Competition/European Law
2008
Split between the Lisbon and Porto offices, this experienced team works jointly on traditional competition matters and a number of other fronts, from litigation to compliance programmes. It also boasts noteworthy experience in key sectors such as telecoms, energy, pharmaceutical, distribution and construction, among others. Moreover, it maintains an international profile reinforced by its membership of the Lex Mundi alliance, and its lawyers are commended for being “technically strong yet understated practitioners.” Clients/Work Highlights: Lawyers successfully advised Sonaecom on filing its projected acquisition of sole control over Portugal Telecom SGPS and PT Multimédia before the Portuguese Competition Authority. They also assisted Sonaecom with the acquisition of TELE2 and of ONI’s assets. The team further advised TAP Portugal on its acquisition of PGA - Portugália Airlines. Other leading clients include Optimus; Mota Engil; Jerónimo Martins; REN and Ernova.
Competition/Antitrust
2007
This market leader was strengthened further by the 2005 merger with Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier e Associados, widely considered northern Portugal’s “leading authority on competition law.” Sources point out that the firm now boasts comprehensive teams in both Lisbon and Porto, headed by two of the market’s most highly regarded practitioners, and played a major role in both outstanding deals of the year. In addition to merger control work, the team handled several cases in the area of restrictive practices and advised on state aid matters. Following the increase in the Portuguese Competition Authority’s activity, the team is also focusing on closer collaboration with other departments, participating in deals from the beginning and highlighting potential problems. Clients are full of praise for this approach: “The lawyers think on a business level and use the law to find solutions.” Telecoms and energy have become particular areas of expertise for the team. Clients/Work Highlights: The firm represented AGEPOR, the Shipping Agents Association of Portugal, before the Lisbon Commerce Court over a fine for the alleged anti-competitive practice of price-fixing. The team represented the Portuguese television broadcaster SIC in two cases against the Commission before the Court of First Instance. The state-controlled electricity system operator Rede Eléctrica Nacional instructed the firm on the filing of the acquisition of the natural gas regulated assets from Galp Energia as part of the energy sector restructuring aimed at improving competition. Other clients include Águas de Portugal; BCP; Sociedade Central de Cervejas and Sonaecom.
Competition/European Law
2009
A powerful combination of “a large team that hosts some of the best lawyers in the country and an impressive client portfolio across different sectors” makes this one of the top firms for competition law matters. Significant work includes assisting Optimus with challenging a Portuguese law that created stamp duty on increases in share capital, and advising TAP on the acquisition of Portugália Airlines. Overall, clients value the team’s “promptness and efficiency in solving problems.”
General Business Law: Porto
2009
The biggest office in Porto in terms of lawyer numbers, this full-service outfit has strong tax and corporate departments and provides first-class advice on employment, TMT, capital markets, dispute resolution and competition. Its clientele speaks for itself, with Sonae, Mota-Engil and Banco Comercial Português all part of the portfolio.
“An extremely strong player in TMT,” this firm acts for numerous major clients, including Sonaecom, Impresa and Media Capital. With wide-ranging expertise and excellent resources, it is able to handle the most challenging work in the telecoms, media and IT sectors. Clients also appreciate the full and integrated service on offer here.
Competition/European Law
2010
This competition practice, which is divided equally between Lisbon and Porto, is one of the largest and most traditional in the country, and has a well-balanced ratio of senior to junior lawyers.
The team advises high-profile clients on all aspects of competition and antitrust. Clients value its “consistently excellent service, and deep theoretical and practical knowledge.”
Much of the momentum behind the strong TMT practice at this Portuguese giant comes from having major telecoms player Sonaecom as one of its principal clients. It also gives ongoing support to Portuguese media group Impresa, which counts television channel SIC amongst its interests. The team is able to provide full-service counsel, being comprised of lawyers from various different legal areas.
Competition/European Law
2011
The powerful competition department at this major Portuguese player remains solidly at the top end of the rankings. It is an autonomous practice that works closely with the firm's corporate, litigation and public law teams, and is divided between the Lisbon and Porto offices. The group covers all areas of the discipline – European law, merger control, antitrust and state aid – and its impressive geographical reach makes it a first choice for private clients and public entities. The group is representing the Portuguese state before the ECJ in several proceedings, and also advised Abbott Laboratories on alleged cartel accusations concerning tender procedures before hospitals.
