Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘strong commercial understanding of banking and financing matters’ with ’practical solutions’, the team at Abreu Advogados covers a wide range of regulatory and transactional work, both on a domestic and international scale. Operating across a myriad of sectors and industries including real estate, energy, aviation, infrastructure and insurance, the practice advises on NPL restructuring and disposals, structured lending, as well as real estate and acquisition finance. The team is jointly steered by a capable trio: José Maria Corrêa De Sampaio, who boasts a proven track record in complex financing transactions in Portugal; Rodrigo Formigal, who is praised for his ‘practical and adaptable approach to matters’ and recommended for cross-border deals, debt restructuring and distressed assets transactions; and Diogo Pereira Duarte, who heads up the fintech-focused group and specialises in the regulatory framework applicable to banks and investment firms. Key contact Pedro Ferreira Malaquias handles all legal aspects related to retail and investment banking activity.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The banking & finance practice at Abreu has several members which distinguish themselves by their capabilities, excellent legal background and track record.'
'This team has a strong commercial understanding of banking and financing matters and practices which provides the required assurances to clients in negotiations.'
'Abreu is generally known and acknowledged for its diversity and innovation policies, technology-integrated services and work-life balance of its lawyers and employees.'
‘Partner Rodrigo Formigal has an outstanding track record and background in banking and finance matters. His practical and adaptable approach to matters, jointly with his low-profile attitude make him an excellent negotiator.'
- 'Associate André Modesto Pinheiro evidences all the qualities and capacities that will make him a perfect senior lawyer/ partner in the future. He is very keen on understanding the issues involved in commercial discussions and industry specific features, being able to think fast, outside of the box and tackle client's concerns and undesired risks.'
- ‘Permanently available team, oriented towards practical solutions.’
- ‘Isabel Pinheiro Torres - availability and technical quality.'
‘Good knowledge of the market and key issues to tackle in comparison with other firms.'
Key clients
- Banco de Negócios Internacional
- Banco de Investimento Global (BiG)
- Big Mozambique
- Bitvavo
- Caixa – Banco de Investimento
- Caixa Geral de Depósitos
- Dura Automotive
- Efacec
- Getir
- HCB Mozambique
- IKEA Group
- ImpactMarket
- Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda (INCM)
- JJW Hotels & Resorts Group
- Julius Baër Bank (Europe)
- Mediobanca
- Onetier Partners SCR
- Osborne+Co
- Ping An Bank
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia
- Sibs Forward Payment Solutions S.A.
- Starz Real Estate
- Time Out Group
- TotalEnergies
- Uphold
- Utrust
- Yildirim Group
Work highlights
- Advised the French Development Agency on a financing for Hidroelétrica de Cahora Bassa S.A., the Mozambican company that operates the hydroelectric power plant of the Cahora Bassa Dam.
- Advised Ping An Bank Co Ltd on the preparation and execution of a security agreement to secure a financing extended to Fosun International Limited, a Chinese multinational conglomerate holding company.
- Advised INCM throughout the development and implementation of NFT – Moeda Portuguesa, a pioneer project on currency digitalisation.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
José Maria Corrêa de Sampaio, Rodrigo Formigal, Diogo Pereira Duarte