The ‘top-notch, multidisciplinary and flexible’ team at Cuatrecasas is a key port of call for international clients engaged in the energy, infrastructure, TMT, healthcare, transport, and real estate sectors. The practice is well positioned to advise on the full spectrum of M&A and corporate matters, as well as private equity transactions. The team is jointly led by Mariana Norton dos Reis, who is praised for her ‘commercial skills’, and Rafael Lucas Pires. Reis focuses on cross-border M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions with extensive expertise in Iberian and Latin American investments, while Pires, who joined the team in January 2023, has considerable experience in national and cross-border M&A, restructurings and corporate governance. The ‘very experienced’ Luís Miguel Cortes Martins is recommended for his expertise in private M&A and privatisations. Francisco Santos Costa leads the firm’s energy M&A practice, and João Mattamouros Resende is a key contact for transactions in the financial services, IT, retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors, most notably multijurisdictional M&A.

With expertise spanning the real estate, insurance, infrastructure, energy, transport and IT sectors, Linklaters provides guidance to a diverse roster of prestigious corporate clients across all facets of their M&A work. The team is further lauded for its ability to handle multijurisdictional transactions, leveraging its global network to assist on matters, with a focus on Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, most notably Mozambique. Practice head Diogo Plantier Santos is noted for his specialist focus on real estate transactions. Marcos de Sousa Monteiro is recommended for cross-border M&A, privatisations, and reorganisations in Portugal and Lusophone Africa. Counsel Mariana Serra Baptista is a key port of call for domestic and international clients seeking advice on all type of M&A work, including acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, private equity investments, as well as takeovers and privatisations.

Lauded by clients for its depth of expertise and cross-border capabilities, the ‘very competent and dynamic’ corporate and M&A team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is well positioned to advise clients across key sectors such as energy, real estate, banking, pharmaceuticals, IT, agribusiness and media, among others. The practice is jointly steered by Tomás Vaz Pinto and Ricardo Andrade Amaro . Pinto leads the firm’s corporate and capital markets team and is noted for his specialism in private equity transactions, while Amaro oversees the M&A practice and focuses on deals concerning the energy sector. Eduardo Paulino brings together experience in capital markets, public and private M&A, and Carlos Osório de Castro enjoys a stellar market reputation for his work on M&A involving both national and international clients. ‘Recognised for his negotiation skills and business acumen‘, Luís Roquette Geraldes often advises technology, life sciences and healthcare companies on transactional matters, most notably M&A, private equity and venture capital. Managing associate Marta Pereira Rosa is also a key name to note.

Praised for its ‘client-driven approach’, the ‘excellent’ corporate and M&A team at PLMJ handles a steady stream of deals for a diverse portfolio of clients, both domestically and internationally. The team’s expertise is notably pronounced in the healthcare, IT, energy and infrastructure sectors. Diogo Perestrelo is well versed in the gamut of M&A transactions and privatisations, assisting clients across the energy, aviation, telecoms, infrastructure and transport segments. Leading the team alongside him is Duarte Schmidt Lino, who is noted for his wealth of experience advising on large and high-profile M&A, private equity and venture capital deals. A litany of domestic and international companies turn to Bárbara Godinho Correia for assistance with major merger operations, privatisations, and acquisitions. The ‘outstanding’ Filipe Avides Moreira  is lauded for his ‘professional competence.’

The corporate and M&A team at Uría Menéndez is praised for its ‘very good technical knowledge‘ and ‘great attention to detail’. Esteemed as trusted advisers to private equity firms and corporates across all of Portugal’s major industries, the team is well placed to handle an array of corporate transactions. Key contact Francisco Brito e Abreu boasts considerable experience in corporate restructuring, M&A and private equity transactions, particularly excelling in the pharmaceutical sector, while Catarina Tavares Loureiro focuses on M&A transactions involving both private and listed companies. Joana Torres Ereio is routinely instructed by domestic and international corporates on M&A, private equity, venture capital deals and commercial agreements. Former practice head Duarte Garin retired in December 2023.

Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘strong knowledge’ with a ‘great proactive’ approach, the corporate and M&A team at VdA acts for an array of clients across the telecoms, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and aviation sectors. The group works with various domestic and international corporates on the full spectrum of high-value corporate transactions. Leading the team is Cláudia da Cruz Almeida , who is a key port of call for clients hailing from the energy, infrastructure, aviation and tourism sectors seeking assistance with M&A, private equity matters and reorganisations. Restructurings, private equity investments and M&A are all key areas of activity for Paulo Trindade Costa. Jorge Bleck continues to advise on high-profile distressed M&A and restructurings, earning praise from clients, with one describing him as ‘one of the most experienced lawyers in Portugal’. Sofia Bobone is regularly engaged by domestic and international corporates on a host of M&A transactions, while dual qualified Maria Cunha Matos is noted for her cross-border expertise, advising international corporates and private equity clients.

