Latham & Watkins LLP > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile
Latham & Watkins LLP Offices

Plaza de la Independencia, 6
Madrid 28001
Spain
Latham & Watkins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
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 OrtizOther 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-LaiglesiaPractice 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 OrtizOther 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 RojasPractice 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 DomínguezPractice 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 PinoPractice 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.
Latham & Watkins LLP > Firm Profile
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.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Corporate M&A | |||
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Tax | |||
Antitrust and competition | |||
Finance |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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José María Alonso | José María Alonso advises clients on the regulatory aspects of complex corporate… | View Profile |
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José María Alonso | José María Alonso advises clients on the regulatory aspects of complex corporate… | View Profile |
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Carlos Betoret | Carlos Betoret is an associate in the Madrid office of Latham &… | View Profile |
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Fernando Colomina | Fernando Colomina advises borrowers and lenders on complex financing structures in cross-border… | View Profile |
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María José Descalzo | María José Descalzo represents Spanish and international clients on complex transactions, particularly… | View Profile |
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Jordi Domínguez | Jordi Domínguez advises Spanish and multinational clients on the full spectrum of… | View Profile |
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Carmen Esteban | Carmen Esteban advises global private equity funds and multinational companies on their… | View Profile |
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Óscar Franco | Óscar Franco is a partner in Latham & Watkins’ Madrid office and… | View Profile |
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Ignacio Gómez-Sancha | Ignacio Gómez-Sancha, Managing Partner of the Madrid office of Latham & Watkins,… | View Profile |
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José-Maria Jiménez-Laiglesia | View Profile | |
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José María Jiménez-Laiglesia | José María Jiménez-Laiglesia represents Spanish and international clients before Spanish and EU… | View Profile |
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Luis Manuel Lozano | Luis Lozano counsels Spanish and international clients on sophisticated M&A and private… | View Profile |
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Ms Veronika Miskovichova | Veronika Miskovichova advises large clients on private equity transactions with a real… | View Profile |
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Rafael Molina | Rafael Molina represents Spanish and international clients in their most sophisticated transactions… | View Profile |
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Mr Roberto Muñoz | Roberto Muñoz is an associate in the Madrid office of Latham &… | View Profile |
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Alejandro Ortiz | Alejandro Ortiz advises clients on their most valuable M&A and international private… | View Profile |
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Ignacio Pallarés | Ignacio Pallarés advises private equity funds and leading Spanish companies on all… | View Profile |
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Ivan Rabanillo | Ivan Rabanillo advises clients on Spanish and international tax aspects of cutting-edge… | View Profile |
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Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero | Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero leads the Benefits, Compensation & Employment Practice in Madrid and… | View Profile |
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Guillermo Ruiz de Salazar | Guillermo Ruiz de Salazar advises Spanish and international companies, private equity firms,… | View Profile |
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Mr Luis Sánchez | Luis Sánchez Mendez represents domestic and international clients in a range of… | View Profile |
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José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos | José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos advises clients on cross-border M&A and private equity transactions,… | View Profile |
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Blanca Vázquez de Castro | Blanca Vázquez de Castro advises multinational private equity funds and corporates on… | View Profile |
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Pedro de Rojas | Mr. de Rojas leverages his deep knowledge of the restructuring process and… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 2,600+Languages
English French German Italian Portuguese SpanishOther
Other offices : Barcelona Other offices : Beijing Other offices : Boston Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Century City Other offices : Chicago Other offices : Dubai Other offices : Düsseldorf Other offices : Frankfurt Other offices : Hamburg Other offices : Hong Kong Other offices : Houston Other offices : London Other offices : Los Angeles Other offices : Milan Other offices : Moscow Other offices : Munich Other offices : New Jersey Other offices : New York Other offices : Orange County Other offices : Paris Other offices : Riyadh Other offices : Rome Other offices : San Diego Other offices : San Francisco Other offices : Seoul Other offices : Shanghai Other offices : Silicon Valley Other offices : Singapore Other offices : Tokyo Other offices : Washington DCLegal Briefings
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Transacting with troubled companies: navigating stressed, distressed, and insolvent acquisitions
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about significant challenges for many businesses, and a heightened risk of financial difficulty and insolvency. While the number of formal insolvencies has been relatively low thus far, troubled businesses may be forced to pursue accelerated asset disposals, or may themselves present an attractive investment opportunity for new equity stakeholders capable …
Comparative Guides
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United Kingdom: Mergers & Acquisitions
Published: April 2025
Authors: Richard Butterwick Sam NewhouseDouglas Abernethy Rebecca van Yperen
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Mergers & Acquisitions laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
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United States: Acquisition Finance
Published: January 2025
Authors: Brandon AndersonPaul BonewitzDaniel SealeAlfred Xue
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Acquisition Finance laws and regulations applicable in United States.
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United States: Lending & Secured Finance
Published: April 2025
Authors: Lisa Collier Nicole FanjulDaniel SealeAlfred XuePreeta Paragash
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Lending & Secured Finance laws and regulations applicable in United States.