Latham & Watkins LLP > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile

Latham & Watkins LLP
Plaza de la Independencia, 6
Madrid 28001
Spain

Spain > Banking and finance Tier 2

Bringing together experience in a wide range of banking and finance matters - from asset-backed lending and acquisition finance, to project finance and refinancing transactions - Latham & Watkins LLP is a popular choice for financial entities and corporates seeking advice on high-end financing deals. Practice head Fernando Colomina is noted for his wealth of experience in advising borrowers and lenders on sophisticated financing structures, particularly in cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, with a focus on leveraged buyouts. Luis Sánchez frequently acts for creditors, companies and investors in financing and debt restructuring mandates.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Colomina

Other key lawyers:

Luis Sánchez; Pedro de Rojas

Key clients

JP Morgan

The Carlyle Group

Ares Management

Morgan Stanley

Cellnex

Goldman Sachs

BNP Paribas

Fertiberia

Barings

Platinum Equity

Permira

Boluda

Suanfarma

Investindustrial

Alpha wave

Deutsche Bank

Solum Partners

Intermediate Capital Group

Work highlights

  • Advised on the €1.1bn refinancing of Boluda Group.
  • Advised BNP Paribas, as new lender, agent and security agent in relation to the refinancing of Universidad Europea.
  • Advised Deutsche Bank on the financing to Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners for the acquisition of Valoriza Servicios Medioambientales.

Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP is praised for its 'cohesive, international and interdisciplinary team that offers a global service to companies' across a variety of sectors, including energy, waste management, telecoms, advertising, and life sciences. The team is highly sought after for its expertise in handling high-profile M&A transactions of both national and international importance. Ignacio Pallarés steers the team on large-scale divestitures and acquisitions involving public and private entities across the globe. Managing partner Ignacio Gómez-Sancha is a key adviser to institutional investors, investment banks, and public companies on M&A, private equity, and takeover transactions. Other prominent team members include José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos, who advises private equity clients and major corporations on deals in the Spanish and Portuguese markets, Alejandro Ortiz, noted for his expertise in takeover bids, and María José Descalzo, who focuses on M&A in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Other key lawyers:

Ignacio Pallarés; Ignacio Gómez-Sancha; José Antonio Sánchez Dafos; Alejandro Ortiz; María José Descalzo; Carmen Esteban

Testimonials

‘They are a great, cohesive, international and interdisciplinary team that offers a global service to companies. Highly recommended and excellent quality of work.’

‘Special mention to José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos. Great professional and excellent client service.’

‘Maria José Descalzo, a partner specialising in energy, has extensive knowledge of the sector and its regulation. She is experienced in relevant transactions in the Spanish market.’

Key clients

Savvy Gaming Group

Repsol

Telefónica

Urbaser

X-Elio

Opdenergy

Karnov Group

Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Iberconsa

Wallbox

Glovo

Apollo

Bank of America

Verdura S.L.

Kensing, LLC

Microsoft Corporation

KPMG

Gemma Holding S.r.l

Work highlights

  • Advised Enagás on the sale of its stake in Tallgrass Energy for $1.1bn.
  • Advised Telefónica on the sale of a majority stake of its fiber optic business in Peru to KKR and Entel Peru.
  • Assisted Repsol with the acquisition of 40% of the share capital of Bunge Ibérica, S.A.

Spain > EU and competition Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP offers indispensable support to clients in securing merger clearance for their most complex transactions. The team is also highly regarded for its expertise in litigation and investigations before the CNMC, appellate courts, and European tribunals, particularly in follow-on damages claims. Practice head José-Maria Jiménez-Laiglesia is a distinguished competition lawyer, recognised for his adept handling of intricate matters and his extensive international client base. Carlos Betoret plays a key role, focusing on CNMC investigations and high-profile merger clearances for both Spanish and international companies.

