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Societário, Comercial e M&A

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Chambers Europe

In recent years - and particularly since its 2006 merger with top Porto outfit Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados - this firm’s corporate and M&A offering has gone from strength to strength. Lawyers advise a significant number of companies listed on the Portuguese stock exchange, offering particular expertise in the banking, energy and telecoms sectors. Clients recommend this “one-stop shop” for the “consistently high quality of work produced by these outstanding lawyers.” Commentators were quick to highlight the excellence that pervades all levels of the team. Clients/Work Highlights: The team advised EDP on the EUR250 million sale, to each of Gestmin, SGPS, Logoenergia, Oliren and Red Eléctrica de España, of a 5% shareholding in REN. The team assisted Automatic Data Processing with the acquisitions of Inforauto (Salvador Cateano Group) and ServiSIS (Entreposto Group), and lawyers advised Sonae Distribuição on the EUR662 million acquisition of Carrefour (Portugal). Further clients include Sonaecom; Bertelsmann; OMNI and RTL.
Interviewees identify this firm as “practically unbeatable - the top outfit in Porto.” As one peer explains, “the combination of having several of the most renowned lawyers in the country and its impressive client portfolio puts the firm in a fantastic position.” It provides full-service assistance to prominent clients such as Sonae and Mota-Engil. While the Porto-based group often works in conjunction with the Lisbon team, it also has exclusively local corporate and tax practices. “It is marked out by its local work, and it is a versatile, high-quality team,” sources say. Clients/Work Highlights: Lawyers assisted Sonaecom with the structuring and submission of a EUR1.2 billion bid for the acquisition of PT Multimédia by means of public takeover. Violas engaged the team on the EUR17 million public takeover bid for Solverde, and the group represented RL in the EUR20 million public takeover bid for Tertir and Ternor.
Sources consistently regard this firm as the best in Portugal for corporate law, and in March 2006, its name was fortified following the merger with one of Porto’s leading firms, Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados. This has made the team “unbeatable,” according to one source, and the integration has also boosted the practice’s ability to act in big transactions. Indeed, the corporate practice was present in both of Portugal’s biggest deals in 2006: the hostile takeover bids of Sonaecom for Portugal Telecom and Millennium bcp for Banco BPI, with lawyers advising Sonaecom and Millennium bcp respectively. Furthermore, sources point out contract negotiation as one of the team’s strengths, whilst clients highlight the “lawyers’ language skills, the ease of communication and of working together.” Clients/Work Highlights: Lawyers advised Bertelsmann on the acquisition of the Portuguese group Bertrand. The team represented REN (Rede Eléctrica Nacional) in the sale of its 18.3 % shareholding in Galp Energia, SGPS to Amorim Energia, a transaction valued at EUR945 million. Other clients include: Millennium bcp; Enernova; EDP; Investifino; Miller Developments and Sag Gest.
This corporate/M&A group continues to build on its strong reputation, and its broad remit extends from elements of energy, real estate and tourism to banking and antitrust, with a focus on large, international deals. The team handled the two largest Portuguese capital markets share offerings of the past year, and also advised Sonae Distribuição on its EUR662 million acquisition of 99.9% of the share capital of Carrefour (Portugal). Clients laud the team’s tremendous service, “creative solutions and quick, reliable responses.”
This firm maintains a high profile in the energy sector, in part due to its relationships with prominent clients EDP - Energias de Portugal and REN. Recently, the team advised EDP on an IPO of approximately 25% of EDP’s share capital. The team is also informed from an international perspective: it advised EDP on the negotiation of a strategic partnership with Sonatrach, an Algerian gas supply company. Sources note that this team is “co-operative and productive – the lawyers are excellent at finding solutions to problems.” The team’s “deep knowledge of its clients’ businesses” also wins praise.
The biggest office in Porto in terms of lawyer numbers, this full-service outfit has strong tax and corporate departments and provides first-class advice on employment, TMT, capital markets, dispute resolution and competition. Its clientele speaks for itself, with Sonae, Mota-Engil and Banco Comercial Português all part of the portfolio.
With a strong standing in the Portuguese market and a respected corporate team, this local firm acts for both private equity houses and companies. Clients observe: “It has extensive knowledge of the market and a broad range of specialists covering any area required.” The firm assisted Orey with the restructuring of its corporate group via the incorporation of a private equity fund. Other recent clients include ECS Capital and EDP - Energias de Portugal.
“An extremely strong player in TMT,” this firm acts for numerous major clients, including Sonaecom, Impresa and Media Capital. With wide-ranging expertise and excellent resources, it is able to handle the most challenging work in the telecoms, media and IT sectors. Clients also appreciate the full and integrated service on offer here.
This Portuguese powerhouse has an impressive team of 48 lawyers fully dedicated to corporate advice and M&A transactions. Despite the recent market downturn the team continues to be involved on high-profile mandates such as the takeover bid of Cimpor by the Brazilian corporation CSN - Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional. The group advises international and national clients from all sectors, but is particularly strong in the energy arena. The firm's Porto office also handles M&A transactions. Sources say: "Its technical capability is outstanding and it excels thanks to its excellent client support and international connections."
This is the largest office in Porto, and perhaps the only team in town which competes at a truly national level. The “extraordinary” full-service group attracts consistently excellent feedback, and clients value its commitment to them, and its common-sense approach to finding solutions and closing deals. Sources highlight the corporate, tax, employment, IP, disputes and competition practices at the firm, and its impressive client list includes Sonae, Mota-Engil and Jerónimo Martins.
It is not surprising that this private equity practice is a strong one, given the firm's premier reputation and pool of excellent lawyers. Clients point to the fact that the lawyers “manage to understand our business and are always completely committed to the project.” The group acts for both companies and funds, with recent mandates including representing a group of financial investors, including ES Concessões and ES Capital, in the EUR451 million joint acquisition (with Group A. Silva & Silva) of Cintra Aparcamientos; the team also advised Orey on the restructuring of its corporate group through the incorporation of a Luxembourg private equity fund.
Much of the momentum behind the strong TMT practice at this Portuguese giant comes from having major telecoms player Sonaecom as one of its principal clients. It also gives ongoing support to Portuguese media group Impresa, which counts television channel SIC amongst its interests. The team is able to provide full-service counsel, being comprised of lawyers from various different legal areas.
This firm's restructuring and insolvency practice centres around creditors' counselling, although it also advises the insolvent and assists with the restructuring of businesses. The sizeable restructuring team is integrated within the firm's litigation department, and includes four partners and ten associates. The group offers specialist expertise in litigation, corporate and tax matters, and has been advising major stakeholders in some of the most high-profile restructuring and insolvency cases in Portugal. Sources Say: “It has great connections in Portugal, which makes the execution of deals and negotiations very easy.” “Extremely professional, excellent client service, great follow-up, high quality of legal advice, fantastic timing: five stars.”
With roots going back to the 1930s, this firm has a solid corporate/M&A practice group that handles an impressive list of annual deals involving prominent clients such as EDP - Energias de Portugal and Banco Comercial Português. Recent work high-lights include advising on the merger between Pfizer and Wyeth, and assisting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record-breaking transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Sources Say: “Five-star service – truly focused on clients and their issues, providing excellent follow-up within a swift time frame. One of Portugal’s foremost legal outfits without a doubt”.
This large Portuguese firm remains a number-one choice for energy work. The strong group comprises eight fee earners working from within the corporate department, combining commercial expertise and regulatory advice. In addition, the firm has an autonomous environmental team housed within the public law practice. The firm strikes a good balance between national and international clients, with major energy companies at the core of its clientele. In a recent highlight, the team advised EDP - Energias de Portugal and Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico on the acquisition of Ente Vasco de Energia's 29.3% share in Naturgas. The practice handles a large number of international cases and cross-border transactions and is key to the global expansion of its clients. Sources say: "It is a hard-working, knowledgeable team with excellent links to different law firms around the globe. It can comfortably handle multi-jurisdictional transactions."
The private equity desk at this domestic major straddles the firm's banking and finance division and its corporate M&A and securities market department. It strength lies in the fact that the group is a market leader for corporate finance, and the private equity team is best recognised for its M&A work. It also provides regulatory and consultancy advice while two recent work highlights have come in fund formation. The team assisted the ECS in establishing the FCR II (Fundo Recuperação II, the second in the recovery funds series), and advised Group EVP Finance (Ridge Solutions) on setting up the Emerging Angola Fund, a platform for investment in Angola.
This domestic firm houses a multidisciplinary group of five partners and eight lawyers, providing expertise on all aspects of restructuring and insolvency. The team is primarily focused on creditor counselling and recovery of outstanding accounts, and also advises insolvent companies on restructuring agreements. The bulk of the team's clients are domestic companies, mainly from the finance and industry sectors. Sources say: "It is without a doubt one of the leading firms in the country."
THE FIRM The Porto office of this long-established firm offers a full service across a number of disciplines. The group is renowned for transactional work, particularly in capital markets and M&A. Clients include large domestic companies in the north of Portugal, as well as international corporations based in the region. The team stands out for its cross-border mandates and recently advised BA Vidros on its acquisition of a stake in a major Spanish industrial company. Sources say: "The quality of the advice is exceptional and, despite being one of the largest firms in the country, it offers a very personalised service."
MLGTS remains one of Portugal's leading firms in this area, regularly advising on the country's biggest transactions. The firm has one of the largest teams for corporate/M&A and an unbeatable track record in the practice area. Large domestic and international corporations are part of the firm's long-standing clientele, and the economic crisis has seen the group focus on assisting clients with the development of their business abroad. The firm advised EDP - Energias de Portugal and its partners Iberdrola and Telco on the sale of Guatemalan holding company DECA II to Colombia's Empresas Públicas de Medellín. Sources say: "Undoubtedly one of the best full-service firms in Portugal, with high technical quality in every practice area."
This large domestic firm's private equity group is made up of lawyers from the corporate/M&A, banking and finance, and securities departments. Over the past year the team has focused on providing tailored advice to recovering funds willing to invest in distressed companies. It is noted for assisting ACEGE – Associação Cristã de Empresários e Gestores with the incorporation of private equity fund Bern Comum, which is designed to invest in socially oriented projects focusing on reducing unemployment. Sources say: "The execution was perfect, even with the added difficulty of establishing a management company in another jurisdiction."
The shipping department of this large domestic firm is based at its Madeira outpost, from where it often advises international shipping companies operating with the International Business Centre of Madeira (IBCM). The group also advises foreign banks and financial institutions on vessel registration with the international shipping registry of Madeira. As well as a keen domestic service, the team handles leading international mandates and is often referred work by global law firms. Sources say: "An excellent team that provides timely and swift advice on complex matters."
This large Portuguese firm continues to be a heavy hitter in the north of the country. The team covers the full range of legal services and is highly recommended for transactional work, especially in M&A and capital markets. It attracts leading local and multinational clients, such as construction and infrastructure giant Mota-Engil. The group collaborates closely with its colleagues in Lisbon to offer clients a seamless and highly integrated service.
This traditional firm maintains its robust position in the market. Its 33-strong corporate team has a wealth of experience advising local and international companies, and assisted Sonae Capital with the EUR37 million sale of its 50% stake in Sociedade Térmica Portuguesa to its partner Enel Green Power. Drawing from continual cross-practice support, the lawyers provide clients with a custom service to fit their needs. Sources say: "Rigorous, technically strong and highly practical. The team's work is outstanding."
This Portuguese powerhouse offers a six-partner IP practice which advises on contentious and transactional matters as well as patent prosecution. Recent highlights include representing Teva in a patent litigation case, and advising Philips on anti-counterfeiting issues. Pfizer, Nintendo and ANA-Aeroportos de Portugal are other clients of note.
This Portuguese titan offers collective talent in banking and finance, capital markets, regulatory and corporate law, providing clients with a tailored approach to private equity issues. Recently, the lawyers assisted Vallis Capital Partners with the incorporation of a EUR1 billion investment fund in Luxembourg. Other clients of note include ECS, EDP - Energias de Portugal, Banco Comercial Português and Espírito Santo Capital. Sources say: "Technically excellent."
This multi-disciplinary team of ten is integrated within the firm's corporate department, which also includes the banking and finance groups. The lawyers represent high-profile banking clients in energy and infrastructure projects across Portugal and lusophone Africa. Recent mandates include the construction of a shopping centre, the construction and operation of several wind farms, and the restructuring of an infrastructure project. Sources say: "First-class service. The lawyers are technically solid and experienced, and their multidisciplinary advice has proved very helpful."
This firm gets excellent feedback across the board. It works in IT, media and telecoms, advising on everything from competition, data protection and outsourcing to regulatory work. The team represents some of the biggest names in the market and regularly handles extremely sensitive cases. It recently advised Optimus on the regulatory issues associated with the launch of 4G services, and assisted EDP Comercial with data protection matters arising from a joint commercial campaign with Modelo Continente Hipermercados. Other big-name clients include Pfizer, ADP Dealer Services Portugal and Sage. Sources say: "Excellent quality and value for money."
With offices in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and Macau as well as several outposts across Portugal, this first-class firm is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. Its team of four maritime experts advises on vessel registration, regulations and compliance, mortgage enforcement, pollution claims and bills of lading. Notable clients include United European Car Carriers and DnB NOR Bank.
The scope and size of this national powerhouse's Porto office make it a clear leader in the region. It has 35 lawyers across a number of departments dedicated to specific practice areas. The lawyers are most active in corporate and tax matters, and also advise on competition, employment, litigation, IP and administrative law. The firm acts for an array of national and international clients including BNI, BPN and Mota-Engil. Sources say: "The firm really understands our company; it has really got to know the ins and outs of our business."
What the team is known: for A sizeable team traditionally associated with large-scale projects. It has played a leading role in several privatisations and the recapitalisation of the Portuguese banking sector. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team is made up of lawyers with a profound knowledge of legal issues in their respective areas of expertise, which brings the client a sense of confidence and security." Work highlights: Represented Sonaecom in the EUR1.5 billion merger between Optimus and ZON. Advised Caixa Seguros e Saúde and HPP International on the EUR85.6 million sale of a 100% stake in the share capital of the latter to Brazilian healthcare company Amil Participações.
What the team is known for: Well versed in transactional and regulatory matters in the energy sector, with a focus on electricity and natural gas. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team knows our business. It is very commercial and business-oriented, and that adds value to its service." Work highlights: Advising EDP - Energias de Portugal on energy regulatory and environmental law matters.
What the team is known for: A highly experienced team providing regulatory and transactional advice to national and international private equity funds. Recently handled the incorporation of several funds in Portugal and abroad. Work highlights: Advised ECS – Sociedade de Capital de Risco on the structuring and incorporation of a EUR1 billion fund, Fundo Recuperação Turismo.
What the team is known for: Incorporated within the litigation department, the team covers contentious cases as well as tax, corporate and banking law. It acts on behalf of creditors and distressed businesses, and earns praise for its flexibility and clear advice. Strengths: (Quotes mainly from clients) "I can't speak more highly of the team. It's extremely accommodating and straightforward, and you can see it is highly regarded among lawyers and judges in Portugal. I trust it completely." "The lawyers complement each other very well." Work highlights: Represented EDP Serviço Universal and EDP Soluções Comerciais in the insolvency proceedings of Entigere. Assisted Sociedade Alentejana de Investimentos e Participações with its insolvency.
What the team is known for: A standout choice for M&A transactions with a TMT element. Particularly well regarded for its media know-how. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team is sensitive to business issues and will make every effort to adapt in order to find a solution." "The lawyers are technically excellent, and they balance the legal risks to help you make a decision." Work highlights: Advised Sonaecom on competition issues arising from the EUR1.4 billion ZON/Optimus merger. Assisted DSTelecom with a public contract for the deployment, exploitation and maintenance of two next generation networks in rural areas in the north and south of Portugal.
What the team is known for: Operates out of Lisbon and Funchal, assisting international shipping companies with vessel registration, regulatory issues, mortgage enforcement, pollution claims and bills of lading. Also noted for its international presence, with corresponding offices in Angola, Mozambique and Macau. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "I enjoyed working with this team; the lawyers are excellent in terms of communication and responsiveness."
What the team is known for: Increasingly active in civil and military aviation. Its expertise extends to the incorporation and licensing of air carriers, insurance negotiations and aircraft dry leases, wet leases and purchase agreements. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "Our case was very complex and demanded attention, and the team's work was very detailed and thorough." Work highlights: Advised Brisa/CCT on a tender for the privatisation of ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. Represented TAP in the sale of a 50.1% stake in Serviços Portugueses de Handling. Segismundo Pinto Basto and Tomás Vaz Pinto are the main points of contact.
What the team is known for: Market-leading practice that boasts the largest full-service team in the region. Regularly handles corporate and transactional mandates, as well as tax and capital markets issues. Often represents the interests of its clients in Africa, especially in Angola and Mozambique. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The lawyers are committed to the cases and keep to the deadlines. They also have a solution-oriented approach." "The team does not only present problems, it comes up with workable solutions." Work highlights: Advised Vallis Capital Partners on the establishment of a new EUR1 billion private equity fund under Luxembourg law that will target the construction sector. Represented La Seda de Barcelona in the EUR30 million sale of Artenius Portugal-Industrial Polymers.
Formidable track record and bench strength across the full scope of corporate matters including recapitalisation, IPOs and M&A. Clients benefit from the firm's strong alliance with law firms in Africa. "The lawyers' professionalism in the work they do and the good relationship they keep result in an absolutely transparent and confident relationship between the team and its clients."
Multi-disciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions, incorporations and transfer of participation units. Also advises on regulatory issues and the structuring of private equity funds. "We are very happy. The team made a big effort to support us and demonstrated openness, willingness to help us and pragmatism in its solutions."
Band 1