Sources say: "The quality of the team is unquestionable at every level. From trainees to senior partners, the service is attentive and you know that you are in good hands."
Competition/European Law
2012
This domestic giant maintains its position at the top of the competition market, despite a recent downsize in its department. The group now comprises nine lawyers, who have been extremely busy of late on merger control files, EU law litigation, antitrust and state aid. The team acts out of Lisbon and Porto, giving it considerable domestic reach and attracting clients from throughout the country. Key mandates include representing Abbott Laboratories in an administrative and judicial case regarding alleged cartel procedures. Another highlight saw the team represent SIC before the EC in a state aid judicial ruling, and advise it on subsequent measures granted by the Portuguese state.
Sources say: "One of the best teams in Portugal. It is very much on the ball and is exceptional on technical points. We greatly appreciate the group's energy and dedication."
Competition/European Law
2013
This leading competition practice is widely regarded as one of the key market players. It handles merger control, state aid and EU litigation for an impressive raft of domestic and international clients such as TAP, Optimus and Millennium bcp. In a key mandate, the lawyers advised EDP - Energias de Portugal on the competition issues associated with its privatisation. Sources say: "The team was extremely efficient in both the analysis and execution of the deal. We could have been in big trouble had the lawyers not been so sharp and diligent."
Competition/European Law
2014
What the team is known for: One of the most active competition teams in Portugal, with expertise in merger control, antitrust enforcement and regulatory matters. It represents domestic and international clients in litigation cases before the ECJ, and advised on the state aid aspects surrounding the recapitalisation of several banks. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):
"A well-rounded and experienced team that knows our sector and manages time well."
"My first option for complex matters."
Work highlights: Advised Sonaecom on the EUR1.4 billion merger between Optimus and ZON.
Assisted Caixa Geral de Depósitos with its EUR1.65 billion recapitalisation under EU state aid rules.
Competition/European Law
2015
Noted for its considerable dimension and track record, this Portuguese powerhouse remains a leading light in the market. Advises on the full gamut of competition and EU law including state aid, merger control and private enforcement matters.
"Outstanding in competition law."
Competition/European Law
2016
Market-leading practice noted for advising on high-value domestic and international matters. Wide range of advice includes competition disputes, transactions and investigations before the Portuguese Competition Authority.
"Undisputedly one of the key firms in the competition law sector."
Competition/European Law
2017
Market-leading practice noted for advising on high-value domestic and international matters. Wide range of advice includes competition disputes, state aid, merger control cases and antitrust investigations. Advises major clients from a variety of industries, including financial services, TMT and energy.
Interviewees note the dedication of the team, saying: "They have rigour, professionalism and attention in everything they do and they inform us constantly about all legal points of view."
Another source appreciates "their business acumen, deep and extensive knowledge and their willingness to go the extra mile for their clients."
Competition/European Law
2019
Outstanding practice noted for advising on sophisticated domestic and international matters. Active across the full range of competition matters including merger control cases, state aid issues, antitrust investigations and sector-related disputes before both the national and the European courts. Also noted for its experience in abuse of dominant position cases. Client roster comprises companies from diverse industries such as financial services, telecoms and retail, including both public and private entities. One client mentions: "The firm's senior partners are all positioned amongst the best in the legal market, which gives us a lot of assurance. We believe we are working with the best." Others add that "they are very good in competition and European law and have a very knowledgeable and technically strong team." Interviewees also report: "Their knowledge is outstanding," adding: "They transmit a lot of confidence in everything they do."
Competition/European Law
2020
Outstanding practice noted for advising on sophisticated domestic and international matters. Active across the full range of competition matters including merger control cases, state aid issues, antitrust investigations and sector-related disputes before both the national and the European courts. Also noted for its experience in abuse of dominance case. Offers support for clients in appeals to competition authorities and infringement procedures. Client roster comprises companies from diverse industries such as financial services, telecoms and retail, including both public and private entities.
Competition/European Law
2021
Outstanding practice noted for advising on sophisticated domestic and international matters. Active across the full range of competition matters including merger control cases, state aid issues, antitrust investigations and sector-related disputes before both the national and the European courts. Also noted for its experience in abuse of dominance cases. Offers support for clients in appeals to competition authorities and infringement procedures. Client roster comprises companies from diverse industries such as financial services, telecoms and retail, including both public and private entities.
Competition/European Law
2023
"The lawyers are very experienced and have a great know-how that allows them flexibility in building consistent solutions."