Practice head(s):

José María Jiménez-Laiglesia

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘In-depth knowledge of the functioning of competition authorities in Spain and the EU, ability to delve into the specifics of the client’s business and find relevant keys from the angle of competition law.’

‘Technical excellence they add operational excellence with technological solutions that facilitate work.’ 

‘Very client oriented and practical solutions.’

‘José María Jiménez-Laiglesia has very relevant experience and know how in the competition field, including the telecoms sector, a very particular one for competition purposes given its link with sector regulation.’

Key clients

Repsol

Iberdrola

Orange

Telefonica

Viasat

Exide Technologies

Logista

Urbaser

Ferrovial

KKR

CVC

Apollo Global Management

Demant

CEPSA

X-Elio Energy

Egeda

Work highlights

  • Representing Exide Technologies in an appeal by the CNMC before the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Spanish National High Court.

Spain > Private equity Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP advises leading investment funds and private equity houses on substantial investments and exits, as capable of leading billion Euro transactions as it is handling middle market deals. Ignacio Pallarés brings strong cross-border expertise to international divestitures and acquisitions involving public and private entities. Alejandro Ortiz leverages extensive M&A experience in high-profile takeover bids involving private equity players. Ignacio Gómez-Sancha and Ignacio Gómez-Sancha also play pivotal roles in the team’s success.

Other key lawyers:

Ignacio Pallarés; Ignacio Gómez-Sancha; José Antonio Sánchez Dafos; Alejandro Ortiz; Carmen Esteban

Testimonials

‘Extremely efficient, effective and comprehensive.’

‘Nacho Pillares and Carmen Esteban were organised, communicative and diligent in getting a deal done on a short timeline.’

‘High involvement of senior partners. Multidisciplinary firm. Very good lawyers.’

‘Great dedication. Ability to attract young talent. Strong client service culture.’

Key clients

Apollo

Platinum Equity

CVC

The Carlyle Group

Partners Group

KKR

Cerberus Capital Management

Brookfield Asset Management

Bain Capital Credit

Archimed Group

Permira

One Rock Capital

Activum SG Iberia

TA Associates

Seaya Ventures

Blackbrook Capital

Oaktree

Cathay Innovation

Work highlights

  • Advised Apollo in its voluntary offer to acquire up to 100% of Applus Services SA.
  • Advised Platinum Equity on the sale of Urbaser Limited.
  • Advised Partners Group in its joint venture with Medan Capital Partners.

Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP is highly equipped to handle insolvency cases and financial restructuring processes, with a strong emphasis on creditor-side mandates. The group has particular expertise in cases that involve the design of complex capital structures and debt instruments. Pedro de Rojas directs the team, bringing extensive experience advising creditors, investors and portfolio companies on cross-border restructurings. Óscar Franco leads on insolvency litigation mandates, while Luis Sánchez stands out for his expertise in cross-border restructurings and financings.

Practice head(s):

Pedro de Rojas

Other key lawyers:

Spain > Tax Tier 2

Noted for its ‘experience in transactions and specific knowledge of local regulations’, the tax practice at Latham & Watkins LLP is well equipped to advise on a host of transactional matters, including M&A, capital markets, structured finance, restructuring and real estate deals. The practice is under the joint leadership of Jordi Domínguez and Ivan Rabanillo, who frequently assist private equity sponsors, financial institutions and multinational corporations with complex transactional tax issues. Blanca Vázquez de Castro adds significant expertise in the tax aspects of transactions within the real estate, telecoms, and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jordi Domínguez; Iván Rabanillo

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘L&W has a multidisciplinary team that is highly specialised in complex transactions. The tax department handles the most complex matters with a capacity for work and adaptation to the client that is well above average. The high specialisation of the teams allows the firm to deal with complex matters from all areas of law with a very high level of professionalism and dedication to client service.’

‘The people are very friendly and despite their high level of preparation and qualification in the subject that concerns them, they know how to convey and explain complex issues in an easy and simple way, despite the complexity of the topic they are dealing with.’

