The corporate and M&A team at Garrigues Portugal has been praised for its ability to provide ‘client-oriented solutions’ in a ’constructive and pragmatic’ manner to its diverse roster of clients. Multinationals, Portuguese corporates and start-ups engaged in a myriad of sectors, including insurance, IT, industrial, agribusiness and private equity, turn to the team for advice on the full scope of M&A and corporate matters. Mário Lino Dias is noted for his expertise in the insurance sector and renewable energy sectors, while Susana Pimenta De Sousa is regularly engaged by domestic and international clients on corporate restructurings and M&A. The ‘very experienced’ Tomás Pessanha, based in Porto, is a reference in the national market for M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, and Marta Da Graça Rodrigues is well-versed in the full gamut of corporate transactions, including matters involving listed companies. Diogo Leónidas Rocha has a strong track record in consolidations in the telecoms, banking and financial sectors. Recently promoted partner Manuel Liberal Jerónimo is also noted for domestic and cross-border transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Garrigues Porto office stands out for the excellence of the legal services provided, presenting innovative solutions that meet the client's needs. They develop lasting relationships, of partnership and trust, with the client. They have a very quick response capacity, which is essential in today's world.'
‘Partner Tomás Pessanha is one of the best Portuguese lawyers, with great legal knowledge and a lot of experience in international transactions, always focused on finding solutions that protect the client's interests. Creates trusting relationships and knows the client's business and culture very well, which allows him to quickly present solutions suited to the client's needs.'
‘The general level of service is excellent, as they have a team that shows good knowledge and in-depth understanding of the legal framework, high technical competence, professionalism and great negotiation skills.'
‘We have worked mainly with Tomás Pessanha and Manuel Liberal Jerónimo. They are all experts in their practice, with in-depth knowledge of the general legal framework, ensuring that all issues are handled professionally and efficiently.'
‘Close attention to the clients' needs.'
‘Tomás Pessanha is very experienced and professional, he is involved in every matter, minor and critical, giving the sense of control, which is critical to a non-local client.'
‘Top-notch know-how, reliable and client centric.’
‘The team brings client-oriented solutions and has been of a great support to us, in a constructive and pragmatic manner. ’

Key clients

Amorim Group
Samsung Portugal
Apax/Gama Life
Novares Group
Brenntag Group
Oxy Capital
Secil
Aliaxis Group
Audax Renovables
Chanel Group
Dukes Education Group
Babcock International
Explorer Investments
Atena Equity Partners
Katoen Natie
Feedzai
Cleanwatts
TagEnergy
Warburg Pincus
BNP Paribas
Max Stock
Vallis Capital Partners
Riverwood Capital

Work highlights

Advised Amorim Group on the sale of a 10% stake in Tom Ford (and Tom Ford Brand) to Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Zegna Group.
Advised Babcock International Group on the sale of aerial emergency services businesses to Ancala Partners.
Advised Novares Group on the sale of its Bezels & Clusters business units in Portugal, to Manuel Champalimaud Group.