Garrigues is an international firm founded in 1941 and with a strong focus on business law. The firm has established offices in 13 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a particular strength in capital markets, both debt and equity, and M&A transactions but the firm is also active in the banking and restructuring and insolvency practice areas. Within these areas the firm is a specialist in bank lending and financial restructuring transactions.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include LaSalle Investment Management, Tristan Capital Partners, Caixabank, Jamestown, Henderson Park Capital, Blackbrook, Swiss Life Asset Management, Allianz Capital Partners, Banco Santander, MCH Private Equity, Angelini Pharma, Delta Cafés, Decathlon, Bain Capital Credit, Davidson Kempner, and Njord Partners.

Research period review:32nd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period the firm was active in banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency.

In banking the firm worked for more borrowers than lenders on a range of transactions including loan work but also financial restructuring transactions. The firm’s clients were connected with private equity, investment management, financial services, real estate and sports sectors.

In capital markets the firm worked on capital increase, share offer, fund formation, securitisations transactions for clients connected with banking, consumer goods, technology and telecommunications sectors.

In M&A the firm worked on financial investments, private acquisitions, asset acquisitions and divestments for both buyers and sellers connected with technology and telecommunications, industrials and manufacturing, insurance, construction, investment management, financial services and transports sectors.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm worked on financing and sale of NPL Portfolio deals for clients connected with funds, private equity, investment management, investment fund and real estate sectors.

Deal highlights:32nd edition (2022/2023)

Blackbrook €13.8 million acquisition financing

Novo Banco €155 million capital increase of new shares

Shareholders of Rodman Lusitânia €18 million divestment

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Asset finance                                                                                    

"Hands-on approach, proactive; a very good and reliable legal team/partner to get transactions done."

M&A

"Assisted in all legal documentation, strategy and negotiation. "

"Commercial: high technical expertise, attention to detail, global view of the transaction. Tax: high technical expertise, reliability."

"Know how. Concise and sharp counsel."

"Partner availability is very good."

"Proactive, innovative and creative, attention to detail and very organised and pragmatic."

"Reasonable charges and fees."

"Very good in project management and coordination."

Private equity                                                                                    

"Business oriented, strategic vision, proactive, deep knowledge of the business specifics and applicable law."

Tomas Pessanha

"Extremely knowledgeable and able lawyer. Expert negotiator and excellent business acumen. "

Rafaela Reina

"Excellent professional with deep knowledge in M&A processes."

Vasco Rodrigues      

"Hands-on and proactive approach; an excellent legal adviser/partner to get transactions done. "

"Excellent knowledge of the industry and respective legislation, very proactive with innovative solutions, good communication and problem solving skills."

Marta Rodrigues        

"Knowledge and sharp counselling. Availability."

"Very good M&A advice. Good at getting clarifications and being proactive."

"M&A knowledge."