Cuatrecasas, renowned for its ‘strong knowledge and experience’, is trusted by banks, financial institutions, investment funds, sponsors and a myriad of companies on the full spectrum of banking and finance matters. The practice adopts a ’solution-focused’ approach to real estate and project finance, refinancing, distressed debt, debt restructuring, financial sector reorganisations and complex regulatory matters. The practice is co-led by the ‘deal-oriented’ Manuel Requicha Ferreira, a specialist in corporate and real estate finance, and Paulo Costa Martins, recognised for his vast experience advising banks, investment firms and fintech companies. Margarida Leal de Oliveira is a key contact for debt restructuring, NPLs and financing transactions. Maria João Ricou and Francisco Soares Machado are no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Strong knowledge and experience, and capability to reach agreements.’
- ‘I would highlight the team's availability and responsiveness in addressing our requests, as well as the quality of service provided, considering the diversity of issues for which we need legal support.’
- ‘What I value most is the firm's practical and experienced approach to the topics in question. They don't just focus on theory; they understand the issues raised and have a comprehensive and solution-focused vision.’
- ‘Proven experience in preparing opinions on regulatory issues in a highly regulated sector. Knowledge of national and European regulations, with the ability to anticipate regulatory changes. Demonstrated a strong ability to align legal advice with our organisation's business objectives.'
- ‘Manuel Requicha Ferreira is a brilliant partner, with a high reputation, easy to deal with and very deal-oriented. Margarida Leal de Oliveira is a top lawyer with strong attention to detail and very focused on solving problems.’
- ‘We highlight Paulo Costa Martins, Filipa Abraúl, and Pedro Mantas as team members who have provided us with quality service and shown unusual availability in providing legal support to our organisation.’
Key clients
- Revolut Bank
- European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Novo Banco
- Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal)
- BNP Paribas
- Santander Bank
- Azora European Hotel & Lodging, Marinoteis and Sotal
- Efacec
- ING
- Xior
Work highlights
Advising the European Investment Bank on the financing for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the hospital infrastructure known as Hospital de Todos os Santos, in Lisbon.
Advised Azora on the refinancing of the debt of the Azora Group for the investment in two luxury hotels in the south of Portugal.
Advised Imobiliária Portuguesa dos Mosqueteiros and Immobilière Européenne des Mousquetaires on the sale of 49% of Alcapredial, the €180m financing from an international syndicate, the provision of security and guarantees, entering into an interest rate swap, and on the preparation of the conversion of Alcapredial into an alternative investment fund under corporate form.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Manuel Requicha Ferreira; Paulo Costa Martins
Other key lawyers
Margarida Leal de Oliveira; Filipa Abraúl; Pedro Mantas; Ana Guedes Teixeira; Diana Avillez Caldeira