Portugal

Uría Menéndez is an international law firm headquartered in Madrid. The firm opened its Lisbon office in 2001 and, in 2010, merged with Proença de Carvalho & Associados to become Uría Menéndez – Proença de Carvalho. The Portugal deal team is led by managing partner Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, who is highly regarded in the market. The firm has a well-rounded practice in Portugal, achieving top-tier rankings across all major practice areas.  

Highlights

The firm advised Hermes Investment Management, as bondholder, on a €20 million bond issue by Elegant Family Hotels Cascais to refinance the company’s debt.

It advised Bankinter Consumer Finance on its €600 million joint venture with Sonae to create the first consumer-credit institution in Portugal. 

The firm advised Artá Capital on its €70 million acquisition of a 100% stake in Ferreira de Sá Group from Sherpa Capital.  

Testimonials

2025 

“They demonstrated in-depth knowledge of legislation and related business issues regarding restructuring, as well as speed and quality in their work.” -Restructuring and insolvency “A great team, covering several expert areas, spanning from M&A and corporate law to environmental matters.” -M&A 

“They provided legal and regulatory assessment regarding the company’s activities in developing energy supply businesses, biomethane projects, and related areas.” -Project development

“Uría is assisting us in a PPP bid. The team demonstrates high technical expertise and strong sector knowledge.” -PPP/PFI 
 
“They provided legal assessment and support on partnership programs, delivering risk-conscious advice and maintaining a strong client relationship.” -Banking and finance 
 
Catarina Tavares Loureiro focuses on M&A and corporate law and is overall responsible for the Portuguese team and client relationship. Catarina did a great job. Same comment as for João: in general, we are very happy with her services and performance.” -M&A

“David Diniz has in-depth knowledge and the capacity to bridge business issues with regulatory and legal constraints.” -Restructuring and insolvency

“Domingos Salgado was phenomenal throughout the transaction, providing highly responsive and technically sound advice in a complex M&A context. There were several different interests that had to be reconciled, and his ability to balance legal rigour with a pragmatic and commercial mindset ensured the deal was completed. Domingos consistently demonstrated strong judgment, adaptability, and client focus.” -M&A 

“João Louro e Costa advises on environmental law. In general, we are very happy with his advice and services. Portuguese counsel in general tend to respond in lengthy memos or emails, so if there were any improvement to suggest, it would be to be more to the point.” -M&A

“João Louro E Costa’s profound knowledge of energy regulation and pragmatic approach to legal challenges stand out.” -Project development

“Helder Frias communicates in an easy and clear manner, understands our business and needs, and effectively builds bridges with colleagues in other jurisdictions.” -Banking and finance

“Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa is very knowledgeable and available.” -PPP/PFI 
 
“Mariana Viana Pedreira has very deep technical knowledge.” -PPP/PFI 
 
“Francisco Menezes is a very sharp litigation lawyer.” -PPP/PFI 

“Pedro Melo is a very complete lawyer and is always available.” -PPP/PFI

“Maria Zagallo combines very high technical knowledge with deep sector expertise.” -PPP/PFI

2024    

"Very reactive and with very high technical knowledge." (M&A Client)

"Knowledge and availability." (Private equity Client)

"They are a very complete team and always available." (Project development Client)