Corporate/M&A

2016
Excellent reputation in the market for full-service counsel, including complex M&A transactions and general corporate advice. Offers a multidisciplinary team able to provide specialist expertise from cross-practice support, particularly involving the finance, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. Acts for a variety of high-profile clients in addition to an increasing number of entrepreneurs. Offers well-established alliances, particularly with firms in Africa. "An excellent law firm. They put a lot of effort into the client’s satisfaction. This is reflected not only in the good work done, but also in the excellent relationship established with the client." "They are very competent and very business-oriented."
Exceptional practice that offers a scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including main operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, active of late advising on onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams. The firm is praised for its support with sources saying: "They are top performers in this area, in energy they are particularly resourceful with one of the top teams in terms of expertise." Another source confirms: "One of the leading firms in renewable energy, they are very knowledgeable and have a clear vision of the sector."
Exceptional practice that offers a scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including main operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, active of late advising on onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams. The firm is praised for its support with sources saying: "They are top performers in this area, in energy they are particularly resourceful with one of the top teams in terms of expertise." Another source confirms: "One of the leading firms in renewable energy, they are very knowledgeable and have a clear vision of the sector."
Outstanding and experienced insurance team, skilled in advising on both transactional and contentious insurance matters. Well known for representing clients in M&A deals in the area, as well as restructurings and regulatory work. Also assists clients with insurance and reinsurance products and insurance litigation. Offers a strong insurance tax practice. Highly popular with domestic and international insurers. Interviewees highlight the firm's knowledge of the sector: "It is an excellent firm and our first choice in Portugal for insurance law as we have extremely high regard for the abilities of the team." Further sources confirm: "The insurance team covers all of our needs - knowledge, availability and quality of work."
Multidisciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions, incorporations and transfer of participation units. Advises on the structuring of national and international financing operations. Also handles regulatory issues. Clients appreciate the team's structure and expertise: "They have a good reputation and an experienced senior team, which is a driver for recruiting quality young attorneys. They are outstanding on client focus and specialists on corporate law: transactions, M&A and debt funding." Other sources remark: "They maintain a very high standard, being quick, very informative, available and giving advice even without us asking. Their advice is very complete, with a global view."
Cross-departmental aviation practice with experience in finance, insurance and labour law. Particularly active on civil and military aviation, providing advice to clients within the fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter fields. Frequently advises leading air carriers and international aircraft suppliers on licensing, registration, insurance and purchase agreements. Interviewees appreciate the team's thorough approach: "They are very organised and very careful with the preparation of the process." One source describes the firm as "knowledgeable and diligent."
What the team is known for : Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, including contentious proceedings. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including major operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, advising on biomass, hydropower and both onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola, Macau and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams.  Strengths:  Sources enthuse that the team offers "flexibility, availability, excellent knowledge of the electricity market and skill in understanding clients' needs." Interviewees further commend the department for being "very focused and time sensitive."
What the team is known for:  Excellent reputation in the market for full-service counsel, including complex M&A transactions and general corporate advice. Offers a multidisciplinary service and provides cross-practice expertise, leveraging support from teams specialised in tax or dispute resolution. Acts for a variety of high-profile corporations and entrepreneurs. Offers multiple foreign desks and international alliances to facilitate cross-border instructions. Strengths  Clients: appreciate that the team is "very complete" and add: "There are experts for all the areas we require and they are very client-oriented: it's a very personalised service." Sources appreciate that the lawyers “use their initiative and are tremendously available.”

First-rate team of corporate specialists advising on an array of mandates including high-value M&A transactions and joint ventures. Activity spans a variety of sectors, including energy, banking and publishing. Adept at handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, offering notable expertise in other lusophone jurisdictions thanks to international alliances. Draws on experts in tax, employment or litigation to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Sources commend the team for being "very client and solution oriented," and add: "The department's vast knowledge, experience and performance are remarkable." Further interviewees report the team to be composed of "top lawyers with full dedication and commitment to the project."

First-rate team of corporate specialists advising on an array of mandates including high-value M&A transactions and joint ventures. Adept at handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, offering notable expertise in other lusophone jurisdictions thanks to international alliances. Draws on experts in tax and employment to provide comprehensive assistance to clients. Offers experience in deals across a wide range of industries, including real estate, life sciences, financial services and energy.

First-rate team of corporate specialists advising on an array of mandates including high-value M&A transactions and joint ventures. Adept at handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, offering notable expertise in other lusophone jurisdictions thanks to international alliances. Draws on experts in tax and employment to provide comprehensive assistance to clients. Offers experience in deals across a wide range of industries, including real estate, life sciences, banking and energy. Clients praise the firm's team for its "availability, quick response to questions, objectivity and excellent technical knowledge." Another source praises the "very good performance: their advice was fully aligned with our objectives on the engagement."

"The team has high expertise."

"The team was well organised and communicated well; we appreciated having a one-stop shop dealing with everything."

"We have felt really comfortable with the team so far, it did a good job in collecting information and was very competent in addressing the issues."

"It has a highly skilled and wide-ranging team, which offers the clients a sense of confidence."

"The team has been able to demonstrate a great balance between pragmatism and a problem-solving approach."

