Domestic powerhouse with a multi-disciplinary approach, handling the full scope of banking and finance matters. Frequently acts for lenders on acquisition finance and restructuring matters.
"The team provided very extensive and highly informed support, always went straight to the point and responded to all our issues."
"Their work is exceptional. The lawyers have a great ability to gain the client's trust and respond in a timely manner."
Full service firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere. Highly experienced transactional practice that covers capital, debt and hybrid matters as well as handling the full scope of regulatory issues.
"The team has a lot of experience in complex capital markets operations, shows a lot of knowledge in the matters it deals with for us and explains legal issues very clearly."
"High-quality work combining rigorous legal knowledge, understanding of the clients' needs and availability."
Competition/European Law
2016
Market-leading practice noted for advising on high-value domestic and international matters. Wide range of advice includes competition disputes, transactions and investigations before the Portuguese Competition Authority.
"Undisputedly one of the key firms in the competition law sector."
Portuguese powerhouse with a sizeable department, highly skilled in the full range of commercial, corporate and criminal litigation. Further areas of expertise include restructuring and insolvency, pharmaceutical litigation and international arbitration involving Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions such as Angola and Mozambique.
"We are struck by the lawyers' level of knowledge and their ability to solve the most complex issues. They are available 24 hours a day and inspire confidence. We also appreciate the fact that they have partners who are true heavyweights in Portuguese advocacy."
Market-leading practice recognised for its strength in complex employment litigation. Provides comprehensive labour and social security advice to an impressive roster of clients from a wide range of industries, including major players in the financial services, energy and communications sectors. Frequently assists with issues relating to large corporate restructurings and business transfers.
"This team provides a high standard of service. It's always clear, and the responsiveness and personal engagement is very good. The practitioners here are well respected legal people within Portugal."
"A very good experience. The firm has a high level of know-how and knowledge."
"A strong and established practice."
Energy & Natural Resources
2016
Exceptional practice that offers a scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions in the energy sector. Active on investments in the renewables sector, joint venture agreements and M&A. Increasing 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.
"In energy it has a very knowledgeable team that understands the value drivers involved in the business concept."
"The firm provides confidence because it gets to know our business and decision process well. It also knows the technical matters in specific topics."
Solid team led by standout individuals offering expertise in insurance, reinsurance and pension funds. Advises national insurers and major international reinsurers on a full range of regulatory and corporate matters. Frequently acts on insurance M&A and restructurings, and well placed to advise on insurance and reinsurance products, claims and insurance tax.
"A top-class firm and our go-to in Portugal for insurance law.”
"The team develops its activity in a competent and professional manner. The service maintains a high standard of technical quality."
"I like the technical capacity - the firm is very good on insurance law, and provides an international network."
Intellectual Property
2016
Recognised team for patent litigation, particularly active on behalf of key pharmaceutical clients. Also advises on IP aspects of the business development of major media clients.
"The team is extremely efficient, very proactive and sees situations coming and acts beforehand."
"The firm is up to date and always tries to find the best for us."
Market-leading department that provides experts for all manner of planning issues. Frequently active on high-profile tourism projects, industrial land and commercial development within the retail sector, advising on licensing procedures, land use plans and environmental impacts. Additionally active in the real estate market, advising on the rehabilitation and licensing of urban operations.
"The firm provides attention to detail, availability and a broad spectrum of competences in virtually all fields of the law."
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."
Renowned domestic firm handling the full range of project finance matters in infrastructure, energy and construction. Also has experience advising on projects in other lusophone countries, including Angola, Mozambique and Brazil.
"Definitely one of our preferred law firms in projects. It already has experience in this area and understands the concerns of the client.
"Besides sharing a good personal relationship with clients, the firm has a great range of specialists in several areas, so even if a matter requires expertise in another area, it can always be passed on to another lawyer."
Established presence in the area of public law, adept to provide specialists across a range of sectors including energy, life sciences, transport and construction. Regularly handles regulatory, public work contracts, public procurement and public tenders.
"The team provided an excellent service. It was always available and very clear, giving us all kinds of solutions."
Experienced team specialised in transactional real estate matters, supported by corporate law strength. Advises on real estate M&A, joint ventures and portfolio transactions. Offers expertise in urban planning, with highlighted skill in rehabilitation for investment in residential and commercial property.
"The firm is very well known and has a good reputation. The service is at a high level, and we can trust the lawyers."
"The lawyers are very available, fast to answer questions, confident and respectful."
