João Louro Costa
Uría Menéndez
Uría Menéndez
Client SatisfactionDescribed as ‘undoubtedly one of the most technically competent and prepared law firms in the Portuguese market’, Uría Menéndez is home to an energy and natural resources practice, which is a key port of call for domestic and international corporates, as well as financial institutions, on matters pertaining to M&A, project finance and litigation. The team, which showcases extensive experience in the renewables and gas distribution segments, is led by a capable duo: Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, who specialises in public law and projects; and João Louro e Costa, who is praised for his ’very deep knowledge of the energy sector‘. Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa handles a mix of public procurement, M&A involving regulated assets, project development and finance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Uría has an interdisciplinary team that is highly efficient in managing transactions in the energy field. Interaction with any of the areas concerned is simple to the extent that the responsible partner encourages such dialogues.’
‘João Louro e Costa is the reference person, standing out not only for his very deep knowledge of the energy sector but also for his great availability, which gives him a complete understanding of the typology of issues and concerns that surround the function of the energy sector.'
‘Uría Menendez is undoubtedly one of the most technically competent and prepared law firms in the Portuguese market. The legal services provided by the firm are characterised by high quality, in-depth study of the issues raised by the client and very relevant knowledge of the energy sector, in many cases exceeding our expectations, even in the most complex and sophisticated matters.'
'The flexibility demonstrated in complex transactions, the knowledge of the renewable energy business, the proximity to the biggest players in the market and the proactivity in searching for solutions in difficult scenarios make this company an exceptional partner, providing peace of mind to the business in relation to the matters entrusted to the desk.’
‘Uría Menendez has a multidisciplinary team that ensures that matters are analysed from different perspectives, always presenting complete solutions to the questions raised. Coordination, both at the micro and macro levels, by the most senior members of the teams is notable, and allows for a guarantee of high quality.'
'I would particularly recommend of counsel João Louro e Costa, who coordinates matters related to licensing, regulatory and infrastructure. This lawyer demonstrates constant availability, notable technical capacity and the ability to understand, without the need for detailed explanations, the concerns of the business.'
‘The team stands out for its know-how. The effectiveness, professionalism and speed in legal advice and evaluation is out of the ordinary compared to offices at the same level.’
‘I would recommend the following individuals: Gonçalo Andrade de Sousa, João Louro e Costa ando Jill de Soet Palmeiro.’
Key clients
- Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, S.A.
- KGAL
- Axpo Iberia, S.L.
- Bright Sunday AB
- P2X-EUROPE GmbH & CO. KG
- iCON Infrastructure LLP
- Floene Energias, S.A.
- BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd.
- Sunshining, S.A.
- KKR
Work highlights
- Advised Iberdrola on the development of eight solar photovoltaic power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 200 MW.
- Advised KGAL on drafting, preparing and negotiating O&M and EPC agreements for a 82 MW greenfield solar photovoltaic power plant in Portugal.
- Advised Icon on the acquisition of Sonorgás, a Portuguese natural gas distributor holding 31 local licences for the distribution of natural gas, from Dourogás SGPS.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, João Louro e Costa