Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Standing out for its multijurisdictional capabilities, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is home to a ‘very responsive and proactive’ finance team, which has recently been especially active in acquisition finance, refinancings, debt restructuring, and infrastructure and energy-related deals. With the ability to advise on both Spanish and English law, the group is routinely instructed by domestic and international banks, debt funds, corporates, investment funds and private equity funds, who also rely on the firm for advice on financial services regulatory matters. ‘Synonymous with quality and professionalism’, Armando García-Mendoza oversees the Spanish finance practice. Noted for her extensive experience in distressed matters, recently promoted partner Beatriz del Rey is a name to note for loan portfolio transactions. Carmen Jara focuses on acquisition finance, restructuring, real estate and project finance, while dual-qualified Leonie Timmers leads the English law finance group in Madrid, regularly cooperating with the firm’s London office. Sergio Cires, who focuses on project and corporate finance, joined from Jones Day in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Herbert Smith banking team is exceptional. Very decisive, commercial but always without losing legal rigour. They have the ability to make the client feel as if their deal is the most important one they have on the table. They are always available and do their best to meet the deadlines necessary to close transactions on the scheduled dates.’
‘Armando García-Mendoza is synonymous with quality and professionalism. He is involved from start to finish in deals. It is a true gift to work with him since you can trust that the work will be of outstanding quality and that he will always be available to clarify doubts and solve obstacles that arise in the negotiations and development of the deal in the best possible way.’
‘Very responsive and proactive team who understand what international financiers need. Easy to digest advice.’
‘Beatriz del Rey is a leader in handling the Spanish aspects of portfolio financing deals. She is great to deal with whilst still being very technical. ’
‘Beatriz del Rey and Pilar Garcia are recommended.'
‘Beatriz del Rey is always very useful for legal and commercial issues. She has a lot of experience in complex deals that help the investor understand the market practice.'
Key clients
- Peninsula Capital
- Allianz Global Investors
- BBVA
- Ardian Real Estate
- Magnum Industrial Partners
- SCOR
- HIG Infrastructure Partners
- Altano Energy
- Banco Santander
- BNP Paribas
Work highlights
- Advised Healthcare Activos Investment on the €350m term loan and €40m RCF financings, granted by a syndicate of lenders led by CACIB and BNP Paribas, for the purposes of refinancing all the previous existing debt of the group and financing future healthcare asset acquisitions.
- Advised Kunshan Technology Investment (HK) on the debt restructuring and recapitalisation of Mediapro Group.
- Advised Antin Infrastructure Partners on the refinancing resulting from the disposal of Lyntia Networks to a joint venture formed by AXA-Swiss Life and on the disposal of 33.3% stake in Lyntia Networks to Morrison & Co.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Armando García-Mendoza