Linklaters > Lisbon, Portugal > Firm Profile
Linklaters Offices
AV. FONTES PEREIRA DE MELO 14
15TH FLOOR
1050-121 LISBOA
Portugal
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Linklaters > The Legal 500 Rankings
Portugal > Banking and finance Tier 1
Lauded as the premier choice for some of the world’s leading financial players, Linklaters assists clients with the full scope of banking and finance matters. Esteemed as trusted advisers to international banks, alternative asset managers, distressed debt traders and hedge funds, the team showcases notable strength in non-performing loan (NPLs) portfolio disposals, acquisition and project finance, and refinancing matters. Leveraging the firm’s accomplished ESG team, of which Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho and Maria de Athayde Tavares are active members, the practice provides clients with comprehensive guidance on environmental, social and governance issues across a wide range of sectors and contexts. Carvalho leads the wider banking practice and is noted for his focus on project finance, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Key contact Gonçalo Veiga De Macedo represents financial institutions and companies in domestic and cross-border financings, while managing associate Teresa Novo Faria routinely advises on complex project finance and structured finance transactions.Practice head(s):
Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho
Other key lawyers:
Gonçalo Veiga de Macedo; Teresa Novo Faria; Maria José Leite
Key clients
MEAG
Auxifip
New Bank
IFC, Proparco and DEG
Aquaterra group
Morgan Stanley Infrastructure
Vision-Box
Portugal > Capital markets Tier 1
Linklaters‘ ‘incomparable’ team draws considerable praise for its ‘excellent technical knowledge’ in complex debt and equity transactions, acting both for domestic and international clients. The firm is sought out by some of the world’s leading companies, thanks to its expertise in providing assistance on derivatives and structured finance mandates, as well as issues pertaining to public takeovers, private and public offers of securities, and regulatory filings. Co-head António Soares holds an excellent market reputation for his proficiency in equity and debt deals, financial regulatory issues and privatisations. Vera Ferreira de Lima, who oversees the firm’s financial regulation group, handles the gamut of capital markets transactions, having participated in the structuring of various public and private securities offerings. Associate Válter Gouveia is highlighted for his ‘creativity and pragmatism in searching for the best solutions for the client’.Practice head(s):
António Soares; Vera Ferreira de Lima
Other key lawyers:
Válter Gouveia; Rodrigo Moreira
Testimonials
‘The team stands out for its exhaustive and highly detailed knowledge, both theoretical and practical, as well as its unsurpassed availability.’
‘I would particularly recommend the partners and associates who interacted with us most closely, namely Rodrigo Moreira.’
‘The Linklaters capital markets team has incomparable experience in certain matters which is unique in the national market. I highlight Vera Ferreira Lima and Válter Gouveia, as key members of the team, demonstrating above average technical competence and soft skills.’
‘The team has knowledge of the market/regulators and excellent technical knowledge.’
‘I recommend Válter Gouveia, not only because he is technically an exceptional lawyer, but mainly because of his creativity and pragmatism in searching for the best solutions for the client and for always having a friendly and available attitude.’
Key clients
Caixa Central – Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo, C.R.L.
Floene Energias
Novo Banco
Luz Saúde (Fosun Group)
Sierra
Morgan Stanley Infrastructure
Union Investment
REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais
Promontoria MA CC 1×1 Socimi
Vision-Box
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and GIC
Work highlights
- Advising Floene Energias on its overall refinancing through a backstop facility of €600m in September 2022, intended to refinance its €600m notes maturing on 19 September 2023, part of its then existing EMTN programme; an LME exercise aimed at those outstanding notes, including the tender for their purchase, and the associated financing through a €300m note facility in February 2022; and its €1bn EMTN programme update and €420m notes listed on Euronext Dublin issue in July 2023.
- Advising Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo (Grupo Crédito Agrícola) on its recent issue of €200m 8.375% Fixed/Floating Rate Callable Senior Preferred MREL-eligible Notes linked to social sustainability, as well as on the subsequent €50m tap issue.
- Advised on the corporate reorganisation of the top companies of the Semapa Group, one of Portugal’s largest industrial groups, which involved the acquisition by the three heirs of the late Mr. Pedro Queiroz Pereira of indirect exclusive control of Semapa and The Navigator Company, both listed on Euronext Lisbon.