"The team is very well prepared and is technically able to provide high performance advice."
"The lawyers are deeply aware of the client's business and seek to structure appropriate solutions."
Competition/European Law
2024
"The team has high expertise."
"The team was well organised and communicated well; we appreciated having a one-stop shop dealing with everything."
"We have felt really comfortable with the team so far, it did a good job in collecting information and was very competent in addressing the issues."
"It has a highly skilled and wide-ranging team, which offers the clients a sense of confidence."
"The team has been able to demonstrate a great balance between pragmatism and a problem-solving approach."
Competition/european Law
2008
Split between the firm's Lisbon and Porto offices, this experienced team works jointly on traditional competition matters and a number of other fronts, from litigation to compliance programmes. It also boasts noteworthy experience in key sectors such as telecoms, energy, pharmaceutical, distribution and construction. The firm maintains an international profile reinforced by its membership of the Lex Mundi alliance, and its lawyers are commended for being “technically strong yet understated practitioners.” Clients/Work Highlights: Lawyers successfully advised Sonaecom on filing its projected acquisition of sole control over Portugal Telecom SGPS and PT MULTIMEDIA before the Portuguese Competition Authority. The group also recently claimed a victory for Optimus before the ECJ in a lawsuit against the Portuguese tax authorities regarding the payment of stamp duty. Other leading clients include TAP Portugal; Mota Engil; Jerónimo Martins; REN and Ernova.
Competition/Antitrust
2007
This market leader was strengthened further by the 2005 merger with Osório de Castro, Verde Pinho, Vieira Peres, Lobo Xavier & Associados, widely considered northern Portugal’s “leading authority on competition law.” Sources point out that the firm now boasts comprehensive teams in both Lisbon and Porto, headed by two of the market’s most highly regarded practitioners, and played a major role in both outstanding deals of the year. In addition to merger control work, the team handled several cases in the area of restrictive practices and advised on state aid matters. Following the increase in the Portuguese Competition Authority’s activity, the team is also focusing on closer collaboration with other departments, participating in deals from the beginning and highlighting potential problems. Clients are full of praise for this approach: “The lawyers think on a business level and use the law to find solutions.” Telecoms and energy have become particular areas of expertise for the team. Clients/Work Highlights: The firm represented Agepor - Associação Nacional dos Agentes de Navegação before the Lisbon Commerce Court over a fine for the alleged anti-competitive practice of price-fixing. The team represented the Portuguese television broadcaster SIC in two cases against the Commission before the Court of First Instance. The state-controlled electricity system operator Rede Eléctrica Nacional instructed the firm on the filing of the acquisition of the natural gas regulated assets from Galp Energia as part of the energy sector restructuring aimed at improving competition. Other clients include Águas de Portugal; BCP; Sociedade Central de Cervejas and SonaeCom.
Competition/Antitrust
2005
This “prestigious” team provides “first-class” advice on EU and competition law, regularly appearing before the ECJ. The group’s “top-notch” counselling often pertains to non-transactional cases for such clients as the Portuguese Republic. The group was also praised for a proceeding before the Court of First Instance on behalf of Banco Comercial dos Açores concerning the income tax regime in the Azores archipelago. The Clients: Grupo Pestana/Pousadas de Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Garantia Agrícola; Sociedade Independente de Comunicação and Banco Comercial dos Açores.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is widely reputed for fielding two of the market’s outstanding experts in EU and competition. Head of department Carlos Botelho Moniz is ‘clearly one of the best in Portugal’, strongly supported by the ‘exceptional’ Oporto-based partner Joaquim Vieira Peres. With a team of 11 fee-earners, the firm recently acted for Sonaecom in the filing before the Portuguese Competition Authority of its planned €12bn acquisition of PT. In the banking sector, the firm was also involved in one of the market’s major issues, advising BCP in the filing before the Portuguese Competition Authority of its planned acquisition of BPI. Other major issues involved clients such as TAP Portugal, REN – Rede Electrica Nacional and Sonae Distribuição.