Restructuring/Insolvency
2016
Remarkable strength in advising companies and businesses on restructuring matters, including out-of-court negotiations and special revitalisation processes. Also assists clients with national and cross-border insolvency cases.
"As a team it is well organised and responds in a timely way to our needs."
Highly regarded practice handling a wide range of tax matters, noted particularly for tax litigation and international tax planning. In addition to maintaining a solid reputation across its Lisbon, Porto and Madeira offices, it also has an increasing presence throughout emerging markets.
"One of the best Portuguese firms with respect to tax litigation. Very pragmatic and it really has a good approach to the client."
"Top level for worldwide law firms; very professional, client-focused and always available."
"An excellent firm and excellent people."
Well regarded practice with significant experience in TMT-related litigation. Strong choice for data protection issues, notably in the electronic communications sector.
"I have a very good opinion of this firm, as the lawyers are flexible and able to perceive the business of the client."
"We are very happy to work with the lawyers here, as they are knowledgeable, easily accessible and provide complete answers."
Transportation: Aviation
2016
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.
Transportation: Shipping
2016
Noted maritime law outfit, assisting clients with seizures, shipping contracts, mortgages and insurance issues. Recognised for its activity in ship registration, and particularly adept at supporting clients in the registration of leisure and commercial vessels from its Funchal office.
"This team has very dedicated and knowledgeable lawyers."
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is particularly renowned for its project finance expertise, and recently assisted both the borrower, Parque Eólico do Pisco, and the shareholder, WPR – Windpartners Renováveis, with the financing of the construction, operation and maintenance of a €50m wind farm; Filipe Lowndes Marques led the advice. Pedro Gorjão Henriques and practice head Luís Branco are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an excellent track record in capital markets work. On the debt side, the team acts for Barclays, Energias de Portugal (EDP) and Morgan Stanley. Practice head João Soares da Silva, Luísa Soares da Silva and Carlos Osório de Castro are key names to note. Ricardo Andrade Amaro and Eduardo Paulino were made up to partners in 2015.
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.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is involved in several arbitration proceedings in Lusophone countries. On the litigation front, Francisco Cortez is representing Deutsche Bank in a case against two of its clients pertaining to a contractual change following the financial crisis. Practice head António Pinto Leite was appointed as the Portuguese member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration in July 2015. Also recommended are Miguel de Almada and arbitrator Filipe Vaz Pinto, who is an ‘intelligent and seasoned lawyer’.
The ‘very professional’ group at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados receives standout instructions across the full spectrum of competition matters. Carlos Botelho Moniz, Pedro de Gouveia e Melo and the ‘intelligent’ Luís do Nascimento Ferreira were part of a team representing EDP in a high-profile state aid investigation undertaken by the European Commission. Joaquim Vieira Peres is taking a leading role advising clients on complying with the 2013 Restrictive Trade Practices Act.
At Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, the ‘very good’ team handles a broad spread of contentious and advisory work. Practice head Pedro Pardal Goulão is recommended, and Helena Tapp Barroso is advising the Impresa Group on labour and social security matters. Previous practice head Luís Miguel Monteiro (‘who is very competent and highly reliable’) remains a key part of the team, which also includes António Emílio de Vasconcelos, Joana Almeida and Paula Ponces Camanho.
Energy and Environment
2016
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados acts for major consortia including Galp Energia and EDP – Energias de Portugal; Nuno Galvão Teles and the recently promoted Ricardo Andrade Amaro are advising the latter on electricity tariff securitisations. Tomás Vaz Pinto is a key name for energy transactions and senior associate Catarina Brito Ferreira is also recommended.
Fraud and white-collar crime
2016
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados routinely acts on high-profile fraud cases and is also experienced in handling international criminal law and compliance matters. Practice head Rui Patrício is defending a board member and several employees of Banco Espírito Santo against criminal charges for insider trading, and is representing Maria Eduarda Casadinho Napoleão, Lisbon’s former town planning councillor, in criminal proceedings pertaining to the alleged unlawful approval of a property sale to BragaParques. Tiago Félix da Costa is also recommended.
Insolvency and Restructuring
2016
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados assisted pharmaceutical distributor OCP Portugal with the recovery of credits in insolvency and revitalisation proceedings involving several pharmacies, and routinely advises banks on credit recovery from insolvent lenders. Helena Soares de Moura and Carlos Osório de Castro are standout practitioners.