Portugal > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
With expertise spanning the real estate, insurance, infrastructure, energy, transport and IT sectors, Linklaters provides guidance to a diverse roster of prestigious corporate clients across all facets of their M&A work. The team is further lauded for its ability to handle multijurisdictional transactions, leveraging its global network to assist on matters, with a focus on Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, most notably Mozambique. Practice head Diogo Plantier Santos is noted for his specialist focus on real estate transactions. Marcos de Sousa Monteiro is recommended for cross-border M&A, privatisations, and reorganisations in Portugal and Lusophone Africa. Counsel Mariana Serra Baptista is a key port of call for domestic and international clients seeking advice on all type of M&A work, including acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, private equity investments, as well as takeovers and privatisations.Practice head(s):
Diogo Plantier Santos
Other key lawyers:
Marcos de Sousa Monteiro; Mariana Serra Baptista; Diogo Barros Pereira
Key clients
Ageas Portugal
ECS Capital
Banco Comercial Português
Banco Santander Totta
Caixa Geral de Depósitos
Novo Banco
Oitante
Goldman Sachs
Power Dot
CTR – Consultoria Técnica e Representações, Lda.
Mirova
BNP Paribas
Sierra Portugal
Work highlights
- Advised Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Banco Santander Totta, Millennium bcp, Novo Banco, Oitante on Project Crow, which consisted of the sale of ECS Capital and related assets to Davidson Kempner.
- Advised Power Dot on the €150m equity investment by Antin Infrastructure Partners.
- Advised Mirova on its €150m investment in TagEnergy’s €450m funding round.
Portugal > Dispute resolution Tier 1
With a wealth of experience in advising Portuguese and foreign clients on domestic and international litigation and arbitration proceedings, the dispute resolution team at Linklaters excels in commercial disputes. Class actions have been a recent area of focus, and the team has taken on new clients in consumer and anti-trust cases. Nuno Ferreira Lousa leads the team, with a practice that spans the gamut of litigation and arbitration proceedings, as well as regulatory investigations. Ricardo Guimarães is singled out for his extensive experience in public law-related disputes and Manuel De Abreu Castelo Branco is active in civil and commercial litigation. Raquel Galvão Silva focuses on domestic and international arbitration in the finance, energy, construction and healthcare sectors, while Carmina Campos Pina is an expert in technology-related matters. Tatiana Lisboa Padrão handles restructuring and insolvency mandates.Practice head(s):
Nuno Ferreira Lousa
Other key lawyers:
Ricardo Guimarães; Manuel de Abreu Castelo Branco; Raquel Galvão Silva; Carmina Campos Pina; Tatiana Lisboa Padrão
Key clients
Novo Banco, S.A.
Banco BPI, S.A.
Oitante, S.A.
Luz Saúde, S.A. (Fosun Group)
Lusitania, Companhia de Seguros, S.A.
Pfizer Group
Beiersdorf Portuguesa, Lda.
Portugal > EU and competition Tier 1
Linklaters‘ competition group stands out for its ‘depth and solid technical-legal knowledge’, possessing capabilities across the full scope of transactional, regulatory and contentious antitrust matters. The firm is highly sought after by some of the world’s largest companies for merger control filings, enjoying recent success handling Phase II investigations. Additionally, the team excels in handling some of Portugal’s most challenging cartel and abuse of dominance cases. João Pateira Ferreira took over as department head in September 2023 and is noted for his expertise across the full gamut of antitrust matters. Carlos Pinto Correia is a key port of call for corporates in merger control matters, including multi-jurisdictional transactions.Practice head(s):
João Pateira Ferreira
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Linklaters team stands out for its depth and solid technical-legal knowledge.’
‘João Pateira Ferreira is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in competition law, combining remarkable knowledge with extraordinary practical experience.’
‘The Linklaters competition team has remarkable market knowledge and experience. The fact that it is made up of members who know very well how the regulator works is an added value. I distinguish João Pateira Ferreira.’
‘João Pateira Ferreira possesses extraordinary technical knowledge and excellent soft skills.’
Key clients
SIBS – SGPS, S.A.
Lusitania, Companhia de Seguros, S.A.
Banco BPI, S.A.
Beiersdorf Portuguesa, Lda.
ANL – National Association of Clinical Laboratories
Luz Saúde, S.A. (Fosun Group)
The Navigator Company
TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A.
Power Dot, S.A.
Grupo 8 – Vigilância e Prevenção
Work highlights
- Advising SIBS, a leading international payment processor and the ATM deployer in Portugal, on competition and regulatory compliance in the payments sector.
