In recent years, the legal function I lead within Grupo Violas has been closely involved in matters that are central to the group’s development, combining broad-based legal support with an active role in shaping and executing business strategy.

Notably, this has included a number of corporate reorganisations and structural adjustments within the group, including entity simplifications, realignment of shareholdings, and the strengthening of governance mechanisms. These initiatives have been aimed at enhancing organisational efficiency, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring greater legal robustness within a group with significant operations across the gaming, industrial and beverages sectors.

A key focus of the legal team’s recent work has been advising on restricted public tenders with prior qualification and international publicity for the award of gaming concessions in the Espinho and Algarve regions. The legal team supported the entire process, from analysing the applicable legal and regulatory framework, to preparing, reviewing and validating the bid documentation, and providing ongoing legal support throughout the various procedural stages, working closely with internal teams and specialised external advisers.

At the same time, the legal function has played an important role in the international expansion of Grupo Solverde, supporting the assessment of new markets, the structuring of market entry strategies, and the mitigation of legal and regulatory risks in foreign jurisdictions, particularly in Spain and Brazil. This work has covered corporate matters, commercial contracts, compliance and governance, ensuring a consistent approach aligned with group standards.

Finally, particular emphasis should be placed on the implementation and consolidation of governance models within Grupo Violas, including the clear definition of corporate competences, rules governing the functioning of corporate bodies, and mechanisms for coordination across the group’s various entities and business areas. This work has contributed to a stronger culture of corporate discipline, risk management and sustainable value creation.

With external advisers, I particularly value a combination of strong expertise, the ability to understand the commercial rationale behind transactions, and a high level of responsiveness. Beyond technical excellence, it is essential that advisers position themselves as true business partners, providing practical, clear and actionable solutions tailored to the group’s specific context.

In an increasingly demanding, multi-jurisdictional environment, effective coordination between internal and external teams is a critical factor in the success of complex transactions and strategic decisions.

Over the past few years, the legal function at Grupo Violas has evolved from a predominantly reactive role into one that is clearly integrated within strategic decision-making processes. The legal department is now involved from the early stages of projects, contributing not only to risk mitigation but also to identifying legally efficient solutions that support business objectives.

This close alignment with management enables us to anticipate regulatory impacts, structure complex transactions more securely, and ensure consistent execution in line with legal, regulatory and governance requirements, particularly important in a group with significant regulatory exposure and operations across multiple jurisdictions.