Intellectual Property
2016
At Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, António Pinto Leite is highly rated for IP arbitration, recently handling patent disputes in the pharmaceuticals sector. Carlos Osório de Castro advises well-known personalities such as Cristiano Ronaldo on image rights. Senior associate and ‘great negotiator’ Vasco Stilwell d’Andrade ‘achieves extraordinary results’, and Tomás Vaz Pinto and senior associate Ricardo do Nascimento Ferreira are also recommended. Clients include Apple, One-Red and SK Chemicals.
Oporto: Leading Commercial Firms
2016
The Oporto office of Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados was recently retained by Meriton to handle the acquisition of FC Valencia; a matter led by Carlos Osório de Castro. Corporate and commercial practitioners Bernardo Lobo Xavier, Luís Gagliardini Graça, Jorge Simões Cortez and Eduardo Verde Pinho, along with EU and competition expert Joaquim Vieira Peres, and head of tax António Lobo Xavier are the names to note.
The planning team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados works closely with the firm’s real estate practice, as well as handling standalone matters. João Pereira Reis and Rui Ribeiro Lima are assisting Millennium BCP with planning issues pertaining to the construction of two buildings in Lisbon, which includes advising on planning permits.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados received a flow of instructions from Galp Energia, as project sponsor, and Âncora Wind – Energia Eólica to prepare, revise and negotiate works contracts, which included assisting with five works contracts for the construction of wind farms with Senvion. Luís Branco, Filipe Lowndes Marques and Filipa Morais Alçada are ‘able to quickly present solutions and alternatives’ in negotiations. Ana Monjardino and Pedro Gorjão Henriques are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has notable expertise in the pharmaceuticals sector, where Margarida Olazabal Cabral is leading advice to several pharmaceuticals companies on the public procurement procedure for the supply of medicines and medical devices to Portugal’s health authority. In other work highlights, Fernanda Matoso is assisting Agustawestland with the supply of helicopters to the Portuguese armed forces. Nuno Peres Alves, Pedro Costa Gonçalves and Miguel Nogueira de Brito are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados regularly wins key instructions on high-profile transactions. Filipa Arantes Pedroso led a team, which included new partner Rita Ferreira Vicente and Rui Ribeiro Lima, advising Fundo de Pensões EDP on two deals relating to the sale and leaseback of buildings in Lisbon’s business centre. João Pereira Reis is a key name for environment matters and real estate litigation.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is a “go-to” adviser for NOS Comunicações and media group IMPRESA, and is increasingly instructed by online gambling companies. IT and data protection specialist João Alfredo Afonso, telecoms expert Nuno Peres Alves and Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier, who is experienced in electronic communications regulations, are recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘detailed and professional’ advice on tax structuring, compliance and litigation. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier and ‘tax expert’ Francisco de Sousa da Câmara head the team, which includes António Pedro Braga, Maria Quintela and recently promoted partner Bruno Santiago.
Shipping and Transport
2016
The lawyers at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provide ‘timely and informed responses’. Segismundo Pinto Basto leads the aviation team. Madeira-based senior associate Cátia Fernandes has expertise in aviation tax, while also advising shipping clients on Madeira’s special tax regime.
The banking and finance department led by partner Luis Branco has had involvement in a lot of refinancing and project financing transactions during the last year, as increased bank liquidity allows the sector to re-emerge post crisis. Although generally tending to work on the bank side, acting for most of Portugal’s largest banks on a regular basis, the firm advises on the borrower side on occasion.
A leader in project finance, the firm has long worked on financing in sectors including energy, transport, infrastructure and public projects, both domestically and in lusophone Africa, where MLGTS has a number of associate firms. During the last year the firm was most active with the financing of wind farms, assisting on the financing of several across Portugal for a number of companies including Parque Eólico and Terras Altas de Fafe, as well as Ancora Wind for whom they worked with Galp Energia to fund a 400KV farm worth €175 million.
The debt market in Portugal has come to a halt recently, and as a result the capital market team has been far more active on the equity side. Despite this the firm was active in a couple of transactions, for instance Luísa Soares da Silva advised Energias de Portugal (EDP) with the issue of €1 billion of notes due 2022, under its €12.5 billion programme.
Mergers and Acquisitions
2016
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.
Restructuring and Insolvency
2016
Led by partner Helena Soares de Moura the multidisciplinary restructuring and insolvency team focuses primarily on out of court, pre-insolvency negotiations, and is seeing a raft of restructurings, rather than insolvency matters, this year. A key highlight for the team was orchestrating a recovery plan for Hagen Engenharia, a part of the construction and engineering firm Elovo Group, with the firm conducting negotiations between the company and its creditors.