- Represented Lusitania and two former directors in the appeal of a decision by the Portuguese Competition Authority and obtained an unprecedented decision from the Competition, Regulation and Supervision Court overturning PCA’s €42m fine.
Portugal > Insolvency and restructuring Tier 1
Linklaters effectively leverages the collective knowledge of its litigation, arbitration, finance, corporate, tax, and employment experts to provide comprehensive guidance on restructuring and insolvency matters. This encompasses debt restructuring, capital raisings, distressed M&A, and formal insolvency procedures, as well as asset tracing and bank loan portfolios refinancing. The team is under the leadership of Nuno Ferreira Lousa, who also spearheads the litigation, arbitration, and investigations department. Manuel De Abreu Castelo Branco further bolsters the team with his experience in both domestic and cross-border insolvency and pre-insolvency proceedings.Practice head(s):
Nuno Ferreira Lousa
Other key lawyers:
Manuel de Abreu Castelo Branco; Tatiana Lisboa Padrão; Carlota Freire
Key clients
ECS – Sociedade de Capital de Risco, S.A.
Oitante, S.A.
Tilden Park Capital Management
I.F.M.- Indústria de Fibras de Madeira, S.A.
Lisgráfica – Impressão e Artes Gráficas, S.A.
Portugal > Projects and project finance Tier 1
Linklaters is a popular destination for clients seeking advice on the financing and development of large-scale projects, covering acquisition finance, structured M&A, and long-term contracting. Standing out for its cross-border capabilities, the team’s expertise extends to both Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African jurisdictions. Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho, who leads the finance, energy, and infrastructure department, advises lenders, sponsors, and government entities on a variety of energy projects globally. Maria de Athayde Tavares specialises in public law, regulatory, and environmental matters, with a particular focus on the energy, infrastructure, and telecoms spaces. With a keen focus on regulated sectors like energy and infrastructure, Teresa Novo Faria has recently handles numerous financings of photovoltaic projects in the country.Practice head(s):
Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
MEAG
Auxifip
Helexia
Marguerite Adviser
Aquaterra group
CRRC Tangshan Co. Ltd.
IFC, Proparco and DEG
Hyperion
Vulcan Minerals
Work highlights
- Advised MEAG on the financing of the 180 MW Santas solar project located in Monforte and Borba.
- Assisted development banks IFC, Proparco and DEG with the financing of Vinci Airports for the concession of Cape Verde’s airports.
Portugal > Tax Tier 1
By capitalising on the expertise of the firm’s accomplished corporate team, the tax practice at Linklaters integrates its knowledge to offer clients comprehensive guidance in market-defining transactions. Leveraging its extensive global network, the team - praised for its ‘high technical and sector knowledge‘ - is also well positioned to assist clients with the gamut of regulatory and contentious tax matters. The team is spearheaded by the ‘outstanding’ Rui Camacho Palma, who is noted for his international tax planning and transactional tax expertise; he often advises on the tax aspects of public and private M&A. Managing associate Inês Pisco Bento is singled out for her strong performance in tax litigation, including administrative, judicial and arbitration proceedings.Practice head(s):
Rui Camacho Palma
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I highlight the enormous availability and high technical and sector knowledge demonstrated by the team.’
‘I highlight Rui Camacho Palma and Inês Pisco Bento’s extremely high level of technical knowledge and availability to discuss matters.’
‘The team has a very high degree of knowledge and skills combined with a deep understanding of the client’s business needs.’
‘Credibility and ability to deliver in challenging situations.’
‘Rui Camacho Palma – unique knowledge and experience. Total availability and accessibility for clarification and monitoring of processes. Fantastic knowledge of the client’s reality and quick understanding of business risk factors.’
‘Inês Pisco Bento – excellent client interaction skills, always very clear and detailed in her presentations on the topics she manages. Extremely reliable from the point of view of deadline management and output quality.’
‘Rui Camacho Palma is exceptionally responsive and very clear in his advice. He has an outstanding talent in explaining complex matters in a very simple way. Rui is a fast thinker and nearly always on top of current developments.’
Key clients
ECS – Sociedade Gestora de Fundos de Capital de Risco, S.A.
NOWO – Communications, S.A. (a subsidiary of Vodafone)
Onitelecom – Infocomunicações, S.A.
