What the team is known for: One of the most active competition teams in Portugal, with expertise in merger control, antitrust enforcement and regulatory matters. It represents domestic and international clients in litigation cases before the ECJ, and advised on the state aid aspects surrounding the recapitalisation of several banks. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "A well-rounded and experienced team that knows our sector and manages time well." "My first option for complex matters." Work highlights: Advised Sonaecom on the EUR1.4 billion merger between Optimus and ZON. Assisted Caixa Geral de Depósitos with its EUR1.65 billion recapitalisation under EU state aid rules.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘probably the best competition law firm in Portugal’. Tomás Vaz Pinto and Carlos Botelho Moniz are recommended along with Joaquim Vieira Peres and senior associates Gonçalo Machado Borges and Eduardo Maia Cadete. The firm is acting for Optimus in its claim against Portugal Telecom over its setting of prices between 2002 and 2005. The firm handles a regular flow of pre-merger control work, recently acting for Sonaecom in relation to the merger of Optimus and ZON. It has also handled numerous antitrust matters stemming from privatisations.

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."

Senior associate Eduardo Maia Cadete handles EU litigation cases and regulatory matters.

Inês Gouveia focuses on merger control, distribution contracts and energy regulation issues.

Pedro de Gouveia e Melo has vast experience in the energy, financial services and food and beverages sectors. Clients describe him as "technically strong and not afraid of taking risks."