Noted for its ‘great knowledge of banking regulations’, Linklaters possesses an impressive track record in highly complex, and often market-shaping financing transactions in Spain and abroad. Singled out for its wealth of experience in acquisition finance and LBOs, the department is equipped to handle the financing of energy projects, real estate-related deals, direct lending mandates, refinancings and restructurings. The group is led by a capable quartet: Juan Barona, who has over two decades of experience in the banking and finance space, and has been particularly active in acquisition finance, takeover bids and financings in the real estate and energy segments; English law partner Ben Crosse, a key contact for both investment banks and corporate clients in relation to private equity leveraged finance, investment grade lending and real estate finance; Francisco Sáinz-Trápaga, who handles a host of domestic and cross-border financing deals; and recently promoted partner Begoña Martínez, who excels in refinancing and restructuring matters. They ‘successfully lead a team that cooperates seamlessly with their colleagues in London and other offices in the Linklaters network’. Paloma Fierro oversees the financial regulatory practice, advising on the reorganisation of banks and investment firms, regulatory M&A and the setting up of credit institutions and branches.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They stand out for their client service and the good use of their internal resources, from the point of view of taking advantage of the knowledge in other offices. When they lack sufficient expertise in a matter of advice, they coordinate very well with colleagues from other offices to provide the best service to the client. In these cases, the advice is of better quality and is also not affected by any delay, due to good coordination.’

  • ‘The client service is unbeatable. They have no problem accommodating new client requests once the scope of advice has been agreed on.  The quality of advice is always excellent. In this regard, we would especially highlight Bárbara González for her always good availability, her total dedication to meeting client expectations and her problem-solving capacity. ’

  • ‘Availability, experience, technical knowledge, excellent work.’

  • ‘The team has great knowledge of banking regulations. ’

  • ‘Very experienced team in LBOs. Very extensive team ensuring a great availability of professionals.'

  • ‘Having lawyers authorised to practice English law based in Madrid is a competitive advantage. Ben Crosse, Begoña Martinez and Juan Barona successfully lead a team that cooperates seamlessly with their colleagues in London and other offices in the Linklaters network.’

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.

Juan Barona, Ben Crosse, Francisco Sainz-Trápaga, Begoña Martínez

Other key lawyers

Paloma Fierro, Javier Hernández, Bárbara González