Chambers Global

In recent years, and particularly since its 2006 merger with top Porto outfit Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados, this firm’s corporate and M&A offering has gone from strength to strength. Lawyers advise a significant number of companies listed on the Portuguese Stock Exchange and offer particular expertise in the banking, energy and telecoms sectors. Clients recommend this “one-stop shop” for the “consistently high-quality work produced by these outstanding lawyers.” Commentators were quick to highlight the excellence that pervades all levels of the team, from senior to junior lawyers. Clients/Work Highlights: The team advised Papeles y Cartones De Europa (Europa&C) on the EUR65 million structuring and submission of a tender offer of the shares representative of the share capital of Gescartão. Lawyers assisted Millennium bcp with the restructuring of its joint venture, with an international partner, to develop a motor vehicle rental business. The firm also advised BMO Financial Group (formerly Bank of Montreal) on its EUR28 million acquisition of bcpbank Canada. Other clients include Sonaecom; Bertelsmann; OMNI; REN and RTL.
Sources consistently regard this firm as the best in Portugal for corporate law, and in March 2006, its name was fortified following the merger with one of Porto’s leadings firms: Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados. This has made the team “unbeatable,” according to one source, and the integration has also boosted the practice’s ability to act in big transactions. Indeed, the corporate practice was present in both of Portugal’s biggest deals in 2006: the hostile takeover bids of SonaeCom for Portugal Telecom and Millennium bcp for Banco BPI, with lawyers advising SonaeCom and Millennium bcp respectively. Furthermore, sources point out contract negotiation as one of the team’s strengths, whilst clients highlight the “lawyers’ language skills, the ease of communication and of working together.” Clients/Work Highlights: Lawyers advised Nutrinveste on the acquisition of a majority stake of 80% of East Coast Olive Oil valued at USD21 million. The team represented Sonae on the sale of its 17.4% shareholding in Sonae Sierra to Grosvenor Investment. Millennium bcp; Enernova; EDP; Miller Developments and Sag Gest also figure in the group’s client list.
The 2004 merger between the longestablished Portuguese law firms Morais Leitão, J. Galvão Teles & Associados and Miguel Galvão Teles, João Soares da Silva & Associados cemented the group’s reputation as one of Portugal’s market leaders for M&A and corporate law. The team advises a significant number of the main companies listed in the Lisbon Stock Market, as well as the major banks, and has experience of advising foreign clients on their business dealings in Portugal. Furthermore, “high-value, complex and cross-border transactions make up a significant portion of the group’s workload,” according to commentators. Clients spoke of a “highly experienced and dedicated team that forms part of a top-drawer, full-service firm with expertise across the board.” Clients/Work Highlights: The team advised EDP, a client who provides the firm with a substantial amount of work, on the acquisition of an additional 56.2% shareholding in the share capital of Hidrocantábrico. This manoeuvre enabled EDP to control 97.5% of Hidrocantábrico’s share capital. The transaction was valued at €1.2 billion. The team also assisted Millennium bcp in its negotiations with several bidders for the sale of its insurance companies, valued at €843 million. Portugal Telecom instructed the group on the structuring of the first share buy-back programme concerning Euronext Lisbon-listed companies, involving the acquisition of shares and the cancellation of shares connected with it. The deal was valued at approximately €790 million. Other highlights include advising Portucel on the €334 million reprivatisation of an indivisible block of nominative shares representing 30% of its share capital. Additional clients of the firm include: Abertis; Auchan; Akeler (Security Capital Group); Diageo; Cadbury Schweppes and Cadbury Adams; Globo TV; HJ Heinz; Lusoponte; Philips; Pernod Ricard; BES; BPI; BBVA; Bank of New York and Millennium bcp.
Clients named this as “a top-notch firm” for restructurings, acquisitions, joint ventures split offs and M&A. The group’s corporate focus on complex multinational cases is said to be “undeniably its forte”. Clients note the team’s involvement in some of the most “intricate” cases including its advice for Cadbury Schweppes in the acquisition of Adams from Pfizer for €4.2 billion. The group was adviser to Ascom Holding, a Swiss-listed telecoms company, on the sale of its private bank exchange division to Aastra Technologies. In a further matter it advised EDP on the structured sale of Iberdrola stock, which involved the creation of a legal structure to allow sale of stock due to the contractual conditions agreed between EDP and Iberdrola. The Clients: Abertis; Auchan; Akeler (Security Capital Group); Cadbury Schweppes and Cadbury Adams; Diageo; EDP; GLOBO TV; Hays; Heinz; Pernod Ricard and FLS Industries.
This corporate/M&A group continues to build on its strong reputation, and its broad remit extends from elements of energy, real estate and tourism to banking and antitrust, with a focus on large, international deals. The team handled the two largest Portuguese capital markets transactions of the past year, and advised Sonae Distribuição on its EUR662 million acquisition of 99.9% of the share capital of Carrefour (Portugal). Clients laud the team’s tremendous service, “creative solutions and quick, reliable responses.”
This firm is widely considered one of the best in the capital markets arena. The team comprises 11 partners, three senior associates and 34 associates. The group's size enables it to take part in most prominent Portuguese transactions, always maintaining an excellent service. In spite of a slow equity market, the team's recent highlights include advising Banco Comercial Português (Millennium bcp) on its EUR1.3 billion offering of new ordinary shares with preferential rights to shareholders of the bank. Sources Say: “Sensational – experience and service are way above average. It's a very reliable firm, whose lawyers are always available.” “It has the resources and the experience to find simple solutions to complicated matters.”
With roots going back to the 1930s, this firm has a solid corporate/M&A practice group that handles an impressive list of annual deals involving prominent clients such as EDP - Energias de Portugal and Banco Comercial Português. Recent work highlights include advice on the merger between Pfizer and Wyeth, and assisting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record-breaking transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Sources Say: “Five-star service – truly focused on clients and their issues, providing excellent follow-up within a swift time frame. One of Portugal's foremost legal outfits without a doubt.”
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2011
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2012
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2013
Band 1

Projects

2014
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2015
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2017
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2018
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2019
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2020
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2021

"The team is always on top of the game."

Legal 500

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados scored a coup in 2006, when it merged with Oporto corporate leader Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados. The firm fields numerous outstanding experts in its Oporto office and is virtually unrivalled in the north of Portugal. In 2007, the firm continued to advise Sonaecom in its groundbreaking €12bn takeover bid for leading national telecoms provider PT. Local partner Carlos Osório de Castro, one of the firm’s best-known corporate heavyweights led this matter and is lauded as ‘ the finest capital markets expert you can find in Portugal’. Joaquim Vieira Peres, also based in Oporto, is considered an ‘ exceptional’ competition expert. Private client is another major strength, with local clients including some of Portugal’s best-known international football stars.
Lauded as ‘the best Portuguese firm’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ towering reputation as Portugal’s corporate and M&A champion owes much to the fact that the firm was called up to advise the bidders in the country’s two largest-ever takeover bids: Sonaecom’s failed bid for PT, and Millenium BCP’s failed attempt to takeover Banco BPI. Fielding some of the market’s most coveted M&A heavyweights, João Soares da Silva, Carlos Osório de Castro and Nuno Galvão Teles receive the most praise. Also involved in Portugal’s largest outbound corporate investments, the firm notably advised EDP in the €2.15bn acquisition of Horizon Wind Energy of the US. Traditional corporate clients include Inapa, Martifer and Mota-Engil.
Tier 1

Leading Commercial Firms: Oporto

2007
It is not an overstatement to qualify 2006 as the year of Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados. Following its merger with an Oporto-based corporate boutique at the beginning of 2006, two of the firm's key clients launched the largest takeover bids ever in Portugal, both of them hostile: Sonaecom announced a €11.9bn bid for the Portuguese telecoms giant Portugal Telecom and Banco Comercial Português launched a €4.33bn bid for Banco BPI. Capital markets expert Carlos Osório de Castro and highly acclaimed corporate partner João Soares da Silva took the lead roles.
Tier 1

