This domestic giant maintains its position at the top of the competition market, despite a recent downsize in its department. The group now comprises nine lawyers, who have been extremely busy of late on merger control files, EU law litigation, antitrust and state aid. The team acts out of Lisbon and Porto, giving it considerable domestic reach and attracting clients from throughout the country. Key mandates include representing Abbott Laboratories in an administrative and judicial case regarding alleged cartel procedures. Another highlight saw the team represent SIC before the EC in a state aid judicial ruling, and advise it on subsequent measures granted by the Portuguese state. Sources say: "One of the best teams in Portugal. It is very much on the ball and is exceptional on technical points. We greatly appreciate the group's energy and dedication."

The ‘extremely competent, reliable and responsive’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados advises on antitrust matters, investigations, advisory work, and merger control, and on EU law before the EU courts. Carlos Botelho Moniz can ‘fix very difficult problems’, and is advising television broadcaster SIC in an annulment action, and representing Cerealis Moagens and Cerealis Produtos Alimentares in an antitrust case before the PCA relating to the alleged alignment of flour price lists. The team also assisted Hendrix Genetics with a merger filing. Joaquim Vieira Peres and Margarida Rosado da Fonseca are recommended, as are senior associates Pedro de Gouveia e Melo, Eduardo Maia Cadete and Gonçalo Machado Borges.

Department head Carlos Botelho Moniz wins tremendous feedback for his "excellent client support and in-depth knowledge of EU law."

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

Eduardo Maia Cadete "looks to understand our needs in order to find the best solution. He is like part of our company," says one interviewee.