Bringing together ‘exceptional technical capacity, excellent responsiveness and quality in advice’, the banking and finance practice at A&O Shearman is one of the first ports of call in Spain for international banks, funds and major companies seeking assistance in large-scale financing deals. The infrastructure and energy sectors have been key areas of focus for the practice, which continues to attract a variety of instructions, from leveraged finance to debt restructuring. ‘A reference in the banking and finance area’, Ignacio Ruiz-Cámara possesses a wealth of experience in the entire spectrum of banking and finance matters, but stands out for his track record in the financing of the acquisition of non-performing loan (NPL) portfolios and structured finance transactions. Juan Hormaechea is a leading figure for funds-related work, while Jimena Urretavizcaya is particularly skilled in leveraged finance, real estate financing and restructurings. Banks, investment firms, fund management companies, private equity, insurance and pension funds regularly turn to Salvador Ruiz Bachs for advice on financial services regulatory issues. Other noteworthy practitioners include English law partner Charles Poole-Warren, a name to note for cross-border deals, project finance specialist Vanessa Cuellas, and Thomas Wilkinson, who is singled out for his knowledge of investment grade loans and export financings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A&O Shearman is a firm recognised for its excellence and experience in various legal areas. The group stands out for the quality of its work, deep knowledge, interdisciplinary skills, as well as its close relationship with the in-house legal team.’

  • ‘A&O Shearman lawyers are characterised by their deep legal knowledge, close treatment with the lawyer, full availability and quality of advice. They stand out for their international experience and ability to provide international legal solutions. The firm has outstanding partners and associates, including Salvador Ruiz Bachs.’

  • ‘The team is excellent, especially in terms of treatment and work. They work very hard to meet tight deadlines and close deals.’

  • ‘Kindness and availability. At the same time, they are also very autonomous when it comes to working, which makes everyone's work easier.’

  • 'Presence of senior lawyers throughout the process gives the client comfort that the transaction in question is a priority for the firm in the same way as it is for the bank.'

  • ‘Closeness, availability, added value in terms of structuring ideas, critical vision; don't get carried away by the foam and help us be critical.’

  • ‘The team brings together exceptional technical capacity, excellent responsiveness and quality in advice; exceptional client service and treatment; knowledge and interest in knowing the client's needs and achieving a satisfactory result in the transaction.'

  • ‘Ignacio Ruiz-Cámara is a reference in the banking and finance area. He has exceptional human and technical capacity, exceptional management of transactions and always defends the client's interests.'

Key clients

  • Banco Santander
  • Caixabank
  • Citibank
  • BBVA
  • Société Générale
  • Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
  • Igneo Infrastructure Partners
  • CVC
  • Sacyr
  • Iberdrola
  • Parkia
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Banco Sabadell
  • Single Resolution Board
  • Enagás
  • Repsol
  • EQT
  • EDP Renovaveis
  • Deutsche Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised Repsol on the financing aspects of the sale of 25% of its upstream business (E&P Exploration & Production) worldwide, including part of the prior reorganisation that had to be conducted in order to sell the E&P business.
  • Assisted Adamo in the process of increasing the financing they already had in place for an amount of €300m committed and €50m uncommitted increasing the financing granted under the existing facilities agreement to €1bn.
  • Acted as legal advisors to a syndicate of lenders, led by National Westminster Bank, Plc. in the granting of a €2.296bn facility to Igneo (Finerge entities) for the purposes of refinancing outstanding debt of the group which was used to finance sustainability projects.

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.

Ignacio Ruiz-Cámara

Other key lawyers

Juan Hormaechea, Jimena Urretavizcaya, Charles Poole-Warren, Salvador Ruiz Bachs, Vanessa Cuellas, Thomas Wilkinson, Sofía Sánchez-Calero, Núria Ferré