Regularly instructed by investment funds, sovereign funds, SOCIMIs, asset managers and major developers, Uría Menéndez’s real estate team advises on transactions involving all types of asset classes, including retail, residential, logistics, data centres and land development. Co-head Fernando Azofra specialises in structuring and executing real estate investments, divestments and financings. Fellow co-head Diego Armero focuses on acquisitions of commercial property, joint ventures, development agreements and lease structures. Rafael Jiménez advises on sales, financings, restructurings and joint ventures involving offices, hotels and shopping centres, while Ivan Abad assists funds, corporates and lenders throughout the investment cycle, including acquisitions, construction arrangements, financings and exits.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Iván Abad is a clear example of a client-oriented lawyer: he understands business priorities and provides practical solutions that facilitate the closing of complex transactions. His approach is decisive and always aligned with the interests of the company, which generates great confidence in negotiations.'
- 'Rafael Jiménez was the lead partner in our transaction and made a difference thanks to his clear business focus, in-depth knowledge of the sector, and extensive experience in this type of negotiation. He is approachable, accessible, and able to convey our priorities and needs to the deal very effectively, adding great strategic value.'
- ‘The key difference with other firms is that all of its lawyers are exceptional, regardless of their position. In other firms, there is a visible difference between partners and associates; at Uría Menéndez, there isn't.’
- ‘They take ownership of the case, defending the client’s position with well-reasoned arguments, always striving for the best possible outcome. They are better organised, responsive, and demonstrate greater interest in the case than the average firm of their calibre.’
- ‘A very comprehensive team across the entire real estate sector. Excellent in both technical aspects and customer service.’
- ‘Uría Menéndez’s greatest strength lies in its technical excellence, attention to detail, and experience in the most complex operations in the Spanish market. This, combined with its availability and the involvement of multidisciplinary teams, conveys great confidence and peace of mind to the client.’
Key clients
- Stoneshield
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
- TPG Angelo Gordon
- Grupo Lar
- EQT Real Estate
- Neinor Homes
- BC Partners
- Covivio Hotels
- LaSalle Investment Management
- Deutsche Finance International
- Equinix
- Tristan Capital Partners
Work highlights
Advising Batipart and IBA Capital Partners on the acquisition from AXA of Ahorro Familiar, the acquisition finance by CaixaBank; and the simultaneous sale of the Prado Business Park office, a logistics warehouse in Palau and a plot of land in Polinyà to Sagax, Talus and Moraval, respectively.
Advising a joint venture vehicle formed by BlackRock and Grupo Lar on the development and subsequent operation of the building owned by the Ministry of Treasury located at calle María de Molina in Madrid as a high-end residential complex with a PBSA scheme.
Advising Neinro Homes on the issuance of senior secured notes; the issuance of certain bank guarantees by Banco Santander and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria; the execution of a standby volume underwriting commitment from Banco Santander and JP Morgan; and a share capital increase through an accelerated book-built offer addressed to qualified investors; all in connection with the public tender offer for all the shares of the listed company Aedas Homes.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Rafael Jiménez
Diego Armero
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Fernando Azofra; Diego Armero
Other key lawyers
Juan Antonio Pérez Rivarés; Rafael Jiménez; Antonio Gómez Cid; Ivan Abad