CMS delivers comprehensive advice on matters including privatisations, concessions, M&A, and restructuring. The group is jointly led by three partners: Alberto Galhardo Simões, who frequently advises on project development, structuring and financing; Nuno Alves Mansilha, who guides clients on foreign investments, joint venture arrangements and commercial contracting; and Tiago Machado Graça, whose work centres on domestic and international tax and investment issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team demonstrates a high level of engagement and commitment, combining strong technical knowledge with a practical approach. They are consistently available, responsive, and proactive, ensuring our matters are handled with efficiency and care.'
- ‘CMS has a deep knowledge of the Angolan legal framework, business environment, market practices and latest local trends. The team is always available to assist.’
- ‘The team has extensive expertise in contracts for infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships, especially in Portuguese-speaking African countries.’
- ‘Alberto Galhardo Simões is one of the most knowledgeable professionals in public-private partnerships and concessions for infrastructure projects, in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking Africa.’
- ‘The team is fully capable of advising and handling legal matters in Portugal and Angola.’
- ‘Tiago Machado Graça has proven that he has deep knowledge of how to conduct business in Angola, anticipating issues and providing valuable solutions.’
Key clients
- TAAG
- Robert BoscH
- Allied Insurance Brokers Angola
- Orey Apresto
- Yinson Azalea Operações Angola - Prestação de Serviços (SU) LDA
- Grupo Pumangol
- BAI – Banco Angolano de Investimento, S.A.
- The HALO Trust
- Azule Energy (JV between BP Oil & Gas and ENI)
- Bumi Armada Berhad
Work highlights
Advising Sun Africa, as the developer, on a Rural Electrification Project (REP).
Advising West China Cement in the context of the Limited Tender by Prior Qualification no. 1/2025, launched by IGAPE for the privatisation of a cement factory and a logistics centre in Angola.
Advised TAAG on the restructuring of its corporate governance framework in preparation for privatisation and IPO, including the identification of key governance issues under applicable laws and international standards, and the design of a governance model aligned with global best practices for Angola’s national airline.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Maria Figueiredo
Joana Brito Paulo
Practice head
Alberto Galhardo Simões; Nuno Alves Mansilha; Tiago Machado Graça
Other key lawyers
Maria Figuieredo; Joana Brito Paulo; Richad Majid