Team size: 14

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Grupo Visabeira, a dynamic multinational conglomerate, embarked on a transformative journey following a strategic investment, in May 2022, of €200 million by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“GS”) in Constructel Visabeira S.A., a Grupo Visabeira subsidiary, signifying a strategic partnership to accelerate organic growth and undertake targeted M&A. GS’s alignment with Grupo Visabeira’s strategic objectives, international platform, and sector expertise positioned it as the ideal partner for achieving accelerated growth in telecommunications and energy sectors.

This investment catalyzed a paradigm shift, propelling Grupo Visabeira towards accelerated growth and expansion. Central to this journey is the pivotal role assumed by Grupo Visabeira’s in-house legal team, led by General Counsel Isabel Fernandes, in navigating complex legal landscapes and spearheading strategic initiatives.

Amidst this transformative journey, Grupo Visabeira’s in-house legal team has emerged as a linchpin, driving strategic initiatives and safeguarding the group’s interests. Their essential contributions include:

The legal team has played a pivotal role in structuring and negotiating GS strategic investment and partnership, ensuring alignment with Grupo Visabeira’s growth objectives. From initial discussions with external advisors to the finalization of the investment contracts, we have provided invaluable guidance and expertise.

With a surge in M&A activities post GS investment, the legal team has been at the forefront, orchestrating complex acquisition processes and due diligence exercises (to date already completed the acquisition of 10 companies in various European jurisdictions and in the United States). Their meticulous attention to detail and cross-functional collaboration have been instrumental in facilitating seamless transactions and mitigating legal risks.

Recognising the importance of regulatory compliance, the legal team was an active party of the Compliance Uplift program and governance structures put in place following GS investment as well on the formalisation of a Compliance Officer position. Through proactive risk assessments and ongoing monitoring, they have upheld the highest standards of corporate governance and ethics across Grupo Visabeira’s operations.

Embracing a culture of innovation, the legal team has actively supported initiatives aiming to establish new internal governance for compliance and sustainability. These frameworks not only elevate the profile of sustainability within our organization but also serve as catalysts for informed decision-making and accelerated action. By integrating sustainability and compliance into our strategy and operations, we are laying the groundwork for long-term success.

From the outset, we recognized the importance of setting clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide our sustainability efforts. Working closely with stakeholders, we are defining comprehensive initiatives under each pillar of our sustainability strategy, laying the groundwork for impactful change. As evidence of such, we have initiated the implementation of a state-of-the-art carbon accounting tool, Watershed. This revolutionary platform transcends traditional spreadsheet methods, providing real-time insights and enhancing accuracy in carbon emissions tracking. By summer, we aim to establish a baseline of emissions for every company within the Constructel Visabeira group, setting the stage for targeted reduction measures.

Leveraging our partnership with GS, we are at the forefront of responsible sourcing practices. As trialists for a pioneering service offering, we are conducting a comprehensive assessment of our supply chain management system in collaboration with LRQA. By meticulously analyzing supplier segmentation and identifying primary risks, we are poised to mitigate environmental impacts and drive sustainable procurement practices.

Building on our carbon accounting endeavors, we are committed to setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs) aligned with global climate science recommendations. Our pledge to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius underscores our dedication to corporate climate action. This landmark commitment, made in March 2024, will be publicly accessible on our website, demonstrating our transparent approach to sustainability.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

To succeed in the modern in-house industry, corporate legal teams need to possess a wide range of skills that go beyond traditional legal expertise. Here are some key skills that are essential for success in the fast-paced and rapidly changing corporate legal environment:

Business acumen: In-house lawyers must have a deep understanding of their company’s business, industry, and competitive landscape. This knowledge helps them provide legal advice and support that is aligned with the company’s goals and strategic objectives.

Communication skills: In-house lawyers must be skilled communicators who can explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, build rapport with colleagues and clients, and negotiate effectively with stakeholders.

Strategic thinking: In-house lawyers need to think strategically and understand how legal issues fit into the broader business context. They must be able to anticipate legal risks and opportunities and develop strategies to address them.

Adaptability and flexibility: In-house lawyers must be adaptable and flexible in their approach to legal work, as the business environment and legal landscape can change quickly.

Collaborative mindset: In-house lawyers must work closely with other departments and stakeholders to achieve their company’s goals. They need to be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the organization and build strong relationships with external partners, such as outside counsel.

Creative problem-solving: In-house lawyers need to be creative and innovative in their approach to problem-solving, as legal issues are often complex and multifaceted.

Technology proficiency: Technology is rapidly transforming the legal industry, and in-house lawyers need to become proficient in using technology to streamline legal processes, manage data, and enhance efficiency.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

In my journey across various jurisdictions and working environments, I’ve encountered a diverse range of experiences that have sparked my passion. Among these, one stands out prominently: my time in Mozambique. Mozambique offered a unique opportunity, both professionally and personally. Stepping into the aftermath of peace agreements, amidst endeavours to establish an open and market-oriented economy, I was imbued with a profound sense of purpose. The opportunity to contribute meaningfully (both as PwC Associate Director and Law Degree Teacher), knowing that my efforts would be valued and could truly make a difference, was unparalleled.

This experience underscores my passion for making a tangible impact, whether it’s in fostering economic development in emerging markets or navigating through a demanding context with resilience and adaptability.