Garrigues Portugal’s diverse team, comprising lawyers from the corporate, banking and finance, and dispute resolution departments, excels in debt restructuring and transactions involving distressed assets. The team, which is well versed in domestic and multijurisdictional matters, is jointly managed by João Duarte De Sousa and Diogo Leónidas Rocha: Duarte de Sousa, head of the dispute resolution department, acts for clients in cross-border disputes and insolvency mandates, while Rocha possesses extensive experience in financing arrangements, NPL deals, and distressed debt, assisting various credit institutions and rating agencies. Vasco Rodrigues adds to the team’s strength with his significant expertise in special situations and distressed transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Garrigues team provides quality advice, based on solid knowledge.’

  • ‘Diogo Leónidas Rocha is of note for the significant involvement he had in the issues we entrusted to the team.’

Key clients

  • Njord Partners
  • Caixa Central Crédito Agricola
  • Alain Afflelou
  • Angelini
  • BNP Paribas Factor
  • Atena Equity Partners
  • Keller Cimentaciones S.A.U.
  • Eastbanc
  • The Bank of New York Mellon
  • Jaguar and Land Rover

Work highlights

  • Advised Njord Partners on all legal issues arising from the servicing of non-performing loans from Novo Banco and BCP in relation to the Elevolution Group, in the total amount of €280m.
  • Advised Atena Equity Partners on the sale of Cariano S.A. and its affiliate companies.
  • Assisted The Bank of New York Mellon as Security Agent for a syndicate of banks financing Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, S.A. with the negotiation of a restructuring agreement (PEVE) and a complete refinancing of the existing debt.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

João Duarte de Sousa, Diogo Leónidas Rocha

Other key lawyers

Vasco Rodrigues, Miguel Azevedo