With expertise spanning the real estate, banking, tech, life sciences, energy and natural resources sectors, Abreu Advogados draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘commercial and pragmatic’ approach in a range of corporate transactions. The practice possesses strong capabilities in  cross-border mandates, notable in Mozambique and Angola. With over two decades’ experience in this space, Ana Sofia Batista acts for a variety of national and international clients in private equity deals. She leads the practice alongside José Maria Corrêa De Sampaio, noted for his ability to ‘quickly understand the client’s intended objectives’, and Manuel Santos Vítor who, in addition to M&A transactions, excels in corporate governance and reorganisations.

The ‘very professional’ team at CMS leverages the firm’s expansive global network to advise on complex cross-border M&A transactions and is actively involved in a range of private equity deals, privatisations, reorganisations and strategic alliances. Counting multinationals, private equity firms, venture capital funds, government agencies and domestic companies among its client roster, the team’s broad sectorial expertise covers aviation, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and distribution. Founding partner João Caldeira boasts an impressive track record in private equity transactions, M&A, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, capital markets, and corporate finance. He leads the team alongside Francisco Xavier de Almeida, praised for his ‘hands-on approach’, and Fernando Cruz Trinca who regularly provides assistance to credit financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Tiago Valente de Oliveira acts for domestic and international clients in matters concerning M&A, corporate and commercial law. Senior associate David Apolónia is also a key figure in the team.

On account of the firm’s global network, DLA Piper ABBC remains a popular choice for major corporates, private equity houses, financial institutional and fund managers in the energy, real estate, TMT, transport and pharmaceutical sectors seeking assistance with M&A deals and non-transactional corporate matters. The team is jointly led by Nuno Azevedo Neves and João Costa Quinta. Neves is regularly involved in high-profile, cross-border M&A deals and privatisations, while Quinta is a key port of call for private equity funds and investment funds on private equity, corporate governance, venture capital and M&A mandates. Other individuals to note include Nuno Castelo Branco, who is recommended for his focus on the energy sector. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of João Bento, who joined from Linklaters in July 2023.

The corporate and M&A team at Garrigues Portugal has been praised for its ability to provide ‘client-oriented solutions’ in a ‘constructive and pragmatic’ manner to its diverse roster of clients. Multinationals, Portuguese corporates and start-ups engaged in a myriad of sectors, including insurance, IT, industrial, agribusiness and private equity, turn to the team for advice on the full scope of M&A and corporate matters. Mário Lino Dias is noted for his expertise in the insurance sector and renewable energy sectors, while Susana Pimenta De Sousa is regularly engaged by domestic and international clients on corporate restructurings and M&A. The ‘very experienced’ Tomás Pessanha, based in Porto, is a reference in the national market for M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, and Marta Da Graça Rodrigues is well-versed in the full gamut of corporate transactions, including matters involving listed companies. Diogo Leónidas Rocha has a strong track record in consolidations in the telecoms, banking and financial sectors. Recently promoted partner Manuel Liberal Jerónimo is also noted for domestic and cross-border transactions.

Praised for its ‘vast knowledge and legal experience’, the corporate and M&A team at SRS Legal possesses strong credentials in the private equity and venture capital spaces. TMT and energy sector expertise is a defining characteristic of the practice group, which regularly advises leading companies on critical transactions. With more than three decades of experience, practice head Octávio Castelo Paulo  is wellversed in M&A transactions, privatisations, private equity deals and joint ventures. Gustavo Ordonhas Oliveira, lauded for his ‘availability and flexibility’, excels in cross-border private equity and venture capital transactions. Paulo Bandeira is a key contact for start-ups, entrepreneurs, venture capital investors and incubators.

The ‘top-notch’ corporate, commercial and M&A team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo earns high praise from clients for its ‘extremely efficient and dedicated’ approach. A litany of domestic and international companies turn to the team for its experience in buy and sell-side deals, as well as commercial agreements, contracts and day-to-day corporate issues. The practice is steered by the 'fantastic' Mafalda Barreto, who is noted for her experience advising on cross-border transactions. Former co-head Miguel de Avillez Pereira is no longer at the firm.

Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘high technical knowledge’ with a ‘proactive approach’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados is well-placed to advise a host of clients on a range of high-value corporate transactions. With a strong presence in the energy, IT, infrastructure and environmental sectors, the team earns further praise for its cross-border capabilities. Practice head Sofia Carreiro boasts vast experience in corporate transactions, including cross-border M&A and restructurings. Pedro Silveira Borges specialises in the negotiation of share/asset deals, negotiation of shareholders’ agreements, subscription agreements and drafting of binding and non-binding offers.

Noted for its ‘technicality’, the corporate, M&A and private equity team at TELLES is regularly engaged by clients hailing from the insurance, private equity, venture capital, construction, life sciences, telecoms, infrastructure and energy sectors. The practice is steered by Francisco Espregueira Mendes, who is adept in corporate M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, as well as privatisations and complex corporate restructurings. Joana Telles de Abreu is praised for her ‘extremely high competence’ and ‘pragmatic’ approach. The team has been bolstered by the arrivals of Ofélia Pinto de Queiroz and Márcio Carreira Nobre, both of whom joined from CS’Associados in January and April 2023 respectively.

Operating across a myriad of industries, including but not limited to technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods, the corporate, M&A and private equity team at Albuquerque & Almeida manages a steady stream of deals for a diverse portfolio of clients. The practice is jointly led by António Mendonça Raimundo and André Matias. Raimundo is noted for his experience advising on corporate law and international contracts, with a special emphasis on M&A in regulated and non-regulated sectors, while Matias regularly leads on major venture capital and private equity transactions.

Showcasing strength in matters concerning an array of sectors, from telecoms, to energy and construction, the team at Caiado Guerreiro is well versed in corporate transactions, joint ventures, and day-to-day corporate law issues. With a wealth of experience in both sell and buy-side mandates, the group is under the joint leadership of Ricardo Rodrigues Lopes, noted for his focus on employment law, as well as corporate and commercial law, founder João Caiado Guerreiro and Joana Gomes dos Santos .

Possessing the capabilities to advise on M&A, venture capital investments, private equity deals, and investment funds-related matters, the team at CCA Law Firm assists clients across the e-commerce, fintech, insurance, software and renewable energy sectors. Standing out for its strong presence in the start-ups and emerging growth business scene, the group is jointly led by managing partner Domingos Cruz, recommended for his expertise in private equity, corporate governance and M&A transactions, and Sara Reis, who handles a mix of strategic M&A, demergers, corporate restructuring processes and venture capital mandates.

Capitalising on its connection with the Deloitte Legal network, the ‘knowledgeable, personable, reliable and responsive’ team at Deloitte Legal is well positioned to handle a variety of corporate mandates, ranging from reorganisations, to commercial contracts, and M&A. A key destination for international clients, the group is under the joint leadership of two corporate law specialists: managing partner Mónica Moreira, who is regularly engaged in mergers, purchases, sales and reorganisations; and Sofia Carvalhosa, who takes the lead on corporate, commercial and contractual matters.

Boasting a ‘great reputation in the Portuguese business environment’, the corporate and M&A team at Eversheds Sutherland is a key port of call for clients engaged in the financial, TMT, energy, agribusiness and education sectors. The practice is skilled at handling a mix of M&A transactions, commercial agreements, contractual matters and divestitures. Rodrigo Almeida Dias, who boasts notable expertise in private equity and corporate finance matters, jointly steers the team with Pedro Guimaraes, noted for his focus on multijurisdictional matters.

Praised for its ‘business-oriented approach’, the corporate group at pbbr - Sociedade de Advogados RL handles a steady stream of M&A transactions for a range of domestic and international clients in the teal estate, healthcare and IT sectors. With a keen focus on the real estate segment, Pedro Pinto is regularly instructed by investors, developers and financial institutions. He leads the team alongside Alexandre Jardim, who is noted for his specialism in the private equity industry, acting on behalf of investors, funds and management companies.

The ‘multifaceted’ practice at PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL acts for clients operating in the retail, energy, insurance, real estate, media and consumer goods sectors, among others. The team is skilled at assisting with corporate law matters, commercial agreements and contracts, earning further praise for its cross-border capabilities. Spearheading the team is the ‘dedicated’ Pedro Raposo, whose expertise spans the gamut of corporate work, most notably M&A deals.