Leading Commercial Firms: Oporto

2006
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados scored a major coup in the market once again by merging with outstanding former second-tier firm Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados. The move justifies this year’s promotion in first tier, given the unparalleled corporate and commercial team and the quality of clients that were brought together under the same roof. The firm owes its stellar reputation to a thoroughly impressive team of corporate partners which includes name partner João Soares da Silva, Nuno Galvão Teles, Carlos Osório de Castro, António Lobo Xavier, Joaquim Vieira Peres, Eduardo Verde Pinho, Segismundo Pinto Basto and Luísa Soares da Silva. Its expertise in top-drawer deals was confirmed in its advice to EDP (Energias de Portugal) in the negociation with REN (Rede eléctrica Nacional) for the termination of a number of power purchase agreements, an operation adding up to €3.2bn. Other highlights include advising the same client in the €81 m sale of a 60% stake in the share capital of Edinfor to LogicaCMG.
The post-merger Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados has become a prime corporate firm in Portugal. Joao Soares da Silva, Nuno Galvao Teles, Segismundo Pinto Basto and Luísa Soares da Silva are four top-drawer partners in a star team. Highlights include advising Millennium BCPin the €843m sale of the insurance company of the Millennium BCP group. The firm also advised EDP – Electricidade de Portugal in its acquisition of an additional stake in Hidroelectrica del Cantabrico,having represented it on the largest foreign investment ever made by a Portuguese company.
Led by Segismundo Pinto Basto and Maria Antónia Menezes, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados maintains a involved in the sale of the minority stake of Galp Energia, where it acted for EDP – Electricidade de Portugal. Partner Luís Branco is also highly recommended in this area.
With ‘ great leaders and good teams’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has traditionally been regarded as ‘ the best’ Portuguese firm. The team advised EDP and EDP Renováveis on the IPO of 25% of EDP Renováveis’ share capital, the largest IPO ever made in Portugal. Additional highlights include advising Banco Comercial Poruguês (Millennium BCP) on the €1.3bn offering of new ordinary shares, while Sonae Distribuição instructed the team to advise on the €662m acquisition of 99% of the share capital of Carrefour. With João Soares da Silva leading the department, peers comment, ‘ when we’re against the firm, we know we have a strong competitor’. Carlos Osório de Castro and Nuno Galvão Teles attract praise from clients.
Recent highlights for Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados include advising Impresa on its acquisition of several media companies, as well as assisting Sonaecom in a number of high-profile acquisitions, valued at €50m. António Lobo Xavier leads a department that clients praise as ‘ very efficient and very good quality’, citing, ‘ we can always trust on the work done’.
‘ Clearly number one’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is lauded by many as ‘ the best’ firm in Oporto. ‘ Legal genius’ and capital markets specialist Carlos Osório de Castro formed part of the team that advised Banco Commercial Português (Millennium BCP) on its €1.3bn offering of new ordinary shares. Meanwhile, competition expert Joaquim Vieira Peres assisted key client Sonae Distribuiçao with filing the proposed acquisition of Carrefour before the PCA. António Lobo Xavier is considered a ‘ tax guru’, contributing to the team a wealth of financial know-how. Although closely linked to its Lisbon counterpart, the Oporto office caters to a number of local clients, including several international football stars.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an exceptional depth of talent in corporate law and ties with a swathe of the most active domestic corporates and banks, and provides ‘advice of the absolute highest calibre’. This strength has resulted in prominent roles across various regions and industry sectors, including work with Pfizer on the Portuguese aspects of its merger with Wyeth, and advising EDP on the acquisition of gas transmission assets from Gas Natural. Nuno Galvão Teles and recently promoted partner Rui de Oliveira Neves led on this deal, while Segismundo Pinto Basto draws praise for his ‘accuracy and efficiency’. Elsewhere, in practice head João Soares da Silva and Carlos Osório de Castro the firm has two of the market’s leading corporate lawyers.
‘Absolutely gold standard’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is best known for its work for longstanding client EDP, which it represents across a range of transactions. Name partner Nuno Galvão Teles has ‘an incomparable understanding of the energy sector’, and recently led a team which advised EDP on the €330m acquisition of gas assets from Gas Natural. Along with the ‘resourceful and talented’ Rui de Oliveira Neves, the nine-strong team has acted on a swathe of finance, M&A and public law mandates. On environment matters, a group of 12 lawyers, including the ‘reliable’ and ‘pragmatic’ João Pereira Reis, advise clients on a spread of licensing work and administrative offences.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ cross-practice TMT group advises several leading industry clients, including Impresa and Sonaecom. The team of ‘creative, forward-thinking lawyers’ is headed by António Lobo Xavier, and offers wide-ranging regulatory, transactional and commercial expertise. Tomás Vaz Pinto worked with Impresa on a content supply partnership with PT Group, including the creation of a new TV channel. The group is known for its ‘deep resources and diversity of talent’.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ Oporto team by size, reach and the scale of work it handles, has an edge over its competitors. Regarded as ‘the complete commercial team’, and replete with ‘strong experience and hands-on skills’, the group works seamlessly with counterparts in other offices on large finance and corporate deals. The ‘deeply knowledgeable’ Carlos Osório de Castro advised Banco Comercial Portugês on a €900m issue of subordinated debt and more widely handles a range of corporate and finance matters. Joaquim Vieira Peres is a prominent figure on competition matters and has advised on competition compliance programmes for several clients. António Lobo Xavier’s tax work marks him out as ‘an exemplary adviser’ and he counts Jerónimo Martins, Mota Engil and Sonaecom among his clients. Eduardo Verde Pinho also draws praise for his ‘intelligence and personal approach’, and in 2008 he advised Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Hílario Lima on the sale of share capital to SwissLab.
Without a doubt at the top,’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados remains the most prominent firm in Oporto, with capabilities in numerous areas. As ‘one of the best lawyers in the country’, the ‘outstanding’ Carlos Osório de Castro excels on corporate deals and capital markets work, and in 2010 advised Teixeira Duarte on its €970m sale of a stake in Cimpor to Camargo Corrêa. Eduardo Verde Pinho is also recommended for his business acumen in corporate work. The group’s telecoms experts regularly advise Sonaecom Group. Joaquim Vieira Peres is the primary contact for complex EU and competition work, and acts for ZON TV Cabo Portugal and Sonae Investimentos. António Lobo Xavier is highly recommended for tax work, and is advising Barclays Capital on an intragroup financing project worth €1.7bn.
The ‘outstanding’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is universally agreed to have top-tier skills in this area. The team, including the ‘very good’ Rui de Oliveira Neves, recently advised EDP and Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico on its €617m acquisition of Ente Vasco de Energia’s share in Naturagas. Energy expert Nuno Galvão Teles is highly recommended, along with environment specialists Fernanda Matoso and João Pereira Reis. Reis is advising Sonae Sierra on environmental impact studies and litigation, and acting for Sovena Group on its €90m acquisition of the Portuguese companies of SOS Corporácion Alimentaria. Casa Amiga, SAIP and Abertis are also clients.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados excels in traditional insolvency work and preventive counselling, and acted on several matters in 2010. The group advised AWB in a claim relating to Oleocom’s insolvency, and assisted Cai International and Sky Container Trading as creditors in the insolvency of Linhas de Navegação do Atlântico. Carlos Osório de Castro and Helena Soares de Moura are recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is a ‘top name’ in project finance, with practice head Luís Branco enjoying a superb reputation as regular adviser to major Portuguese banks. The ‘excellent’ energy expert Filipe Lowndes Marques advised Banco Espírito Santo on the €30.25m construction, installation and operation of a wind farm in Cinfães. Marques also assisted EIB Facilities on financing for a portfolio of 23 wind farms. Banco Santander Investment, BPI and Caixa – Banco de Investimento are also clients.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is another ‘major player’ in the TMT arena and has substantial experience advising on commercial matters, advertising and regulatory disputes. Helena Tapp Barroso regularly represents SIBS Processos. Tomás Vaz Pinto advises beverage distributor Pernod Ricard Portugal on all media and advertising matters. Other clients include Impresa and Sonaecom. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier heads the practice.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘one of the best in Portugal for TMT’, and demonstrates ‘in-depth knowledge’ and ‘deep understanding of clients’ needs’. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier leads the team. Clients include Audiovisual and Cinema Investment Fund, Medipress, Impresa and Pernod Ricard Portugal. IT expert Helena Tapp Barroso is advising Sonaecom on personal data processing to support litigation proceedings. Barroso also acts in telecoms matters, assisted by ‘pragmatic’ senior lawyer Nuno Peres Alves and senior associate Gonçalo Machado Borges. The knowledgeable Tomás Vaz Pinto acts for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has ‘very good industry knowledge in Portugal and Europe’ for the shipping and aviation industries. Francisco de Sousa da Câmara leads on the shipping side, assisted by ‘competent and proactive’ senior associate Cátia Henriques Fernandes, who is ‘instrumental in ship finance work’. Aviation expert Segismundo Pinto Basto is ‘an assertive leader’, and acts for aviation group Omni.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados remains ‘the number-one firm in Oporto’, and has a superb reputation across numerous legal disciplines. Carlos Osório de Castro, who leads on corporate transactions, advised Sonae Investimentos on a retail partnership agreement with Condis in Angola, and advised La Seda de Barcelona on the €30m sale of Artenius Portugal-Industrial Polymers to Control PET. EU and competition expert Joaquim Vieira Peres acts for Zon TV Cabo Portugal and ACP – Automóvel Club de Portugal. Tax expert António Lobo Xavier is advising Barclays and Santander in tax litigation, and also represents Sonaecom and Cofina.
‘One of the best firms in Oporto’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados maintains its significant position in the market, and is a recognised leader across a number of key areas. Highlights for Carlos Osório de Castro included advising a Portuguese bank on regulatory issues following the international bailout assistance given to the country in 2011, and advising Sonae Capital on the €37m sale of its stake in TP – Sociedade Térmica Portuguesa to Enel Green Power España. Elsewhere, consultant Paula Ponces Camanho handles employment matters; and, on the corporate side, Eduardo Verde Pinho is recommended along with the ‘totally committed’ Jorge Simões Cortez, who has ‘deep technical knowledge’. António Lobo Xavier leads on the tax side, and counts Turbogás and media group Cofina as key clients. For EU and competition matters, Joaquim Vieira Peres is singled out and acts for clients including ZON TV Cabo Portugal.
‘Simply outstanding’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados demonstrates ‘a perfect command of client briefs’ and provides ‘thorough and innovative solutions to complex regulatory issues’. Nuno Galvão Teles and Rui de Oliveira Neves were appointed to act for the Portuguese state, Parpública and EDP in the eighth reprivatisation phase of EDP, and are noted for their ‘intellect and interpersonal skills’. The team also acted for the state and Parpública on the second reprivatisation phase of REN. In Oporto, the highly rated Carlos Osório de Castro is advising La Seda de Barcelona on the €30m sale of Artenius Portugal to Control PET. Eduardo Verde Pinho in Oporto and Liliana Malheiro Tomás have experience in the Angolan market. Segismundo Pinto Basto is ‘always on top of all issues’; Eduardo Rui Paulino is ‘totally committed’; and João Soares da Silva, Luísa Soares da Silva and Tomás Vaz Pinto are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados delivers a ‘high level’ of service in insolvency and restructuring matters, and is praised for its ‘knowledge, toughness and negotiation strategies’. ‘Very meticulous’ senior lawyer Helena Soares de Moura is ‘an expert in the area’, and provides ‘quick and objective responses’. Moura is advising several insolvent companies in matters related to the Alqueva project, the largest artificial lake in the Alentejo region, and continues to advise EDP on the insolvency of Entigere. Eduardo Verde Pinho handles corporate and financial restructuring.
Responsive and commercially aware’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘an excellent service’. On the shipping side, manager of the Madeira office Francisco de Sousa da Câmara, Manuel Freitas Pita, and senior associate Cátia Henriques Fernandes advise shipping companies and banks. Aviation matters are handled by Lisbon-based Luís Miguel Monteiro; Segismundo Pinto Basto, who ‘understands clients’ needs’; the ‘very attentive and trustworthy’ Tomás Vaz Pinto; and João Serra. TAP and Omni are clients.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados combines ‘creative thinking’ with ‘high-impact service’. The firm is well known in the energy sector, and is increasingly active in Lusophone Africa. Nuno Galvão Teles advised Caixa Seguros e Saúde, SGPS, and HPP International Lux on the Portuguese state’s sale of Hospitais Privados de Portugal; and João Soares da Silva advised BCP on the sale of Greek bank Millennium. Carlos Osório de Castro and associate Paulo Rendeiro ‘perform outstanding work’, and Segismundo Pinto Basto, Liliana Malheiro Tomás, Eduardo Verde Pinho, Tomás Vaz Pinto and Luísa Soares da Silva are also recommended. Rui Oliveira Neves and Teresa Morais Leitão left the firm.
Acting for a varied international client base, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has been involved in some of the most complex recent corporate and financial restructurings. Carlos Osório de Castro is highly respected in the field and has previously advised the government on the drafting of legislation. Practice head Helena Soares de Moura and Eduardo Verde Pinho are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ Oporto team works closely with the firm’s wider domestic and international network. The ‘outstanding and professional’ Carlos Osório de Castro advised Vallis Capital Partners on establishing a private equity fund under Luxembourg law. Jorge Simões Cortez handled Wedo Technologies’ acquisition of Connectiv Solutions. Other clients include BA Group and Sonae Capital. Corporate lawyer Eduardo Verde Pinho and tax specialist António Lobo Xavier are also recommended
Acting in broader transport issues as well as shipping and aviation, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ ‘customer-oriented’ specialists have ‘a very high level of industry knowledge’. The team handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious work, with a particular focus on transactions and financing. Francisco de Sousa da Câmara and senior associates Manuel Freitas Pita and Cátia Henriques Fernandes are all highly recommended for shipping issues. On the aviation side, Segismundo Pinto Basto is ‘very professional, calm and an excellent leader’, and Luís Miguel Monteiro and João Serra are also highly recommended.
‘A great firm’ with ‘brilliant lawyers’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ ‘shows deep knowledge in market and regulatory issues’. The practice is experienced across telecoms, media, IT and data protection, acting for the likes of Sage, EDP Comercial and DSTelecom. Joaquim Vieira Peres advised Sonaecom on the merger between Optimus and ZON; the ‘dedicated, knowledgeable and business-oriented’ Nuno Peres Alves advised Optimus on the public tender procedure to designate the Telecommunications Universal Service Provider; and João Alfredo Afonso advised ADP on investments in Angola. António Lobo Xavier advises the national regulatory authority, ICP-ANACOM. Senior lawyers Gonçalo Machado Borges and Eduardo Maia Cadete are experienced in competition law matters.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has traditionally had a strong focus on debt matters, but has bolstered its equity practice through its involvement in privatisations. Luísa Soares da Silva advised Caixa – Banco de Investimento and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, as the joint global co-ordinators, on the second phase of the reprivatisation of Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN). Carlos Osório de Castro and Luísa Soares da Silva are recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ recent mandates include initiating judicial recovery procedures and acting for Barclays, as a creditor, in the insolvency proceedings of Monofásica. Helena Soares de Moura heads the team.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘an excellent all-round service, with commercially focused advice’. Its broad practice spans aviation, shipping and other forms of transport. The team is representing INAER Portugal in an administrative action and precautionary measure challenging the provision of helicopter emergency services by a Portuguese public company. Francisco de Sousa da Câmara leads the shipping practice, which includes Madeira-based Cátia Fernandes and Manuel Freitas Pita. Segismundo Pinto Basto leads the aviation team, which includes Luís Roquette Geraldes.
The ‘very professional’ team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is acting for the newly established NOS Comunicações in a range of matters relating to the merger between ZON and Optimus and is also representing the client in challenging the decision of the telecoms regulator regarding a compensation payment. It represented Safira, an IT consulting boutique, during its sale to KPMG Portugal. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier heads the team and Lisbon-based Nuno Peres Alves, João Alfredo Afonso, Gonçalo Machado Borges and Eduardo Maia Cadete are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a sizeable team with 15 partners dedicated to this area, including a number of well-regarded figures, such as Carlos Osório de Castro, Nuno Galvão Teles and João Soares da Silva. Eduardo Paulino and energy and natural resources specialist Ricardo Andrade Amaro were promoted to the partnership in 2015. The team advised Solvay on a joint venture agreement with specialty and intermediate chemicals company INEOS for the creation of a joint PVC producer, and assisted EDP Labelec with setting up an R&D centre.
At Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, highlights included advising Ascendi Group, Mota-Engil and Gnb Concessões on the sale of stakes totalling €653m in highway concessions in Portugal and Spain to Ardian; Eduardo Paulino led the advice. Segismundo Pinto Basto is highly rated for venture capital work. Practice head João Soares da Silva, Carlos Osório de Castro and Nuno Galvão Teles are the other names to note.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘an excellent service’ on all commercial matters, including venture capital work. Practice head João Soares da Silva and Eduardo Paulino advised Montepio Geral on the acquisition of a 49% stake in the share capital of Residências Montepio, a residential centres business for senior citizens. Carlos Osório de Castro, Nuno Galvão Teles and Segismundo Pinto Basto are also recommended.