Sierra Portugal
Union Investment
BNP Paribas Personal Finance
FLOA
Cerberus
NTT Data
Work highlights
- Advising Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Banco Santander Totta, Millennium bcp, Novo Banco, Oitante on Project Crow, which consisted of the sale of ECS Capital and related assets to Davidson Kempner.
- Advising NOWO in respect of tax litigation matters.
- Advising Union Investment on the acquisition of Continente Colombo hypermarket operated by Sonae MC.
Portugal > Energy and natural resources Tier 2
Linklaters stands out as a strong choice for a diverse range of clients, including equity investors, lenders, and corporates, who turn to the team for its wide-ranging capabilities in M&A, portfolio acquisitions, project finance and financing deals in the energy and infrastructure sectors. A litany of lenders, sponsors and governmental entities regularly retain practice head Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho for his expertise in the renewable energy, power and oil and gas sectors. Leading the public and administrative law and regulatory group is Maria de Athayde Tavares, who advises clients on regulatory, environmental and public law issues. Project finance is a key area of expertise for Teresa Novo Faria.Practice head(s):
Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
MEAG
Auxifip
Helexia
Marguerite Adviser
Hyperion Renewables
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
Mirova
PowerDot
Mozambique Rovuma Venture SpA
Work highlights
- Advised MEAG on the financing of 180 MW Santas solar project located in Monforte and Borba.
- Advised Helexia on the structuring and financing of a geographically and technologically diverse portfolio of c.600 energy efficiency projects (self-consumption, relighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)) and solar PV plants.
- Advised GIC and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) on their investment into TagEnergy’s Green Bond to fund 4GW of Global Renewable Energy Projects.
Portugal > Real estate and construction Tier 2
The 'highly qualified, committed and available team' at Linklaters offers an extensive suite of real estate services, covering areas such as construction, project development, finance, real estate M&A, and dispute resolution. With a strong background in real estate contractual negotiations, department head Diogo Plantier Santos' expertise lies in portfolio transactions, sale and leaseback operations, asset management, as well as property development and construction projects. Marrying knowledge in real estate and corporate law, Diogo Barros Pereira has provided key support in several transactions in the real estate sector. Evo Fernandes is no longer at the firm.Practice head(s):
Diogo Plantier Santos
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Small but highly qualified, committed and available team.’
‘The main qualities of this team, in addition to the undeniable technical qualities of its lawyers, are its friendliness, availability, readiness, assertiveness in presenting topics and presentation of innovative legal solutions. ’
‘The Linklaters real estate team presents innovative work, always willing to find alternatives that satisfy the client’s wishes.’
‘The team is excellent. Great knowledge and strength in all areas and other disciplines when needed, high level of professionalism, short response times, and fully comprehensive audit scope.’
‘Diogo Plantier Santos is very responsive, knowledgeable and a very commercially minded real estate lawyer. All in all, a very friendly and dynamic team with a clear and efficient distribution of roles.’
‘High technical knowledge and great execution capacity.’
‘Permanent and dedicated support with a history of continuous client relationships that instils trust.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas, SA
Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A., Novo Banco, S.A., Banco Comercial Português, S.A., Oitante, S.A. and Banco Santander Totta, S.A.
Union
King Street and Kronos
Real I.S. AG
Cerberus
Sierra Portugal, S.A.
Luz Saúde, S.A. (Fosun Group)
Sousa Dias Invest SDI – SGPS, S.A.
KKR
Work highlights
- Advising BNPP on the acquisition of the Aura and Echo buildings in the Exeo Campus, for the development for its new headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.
- Advised Union on the acquisition of a unit occupied by Modelo Continente within the Colombo shopping centre located in Lisbon from GRES.
- Advised King Street and Kronos on the sale of 100% of the share capital of Morgado da Lameira – Empreendimento Turístico e Golfe, S.A., including the Amendoeira Golf Resort, to Rolear Group.
Portugal > Employment Tier 3
Singled out for its keen focus on domestic and cross-border transactional matters, Linklaters’ employment division, part of the firm’s corporate department, provides comprehensive advice on labour disputes, restructurings, collective bargaining, and senior-level appointments and terminations. At the helm of the practice, Marta Afonso Pereira’s strengths lie in workplace diversity issues, employment disputes, and crisis management mandates. Covering all advisory and contentious aspects of labour and social security law, Sílvia Pinheiro Esteves advises human resources departments from both private and public sector companies.Practice head(s):
Marta Afonso Pereira
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Linklaters team, particularly Marta Afonso Pereira, stands out for its rigour, availability, professionalism and quick response to requests. The attention paid to the client and proactivity are aspects that are relevant in its comparison with other law firms.’
