Private Equity
Europe Guide 2024 : Portugal
Band 3
Contact number
+351 21 382 1200Chambers Review
Garrigues attracts attention for its advice to Portuguese start-ups on highlight venture capital transactions. It covers the full scope of private equity transactions, advising companies on their investments as limited partners in venture capital funds and assisting established asset managers with the divestment of equity shareholdings. The firm has experience in private equity buyouts of mid-sized companies based in Spain.
Work Highlights
- Garrigues advised Ufenau Capital Partners on its first transaction in Portugal, the acquisition of a majority stake in Marktest group.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Garrigues brings pragmatic views on the deal. Its lawyers defend the clients' interests without losing the interest of the deal overall. They have the ability to find agreement."
"They have a fast understanding and good insights and judgement."
"It is an efficient team that is very quick and responsive."
"Garrigues brings pragmatic views on the deal. Its lawyers defend the clients' interests without losing the interest of the deal overall. They have the ability to find agreement."
"They have a fast understanding and good insights and judgement."
"It is an efficient team that is very quick and responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Mário Lino Dias has proven experience in significant venture capital deals, having acted for Portuguese unicorns on funding rounds and on subsequent strategic acquisitions. He also has experience on the sell side of private equity exits made by way of secondary buyouts or trade sales.
"Mário Lino Dias is able to listen to the client and turn the client's wish into a reality. He is a great leader who defends the clients well."
"Mário provides high-quality and practical advice on complex equity arrangements."
"He is there in the difficult conversations and he defends points stupendously."
"He is very knowledgeable of the market."
Tomás Pessanha is based in the firm's Porto office and handles both venture capital and private equity investments. He often advises clients from the retail, manufacturing and technology sectors.
"Tomás is a great person to work with; he is commercially astute, to the point and a good communicator."
"He is a highly capable lawyer with a good understanding of the process' needs and the ability to contribute to its success."