Spain

Uría Menéndez is a leading Ibero-American law firm headquartered in Madrid. The firm was founded in 1946 and has over 11 offices located in major financial hubs across the Americas, Asia and Europe. The Span team is led by managing partner Salvador Sánchez-Terán, an expert consultant, and is supported by experienced lawyers. The team has strong capabilities and an exceptional track record across corporate and financial law, attaining top-tier status in all practice areas. 

Highlights

In recent banking work, the firm advised Banco de Sabadell and other lenders on the €2 billion sustainable revolving credit facility granted to AENA, among other things incorporating state-of-the-art sustainability principles into AENA’s corporate financing.

The firm advised Banco Santander on its issuance of €3.75 billion senior preferred fixed rate debt under the F3 programme.

The firm acted as lead counsel on the €21.1 billion reverse cross-border merger between Ferrovial and Ferrovial International (as absorbing entity), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrovial.

Testimonials

2025

“They advised us on a €90 million financing package for our telco operator in Spain (€60 million TLB, €20 million capex facility, and €10 million RCF). Their service is balanced, commercial, swift, and highly technical.” -Banking and finance

“Carlos de Cárdenas Smith is always available, open to understanding clients’ needs, focused on closing rather than fighting unnecessary issues, and maintains good relationships with other firms.” -Banking and finance

“Víctor Viana Barral has outstanding knowledge of the fiscal area, and is prudent and highly professional.” -Banking and finance

“Luis Jiménez is very practical and solution-oriented, with deep knowledge of his field.” -Banking and finance

“Uría is advising Banco Sabadell on all legal aspects—including capital markets, competition, and M&A—relating to the takeover bid launched by BBVA for the entire share capital of Banco Sabadell. This represents one of the landmark transactions in Spain since 2024, and even in Europe, for a number of reasons.” -Capital markets: Equity

“Carolina Albuerne is highly effective in problem-solving, thinks quickly, and is above all strategically minded. She is direct and business-oriented, coupled with strong legal knowledge. She has extensive expertise in takeovers as well as derivatives, debt, and regulatory aspects, which has been very useful in addressing issues arising during the takeover.” -Capital markets: Equity

“Javier Redonet is outstanding at finding practical and innovative solutions, drawing on his deep experience and expertise. He has advised the bank for many years and knows all the ins and outs. I greatly value his ability to anticipate issues before they arise and to approach every challenge from all relevant angles. His advice is not only technically sound but also highly practical and often innovative. He consistently delivers solutions tailored to complex situations, especially in matters without clear-cut answers, such as takeover issues. He truly stands out amongst peers. What sets him apart is the balance he strikes between deep theoretical knowledge, hands-on practical experience, and strategic thinking. That combination makes him exceptionally effective and, in my view, a standout advisor for high-stakes, nuanced matters.” -Capital markets: Equity

“We are very satisfied with the support provided, particularly from the core M&A team, which is highly responsive and engaged. That being said, some of the supporting teams could benefit from a more proactive approach to match the overall standard set by the lead advisors”. -M&A

“Pablo González-Espejo is very pragmatic and has a strong understanding of the industry.” -M&A

“Francisco San Miguel is an incredible lawyer, excellent in all respects. He is highly available, has full legal knowledge — including of the Santander Group — and is rigorous in his approach.” -M&A

“Carolina Albuerne is an incredible lawyer. She regularly advises on banking regulatory matters and M&A. She has full availability, excellent knowledge of the Santander Group, and is rigorous, hard-working, and intelligent.” -M&A

“Antonio Herrera is a very complete lawyer, with few comparables in the market. He is rigorous, intelligent, and always available — a problem-solver with extensive knowledge of the Santander Group. This is complemented by great human qualities and mastery of stressful situations.” -M&A

“Gabriel Núñez is an excellent lawyer with extensive experience in resolving complex matters. He is fully available to clients, approachable, and able to provide reassurance and confidence even in the most challenging situations.” -M&A

“Despite his youth, Iván Abad is a very intelligent lawyer with great ability to resolve complex matters.” -M&A

“Tomás Acosta is recognised for his strength in risk assessment.” -M&A

“Roberto Fernández Castilla demonstrated deep knowledge of the subject, strong commitment and availability, and proactivity in continuously improving the quality of the final document — all of which were outstanding. It is difficult to say what could have been done better, as we were extremely satisfied with the service received.” -Project development

“The team is praised for its expertise, availability, effectiveness, and knowledge.” -Project finance

 “Luis Jiménez López has every skill required to be a local partner.” -Project finance

“Drafting and negotiation of project financing facilities for the construction of photovoltaic (PV) renewable assets.” -Project finance

“The firm is recognised for its market knowledge, sector-specific expertise, team depth, and the trust it has built over time through quality work, reliability, and availability.” -Project finance

“José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica is responsive, quick, honest, and to the point. He is a complete lawyer with first-class M&A and finance skills and knowledge.” -Project finance

2024 

"Extremely skilled teams in every aspect and very well coordinated by several outstanding partners." (Banking client)

"The team has an outstanding attention to detail and its willingness to find innovative solutions to our requests makes them stand out among any of the other firms with whom we work on a regular basis." (Debt capital markets client)

"Great knowledge, expert teams and great professionals." (Equity capital markets client)

"They have a very deep knowledge of the M&A practice and its market standards and of regulatory matters; this makes them provide proper solutions for any issue or contingency that may take place during a transaction." (M&A client)

"Outstanding experts in combining different areas of legal advice and providing the best advice for the client's needs. They provide fast feedback and answers with the highest quality and in-depth analysis." (Restructuring client)