The ‘excellent’ team at Raposo Bernardo is regularly instructed by domestic and international clients, including investment banks, funds and corporates, in a range of corporate transactions. The practice is jointly steered by Nelson Raposo Bernardo, who is well versed in the entire scope of corporate transactions, and Joana Andrade Correia, who acts for clients engaged in the aviation, shipping, banking, pharmaceutical, tourism and energy sectors.

Lauded for its ‘dedicated, qualified, multidisciplinary, well-organised and responsive’ team, Andersen advises clients across the investment funds, real estate, infrastructure, healthcare and IT sectors on a range of corporate matters. Benefitting from access to the firm’s global network, the team fields the ability to advise on multijurisdictional transactions. Luísa Curado, who possesses significant experience in M&A and joint ventures at the national and international level, leads the team alongside Mariana Abreu.

Under the leadership of João Alves Pereira , the corporate group at APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L. shines in non-transactional corporate law matters. Pereira has more than three decades of experience in this space, providing advice on numerous transactions both domestically and internationally. Key sector strengths for the department include TMT, retail and transport.

Praised for the ‘uncompromising defence’ of its clients’ interests and ‘practical’ approach, the corporate team at Caldeira Pires & Associados is equipped to assist with a variety of corporate and M&A matters, including corporate transactions, restructurings, dissolutions and winding-ups. The group is also skilled at advising on the drafting of shareholders’ agreements and day-to-day corporate law issues. Spearheading the team is founding partner Vicente Caldeira Pires, who is well placed to assist clients on the full scope of corporate transactions.

CCSL Advogados provides legal services 'of excellent quality' in the fields of commercial and corporate law. The team is adept at assisting a variety of corporate clients with mid-market M&A transactions, with particular focus in the media and publishing sectors. The 'interdisciplinary team' is also recommended for its 'highly efficient' management of energy-related deals and proficiency in venture capital investments and day-to-day corporate issues, Practice head Mafalda Almeida Carvalho has significant experience in both transactional and general corporate advisory matters.

Costa Pinto is home to an ‘experienced’ team that is well positioned to advise on the  full scope of corporate matters. Its diverse workload features a healthy volume of transactional work - including M&A, private equity deals, and corporate restructurings - as well as commercial contracts, corporate governance issues and shareholder agreements. José Costa Pinto, a key contact for domestic and foreign clients, sits at the helm of the practice, which is commended for its 'legal competence, dedication, problem-solving ability and client orientation'. Ana da Ponte Lopes, who joined from Banco de Portugal (Portugal's monetary authority) in February 2023, is the name to note for regulatory and compliance mandates.

J+Legal boasts a diverse clientele comprising both domestic and international corporates within the financial, energy, telecoms, construction, insurance and agribusiness sectors, among others. The team is jointly led by M&A specialists José Diogo Horta Osório and Jorge Brito Pereira. Co-head Osório, who also fields expertise in banking and projects matters, is often engaged by Iberian and international companies seeking advice on M&A and private equity transactions in the energy, transport and logistics sectors. Fellow co-leader Pereira earns praise for his ‘deep legal knowledge’, including business deals in Portugal and Lusophone Africa.

The corporate and M&A group at MACEDO VITORINO excels in M&A, commercial contracts and regulatory matters in the telecoms, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, to name a few. A litany of domestic and multinational clients, including private equity houses, investment funds, family offices and multinational companies, turn to João Macedo Vitorino for his expertise in M&A, corporate and commercial law; he is a key contact for players from the telecoms and energy sectors. Vitorino oversees the practice with Susana Vieira, who is routinely instructed in due diligence for national and cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on the real estate sector.

Domestic and international clients, including a host of companies, financial institutions and private equity firms, recurrently turn to the ‘extremely professional’ team at Miranda & Associados handles a steady flow of transactions in the energy, IT, real estate, infrastructure and life sciences sectors. Diogo Xavier Da Cunha is regularly engaged by energy and natural resources clients in M&A. With over two decades of experience in corporate, commercial and M&A matters, Maria João Ribeira Mata leads the team alongside Cunha.

The ‘interdisciplinary’ corporate team at PwC Portugal is well regarded for its ability to combine a ‘strong technical knowledge’ with a ‘creative and efficient’ approach. The team is a popular destination for international companies, private equity houses and family-owned businesses. Managing partner Cristina Cabral Ribeiro advises on the entire spectrum of corporate transactions, while Isabel Coelho dos Santos‘s workload features commercial contracts, corporate restructurings, strategic partnerships and joint ventures. A litany of banks and private equity funds turn to Luís Pedro Oliveira for his expertise in cross-border deals.