Fielding a large team with international reach, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associado handled a number of cross-border transactions, such as assisting Mystic Invest with the sale of Monumental Palace Hotel to the Paris Inn Group, and Indorama with acquisitions of a number of distressed industrial properties. EDP, Sonae, and several financial institutions count among the clients. Porto-based Carlos Osório de Castro is ‘undoubtedly a reference’; Eduardo Paulino is a 'well-rounded transactional lawyer with an old-school approach of dealing with other parties’; managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles and Tomás Vaz Pinto are also recommended.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associado fields an established team that handles a wide range of transactional and regulatory matters. It advised Indorama on the Portuguese law aspects of its acquisition of a purified terephthalic acid plant from insolvent Artlant, and a co-generation and water treatment plant from Artelia. Nuno Galvão Teles and Tomás Vaz Pinto jointly head the team; Catarina Brito Ferreira and Ricardo Andrade Amaro are recommended. EDP is another key client.

IFLR 1000

Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is among the leading M&A firms in Portugal according to the market commentators. The firm has had a typically strong year, with involvement on some leading mandates such as advising Sonae Distribuição in its €662 million acquisition of the share capital of Carrefour Portugal last year. In another standout deal, the firm advised Automatic Data Processing in the acquisition of high-tech subsidiaries of Salvador Caetano and Entreposto. Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is frequently called on for counsel by Energias de Portugal – this year it advised the company in four different transactions this year: the €2.2 billion acquisition of Horizon Wind Energy; a strategic partnership with Algerian state oil company Sonatrach; the €38 million purchase of Pebble Hydro from Babcock & Brown; and the sale of 40% and 27% of shares in Turbogás and Portugen respectively. In addition, the firm advised Millennium BCP in its attempted €16 billion merger with Banco BPI in November 2007. The bank returned to the firm for counsel in relation to a strategic partnership with Angolan oil-and-gas company Sonangol and Banco Privado Atlântic. The negotiations include the disposal of a 49,9% stake in BCP’s subsidiary Banco Millennium Angola to Sonangol.
This has been an exceptional year for Morais Leitão, which has benefited from its integration with Osório de Castro Verde Pinho Vieira Peres Lobo Xavier e Associados. As noted in the local newspaper Diário Económico: "The prestige of the two firms – Morais Leitão and Osório de Castro - is recognized by the market and the integration will likely result in added value." Being more specific, a big advantage for Morais Leitão from the merger is the presence of 35 lawyers in Porto and contact with several large clients in the north of Portugal, including Sonae. The firm also assisted on two deals with Sonaecom this year, the first worth €12 billion and involving the takeover offer for PT, and the second worth €1.2 billion and regarding the takeover offer for one of PT's subsidiaries. In the former, the firm acted as sole adviser to Sonaecom in the structuring and submission of a public bid for the share capital of PT, Portugal's largest communications company. In the latter, the firm advised Sonae on the bid to acquire the share capital of PT Multimédia - Serviços de Telecomunicações e Multimédia. In another of the firm's most important deal this year, it assisted Investifino on the acquisition of 26% of the total share capital of Grupo Soares da Costa, and the subsequent public tender offer for the company. Grupo Soares da Costa is one of the largest construction companies in Portugal, with a market capitalizaton of €131 million. The deal was innovative, being the first-ever use in Portugal of a mechanism which allowed the company to circumvent mandatory offer thresholds, suspending its compulsory offer for remaining shares in the company. In a €5.3 billion transaction, Morais Leitão also acted for Millennium BCP in its attempt to acquire Banco BPI, the third-largest private Portuguese bank, through a bid for shares. The firm also won the Portuguese law firm of the year award presented by International Financial Law Review. This award goes to the Portuguese firm that has contributed local law advice to the most innovative cross-border deals in the past year. The firm's capacity to do so was demonstrated by the fact that only a few weeks after the official announcement of the integration, the firm was representing the bidders in Portugal's two main deals of this year. The firm's M&A department is headed by João Soares da Silva, who has led his team in working with clients such as Sonaecom, Ibersol, and Millennium BCP. Of the 13 takeovers last year involving Portuguese companies, the firm advised buyers in 11. And peers admit that for corporate work "the best practitioners are at Morais Leitão".
João Soares da Silva runs Morais Leitão’s “fantastic” M&A practice, which comprises nine partners and 28 associates following the firm’s integration in January 2006 with Oporto corporate heavyweight Osório de Castro Verde Pinho Vieira Peres Lobo Xavier e Associados. Among other obvious advantages (giving Morais Leitão access to key clients in northern Portugal, for example), the merger meant that “outstanding M&A lawyer” Carlos Osório de Castro is now a member of Morais Leitão’s M&A department, adding serious expertise to an already excellent team. As well as Osório de Castro, one partner (Eduardo Verde Pinho) and five associates joined the M&A department from the Oporto firm. Morais Leitão notched up another impressive deal tally over the past year. Soares da Silva was especially busy at the end of 2005, leading teams advising Millennium BCP on two deals that closed in December. The first saw the team advise Millennium BCP on its negotiation with several bidders for the sale of a 100% stake in the shareholding of a Macao banking and insurance group for €176.5 million. And in the second, the team acted on the sale of a 50% shareholding of a Portuguese bank focused on car financing business, involving the negotiation of the restructuring of the joint venture set up to handle the fleet rental and management services business. The busy period continued into 2006. In January, Nuno Galvão Teles acted for EDP, Portugal’s largest electricity company, on the €1.6 billion sale of its shareholding in Galp Energia to Américo Amorim Group, as well as on EDP and REN’s simultaneous shareholders’ agreement in relation to Galp Energia, in which they set out the rules that would apply to the relations between shareholders and the terms and conditions of the put options for REN’s shareholding in Galp Energia. At the time of writing, Carlos Osório de Castro and Paulo Rendeiro were acting for Sonae Sierra, one of the largest European companies in the shopping and leisure centre sector, on the sale of 50% of its stake in Rio Sul Shopping and Serra Shopping to a fund managed by Rockspring Investments (London) for an undisclosed amount.
According to one client, “the market leader in M&A is Morais Leitão, since it deals with the largest and most complex transactions.” Another remarked that “all the outstanding lawyers in M&A work for Morais Leitão.” While this is possibly overstating the situation slightly (PLMJ and Vieira De Almeida have equally strong practices, for example), these comments are a good indication of how highly regarded the firm is in this sector. Its consistent involvement in some of the most interesting recent transactions easily justifies its top-tier position. The firm’s M&A department comprises 16 associates and seven partners, and is led by João Soares da Silva, who “knows a lot and has the most experience in M&A transactions of any individual.” Meanwhile, Nuno Galvão Teles, the firm’s other leading partner, “knows the law, and has good business sense – which is useful in negotiating and closing out deals.” Speaking of these two lawyers in tandem, interviewees praised their capacity for “creative solutions” and “pointing out potential problems.” One of Morais Leitão’s biggest clients is Energías de Portugal (EDP), an electricity and gas supplier. In the last 12 months, Morais Leitão has advised EDP on three large M&A transactions. The first of these was EDP’s purchase of an additional 56.2% of the share capital of Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico for €1.2 billion ($1.5 billion), which allowed EDP to assume full control of the company. Morais Leitão also represented EDP in relation to its acquisition of a 33.34% shareholding in GDP, a Portuguese gas distribution corporation, for €500 million. And the firm again acted for EDP when it sold a 60% stake in Edinfor Sistemas Informáticos to LogicaCMG Corporate Holdings (LCMG) for €81 million. The sale was executed through a share purchase agreement between EDP and LCMG, which also involved reshaping the shareholder and corporate governance rules applicable to Edinfor. Morais Leitão does not just advise EDP, of course. Among the year’s other highlights, Millennium BCP hired the firm when it sold its insurance companies to Caixa Geral de Dépositios and Group Fortis for €843 million, and Portucel also sought counsel from Morais Leitão in connection with the reprivatization of an indivisible block of shares representing 30% of the firm’s share capital, in a transaction valued at €334 million. The firm has continuously advised Portucel on its reprivatisation since its launch in 1995.
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados' corporate practice is the most lauded in Portugal, known for its strong banking clients and thriving outpost in the country's industrial north. "If there is to be only one firm in tier one then it would be MLGTS," says one rival. "They have been able to maintain a very strong roster of day-to-day clients, which provides the firm with a good flow of everyday transactions - for example Energias de Portugal (EDP) and BCP bank. But, they are also competing in other transactions where there is a competitive bidding process - and they are doing well." Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is also one of the largest practices in Portugal and works a considerable number of deals, though peers credit the firm with being more focused on quality transactions than other large practices. The corporate department is led by João Soares da Silva, but the firm is host to a number of leading lawyers. Carlos Osório de Castro is well regarded by competitors and, according to one commentator, is responsible for bringing in one of the firm's most prestigious clients, the Sonae conglomerate. But de Castro works large deals for a range of clients. In December 2008 he advised Martifer Group on the sale of its stake in the listed German company Repower to the Suzlon Group for €270 million.
The M&A team at Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is well respected by peers and clients alike. "The lawyers they have working on our teams are mainly the top tier lawyers and so we are very pleased with the level of experience," says one client. Others appreciated the firm's sector specific knowledge. "They have one or two lawyers who have specific knowledge, particularly in software and telecoms," says one client. The team's capacity was reduced slightly in May 2009 with the departure of Maria Antónia Cardoso de Menezes. A highlight of the firm's work last year saw them advise two separate parties in actions connected to the market-defining Cimpor transaction. In one, a team led by João Soares da Silva and Carlos Osório de Castro acted for Teixeira Duarte on the sale of its 22.1% stake in Cimpor for €970 million. Osório de Castro and Luísa Soares da Silva did similar work for Cinveste advising on the sale of its 3.93% stake for €155 million. João Soares da Silva was appreciated by clients. "Generally his knowledge of Portuguese law and capital markets regulation and his extensive experience is always appreciated," says one. In the energy sector, Nuno Galvão Teles was busy advising EDP on the €330 million acquisition of gas distribution, transmission and supply assets in Spain from Gas Natural. Galvão Teles was active in the renewable sector. EDP again came calling in July 2009 as the firm advised two subsidiaries, Distribuição - Energia and Inovação, in the incorporation of a joint partnership for ocean wave energy projects. The team also advised a consortium of buyers on the €250 million acquisition of Qimonda Solar. In the banking sector, João and Luísa Suares da Silva were called in by Banco Comercial Português to act on its agreement to sell a 95% stake in Millennium Bank in Turkey to Credit Europe for €61.8 million. The team also acted for Pfizer on the Portuguese aspects of its worldwide merger with Wyeth including the co-ordination of various subsidiaries.
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados often acts for the creditors in insolvency proceedings and a clear highlight last year saw the firm act for AWB last year as a creditor of Oleocom, an importer of cereals, in its insolvency proceedings. A key figure at the firm is Helena Soares de Moura and last year she acted for Abbott as a creditor of pharmaceutical distributor CJ Sousa Andrade in its insolvency proceedings. Soares de Moura was also advised two creditors, CAI International and SKY Container Trading, on the insolvency proceedings of Linhas de Navegacao do Atlantico (LNA).
"We've worked with Morais Leitão, we were always happy with the firm," says one client. The firm was involved in a €246 million transaction as it represented three creditors on the insolvency proceedings of the Spanish company Martinsa Fadesa. The largest Portuguese electricity supplier EDP also called in the firm in relation to Entigere's insolvency declaration in February 2011. Entigere used to run a payment system named "Megarede" and EDP had a contract allowing consumers to pay their bills on Megarede. Another similar transaction saw the team advise Abbott in relation to CJ Sousa Andrade's insolvency and liquidation proceeding.
Morais Leitão's solid M&A work has been commended by several peers, with one saying: "Their M&A work is very good, I think they're the best in M&A in Portugal." One substantial mandate saw João Soares da Silva lead the team advising Euronext Lisbon - Sociedade Gestora de Mercados Regulamentados on the implementation of all regulatory requirements in Portugal in the context of the NYSE Euronext/Deutsche Börse merger. The transaction was valued at $9.8 billion. Another highlight saw Carlos Osório de Castro involved in advising La Seda de Barcelona on the sale of Artenius Portugal-Industrial Polymers to Control PET, a company owned by the Imatosgil and Banco Espírito Santo group, worth €30 million. De Castro stands out among the M&A lawyers in the Portuguese market, as one peer says: "I would see Carlos as a notable M&A lawyer, this guy is very good in capital markets, but also a very good M&A lawyer." In December 2010, a team led by De Castro also advised Bento Pedroso Construções in relation to its dissolution of Odebrecht Investimentos e Participações SGPS (OIP), which was worth €80 million. OIP is a company that was wholly owned by Bento group, and it is an important player in both the civil construction and public works' markets.
On the M&A side, as well as João Soares da Silva, Osório de Castro and Nuno Galvão Teles, clients commend Segismundo Pinto Basto and Tomás Vaz Pinto, the M&A team coordinator. An interesting M&A mandate in 2013 had Soares da Silva leading a team advising Banco Commercial Portuguës on the sale of the entire share capital of Millennium Bank and participation in Pireaus Bank: a large, high value, cross-border deal with EU competition implications.
Senior lawyer Helena Soares de Moura, who has been leading on various restructuring and insolvency cases.
Clients remain enthusiastic about the firm’s corporate practice. The team “demonstrated an incredible knowledge on all the subjects this work covered,” says one M&A client, while others note the firm has “good knowledge of the client needs, very practical lawyers” and “seeks the solution and not the problem”. In highlight deals the firm, alongside Skadden Arps and Houthoff Buruma, continued to advise Portugal’s largest construction company Mota Engil in its plan to sell shares in its African subsidiary (43% of the company’s revenue) through an IPO in London to raise capital. In mid-2014 the company announced it would postpone the listing. The firm also advised Sonaecom in relation to a €215 million tender offer by its own board of directors in exchange for Zon Optimus shares, completed in 2014 with an acceptance level of 62%. Elsewhere, the team assisted Banco Commercial Portugues on the sale of its stake in Millennium Bank Greece and investment into a Piraeus Bank capital increase and advised state-owned Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) on the privatisation of Portugal’s largest insurer Caixa Seguros to China’s biggest private conglomerate Fosun International for €1.2 billion On the private equity side the firm won numerous mandates from ECS and in 2013-14 advised Vallis Capital Partners on its investments into companies in the construction, public works and engineering sectors under financial distress totalling €1 billion. The team was also supporting EU Steel on its judicial recovery procedure (PER) and recovery plan.
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados (MLGTS) has maintained a solid team and keeps its rankings across the board. A projects client says the firm provides “good quality, permanent availability, senior staff involvement in the process, good relationship and a capacity to give tactical advice”. “Exceptional,” says another for a refinancing, while a restructuring client says the firm gave “excellent service in an extremely complex and tough negotiation”. “I consider them as the best law firm in Portugal,” says a debt capital markets client. Over 2013-14 the firm won numerous instructions from domestic and foreign Portuguese banks, in some examples advising a syndicate on the restructuring of the debt of a wine producer, a Portuguese bank on the €117 million debt restructuring of a Portuguese media company and two Portuguese banks on the restructuring of a football club. The team also received various mandates for the Portuguese Treasury and Debt Management Agency (IGCP) relating to derivatives matters and regular project finance and bank refinancing instructions from Banco Espírito Santo de Investimento throughout 2013 and 2014.
The corporate practice remains strong, and despite a faltering market the firm has acted on several M&A mandates in the last year. Representative highlights include the acquisition of Spanish football club Valencia CF for €400 million by Meriton Holdings, a complex deal that included the refinancing of the club’s debt. Due in part to an increase in inward private equity investors, the firm has also acted on private equity M&A deals, as well as offering regulatory advice. Examples include advising Oaktree Capital Management with the formation of Oaktree European Principal Fund III. On the equity side the practice advised Banco Comercial Português on a share capital increase of €2.24 billion of new ordinary shares offered to existing shareholders. Working alongside a number of global firms, a key highlight was the firm’s extensive work for construction company Mota-Engil SGPS and its subsidiary Mota-Engil Africa. Closing in November 2014, transactional work included the distribution of 20% of Mota-Engil Africa’s shares to the shareholders of Mota-Engil SGPS, and the proposed floating of the company on the LSE, an idea eventually scrapped in favour of listing on Euronext Amsterdam. The matter was valued at over €2 billion.
Tier 1