‘They provide individualised care and intelligent strategies in defence, considering company longevity and labour law compliance’
‘Marta Afonso Pereira leads effectively, imparting high legal knowledge in an accessible way. Sílvia Pinheiro Esteves is noted for her dedication and ability to explore feasible alternatives.’
‘Linklaters’ professionalism and prompt legal support in urgent situations set them apart from other firms.’
‘Marta Afonso Pereira is direct, impartial, attentive, and empathetic, excelling in labour law and building trust with clients.’
‘Marta Afonso Pereira and Sílvia Pinheiro Esteves are exceptional, providing fast, creative solutions and excellent client-focused communication.’
‘The firm is proficient in entity structuring, regulatory, tax, and employment law, providing cross-discipline, commercial, and easily understandable advice.’
Key clients
Constellation Automotive Limited
BNP Paribas
NTT Data Portugal
Hitachi Astemo Abrantes S.A. (Hitachi Group)
Sociedade Altitude Software, S. A. (Enghouse group)
Luz Saúde, S.A. (Fosun Group)
AGS – Administração e Gestão de Sistemas de Salubridade, S.A.
XTX Portugal Unipessoal, Lda
ASP Holding
YMCA Setúbal (pro bono)
Work highlights
- Advised Constellation Automotive Group on the termination negotiations and settlement agreements with 50 employees in Portugal.
- Advised large global companies across different industry sectors in relation to the implementation and revision of their share plans and remuneration packages available to key employees and directors in Portugal.
- Represented clients from different industry sectors in judicial proceedings filed by current or former employees, in the context of employment-related matters, including moral harassment and discrimination claims in the workplace.
Portugal > Public law Tier 3
Showcasing strong capabilities in public procurement and regulatory matters in the energy, telecoms and healthcare segments, Linklaters is well positioned to advise an array of clients on the negotiation and execution of public contracts. The firm’s public law practice is overseen by Maria de Athayde Tavares, whose expertise in PPP projects and concession contracts spans the transport, healthcare, and water and waste sectors. She has a well-established track record of advising a broad range of clients, including sponsors and lenders, in transactions in highly regulated sectors.Practice head(s):
Maria de Athayde Tavares
Other key lawyers:
Isabela Moraes Sarmento
Key clients
CRRC Tangshan Co. Ltd.
Luz Saúde, S.A. (Fosun Group)
AGS – Administração e Gestão de Sistemas de Salubridade, S.A.
SIBS SGPS, S.A.
MEAG
Marguerite
Work highlights
- Advising CRRC Tangshan on rail and light-rail tenders in Portugal, including the implementation and execution of agreements.
Mozambique > Foreign law firms Tier 2
Angola > Foreign firms
Seamlessly integrating with the firm’s Lisbon, London, Paris, and Tokyo offices, Linklaters LLP ‘s Africa group is led by London-based Andrew Jones who is proficient in energy and infrastructure projects. Lisbon’s Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho is at the helm of the Lusophone Africa practice, and specialises in banking and projects across Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.Practice head(s):
Andrew Jones; Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho
Key clients
Banco de Fomento Angola, S.A.
PROPARCO and The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)
Work highlights
- Advised PROPARCO and The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) as lenders on portfolio financing, by means of sustainability-linked debt facilities.
Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy
Linklaters retains a strong focus on Latin America with a core team of professionals whose practices include a significant caseload in the region. It stands out for capital markets-driven financings, including those undertaken for energy, natural resources and infrastructure clients; it is also recognised for its expertise in green and sustainability-linked bonds. In addition, it has a solid background in conventional project finance and recently advised ENGIE Energía Perú on an up to $300m loan from IDB and IDB Invest. Other major mandates included advising Fluxys on its joint acquisition (with EIG) of major Chilean LNG regasification terminal GNL Quintero, from Enagas Chile and OMERS Infrastructure. Michael Bassett has a background in energy-related project financings, including offshore oil and gas, LNG and renewables. Andrew Compton (who was part of the team advising Fluxys), and counsel Alejandro Gordano provide further senior level expertise. All are based in New York.Legal Briefings
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- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- EU and competition
- Insolvency and restructuring
- Projects and project finance
- Tax
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