Garrigues advises a broad range of clients in the food sector, drawing on the depth of a large, multidisciplinary team with strong experience in M&A and private equity transactions. The practice also assists food corporations and cooperatives with corporate, labour, tax, IP, litigation and public law issues. Leadership of the agribusiness and food practice group is shared between Murcia-based Miguel Ángel López Mateo, who specialises in M&A, private equity and project finance; and Seville-based José Ramón Tenor, who focuses on corporate, M&A and contractual law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Miguel Ángel López Mateo has an extraordinary ability to gain the trust of his clients and even that of the opposing party.
- ‘The team has a strong presence throughout the country, giving it a unique understanding of the specific characteristics of each region (legislation, authorities, trends, etc.). They have recently implemented new reporting tools that provide a detailed and up-to-date overview, facilitating the management of large portfolios.’
- ‘Direct and immediate attention, directly from the area director or their deputies. Full knowledge of the subject matter, primarily commercial law and corporate restructuring. Absolute dedication and adherence to budgets, regardless of hours and effort.’
- ‘Good commercial acumen. Deep technical expertise. Strong industry knowledge.’
- ‘The team led by Miguel Ángel López gives us security and rigour in the businesses where we use their services.’
- ‘The Garrigues food industry team is exceptional. It provides a complete solution to the client, from introducing companies to generate business opportunities, to creatively designing those operations, and offering support throughout the entire legal process of executing the transaction.’
- ‘Our business involves daily operations and very demanding seasonal peaks. The Garrigues team understands the complete cycle of an exporting agri-food company: labour during peak seasons, contracts with European retailers, international taxation, competition, and sustainability (water, packaging, traceability). What sets them apart is their cross-functional coordination: a single desk that integrates commercial, regulatory, labour, and tax law, with response times tailored to the retail sector (fast and practical).'
- ‘The partners who manage our agriculture and retail sectors combine commercial acumen with regulatory expertise. They are accessible, readily available when needed, and don't pass the buck to junior staff. The associates who work with us are consistent: clean deliverables, realistic timelines, and zero surprises.'
Key clients
- Carrefour
- Mercadona
- Central Lechera Asturiana (CAPSA)
- El Pozo Alimentación
- DIA Supermercados
- Coca-Cola Europacific
- AMC Global
- Costco Wholesale
- Danone
- García Carrión
- Supermercados El Arbol
- Solum Partners
- Heineken International BV
- PSB Producción Vegetal
- FINI Golosinas
- Grupo DAMM
- Bloom Fresh
- Citri&Co
- Pernod Ricard
- Virto Frozen Foods
Work highlights
Advised PSB Producción Vegetal and the French and Spanish resident owners of the company on the sale and transfer of a majority stake in its share capital to the private equity fund Cibus Fund II.
Advised the financial investors MCH, Ardian and others on the disposal of their shareholding, together with that of the remaining partners, in Palacios Foods Investments, S.L.
Advised Uvesa on the acquisition of the company by Ukrainian poultry leader MHP.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Miguel Ángel López Mateo; José Ramón Tenor
Other key lawyers
Lorena Colomer