BBVA
Opdenergy
Bankinter
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander on a €1bn green loan with a European Export Credit Agency guarantee granted to Iberdrola for the financing of the acquisition of turbines for both onshore and offshore windfarm projects in Spain, Poland, Greece, Germany and the United Kingdom.
- Advised ABN AMRO and Commerzbank, as part of a syndicate of lenders including the European Investment Bank (EIB), on a €372m loan granted to Solaria for the long-term financing of a 736 MW Spanish solar PV portfolio currently under development.
- Assisted a banking syndicate led by BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Sucursal en España in a financing granted in favour of companies of the Healthcare Activos Group for the purposes of refinancing the portfolio’s current debt and financing future acquisitions in Spain and Portugal.
Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 4
Watson Farley & Williams LLP's dispute resolution practice operates on a global scale, catering to banks, private equity funds, corporates, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. The team is frequently advises on civil and commercial matters, including restructuring processes and bankruptcy proceedings. It is also renowned for its prowess in arbitration matters, regularly navigating ICC and domestic cases, while also representing executives and directors in proceedings pertaining to white-collar crime. Victor Mercedes leads the practice, bringing his experience as a former State attorney to provide skilled advice on criminal law matters, corporate crime, and compliance; he is a frequent presence before Spanish criminal courts, including the national and supreme courts.Practice head(s):
VÃctor Mercedes
Other key lawyers:
Sofia Fernández
Testimonials
‘Its agility and flexibility to seek a tailored solution in each procedural scenario, taking into account the potential risks derived from the conflict sets the team apart. The sensitivity to assess criminal risks taking into account the client’s particular circumstances is also of note.’
Key clients
Enel
Applus
TMF
Lombard Odier
Malaysia Airlines
Maderna Fonder
Idiada
Work highlights
- Advised ENEL on various contractual disputes against owners of relevant parcels of land, in which ENEL operates several renewable energy plants.
- Advised Malaysia Airlines on various commercial disputes filed by consumers before Madrid Courts alleging breaches of contract in relation to specific transportation and aviation regulations.
- Advised Maderna Fonder AB on several distressed assets acquisitions and related commercial and insolvency litigation in Palma de Mallorca and Marbella.
Spain > Tax Tier 6
Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s tax team, complimented for providing ‘very high quality service‘, is especially adept at advising on international tax matters in the renewable energy, maritime and aviation sectors. Luis Soto, who is experienced in tax disputes and cross-border transactions, heads up the team and is recommended by clients for his ‘excellent knowledge'. Financial entities, corporations, funds and private equity firms turn to Javier Gabiña for his experience in the tax structuring of M&A and financing transactions.Practice head(s):
Luis Soto
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Watson team, at both a commercial, tax and specialised energy advice level, provides a very high quality service in a very tight timeframe.’
‘Luis Soto commands excellent knowledge of tax implementation derived from his broad experience.’
‘In-depth knowledge of the sector. I would highlight Luis Soto and Javier Gabiña.’
‘It is a technically very prepared team with a high degree of specialisation, which provides quality advice on complex issues.’
‘The team is pretty well structured, with relevant expertise and experience, deep knowledge of the theory and its appropriate application in real business terms.’
‘Luis Soto stands out for his deep knowledge of the energy sector.’
Key clients
Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc
UNEF
RGREEN INVEST
Work highlights
- Adivsed Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc on the tax aspects of the acquisition of a 175 MW photovoltaic portfolio under development in southern Spain from Jinko Power Spain, S.L..
- Advised RGREEN INVEST on its investment of up to €42m, via its INFRAGREEN IV fund, in a joint venture with UMBRELLA SOLAR INVESTMENT for the construction and operation of 14 solar PV projects in Spain with 212 MWp aggregate capacity.
Spain > White-collar crime
Watson Farley & Williams LLP > Firm Profile
Dedicated to client care, industry focus and investment in our people
We are a sector specialist international law firm in the Energy, Infrastructure and Transport sectors advising on complex transactions and disputes through local knowledge and an integrated international network.
Our business exists to help our clients achieve their goals, partnering with them to meet the challenges they face today and will face tomorrow.
Our values rest on developing deep and long-lasting relationships externally and internally through respect, sharing, communication and integrity.
We strive for excellence in all that we do and view investment in our people as key to achieving our business goals and values.
Our teams are integrated across legal disciplines and offices delivering consistently high levels of service locally and in combination across borders.
History: Sector focus has been at the heart of our strategy since we opened for business in 1982. Having started life as an asset finance boutique focussing on the maritime and aviation industries, our transport focus quickly expanded to other supply-chain led industries, most notably, renewable and conventional energy and infrastructure across these industries.
Through our offices around the world, we provide a full suite of services within our core sectors enabling us to deliver exceptional value to our clients.
Facts
- Founded 1982
- 200+ partners
- 700+ lawyers
- 19 offices
Senior Partner:Â George Paleokrassas
Managing Partner:Â Lindsey Keeble
Key Contacts
Aviation: Jim Bell, Charles Viggers
Energy:Â Malte Jordan, Henry Stewart
Infrastructure: Florian Kutzbach, Jose Maria Anarte
Maritime:Â George Macheras, George Paleokrassas
Mining & Commodities: Sumeet Malhotra, Jan Mellmann
Oil & Gas: Chris Kilburn
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maria Pilar Garcia Guijarro | MarÃa has more than 20 years of experience in the energy and infrastructure… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Partners : 200+ Lawyers : 700+ Offices : 19Languages
25+ languages- Projects and energy