The ‘highly decisive and pragmatic’ tax team at Clifford Chance has ‘the broadest experience in all areas’ standing out for its proficiency in transactional mandates, particularly in M&A, corporate restructuring, debt capital markets, and real estate investments. The team also handles litigation proceedings, including instructions from international clients on tax rulings applications before the Spanish Directorate General for Taxation. The practice is led by the ‘unbeatable’ Pablo Serrano De Haro, who has ‘great knowledge of the sector and all tax issues’ and serves as counsel of choice for international investors on the structuring of their investments in Spain and internationally. Recently promoted to senior counsel and counsel respectively, Roberto Grau ('a reference for tax issues within the financial/banking sector') and Fernando Escribano also play key roles in the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I would highlight creativity in finding solutions for clients. In particular, Pablo Serrano de Haro, Roberto Grau and Fernando Escribano stand out.’
‘Availability and technical rigour adapted to the needs of each client. I would highlight Roberto Grau as a reference for tax issues within the financial/banking sector.’
‘It is a team that always responds, and that has demonstrated its experience and knowledge on a significant issue for the company, providing great follow-up during these years and with a very satisfactory ending for the company.'
‘I think CC blends well with the client, forming a single team.’
‘Pablo Serrano de Haro is an excellent professional, with great knowledge of the sector and all tax issues. He generates great confidence in the client and has exceptional personal treatment. I would recommend him, without a doubt. ’
‘Clifford Chance's tax team has the broadest experience in all areas. Specifically in Real Estate, the team's knowledge of all tax regimes and specifically of the SOCIMI stands out when planning and managing structures. Highly decisive and pragmatic.’
‘Its client orientation, ability to adapt to changing situations and help the clients make decisions with clear solutions set the firm apart. Pablo Serrano de Haro leads a team that I would describe as unbeatable.’

Key clients

Värde Partner
Autonomy Capital
BentallGreenOak
Kennedy Wilson
Allianz Real Estate
P3 Spain Logistics Parks SOCIMI
Hadley Investments SOCIMI
Banco Santander
Cerberus
BBVA

Work highlights

Advised both European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF) as main investors on a €1.2bn STS securitisation backed by auto loans originated by BBVA.
Advised Spanish residential property developer Via Célere on the Spanish legal and tax aspects of the agreement for the sale of 55% of its residential rental portfolio to US-based real estate company Greystar.
Advised Autonomy Capital on the potential restructuring and financing of one of its larger European investment platforms engaged in real estate investments as well as on its Spanish real estate portfolio and the creation of a Spanish platform.