Pérez-Llorca continues to strengthen its presence in the Portuguese market, advising on significant financing transactions ranging from acquisition and leveraged finance to corporate, project and real estate finance. Its expertise also extends to regulatory matters, including compliance, governance frameworks and financial institutions licensing. Co-leading the practice is Carlos Vaz De Almeida, who advises on the full spectrum of banking and finance matters, including NPL and REO portfolios, and Inês Palma Ramalho, recognised as a ‘market reference’ for her financial services and fintech regulatory expertise. Sara Fróis Guerra is another key practitioner focused on banking, financial services and insurance regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Inês Palma Ramalho’s ability to access and coordinate key market stakeholders, combined with her political and regulatory experience, makes her an unavoidable reference in the market.’
- ‘The ability to find solutions and put forward proposals outside the usual framework unlocks deadlocks and creates value for both client and business, and Inês Palma Ramalho is a clear example of this differentiation.’
- ‘Inês Palma Ramalho stands out for her technical and legal knowledge, her capacity to view solutions through the client’s perspective and frame them within the relevant legal landscape, as well as her quick judgement and strong work capacity.’
- ‘Working closely with Inês Palma Ramalho and Sara Fróis Guerra, they consistently demonstrated high technical competence, strong stakeholder management and excellent availability.’
- ‘The team is recognised for its quality, pragmatism and ability to deliver clear and assertive recommendations that support informed decision-making.’
- ‘Carlos Vaz de Almeida, João Soares Carvalho and Gonçalo Branco Pardal form a highly effective team, combining expertise with responsiveness to client needs.’
- ‘The firm demonstrates deep sector knowledge in the energy market, alongside strong know-how in drafting contractual documentation, including both project and financing agreements.’
- ‘Inês Palma Ramalho has outstanding knowledge of the payments and electronic money sector, with excellent interaction with the regulator and clear, concise communication with clients.’
Key clients
- Ares Management Limited
- Bankinter
- Limestone
- Banco Santander
- Banco Montepio
- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
- Chint Solar
- Otovo AS
- Hayfin Capital Management
- EuPago Group
- Rauva
- Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo de Torres Vedras
- Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo de Mafra
- Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo de Bombarral
Work highlights
Advising Morgan Stanley and Bridgepoint funds (as lenders) in connection with all Portuguese matters derived from the accession of Portuguese companies operating in the technology sector – as obligors and security providers – to a ca. €100m multi-tranche, syndicated loan facility agreement for acquisition purposes in the UK, Spain and Portugal.
Advising Banco Santander, as lender, on an acquisition finance deal, which has as borrower Horizon Partners.
Advising Ares Management Limited (as lender, agent and security agent) and Ares’ funds in connection with the accession of companies part of the VivaGym Group – as obligors and security providers – to a ca. €310m multi-tranche, multi-purpose and syndicated loan facility agreement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Carlos Vaz de Almeida; Inês Palma Ramalho
Other key lawyers
Sara Fróis Guerra; Inês Dias Lopes; João Soares Carvalho; Gonçalo Branco Pardal