CHAMBERS GLOBAL

Abreu Advogados has had links to local firm FBSL since 2007, and its Lisbon office features 13 partners who spend some time on Angolan matters. The team's main activities are in the areas of banking, finance, energy and M&A. Its clients are mostly Portuguese companies with branches or activities in Angola, including a number of Portuguese banks. Recent highlights include assisting Banco Espírito Santo Angola with the establishment of an asset management group. Miguel de Avillez Pereira has worked on Angola dossiers since 2003. He concentrates on energy M&A, financing and projects work. Banking and restructuring specialist João de Freitas e Costa acts as the go-between with FBSL for issues requiring on-the-ground assistance

The banking and finance department of this firm has ten partners and ten associates, and represents the interests of prestigious clients such as Banco Espírito Santo, Banif-Banco Internacional do Funchal and Banco Efisa. Recent highlights include providing legal assistance to Banif - Banco de Investimento in several matters related to its asset management and corporate finance activities, investment funds and real estate funds.

This Portuguese firm houses a well-regarded capital markets team comprising ten partners and ten associates. The team's client roster includes such names as Banco Espírito Santo, Banif and Banco Efisa. One recent highlight was assisting the BES Group – comprising Banco Espírito Santo, Banco Espírito Santo de Investimento and ESAF – with derivative transactions.

This firm houses a highly regarded corporate/M&A team, recently enlarged following its merger with Madeira-based SMS Law Firm; more than 45 lawyers now make up the team. Highlights include representing JJW International and MBI on the acquisition of Méridien Hotels & Leisure Resorts in Portugal, and advising Crédit Foncier de France on the acquisition of 100% of the Portuguese bank Banco Primus, and subsequent sale of 15% of the bank.
Sources Say: “Very dynamic and efficient.”

With over a decade of experience, this firm has a consolidated dispute resolution practice that covers litigation, corporate crime and arbitration. Recent work has covered arbitration for one of Portugal’s largest shipbuilders, Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo.

João de Freitas e Costa acts as the go-between with FBSL for issues requiring on-the-ground assistance.

José Maria Corrêa de Sampaio is commended for his technical quality and expert advice.

Department head Miguel Castro Pereira is recommended for his “proactive attitude and knowledge of the Portuguese financial market.” He co-ordinated the assistance provided to Banif.

Head of practice Miguel Castro Pereira is recognised for his experience and knowledge in capital markets.

Miguel Castro Pereira heads the litigation department and is a recognised specialist in both finance and tax law.

Miguel de Avillez Pereira has worked on Angola dossiers since 2003. He concentrates on energy M&A, financing and projects work

Miguel Teixeira de Abreu is commended for his technical quality and expert advice.

Rita Maltez is commended for her technical quality and expert advice.

Sofia Santos Machado is also praised for being “an outstanding professional who can provide sound technical advice in layman's terms.”