‘The team is exceptional. They combine quality, creativity and 100% availability. The best in the market.’

‘Jordi Domínguez’s team is exceptional. Their creativity in proposing solutions to complex issues, their absolute mastery of tax practice and their understanding of the commercial aspects of the transactions on which they advise are unmatched.’

‘Its experience in transactions and specific knowledge of local regulations make it a completely reliable firm that helps ensure that the deal is completed successfully.’

‘They have very specialised knowledge. In our case, I would highlight Jordi Domínguez and Iván Rabanillo.’

‘The Latham team is very strong from a technical perspective and provides us with rounded advice. They are also close to the broader market in Spain and can provide us with context of what challenges others are facing. ’

‘Jordi Domínguez and Iván Rabanillo are trusted advisers. The team is very responsive and provides clear practical advice on complex issues spanning multiple asset classes and funds. They have a close knowledge of how our firm operates and issues that worry us and advise appropriately. ’

Key clients

Repsol

Telefónica

Platinum Equity

The Carlyle Group

CVC Capital Partners

Cerberus Capital Management

Apollo Global Management

Goldman Sachs

JP Morgan

Morgan Stanley

Brookfield Asset Management

Global Infrastructure Partners

Barings UK

Blackbrook Capital

Permira

CEPSA

Enagás

Applus

Cairn Capital

X-Elio

Kensing

Solum Partners

Work highlights

  • Advising Enagás on the sale of its minority stake in Tallgrass Energy to Blackstone Infrastructure Partners.
  • Advising Boluda on its refinancing.
  • Advised Repsol on the acquisition of US-based renewable energy platform ConnectGen.

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 3

Work highlights

Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 5

The dispute resolution practice at Latham & Watkins LLP is predominantly instructed by private equity houses, funds, and corporations on civil litigation defense, regulatory enforcements, compliance, and due diligence. The group's focus on financial services alongside its cross-border capabilities continue to attract new and impressive clients to its roster. Heading up the department is Óscar Franco who specialises in real estate litigation, non-performing loan disputes, and restructuring and insolvency matters. The group also benefits from the expertise of Roberto Muñoz who is adept at handling arbitrations arising from M&A, joint venture, and construction disputes.

Practice head(s):

Óscar Franco

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The personal and close treatment of the partners in each case differentiates the team.’

‘Alongside the close relationships they form with clients, they explain cases realistically and in a way that clients can understand.’

‘The group exhibits agility, especially in urgent situations, as well as commercial skills and empathy. They have a brilliant professional quality.’

Key clients

Apollo Capital Management

Cerberus

The Carlyle Group

Goldman Sachs

Neinor

CVC

KKR

Italfarmaco

Bain Capital

Golden Tree

Luxottica

Denham Capital

Round Hill Capital

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

Latham & Watkins LLP has a well-developed Latin America M&A and private equity practice that has a longstanding focus on energy and infrastructure. It has further extended its presence in energy transition and renewables deals, while it has also established a foothold in emerging company and venture capital transactions; it advised fintech operation Evertec, on its headline acquisition of Brazil-based financial management software solutions business, Sinqia. It has further deepened its presence in big-ticket private equity transactions, including advising Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) on its investment in Trabajos Maritimos as part of a joint strategy with Grupo Romero to expand and develop port and mining-adjacent infrastructure throughout the Andean region. The firm remains close to a number of major multinationals that have interests or assets in the region, along with a growing group of multilatinas. Antonio Del Pino chairs the Latin America practice and is a recognised leader in M&A and private equity transactions. Madrid partner Ignacio Pallarés plays a key role in representing Spanish corporates in cross-border transactions involving Latin America. Young Washington DC partner Carlos Ardila remains active in energy and infrastructure M&A and private equity deals, while Eli Curi has played a central role in building the firm’s standing in emerging growth technology company transactions in the region. Francisco Lanusse is a key associate on many of the firm’s prime Latin America deals. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Antonio Del Pino

Testimonials

‘Good response times in general.’

