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.