Uría Menéndez‘s team is frequently called upon by domestic and international food companies. Core areas of expertise for the group include M&A transactions, joint venture and alliance agreements, the implementation of distribution models, labelling and advertising requirements, competition claims, and representing clients in proceedings initiated by health authorities. The practice is co-directed by Barcelona-based Montiano Monteagudo (IP, competition law, contracts and corporate) and Francisco Javier García (IP, commercial transactions, competition litigation and consumer disputes). Also noted are Borja Sainz de Aja, who focuses on IP, competition and data privacy, and Patricia Vidal, who specialises in EU and Spanish competition law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Francisco Javier García is exceptional. Fast, proactive, technically excellent, and with business acumen.’
- ‘Uría Menéndez’s Food Industry practice stands out for its combination of deep sector knowledge, commercial awareness, and pragmatic legal advice. The team demonstrates a remarkable ability to translate complex regulatory frameworks into clear and actionable guidance, which is invaluable for clients operating in a highly regulated and competitive sector. Compared to other firms, Uría Menéndez distinguishes itself through its client-focused approach: rather than delivering isolated legal opinions, the team provides strategic solutions that take into account both the legal and business dimensions of each matter.
- ‘I have had the pleasure of working directly with Francisco Javier García, and he is an exceptional attorney. His mastery of food and regulatory law is outstanding, and he combines technical precision with an ability to anticipate practical challenges for clients. Francisco is not only highly skilled in navigating complex legal landscapes, but he also communicates with clarity, empathy, and business-oriented pragmatism. These qualities set him apart from competitors and make him a true advisor rather than merely a legal service provider.
- ‘Uría Menéndez's Industry Focus: Food practice is characterised by its deep sector knowledge, setting it apart from more generalist teams. Its lawyers combine a solid technical understanding of the European and national regulatory framework with a strategic business vision that is especially valuable for in-house legal departments.
- ‘The main added value of Uría Menéndez's lawyers in the Food sector is their combination of technical excellence and close client relationships. They not only master the sector's regulations and the applicable legal framework, but also know how to adapt them to the realities of the business, offering practical and strategic recommendations. Specifically, Montiano Monteagudo and Francisco Javier Garcia stand out.'
- ‘The Uría Menéndez team in the Food sector stands out for its in-depth knowledge of the industry, its technical rigour, and its practical approach. They are very accessible, respond quickly, and understand the needs of the business well. They compare very favorably with other firms due to their coordination and consistent quality.’
Key clients
- Danone
- Mars Group
- Galletas Gullón
- Glovo
- Kerry Group
- Grup Peralada
- Culligan Water Spain
- Schell & Kampeter
- Cibus Fund
Work highlights
Advised Danone on the sale of its yogurt-production plant located in Parets del Vallés.
Provided Coca-Cola European Partners with ongoing day-to-day legal support on various aspects of its regular business activities, including commercial, regulatory, corporate, antitrust, tax and contractual matters.
Advising Cibus Fund on the acquisition of a 70% stake in PSB Producción Vegetal.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Montiano Monteagudo; Francisco Javier García
Other key lawyers
Borja Sainz de Aja; Patricia Vidal