‘They understand the business.’

‘The Latham & Watkins M&A team is very complete, competent, and has very important experience in transactions involving Latin America. The partners know and understand the Latin American culture and have the ability to accompany clients in understanding the legal issues of different jurisdictions, always finding practical and creative solutions.’

‘Latham has the ability to involve multicultural lawyers specialised in all matters without delay.’

‘Great team for cross-border transactions. I have had many experiences working with the Latham team in international business buying and selling processes, and their performance has always been outstanding. A team of lawyers with impeccable academic training, with great commercial orientation, who knows the important aspects of an M&A operation and allows for efficient and very fast execution. Very knowledgeable about the region and what it means to carry out large transactions in our jurisdictions. Without a doubt, Latham’s team is the best you can find for international transactions.’

‘Antonio Del Pino is a reference for M&A issues in Latin America. He is an excellent lawyer, with great business sense, very efficient and a great negotiator. Without a doubt someone you can highly recommend for important transactions in the region. On the other hand, the addition of Carlos Ardilla as a partner of the firm has been excellent. In addition to being a great lawyer, Carlos has proven to be an excellent negotiator and strategic advisor.’

Key clients

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)

EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG)

Evertec

Telefonica

Repsol

Patria Investments

Bunge Limited

Emergent LatAm Holdings

L’Oreal

Norsk Hydro

Softys

Mercato Acquisition Group

Smart Global Holdings

Open Co Holding Limited

GEF Capital Partners

Rapyd Financial Network

Work highlights

  • Advised Global Infrastructure Partners on its acquisition of a 50% stake in Trabajos Maritimos, an integrated port infrastructure platform in Peru.
  • Advised EIG Global Energy Partners on its acquisition of a 25% stake in Repsol Upstream, a newly-formed global exploration and production company comprising Repsol’s entire global upstream oil and gas business.
  • Advised Patria Investment on the formation of a joint venture with Bancolombia.

The firm: Latham & Watkins is a leading international law firm serving multinational companies, start-ups, investment banks, private equity funds, venture capital firms, sovereign wealth funds, governments and other organisations. The firm’s global platform spans Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US, and consists of internationally recognised practices across a wide spectrum of transactional, litigation, corporate and regulatory areas. Latham’s lawyers offer unrivalled legal resources and strategic commercial thinking to provide clients with innovative solutions to complex business and legal matters.

Lawyers here represent Spanish companies, private equity firms and financial institutions in inbound and outbound transactions and disputes, as well as acting for international companies conducting business throughout Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish practice, primarily focusing on M&A, private equity, capital markets, litigation, administrative and regulatory, tax, and antitrust and competition, plays a critical role in Latham’s ability to serve clients worldwide.

The Spanish practice not only draws its strength from the expertise of the lawyers in Spain, but also includes the experience of lawyers based in offices around the world who have significant experience representing entities with Spanish interests. In addition, the Spanish team works closely with the firm’s Latin American practice group to facilitate transactions throughout Latin America.

Areas of practice: Lawyers in Latham’s Spanish M&A and finance practice have broad experience in cross-border M&A transactions involving Spanish companies and non-Spanish companies doing business in Spain, including company acquisitions, advice on excluding tender offers and/or extending European-based tender offers to the US market and arranging public financing. The private equity team has broad experience advising on a full range of transactions, from seed and early-stage capital situations to leveraged buyouts, PIPEs, growth equity investments, spin-outs, rollups, take-privates of established companies, and lately, restructurings and other distress-related transactions, in national or cross-border deals.

Latham & Watkins’ Spanish capital markets lawyers advise on domestic and international aspects of capital markets transactions, as well as on regulatory and corporate governance issues. This is an advantage for their clients when advising on international transactions, and the ability to play a dual role distinguishes the firm from most others in Spain.