Mergers and Acquisitions

2020

Advogados

Chambers Europe

Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised for his extensive expertise in the energy sector. Sources report: “He is a very experienced and solid professional. He gives clients great confidence when he's at the table.”
João Soares da Silva enjoys an excellent reputation in the field for M&A work, within which he focuses on the banking sector. Sources regard him as "one of the best M&A lawyers in Portugal" and highlight his "dedication and availability to the client."
Carlos Osório de Castro's practice includes advice on M&A and joint ventures. He is widely recognised in the market as an “excellent lawyer.” Sources additionally note his “strong reputation in devising creative solutions, problem-solving skills and intelligence.”
Segismundo Pinto Basto has experience in dealing with a range of corporate matters, with particular activity in the aviation and agribusiness sectors. Interviewees describe him as "proactive, with deep knowledge of his specialism."
Eduardo Paulino regularly advises on cross-border M&A and joint ventures. Sources enthuse: “He has extremely sophisticated technical skills, is always available and shows unwavering support.”

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate/M&A
2018
Catarina Brito Ferreira specialises in the energy sector, within which she advises on M&A, joint venture transactions and public tender bids. Clients report: “She is very skilled and hands-on, and she knows how to get matters moving."
Catarina Brito Ferreira is singled out for her negotiation skills. Her work covers transactional and regulatory matters within the energy sector and she is particularly active in renewables.
Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised as a "very resourceful lawyer and a great negotiator." His clients include important energy companies.
Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier is recognised as a talented practitioner in M&A and real estate transactions. He is described by a source as a "very good lawyer who's strong on real estate issues." He led the team for Sonae MC - Modelo Continente, advising on the due diligence as well as the negotiation of the documents concerning the client's acquisition of a 51% capital share of Go Well – Promoção de Eventos, Catering e Consultoria.
Interviewees agree that Carlos Osório de Castro"is a standout figure in the market" and further describe him as a "very clever lawyer." A long-time expert in capital markets and M&A transactions, he is a prominent and trusted practitioner who represents major national and international clients. Of late, he led the team advising Gestifute Group on the negotiation of sale and purchase and investment/shareholder agreements with Fosun International.
Jorge Simões Cortez is an established M&A lawyer with a solid track record in company restructuring operations and corporate transactions. He advised Riopele in proceedings initiated by former managers, who claimed the payment of EUR2 million in compensation, and a former distributor who claimed over EUR1.77 million.
Eduardo Verde Pinho is a recognised figure, described as "very strong on M&A and general corporate issues" by one interviewee. He co-ordinates the firm's Africa team and regularly represents clients in Angola and Mozambique on restructuring of organisations and their finances.
The "talented" Luísa Soares da Silva leads the insurance, reinsurance and pension funds team at the firm. She is well recognised in the market due to her transactional strength. She regularly advises insurers and pension funds and offers expertise in the sector on M&A, capital markets transactions and restructurings.
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles is particularly well known for his work on deals within the energy sector. His extensive experience covers privatisations, M&A transactions and joint ventures.
Carlos Osório de Castro is held in high regard as "very pragmatic, with a lot of experience and knowledge in corporate law and M&A." His practice covers various sectors, including sports.
Segismundo Pinto Basto frequently deals in venture capital work for start-ups as well as on a range of corporate matters for clients within the healthcare, agribusiness and aviation industries.
Head of department João Soares da Silva is considered a "very good M&A lawyer." He is known for his expertise in deals in the financial services sector, often representing banking institutions.
Tomás Vaz Pinto advises clients on privatisations, M&A transactions and private equity. He offers expertise in deals within the energy sector. Peers note his "very good reputation in the local market as a reliable lawyer." A client adds: "He understands the client as a whole, and is available and proactive."
Catarina Brito Ferreira is highlighted by sources for her dedication. Interviewees also credit her negotiation skills and "extremely hard-working and knowledgeable" approach. Her practice encompasses transactional and regulatory support.
Nuno Galvão Teles is considered by market commentators to be "one of the best lawyers in Portugal." He offers long-standing expertise in the energy sector alongside his role as managing partner of the firm. He is praised as "extremely competent and a good leader."
Margarida Lima Rego maintains an excellent reputation in the market as having "considerable knowledge in the area of insurance." She is highlighted for her depth of expertise in insurance law. She regularly assists with transactions and other non-contentious matters in the sector and is also skilled in insurance litigation. Sources describe her as "remarkable" and "experienced."
Ricardo Andrade Amaro has significant experience in securities and corporate and commercial law. He often provides everyday regulatory advice to private equity funds.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is highly experienced in private equity M&A and assists various clients in this sector, who appreciate his "dedication, technical capacities and negotiation skills."