Carlos Botelho Moniz, head of EU and competition at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados is regularly mentioned as one of the country's leading experts. Together with acclaimed practitioner Joaquim Vieira Peres, the firm boasts one of the strongest specialised teams in the market. Highlights include acting for EDP - Electricidade de Portugal SA in four merger control filings before the Portuguese Competition Authority and one before the European Commission and a subsequent appeal to the Court of First Instance.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados continues to enhance its reputation with strong merger control capability co-existing alongside a renowned litigation practice, as demonstrated by its representation of BCA (Banco Comercial dos Açores) before the ECJ regarding the annulment of a decision by the Commission on the compatibility of income tax in the Azores with EU state and rules. Partners Carlos Botelho Moniz and Joaquim Vieira Peres are two of the most reputed in the field.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados’ head of department. Among several other transactions, the firm advised EDP in relation to notification to the European Commission of the acquisition of Hidroeléctrica del Cantabrico (the fourth largest electricity producer and retailer in Spain).
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados is home to leading expert Carlos Botelho Moniz, as well as Oporto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres. The team, praised for its ‘ knowledge and commitment’, is extremely active in merger control, judicial antitrust and administrative proceedings. Recent casework includes representing EDP in a filing before the PCA regarding the proposed acquisition of 11 mini-hydroelectric power plants to Babcock and Brown companies, Pebble Hydro and Hidroeléctrica de Janeiro de Baixo. The team also acted for TAP Portugal in a filing before the PCA concerning the acquisition and sole control over regional carrier PGA. Other team members worthy of recognition include Margarida Rosado da Fonseca, Eduardo Maia Cadete and Gonçalo Machado Borges.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados divides its dedicated EU and competition experts between Lisbon and Oporto, and is considered to be ‘among the most accomplished and broadly capable practices’ operating in the market.
Carlos Botelho Moniz heads the team and recently advised EDP Producão on the conditions of its agreement with EDIA, as well as its obligations to the Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA).
Joaquim Vieira Peres is the key contact in Oporto and ‘a very honest and knowledgeable partner’ with ‘a safe pair of hands’. He acted for Sonae and RAR Group on the merger control issues surrounding its joint venture.
Few competitors offer the same level of dedicated resources as this ‘absolutely excellent’ group.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ cross-practice TMT group advises several leading industry clients, including Impresa and Sonaecom. The team of ‘creative, forward-thinking lawyers’ is headed by António Lobo Xavier, and offers wide-ranging regulatory, transactional and commercial expertise. Tomás Vaz Pinto worked with Impresa on a content supply partnership with PT Group, including the creation of a new TV channel.
The group is known for its ‘deep resources and diversity of talent’.
Oporto: Leading Commercial Firms
2010
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ Oporto team by size, reach and the scale of work it handles, has an edge over its competitors. Regarded as ‘the complete commercial team’, and replete with ‘strong experience and hands-on skills’, the group works seamlessly with counterparts in other offices on large finance and corporate deals.
The ‘deeply knowledgeable’ Carlos Osório de Castro advised Banco Comercial Portugês on a €900m issue of subordinated debt and more widely handles a range of corporate and finance matters.
Joaquim Vieira Peres is a prominent figure on competition matters and has advised on competition compliance programmes for several clients.
António Lobo Xavier’s tax work marks him out as ‘an exemplary adviser’ and he counts Jerónimo Martins, Mota Engil and Sonaecom among his clients.
Eduardo Verde Pinho also draws praise for his ‘intelligence and personal approach’, and in 2008 he advised Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Hílario Lima on the sale of share capital to SwissLab.
Oporto: Leading Commercial Firms
2011
Without a doubt at the top,’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados remains the most prominent firm in Oporto, with capabilities in numerous areas. As ‘one of the best lawyers in the country’, the ‘outstanding’ Carlos Osório de Castro excels on corporate deals and capital markets work, and in 2010 advised Teixeira Duarte on its €970m sale of a stake in Cimpor to Camargo Corrêa. Eduardo Verde Pinho is also recommended for his business acumen in corporate work. The group’s telecoms experts regularly advise Sonaecom Group. Joaquim Vieira Peres is the primary contact for complex EU and competition work, and acts for ZON TV Cabo Portugal and Sonae Investimentos. António Lobo Xavier is highly recommended for tax work, and is advising Barclays Capital on an intragroup financing project worth €1.7bn.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ EU and competition practice recently represented the Portuguese government in two infringement proceedings before the European Court of Justice concerning the government’s golden shares in Galp and EDP. It also represented Abbott regarding its alleged participation in a cartel, succeeding in reducing the client’s €7m fine to €3m. The group also assists the litigation, IP and corporate practices with related advice. The ‘fantastic and efficient’ Carlos Botelho Moniz heads the practice, while Oporto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres is also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is another ‘major player’ in the TMT arena and has substantial experience advising on commercial matters, advertising and regulatory disputes. Helena Tapp Barroso regularly represents SIBS Processos. Tomás Vaz Pinto advises beverage distributor Pernod Ricard Portugal on all media and advertising matters. Other clients include Impresa and Sonaecom. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier heads the practice.
