LAWYER PROFILE
Tomás Pessanha

Tomás Pessanha

Europe 2026

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Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Garrigues

Europe

Practice Areas

Corporate/M&A, Private Equity, Restructuring and Insolvency

Career

Tomás Pessanha is a partner of the Corporate/M&A practice, heading the team at the firm’s Porto office. He has over 20 years’ experience in corporate law, M&A, private equity, restructuring and insolvency. Tomás has built a solid track record in complex M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, both on the buyer's and seller's sides, in Portugal and abroad (including in Portuguese-speaking African countries). He regularly advises on both transactional and regulatory aspects of deals involving domestic or foreign players.

Joined Garrigues in 2019. Before joining Garrigues, he worked at PLMJ, in Oporto, for over 17 years, the last 12 as head of the Corporate / M&A practice (Oporto).

Tomás is a guest professor at Porto Business School and a regular lecturer in several conferences and seminars in his areas of expertise.

Professional Memberships

Portuguese Bar Association. IBA - Corporate and M&A Committee. IBA - Member of the European Regional Forum Council (Portuguese Representative)

Publications

Tomás Pessanha has collaborated in several publications as author and co-author in matters related to corporate law, private equity and protection of foreign investment.

Personal

Languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers European Guide

General Business Law: Corporate - Porto

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Tomás Pessanha leads major corporate mandates, including the establishment of joint ventures and company restructurings. He also acts for companies and private equity funds on investments and acquisitions.

Corporate/M&A: The Elite - Portugal

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Tomás Pessanha remains active advising on domestic and multi-jurisdictional sale and buy-side mandates as well as on corporate reorganisations.

Private Equity - Portugal

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Tomás Pessanha is based in the law firm's Porto office and handles both venture capital and private equity investments, as well as majority and controlling sale transactions. He often advises clients from the retail, hospitality and technology sectors.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Tomás Pessanha is fully aware of our needs and his support is always constant and professional.

    General Business Law: CorporateChambers European Guide
  • He has an above-average competence and a brilliant work capacity. He is instrumental in resolving complex issues and defending the client's interests.

    Corporate/M&A: The EliteChambers European Guide
  • Tomás Pessanha is very involved with the client and has a passion for a job well done. He is very solid technically, providing solutions and managing complex situations.

    Corporate/M&A: The EliteChambers European Guide
  • Tomás Pessanha provides an excellent service.

    Private EquityChambers European Guide
  • Tomás is a very balanced person and obviously an extremely professional lawyer.

    Private EquityChambers European Guide

Ranked Individuals at Garrigues (151)

Porto

Portugal

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