Nuno Galvão Teles

Eminent Practitioner Corporate/M&A
2016

Carlos Osório de Castro

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2016

João Soares da Silva

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2016

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate / M&A
2016

Segismundo Pinto Basto

Band 4 Corporate/M&A
2016
Practice head João Soares da Silva has recently focused his M&A practice in privatisations such as the one undertaken by Caixa Seguros e Saúde.
Carlos Osório de Castro is considered by peers as "one of the greatest Portuguese lawyers." He has notable experience in commercial and corporate matters and remains one of the most active members of the team.
Clients appreciate Nuno Galvão Teles' interaction, which they say "makes our relationship easier." He is a well-regarded practitioner and highly experienced in corporate, commercial and energy law.
Segismundo Pinto Basto frequently acts on domestic and cross-border M&A.
Tomás Vaz Pinto recently advised on the privatisation of Caixa Seguros e Saúde.
Senior statesman Miguel Galvão Teles handles corporate and M&A matters as part of a varied practice which also includes litigation.
Peers regard practice head João Soares da Silva as a leading name in the Portuguese corporate/M&A market.
Clients enjoy working with Carlos Osório de Castro, with one stating: "He has a very deep understanding of business transactions and always gives accurate and crystal-clear advice."
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles attracts praise for his work in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Segismundo Pinto Basto led many of the firm's key M&A cases of the year.
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles specialises in corporate and energy law. He is, according to clients, "a very knowledgeable lawyer who anticipates clients' needs."
Peers recognise key partner Tomás Vaz Pinto for his experience and expertise in private equity matters.
Carlos Osório de Castro brings his corporate law expertise to TMT deals. Peers praise him as "a brilliant lawyer, technically very strong."
Public law expert Nuno Peres Alves attracts praise for his expertise, availability and litigation skills. Peers remark that "he is an excellent litigator."
Helena Tapp Barroso represented Sonaecom in a litigation case concerning unpaid services and invoicing.
Funchal-based Cátia Henriques Fernandes attracts praise for her expertise and client-oriented approach.
Clients praise António Lobo Xavier for his tax law expertise and his business knowledge. Sources say: "He is an impressive lawyer, who possesses a profound knowledge of the corporate arena."
Department head Eduardo Verde Pinho is widely recognised for his corporate law expertise. He also co-ordinates the firm's Africa team, which advises clients with operations in lusophone African countries.
Clients highlight Jorge Simões Cortez's commitment, dedication and proactivity. In addition to handling both M&A and restructuring mandates, he possesses vast experience of the TMT sector.
Bernardo Lobo Xavier is recommended for his ability to handle M&A and real estate matters. "Clients like him a lot; he works hard and is very knowledgeable," reports one interviewee.
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly respected by peers across the country. With long experience and in-depth knowledge to draw from, Galvão Teles advises clients on commercial and corporate law issues, dispute resolution and arbitration.
"One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
João Soares da Silva is "client-focused, personable, a great lawyer," state clients. His areas of expertise include corporate and commercial law, capital markets, and banking and finance.
Nuno Galvão Teles is well versed in commercial law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
Segismundo Pinto Basto represents clients in privatisations and M&A operations in Portugal and abroad.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is "a deep thinker who understood our needs and balanced our commercial and legal interests very well. His experience is built on a solid foundation," a client declares. Vaz Pinto's areas of expertise include company law, M&A, joint ventures and IP.
Corporate and energy law expert Nuno Galvão Teles leads the team.
Tomás Vaz Pinto enjoys a strong profile in the market. He handles private equity matters as part of a mixed practice that also covers corporate law, M&A and IP.
Corporate law and capital markets expert Carlos Osório de Castro is unanimously considered a star individual: "He is one of the best lawyers in the country: extremely bright, flexible and results-oriented," say sources.
Carlos Osório de Castro has a strong track record in insolvency, and is well respected by peers.
Interviewees describe practice head Helena Soares de Moura as "really proactive, experienced, clear in her explanations and technically strong."
Carlos Osório de Castro as an excellent lawyer with strong market knowledge. He specialises in the corporate and capital markets aspects of TMT deals.
Sources confirm that public law specialist Nuno Peres Alves remains active in this sector. He recently advised Optimus on a tender procedure for new telecoms universal service providers.
Helena Tapp Barroso climbs the rankings following positive client feedback: "She really got involved in the case and it felt like she was a member of our team. She is pragmatic and knows the subject in detail, including all the technicalities."
Cátia Henriques Fernandes is based in Madeira and the best-known name for shipping work at the firm.
Eduardo Verde Pinho is managing partner of the firm's Porto office. He has decades of experience and regularly deals with clients from Angola and Mozambique.
Clients single out Jorge Simões Cortez for his skill in M&A and praise his "all-encompassing vision" and coverage of all aspects of the transaction.
Miguel Galvão Teles heads the public and international law department and is widely acclaimed for his experience on a number of large, complex, domestic and cross-border financial operations, with sources describing him as "one of the greatest Portuguese lawyers."
Carlos Osório de Castro is described by sources as "a fantastic lawyer with ample international knowledge and legal vision."
João Soares da Silva is praised for "his ability to always find innovative solutions to complex matters."
Nuno Galvão Teles specialises in energy and natural resources, and his business acumen and proactive attitude are key attributes for corporate clients.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is a well-established name for commercial transactions.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is a highly skilled transactional practitioner.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is admired as a multi-talented lawyer with expertise in capital markets and corporate/M&A.
Madeira-based Cátia Henriques Fernandes is described as "a very good shipping and corporate lawyer, with in-depth knowledge of local regulation issues within an international context."
Star lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro maintains his top-tier position in the market, particularly for capital markets, corporate/M&A and restructuring and insolvency cases.
Tax expert António Lobo Xavier is a key figure at the firm and wins excellent market feedback.
Sources describe Eduardo Verde Pinho as "very well thought of in the Porto market and a great administrator." His broad practice covers corporate and commercial law.
Peers are impressed by Jorge Simões Cortez's expertise in M&A transactions.
João Soares da Silva heads the department and is praised for his ample experience in handling complex legal matters.
Carlos Osório de Castro's "total availability and creative solutions" are a hit with clients. His recent workload includes advising Cinveste on the sale of its 3.93% stake in Cimpor.
Miguel Galvão Teles is a veteran of the Portuguese legal market and has been involved in many of the most important and historic transactions in the country.
Nuno Galvão Teles co-ordinates the corporate and M&A team working on high-yield transactions.
Partner Segismundo Pinto Basto is admired for his confidence and experience in real estate matters
Senior partner Nuno Galvão Teles heads the department and is universally recognised by the market as a true energy expert. Interviewees praise his "extensive network, ample sector understanding and ability to put a strong team together to assist his clients."
Luís Branco is a towering figure in project finance and plays a key role in energy transactions
Tomás Vaz Pinto typifies the practice with his all-round M&A and corporate finance expertise. "Besides strong legal skills, he's very easy to deal with, always available and constantly involved supervising his team and revising its work," enthuse clients.
Carlos Osório de Castro is an expert in this area and was involved in the drafting of the recent Portuguese Insolvency Code.
Senior associate Helena Soares de Moura is an impressive litigator specialising in insolvency.
Leading the practice in Lisbon and Funchal is prestigious lawyer Francisco de Sousa da Câmara, who comes highly recommended for complex corporate tax matters.
Carlos Osório de Castro is the star of the group and his acclaimed areas of expertise include capital markets, corporate and M&A.
António Lobo Xavier is a recognised tax specialist and clients highlight his "ample knowledge of all areas of the law."
Eduardo Verde Pinho is an experienced and widely recognised corporate lawyer
Peers admire Jorge Simões Cortez for his "solid knowledge and acumen."
Carlos Osório de Castro mainly focuses on corporate/M&A, capital markets and restructuring/insolvency, and clients praise "his ability to find well-supported, swift, outside-the-box solutions.” For some clients he is simply “the best lawyer in the country.”
Tomás Vaz Pinto is also well-respected market player.
Corporate lawyer Nuno Galvão Teles co-ordinates the practice and is recognised for his considerable expertise in the electricity industry, mostly through advising EDP. He builds strong relationships with his "great dedication to clients, unparalleled technical knowledge, negotiating skills and good honest advice on problem resolution."
“Excellent” project finance practitioner Luís Branco is recognised as a player in the energy sector, where he has mainly acted on the side of banks in energy projects.
António Lobo Xavier is the office's tax specialist, and an authority for TMT matters. “He is able to understand both the big picture and the more detailed, complex problems,” sources report.
Of counsel Jorge Simões Cortez is valued for his “negotiating skills, understanding of the clients' needs, and pragmatic, rational thinking, which focuses on finding solutions.” He is part of the corporate/M&A team.
Clients recommend Eduardo Verde Pinho for his global vision and solid advocacy. He manages the Porto office, focusing on corporate/M&A.
“One of the best lawyers in Portugal” according to an interviewee, Porto-based Carlos Osório de Castro is primarily a renowned corporate practitioner, but is also noted for his telecoms-related activity.
Public law specialist Nuno Peres Alves “has deep knowledge of telecoms regulation, and has also played an important role in some of the sector’s most crucial legal battles,” researchers were told.
Tomás Vaz Pinto stands out for his negotiation skills and “his ability to defend our interests in complicated situations in an intelligent and constructive way," according to clients.
Segismundo Pinto Basto and Tomás Vaz Pinto are also well respected market players
João Soares da Silva is a noteworthy individual considered “one of the leaders of the market” by both peers and clients.
The “truly amazing” Carlos Osório de Castro impresses interviewees with his extraordinary corporate expertise
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly recommended for corporate/M&A and dispute resolution matters
Nuno Galvão Teles stands out as a safe pair of hands for corporate and capital market issues
“One of the most respected lawyers in the Portuguese market,” Miguel Galvão Teles continues to win the respect of peers and clients alike, all of whom acknowledge his brilliant reputation. This highly experienced and well-liked practitioner is considered “enduringly excellent in his field.”
Talented lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro is lauded as “technically faultless and an enormous asset at the negotiation table – a perfect combination for M&A work.”
The well-respected head of the corporate department, João Soares da Silva has an excellent reputation as a “truly corporate lawyer.” His expertise covers a broad slice of the corporate spectrum.
Nuno Galvão Teles continues to impress clients as a dedicated M&A practitioner. He has led on some of the most significant privatisation transactions executed in Portugal.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is noted for his exceptional relationships with clients.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is described as “a promising lawyer” who is “enjoyable to work with.”
Sources speak of Nuno Galvão Teles in glowing terms. “Phenomenally skilled,” he wins particular praise for his expert knowledge of the electricity sector.
Luís Branco is heralded as “an excellent lawyer with great problem-solving capabilities.”
António Lobo Xavier has impressive tax knowledge and is now responsible for developing the Porto TMT department.
Eduardo Verde Pinho, one of the founders of the firm, is another key member of the team and is praised for his in-depth advice.
Corporate partner Tomás Vaz Pinto deals with private equity matters and is described as “a friendly, organised and dedicated lawyer with strong technical skills.”
Carlos Osório de Castro is noted for his capabilities in corporate advisory work, and has great experience of advising telecoms clients on corporate matters.
Miguel Galvão Teles attracts widespread commendation from market sources: “He has a brilliant mind, and is excellent at devising strategies and explaining complex principles.”
Tomás Vaz Pinto is a “bright young lawyer with great potential."
Segismundo Pinto Basto attracts praise for his excellent relationships with local companies, in addition to his “calm and professional attitude.”
Sources report that Nuno Galvão Teles “defends his clients’ positions vigorously and has a keen understanding of the Portuguese market.” Clients appreciate “his creative approach.”
João Soares da Silva has an excellent reputation as a “pragmatic and technically proficient” lawyer with a broad range of expertise, including corporate and capital markets matters.
Clients identify Carlos Osório de Castro as “a genius” in relation to corporate and capital markets work: “He is bright and has a great understanding of clients’ needs.”
Eduardo Verde Pinho impresses sources with his “business approach and focus on the big picture. He keeps in mind the client’s commercial goals.” He mainly deals with corporate matters for companies based in North Portugal.
Capital markets partner Carlos Osório de Castro is regarded as “the most outstanding name in Porto’s legal scene.” Clients comment: “In addition to its amazing technical skills, he have excellent client service and will readily face difficult challenges. He have totally gained our confidence.”
Tax lawyer António Lobo Xavier is regarded as “the most outstanding name in Porto’s legal scene.” Clients comment: “In addition to its amazing technical skills, he have excellent client service and will readily face difficult challenges. He have totally gained our confidence.
According to observers, the charismatic Miguel Galvão Teles “has a presence which fills the room.” They go on to describe him as “a sharp lawyer who knows when to be tough or soft, flexible or inflexible.”
“Outstanding and aggressive corporate lawyer” Carlos Osório de Castro receives enthusiastic praise from his clients: “He is always two steps ahead of everyone else - he has written or influenced law codes himself so he is the one who knows what can or cannot be done and understands loopholes - fantastic for designing operations.” Peers add that: “Osório de Castro’s negotiation skills are exceptional: he is probably one of the brightest lawyers in the area.”
Interviewees recognise Nuno Galvão Teles’ ability to establish “long-term relationships with clients”.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is considered a “solid and excellent professional.”

Chambers Global

Vítor Pereira das Neves is a recognised name in the market. He is noted for his activity in transactions in the energy sector.

Catarina Brito Ferreira specialises in energy-related transactions, frequently advising on acquisitions of share capital, divestments and due diligence. Clients describe her as "dedicated and very client-oriented."

Eduardo Paulino is known by interviewees to be an "excellent lawyer."He possesses broad experience in handling auction processes, the structuring of transactions and acquisitions of share capital.

Tomás Vaz Pinto advises on the sale and purchase of share capital as well as the negotiation of shareholders' agreements. Interviewees appreciate his attention to detail and add that "he is a pleasure to work with."

Segismundo Pinto Basto assists with corporate governance, M&A and restructuring transactions in the aviation and energy sectors. Clients value his "seriousness and loyalty in every case."

Carlos Osório de Castro dedicates his practice to sales of share capital and public tender offers. He often assists clients in the energy and hospitality industries.

Nuno Galvão Teles is a prominent figure in the corporate sphere. He boasts a strong track record in energy and natural resources transactions.

Eduardo Paulino rises in the rankings on the back of positive client feedback, with one highlighting his "very good technical knowledge of regulations and legal framework," adding: "He is able to provide solutions to specific operational issues in complex cases."He advises on a variety of capital market transactions, including share capital increases, tender offers, unsecured notes and debt issuances.

