Latham & Watkins LLP > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 3

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.

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.