The ‘extremely competent, reliable and responsive’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados advises on antitrust matters, investigations, advisory work, and merger control, and on EU law before the EU courts. Carlos Botelho Moniz can ‘fix very difficult problems’, and is advising television broadcaster SIC in an annulment action, and representing Cerealis Moagens and Cerealis Produtos Alimentares in an antitrust case before the PCA relating to the alleged alignment of flour price lists. The team also assisted Hendrix Genetics with a merger filing. Joaquim Vieira Peres and Margarida Rosado da Fonseca are recommended, as are senior associates Pedro de Gouveia e Melo, Eduardo Maia Cadete and Gonçalo Machado Borges.
The ‘extremely professional’ team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has ‘deep knowledge’, and delivers ‘well-thought-out legal strategies’, with experience across antitrust investigations, merger control, state aid cases and matters before the ECJ. Carlos Botelho Moniz has an ‘outstanding capacity to analyse various legal challenges’, and recently acted for EDP on competition matters related to its privatisation process. ‘Top lawyer’ Joaquim Vieira Peres is advising EDP, Sonae Investimentos and others in claims regarding stamp duty collected in alleged breach of an EU directive. Among the senior associates, Eduardo Maia Cadete ‘easily solves difficult competition problems’, and Gonçalo Machado Borges is also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘probably the best competition law firm in Portugal’. Tomás Vaz Pinto and Carlos Botelho Moniz are recommended along with Joaquim Vieira Peres and senior associates Gonçalo Machado Borges and Eduardo Maia Cadete. The firm is acting for Optimus in its claim against Portugal Telecom over its setting of prices between 2002 and 2005. The firm handles a regular flow of pre-merger control work, recently acting for Sonaecom in relation to the merger of Optimus and ZON. It has also handled numerous antitrust matters stemming from privatisations.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has noted an increase in instructions on state aid matters. Department head Carlos Botelho Moniz, who is ‘proactive and diplomatic’, is advising Caixa Geral de Depositos on state aid issues, following the European Commission (EC) review of recapitalisation and restructuring. The firm advised Parpública on the privatisation of state-owned waste management company EGF. Joaquim Vieira Peres, Gonçalo Machado Borges and Eduardo Maia Cadete are also recommended.
The ‘very professional’ group at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados receives standout instructions across the full spectrum of competition matters. Carlos Botelho Moniz, Pedro de Gouveia e Melo and the ‘intelligent’ Luís do Nascimento Ferreira were part of a team representing EDP in a high-profile state aid investigation undertaken by the European Commission. Joaquim Vieira Peres is taking a leading role advising clients on complying with the 2013 Restrictive Trade Practices Act.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides "an excellent service". Carlos Botelho Moniz acted for EDP in a state aid investigation and Joaquim Vieira Peres defended NOS Comunicações in a private antitrust enforcement claim brought by Cogeco. Managing associates Inês Gouveia and Pedro de Gouveia e Melo, and newly promoted partner Eduardo Maia Cadete are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘an outstanding level of service’. In one highlight, Carlos Botelho Moniz led advice to EDP on a state aid investigation launched by the European Commission (EC) concerning a €759m payment for the extension of the energy company’s right to use public water resources for electricity generation. The 11-strong group, which is headed by Joaquim Vieira Peres, includes managing associates Inês Gouveia and the ‘business-oriented’ Pedro de Gouveia e Melo. Luís do Nascimento Ferreira was promoted to partner in May 2017.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associado's ‘knowledgeable’ team acts for an impressive client roster, including high-profile Portuguese companies and public entities, in cases before the EC, the PCA, and other regulatory authorities. Carlos Botelho Moniz and practice head Joaquim Vieira Peres are ‘diplomatic’ and known for their EC and litigation work, respectively; Pedro de Gouveia e Melo is ‘excellent’ and Philipp Melcher, who is dual qualified in Portugal and Germany, is ‘very good at paying attention to details, which is often decisive in competition litigation’. Both are managing associates. Senior associate Inês Gouveia is another name to note.