Claudia Santos Cruz

Foreign Expertise in Angola Corporate/M&A
2020

Claudia Santos Cruz

Foreign Expertise in Mozambique Corporate/M&A
2020

Catarina Brito Ferreira

Band 4 Corporate / M&A
2020

Eduardo Paulino

Band 3 Corporate / M&A
2020

Segismundo Pinto Basto

Band 4 Corporate/M&A
2020

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate/M&A
2020

Carlos Osório de Castro

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2020

Nuno Galvão Teles

Eminent Practitioner Corporate/M&A
2020

Catarina Brito Ferreira

Up & Coming Corporate / M&A
2019

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate/M&A
2019

Segismundo Pinto Basto

Band 4 Corporate/M&A
2019

Carlos Osório de Castro

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2019

Nuno Galvão Teles

Eminent Practitioner Corporate/M&A
2019

Claudia Santos Cruz

Foreign Expertise in Angola Corporate/M&A
2019

Nuno Galvão Teles

Eminent Practitioner Corporate/M&A
2018

Carlos Osório de Castro

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2018

Segismundo Pinto Basto

Band 4 Corporate/M&A
2018

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate/M&A
2018

Eduardo Paulino

Band 4 Corporate / M&A
2018

Catarina Brito Ferreira

Up & Coming Corporate / M&A
2018

João Soares da Silva

Band 1 Corporate / M&A
2018

Eduardo Paulino

Band 3 Corporate / M&A
2018

Nuno Galvão Teles

Eminent Practitioner Corporate/M&A
2017

Carlos Osório de Castro

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2017

Segismundo Pinto Basto

Band 4 Corporate/M&A
2017

João Soares da Silva

Band 1 Corporate/M&A
2017

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate/M&A
2017

Claudia Santos Cruz

Foreign Expert for Angola Corporate / M&A
2017
Clients appreciate Nuno Galvão Teles' hands-on approach, which they say "makes our relationship easier." He is a well-regarded practitioner and highly experienced in corporate, commercial and energy law.
Practice head João Soares da Silva has recently focused his M&A practice on privatisations such as the one undertaken by Caixa Seguros e Saúde.
Segismundo Pinto Basto frequently acts on domestic and cross-border M&A.
Carlos Osório de Castro is considered by peers as "one of the greatest Portuguese lawyers." He has notable experience in commercial and corporate matters, and remains one of the most active members of the team.

Claudia Santos Cruz

Foreign Expert UK - Corporate M&A
2015
Senior statesman Miguel Galvão Teles handles corporate and M&A matters as part of a varied practice which also includes litigation.
Clients enjoy working with Carlos Osório de Castro, with one stating: "He has a very deep understanding of business transactions and always gives accurate and crystal-clear advice."
Peers regard practice head João Soares da Silva as a leading name in the Portuguese corporate/M&A market.
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles attracts praise for his work in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly respected by peers across the country. With long experience and in-depth knowledge to draw from, Galvão Teles advises clients on commercial and corporate law issues, dispute resolution and arbitration.
"One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets. "One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
João Soares da Silva is "client-focused, personable a great lawyer," states a client. His areas of expertise include corporate and commercial law, capital markets, and banking and finance.
Nuno Galvão Teles is well versed in commercial law, M&A, joint ventures, and capital markets. He has extensive knowledge of the Brazilian market and has fostered strong relationships with clients in the region.
Segismundo Pinto Basto represents clients in privatisations and M&A operations in Portugal and abroad.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is "a deep thinker who understood our needs and balanced our commercial and legal interests very well. His experience is built on a solid foundation," a client declares. His areas of expertise include company law, M&A, joint ventures and IP.
Miguel Galvão Teles heads the public and international law department and is widely acclaimed for his experience on a number of large, complex, domestic and cross-border financial operations, with sources describing him as "one of the greatest Portuguese lawyers."
Carlos Osório de Castro also stands as a leading figure in the sector thanks to his ability to rapidly "analyse complex legal matters and provide creative solutions.”
João Soares da Silva is praised for "his ability to always find innovative solutions to complex matters."
Nuno Galvão Teles specialises in energy and natural resources, and his business acumen and proactive attitude are key attributes for corporate clients.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is a well established name for commercial transactions.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is a highly skilled transactional practitioner.
Sources praise Carlos Osório de Castro for his ability to balance his profound legal knowledge with a deep understanding of market realities and his clients' underlying objectives.
João Soares da Silva receives praise from clients for being “very efficient in structuring solutions to complex legal matters.” He advised Banco Comercial Português on the sale of its stake in Millennium Bank in Turkey.
Carlos Osório de Castro also stands as a leading figure in the sector thanks to his ability to rapidly "analyse complex legal matters and provide creative solutions.”
Having led on some of the key deals in the market, Miguel Galvão Teles has attained a status as one of the key names in the Portuguese legal environment.
Rui de Oliveira Neves receives praise as someone who is prepared to go “beyond the call of duty to help his clients.” He specialises in the energy sector and often works together with Nuno Galvão Teles. A case in point saw the pair advise EDP - Energias de Portugal on the drafting, negotiation and execution of a joint partnership agreement for ocean wave energy development projects.
Clients draw confidence from Segismundo Pinto Basto's experience in the sector.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is praised by sources for his ability to find “effective solutions to problems.”
Catarina Levy Osório is also a member of the firm’s Angola desk and regularly advises clients on general commercial and foreign investment matters. She was born in Angola and is a member of the Angolan and Portuguese Bar Associations.
João Soares da Silva is another of the department’s well-known names. Clients recommend him as an expert in this area and highlight his competence and charisma.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is well regarded for his expertise in securitisations. He is also highly rated in banking and finance and projects.
Luisa Soares da Silva is lauded for her efficiency and quick service, and was one of the partners involved in the rights issues of Millennium bcp, together with Osório de Castro and João Soares da Silva.
Practice head João Soares da Silva is a noteworthy individual considered “one of the leaders of the market” by both peers and clients.
The "truly amazing" Carlos Osório de Castro impresses interviewees with his extraordinary corporate expertise.
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly recommended for corporate/M&A and dispute resolution matters.
Nuno Galvão Teles stands out as a safe pair of hands for corporate and capital market issues.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is also well-respected market players.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is also well-respected market players.
“One of the most respected lawyers in the Portuguese market,” Miguel Galvão Teles continues to win the respect of peers and clients alike, all of whom acknowledge his brilliant reputation. This highly experienced and well-liked practitioner is considered “enduringly excellent in his field.”
Talented lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro is lauded as “technically faultless and an enormous asset at the negotiation table – a perfect combination for M&A work.”
The well-respected head of the corporate department, João Soares da Silva, has an excellent reputation as a “truly corporate lawyer.” His expertise covers a broad slice of the corporate spectrum.
Nuno Galvão Teles continues to impress clients as a dedicated M&A practitioner. He has led on some of the most significant privatisation transactions executed in Portugal.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is noted for his exceptional relationships with clients.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is described as “a promising lawyerwho is enjoyable to work with.”
Miguel Galvão Teles attracts widespread commendation from the market. He "has a brilliant mind and is excellent at devising strategies and explaining complex principles.”
Clients identify Carlos Osório de Castro as “a genius in corporate and capital markets work." Others add: “He is bright and has a great understanding of clients’ needs.”
João Soares da Silva has an excellent reputation in the market as a “pragmatic and technically proficient” lawyer with a broad range of expertise, including corporate and capital markets matters.
Sources report that Nuno Galvão Teles “defends each client's position vigorously and has a keen understanding of the Portuguese market.” Clients appreciate “his creative and pragmatic approach.”
Segismundo Pinto Basto attracts praise for his excellent relationships with local companies, as well as his “calm and professional attitude.”
Tomás Vaz Pinto is seen as a “bright young lawyer with great potential.”
According to observers, the charismatic Miguel Galvão Teles “has a presence which fills the room.” They go on to describe him as “a sharp lawyer who knows when to be tough or soft, flexible or inflexible.”
“Outstanding and aggressive corporate lawyer” Carlos Osório de Castro receives enthusiastic praise from his clients: “He is always two steps ahead of everyone else - he has written or influenced law codes himself so he is the one who knows what can or cannot be done and understands loopholes - fantastic for designing operations.” Peers add that “Osório de Castro’s negotiation skills are exceptional: he is probably one of the brightest lawyers in the area.”
Interviewees recognise Nuno Galvão Teles’ ability to establish “long-term relationships with clients.”
Segismundo Pinto Basto is considered a “solid and excellent professional.”
Clients highlight Tomás Vaz Pinto’s “good personable style, which helps avoid confrontations.” His commercial approach and advice on contractual issues were also emphasised to researchers.
Miguel Galvão Teles is a “huge name in the Portuguese legal market,” according to commentators. He covers a broad range of practice areas but concentrates his activity on litigation, public, international, constitutional and corporate law. One key client observed that he is “outstanding for advice on near impossible deals.”
Nuno Galvão Teles was hailed by clients as a “highly motivated lawyer and extremely tough negotiator.” “His sharp business sense allows him to both identify and assess the risks inherent in any deal.”
Rivals recommended Segismundo Pinto Basto for his expertise in M&A and energy law. He heads one of the groups in the corporate department and has participated in a number of the major deals over the past year. remarked one leading competitor.
Tomás Vaz Pinto also makes his first appearance in the tables on the back of excellent recommendations. “Although still young, he has to be one of the safest pairs of hands for complex transactions,” remarked one leading competitor.
His “terrific” colleague Miguel Galvão Teles has the ability to deal with a variety of areas in public, constitutional and corporate law. Clients praise: his “excellent negotiation skills” and consider him “a generalist who can deal with anything thrown at him.”

Carlos Osório de Castro

Band 2 Corporate / M&A
2005
“Magnificent negotiator” Nuno Galvão Teles led the team in the advice given to EDP, worth an estimated €315 million, on the transfer of the entire share capital of OPTEP, SGPS, SA, a telecoms holding company that indirectly holds 25.5% stake in Optimus, the third-largest mobile telecoms operator in Portugal.
Head of corporate Filipa Arantes Pedroso spearheaded the team advising Globo Group on the sale of its 15% stake in Portuguese company SIC, owner of one of the two private channels to BPI which exercised its pre-emption right after a €20 million offer made by BPN.
“Rising name” Segismundo Pinto Basto specialises in energy and M&A. He was noted for his leadership skills in a case concerning Portucel, SGPS, in the second phase of reprivatisation of the company share capital for a total of €396 million. He also acted for WPP in the acquisition of a 40% share capital in Marktest Investimentos, SGPS, SA.

Legal 500

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2019

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2019

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2018

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2018

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2017

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2017

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2017

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Corporate and M&A
2016

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Corporate and M&A
2016

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Corporate and M&A
2015

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Corporate and M&A
2015

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Corporate and M&A
2015

António Lobo Xavier

Leading Lawyer TMT
2015

IFLR 1000

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Highly Regarded Capital Markets; M&A
2020

Paulo Rendeiro

Notable Practitioner Capital markets, M&A, Restructuring
2020

Nuno Galvão Teles

Highly Regarded M&A
2020

Margarida Torres Gama

Rising Star Capital markets, Corporate and M&A
2020

Magda Viçoso

Notable Practitioner Capital Markets, M&A
2020

Luís Roquette Geraldes

Rising Star Private Equity, M&A
2020

João Alfredo Afonso

Highly Regarded Capital Markets: Equity, Financial restructuring, M&A
2020

Eduardo Paulino

Highly Regarded Capital Markets: Equity, M&A
2020

Diana Ribeiro Duarte

Rising Star Capital Markets, M&A
2020

Catarina Brito Ferreira

Highly Regarded M&A
2020

Carlos Osório de Castro

Highly Regarded Capital Markets: Equity, M&A
2020

João Alfredo Afonso

Highly Regarded Financial Restructuring
2018

João Alfredo Afonso

Highly Regarded Media, Technology and telecommunications
2018

Ricardo Andrade Amaro

Notable Practitioner
2018

Catarina Brito Ferreira

Rising Star M&A
2018

Nuno Galvão Teles

Highly Regarded M&A
2018

Carla Osório de Castro

Highly Practitioner M&A
2018

Eduardo Paulino

Highly Regarded M&A
2018

Claudia Santos Cruz

Highly Regarded M&A
2018

João Soares da Silva

Highly Regarded M&A
2018

João Alfredo Afonso

Highly Regarded M&A
2018

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2017

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2016

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2016

Luísa Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Aquisitions
2016

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2016

Claudia Santos Cruz

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Aquisitions
2016

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2015

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2015

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2015

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2014

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2014

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2014

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2013

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2013

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2013

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2012

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2012

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2012

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2011

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2011

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2011

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2010

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2010

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2010

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2009

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2009

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2009

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2008

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2008

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2008

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2007

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2007

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2007

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2006

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2006

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2005

Filipa Arantes Pedroso

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2005

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2005

Patronos da Coleção Nacional de Arte Contemporânea da Fundação Serralves