A powerful combination of “a large team that hosts some of the best lawyers in the country and an impressive client portfolio across different sectors” makes this one of the top firms for competition law matters. Significant work includes assisting Optimus with challenging a Portuguese law that created stamp duty on increases in share capital, and advising TAP on the acquisition of Portugália Airlines. Overall, clients value the team’s “promptness and efficiency in solving problems.”

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.

“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.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados is home to leading expert Carlos Botelho Moniz, as well as Oporto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres. The team, praised for its ‘ knowledge and commitment’, is extremely active in merger control, judicial antitrust and administrative proceedings. Recent casework includes representing EDP in a filing before the PCA regarding the proposed acquisition of 11 mini-hydroelectric power plants to Babcock and Brown companies, Pebble Hydro and Hidroeléctrica de Janeiro de Baixo. The team also acted for TAP Portugal in a filing before the PCA concerning the acquisition and sole control over regional carrier PGA. Other team members worthy of recognition include Margarida Rosado da Fonseca, Eduardo Maia Cadete and Gonçalo Machado Borges.

Singled out as a first-rate lawyer, Carlos Botelho Moniz has broad expertise, including particular knowledge of the energy sector.

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.”

Also working in the energy sector, Margarida Rosado da Fonseca attracts attention for “the outstanding quality of her work and responsiveness.”

New to the tables, Eduardo Maia Cadete wins praise for his “outstanding communication skills and practical advice.”