Latham & Watkins has one of the strongest litigation and regulatory practices in Spain. Lawyers in this practice have vast experience in litigation and dispute resolution, as well as experience advising clients in national and cross-border arbitration proceedings. They have worked on projects and transactions related to public and administrative law, including matters such as energy, water regulation, transport, telecommunications, administrative proceedings, environmental and, in general, all matters where public administration is involved.

Latham & Watkins’ Spanish tax practice includes a team of highly regarded lawyers specialising in transactional tax, international tax, tax planning and tax structuring of cross-border M&A, capital markets offerings and restructuring transactions. Latham’s Spanish tax lawyers regularly advise companies listed in the Ibex 35 index, Spanish companies and multinational groups, private equity funds, investment funds, venture capital firms and financial institutions on a wide range of domestic and cross-border transactional tax matters.

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate M&A
Capital markets
Litigation
Tax
Antitrust and competition
Finance
Photo Name Position Profile
José María Alonso photo José María Alonso José María Alonso advises clients on the regulatory aspects of complex corporate…
José María Alonso photo José María Alonso José María Alonso advises clients on the regulatory aspects of complex corporate…
Carlos Betoret photo Carlos Betoret Carlos Betoret is an associate in the Madrid office of Latham &…
Fernando Colomina photo Fernando Colomina Fernando Colomina advises borrowers and lenders on complex financing structures in cross-border…
María José Descalzo photo María José Descalzo María José Descalzo represents Spanish and international clients on complex transactions, particularly…
Jordi Domínguez photo Jordi Domínguez Jordi Domínguez advises Spanish and multinational clients on the full spectrum of…
Carmen Esteban photo Carmen Esteban Carmen Esteban advises global private equity funds and multinational companies on their…
Óscar  Franco photo Óscar Franco Óscar Franco is a partner in Latham & Watkins’ Madrid office and…
Ignacio Gómez-Sancha photo Ignacio Gómez-Sancha Ignacio Gómez-Sancha, Managing Partner of the Madrid office of Latham & Watkins,…
José-Maria Jiménez-Laiglesia photo José-Maria Jiménez-Laiglesia
José María Jiménez-Laiglesia photo José María Jiménez-Laiglesia José María Jiménez-Laiglesia represents Spanish and international clients before Spanish and EU…
Luis Manuel Lozano photo Luis Manuel Lozano Luis Lozano counsels Spanish and international clients on sophisticated M&A and private…
Veronika Miskovichova photo Ms Veronika Miskovichova Veronika Miskovichova advises large clients on private equity transactions with a real…
Rafael Molina photo Rafael Molina Rafael Molina represents Spanish and international clients in their most sophisticated transactions…
Roberto Muñoz photo Mr Roberto Muñoz Roberto Muñoz is an associate in the Madrid office of Latham &…
Alejandro Ortiz photo Alejandro Ortiz Alejandro Ortiz advises clients on their most valuable M&A and international private…
Ignacio Pallarés photo Ignacio Pallarés Ignacio Pallarés advises private equity funds and leading Spanish companies on all…
Ivan Rabanillo photo Ivan Rabanillo Ivan Rabanillo advises clients on Spanish and international tax aspects of cutting-edge…
Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero photo Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero leads the Benefits, Compensation & Employment Practice in Madrid and…
Guillermo Ruiz de Salazar  photo Guillermo Ruiz de Salazar Guillermo Ruiz de Salazar advises Spanish and international companies, private equity firms,…
Luis Sánchez photo Mr Luis Sánchez Luis Sánchez Mendez represents domestic and international clients in a range of…
José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos photo José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos advises clients on cross-border M&A and private equity transactions,…
Blanca Vázquez de Castro photo Blanca Vázquez de Castro Blanca Vázquez de Castro advises multinational private equity funds and corporates on…
Pedro de Rojas photo Pedro de Rojas Mr. de Rojas leverages his deep knowledge of the restructuring process and…
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