Head of department Joaquim Vieira Peres is described as a "highly pragmatic lawyer who knows how to identify the relevant issues and liabilities in a case." His varied practice includes assistance with merger filings, investigations by the Portuguese authorities and cartel allegations. A client confirms: "He is a top expert."

An active practitioner in competition law, Joaquim Vieira Peres is "very well known in this area of law, and is always on top of what's happening." Advising on both national and international mandates, he has led several high-profile matters for the Sonae Group, including acting for Sonae Indústria on a merger filing before the European Commission, concerning the acquisition of joint control over Tafisa by both the client and the Chile-based Arauco Group.

Market leader Joaquim Vieira Peres is said to offer "assertiveness and experience" when advising on merger control cases and state aid matters. In addition he frequently represents clients before the European courts. He is active in a wide range of industries and is noted for his expertise in the retail and distribution sector.

Porto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres is commended for his experience and "excellent skills in merger control."

Market observers are impressed with Joaquim Vieira Peres, describing him as "one of the best lawyers for merger control in Portugal. He always has big cases."

Joaquim Vieira Peres's recent case portfolio includes a broad range of competition investigations and court proceedings. "He is the best competition specialist in Portugal," declares a client.

Sources admire Porto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres for his established competition/EU law practice, hailing him as "one of the best in Portugal."

Porto-based partner Joaquim Vieira Peres is praised for "his ample knowledge of European law and determination to always find the best solution".

Clients praised “brilliant” Porto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres for his “profound expertise and considerable experience of dealing with national and international competition authorities”

Porto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres is deemed “an unstoppable antitrust lawyer” who has gained amazing experience representing important clients such as Sonae. Commentators say: “The standard of his work is as good as any international competition lawyer.”

Joaquim Vieira Peres is “results-oriented and a solid, tenacious lawyer who excels at providing ad hoc and well-structured solutions.”

J J Vieira Peres joined the firm with the merger and heads the team in Porto. According to a satisfied client, he is an “incredibly professional, thorough and rigorous lawyer with a gift for understanding the business specifics and an immense knowledge of matters both locally and in Brussels.”

According to admiring market sources, Joaquim Vieira Peres “is results-oriented.” Interviewees described him as “a solid and tenacious lawyer who excels at providing ad hoc and well-structured solutions.”

J J Vieira Peres joined the firm with the merger and heads the team in Porto. According to a satisfied client, he is an “incredibly professional, thorough and rigorous lawyer with a gift for understanding the business specificities and an immense knowledge of matters both locally and in Brussels.”

According to clients, Carlos Botelho Moniz (see p.1481) is a “top lawyer with a fantastic reputation and excellent contacts in Brussels.” Market sources highlight the “combination of his experience and technical expertise with a calm and quiet approach.” Margarida Rosado da Fonseca (see p.1489) is described as an “incredibly bright individual from a new generation of younger lawyers.”

“Ace” Carlos Botelho Moniz (see 1196) is a key member of his “second-to-none team”, industry observers said. Advising Grupo Pestana, he facilitated notification to the Portuguese Competition Authority concerning the acquisition of more than 40 luxury hotels in historic castles and rural areas. Clients “trust the judgement of his legal mind.” One added: “He has never disappointed”. “Witty” Margarida Rosado da Fonseca (see page 1202) is considered to be his “right hand” and “is equipped with the textbook training for competition law.” Commentators also pitched her as “a star in the making”.