‘Distinguished by its technical excellence, strategic vision, and deep commitment’, Bird & Bird is a trusted adviser to leading telecoms, real estate and life science businesses. The team regularly assists with M&A, investments and divestments, and spin-offs, as well as disposals, corporate restructurings, and commercial agreements. Heading the practice is Lourdes Ayala, who handles the full range of buyout transactions, joint ventures, and asset deals at both domestic and cross-border levels. Alberto Rodríguez — who was made partner in May 2025 — specialises in M&A and corporate venture capital matters, while Antonio Ballesteros is the name to note for restructuring and commercial contracts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The practice, led by Lourdes Ayala, with the support of Antonio Ballesteros, is distinguished by its technical excellence, strategic vision, and deep commitment to the business.’
- ‘Their proactive approach, legal expertise, and ability to anticipate risks set them apart from other firms.’
- ‘They have strengthened their work methodology with more agile and collaborative processes, enabling more efficient transaction management.’
- ‘Lourdes Ayala and Antonio Ballesteros are benchmarks of professionalism, approachability, and results.’
- ‘What sets this team apart is its ability to combine legal rigour with commercial acumen. Lourdes Ayala brings leadership, confidence, and a strategic understanding of each transaction. Antonio Ballesteros stands out for his agility, precision, and unwavering commitment. Both integrate seamlessly into the internal team, facilitating decision-making and building trust.’
- ‘Compared to other firms, their approachability, accessibility, and practical focus make all the difference.’
Key clients
- HomeServe
- Domus VI
- Refresco
- Fertinagro/Tervalis
- Forfar Education
- Cellnex Telecom, S.A.
- Stellantis
- Juan Valdez
- Verizon
- Qlik
- Pontem Capital
- Heygaz Biomethane, S.L.
Work highlights
Advised Refresco on the acquisition of 100% of the shares comprising the share capital of Thermin Europe, S.L.
Advised DomusVI on several sale and lease back transactions of several nursing homes located all around Spain.
Advised Tervalis on the negotiation of an investment agreement entered into with EDP Renovables España, S.L. in connection with the Spanish company Iam Caecius, S.L.
Practice head
Lourdes Ayala
Other key lawyers
Alberto Rodríguez; Antonio Ballesteros