Private Equity
Europe Guide 2024 : Spain
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+34 91 582 9100About
Provided by Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Our team specialising in investment funds has a very significant presence in the private equity, credit funds, hedge funds and collective investment institutions sector, working on an ongoing basis with a large number of them in their operations in Spain and Portugal.
The advice we provide in the sector includes:
- Analysis of equity and debt investments from the legal point of view.
- Acquisition and sale of credit and debt portfolios
- Analysis of special and distressed situations in the Iberian market, including detailed analysis of capital structures and possible investments in them
- Restructuring of credit positions in companies, advising both on bilateral and syndicated loan transactions, private placements or standing committee of bond holders. This would include advice in both the pre-insolvency and insolvency stages
- Financing in the primary market, including rescue or emergency financing operations
- Advice on hybrid investments, including warrants, participating financing and similar products
- Analysis of investment opportunities in public debt, both state and regional, both financial debt and commercial debt
- Advising activist funds on the design and execution of their strategies in Spain
- Defence of creditors' interests in the context of credit operations in Spain and Portugal, including the enforcement of guarantees and security
Chambers Review
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo maintains strong venture capital capabilities spread across key teams in Barcelona, Madrid and New York, with a client list that consists of major Spanish and US funds. The team advises on funding rounds in favour of startups in the IT, fintech and food sectors. It acts for Spanish companies seeking to buy foreign, VC-owned competitors. The law firm has won roles on several mid-cap and larger transactions carried out by investment managers, including those targeting the energy sector or real estate assets, also acting for portfolio companies on add-ons.
Work Highlights
- Gómez-Acebo & Pombo advised Gesher I Acquisition Corp on entering a merger agreement with Freightos, in a deal valued at USD435 million.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have consistently demonstrated a high level of responsiveness and availability, which is greatly appreciated."
"They adapted with admirable responsibility and we felt very comfortable throughout the whole process."
"They always provide intelligent solutions and execute well."
"They don't just explain the law to us, but they try to be flexible to find ways to address our needs."
"The team has very strong technical capabilities as well as excellent commercial skills."
"They have consistently demonstrated a high level of responsiveness and availability, which is greatly appreciated."
"They adapted with admirable responsibility and we felt very comfortable throughout the whole process."
"They always provide intelligent solutions and execute well."
"They don't just explain the law to us, but they try to be flexible to find ways to address our needs."
"The team has very strong technical capabilities as well as excellent commercial skills."
Notable Practitioners
Barcelona-based Alex Pujol is a highly regarded figure in venture capital mandates and regularly handles high-end entrepreneur and investor-side deals. He possesses notable experience in advising companies on their fundraising and exit options.
"Alex is highly capable from a technical perspective."
"Alex is senior and still hands-on."
Álvaro Mateo is central to the firm's venture capital offering in Madrid. He handles a range of funding rounds for startups and investors and also assists with exit transactions.
"Álvaro shows unparalleled knowledge, experience, dedication and commitment."
"For him, his clients are first. He is very practical, business-driven and tries to help in everything. He is an incredible lawyer."
"He is extremely commercially aware and understanding of the needs of a corporate structure."
Íñigo Erlaiz Cotelo regularly acts for private equity sponsors on mid-cap buyouts or acquisitions of minority stakes in Spanish businesses. He serves as managing partner of the firm and heads the private equity department in the Madrid office.
Clara Rivero is an active lawyer in the private equity space and is also a member of the firm's French desk.
"Clara has a great ability and is a very good lawyer."
"Clara has a very strong level of service and is intelligent in negotiations."